Keeping the Past alive, One Story at a Time
July 24, 2023

The Gordon Elopement, Or Nick Carter's Three of A Kind Pt 3

The Gordon Elopement, Or Nick Carter's Three of A Kind Pt 3

Send us a Text Message.

Nick Carter, the iconic detective character, revolutionized the detective fiction genre by creating a relatable and intelligent hero. His use of disguises, forensic evidence, and complex plots set the stage for future detective stories. Nick Carter's influence extended beyond literature, as he appeared in various forms of media and became a popular cultural icon. In the latest episode of "The Gordon Elopement," Nick Carter investigates the disappearance of Arthur Gordon and his stenographer, Pauline Perot. As he uncovers clues and suspects, he begins to suspect that Pauline Perot may be a clever crook and that Mortimer Deland is involved in the case.

Theme written by Bernard Kyer for this podcast. Follow the link for more info. https://www.bardmediamusic.com/

Support the Show.

Support the show! Make a one-time donation or be a monthly supporter!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jcthevoice

Transcript
WEBVTT

00:00:00.500 --> 00:00:05.660
Hi folks and welcome once again to another episode of forward into the past.

00:00:06.259 --> 00:00:07.080
I'm JC Rede.

00:00:07.309 --> 00:00:08.720
Your host and narrator.

00:00:09.050 --> 00:00:14.990
And today we're jumping right back into the latest installment of the 1915 public domain mystery.

00:00:15.230 --> 00:00:19.160
The Gordon elopement or Nick, Carter's three of a kind.

00:00:19.660 --> 00:00:27.730
Nick Carter of course is a fictional character who first appeared in 1886 as a dime novel private detective.

00:00:28.230 --> 00:00:31.949
He quickly became one of the most popular characters in American fiction.

00:00:32.340 --> 00:00:36.270
And his adventures were read by millions of people around the world.

00:00:36.770 --> 00:00:40.820
Nick Carter's influence on the detective fiction genre is undeniable.

00:00:41.420 --> 00:00:47.210
He helped to popularize the genre and established many of the conventions that are still used today.

00:00:47.710 --> 00:00:53.380
One of the most important things that Nick Carter did was to create a new type of detective hero.

00:00:53.920 --> 00:01:00.070
Before Carter, detectives were often portrayed as eccentric or even supernatural figures.

00:01:00.570 --> 00:01:08.760
Nick Carter on the other hand was a down to earth ordinary man who used his intelligence and skills to solve crimes.

00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:15.120
This made him more relatable to readers and it helped to make detective fiction more popular.

00:01:15.620 --> 00:01:19.939
Nick Carter also helped to establish some of the key conventions of detective fiction.

00:01:20.510 --> 00:01:21.200
For example.

00:01:21.560 --> 00:01:25.609
He often used disguises to infiltrate criminal organizations.

00:01:26.219 --> 00:01:33.230
He also used forensic evidence to solve crimes and he often had to deal with complex plots and double crosses.

00:01:33.650 --> 00:01:41.572
These conventions have been used by many other detective fiction writers and they continue to be used to this very day.

00:01:42.072 --> 00:01:44.891
In addition to his influence on the detective fiction genre.

00:01:45.221 --> 00:01:49.152
Nick Carter also had a significant impact on popular culture.

00:01:49.691 --> 00:01:55.841
He was featured in comic strips, comic books, radio dramas, and even films.

00:01:56.231 --> 00:02:03.132
He was also a popular subject of merchandise and his image was used to sell everything from cigarettes to chewing gum.

00:02:03.632 --> 00:02:06.871
Nick Carter's popularity may have declined in recent years.

00:02:07.231 --> 00:02:11.072
But his influence on the detective fiction, genre is undeniable.

00:02:11.641 --> 00:02:17.792
He helped to popularize the genre and establish many of the conventions that are still used today.

00:02:18.151 --> 00:02:25.442
He is a true icon of detective fiction, and his legacy will continue to be felt for many years to come.

00:02:25.942 --> 00:02:34.852
And speaking of continuing let's continue on with the latest episode of the Gordon elopement or Nick, Carter's three of a kind.

00:02:36.852 --> 00:02:39.282
Chapter five, the man with a dog.

00:02:39.981 --> 00:02:50.481
Nick Carter had a keen eye for faces, remarkably keen, and that of the man encountered when he was returning to the Gordon residence, did not appeal favorably to the discerning detective.

00:02:50.981 --> 00:03:05.322
It was an angular, swarthy face with a sinister expression accentuated by several days growth of stubby beard, and a certain sly shifty light in the fellow's eyes aroused in Nick, a feeling of suspicion.

00:03:05.822 --> 00:03:11.822
Suppressing any betrayal of it nevertheless, he exhibited an immediate interest in the bloodstained articles.

00:03:11.942 --> 00:03:17.882
The man was displaying asking earnestly while he subdued Patsy Garvin with a significant nudge.

00:03:18.382 --> 00:03:19.222
Where did you find these?

00:03:19.222 --> 00:03:19.611
My man.

00:03:20.111 --> 00:03:22.545
It wasn't me as found him, was the quick reply.

00:03:22.876 --> 00:03:23.656
Ginger found him.

00:03:24.105 --> 00:03:25.096
He nosed them out.

00:03:25.366 --> 00:03:27.885
He's got a scent like a bull moose in the hunting season.

00:03:28.395 --> 00:03:32.116
I pulled them out from under a log in some underbrush after ginger found them.

00:03:32.616 --> 00:03:34.506
How long ago was that ask Nick.

00:03:35.006 --> 00:03:36.355
Less than half an hour ago.

00:03:36.855 --> 00:03:38.056
And how far from here?

00:03:38.716 --> 00:03:39.556
Less than a mile.

00:03:40.156 --> 00:03:41.295
I reckoned a murder.

00:03:41.415 --> 00:03:41.985
One moment.

00:03:42.139 --> 00:03:43.068
Nick interposed.

00:03:43.609 --> 00:03:44.449
What is your name?

00:03:44.949 --> 00:03:45.669
Pete Henley.

00:03:46.149 --> 00:03:48.188
I live off yonder in the crossroad a piece.

00:03:48.519 --> 00:03:51.669
I was gunning for birds across the pond when I struck this sort of game.

00:03:52.169 --> 00:03:53.998
Did you find any other evidence of a murder?

00:03:54.498 --> 00:03:56.058
That's what, nodded Henley.

00:03:56.479 --> 00:03:57.949
Blood on the grass and bushes.

00:03:58.158 --> 00:04:03.049
Some are trampled down in a lot of footprints and heel holes in the ground point to an ugly fight.

00:04:03.549 --> 00:04:05.528
I see said Nick gravely.

00:04:05.979 --> 00:04:07.209
That does look bad.

00:04:07.709 --> 00:04:11.688
I did not wait to hunt for the girl's body Henley went on with grim glibness.

00:04:12.419 --> 00:04:13.588
It might be in the pond.

00:04:14.068 --> 00:04:18.209
I reckon I better rush these things to Bailey the Constable and then show him where ginger found them.

00:04:18.709 --> 00:04:25.249
Nick was quick to notice that the man invariably attributed the discovery to his dog rather than taking it upon himself.

00:04:25.579 --> 00:04:28.668
From which there appeared to be only one logical deduction.

00:04:29.149 --> 00:04:32.329
That Henley had some covert reason for doing so.

00:04:32.829 --> 00:04:33.819
You can do better Mr.

00:04:33.819 --> 00:04:39.158
Henley than to take these to the Constable, said Nick who had merely glanced at the blood-stained articles.

00:04:39.658 --> 00:04:40.168
How's that.

00:04:40.302 --> 00:04:41.112
Question Hedley.

00:04:41.612 --> 00:04:49.081
I am a New York detective, Nick Carter, and I am already investigating the disappearance of the two persons you claim to have seen last evening.

00:04:49.218 --> 00:04:50.449
Nick explained agreeably.

00:04:50.949 --> 00:04:55.269
The man is Arthur Gordon, the banker and the girl is his stenographer.

00:04:55.718 --> 00:04:56.588
Pauline Perot.

00:04:57.038 --> 00:05:00.608
She is known to have worn a hat and jacket like these yesterday afternoon.

00:05:01.028 --> 00:05:03.699
Besides her initials are on the handkerchief.

00:05:04.199 --> 00:05:07.408
Henley's jaw sagged perceptively when he heard the detective's name.

00:05:07.908 --> 00:05:10.088
I don't know about that, he demured.

00:05:10.588 --> 00:05:12.069
D'ya mean you want me to go with you?

00:05:12.569 --> 00:05:14.908
Certainly said Nick, in a friendly fashion.

00:05:15.408 --> 00:05:18.528
I will not permit Constable Bailey to interfere with my work on the case.

00:05:18.829 --> 00:05:20.838
I never allow anything of that kind.

00:05:21.338 --> 00:05:22.269
Yeah, but he might..

00:05:22.509 --> 00:05:24.399
Nevermind Bailey Nick insisted.

00:05:24.788 --> 00:05:28.059
I will take charge of these articles and I may want you to aid me further.

00:05:28.288 --> 00:05:31.569
So get in the car with us, Henley, and go to the Gordon place.

00:05:31.869 --> 00:05:33.309
There will be something in it for you.

00:05:33.358 --> 00:05:34.858
If you help us solve this mystery.

00:05:35.218 --> 00:05:36.598
There is room for your dog also.

00:05:36.928 --> 00:05:37.619
Tumble in with him.

00:05:38.119 --> 00:05:39.379
I don't know.

00:05:39.678 --> 00:05:40.338
Nonsense.

00:05:40.579 --> 00:05:41.928
You want to see justice done?

00:05:41.928 --> 00:05:42.408
Don't you.

00:05:42.918 --> 00:05:43.579
Nick demanded.

00:05:44.149 --> 00:05:45.079
Well, if you don't.

00:05:45.348 --> 00:05:46.369
Oh, yes.

00:05:46.369 --> 00:05:47.178
Yeah, sure.

00:05:47.478 --> 00:05:53.178
Henley now cried as if suddenly hit with an idea that a persistent refusal would occasion suspicion.

00:05:53.678 --> 00:05:54.848
That's just what I want.

00:05:55.149 --> 00:05:58.928
That's why I was hiking to see the Constable, but I'll go with you, Mr.

00:05:58.928 --> 00:05:59.379
Carter.

00:05:59.528 --> 00:06:02.559
And later we'll show you where ginger found these things if you say so.

00:06:03.059 --> 00:06:04.528
That's precisely what I want Mr.

00:06:04.528 --> 00:06:04.829
Henley.

00:06:05.329 --> 00:06:10.728
He's got some nose, this dog, Henley added while he seized the scrawny animal and tossed him into the car.

00:06:11.228 --> 00:06:12.788
Some nose that's what he's got.

00:06:12.999 --> 00:06:14.108
Ginger, can't be beat.

00:06:14.608 --> 00:06:16.199
He looks bright and intelligent.

00:06:16.439 --> 00:06:17.519
Nick allowed pleasantly.

00:06:18.088 --> 00:06:22.798
Uh, sit in front with the chauffeur, Hendley, but put the articles ginger found into the tonneau.

00:06:23.399 --> 00:06:24.298
That's the stuff.

00:06:24.598 --> 00:06:26.728
I'll examine them after we reached the Gordon place.

00:06:27.228 --> 00:06:28.338
Let'er go lively, Danny.

00:06:28.838 --> 00:06:37.298
The remaining distance was speedily covered with merely cursory inquiries and remarks by the detective, well calculated to relieve Henley of any misgivings.

00:06:37.809 --> 00:06:42.908
Upon arriving at the house however, he turned to Patsy and said, Go on ahead and tell Mr.

00:06:42.908 --> 00:06:47.338
Strickland and Wilamena that they must go upstairs and remain there until I send for them.

00:06:47.848 --> 00:06:49.139
I don't want them butting in.

00:06:49.738 --> 00:06:51.959
You need not explain in just those words, however.

00:06:52.459 --> 00:06:53.238
I'm wise, chief.

00:06:53.738 --> 00:06:55.238
Said Patsy springing from the car.

00:06:55.538 --> 00:06:56.709
I'll clear the field for you.

00:06:57.209 --> 00:07:01.168
Leave the car here, Danny, and take Henley and the dog around to the kitchen.

00:07:01.559 --> 00:07:02.459
Nick then directed.

00:07:02.939 --> 00:07:04.528
Have the cook, give ginger some meat.

00:07:05.218 --> 00:07:07.829
Uh, you'll kindly wait there until I'm ready to talk with you.

00:07:07.829 --> 00:07:08.519
Henley won't you.

00:07:09.019 --> 00:07:09.829
Sure thing, Mr.

00:07:09.829 --> 00:07:10.939
Carter, if you say so.

00:07:11.072 --> 00:07:12.211
Henley quickly consented.

00:07:12.872 --> 00:07:13.411
Good enough.

00:07:13.911 --> 00:07:15.552
I'm right here to lend you a hand.

00:07:16.052 --> 00:07:21.211
Nick detected in the fellow's narrow eyes, nevertheless, that same sly and shifty glean.

00:07:21.362 --> 00:07:27.182
He at first had noticed a look that seemed to give the light of his apparently agreeable consent.

00:07:27.682 --> 00:07:36.771
Patsy returned a moment later to assist in taking the various articles into the house, stating that Wilamena and her uncle had complied with the detectives request.

00:07:37.271 --> 00:07:44.802
It was nearly one o'clock when Chick Carter arrived in a taxi cab, directing the chauffer to wait and Patsy appeared at the door to admit him.

00:07:45.302 --> 00:07:46.351
Gee whiz.

00:07:46.411 --> 00:07:47.281
He said quietly.

00:07:47.591 --> 00:07:48.632
You're just in time.

00:07:49.132 --> 00:07:49.791
Time for what?

00:07:50.211 --> 00:07:50.862
Chick questioned.

00:07:51.531 --> 00:07:53.932
To see the chief cut loose, said Patsy.

00:07:54.201 --> 00:07:55.762
Talk about having a long head.

00:07:56.211 --> 00:07:58.552
No four footed beasts has got anything on him.

00:07:58.641 --> 00:07:59.512
Ears included.

00:08:00.012 --> 00:08:00.221
Yeah.

00:08:00.252 --> 00:08:01.932
I'm well aware of that Patsy already.

00:08:02.432 --> 00:08:03.992
But this yanks, the bun.

00:08:04.682 --> 00:08:05.971
Oh, wait a bit and you'll see.

00:08:06.091 --> 00:08:07.172
Come into the library.

00:08:07.672 --> 00:08:18.471
Nick then had been studying the evidence they had found for nearly half an hour, but he really had mentioned to Patsy only a few of his discoveries and deductions being too absorbed in the work to discuss it.

00:08:18.971 --> 00:08:22.932
With a lens in his hand and a frown on his intent, clean cut face.

00:08:23.201 --> 00:08:30.791
He was bending over a table on which the various articles had been placed and which gave Chick some little surprise when he saw them.

00:08:31.291 --> 00:08:33.871
Great guns said he approaching.

00:08:34.351 --> 00:08:36.392
Are you starting a secondhand clothing store?

00:08:36.892 --> 00:08:38.751
Not by a long chalk said, Nick.

00:08:39.201 --> 00:08:42.052
I'm starting a ball rolling that will probably crush a gang of crooks.

00:08:42.412 --> 00:08:42.981
Sit down.

00:08:43.552 --> 00:08:44.751
Have you been to Gordon's office?

00:08:45.322 --> 00:08:45.802
Certainly.

00:08:46.461 --> 00:08:47.121
What have you learned?

00:08:47.631 --> 00:08:49.011
Uh, close the door again, Patsy.

00:08:49.511 --> 00:08:52.692
Chick then made his report in detail, adding confidently.

00:08:53.192 --> 00:08:54.062
Take it from me, Nick.

00:08:54.392 --> 00:08:57.091
Pauline Perot is a remarkably clever crook.

00:08:57.422 --> 00:09:04.442
I'll wager my pile, that she is the one who robbed the vault in spite of Gordon's mysterious absence and his suspected relations with her.

00:09:04.942 --> 00:09:06.322
Nick smiled a bit oddly.

00:09:06.818 --> 00:09:10.778
Have a look at this evidence, Chick, while I tell you where we found it, he replied.

00:09:10.989 --> 00:09:12.278
You may change your mind.

00:09:12.778 --> 00:09:18.359
Chick hastened to comply while Nick mentioned all of the essential points in the case as thus far presented.

00:09:18.859 --> 00:09:21.438
Chick's face became more grave while he looked and listened.

00:09:22.068 --> 00:09:31.788
He twice read the letter found in Pauline Perot's wastebasket, bearing Gordon signature, and then he glanced at the bloodstained garments she was known to have worn when last seen with him.

00:09:32.288 --> 00:09:35.749
By Jove, I may be wrong after all he said, seriously.

00:09:36.349 --> 00:09:37.849
The case looks different to me.

00:09:38.359 --> 00:09:41.538
It must've been Gordon himself who took the bonds and money from the vault.

00:09:42.109 --> 00:09:43.519
Are you sure this is his writing?

00:09:44.019 --> 00:09:47.739
Here's a specimen of his writing, said Nick taking a letter from the library desk.

00:09:48.099 --> 00:09:48.729
Compare them.

00:09:50.476 --> 00:09:53.447
Chapter six, Nick Carter's fine work.

00:09:55.246 --> 00:09:59.956
Chick Carter was not long in coming to a conclusion concerning the two letters Nick had submitted to him.

00:10:00.456 --> 00:10:05.006
By Jove, the writing appears to be identical said he, after a careful inspection.

00:10:05.506 --> 00:10:07.096
If this one in French is a forgery.

00:10:07.096 --> 00:10:08.836
Nick, it's a mighty clever one.

00:10:09.336 --> 00:10:12.336
Don't overlook something, said Nick smiling a bit oddly.

00:10:12.836 --> 00:10:13.376
What's that.

00:10:13.876 --> 00:10:16.937
You already have sized up Pauline Perrot as a clever crook.

00:10:17.437 --> 00:10:18.277
That's true.

00:10:18.476 --> 00:10:19.116
Chick admitted.

00:10:19.596 --> 00:10:34.386
In proof of it, assuming this Gordon letter to be genuine it shows plainly that she has involved him in some kind of a desperate situation, so desperate that he evidently consented to elope with her, despite that he closes by intimating that he might attempt to kill her.

00:10:34.886 --> 00:10:35.486
Obviously.

00:10:35.633 --> 00:10:36.232
Nick agreed.

00:10:36.732 --> 00:10:37.543
Has he done it?

00:10:38.043 --> 00:10:40.893
Chick glanced at the blood-stained hat, jacket and handkerchief.

00:10:41.393 --> 00:10:44.113
Did he really go to the limit and execute his threat?

00:10:44.613 --> 00:10:46.113
These things certainly point to that.

00:10:46.613 --> 00:10:51.773
Combined with all of the other circumstances, Nick, it establishes an almost sure case of murder.

00:10:52.273 --> 00:10:56.712
One that, in case Gordon cannot be found, would convince a court and jury.

00:10:57.212 --> 00:10:57.893
Well, surely.

00:10:58.393 --> 00:11:00.312
Suppose the body should not be found.

00:11:00.452 --> 00:11:01.322
Suggested Nick.

00:11:01.822 --> 00:11:04.253
I think the case would still stand.

00:11:04.373 --> 00:11:05.153
Chick replied.

00:11:05.633 --> 00:11:09.383
A jury would surely convict on such circumstantial evidence as this.

00:11:09.883 --> 00:11:10.903
Nick smiled again.

00:11:11.403 --> 00:11:15.153
And that's why I have dug into it for all I'm worth, he said, dryly.

00:11:15.602 --> 00:11:18.302
I will show you a few points that you fail to detect.

00:11:18.802 --> 00:11:19.373
What do you mean?

00:11:19.873 --> 00:11:25.302
These few hairs, Chick, to begin with, said Nick, taking them from a scrap of paper on which he had placed them.

00:11:25.802 --> 00:11:26.163
Mrs.

00:11:26.163 --> 00:11:29.432
Lord told me that Pauline Perot had stolen a brush and comb.

00:11:29.883 --> 00:11:31.623
That suggested something to me.

00:11:32.123 --> 00:11:32.702
What was that?

00:11:33.202 --> 00:11:38.302
A hairbrush can not be entirely cleaned of all the hairs it takes in among its bristles.

00:11:38.932 --> 00:11:46.913
I reasoned that Pauline Perot decided that it was much easier to steal the brush, than to clean it and less dangerous than to leave it in her chamber.

00:11:47.413 --> 00:11:50.232
That set me to hunting for hairs on the rug and carpet.

00:11:50.653 --> 00:11:51.732
I found these.

00:11:52.212 --> 00:11:54.342
The devil always leaves a gapway open.

00:11:54.842 --> 00:11:55.952
What about them?

00:11:56.312 --> 00:11:58.253
Chick questioned a bit perplexedly.

00:11:58.753 --> 00:12:00.289
Use my lens, said Nick.

00:12:00.720 --> 00:12:07.000
Observe that they are exceedingly dry, having none of the oily gloss and pliability of hairs fresh from one's head.

00:12:07.610 --> 00:12:11.039
Notice also the tiny speck on the end of the longest one.

00:12:11.519 --> 00:12:12.899
It looks like the root of the hair.

00:12:13.399 --> 00:12:14.149
I see.

00:12:14.649 --> 00:12:17.299
Ah, but it is not! Nick quickly added.

00:12:17.960 --> 00:12:19.820
It is much too hard and brittle.

00:12:20.320 --> 00:12:21.460
So, what do you make of it?

00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:24.419
Instead of a root, Chick, it's a speck of glue.

00:12:24.919 --> 00:12:26.840
By Jove, that is significant.

00:12:26.986 --> 00:12:27.547
Chick muttered.

00:12:28.206 --> 00:12:31.956
In that case then Pauline Perrot probably wears a wig.

00:12:32.456 --> 00:12:35.966
Gee, that's a cinch declared Patsy from the opposite side of the table.

00:12:36.466 --> 00:12:38.326
Have you other reasons for thinking so Nick?

00:12:38.596 --> 00:12:39.346
Chick questioned.

00:12:39.886 --> 00:12:40.547
Yes.

00:12:41.086 --> 00:12:41.567
Namely?

00:12:42.067 --> 00:12:44.947
Notice these undergarments and stockings, said Nick.

00:12:45.456 --> 00:12:48.187
All of them are new or very nearly so.

00:12:48.817 --> 00:12:51.067
I am convinced that none of them have been worn.

00:12:51.567 --> 00:12:52.647
Why are you so sure of it?

00:12:53.147 --> 00:12:54.976
Here are Pauline's button boots.

00:12:55.277 --> 00:12:55.907
Nick went on.

00:12:56.417 --> 00:12:58.667
Compare the size with the size of the stockings.

00:12:59.086 --> 00:13:02.057
The stockings are two sizes larger than the boots.

00:13:02.606 --> 00:13:06.017
Who ever heard of a girl buying hosiery larger than her shoes?

00:13:06.517 --> 00:13:08.067
By Jove, you are right.

00:13:08.417 --> 00:13:10.197
said Chick carefully inspecting both.

00:13:10.697 --> 00:13:13.606
It was a mistake she made.Another devil's gapway.

00:13:14.106 --> 00:13:18.126
And you infer from this, that she has worn none of the other garments.

00:13:18.697 --> 00:13:19.567
I am sure of it.

00:13:20.067 --> 00:13:22.826
But why then did she have them in her possession?

00:13:23.067 --> 00:13:25.466
Chick demanded wracking his brain to fathom it.

00:13:25.947 --> 00:13:28.256
Why did she leave them in her bureau drawer?

00:13:28.756 --> 00:13:33.346
She can have only one logical reason, Chick, consistent with all of the other circumstances.

00:13:33.493 --> 00:13:34.123
Nick replied.

00:13:34.623 --> 00:13:36.993
She did not buy them to wear.

00:13:37.493 --> 00:13:39.623
Though she wore feminine outside garments.

00:13:39.773 --> 00:13:43.013
She preferred another kind next to her evil skin.

00:13:43.552 --> 00:13:55.133
She left these in her bureau Chick, only that persons having occasion to seek her or investigate her conduct, might not for a moment suspect that Pauline Perrot is not a woman.

00:13:55.633 --> 00:13:56.802
Not a woman?

00:13:57.293 --> 00:13:59.113
Echoed Chick with a gasp of surprise.

00:13:59.613 --> 00:14:00.452
That's what I said.

00:14:00.570 --> 00:14:01.230
Nick nodded.

00:14:01.730 --> 00:14:05.419
But you don't for a moment suspect her of being a man?

00:14:05.919 --> 00:14:07.750
That is precisely what I suspect.

00:14:08.320 --> 00:14:08.590
Huh.

00:14:08.899 --> 00:14:09.529
Nonsense.

00:14:09.980 --> 00:14:14.500
Remember that she has for several months been employed as Gordon's stenographer and that she..

00:14:14.600 --> 00:14:15.139
Wait a bit.

00:14:15.679 --> 00:14:16.460
Nick interrupted.

00:14:16.940 --> 00:14:19.490
We quite frequently know of women masquerading as men.

00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:31.279
Take the case of Murray Hall, who for a quarter of century wore only male attire, blinding all with whom she associated and the secret of her sex was not discovered until after she died.

00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:32.200
Yes.

00:14:32.200 --> 00:14:33.669
I know about that, Nick, but.

00:14:33.940 --> 00:14:35.080
I know what you would say.

00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:36.460
Nick again interrupted.

00:14:36.730 --> 00:14:42.610
But given the right type of man, Chick, the reverse subterfuge would be just as feasible.

00:14:42.909 --> 00:14:45.820
A man with an effeminate, mobile and beardless face.

00:14:46.090 --> 00:14:48.850
A man with medium figure and consistent voice.

00:14:49.149 --> 00:14:52.029
Together with the subtle art required for such an assumption.

00:14:52.529 --> 00:14:54.769
We have met just that type of man, Chick.

00:14:54.840 --> 00:14:55.500
Both of us.

00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:58.009
I cannot recall him.

00:14:58.360 --> 00:14:59.049
Chick declared.

00:14:59.330 --> 00:15:00.169
Whom do you mean.

00:15:00.669 --> 00:15:08.950
The man of whom Wilamena Strickland has been living in fear since he by this same artifice made his escape from a prison hospital.

00:15:09.102 --> 00:15:09.883
Nick replied.

00:15:10.543 --> 00:15:19.863
The man of whom though unidentified, when she saw him in female attire, she felt an immediate aversion and dread that is upon first seeing Pauline Perrot.

00:15:20.403 --> 00:15:20.883
Hmm.

00:15:20.913 --> 00:15:21.812
I see.

00:15:22.312 --> 00:15:28.342
Mina Strickland's sensitive nature and feminine intuition were more keen than her eyes, Nick added.

00:15:28.732 --> 00:15:31.222
They were far more keen than the eyes of Arthur Gordon.

00:15:31.732 --> 00:15:43.883
The man, I mean, chick is a past master of the art of personal disguise and character assumption and so clever and versatile a crook that for years he alluded the European police and.

00:15:44.080 --> 00:15:45.250
Oh, I've gotcha.

00:15:45.376 --> 00:15:46.197
Chick interrupted.

00:15:46.647 --> 00:15:48.687
You mean Mortimer Deland.

00:15:49.317 --> 00:15:50.307
Exactly.

00:15:50.807 --> 00:15:53.297
He and Pauline Perot are one and the same?

00:15:53.797 --> 00:15:55.177
As sure as you're a foot high.

00:15:55.677 --> 00:15:57.716
This French letter then is a forgery?

00:15:58.317 --> 00:15:59.937
Undoubtedly said Nick.

00:16:00.486 --> 00:16:03.927
Deland is an expert Penman, we long have known that.

00:16:04.346 --> 00:16:07.797
He is wanted in Paris for forging the signature of the prefect of police.

00:16:08.037 --> 00:16:10.407
A trick by which he escaped from brief custody.

00:16:10.907 --> 00:16:12.167
Also the letter sent to Ms.

00:16:12.167 --> 00:16:12.616
Strickland?

00:16:13.116 --> 00:16:14.657
A forgery chick surely.

00:16:15.157 --> 00:16:18.246
You may be right by Jove, though it seems almost incredible.

00:16:18.606 --> 00:16:19.147
Said Chick.

00:16:19.647 --> 00:16:23.297
We shall find I am right, replied the detective confidently.

00:16:23.797 --> 00:16:25.177
My money goes on that chief.

00:16:25.677 --> 00:16:30.206
But what's the game, aside from the robbery Chick questioned, pointing to the blood-stained articles.

00:16:30.706 --> 00:16:31.846
What's the meaning of these.

00:16:32.346 --> 00:16:38.807
That is what we must discover as well as the present whereabouts of Deland and his confederates, said Nick.

00:16:39.307 --> 00:16:42.326
Arthur Gordon undoubtedly is a prisoner in their clutches.

00:16:42.567 --> 00:16:46.366
He knows nothing about the robbery nor about the case as we now see it.

00:16:46.866 --> 00:16:48.126
So you reason.

00:16:48.626 --> 00:16:52.167
That he was in some way trapped by the supposed Pauline Perot.

00:16:52.466 --> 00:16:55.376
And it's up to us to discover how, Nick went on.

00:16:56.037 --> 00:17:02.866
This evidence has obviously been planted only to denote that Gordon has killed his supposed female stenographer.

00:17:03.466 --> 00:17:10.606
Deland's deeper game is I suspect to subsequently bleed wealthy old Rudolf Strickland out of more money.

00:17:10.846 --> 00:17:16.217
By approaching him in some crafty way with an offer to produce Gordon and positive evidence of his innocence.

00:17:16.717 --> 00:17:18.817
Gee whiz, that looks dead right to me.

00:17:19.027 --> 00:17:19.747
Put in Patsy.

00:17:20.287 --> 00:17:20.646
Mr.

00:17:20.646 --> 00:17:23.376
Strickland would give up handsomely for the sake of his niece and Mr.

00:17:23.376 --> 00:17:23.856
Gordon.

00:17:24.356 --> 00:17:27.146
Undoubtedly in such circumstances, Nick nodded.

00:17:27.836 --> 00:17:30.416
He would moreover be a very easy mark.

00:17:30.987 --> 00:17:31.777
By the way Chick.

00:17:31.946 --> 00:17:34.737
Did you verify Beckwith's statements by talking with Dayton?

00:17:35.237 --> 00:17:37.126
Yes, of course said Chick.

00:17:37.547 --> 00:17:39.406
He corroborated what Beckwith had told me.

00:17:39.906 --> 00:17:45.227
And he is the one man, the only one who saw Gordon departing with a suitcase, eh?

00:17:45.727 --> 00:17:46.656
What do you make of that?

00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:49.329
Questioned Chick noting Nick's subtle intonation.

00:17:49.829 --> 00:17:51.390
Another devil's gapway.

00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:53.279
Nick dryly declared.

00:17:53.779 --> 00:17:59.500
It was thought necessary by Deland to have it appear that Gordon carried away the money and bonds in a suitcase.

00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:01.339
Ah, I see now.

00:18:01.839 --> 00:18:07.839
With that object in view, Pauline Perrot artfully detained him in his office until all others had gone.

00:18:08.470 --> 00:18:15.069
If Gordon knew nothing about this foul business, however, it is safe to say that he had no suitcase when he left his office.

00:18:15.579 --> 00:18:18.160
We know that he had none when he arrived here or Ms.

00:18:18.160 --> 00:18:19.509
Strickland would've informed us.

00:18:20.009 --> 00:18:21.920
Holy smoke! Cried Patsy.

00:18:22.440 --> 00:18:26.279
In that case, then Dayton must be one of Deland's confederates.

00:18:26.779 --> 00:18:29.130
That is the very point, Patsy said Nick.

00:18:29.630 --> 00:18:32.400
By Jove, he should be watched then, said Chick.

00:18:32.869 --> 00:18:34.130
There would be something in that.

00:18:34.630 --> 00:18:35.589
I think so, too.

00:18:35.720 --> 00:18:36.720
Nick quickly agreed.

00:18:37.079 --> 00:18:40.650
You return to town therefore, and try to pick him up before he leaves his office.

00:18:41.069 --> 00:18:44.740
Get on his trail by some means if possible, and don't lose sight of him.

00:18:45.240 --> 00:18:46.180
Leave him to me, Nick.

00:18:46.680 --> 00:18:50.400
In the meantime with Patsy to help me, I have other fish to fry.

00:18:51.089 --> 00:18:51.599
What do you mean?

00:18:52.099 --> 00:18:53.720
The man with the dog, ginger.

00:18:54.220 --> 00:18:54.759
Henley?

00:18:55.079 --> 00:18:55.759
Questioned Chick.

00:18:56.289 --> 00:18:57.400
Why do you suspect him?

00:18:57.900 --> 00:19:05.923
First, because this evidence, if planted was discovered so quickly after the seeming murder, said Nick pointing to the bloodstained articles.

00:19:06.553 --> 00:19:12.343
It's long odds that in a genuine case of murder, it would not have been found within a few hours of the crime.

00:19:12.843 --> 00:19:13.623
That's true.

00:19:14.012 --> 00:19:15.032
Chick quickly admitted.

00:19:15.603 --> 00:19:19.772
Second because Henley is the man who found it and he don't look good to me.

00:19:19.900 --> 00:19:20.529
Nick added.

00:19:20.950 --> 00:19:22.210
He has a bad eye.

00:19:22.630 --> 00:19:28.509
Besides, he has been very careful when speaking of the discovery to attribute it to his dog.

00:19:28.869 --> 00:19:32.920
Which convinces me that he fears suspicion if he takes it upon himself.

00:19:33.420 --> 00:19:35.653
Gee, I'd thought of that, declared Patsy.

00:19:35.923 --> 00:19:38.262
You have hit the nail right on the head, Chief, for fair.

00:19:38.762 --> 00:19:53.373
I think that these crooks in order to expedite matters and create a general belief that Gordon has murdered Pauline Perrot planted this evidence and probably more, and immediately started Henley with it to inform the Constable, aiming to get in their work on old Mr.

00:19:53.373 --> 00:19:54.782
Strickland, as soon as possible.

00:19:55.383 --> 00:20:01.653
I saw that Henley was a bit set back when he discovered my identity and that I already was at work on the case.

00:20:02.153 --> 00:20:04.262
I noticed that too chief put in Patsy.

00:20:04.762 --> 00:20:09.143
Henley decided to seize the bull by the horns however, pretended he wanted to aid me.

00:20:09.413 --> 00:20:11.752
And I think now he has something up his sleeve.

00:20:11.880 --> 00:20:12.480
Nick added.

00:20:13.079 --> 00:20:15.240
I'm going to give him a chance to show his hand.

00:20:15.740 --> 00:20:16.430
How so?

00:20:16.563 --> 00:20:17.252
Chick question.

00:20:17.752 --> 00:20:19.972
I'm not sure yet what I shall frame up.

00:20:20.423 --> 00:20:23.843
Be that as it may Chick, you hike back to town and get after Dayton.

00:20:24.413 --> 00:20:27.563
It's dollars to fried holes that he has a hand in this game.

00:20:28.163 --> 00:20:33.563
Use your own judgment as to the best course to shape and leave Patsy and me to tie knots in this end of the string.

00:20:34.133 --> 00:20:35.182
That's all for the present.

00:20:35.682 --> 00:20:38.420
Enough said too, Nick, replied Chick, seizing his hat.

00:20:39.049 --> 00:20:44.420
You have pulled off a clever bit of work, remarkably clever, and we're now right in line to deliver the goods.

00:20:44.750 --> 00:20:45.710
Leave Dayton to me.

00:20:46.009 --> 00:20:46.549
I'll get him.

00:20:47.049 --> 00:20:48.460
Chick did not wait for an answer.

00:20:48.849 --> 00:20:52.450
He hurried out of the house and started for town in the taxi cab.

00:20:54.467 --> 00:20:59.237
Is it possible that Pauline Perot and Mortimer Deland are one and the same person.

00:20:59.807 --> 00:21:02.926
Is Deland really trying to steal all of old Mr.

00:21:02.926 --> 00:21:04.997
Strickland's money yet again.

00:21:05.386 --> 00:21:10.757
And what, if anything, does Henley the man with the dog know about any of this?

00:21:11.116 --> 00:21:20.086
Be with us next episode, faithful listeners, as we continue with the mystery of the Gordon elopement or Nick, Carter's three of a kind.

00:21:20.787 --> 00:21:25.017
I definitely was suspecting Mortimer Deland to reappear sooner than later.

00:21:25.436 --> 00:21:29.336
But then again, I already knew that he was a part of this story arc.

00:21:29.757 --> 00:21:34.586
Well be that as it may, it's always a thrill when Nick figures out stuff from a bunch of clues.

00:21:35.096 --> 00:21:38.426
I have to admit, I love narrating these stories.

00:21:38.926 --> 00:21:40.757
Hey friends, if you haven't already done.

00:21:40.757 --> 00:21:45.257
So may I suggest you decide to become a monthly supporter of the show?

00:21:45.767 --> 00:21:52.156
By becoming a monthly supporter, you ensure that I can continue narrating stories like this for a long time to come.

00:21:52.517 --> 00:21:55.126
And there are hundreds of Nick Carter stories.

00:21:55.217 --> 00:21:56.537
I want to take a crack at.

00:21:57.037 --> 00:22:03.547
Now remember for Halloween and Christmas time, I will again be reading a few choice pieces from the vaults of public domain.

00:22:04.027 --> 00:22:07.146
A few known, but some decidedly unknown.

00:22:07.267 --> 00:22:08.676
Well, at least until now.

00:22:09.366 --> 00:22:12.576
But without your help, it will be harder to continue to do so.

00:22:13.116 --> 00:22:16.596
This is absolutely a labor of love at this point.

00:22:16.987 --> 00:22:19.446
And I'll keep doing it for the foreseeable future.

00:22:19.926 --> 00:22:23.017
But it does make things easier when I know that it's worth it.

00:22:23.616 --> 00:22:24.936
So do me a favor friends.

00:22:25.356 --> 00:22:33.517
Follow the link on your favorite podcast app that says something to the effect of support the show or visit the podcast website.

00:22:33.906 --> 00:22:38.196
Once again, that's forward into the past podcast.com.

00:22:38.586 --> 00:22:41.166
And then click on that big yellow button with a cup on it.

00:22:41.527 --> 00:22:51.936
That'll take you to my, buy me a coffee page where you can either make a one-time donation or support me with a monthly membership donation of five, seven or$10 a month.

00:22:52.297 --> 00:22:52.896
That's it.

00:22:53.406 --> 00:22:54.997
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

00:22:55.497 --> 00:22:56.067
Okay.

00:22:56.426 --> 00:22:58.376
I can't believe I just said that.

00:22:58.916 --> 00:23:01.196
And apparently I've rambled long enough.

00:23:01.317 --> 00:23:02.156
Oh, Okay.

00:23:02.846 --> 00:23:04.436
Well until next time friends.

00:23:04.826 --> 00:23:05.817
Thanks for listening.

00:23:06.086 --> 00:23:10.047
Keep sharing the stories and be a good human.

00:23:10.547 --> 00:23:11.656
Bye for now.