Nick Carter's Ghost Story, Pt 4

WEBVTT

00:00:02.700 --> 00:00:03.479
Hi, everyone.

00:00:03.779 --> 00:00:07.410
And welcome to another episode of forward into the past.

00:00:07.849 --> 00:00:10.380
I'm JC Rede, your narrator and host.

00:00:10.710 --> 00:00:18.210
And today we're picking up where we left off last time in the very strange and exciting tale of Nick Carter's ghost story.

00:00:19.170 --> 00:00:25.859
The Nick Carter mysteries were published by the street and Smith publishing house beginning in the late 1890s.

00:00:26.399 --> 00:00:29.010
They were the brain child of Ormond, G Smith.

00:00:29.399 --> 00:00:31.379
The son of one of the founders of the company.

00:00:32.369 --> 00:00:37.079
There were at that time, many detective stories competing in the story papers.

00:00:37.710 --> 00:00:41.369
Now, most of them had names that began with the word old.

00:00:42.210 --> 00:00:50.369
In the early 1890s, the George Monroe publishing house created the first American story paper, detective old sleuth.

00:00:51.359 --> 00:00:58.500
Up until the creation of this character, the word sleuth was used to describe a tracking dog used by police to hunt criminals.

00:00:59.130 --> 00:01:05.670
Well, what better way to describe a detective who would stop at nothing to follow the leads to also hunt criminals.

00:01:06.599 --> 00:01:11.819
Monroe house's old sleuth paved the way for a new genre in American storytelling.

00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:13.230
The detective story.

00:01:13.620 --> 00:01:17.310
And soon competition was fierce between rival publishing houses.

00:01:18.120 --> 00:01:21.060
Some of the more popular ones were of course old sleuth.

00:01:21.450 --> 00:01:24.510
But there were others like old cap Collier.

00:01:25.049 --> 00:01:27.030
Cap being a nickname for captain.

00:01:27.629 --> 00:01:29.340
And old king Brady.

00:01:29.780 --> 00:01:34.579
There were of course many others, but these were the ones that really survived and thrived.

00:01:35.299 --> 00:01:41.480
Street and Smith, wanted their own detective stories to go along with all the Western and sea adventure stories that they already had.

00:01:42.030 --> 00:01:45.930
Orman Smith wanted his detective to be something different.

00:01:46.400 --> 00:01:49.909
All the other publishing houses were using the word old for their detectives.

00:01:50.150 --> 00:01:53.540
So why not buck the trend and go young?

00:01:54.379 --> 00:02:02.959
In the late 18 hundreds, there was a push by new Englanders to be a bit more upper-crust educated and genteel.

00:02:03.319 --> 00:02:05.239
That was the word that was used mostly.

00:02:06.109 --> 00:02:21.500
Orman Smith instructed one of his head writers to create a detective that was not just a scrappy police dog, but a refined gentleman of the times who was genteel highly educated, adept at disguises and mimicry and physically fit.

00:02:21.949 --> 00:02:24.889
Thus the character of Nick Carter was born.

00:02:25.330 --> 00:02:29.009
Trained by his father to have the sharpest intellect and the shrewdest eye.

00:02:29.229 --> 00:02:37.900
He was a master of disguise and had unknown, secret apartments all over New York that held his vast collection of costumes and makeup.

00:02:38.620 --> 00:02:40.900
Nick Carter rarely drank alcohol.

00:02:40.900 --> 00:02:47.979
So as not to cloud his mind and he never smoked, he was indeed a model of Victorian America.

00:02:48.849 --> 00:02:56.650
Unfortunately, the Victorian era in both the UK and the us ended just after the death of queen Victoria herself.

00:02:57.189 --> 00:03:03.159
And it was about this time that the popularity of the very genteel Nick Carter began to wane.

00:03:03.629 --> 00:03:08.159
The new generation of story readers wanted more rough and tumble characters.

00:03:08.250 --> 00:03:16.500
So street and Smith created a new character named doc Savage who was more of an adventurous type, like Indiana Jones.

00:03:16.919 --> 00:03:26.009
But they gave him Nick Carter's backstory, trained by his father to be a sharp intellect and a shrewd eye, highly educated and physically fit.

00:03:26.449 --> 00:03:27.289
Nick Carter.

00:03:27.379 --> 00:03:31.610
Unfortunately, due to being a product of his time was discarded.

00:03:31.610 --> 00:03:33.650
Like the story papers he was born in.

00:03:34.669 --> 00:03:44.150
Well, luckily for us, the stories were saved and reborn and we can continue sharing them like the current nail biter, Nick Carter's ghost story.

00:03:45.349 --> 00:03:54.500
In our last episode, Horace Richmond confided in Nick that the staff was beginning to share the Colonel's strong belief that ghosts were haunting Plummer house.

00:03:54.919 --> 00:03:59.629
And that they were behind the mysterious disappearance of the departed miss Levinas jewels.

00:04:00.319 --> 00:04:00.650
Nick.

00:04:00.650 --> 00:04:06.080
However was certain that Colonel Richmond was still being marked by profiteering false mediums.

00:04:06.669 --> 00:04:07.620
Following a hunch.

00:04:08.009 --> 00:04:13.250
Nick followed Colonel Richmond to an unknown house where a false seance was being held.

00:04:13.689 --> 00:04:18.939
Before he had a chance to expose the gang to the Colonel, a fight ensued resulting in a fire.

00:04:19.290 --> 00:04:22.050
After the fire was extinguished and the gang rounded up.

00:04:22.379 --> 00:04:23.040
Nick wrote.

00:04:23.069 --> 00:04:29.610
Back to plumber house, but before he was able to reenter the house, he was ambushed by his assistant Patsy.

00:04:30.689 --> 00:04:38.850
Lots going on as we go forward into the past, once again and continue the mysterious Nick Carter's ghost story.

00:04:40.350 --> 00:04:41.189
Chapter seven.

00:04:41.579 --> 00:04:43.350
A really competent ghost.

00:04:44.850 --> 00:04:47.040
Patsy told his story in a few words.

00:04:47.519 --> 00:04:50.910
He had watched the Stephen's house all day without discovering anything.

00:04:51.540 --> 00:04:52.680
As evening descended.

00:04:52.680 --> 00:04:54.899
However, his patience had been rewarded.

00:04:55.829 --> 00:04:59.850
She came out, said Patsy and quietly scooted off across the fields.

00:05:00.269 --> 00:05:01.199
Millie Stevens.

00:05:01.680 --> 00:05:02.189
Yes.

00:05:02.910 --> 00:05:03.689
What'd she do.

00:05:04.920 --> 00:05:08.699
She made for that big Oak, which stands in the middle of the field, on the right of the road.

00:05:08.699 --> 00:05:09.839
As you go from the station.

00:05:10.290 --> 00:05:14.459
I had to trail carefully for, it was not very dark and there was no cover.

00:05:14.670 --> 00:05:16.829
So I couldn't get very near her.

00:05:17.579 --> 00:05:19.290
Under that tree, a man was waiting.

00:05:19.589 --> 00:05:20.970
He had a saddle horse with him.

00:05:21.360 --> 00:05:23.490
The man and the girl exchanged a few words.

00:05:23.970 --> 00:05:25.949
Of course, I couldn't hear what they said.

00:05:26.519 --> 00:05:28.410
Neither could I get a line on the man?

00:05:28.889 --> 00:05:30.779
I resolved to get nearer, though.

00:05:30.779 --> 00:05:32.250
It was taking big risks.

00:05:32.790 --> 00:05:33.660
It couldn't be done.

00:05:33.839 --> 00:05:34.740
They saw me.

00:05:35.189 --> 00:05:41.009
In a flash, the man leaped into a saddle and pulled the girl up in front of him in regular old fashioned style.

00:05:41.519 --> 00:05:42.810
They were off in no time.

00:05:43.079 --> 00:05:44.709
It was a fine horse they rode.

00:05:45.329 --> 00:05:47.370
I wasn't in it at any stage of the game.

00:05:47.730 --> 00:05:50.160
I ran myself out at the end of about a mile.

00:05:50.660 --> 00:05:56.569
They had disappeared into the darkness, but they were taking the road towards this place and on a venture, I came over.

00:05:56.899 --> 00:05:59.569
I hoped to connect with you and get instructions.

00:06:00.040 --> 00:06:00.819
Well, that was right.

00:06:01.569 --> 00:06:02.259
Come with me.

00:06:02.699 --> 00:06:03.240
What's up.

00:06:03.660 --> 00:06:05.920
A ghost hunt, unless I'm very much mistaken.

00:06:06.350 --> 00:06:08.240
I guess we can join it without any trouble.

00:06:08.740 --> 00:06:11.199
They made their way into the old portion of the house.

00:06:11.860 --> 00:06:17.230
In the hall from which the broad stone stairs led up to the second floor, they paused a moment to listen.

00:06:17.720 --> 00:06:18.860
Steps were approaching.

00:06:19.550 --> 00:06:24.079
Before they could get into a place of concealment, a door opened and Colonel Richmond entered.

00:06:24.740 --> 00:06:28.069
He carried a small lamp in his hand, Horace followed him.

00:06:28.470 --> 00:06:28.990
Guilder.

00:06:29.329 --> 00:06:31.759
Cried the Colonel seeing Nick, disguised as the Coachman.

00:06:32.259 --> 00:06:34.000
Why were you not present in the parlor?

00:06:34.449 --> 00:06:36.040
I've just got back to the house, sir.

00:06:36.579 --> 00:06:39.410
Rejoined the detective imitating guilders Yankee twang.

00:06:39.800 --> 00:06:40.910
Who's that with you?

00:06:41.389 --> 00:06:43.220
Uh, my cousin, Frank Gilda.

00:06:43.699 --> 00:06:44.689
What's he doing here?

00:06:45.350 --> 00:06:46.399
If you please sir.

00:06:46.670 --> 00:06:51.500
I brought him over to spend the night with me, the footmen, and I just don't get along very well together.

00:06:51.500 --> 00:06:54.019
And I don't like to be alone in a room in this house.

00:06:54.019 --> 00:06:55.009
sir just now.

00:06:55.819 --> 00:06:57.410
So said the Colonel.

00:06:58.009 --> 00:07:00.290
I understand that you've seen strange things.

00:07:00.769 --> 00:07:01.310
Very well.

00:07:01.910 --> 00:07:03.560
I am going to investigate this matter.

00:07:04.100 --> 00:07:06.829
I shall pass the remainder of the night in the dining hall above.

00:07:07.410 --> 00:07:11.160
The Colonel led the way up the stairs, the whole party followed him.

00:07:11.660 --> 00:07:13.730
May I ask where the other servants are sir.

00:07:14.000 --> 00:07:14.569
Said Nick.

00:07:15.040 --> 00:07:19.750
They will pass the night in the new part of the house returned Horace Richmond with a grim smile.

00:07:20.319 --> 00:07:22.180
You can do so if you like.

00:07:22.990 --> 00:07:26.980
No sir said, Nick, I think I'd rather sleep in my own room.

00:07:27.040 --> 00:07:28.720
So as long as my cousin is with me.

00:07:29.170 --> 00:07:32.800
At the head of the stairs, the turned at once toward the old dining hall.

00:07:33.199 --> 00:07:35.000
It was proper for Nick to follow.

00:07:35.300 --> 00:07:38.540
For the nearest way to Gilder's room led in that direction.

00:07:38.875 --> 00:07:43.254
It was exactly midnight when they opened the door of the old dining hall.

00:07:43.925 --> 00:07:53.274
A cool breath of air swept out upon them for the thick stone walls of this part of the house resisted the hot weather and this room had been kept closed.

00:07:53.754 --> 00:07:55.855
The Colonel shivered slightly in the draft.

00:07:56.314 --> 00:07:58.175
He paused on the threshold for a moment.

00:07:58.504 --> 00:07:59.915
And looked into the room.

00:08:00.634 --> 00:08:01.514
It was lighted.

00:08:01.814 --> 00:08:03.845
Except for the feeble ray from the lamp.

00:08:04.235 --> 00:08:09.185
Only by the faint Moonlight, which found its way in through the hall and narrow windows.

00:08:09.425 --> 00:08:11.975
Partially overgrown with clinging vines.

00:08:12.545 --> 00:08:13.925
The whole party entered.

00:08:14.555 --> 00:08:17.045
The Colonel set his lamp upon the sideboard.

00:08:17.795 --> 00:08:23.225
He turned to speak to the supposed Gilder probably with the intention of sending him at once to his room.

00:08:23.675 --> 00:08:27.694
But at that moment, The lamp suddenly went out.

00:08:28.444 --> 00:08:30.665
With a low cry, the Colonel sprang toward it.

00:08:31.535 --> 00:08:33.335
The lamp was not there.

00:08:33.605 --> 00:08:35.044
It had been removed.

00:08:35.495 --> 00:08:37.924
The room was almost totally dark.

00:08:38.794 --> 00:08:40.174
The Colonel lit a match.

00:08:40.684 --> 00:08:42.125
There was no sign of the lamp.

00:08:42.154 --> 00:08:43.955
It had utterly vanished.

00:08:44.384 --> 00:08:46.365
As the burned match, fell to the floor.

00:08:46.695 --> 00:09:04.184
A beam of light suddenly shot across the gloom and there before the old fashioned fireplace stood a figure corresponding in every particular to Levina Richmond, as she appeared in a portrait painted just previous to her death and hanging at that moment in the Colonel's room.

00:09:05.475 --> 00:09:13.394
There was no sound in the room, except for the labored breathing of the excited old man whose faith was now fully justified to his mind.

00:09:13.835 --> 00:09:16.024
He was gazing straight at this apparition.

00:09:16.455 --> 00:09:23.174
It was veiled and the heavy folds of a black silk dress in the style of many years ago, hung loosely about the form.

00:09:23.595 --> 00:09:25.875
Immediately a white hand appeared.

00:09:26.534 --> 00:09:32.774
The veil was lifted, disclosing the thin and pale face of a woman of advanced age and feeble health.

00:09:33.434 --> 00:09:36.524
The likeness of Levina Richmond was perfect.

00:09:36.965 --> 00:09:40.565
The Colonel tried to speak, but his voice stuck in his throat.

00:09:41.404 --> 00:09:43.414
Slowly the veil descended.

00:09:44.404 --> 00:09:48.154
Nick made, a sign to Patsy who had pressed up a little in advance.

00:09:48.664 --> 00:09:53.375
He had kept an eye over his shoulder, however, to be sure of getting any orders from his chief.

00:09:54.304 --> 00:09:58.774
There was light enough to see the signal Patsy sprang forward toward the specter.

00:09:59.225 --> 00:10:01.865
The distance separating them was not more than 20 feet.

00:10:02.105 --> 00:10:07.924
The athletic youth would have covered it in a twinkling, but suddenly he fell to the floor with a smothered groan.

00:10:08.465 --> 00:10:10.445
Oh, I'm hit hard.

00:10:10.684 --> 00:10:11.495
He cried.

00:10:11.855 --> 00:10:18.274
And raising himself upon one knee with his left hand pressed to his temple, he drew a revolver with the other.

00:10:19.024 --> 00:10:22.294
Don't shoot exclaimed Nick it's Millie Stevens.

00:10:22.794 --> 00:10:24.894
The detective made a bound toward the figure.

00:10:25.465 --> 00:10:29.304
The light, which had played full upon it wavered as if about to vanish.

00:10:29.845 --> 00:10:31.164
Yet there was time.

00:10:31.705 --> 00:10:35.605
Nick felt sure of his prize as he sprang out from his place beside the colonel.

00:10:37.075 --> 00:10:44.514
And the next thing Nick knew it was six o'clock of the following morning and he was lying in a bed looking up into Patsy's face.

00:10:46.514 --> 00:10:47.294
Chapter eight.

00:10:47.774 --> 00:10:49.995
Patsy story and the test proposed.

00:10:52.034 --> 00:10:52.904
Are you much hurt?

00:10:53.375 --> 00:10:54.774
asked Patsy anxiously.

00:10:55.235 --> 00:10:57.455
Nick took in the whole scene before he replied.

00:10:57.904 --> 00:11:03.514
Beside the bed were Colonel Richmond, Horace, and a man whom Nick rightly judged to be a doctor.

00:11:05.125 --> 00:11:06.245
No, said Nick.

00:11:06.725 --> 00:11:08.794
I'm not much hurt, except in my feelings.

00:11:09.304 --> 00:11:10.235
What happened, Patsy?

00:11:10.674 --> 00:11:14.485
The ghosts got away, responded the young man in a tone of disgust.

00:11:14.934 --> 00:11:16.164
I wouldn't talk very much.

00:11:16.164 --> 00:11:17.544
I said Colonel Richmond.

00:11:17.965 --> 00:11:21.955
The doctor says that you have been subjected to a severe nervous shock and.

00:11:22.004 --> 00:11:23.355
My grandmother's ducks.

00:11:23.445 --> 00:11:25.304
Exclaimed, Nick nervous shock.

00:11:25.455 --> 00:11:27.075
Well, this makes me worse.

00:11:27.485 --> 00:11:29.144
Why man, I've been sandbagged.

00:11:29.684 --> 00:11:30.884
The Colonel shook his head.

00:11:31.355 --> 00:11:35.315
The power of unseen forces he began, but Nick interrupted him.

00:11:35.735 --> 00:11:36.184
Look here.

00:11:36.184 --> 00:11:36.934
Colonel Richmond.

00:11:37.294 --> 00:11:43.595
He said, if you had the sensation behind your ear, that I've got you wouldn't talk about mysterious powers of darkness.

00:11:43.924 --> 00:11:47.215
I know what's the matter with me add what I want is a chance to get square.

00:11:47.705 --> 00:11:50.524
There is no evidence of any injury, said the physician.

00:11:50.860 --> 00:11:55.509
There never is in a case of this kind rejoined, Nick, a sandbag doesn't leave any mark.

00:11:55.809 --> 00:11:57.279
That's why it is so popular.

00:11:57.809 --> 00:12:01.169
It is impossible to convince a stubborn man said the Colonel.

00:12:01.500 --> 00:12:03.960
I should think that this experience would have been enough.

00:12:04.429 --> 00:12:05.659
Quite enough, thank you.

00:12:05.929 --> 00:12:07.190
Responded Nick, sitting up.

00:12:07.610 --> 00:12:18.409
And so if you gentlemen, who kindly put me to bed will gracefully withdraw, I will get into my clothes and prove to you that I have had enough and that it is somebody else's turn now.

00:12:18.879 --> 00:12:20.350
He made them leave with Patsy.

00:12:20.889 --> 00:12:22.240
Then he began to dress.

00:12:22.690 --> 00:12:24.279
Now tell me your story.

00:12:24.549 --> 00:12:28.480
He said, When I jumped for that spook, Patsy began.

00:12:28.929 --> 00:12:36.690
I got the fearfulest thump on my crust that I've had, since that Marlin spike fell off the main yard onto me in the little affair of the five kernels of corn.

00:12:37.149 --> 00:12:39.639
It couldn't have been a marker to what you got afterward, though.

00:12:40.149 --> 00:12:41.649
I went down, but not out.

00:12:42.279 --> 00:12:43.570
You saw me draw my gun.

00:12:43.779 --> 00:12:46.809
Well, when you yelled don't fire, I held off.

00:12:47.230 --> 00:12:51.220
But when I saw you go out, I decided that all orders of that kind were canceled.

00:12:51.639 --> 00:12:53.500
I blazed away and Nick.

00:12:53.889 --> 00:12:57.460
I put five bullets through that figure, just as sure as you're an inch high.

00:12:57.960 --> 00:12:58.799
What happened then?

00:12:59.250 --> 00:12:59.940
The light went out.

00:13:00.539 --> 00:13:03.350
I got to your side and flashed your lantern in half a second.

00:13:03.789 --> 00:13:05.200
The figure had vanished.

00:13:05.529 --> 00:13:08.529
The Colonel's lamp stood on the sideboard just where he had put it.

00:13:08.840 --> 00:13:10.399
We had a fair light very soon.

00:13:10.879 --> 00:13:14.750
I examined you first and upon my word, I thought that you were done for.

00:13:15.210 --> 00:13:18.690
We got you up into this room and Horace Richmond rode off for the doctor.

00:13:19.149 --> 00:13:21.009
From what he said about a nervous shock.

00:13:21.009 --> 00:13:22.570
You can judge how much he knows.

00:13:22.940 --> 00:13:24.370
His help wasn't worth anything.

00:13:24.759 --> 00:13:26.620
I will back myself against him any day.

00:13:26.894 --> 00:13:30.315
I made sure that you were only stunned and that you would come to all right.

00:13:30.825 --> 00:13:33.315
Then I hurried down to that room and began my search.

00:13:33.945 --> 00:13:35.475
Well, you know, that room.

00:13:35.894 --> 00:13:38.144
It is simply built up of traps and panels.

00:13:38.565 --> 00:13:41.445
A man can go through the floor or the walls almost anywhere.

00:13:41.955 --> 00:13:45.615
My job would have been a good deal, easier if they had been less of that secret machinery.

00:13:46.085 --> 00:13:50.884
When there are 500 ways in which a thing could have been done, it's pretty hard to say which one is right.

00:13:51.544 --> 00:13:54.424
There's a trap pretty nearly in the spot where that figure stood.

00:13:54.875 --> 00:13:57.095
Probably she came up and went down through that.

00:13:57.664 --> 00:13:59.195
But how about my shooting?

00:13:59.524 --> 00:14:00.455
There's the point?

00:14:01.504 --> 00:14:04.355
I took a direct line from the place where I was to the trap.

00:14:04.924 --> 00:14:06.065
Following that line.

00:14:06.304 --> 00:14:08.764
I came to the screen in front of the fireplace.

00:14:09.394 --> 00:14:14.735
In that screen and about four and a half feet from the floor were three bullets from my pistol.

00:14:15.485 --> 00:14:16.835
The other two are not there.

00:14:17.434 --> 00:14:20.914
Then as I figure it out, that ghost has carried them away.

00:14:21.345 --> 00:14:23.534
My shooting was pretty good considering the light.

00:14:23.955 --> 00:14:26.325
The three bullets were in the bigness of a watch crystal.

00:14:26.865 --> 00:14:29.804
I feel sure that the other two were aimed just as well.

00:14:30.284 --> 00:14:34.424
If that's true, then one of the conspirators has some mighty serious wounds.

00:14:34.784 --> 00:14:37.355
Three went through her and she stopped two.

00:14:38.205 --> 00:14:40.784
But there isn't a drop of blood to be found.

00:14:41.164 --> 00:14:42.514
The passage under the trap.

00:14:42.544 --> 00:14:43.894
I have explored thoroughly.

00:14:44.215 --> 00:14:50.424
I can't find a human being or trace of blood or any of the machinery, which they must have used for the light or the ghost.

00:14:51.205 --> 00:14:54.565
Of course, the failure to find traces of the conspirators is not strange.

00:14:54.924 --> 00:15:01.065
These passages are so long and so intricate and so mighty well gotten up that I haven't had time to go through them all.

00:15:01.664 --> 00:15:03.855
But the wounded person is another matter.

00:15:04.394 --> 00:15:06.735
Where she is hidden is more than I can imagine.

00:15:07.254 --> 00:15:08.215
I hope it wasn't Ms.

00:15:08.215 --> 00:15:08.784
Stevens.

00:15:09.254 --> 00:15:09.735
said Nick.

00:15:10.404 --> 00:15:11.455
You called her name?

00:15:11.995 --> 00:15:12.534
Yes.

00:15:12.715 --> 00:15:14.514
I thought the chances were that it was, she.

00:15:14.784 --> 00:15:18.115
But of course I couldn't recognize her in that rig for certain.

00:15:18.565 --> 00:15:21.534
Well, if it was she, of course we shall find it out.

00:15:22.075 --> 00:15:25.524
It's impossible for her to carry those two bullets around with her and not show it.

00:15:26.024 --> 00:15:27.585
Nick was dressed by this time.

00:15:28.154 --> 00:15:30.075
They went out into the hall of the new part.

00:15:30.615 --> 00:15:38.674
Nick had been taken to a room there instead of being carried to that, which had been assigned to him in the old part of the house from below came the sound of voices.

00:15:39.095 --> 00:15:41.345
The Colonel the doctor and Mrs.

00:15:41.345 --> 00:15:41.794
Pond.

00:15:42.065 --> 00:15:43.264
We're talking of the case.

00:15:44.414 --> 00:15:46.894
Patsy stopped before a closed door in the upper hall.

00:15:47.394 --> 00:15:49.695
A sign from Patsy arrested Nick's attention.

00:15:50.384 --> 00:15:52.634
He communicated to Nick in their silent language.

00:15:53.085 --> 00:15:54.044
That's Horace's room.

00:15:54.044 --> 00:15:54.434
Isn't it.

00:15:55.004 --> 00:15:56.264
Whom is he talking with?

00:15:57.284 --> 00:15:57.914
Nick listened.

00:15:58.485 --> 00:15:59.445
Then he laughed.

00:15:59.850 --> 00:16:03.705
You've fooled yourself there Patsy, he said, He's talking to a parrot.

00:16:04.184 --> 00:16:05.414
It's one of his pets.

00:16:05.804 --> 00:16:06.684
He has a good many.

00:16:07.544 --> 00:16:09.105
Patsy looked a little sheepish.

00:16:09.855 --> 00:16:11.054
You can't blame me, Nick.

00:16:11.475 --> 00:16:14.745
He said, we must suspect everybody in such business as this.

00:16:14.955 --> 00:16:15.615
Isn't that right.

00:16:16.365 --> 00:16:16.995
Quite right.

00:16:17.125 --> 00:16:18.264
Responded the detective.

00:16:18.735 --> 00:16:20.504
They went at once to the old dining hall.

00:16:21.105 --> 00:16:22.995
Colonel Richmond presently joined them there.

00:16:23.455 --> 00:16:32.065
To him, Nick frankly explained all the events of the previous night, including the disguise, which he had adopted in order not to appear in the ghost hunt in his own person.

00:16:32.845 --> 00:16:36.205
In return, the Colonel confessed the facts of his visit to the medium.

00:16:36.804 --> 00:16:45.475
He said that he had done it secretly because Horace and his daughter, so strongly objected to his, seeing those who held communion with the other world.

00:16:45.975 --> 00:16:50.115
As to the woman who had met the Colonel he said that he did not know her by name.

00:16:50.654 --> 00:16:53.325
She was veiled all the time and did not speak to him.

00:16:53.835 --> 00:16:57.024
After the disturbance, he was careful not to call it an expose.

00:16:57.304 --> 00:17:00.845
This woman had led him to the carriage and they had hastened away.

00:17:01.335 --> 00:17:08.204
Such was the strength of his delusion, that he still believed that the manifestations he had seen at that house were genuine.

00:17:08.565 --> 00:17:10.994
He would not accept Nick's version of the affair.

00:17:11.484 --> 00:17:13.164
I have made up my mind what to do.

00:17:13.434 --> 00:17:15.924
He said, my decision is unalterable.

00:17:16.454 --> 00:17:18.805
I shall buy the jewels and give them to Millie Stephens.

00:17:19.255 --> 00:17:22.734
I believe that in so doing, I shall carry out my aunts wishes.

00:17:23.174 --> 00:17:24.914
It was a queer case for Nick.

00:17:25.275 --> 00:17:29.565
He had followed up many crimes and had recovered a hundred fortunes in stolen property.

00:17:30.015 --> 00:17:36.795
But this was the first time that he had seen a robbery going on before his eyes and had been unable to prevent it.

00:17:37.515 --> 00:17:39.134
His pride was aroused.

00:17:39.944 --> 00:17:42.345
There was no use in combating the Colonel's delusion.

00:17:42.615 --> 00:17:43.994
Of that he felt sure.

00:17:44.714 --> 00:17:47.384
The man must be humored in order to secure delay.

00:17:47.914 --> 00:17:49.404
Colonel Richmond said Nick.

00:17:50.085 --> 00:17:53.174
I wish to suggest to you a final test in this matter.

00:17:53.654 --> 00:17:56.474
It will settle all doubt and satisfy me thoroughly.

00:17:57.285 --> 00:18:02.174
If you can convert me to your views, I should think that the achievement might be worth the trouble.

00:18:03.075 --> 00:18:05.714
It would indeed cried the kernel with sparkling eyes.

00:18:06.285 --> 00:18:10.365
Nick with his usual tact had hit upon exactly the right course.

00:18:10.855 --> 00:18:16.285
You believe, of course he said, That the spirits of the dead cannot be stopped by bolts and bars.

00:18:17.125 --> 00:18:18.984
The Colonel smiled and nodded assent.

00:18:19.454 --> 00:18:24.224
The most of the jewels in dispute are I believe in the vaults of a safe deposit company.

00:18:24.615 --> 00:18:25.335
Nick continued.

00:18:25.664 --> 00:18:26.265
Very well.

00:18:26.744 --> 00:18:28.065
My test is this.

00:18:28.454 --> 00:18:32.085
Name some article of the collection, which you are sure is there.

00:18:32.384 --> 00:18:34.924
And see whether your aunt will transfer it to Ms.

00:18:34.924 --> 00:18:35.825
Stevens possession.

00:18:36.305 --> 00:18:42.515
It should be as easy for a ghost to take anything from the vaults of a safe deposit company as from that dressing table upstairs.

00:18:42.944 --> 00:18:44.295
Will you consent to the test?

00:18:44.765 --> 00:18:46.505
The Colonel stood irresolute.

00:18:46.984 --> 00:18:47.704
Consent.

00:18:48.355 --> 00:18:50.894
said a voice as of a woman standing beside them.

00:18:51.234 --> 00:18:54.595
Yet the three men were the only human beings in that room.

00:18:55.095 --> 00:18:59.565
The voice came from that screen cried Patsy, and he leaped toward the old fireplace.

00:18:59.954 --> 00:19:01.365
He tore away the screen.

00:19:01.964 --> 00:19:02.894
No one was there.

00:19:03.355 --> 00:19:04.884
It was my aunt's voice.

00:19:05.115 --> 00:19:06.265
said the Colonel calmly.

00:19:06.894 --> 00:19:07.674
I consent.

00:19:08.065 --> 00:19:09.045
Consent to what.

00:19:09.464 --> 00:19:12.164
Asked Horace Richmond entering the room at that moment.

00:19:12.734 --> 00:19:14.384
The test was explained to him.

00:19:14.884 --> 00:19:15.335
Good.

00:19:15.365 --> 00:19:16.325
He whispered to Nick.

00:19:16.434 --> 00:19:17.404
A fine idea.

00:19:17.934 --> 00:19:19.015
Name a piece of jewelry.

00:19:19.375 --> 00:19:20.755
said the detective to the Colonel.

00:19:21.224 --> 00:19:25.484
Among all her wonderful collection replied, Colonel Richmond speaking slowly.

00:19:26.174 --> 00:19:34.184
There was no piece of which she was more proud than the gold clasp studded with diamonds, which you well remember Horace.

00:19:34.555 --> 00:19:36.414
I do responded Horace.

00:19:36.835 --> 00:19:38.515
There's an old tradition about it.

00:19:38.934 --> 00:19:44.214
A remote ancestor of ours was said to have brought it from the holy land at the time of the third crusade.

00:19:44.704 --> 00:19:45.664
An ancient family.

00:19:46.105 --> 00:19:46.625
said Nick.

00:19:47.164 --> 00:19:49.025
You have a right to be proud of your ancestry.

00:19:49.775 --> 00:19:56.325
I accept the article named as the one upon which the test shall be made, provided that you are sure that it is now in the vault.

00:19:56.795 --> 00:19:58.805
Perfectly certain responded the Colonel.

00:19:59.255 --> 00:20:01.055
I put it there with my own hands.

00:20:01.355 --> 00:20:05.525
Nobody else was present except an officer of the company and my daughter.

00:20:06.035 --> 00:20:09.545
It is utterly impossible that the jewel can have been removed.

00:20:10.015 --> 00:20:11.884
I will take that for granted said Nick.

00:20:12.654 --> 00:20:18.325
The conditions of the test are that this piece shall not be found in the vault when we visit it this afternoon.

00:20:18.805 --> 00:20:22.914
And that it shall be afterward discovered in the possession of Millie Stephens.

00:20:23.414 --> 00:20:24.974
Granted said the Colonel.

00:20:25.335 --> 00:20:32.865
And then in a clear voice as if he wanted to be sure that there was no misunderstanding in spirit land, he announced the conditions of the test.

00:20:34.595 --> 00:20:36.605
How will Nick prove his case?

00:20:36.934 --> 00:20:40.474
Was Millie Stevens really behind the appearance of the ghostly figure.

00:20:41.015 --> 00:20:45.335
Or is Colonel Richmond truly being haunted by the ghost of his dead sister.

00:20:45.875 --> 00:20:53.464
The answer to all of these questions that more will be answered in the final episode of Nick Carter's ghost story.

00:20:55.505 --> 00:20:57.035
Well, that's quite a story.

00:20:57.394 --> 00:21:00.065
One more episode left in this amazing tale.

00:21:00.605 --> 00:21:02.644
What are your thoughts as to who did what.

00:21:03.154 --> 00:21:16.994
You know, you can post your thoughts on our website@forwardintothepastpodcast.com while you're there, you can sign up for the mailing list and be notified a future stories and special events for Halloween and Christmas.

00:21:17.414 --> 00:21:22.875
Or you can support the show by clicking on the link to my, buy me a coffee support page.

00:21:23.295 --> 00:21:32.535
Remember, by supporting the show, you are also allowing me to support project Gutenberg as a thank you for providing the amazing stories for this podcast.

00:21:32.865 --> 00:21:34.515
And of course special.

00:21:34.515 --> 00:21:34.904
Thanks.

00:21:34.904 --> 00:21:39.045
Go to you, our listeners for supporting my growing podcast.

00:21:40.184 --> 00:21:41.654
Hey, thanks for listening.

00:21:41.654 --> 00:21:42.164
Everyone.

00:21:42.375 --> 00:21:47.025
Keep sharing the stories and be a good human bye for now.