Nick Carter and The Kidnapped Heiress, Pt 1

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Hi friends and welcome to another episode of Forward Into The Past.

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I'm JC.

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Rede, your host and narrator.

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And today we're kicking off a new episode of that stalwart detective from the turn of the 20th century, Nick Carter.

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This story was originally published in May of 1902 under the title of Nick Carter and the Kidnapped Heiress or The Recovery of a Great Ransom.

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Nick Carter, the quintessential American detective may not be a household name today, but his influence on the early 20th century was undeniable.

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Debuting in 1886, a mere year before Sherlock Holmes, Carter's dime novel adventures captivated readers with thrilling plots, exotic locales, and an unwavering sense of justice.

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Though overshadowed by more literary detectives later on, Carter's impact on popular culture, particularly through his embodiment of the American spirit, secured his place as a forerunner in the genre.

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Published in a fast paced episodic format, Nick Carter's stories reflected the anxieties and aspirations of a burgeoning nation.

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He was a Jack of all trades: a master detective, a cunning spy, a fearless adventurer, tackling everything from international espionage to domestic villainy.

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This versatility resonated with a society undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization.

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Readers facing a world of increasing complexity, craved a hero who could navigate any situation.

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Carter's unwavering moral compass, further cemented his appeal.

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He was a champion of the underdog, a defender of the innocent.

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In a time of social and economic upheaval, his unwavering sense of right and wrong offered reassurance.

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This virtuous nature, contrasted with the grittier detectives that emerged later.

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But it resonated deeply with early 20th century audiences.

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Beyond his character, the sheer volume of Nick Carter stories had a profound impact.

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Written by a rotating team of authors under the pseudonym of Nicholas Carter, the series churned out hundreds of novels over several decades.

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This mass production helped define the genre itself, establishing tropes and conventions that future detective fiction would build upon.

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The series success also paved the way for other dime novel heroes, further enriching the world of pulp fiction.

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Nick Carter's influence, transcended the written word.

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He became a multimedia sensation.

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Starring in films, radio dramas, and comic strips.

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This cross pollination ensured his presence in the lives of countless Americans, further solidifying his place in the cultural zeitgeist.

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However Carter's portrayal wasn't without limitations.

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Reflecting the biases of his time, he often displayed stereotypical views of race and ethnicity.

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Additionally, the formulaic nature of the stories could be repetitive.

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Yet these limitations can be seen as a product of their era.

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Despite these shortcomings, Nick Carter's legacy remains significant.

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He was a pioneer in the detective genre, introducing themes and tropes that continue to resonate today.

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His embodiment of American ideals, courage, justice, and resourcefulness resonated deeply with early 20th century readers.

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Though, largely a forgotten figure, Nick Carter's influence on American popular culture remains a testament to his enduring appeal.

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And let's check out some of what made this character so enduring as we begin the story of Nick Carter and the Kidnapped Heiress or The Recovery of a Great Ransom.

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Chapter one.

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A Doubtful Client.

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Mr.

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Carter, can I trust you?

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It was in the great detective's own house that this question was asked.

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Well was Nick's quiet answer.

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If you had any doubt on that matter, why did you come to me?

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His caller looked nervously at the floor.

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There's no use in talking to me, Nick went on, unless you do trust me.

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A detective can do nothing for a client who does not give him his confidence absolutely.

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Of course, the other assented.

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I did not mean to offend you.

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You haven't offended me.

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I am so disturbed by it you see.

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So much depends on secrecy.

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It is so terribly important that they found it difficult to make up my mind to consult anybody on the matter.

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And yet I know by your reputation that you are a perfectly trustworthy man.

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There's nobody in The States more so.

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While the man was speaking, Nick was studying him.

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In fact, the detective had been doing that from the moment the man entered.

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He was apparently about 50 years old.

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A well-dressed prosperous looking man, who might be a merchant or a lawyer or a banker.

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Nick did no guessing.

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The man might be anything else.

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He had given his name as George Snell, but he had not sent in his card and he had not said where he belonged.

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Word had simply been taken to Nick by a servant that a Mr.

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George Snell wanted to see him on most important business.

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He isn't an American.

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Was Nick's only conclusion from what had been said thus far.

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An American would not have spoken simply of The States as he did.

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There had been a pause after the caller's last remarks.

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Well, he exclaimed then.

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I'm not coming more than two thirds of the way across the continent for nothing.

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I set out to consult you and I will do so.

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That's better.

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said the detective and willing to help him tell his story, he asked.

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What kind of a case, is it Mr.

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Snell?

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Well, I suppose you'd call it a kidnapping, but there's robbery combined with it.

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And.

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And also.

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Also blackmail.

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Mr.

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Snell, hesitated and stammered a little bit at the end of his speech.

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Nick merely nodded.

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To begin with.

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Continued Mr.

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Snell.

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I come from Wenonah.

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You may not be aware that the government of England has made a large section of Western British America into a province and called it Wenonah.

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Yes said Nick.

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I am aware of it.

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You are a well-informed man then.

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Few Americans would know the fact, for the province is so young that it isn't down on the maps yet.

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You know, also, I suppose that the capital of the province is a town called Manchester.

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Yes.

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Yes, I do.

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Well, that is where the crime was committed.

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It happened a month ago.

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The governor of the province, uh, Bradley is his name, gave a party at his house.

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All the prominent families of the town and country around attended.

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There was dancing till the late hour.

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Then when guests were going away, it was discovered that the governor's daughter Estelle was missing.

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She has not been seen since.

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And how old is the child?

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Asked Nick.

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Child?

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Echoed Mr.

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Snell in apparent astonishment.

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Then he seemed to understand and added.

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Oh, It is natural that you should use that word, but the girl is 20.

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Oh! Yes, she's the governor's only daughter and heiress therefore to his property, which is very great.

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Has nothing been heard from her?

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Indirectly yes.

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Her captors have offered to restore her for a ransom.

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Has there been any attempt to deal with her captors?

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Yes, but nothing has come of it.

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There is doubt now whether she is really in the hands of kidnappers.

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Ah, what then?

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Well, I haven't told you the whole story, Mr.

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Carter.

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Go on then.

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The day after she disappeared, it was found that a considerable amount of jewelry had gone also.

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Was she wearing it at the ball?

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Yes.

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Some of it, most of it, in fact, but that was not all.

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There were also missing certain state papers and some private documents, belonging to the governor.

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These are extremely important.

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They must be recovered at any cost.

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Are they more important than the recovery of Ms.

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Bradley, Mr.

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Snell?

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Well, no, I wouldn't say that, but they complicate the case badly.

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An offer has been made to restore them.

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And the girl.

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No.

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Oh, well, that is, there was one offer to restore the girl and another to deal for the return of the papers and jewelry.

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There seems to be a double gang of villains at work.

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Hmm.

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Quite possibly.

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What about the blackmail you mentioned.

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That answered Mr.

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Snell hesitating.

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Uh, has to do with the stolen papers.

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Ah, something shady in the governors past?

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Mr.

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Snell looked at the floor.

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Well, I wouldn't like to say he replied, some people might think so.

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Evidently the robbers do think so.

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Well, yes, for, they put a big price on the papers.

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I suppose the matter has been investigated by the police of Manchester.

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No.

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Then, how did you communicate with the robbers?

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I didn't say that I had communicated with the robbers! Exclaimed Mr.

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Snell hastily.

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No, but I supposed it was you.

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Uh, nevermind that for a moment.

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Tell me more about the disappearance of Ms.

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Bradley.

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Well, there isn't much that I can tell.

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She must have left the house soon after midnight, but she wasn't missed till three hours or more later.

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Was she engaged to be married?

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Snell look sharply at the detective.

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You're a keen one.

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He said.

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No, she wasn't engaged.

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And that is another complication.

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Well it is known that she was in love with a young fellow who wasn't liked by her father.

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Naturally, he wasn't at the ball.

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It is thought possible that she eloped with him and that the offer of the robbers to restore her was a bluff.

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Was her lover a rich man.

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No decidedly, not.

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Then you think she may have taken the jewelry to sell for her own use?

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It is possible.

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Yes.

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I have thought of that.

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And that the robbery of the papers simply happened to come at the same time?

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That might be.

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Has Ms.

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Bradley's lover been seen since she disappeared?

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Yes.

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And what does he say?

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Nothing.

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Indeed?

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I should suppose that he would say a good deal.

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He goes about his business as usual, but he is under constant watch.

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It's plain enough that there is something on his mind.

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I should think they might be in any case, what is his name?

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Cecil west.

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And what is your relation to the affair Mr.

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Snell?

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The visitor seemed startled.

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My relation to it?

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He echoed.

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Certainly.

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Do you come here as the representative of governor Bradley?

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Oh, no, not at all.

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The governor did not send me.

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Ah, well then who did?

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Snell looked uncomfortable.

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Do you need an answer to that?

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he asked.

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Of course I do.

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I must know with whom I am dealing with.

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But I gave my name.

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It is not enough.

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The detective spoke rather sharply.

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Mr Snell hesitated and then said, Mr.

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Carter.

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I cannot see why I should be dragged into the matter at all.

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But interrupted Nick coldly.

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Nobody has dragged you that I am aware of.

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I certainly didn't.

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You are trying to do so now, Mr.

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Carter.

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Nick arose.

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There is no need that we should talk any longer.

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He said.

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Snell also stood up and he looked very much troubled.

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I see that I have offended you.

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He said.

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I did not mean to.

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You see Mr.

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Carter, a great scandal might come of this.

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It is very important that there should be none.

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The governor's position might be lost.

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At this moment.

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said Nick.

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I care nothing for the governor's position.

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You have given me some facts in a case that might be interesting, but I don't propose to tackle it unless I know what I am about.

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We want you to look for the girl and the stolen papers.

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Who are we?

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Snell hung his head.

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Excuse me a moment.

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said Nick, then: I think I heard the telephone ring.

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When I return, I hope you will have made up your mind to trust me.

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If you haven't, we can't do business.

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He bowed and left the room, but he did not go to the telephone.

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Instead, he went to a room where Patsy, one of his assistants, was reading and gave him a few rapid instructions.

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Then he wrote a telegram and sent it to the nearest office by a servant.

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Patsy got his hat and went downstairs.

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Now Mr.

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Snell, said Nick, when he returned.

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Are you ready to tell me what I want to know?

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I can only say that I want you to act in behalf of the governor.

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Does he know that you came to New York to ask this.

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Snell did not answer.

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We are wasting each other's time.

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said Nick.

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Snell made a last appeal.

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I may be doing wrong.

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He said, but I beg you to look into this matter.

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You can't help seeing how important this is.

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Well, replied Nick.

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Usually I have nothing to do with a case where any facts are concealed from me.

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I am concealing no facts.

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Pardon me, but you refuse to answer one of the first questions a detective would ask.

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I was going to say, Mr.

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Snell, give me a few hours to think it over and come again.

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Will you call tomorrow morning?

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I will.

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Very well.

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Till then.

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The detective went with his visitor to the door.

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Mr Snell said good evening politely and started down the street.

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A short distance behind him went Patsy.

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Chapter two.

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Mr Snell in trouble.

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Nick had not taken the time to tell Patsy very much about Snell.

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There's something up.

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He said to his assistant.

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I have no idea what it is, but I want you to shadow this man and see what becomes of him.

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Do you think he's a crook?

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Asked the young man.

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Not yet.

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He may be.

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If, so it won't be the first time that a crook has tried to throw me off the track by calling on me.

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I simply feel that there is something queer in this and I'd like to find out about it.

00:14:15.265 --> 00:14:17.485
So I shall ask this man to call again.

00:14:17.885 --> 00:14:20.426
Unless he makes up his mind to tell me all the facts.

00:14:20.926 --> 00:14:24.916
Snell refused to tell all the facts, and so Patsy slipped out after him.

00:14:25.785 --> 00:14:31.816
He had not gone far from the house when the young detective became convinced that another man was following Snell.

00:14:32.316 --> 00:14:39.186
This made his work very difficult for he had to look sharp against betraying himself, not only to Snell, but to the other man.

00:14:39.686 --> 00:14:42.115
Snell went into a drug store and bought a cigar.

00:14:42.615 --> 00:14:45.975
The man who seemed to be following him, loafed on the opposite corner.

00:14:46.475 --> 00:14:51.605
Patsy turned down a street and dropped into a doorway where he made a swift change in his appearance.

00:14:52.105 --> 00:14:55.885
He was at Snell's heels again, when the man from Wenonah went on.

00:14:56.666 --> 00:14:58.765
The other man seemed to have disappeared.

00:14:59.265 --> 00:15:00.135
I was mistaken.

00:15:00.306 --> 00:15:00.966
Thought Patsy.

00:15:01.416 --> 00:15:03.666
Or the second chap is a better shadow than I am.

00:15:04.166 --> 00:15:09.446
For some blocks, he kept up his chase, never losing sight of Snell and seeing nothing more of the other.

00:15:09.946 --> 00:15:10.485
Meantime.

00:15:10.785 --> 00:15:13.336
Snell was apparently wandering around aimlessly.

00:15:13.836 --> 00:15:18.785
He would stop at a corner and wait a full minute before he made up his mind, which way to go.

00:15:19.285 --> 00:15:21.086
Often he changed his direction.

00:15:21.586 --> 00:15:25.125
In this way, he got into a neighborhood which was very quiet in the evening.

00:15:25.625 --> 00:15:31.566
Partway down a block he stopped suddenly, stood still for a moment and then went close to a building.

00:15:32.066 --> 00:15:35.875
He was then in such deep shadow that Patsy could not see him.

00:15:36.375 --> 00:15:38.548
Somebody spoke to him, reasoned the detective.

00:15:39.048 --> 00:15:44.928
He went cautiously closer and before he could see anybody, he heard the sound of voices in conversation.

00:15:45.428 --> 00:15:47.828
What they said it was impossible to make out.

00:15:48.328 --> 00:15:53.428
The detective dared not get close enough, than that for fear of attracting the attention of the men.

00:15:54.119 --> 00:15:55.619
There seemed to be two of them.

00:15:56.119 --> 00:15:58.038
Presently, he heard one voice say.

00:15:58.538 --> 00:15:59.499
I won't do it.

00:15:59.999 --> 00:16:01.298
One of the men started away.

00:16:01.798 --> 00:16:03.389
It will be the worst for you then.

00:16:03.839 --> 00:16:04.528
Growled the other.

00:16:05.028 --> 00:16:07.009
The first man hastened his steps.

00:16:07.609 --> 00:16:10.818
As he came from the shadow, Patsy saw that it was Snell.

00:16:11.318 --> 00:16:13.688
The other man was darting after him on tiptoe.

00:16:14.139 --> 00:16:16.119
He had one arm drawn back.

00:16:16.619 --> 00:16:18.448
Great Scott! Thought Patsy.

00:16:18.538 --> 00:16:19.558
He means murder.

00:16:20.058 --> 00:16:22.278
He gave up trying to conceal his actions then.

00:16:22.849 --> 00:16:27.609
Running forward as fast as possible, he shouted look out! Snell turned quickly.

00:16:27.999 --> 00:16:30.879
The other man was close to him and let his hand fall.

00:16:31.389 --> 00:16:35.048
With a great leap, Patsy was up to him just in time to catch his arm.

00:16:35.408 --> 00:16:37.568
But it was too late to stop the blow entirely.

00:16:38.318 --> 00:16:43.808
A slungshot in the man's hand slipped from it and struck Snell, a glancing blow on the head.

00:16:44.308 --> 00:16:46.349
Ah, he cried and staggered.

00:16:47.158 --> 00:16:54.479
Patsy dashed to assist him and caught hold of him in time to prevent him from falling against an iron fence, which probably would have broken his head.

00:16:54.979 --> 00:16:57.798
The would be murderer was dashing down the street.

00:16:58.298 --> 00:17:00.399
Patsy could not be in two places at once.

00:17:00.938 --> 00:17:05.078
He wanted to chase the unknown criminal, but his first business was with Snell.

00:17:05.618 --> 00:17:11.528
This was not only because Nick had sent him out to shadow Snell, but because the man seemed to be badly injured.

00:17:12.028 --> 00:17:16.888
He was groaning and trembling so that he would have fallen if the detective had not held him up.

00:17:17.388 --> 00:17:19.608
Better sit down a minute, Patsy suggested.

00:17:19.818 --> 00:17:21.979
And let me see if there's anything serious the matter.

00:17:22.479 --> 00:17:26.469
Snell sank to a doorstep and Patsy made a quick examination of his head.

00:17:26.969 --> 00:17:28.439
That was a nasty blow.

00:17:28.528 --> 00:17:29.038
He said.

00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:30.898
But I think your skull is sound.

00:17:31.398 --> 00:17:32.328
Aren't you feeling better?

00:17:32.969 --> 00:17:33.538
Yes.

00:17:33.659 --> 00:17:34.469
Replied Snell.

00:17:34.919 --> 00:17:35.489
I am.

00:17:36.058 --> 00:17:37.949
I was more frightened than hurt perhaps.

00:17:38.338 --> 00:17:40.048
I am greatly obliged to you.

00:17:40.888 --> 00:17:41.939
Oh, don't mention it.

00:17:42.419 --> 00:17:43.828
Let me help you to your house.

00:17:43.979 --> 00:17:45.209
Do you live near.

00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:47.159
Snell laughed a little.

00:17:47.848 --> 00:17:48.298
Near?

00:17:48.719 --> 00:17:49.348
He repeated.

00:17:49.858 --> 00:17:50.848
I shouldn't say not.

00:17:51.348 --> 00:17:53.148
Will you have a cab call to take you home?

00:17:53.326 --> 00:17:54.076
Asked Patsy.

00:17:54.736 --> 00:17:56.036
Again, Snell laughed.

00:17:56.288 --> 00:17:58.419
It would be too long a journey, he said.

00:17:58.808 --> 00:18:01.929
I am a stranger in New York and I am staying at The Fifth Avenue.

00:18:02.348 --> 00:18:03.969
Uh, that isn't very far away.

00:18:03.969 --> 00:18:04.509
I believe.

00:18:05.009 --> 00:18:08.009
No, and you can get a car at the next mock, if you want to.

00:18:08.509 --> 00:18:09.919
Oh, I'd rather walk.

00:18:10.419 --> 00:18:13.959
He got up and Patsy held his arm till they came to the corner.

00:18:14.459 --> 00:18:18.179
I don't suppose your friend will tackle you again, said the detective then.

00:18:18.818 --> 00:18:20.229
But I haven't anything to do.

00:18:20.588 --> 00:18:22.929
And if you like, I'll walk with you to the hotel.

00:18:23.429 --> 00:18:24.778
You are very kind.

00:18:25.078 --> 00:18:25.979
Snell responded.

00:18:26.249 --> 00:18:27.148
Suppose you do.

00:18:27.719 --> 00:18:29.729
I confess that I am very nervous.

00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:32.699
He had it in for you, I suppose.

00:18:32.969 --> 00:18:33.749
Remarked Patsy.

00:18:34.439 --> 00:18:35.009
Yes.

00:18:35.509 --> 00:18:37.578
Don't you want to speak to this policeman about it?

00:18:38.159 --> 00:18:39.528
An officer was approaching.

00:18:40.028 --> 00:18:40.989
No, no.

00:18:41.159 --> 00:18:42.568
Exclaimed Snell, hastily.

00:18:42.989 --> 00:18:45.239
I have my reasons for keeping the matter quiet.

00:18:45.568 --> 00:18:47.548
Don't for heaven sake say a word.

00:18:48.048 --> 00:18:48.588
All right.

00:18:48.919 --> 00:18:55.108
It's no business of mine, but if any fellow had thumped me like that, I should want him put where he couldn't try it again.

00:18:55.608 --> 00:18:57.138
I don't think he will try it again.

00:18:57.798 --> 00:18:58.249
At least.

00:18:58.608 --> 00:18:59.598
Not in New York.

00:19:00.078 --> 00:19:02.058
I'd rather not talk about it.

00:19:02.558 --> 00:19:03.669
Just as you say, sir.

00:19:04.028 --> 00:19:07.088
Want to stop in at a drug store and get your head bathed with arnica?

00:19:07.588 --> 00:19:09.148
Oh, that would be a good idea.

00:19:09.648 --> 00:19:15.898
They entered the next drug store they came to where it proved that Snell had suffered nothing more than a painful bruise.

00:19:16.398 --> 00:19:18.979
After that they went onto The Fifth Avenue Hotel.

00:19:19.479 --> 00:19:23.288
I am very much obliged to you, said Snell halting in the doorway.

00:19:23.788 --> 00:19:24.598
Don't mention it.

00:19:24.989 --> 00:19:25.828
Patsy responded.

00:19:26.328 --> 00:19:28.219
Will you come in and have something?

00:19:28.719 --> 00:19:31.088
He looked as if he hoped Patsy would say no.

00:19:31.419 --> 00:19:34.328
But the detective was glad of any excuse to stick to them.

00:19:34.828 --> 00:19:37.439
Yes said Patsy don't care if I do.

00:19:37.939 --> 00:19:41.358
Snell nodded silently and led the way into the hotel.

00:19:41.858 --> 00:19:44.348
As they were passing the desk, the clerk spoke to him.

00:19:44.848 --> 00:19:45.419
Uh, Mr.

00:19:45.419 --> 00:19:45.929
Snell.

00:19:46.229 --> 00:19:48.358
He said, there's a telegram here for you.

00:19:48.858 --> 00:19:52.128
Excuse me said Snell to Patsy going quickly to the desk.

00:19:52.628 --> 00:19:56.499
He took the envelope handed to him and open it with trembling fingers.

00:19:56.999 --> 00:20:00.689
When he had read the message, he crumpled the paper in his hand and frowned.

00:20:01.189 --> 00:20:05.628
After a moment of thought, he turned to Patsy saying, excuse me again.

00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:07.398
And went with them to the bar room.

00:20:07.898 --> 00:20:10.568
Snell poured himself a stiff drink of whiskey.

00:20:11.068 --> 00:20:11.788
Once more.

00:20:12.118 --> 00:20:13.739
He said, raising his glass.

00:20:14.249 --> 00:20:16.138
I thank you for coming to my rescue.

00:20:16.719 --> 00:20:20.108
Honestly, I believe I should be a dead man this minute if you hadn't.

00:20:20.588 --> 00:20:21.519
Here's your health.

00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:23.578
Thanks responded Patsy.

00:20:24.128 --> 00:20:25.689
Now continued Snell.

00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:31.118
I don't like to leave a man who has saved my life in this abrupt way, but I've got to.

00:20:31.479 --> 00:20:35.378
This telegram calls me out of town and I must lose no time in getting ready.

00:20:35.709 --> 00:20:37.598
Won't you leave me your name and address.

00:20:38.098 --> 00:20:39.778
Why, answered Patsy.

00:20:39.959 --> 00:20:46.409
I'll give you my name if you want and address too, but it isn't likely that we shall meet again if you don't live in New York.

00:20:46.769 --> 00:20:49.019
My name is James Callahan.

00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:52.429
And he gave an address that the detectives sometimes used.

00:20:52.788 --> 00:20:57.679
It was a place where any letters that came to strange names were promptly taken to Nick's house.

00:20:58.858 --> 00:21:00.568
Snell made a note of the address.

00:21:02.098 --> 00:21:03.538
My name is Snell.

00:21:03.719 --> 00:21:04.318
He said.

00:21:04.919 --> 00:21:06.509
And I hope we shall meet again.

00:21:06.509 --> 00:21:06.778
Mr.

00:21:06.778 --> 00:21:07.318
Callahan.

00:21:07.828 --> 00:21:09.419
I must say goodbye now.

00:21:10.618 --> 00:21:13.259
They shook hands and Snell went to the elevator.

00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:18.058
I wish he had dropped that telegram thought the detective.

00:21:18.628 --> 00:21:19.709
He looked at the clock.

00:21:20.278 --> 00:21:22.169
It was an hour and a half to midnight.

00:21:22.669 --> 00:21:31.138
If Snell meant to leave town at once, he could hardly hope to do so until midnight for that was the hour at which through trains started from most stations.

00:21:31.638 --> 00:21:35.989
There was time to make a report to Nick and get back again, if that should be necessary.

00:21:36.618 --> 00:21:38.749
Accordingly Patsy hurried to Nick's house.

00:21:38.939 --> 00:21:40.739
And told his chief what had happened.

00:21:41.398 --> 00:21:42.959
Nick looked very thoughtful.

00:21:43.459 --> 00:21:46.429
I had about decided that the man was crazy, he said.

00:21:46.939 --> 00:21:55.489
I sent a telegram to the chief of police at Manchester, asking if he knew of any robbery of jewels, state papers or anything else of great importance within a month.

00:21:56.009 --> 00:22:00.148
I also asked if there had been a mysterious disappearance within the same time.

00:22:00.568 --> 00:22:02.729
And if he knew who George Snell was.

00:22:03.239 --> 00:22:05.638
Here's his answer received five minutes ago.

00:22:06.659 --> 00:22:08.189
He handed a telegram to Patsy.

00:22:08.818 --> 00:22:11.608
It read nothing doing in crime here.

00:22:11.939 --> 00:22:13.588
Never heard of George Snell.

00:22:13.919 --> 00:22:15.808
No man of that name lives here.

00:22:16.169 --> 00:22:16.828
Densmore.

00:22:18.568 --> 00:22:20.009
Didn't smell Sidney.

00:22:20.398 --> 00:22:21.868
Is the chief at Manchester.

00:22:21.868 --> 00:22:25.528
Now he used to be on the New York force and I know him quite well.

00:22:26.098 --> 00:22:35.308
Now if there had been a serious crime at Manchester, 2000 miles away, isn't it strange that I should hear of it in New York before it is known there?

00:22:35.808 --> 00:22:37.608
It beats me, said Patsy.

00:22:38.108 --> 00:22:41.809
And it looks as if Snell was the chief crook in the matter, added Nick.

00:22:42.109 --> 00:22:45.349
But if he is, I can't see what he is driving at.

00:22:45.849 --> 00:22:50.920
After getting this telegram, I thought he was crazy that he imagined a crime had been committed.

00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:53.779
And I didn't mean to have anything more to do with the matter.

00:22:54.289 --> 00:22:56.059
Now I am interested.

00:22:56.599 --> 00:23:00.500
What you have told me, shows that there is something up, something very mysterious.

00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:02.829
I think we'd better keep our eyes on it, Patsy.

00:23:03.329 --> 00:23:03.750
Well?

00:23:04.250 --> 00:23:07.640
Well, go back to the hotel and get on Snell's track.

00:23:07.940 --> 00:23:11.720
Follow him across the continent if necessary and keep me posted.

00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:12.880
All right boss.

00:23:13.380 --> 00:23:20.640
Better take a cab, leave your grip in it, until, you know what station Snell is going to then stick to him like a burr.

00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:23.319
There may be more attempts against his life.

00:23:23.819 --> 00:23:25.470
Patsy was gone in a minute.

00:23:25.970 --> 00:23:30.920
When his cab halted at The Fifth Avenue, he did not leave it for he saw Snell coming out.

00:23:31.789 --> 00:23:37.640
The man got into a hotel carriage and told the driver to take him to the Pennsylvania railroad station.

00:23:38.509 --> 00:23:41.569
This was done and of course, Patsy followed.

00:23:42.470 --> 00:23:48.440
Snell bought a ticket for Chicago and Patsy who stood close behind him at the window, did the same.

00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:52.210
They were almost side by side as they went to the ferry boat.

00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:56.259
Patsy, of course so disguised that Snell did not recognize him.

00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:59.910
Snell went to the forward end of the boat and stood near the rail.

00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:03.329
The detective sat down in the men's cabin.

00:24:03.829 --> 00:24:08.660
Hardly had he taken his seat when a man came aboard, whom he had seen before.

00:24:09.160 --> 00:24:14.349
It was the one whom he had suspected a shadowing Snell from Nick Carter's house.

00:24:15.349 --> 00:24:23.390
Well, folks that brings us to the end of the first two chapters of Nick Carter and the Kidnapped Heiress or The Recovery of a Great Ransom.

00:24:24.170 --> 00:24:29.980
We'll be back next time to continue the thrilling saga of Nick Carter as he unravels the mystery of the missing heiress.

00:24:30.529 --> 00:24:38.059
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00:24:38.359 --> 00:24:45.380
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00:25:06.690 --> 00:25:12.599
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00:25:21.390 --> 00:25:22.500
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