The Mask of Death; Or Nick Carter's Curious Case, Pt 4

WEBVTT

00:00:00.689 --> 00:00:05.549
Hi friends and welcome to another episode of forward into the past.

00:00:06.059 --> 00:00:08.640
I'm JC Ray day, your host and narrator.

00:00:09.089 --> 00:00:17.219
And today we're finishing up the exciting Nick Carter mystery, the mask of death, or Nick Carter's curious case.

00:00:18.239 --> 00:00:22.140
Street and Smith, the publishing company that created Nick Carter stories.

00:00:22.410 --> 00:00:29.910
Was a publishing company that had a significant impact on the development of detective stories in the early 20th century.

00:00:30.629 --> 00:00:40.259
The company had launched detective story magazine in 1915 one of the first pulp magazines devoted to the detective fiction genre.

00:00:40.920 --> 00:00:49.890
The magazine featured short stories and cereals by various authors, some of whom became very famous for their contributions to detective fiction.

00:00:50.609 --> 00:00:51.899
Among them were, sir.

00:00:51.899 --> 00:00:53.009
Arthur Conan Doyle.

00:00:53.460 --> 00:00:57.810
Agatha Christie sax Rohmer and Edgar Wallace.

00:00:58.619 --> 00:01:06.599
Detective story magazine also influenced the creation of other popular characters and media in the field of detective fiction.

00:01:07.500 --> 00:01:19.950
In 1930 stories from the magazine were adapted for a radio program called detective story hour narrated by a mysterious voice known only as the shadow.

00:01:20.700 --> 00:01:33.060
The popularity of this character led to the publication of the shadow magazine in 1931 a pulp series that introduced one of the most iconic heroes of detective fiction.

00:01:33.930 --> 00:01:40.530
The success of the shadow, also inspired street and Smith to revive another detective character.

00:01:40.829 --> 00:01:44.730
Nick Carter who had his own pulp series and radio show.

00:01:45.480 --> 00:01:52.109
But by this time, Nick had been recast as a hard-boiled detective like Sam spade or Mike hammer.

00:01:53.060 --> 00:01:58.560
Street Smith's detective story magazine lasted until 1949.

00:01:58.859 --> 00:02:03.450
Publishing well over a thousand issues in its 34 year run.

00:02:04.049 --> 00:02:11.400
It was one of the longest running and most influential pulp magazines in the history of detective fiction.

00:02:12.210 --> 00:02:15.810
It helped to shape the genre by introducing new styles.

00:02:15.990 --> 00:02:18.750
Themes and techniques to its readers.

00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:24.449
It also showcased some of the best writers and stories of detective fiction.

00:02:24.870 --> 00:02:30.240
And spawned other media that expanded the genres reach and appeal.

00:02:31.020 --> 00:02:40.169
And now we reach the conclusion of a Nick Carter mystery that was written at the very same time as the launch of detective story magazine.

00:02:40.590 --> 00:02:49.469
From 1915, here's the exciting conclusion of the mask of death or Nick Carter's curious case.

00:02:51.439 --> 00:02:52.219
Chapter seven.

00:02:52.729 --> 00:02:54.110
Playing A Lone hand.

00:02:55.610 --> 00:03:02.180
Patsy Garvin following the instructions Nick Carter had given him did not ring a bullseye until four o'clock that afternoon.

00:03:03.050 --> 00:03:05.509
He then rounded up the Hackman he had been seeking.

00:03:06.229 --> 00:03:13.129
Patsy recognized his face and discovered him standing beside his carriage in front of a hotel on 44th street.

00:03:13.800 --> 00:03:16.620
You're the very man I want said he confronting him.

00:03:17.250 --> 00:03:18.240
Have a look at this.

00:03:19.030 --> 00:03:22.520
Patsy displayed the detective badge under the lapel of his vest.

00:03:23.169 --> 00:03:31.840
Sharply watching the Hackman's ruddy face, however, he saw at a glance that his hearer felt no alarm or consternation as would have been the case.

00:03:31.840 --> 00:03:33.819
If he was guilty of anything wrong.

00:03:34.509 --> 00:03:42.310
His countenance took on a look of mild surprise, nevertheless and he surprised Patsy also by saying with a sort of gruff hardiness.

00:03:42.770 --> 00:03:44.599
You don't need to show me that Garvin.

00:03:45.169 --> 00:03:46.110
Ah, you know me then.

00:03:46.530 --> 00:03:47.250
Said Patsy.

00:03:47.879 --> 00:03:51.030
Sure there are mighty few dicks I don't know, by sight.

00:03:51.419 --> 00:03:53.699
None in your class Garvin, as far as that goes.

00:03:54.240 --> 00:03:55.020
Well, thanks.

00:03:55.110 --> 00:03:55.919
Smiled Patsy.

00:03:56.520 --> 00:03:57.150
What's your name?

00:03:58.080 --> 00:03:58.830
Pat Mulligan.

00:03:59.699 --> 00:04:00.870
A namesake of mine, eh.

00:04:01.680 --> 00:04:03.750
Well, I reckon so grinned Mulligan.

00:04:04.169 --> 00:04:04.770
What do you want?

00:04:05.280 --> 00:04:07.349
I know you haven't started the spiel with me for nothing.

00:04:07.879 --> 00:04:09.139
This is between us mind you.

00:04:09.659 --> 00:04:10.830
Well, that goes without saying.

00:04:11.389 --> 00:04:14.659
You took a couple from a house on fifth avenue at seven o'clock this morning.

00:04:15.189 --> 00:04:15.699
Sure.

00:04:15.969 --> 00:04:17.529
Where the stiff was being taken away.

00:04:18.040 --> 00:04:19.029
Yeah, that's the place.

00:04:19.420 --> 00:04:20.620
What do you know about the couple.

00:04:21.550 --> 00:04:22.240
Nothing.

00:04:22.430 --> 00:04:25.490
Said Mulligan, but a curious gleam lighted his eyes.

00:04:25.910 --> 00:04:27.649
I went there on a telephone order.

00:04:28.209 --> 00:04:29.019
Where did you take them?

00:04:29.540 --> 00:04:30.769
The grand central terminal.

00:04:31.160 --> 00:04:32.149
They had no luggage.

00:04:32.149 --> 00:04:33.529
So I did not go in with him.

00:04:34.069 --> 00:04:35.470
That was the last I saw of them.

00:04:36.040 --> 00:04:37.870
Did you see the Undertaker's wagon again?

00:04:38.589 --> 00:04:40.959
Not after it left the house said Mulligan.

00:04:41.329 --> 00:04:43.759
I supposed it was heading for the baggage station room.

00:04:44.480 --> 00:04:45.920
I know nothing more of it.

00:04:46.519 --> 00:04:48.500
I believe you Mulligan said Patsy.

00:04:48.870 --> 00:04:53.610
You know something nevertheless that you haven't told me, I can read that in your eyes.

00:04:54.209 --> 00:04:55.740
Well, you've got keen ones, Garvin.

00:04:55.740 --> 00:04:56.250
All right.

00:04:56.579 --> 00:04:57.810
Mulligan said with a laugh.

00:04:58.370 --> 00:04:59.540
Well taint much.

00:05:00.040 --> 00:05:01.329
Come across, what is it?

00:05:02.379 --> 00:05:02.889
All right.

00:05:03.939 --> 00:05:07.240
I seen a woman coming out of that house who don't stand ACE high.

00:05:07.750 --> 00:05:14.920
She pretends to be all right, but between you and me, Garvin she's as clever and crooked a jade as you'll find from Harlem to the battery.

00:05:15.550 --> 00:05:16.029
Harlem.

00:05:16.569 --> 00:05:18.639
That's where she hangs out when she's at home.

00:05:19.139 --> 00:05:20.220
Well, what's her name?

00:05:20.285 --> 00:05:22.259
Questioned Patsy with increasing interest.

00:05:23.360 --> 00:05:24.689
Nell Margate.

00:05:25.050 --> 00:05:27.939
Nell Margate, any relation to Jim Margate of Harlem.

00:05:28.399 --> 00:05:29.420
She's his sister.

00:05:29.959 --> 00:05:31.610
Oh, is that so.

00:05:32.120 --> 00:05:39.350
Thought Patsy, who not only knew Jim Margate personally, but also knew him to be a decidedly, bad character.

00:05:39.759 --> 00:05:41.089
Margate sister eh?

00:05:41.980 --> 00:05:46.750
If you knew Nel Margate to be in that house Mulligan, why didn't you tip someone to that fact?

00:05:47.290 --> 00:05:48.399
Who, a Dick.

00:05:48.939 --> 00:05:49.389
Yeah.

00:05:49.910 --> 00:05:53.180
Why would I, said Mulligan with a depricatory shake of his head.

00:05:53.810 --> 00:05:55.189
It was no funeral of mine.

00:05:55.639 --> 00:05:57.170
How could I know why she was there.

00:05:57.709 --> 00:05:59.870
A crook is always out for crooked work.

00:06:00.709 --> 00:06:04.370
Yeah, but I'm not hired to catch them Garvin like you, said Mulligan.

00:06:04.910 --> 00:06:06.829
Many a crook has paid me good money.

00:06:07.430 --> 00:06:09.860
It isn't up to me to stool pigeon for the police.

00:06:10.279 --> 00:06:15.050
I've got to shut my eyes and keep my trap closed, or I might get mine for not doing it.

00:06:15.589 --> 00:06:21.709
I wouldn't have mentioned this only I know I might get in wrong for not telling you since you questioned me about it.

00:06:22.209 --> 00:06:23.470
Anything more you can tell me?

00:06:23.620 --> 00:06:24.360
Asked Patsy.

00:06:24.860 --> 00:06:25.699
Devil a thing.

00:06:26.240 --> 00:06:27.500
You've got all I can hand you.

00:06:28.069 --> 00:06:30.860
When did you see Nell Margate leaving the Barker residence?

00:06:31.319 --> 00:06:33.100
Well something like a week ago.

00:06:33.639 --> 00:06:34.540
Can you describe her?

00:06:35.029 --> 00:06:35.420
Yeah.

00:06:35.839 --> 00:06:40.310
She's a well-built dark girl, about 25 years old Mulligan responded.

00:06:40.529 --> 00:06:43.850
Oh She's a good Looker Garvin and makes the most of it.

00:06:44.389 --> 00:06:45.379
Being clever too.

00:06:45.379 --> 00:06:47.000
She gets by with many, a stunt.

00:06:47.629 --> 00:06:52.250
I happen to know all this Garvin because Jim Margate's place isn't far from my own.

00:06:52.730 --> 00:06:53.759
In one of the outskirts?

00:06:53.759 --> 00:06:54.180
Isn't it.

00:06:54.670 --> 00:06:55.839
Yeah, pretty well out.

00:06:56.350 --> 00:06:58.449
The old man used to run it for a Roadhouse.

00:06:58.870 --> 00:07:00.730
There's been nothing doing since he died.

00:07:01.269 --> 00:07:03.639
Well, that is nothing on the surface.

00:07:04.029 --> 00:07:05.290
Mulligan pointedly added.

00:07:05.740 --> 00:07:07.600
Patsy knew exactly what he meant.

00:07:07.959 --> 00:07:10.629
That Margate's place was the resort of crooks.

00:07:11.139 --> 00:07:13.300
He slipped Mulligan a bank note remarking.

00:07:13.550 --> 00:07:14.540
Forget all this.

00:07:14.750 --> 00:07:16.189
Also forget what we've said.

00:07:16.720 --> 00:07:17.290
You bet.

00:07:17.779 --> 00:07:18.410
So long.

00:07:18.930 --> 00:07:24.329
Patsy stepped into the hotel and tried to telephone Nick, but Joseph told him that he had not returned.

00:07:24.839 --> 00:07:29.939
Also that chick though he had telephoned an hour before had left no message.

00:07:30.519 --> 00:07:33.350
Nothin' doin thought Patsy returning to the street.

00:07:34.040 --> 00:07:36.139
I'll keep going then on my own hook.

00:07:36.709 --> 00:07:37.810
Nell Margate eh?

00:07:38.360 --> 00:07:40.970
Well, she was the woman Chick saw last night.

00:07:41.449 --> 00:07:44.240
Mulligan's description fits her to the letter.

00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:48.259
I guess it's up to me, by Jove, to have a look at Jim Margate's place.

00:07:48.800 --> 00:07:51.949
It's no crazy bet that Deland and Nell Margate are there.

00:07:52.220 --> 00:07:54.050
If not the whole knavish bunch.

00:07:54.410 --> 00:07:55.639
Well I'll soon find out.

00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:58.910
Patsy was already acting upon these resolutions.

00:07:59.540 --> 00:08:07.850
Nearly an hour later or soon after five, o'clock found him stealing cautiously along a sparsely settled road within half a mile of the Harlem river.

00:08:08.360 --> 00:08:13.939
His features carefully disguised and his movements, those of one having no definite destination and view.

00:08:14.550 --> 00:08:25.529
Presently, nevertheless, after crossing a number of vacant lots piled with refuse and rubbish, Patsy picked his way through the trees and underbrush still covering a belt of land in that section.

00:08:25.819 --> 00:08:33.620
And finally brought up back of an old, stable and dwelling fronting another road from which both were somewhat shut in by a few remaining trees.

00:08:34.279 --> 00:08:38.730
The surroundings were uninviting, however, and the place somewhat isolated.

00:08:39.379 --> 00:08:43.539
Having shaped the course that precluded observation from the windows of the old wooden house.

00:08:43.990 --> 00:08:53.740
Patsy crawled under a fence back of the stable and succeeded in finding concealment in an old shed nearby from which he could see the back door and windows of the dwelling.

00:08:54.250 --> 00:08:55.690
It appeared to be deserted.

00:08:56.230 --> 00:08:58.570
Most of the faded curtains were drawn down.

00:08:59.100 --> 00:09:03.929
The door of the near stable was closed moreover, denoting that it was unoccupied.

00:09:04.490 --> 00:09:12.470
The yard in front of it and the ill kept ground surrounding the house looked desolate and dismal in the waning light of the cloudy November day.

00:09:13.049 --> 00:09:18.549
Gee! It don't look like much business, muttered Patsy, after a cautious survey of the place.

00:09:18.990 --> 00:09:21.720
Well, I've blundered perhaps in coming out here.

00:09:22.169 --> 00:09:24.389
The Rascals may have sought shelter somewhere else.

00:09:24.840 --> 00:09:30.779
They may have their other headquarters where no, by gracious, those are recent footprints in front of the stable.

00:09:31.200 --> 00:09:33.929
The dirt turned over by the horse's shoes is hardly dry.

00:09:34.590 --> 00:09:37.320
But there are no very recent wheel tracks judging from.

00:09:38.049 --> 00:09:40.649
By Jove, I think I better have a look in that stable.

00:09:41.039 --> 00:09:42.690
I'll never have a better chance.

00:09:43.230 --> 00:09:46.679
Patsy invariably acted promptly upon a definite impulse.

00:09:47.279 --> 00:09:48.419
Stealing from the shed.

00:09:48.720 --> 00:09:56.519
He found an open space under the rear of the stable half filled with straw and refuse, above which was a trap door through the floor.

00:09:57.110 --> 00:09:59.720
Crawling up amid the festoons of cobwebs.

00:09:59.960 --> 00:10:04.759
He raised it cautiously and found himself directly under a large wagon.

00:10:05.269 --> 00:10:06.740
There's no one here.

00:10:06.950 --> 00:10:09.889
He murmured after listening, that's a cinch.

00:10:10.490 --> 00:10:11.870
I'll go a step farther.

00:10:13.129 --> 00:10:14.929
Drawing himself up through the opening.

00:10:15.259 --> 00:10:18.440
He dropped the trap door and crept from under the wagon.

00:10:19.250 --> 00:10:23.539
He then discovered in the dim light that it was an Undertaker's wagon.

00:10:24.129 --> 00:10:26.679
Gee whiz I've struck oil all right.

00:10:26.740 --> 00:10:29.080
He said to himself with a thrill of satisfaction.

00:10:29.590 --> 00:10:30.759
If the plunder is here.

00:10:32.139 --> 00:10:33.399
No by gracious.

00:10:33.429 --> 00:10:34.000
It's gone.

00:10:34.600 --> 00:10:38.200
Patsy had opened the rear door and found that the wagon was empty.

00:10:38.934 --> 00:10:49.134
Further inspection revealed that the brass name plate on each side had been skillfully altered with a coat of gilding and that it bore a name, obviously fictitious.

00:10:49.595 --> 00:10:54.544
By Jove, I've got a sure line on the gang at least thought Patsy, after these investigations.

00:10:55.264 --> 00:10:59.695
Under the mask of death, so to put it, they've succeeded in turning this knavish trick.

00:11:00.335 --> 00:11:01.835
But where is the plunder?

00:11:02.274 --> 00:11:03.544
Well, that's the question.

00:11:04.294 --> 00:11:08.794
I better sneak out and telephone to the chief, I guess, and then return and watch this place.

00:11:09.335 --> 00:11:10.595
I can direct him to it.

00:11:10.625 --> 00:11:10.894
And.

00:11:11.095 --> 00:11:13.345
Patsy's train of thought ended abruptly.

00:11:13.764 --> 00:11:16.554
So suddenly as to preclude any extensive move.

00:11:16.825 --> 00:11:24.384
The heavy tread of men's feet sounded on the wooden run in front of the stable, and a key was thrust into the padlock of the door.

00:11:24.934 --> 00:11:29.375
Patsy knew that a successful retreat through the trap door was utterly impossible.

00:11:30.335 --> 00:11:37.054
He sought the nearest police of concealment, a corner back of a grain chest that stood under the overhang of a rear haymow.

00:11:37.804 --> 00:11:44.615
He no sooner had dropped out of sight than the broad sliding door was opened wide enough to admit three men.

00:11:45.634 --> 00:11:47.674
Looking cautiously over the grain chest.

00:11:47.855 --> 00:11:50.284
Patsy immediately recognized two of them.

00:11:50.884 --> 00:11:56.404
It's Jim Margate and a well-known running mate of his Bob Pittman, a pair of desperate blacklegs.

00:11:56.894 --> 00:11:59.475
The third man was Mortimer Deland.

00:12:00.044 --> 00:12:08.384
He was laughing in a cold mirthless way while he followed the two more roughly clad man into the stable saying at the same time.

00:12:08.904 --> 00:12:12.715
Oh, I easily gave him the slip by sneaking down the servants' stairway.

00:12:13.345 --> 00:12:15.745
Fannie and Nell will make a quick getaway later.

00:12:16.164 --> 00:12:17.215
Leave that to fan.

00:12:17.725 --> 00:12:19.434
They'll show up here during the evening.

00:12:19.884 --> 00:12:21.774
Fan will slip out from under his guns.

00:12:21.774 --> 00:12:22.254
All right.

00:12:22.784 --> 00:12:23.804
Do you think he knew you.

00:12:24.404 --> 00:12:29.115
Margate asked while all three seated themselves on some empty boxes near the partly open door.

00:12:29.725 --> 00:12:30.375
Know me?

00:12:31.095 --> 00:12:34.134
Sure he knew me said DeLand, still laughing icily.

00:12:34.875 --> 00:12:37.284
I suspected what was coming when he set up his card.

00:12:37.725 --> 00:12:39.495
The phony name did not blind me.

00:12:39.495 --> 00:12:40.245
Not much.

00:12:40.784 --> 00:12:46.924
By Jove, either Nick or Chick has seen and interviewed this rascal thought Patsy easily hearing all that was said.

00:12:47.315 --> 00:12:50.975
This must be Deland himself who has been posing as Gerald Vaughn.

00:12:51.475 --> 00:12:57.264
I sent Nell into the next room, which connects with Fan's suite and then told the bellhop to send him up.

00:12:57.764 --> 00:12:58.934
Was he in disguise?

00:12:59.875 --> 00:13:03.054
No, nothing doing grinned DeLand with teeth gleaming.

00:13:03.595 --> 00:13:05.215
He wasn't dead sure of us, you know?

00:13:05.575 --> 00:13:07.524
And he hoped we'd weaken when we saw him.

00:13:08.085 --> 00:13:09.294
He don't know us, Jim.

00:13:09.845 --> 00:13:13.085
You don't suppose he knew me when we lugged out the stuff this morning do you?

00:13:13.345 --> 00:13:14.965
Question Margate apprehensively.

00:13:15.465 --> 00:13:16.215
Or me Mort?

00:13:16.414 --> 00:13:17.164
Put in Pitman.

00:13:17.684 --> 00:13:20.264
The undertaker and his assistant thought Patsy.

00:13:20.835 --> 00:13:22.424
That was nearly a cinch before.

00:13:23.414 --> 00:13:24.465
Knew you?

00:13:24.705 --> 00:13:26.264
Exclaimed Deland, derisively.

00:13:27.044 --> 00:13:27.855
That's rot.

00:13:28.184 --> 00:13:31.514
How could he have known either of you through the disguise I loaned you?

00:13:31.924 --> 00:13:32.455
No, no.

00:13:32.684 --> 00:13:33.705
You're away all right.

00:13:34.205 --> 00:13:36.634
Well that listens good to me said Pittman.

00:13:36.995 --> 00:13:39.485
But these Carters are infernally sharp dicks.

00:13:39.875 --> 00:13:41.465
They got eyes like needles.

00:13:42.004 --> 00:13:46.144
Well, they better watch out then, lest they lose them.

00:13:46.495 --> 00:13:52.524
Deland said more seriously and his voice and countenance, evinced a devilish streak in his nature.

00:13:53.054 --> 00:13:56.684
I left Nick Carter, a word of warning to that effect this morning.

00:13:57.404 --> 00:14:01.245
If he presses me too closely, hang him, he shall feel my teeth.

00:14:01.855 --> 00:14:05.054
He don't dream who I really am and of what I am capable.

00:14:05.605 --> 00:14:09.294
Any gink capable of the roof stunt you did last night can do anything.

00:14:09.654 --> 00:14:11.725
Said Margate with an approving scowl.

00:14:12.394 --> 00:14:18.085
You're the real thing Deland and then some, or you couldn't have framed up such a job as this and pulled it off.

00:14:18.804 --> 00:14:20.875
Ah, childsplay Jim.

00:14:21.304 --> 00:14:23.424
said Deland coldly, a kid's stunt.

00:14:23.804 --> 00:14:25.274
Has Ruff gone after the wagon?

00:14:25.784 --> 00:14:26.294
Sure.

00:14:26.625 --> 00:14:28.065
He'll come with it after dark.

00:14:28.575 --> 00:14:30.794
We must transfer the stuff as early as possible.

00:14:31.264 --> 00:14:32.705
Early why early?

00:14:33.215 --> 00:14:34.774
It strikes me late would be better.

00:14:35.294 --> 00:14:39.725
No, no wagons are not out late where we're going said DeLand.

00:14:40.245 --> 00:14:42.434
Some guy might take it into his head to watch us.

00:14:43.014 --> 00:14:43.965
No, no, Jim.

00:14:44.264 --> 00:14:50.504
The earlier the better after darkness gathers, there's no danger of our being seen in the road back of the last bedroom.

00:14:51.105 --> 00:14:52.875
It's going and coming that's risky.

00:14:53.024 --> 00:14:55.004
So the earlier the better.

00:14:55.595 --> 00:14:57.274
Ah, that's true.

00:14:57.274 --> 00:14:57.664
Maybe.

00:14:57.865 --> 00:14:58.674
Margate allowed.

00:14:59.274 --> 00:15:01.674
I'm not so sure the hiding place is safe at that.

00:15:02.095 --> 00:15:03.205
If the newspapers.

00:15:03.205 --> 00:15:06.325
There's nothing in the newspapers Deland interrupted.

00:15:06.654 --> 00:15:07.764
I've made sure of that.

00:15:08.215 --> 00:15:11.394
Besides rough has had an eye on the place most of the day.

00:15:11.774 --> 00:15:13.695
He'd have reported any investigations.

00:15:14.174 --> 00:15:14.625
Sure.

00:15:14.625 --> 00:15:15.884
As far as that goes.

00:15:16.365 --> 00:15:20.355
It's as safe as a wall street bank vault Deland confidently added.

00:15:20.815 --> 00:15:22.585
Who would think of looking there for it?

00:15:23.125 --> 00:15:25.855
It beats taking the risk of coming straight here this morning.

00:15:26.085 --> 00:15:29.115
For all, we afterward took a chance with a big black wagon.

00:15:30.764 --> 00:15:32.294
Ah, maybe so.

00:15:32.575 --> 00:15:33.745
Margate again, allowed.

00:15:34.105 --> 00:15:35.664
We're banking on your judgment.

00:15:36.174 --> 00:15:38.125
I never went wrong in my life.

00:15:38.335 --> 00:15:39.004
Said Deland.

00:15:39.534 --> 00:15:40.945
Look me up across the water.

00:15:41.335 --> 00:15:44.815
You'll find that no bloomin' inspector ever put Darby's on me.

00:15:45.325 --> 00:15:48.075
An American detective will do so, thought Patsy.

00:15:48.434 --> 00:15:49.845
I'll bet my pile on that.

00:15:50.384 --> 00:15:52.034
It will be a good night for the job.

00:15:52.315 --> 00:15:54.705
Deland added gazing out at the sky.

00:15:55.605 --> 00:15:57.134
Cloudy and dark.

00:15:57.345 --> 00:15:58.995
What more could we ask?

00:15:59.534 --> 00:16:01.754
We'll wait here till Ruff returns with the wagon.

00:16:02.245 --> 00:16:04.134
That won't be long, said Pittman.

00:16:04.615 --> 00:16:06.054
It'll be dark in half an hour.

00:16:06.534 --> 00:16:07.434
Well, gee whiz.

00:16:07.434 --> 00:16:08.695
There's no getaway for me.

00:16:08.995 --> 00:16:13.914
Thought Patsy wondering where the Rascals were going though their mission was obvious.

00:16:14.384 --> 00:16:17.144
I couldn't steal out unheard if I had the feet of a fly.

00:16:17.514 --> 00:16:20.274
I'll stick close to these rats, therefore, and let come what may.

00:16:20.754 --> 00:16:22.674
If they undertake to shift their plunder.

00:16:22.945 --> 00:16:25.404
Well, There'll be something doing all right.

00:16:26.004 --> 00:16:28.794
Let me get my lamps on it and I'll hold up the whole bunch.

00:16:28.794 --> 00:16:29.575
Single-handed.

00:16:31.554 --> 00:16:32.304
Chapter eight.

00:16:32.695 --> 00:16:34.105
In gruesome confinement.

00:16:35.105 --> 00:16:45.174
What more Patsy Garvin heard was along much the same lines as that which he had already heard but none of it gave him any clue to the contemplated destination of Deland and his confederates.

00:16:45.715 --> 00:16:50.065
Dusk began to gather within half an hour and darkness quickly followed.

00:16:50.784 --> 00:16:52.495
Margate lighted a small lantern.

00:16:52.825 --> 00:17:02.705
So hooding it with an empty box that it's rays could not be seen from the outside, but in its feeble glow, the three crooks continued to sit and discuss their knavery.

00:17:03.445 --> 00:17:08.454
Their faces and figures looked grim and threatening in the dim light cast upon them.

00:17:08.964 --> 00:17:11.555
Presently still crouching behind the grain chest.

00:17:11.884 --> 00:17:15.634
Patsy heard the thud of hooves and the grinding of wheels in the gravel.

00:17:16.045 --> 00:17:19.025
And Margate arose at the same time saying quickly.

00:17:19.325 --> 00:17:20.734
Here comes rough with the wagon.

00:17:21.095 --> 00:17:22.805
I told you he'd show up promptly.

00:17:23.335 --> 00:17:24.884
Good enough cried Deland.

00:17:25.404 --> 00:17:27.204
We'll lose no time in getting away.

00:17:27.694 --> 00:17:29.644
I've got to go back to the house for my cap.

00:17:29.904 --> 00:17:30.714
Growled Margate.

00:17:31.464 --> 00:17:32.095
Go ahead.

00:17:32.515 --> 00:17:33.825
That won't take long, eh, Jim?

00:17:34.335 --> 00:17:35.775
Wait till I douse this glim.

00:17:36.194 --> 00:17:37.694
There would be something doing all right.

00:17:37.694 --> 00:17:39.255
If this dead wagon was seen here.

00:17:40.255 --> 00:17:43.434
It has been seen you rascal and I can see your finish.

00:17:43.825 --> 00:17:45.595
Thought Patsy with grim satisfaction.

00:17:46.765 --> 00:17:50.575
He had heard the arrival of the wagon drawn up near the front of the stable.

00:17:51.045 --> 00:17:54.285
He heard Ruff greeting Deland and Pitman when they hastened out.

00:17:54.795 --> 00:18:01.184
He saw Margate extinguish the light, then stride out and close the door following by the sharp click of the padlock.

00:18:01.714 --> 00:18:05.045
Patsy stole out from behind the grain chest in the inky darkness.

00:18:05.434 --> 00:18:10.474
Then crawled under Hanlon's huge black wagon and found the iron ring in the trap door.

00:18:10.984 --> 00:18:12.664
It's the same old way for mine.

00:18:12.755 --> 00:18:15.605
He muttered while he noiselessly opened the trap.

00:18:16.204 --> 00:18:18.275
I'll not let these rats give me the slip.

00:18:18.755 --> 00:18:26.075
I'll find out where they're going and where they take their plunder at least if I get no chance to hold them up, I'll get'em sooner or later by thunder.

00:18:26.134 --> 00:18:27.154
If it takes a leg.

00:18:27.694 --> 00:18:40.474
Indulging in these cogitations Patsy dropped quietly through the opening and without waiting to close it, he crept out through the open space, under the stable and to a point between it and the old shed nearby.

00:18:41.005 --> 00:18:45.174
He could then see the wagon some 10 feet away and headed toward the street.

00:18:45.894 --> 00:18:50.875
It was a large covered one and it stood nearly opposite of the space between the two.

00:18:52.285 --> 00:18:55.585
And it stood nearly opposite the space between the two buildings.

00:18:55.974 --> 00:18:58.285
The driver had not left his seat.

00:18:59.424 --> 00:19:09.684
Pittman and Mortimer Deland had already climbed in and were seating themselves on two boxes under the leather top, that occupied by rough being too small for all four.

00:19:10.224 --> 00:19:14.724
Patsy could hear them talking and he now saw Jim Margate returning from the house.

00:19:16.035 --> 00:19:18.085
Gee! They may give me a long chase.

00:19:18.184 --> 00:19:20.674
He said to himself, crouching low in the darkness.

00:19:21.305 --> 00:19:24.934
If they drive fast, I may have some difficulty in keeping up with them.

00:19:25.325 --> 00:19:25.684
Or.

00:19:25.984 --> 00:19:30.484
He broke off abruptly, crouching, lower and peering intently through the darkness.

00:19:30.984 --> 00:19:35.815
By Jove, the running gear of the wagon is braced from the end of the axle tree to the center pole.

00:19:36.115 --> 00:19:37.154
He added to himself.

00:19:37.654 --> 00:19:41.035
The braces form sort of platform under the floor of the wagon.

00:19:41.755 --> 00:19:45.204
There's room enough for me to lie on them if I can contrive to get there.

00:19:45.535 --> 00:19:48.444
The Springs will not give much under the light load to be carried.

00:19:49.194 --> 00:19:53.394
It'll beat walking by Jove and remove the risk of losing sight of the Rascals.

00:19:54.414 --> 00:19:56.894
I'll do it by gracious unless.

00:19:57.744 --> 00:20:00.325
Patsy did not stop to consider the alternative.

00:20:00.954 --> 00:20:04.805
He saw Margate climbing into the wagon while Ruff gathered up the reigns.

00:20:05.305 --> 00:20:11.335
It was the only opportunity he would have and well, Patsy knew it and he did not hesitate for an instant.

00:20:11.904 --> 00:20:16.015
He darted out in the darkness and crawled quickly between the rear wheels.

00:20:16.644 --> 00:20:20.454
The voices of the four men drowned the faint sounds he could not avoid causing.

00:20:21.265 --> 00:20:24.894
Dropping flat on his back, under the middle of the wagon and parallel with it.

00:20:25.464 --> 00:20:31.704
Patsy reached up and grabbed the central pole with both hands then quickly twined his legs around it.

00:20:32.255 --> 00:20:32.825
Giddy up.

00:20:32.964 --> 00:20:33.625
Growled rough.

00:20:33.984 --> 00:20:35.065
And the wagon started.

00:20:35.494 --> 00:20:46.654
As quick as a flash, knowing that any jar of the wagon would be attributed to running over a rock, patsy swung himself over the pole and wormed himself upon the braces front and rear.

00:20:47.125 --> 00:20:54.055
He then found that he had ample room and that he would probably not be seen by persons passing on their way.

00:20:54.535 --> 00:20:59.724
But the position was a trying one taxing nerves and muscle to maintain it.

00:21:00.234 --> 00:21:01.345
I'll stick by thunder.

00:21:01.345 --> 00:21:02.454
Let come with may.

00:21:02.815 --> 00:21:08.065
He said to himself, gritting his teeth while the wagon jolted out of the driveway and into the rough road.

00:21:08.934 --> 00:21:11.634
I'll not be shaken down while I have fingers to cling with.

00:21:12.115 --> 00:21:17.454
It proved to be as rough a ride nevertheless, as Patsy Garvin had ever experienced.

00:21:18.085 --> 00:21:21.565
He had to give his entire attention to retaining his position.

00:21:22.045 --> 00:21:26.125
He at no time could tell just where he was or whither he was going.

00:21:26.605 --> 00:21:35.904
He knew only that he brought up in a lonely, somewhat wooded section after a last mile, over the roughest kind of a road and the wagon then came to a sudden stop.

00:21:36.424 --> 00:21:41.315
There's no show of stealing out, thought Patsy with every nerve and muscle strained and aching.

00:21:41.654 --> 00:21:44.384
I must take a chance with the Rascals will not see me.

00:21:45.384 --> 00:21:50.355
The four men already were climbing down from the wagon, Ruff and Jim Margate in advance.

00:21:50.775 --> 00:21:55.625
The latter scarce had alighted on the ground when Patsy heard him ask with a fierce growl.

00:21:55.884 --> 00:21:57.625
What that devils that.

00:21:58.075 --> 00:21:58.464
What?

00:21:58.734 --> 00:22:00.055
Snapped Deland, joining him.

00:22:00.545 --> 00:22:02.194
That white thing under the wagon.

00:22:02.855 --> 00:22:05.164
It, it looks like a handkerchief.

00:22:05.670 --> 00:22:14.734
A handkerchief it was, as a matter of fact, jolted from Patsy's pocket, just at that fatal moment when the wagon stopped and fallen to the ground to betray him.

00:22:15.224 --> 00:22:19.362
Ah, gee, it's all off and I'm caught dead sure flashed through his mind.

00:22:19.902 --> 00:22:21.162
I can't even pull a gun.

00:22:21.672 --> 00:22:26.347
Deland had crouched quickly to get the handkerchief and his gaze fell upon Patsy.

00:22:26.748 --> 00:22:29.657
His eyes took on a quick fiery glow.

00:22:30.157 --> 00:22:35.198
With invariable coolness, nevertheless, he whipped out a revolver and said, sharply.

00:22:35.468 --> 00:22:38.827
Not only a handkerchief Jim, but also its owner.

00:22:39.268 --> 00:22:40.137
What do you mean?

00:22:40.357 --> 00:22:41.258
Margate snarled.

00:22:42.228 --> 00:22:44.458
See for yourself, snapped Deland.

00:22:44.958 --> 00:22:49.678
Don't stir till I give you permission, you spying whelp or there'll be holes made in you.

00:22:50.258 --> 00:22:51.488
Oh, I'm not going to stir.

00:22:51.788 --> 00:22:56.048
Patsy said coolly, thoroughly disgusted with the unfortunate turn of affairs.

00:22:56.577 --> 00:22:59.397
I'm not that sure that I can stir as far as that goes.

00:22:59.887 --> 00:23:01.178
You'll be dead if you do.

00:23:01.178 --> 00:23:02.438
Take my word for it.

00:23:02.798 --> 00:23:03.938
Drop down on the ground.

00:23:04.448 --> 00:23:07.897
Patsy obeyed, falling with a thud when he let go of his support.

00:23:08.248 --> 00:23:10.258
He could not have clung on much longer.

00:23:10.748 --> 00:23:13.028
Get him by the legs, Jim, and pull him out.

00:23:13.337 --> 00:23:14.298
Deland commanded.

00:23:14.778 --> 00:23:16.577
Watch that he don't reach for a gun.

00:23:17.067 --> 00:23:19.288
If he does, blast him, I'll break his head.

00:23:19.528 --> 00:23:24.688
Margate snarled while he and Pitman seized Patsy's heels and dragged him from under the wagon.

00:23:25.137 --> 00:23:27.817
Bring a piece of rope said Deland, with revolver ready.

00:23:28.167 --> 00:23:29.397
Stand him on his feet, Jim.

00:23:30.057 --> 00:23:30.807
Do you know him?

00:23:31.317 --> 00:23:34.438
Patsy saw that resistance would be nothing less than madness.

00:23:34.857 --> 00:23:37.407
He suffered the two ruffians to yank him to his feet.

00:23:37.857 --> 00:23:41.428
And when they did so, his disguise was jostled out of place.

00:23:41.917 --> 00:23:44.528
Margate saw it and jerked it from his face.

00:23:45.028 --> 00:23:47.698
Perdition! He recoiled with a gasp.

00:23:48.178 --> 00:23:51.147
Why it's young Garvin one of Nick Carter's push.

00:23:51.678 --> 00:23:56.438
Deland came nearer till the muzzle of his revolver touched Patsy's breast.

00:23:56.887 --> 00:24:00.278
He did not appear to be in the least disturbed by the discovery.

00:24:00.607 --> 00:24:03.307
Not more than when Chick had intruded upon him that morning.

00:24:03.637 --> 00:24:06.938
His nerves were apparently as stiff as steel.

00:24:07.407 --> 00:24:11.258
Oh, is that so he inquired, icily.

00:24:11.877 --> 00:24:12.988
Are you sure of that, Jim?

00:24:13.458 --> 00:24:14.738
I ought to be, hang him.

00:24:15.198 --> 00:24:20.317
Oh, we'll do better than hang him, said Deland with an ominous gleam in his cold eyes.

00:24:20.637 --> 00:24:22.008
Garvan, eh?

00:24:22.028 --> 00:24:22.478
Well.

00:24:22.928 --> 00:24:24.157
What sent you out here?

00:24:24.647 --> 00:24:28.067
I came to see what you Rascals were after, said Patsy curtly.

00:24:28.597 --> 00:24:29.228
Did you?

00:24:29.317 --> 00:24:30.278
Sneered Deland.

00:24:30.538 --> 00:24:31.097
Well.

00:24:31.587 --> 00:24:33.117
You shall not be disappointed.

00:24:33.508 --> 00:24:36.567
You shall see all that we do until we depart.

00:24:37.067 --> 00:24:38.357
Well, that's good enough for me.

00:24:38.867 --> 00:24:42.678
But after then you will see nothing.

00:24:42.827 --> 00:24:44.968
Deland added with a merciless smile.

00:24:45.928 --> 00:24:48.238
Patsy did not deign to reply.

00:24:48.698 --> 00:24:54.744
He glanced sharply around however, and saw that they were close to the rear part of an extensive cemetery.

00:24:55.144 --> 00:24:59.724
A fence of wooden pilings divided it from the rough lonely back road.

00:25:00.355 --> 00:25:08.204
The white stones and monuments, also several large tombs built into the side of a hill could be seen through the semi-darkness.

00:25:08.694 --> 00:25:11.005
Get his weapons and bind his arms securely.

00:25:11.105 --> 00:25:12.525
Deland commanded coldly.

00:25:12.835 --> 00:25:15.954
If he has any handcuffs, Fasten them on him also.

00:25:16.345 --> 00:25:18.684
He shall watch us to his heart's content.

00:25:19.194 --> 00:25:20.184
Until we leave him.

00:25:20.684 --> 00:25:21.615
Leave him where?

00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.565
Growled Margate.

00:25:23.105 --> 00:25:24.575
Oh, you wait and see.

00:25:25.105 --> 00:25:33.295
Patsy was still a bit puzzled, but he submitted in grim silence to the work of the three ruffians who disarmed and then securely bound him.

00:25:33.805 --> 00:25:36.075
Now Margate, a gag said Deland.

00:25:36.484 --> 00:25:40.234
Make sure that you fix it so securely that he cannot remove it.

00:25:40.775 --> 00:25:43.325
He shall occupy cold quarters tonight.

00:25:43.924 --> 00:25:45.244
And here after.

00:25:45.815 --> 00:25:52.744
Patsy saw plainly that he was in the hands of a man who had in him, all the makings of a devil.

00:25:53.154 --> 00:25:57.265
Margate took a gag from his pocket and fastened it in Patsy's mouth.

00:25:57.755 --> 00:25:59.674
Now gentlemen, we are ready.

00:25:59.785 --> 00:26:00.555
Said Deland.

00:26:00.984 --> 00:26:01.825
Bring him with us.

00:26:02.394 --> 00:26:03.984
Let him see what he may.

00:26:04.615 --> 00:26:06.565
It's a pleasure to gratify him.

00:26:07.045 --> 00:26:11.451
Murderers are well fed and wined, even if wanted before their execution.

00:26:11.811 --> 00:26:12.801
Bring him along.

00:26:13.291 --> 00:26:18.451
He turned with the last and tore out several palings already loosened from the high fence.

00:26:18.771 --> 00:26:27.311
Forced on by the other three ruffians, Patsy was conducted to the door of one of the tombs, some 20 yards from where the wagon had been left.

00:26:27.801 --> 00:26:36.442
Deland took a key from his pocket and unlocked the iron door, which Pittman and Ruff quickly removed and stood against near a bank.

00:26:36.961 --> 00:26:38.541
Look said Deland.

00:26:38.912 --> 00:26:40.382
Here is what we came after.

00:26:40.882 --> 00:26:43.821
He shot the beam of an electric lamp into the tomb.

00:26:44.132 --> 00:26:51.751
Patsy looked and saw the long wooden case and the florist boxes seen in the Undertaker's wagon that morning.

00:26:52.051 --> 00:26:58.622
He could not speak, but he glared at the smiling miscreant nearby and Deland laughed audibly.

00:26:59.961 --> 00:27:02.132
A safe concealment, Garvin.

00:27:02.231 --> 00:27:08.412
He remarked, even your famous Nick Carter will never think of this, nor will you ever inform him.

00:27:08.711 --> 00:27:13.932
For after removing the plunder for which we had labored, I shall leave you.

00:27:14.231 --> 00:27:14.832
Here.

00:27:15.321 --> 00:27:21.172
Patsy felt a chill run down his spine and a cold perspiration broke out all over him.

00:27:21.682 --> 00:27:26.521
You will not be found Deland added with merciless deliberation.

00:27:26.832 --> 00:27:30.311
There may be no occasion to reopen this tomb for years.

00:27:30.701 --> 00:27:38.922
Nor can you escape or make yourself heard, for we shall bind your feet and leave you in a box now containing part of our booty.

00:27:39.852 --> 00:27:40.872
Move lively mates.

00:27:41.142 --> 00:27:43.511
The sooner we are away now, the better.

00:27:44.001 --> 00:27:45.622
Gee, there's a fine outlook.

00:27:45.731 --> 00:27:47.352
Thought Patsy steadying his nerve.

00:27:47.652 --> 00:27:52.001
This miscreant means what he said, nor will either of these Rascals oppose him.

00:27:52.321 --> 00:27:53.192
Great guns.

00:27:53.372 --> 00:27:54.692
It looks tough for fair.

00:27:55.201 --> 00:28:04.142
The three ruffians with Deland watching already were transferring the pasteboard boxes to the wagon, a task that occupied them only a few minutes.

00:28:04.511 --> 00:28:09.582
The cover then was removed from the Undertaker's box, which stood on the floor of the tomb.

00:28:09.981 --> 00:28:12.531
Patsy could only stand and gaze.

00:28:13.041 --> 00:28:18.531
When he returned with his companions for the last time, Margate brought a screwdriver from the wagon.

00:28:18.932 --> 00:28:20.291
Off with the cover, Jim.

00:28:20.392 --> 00:28:21.622
Said Deland coldly.

00:28:21.981 --> 00:28:27.291
Save the screws so that we may fasten it on again with this meddlesome fellow underneath.

00:28:27.692 --> 00:28:32.011
I will teach him to interfere with my business, already sufficiently hazardous.

00:28:32.402 --> 00:28:35.132
Make haste! Put the stuff out here on the ground.

00:28:35.461 --> 00:28:40.172
We four then can take it to the wagon after locking the tomb door.

00:28:40.701 --> 00:28:42.922
The knaves were at work while he was speaking.

00:28:43.241 --> 00:28:52.031
Patsy saw small, but costly old paintings, boxes of gems and Jade, the priceless Stradivarius violin, then in its case.

00:28:52.301 --> 00:28:54.251
These and many other treasures.

00:28:54.521 --> 00:28:57.521
Patsy saw brought out and laid upon the ground.

00:28:58.031 --> 00:29:01.451
There was no delay over what followed no argument about it.

00:29:01.662 --> 00:29:05.261
No sign of mercy in the eyes of either of his captors.

00:29:05.741 --> 00:29:09.942
Patsy was rudely thrown to the ground, and his legs securely bound.

00:29:10.342 --> 00:29:14.811
Half a minute later, he was lying in the box from which the treasures had been taken.

00:29:15.592 --> 00:29:17.031
He heard the cover replaced.

00:29:17.332 --> 00:29:19.541
The massive key turned in the grating lock.

00:29:20.392 --> 00:29:25.761
Three minutes later, the wagon moved away with the four knaves and its load of treasures.

00:29:26.451 --> 00:29:28.432
Only Patsy Garvin remained.

00:29:28.882 --> 00:29:30.192
Entombed alive.

00:29:30.801 --> 00:29:32.842
Alone with the dead.

00:29:34.342 --> 00:29:36.652
Chapter nine in the Nick of time.

00:29:38.142 --> 00:29:45.011
It fell to the lot of Nick Carter as frequently occurred, to be a sort of connecting link between his two assistants.

00:29:45.311 --> 00:29:53.291
So uniting the result of their work as to form the complete and unbreakable chain that helplessly shackled the Outlaws they were seeking.

00:29:53.771 --> 00:30:04.692
It was after six o'clock when Nick returning to his Madison avenue residence learned that neither of them had arrived nor any definite message had been received concerning their movements.

00:30:05.172 --> 00:30:11.321
Both men have picked up a trail worth following and are so engaged, or they would have sent in a report of some kind.

00:30:11.432 --> 00:30:14.071
Nick reasoned taking the swivel chair of his desk.

00:30:14.412 --> 00:30:24.092
They must have accomplished more than I, in that case, since I was banking quite heavily on what I could learn from Archer, the real estate agent, concerning his relations with Deland.

00:30:24.392 --> 00:30:28.771
It was bad luck indeed that he was out of town on this particular day.

00:30:29.192 --> 00:30:30.422
I'll try his residence.

00:30:30.731 --> 00:30:32.261
He may have returned by this time.

00:30:32.761 --> 00:30:36.781
Nick had been trying in vain in fact, to get in communication with Mr.

00:30:36.781 --> 00:30:41.612
John Archer, who had had charge of the Barker residence during its owner's absence.

00:30:42.152 --> 00:30:46.531
He now found with much satisfaction that he had met with success.

00:30:46.832 --> 00:30:50.521
The servant who answered his telephone call, informed him that Mr.

00:30:50.521 --> 00:30:53.761
Archer had arrived home and would talk with him in a moment.

00:30:54.041 --> 00:30:57.971
Scarce more than that had elapsed when Nick heard the agent's voice over the wire.

00:30:58.372 --> 00:31:03.412
He at once informed him of what had occurred in the Barker residence, and he then began to question him.

00:31:03.872 --> 00:31:08.852
He soon found however that Archer could add, but little to what already had been learned.

00:31:09.271 --> 00:31:25.261
That he had permitted Deland to occupy the house because of a letter containing those instructions from its owner brought to him by Deland and that he had not communicated with Colonel Barker in regard to it believing the letter to be genuine and Deland entirely trustworthy.

00:31:25.811 --> 00:31:29.201
Did you recognize Colonel Barker's writing or was the letter typewritten?

00:31:29.311 --> 00:31:30.061
Nick inquired.

00:31:30.561 --> 00:31:35.122
It is typewritten on paper, bearing a cut of the Berlin hotel in which Colonel Barker is living.

00:31:35.422 --> 00:31:36.201
Was the reply.

00:31:36.692 --> 00:31:38.071
Did you recognize the signature?

00:31:38.561 --> 00:31:39.281
Perfectly Mr.

00:31:39.281 --> 00:31:39.582
Carter.

00:31:40.061 --> 00:31:41.531
It is a forgery, nonetheless.

00:31:42.001 --> 00:31:43.471
That seems almost incredible.

00:31:43.602 --> 00:31:44.531
Archer protested.

00:31:44.771 --> 00:31:47.142
I am very familiar with Colonel Barker's signature.

00:31:47.471 --> 00:31:51.491
I have had charge of both this places at times during many years.

00:31:51.961 --> 00:31:53.071
Has he two places.

00:31:53.481 --> 00:31:54.021
Yes.

00:31:54.451 --> 00:31:55.082
Where is the other?

00:31:55.471 --> 00:31:58.682
It's the old homestead out Fordham way said Archer.

00:31:59.132 --> 00:32:03.288
Colonel Barker grew up there and still spends part of each summer on the old place.

00:32:03.588 --> 00:32:06.108
It is outside of the town and somewhat isolated.

00:32:06.429 --> 00:32:09.878
Nearly all of his family are entombed in the old cemetery in that section.

00:32:10.419 --> 00:32:13.028
Has Deland or Vaughn ever been out there?

00:32:13.179 --> 00:32:13.898
Nick inquired.

00:32:14.388 --> 00:32:16.788
I think not though we have talked of the place.

00:32:17.118 --> 00:32:17.868
There's nothing more.

00:32:17.868 --> 00:32:18.558
I can tell you.

00:32:19.038 --> 00:32:21.409
I wish to see that forged letter, said Nick.

00:32:21.769 --> 00:32:23.929
I will call at your Broadway office tomorrow morning.

00:32:24.328 --> 00:32:24.959
Very well.

00:32:25.368 --> 00:32:27.558
I then will go with you to the Barker residents.

00:32:28.068 --> 00:32:30.588
Nick's face wore a frown when he hung up the receiver.

00:32:31.038 --> 00:32:35.568
He was thinking none of what he had just heard, but of the stolen Strickland treasures.

00:32:36.088 --> 00:32:38.999
The Rascals may have taken them to that old homestead.

00:32:39.358 --> 00:32:41.699
He muttered gazing intently at his desk.

00:32:42.388 --> 00:32:47.328
Still, there would have been that same danger that the Undertaker's wagon would be seen.

00:32:47.868 --> 00:32:52.548
The only really consistent place to which they could have driven it, is a graveyard.

00:32:52.868 --> 00:32:57.459
But that on the other hand in view its contents seems utterly absurd and.

00:32:58.538 --> 00:33:01.749
Nick stopped short, his eyes suddenly lighted.

00:33:02.229 --> 00:33:05.348
He was hit with an idea that had not occurred to him before.

00:33:05.798 --> 00:33:07.009
Entombed out there.

00:33:07.398 --> 00:33:07.999
He muttered.

00:33:08.568 --> 00:33:15.679
A tomb by Jove, that may call the turn! Nick seized the telephone again and got the Fordham telephone exchange.

00:33:16.189 --> 00:33:20.148
He learned after a few inquiries just where the old Barker place was located.

00:33:20.429 --> 00:33:24.778
And that the Sexton of the cemetery mentioned was one Jason Dexter.

00:33:25.278 --> 00:33:28.009
He has a telephone in his house said the operator.

00:33:28.308 --> 00:33:29.328
I will connect you with him.

00:33:29.818 --> 00:33:30.778
Do so please.

00:33:30.909 --> 00:33:31.568
Nick directed.

00:33:32.138 --> 00:33:34.719
And then waited until he heard the Sexton's voice.

00:33:35.269 --> 00:33:35.808
Hello.

00:33:36.128 --> 00:33:36.818
is that you, Mr.

00:33:36.818 --> 00:33:37.179
Dexter?

00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:38.058
Yes.

00:33:38.378 --> 00:33:39.068
This is Mr.

00:33:39.068 --> 00:33:40.459
Vaughn talking, Gerald Vaughn.

00:33:40.558 --> 00:33:43.989
said Nick proceeding in a round about way to get the information he wanted.

00:33:44.358 --> 00:33:45.199
Oh, yes.

00:33:45.199 --> 00:33:46.098
I remember you.

00:33:46.209 --> 00:33:46.989
Dexter returned.

00:33:47.278 --> 00:33:48.239
What can I do for you?

00:33:48.689 --> 00:33:49.348
Nothing, whatever.

00:33:49.709 --> 00:33:53.338
I merely want to thank you again for having opened the Barker tomb for me this morning.

00:33:53.608 --> 00:33:55.068
And for your kind attentions.

00:33:55.368 --> 00:33:57.229
Well, it is quite needless.

00:33:57.229 --> 00:33:57.528
Mr.

00:33:57.528 --> 00:33:58.489
Vaughn I assure you.

00:33:58.699 --> 00:34:00.528
My duties require no less of me.

00:34:00.919 --> 00:34:04.368
I wanted to thank you again, nevertheless, and I feel very grateful.

00:34:04.729 --> 00:34:07.348
Good night, sir! Nick did not wait for an answer.

00:34:07.828 --> 00:34:17.829
He hung up the receiver and shouted to Joseph, the Butler, and then hastened to don a woolen, cap and thick reefer into the pockets of which he thrust three revolvers.

00:34:18.349 --> 00:34:23.699
Have Danny here with the touring car as soon as possible, he commanded when Joseph appeared at the office door.

00:34:24.219 --> 00:34:29.228
The touring car with Danny Maloney at the wheel was at the curbing outside five minutes later.

00:34:29.719 --> 00:34:40.128
30 minutes later, it stood in front of the small wooden dwelling in which Jason Dexter resided, a few hundred yards from the old rural cemetery of which he had charge.

00:34:40.438 --> 00:34:42.179
One of the front rooms was lighted.

00:34:42.418 --> 00:34:45.018
Denoting that the Sexton still was at home.

00:34:45.518 --> 00:34:46.719
Put out the headlights Danny.

00:34:46.838 --> 00:34:48.728
Nick directed while he sprang from the car.

00:34:49.159 --> 00:34:51.739
There is no danger of a collision in this lonely section.

00:34:52.219 --> 00:34:57.918
The Rascals might see our lights in front of this house however, if they were to arrive to transfer their hid booty.

00:34:58.248 --> 00:35:02.659
We'll take a back road, which I happen to know flanks the farther side of the cemetery.

00:35:03.159 --> 00:35:07.898
Out they go, chief returned Danny, the glare of the lamps on the lonely road suddenly vanishing.

00:35:08.409 --> 00:35:11.378
Nick entered the front yard of the house and rang the bell.

00:35:12.128 --> 00:35:17.798
It was answered by the Sexton himself, a somewhat bowed gray man, well into the sixties.

00:35:18.268 --> 00:35:26.958
It goes without saying of course, that he was more than surprised when Nick entered and introduced himself telling him what had occurred and what he suspected.

00:35:27.369 --> 00:35:34.509
It then appeared that Deland had called on the Sexton two days before stating that he was a relative of Colonel Barker.

00:35:34.708 --> 00:35:37.349
And then was occupying his fifth avenue residence.

00:35:37.659 --> 00:35:49.958
He further stated that his aunt had died suddenly that morning and that he wanted to place her remains in the Barker tomb for a few days, until arrangements could be made to take her body to Virginia, her native state, for burial.

00:35:50.469 --> 00:35:52.958
You suspected nothing wrong, I infer, said Nick.

00:35:53.378 --> 00:35:54.838
Certainly not, Mr Carter.

00:35:55.148 --> 00:35:55.478
Mr.

00:35:55.478 --> 00:35:57.099
Vaughn appeared to be a perfect gentlemen.

00:35:57.219 --> 00:36:00.068
Dexter assured him with rather rustic simplicity.

00:36:00.938 --> 00:36:04.478
I consented, of course, supposing he had a family right to the tomb.

00:36:04.958 --> 00:36:10.059
I told him Colonel Barker had a duplicate key, but he said he did not know where to find it.

00:36:10.338 --> 00:36:11.898
Colonel Barker is abroad, you know?

00:36:12.389 --> 00:36:12.748
Yes.

00:36:12.748 --> 00:36:13.588
I do know that.

00:36:14.099 --> 00:36:15.088
I then told Mr.

00:36:15.088 --> 00:36:19.079
Vaughn that I would open the tomb for him with my key when he came with the body.

00:36:19.369 --> 00:36:21.018
He said that was just what he wanted.

00:36:21.289 --> 00:36:23.179
And I did so quite early this morning.

00:36:23.898 --> 00:36:33.619
I do remember now that he would not permit me to aid the undertaker and his assistant in handling the casket and the boxes of flowers, all of which were put into the tomb.

00:36:34.128 --> 00:36:35.748
You now know why of course.

00:36:36.139 --> 00:36:37.489
Nick said a bit dryly.

00:36:38.148 --> 00:36:41.539
You would have detected that the boxes did not contain flowers.

00:36:42.559 --> 00:36:43.878
May I see the key to the tomb.

00:36:45.048 --> 00:36:48.829
The Sexton hastened to get it and Nick examined it with his lens.

00:36:49.168 --> 00:36:50.909
Ah, just as I suspected.

00:36:51.079 --> 00:36:52.818
He exclaimed almost immediately.

00:36:53.119 --> 00:36:55.898
An impression was taken of this key while you were at the tomb.

00:36:56.438 --> 00:36:59.798
It was taken in putty or some ingredient containing oil.

00:37:00.099 --> 00:37:02.199
There are traces of it on one side of the key.

00:37:02.679 --> 00:37:04.929
Well, well, this is most amazing.

00:37:05.429 --> 00:37:06.329
Get your hat, Mr.

00:37:06.329 --> 00:37:08.878
Dexter, and show me where this tomb is located.

00:37:09.009 --> 00:37:09.969
Nick said abruptly.

00:37:10.248 --> 00:37:11.838
I have an assistant outside.

00:37:12.159 --> 00:37:15.338
The crooks, undoubtedly will come tonight to remove their plunder.

00:37:15.818 --> 00:37:20.199
We could catch them in the act and well, That will be the finish.

00:37:20.719 --> 00:37:28.128
It did not take them long all three to arrive at the door of the Barker tomb nor long for the Sexton to unlock and remove the iron door.

00:37:28.393 --> 00:37:31.903
Nick shot the beam of his search lamp into its gruesome depths.

00:37:32.403 --> 00:37:34.833
Great Scott cried Danny impulsively.

00:37:35.164 --> 00:37:36.543
The treasures are gone, chief.

00:37:37.034 --> 00:37:38.054
Not all of them.

00:37:38.173 --> 00:37:40.184
Said Nick mystified for a moment.

00:37:40.523 --> 00:37:43.114
Here is a box, which must've contained some of them.

00:37:43.813 --> 00:37:45.213
unless empty it.

00:37:45.494 --> 00:37:49.164
Danny uttered a shriek and Nick recoiled involuntarily.

00:37:49.764 --> 00:37:53.833
A groan from within the box had fallen with startling effect on the ears of all.

00:37:54.173 --> 00:37:56.574
Then came a fierce kicking against the top of it.

00:37:56.963 --> 00:38:00.034
By gracious, cried Nick, quick to guess the truth.

00:38:00.634 --> 00:38:02.103
The Rascals have been and gone.

00:38:02.403 --> 00:38:04.684
But they have entombed either chick or Patsy.

00:38:05.184 --> 00:38:08.514
He sprang into the tomb shouting quickly and thumping on the long box.

00:38:08.844 --> 00:38:09.503
Keep cool.

00:38:09.623 --> 00:38:11.244
We will have you out in half a minute.

00:38:11.724 --> 00:38:21.833
It was done in less time in fact, for Nick found that he could thrust his fingers under one corner of the cover and with the strength of a giant, he tore it off in an instant.

00:38:22.184 --> 00:38:30.474
Patsy Garvin sat up in the box in the glare of Nick's searchlight with his face, wearing a look of relief that words could not possibly describe.

00:38:30.869 --> 00:38:32.579
By heaven, Nick muttered.

00:38:33.239 --> 00:38:35.639
Those curs shall pay dearly for this.

00:38:36.148 --> 00:38:39.119
Gee, that was some glad sound chief when I heard your voice.

00:38:39.208 --> 00:38:42.418
Said Patsy after he had been liberated and the tomb re locked.

00:38:43.108 --> 00:38:45.748
The Rascals got me, but now we'll get them.

00:38:46.179 --> 00:38:47.719
Tell me what occured said Nick.

00:38:48.228 --> 00:38:51.259
Patsy informed him with half a dozen breaths adding quickly.

00:38:51.518 --> 00:38:53.438
They've been gone for less than 10 minutes.

00:38:53.798 --> 00:38:55.418
They're returning to Margate's place.

00:38:55.688 --> 00:38:59.559
We can reach there by the other road and without being seen long before they arrive.

00:39:00.039 --> 00:39:01.219
Come on then said, Nick.

00:39:01.489 --> 00:39:02.568
That's the proper move.

00:39:03.119 --> 00:39:05.909
Their run to the Margate place was made in 12 minutes.

00:39:06.208 --> 00:39:10.018
The car with lights extinguished was concealed in a near vacant lot.

00:39:10.509 --> 00:39:22.148
Returning to the front of the old house to watch for the wagon the three detectives scarce had concealed themselves under a low wall when a taxi cab put in an appearance and stopped in front of the house.

00:39:22.639 --> 00:39:23.898
Some of the gang Patsy.

00:39:23.989 --> 00:39:24.679
Nick murmured.

00:39:25.248 --> 00:39:25.909
Follow me.

00:39:26.088 --> 00:39:27.498
We'll take them in at once.

00:39:27.989 --> 00:39:33.688
He Strode out just as the chauffeur sprang down from his seat to aid two women to alight.

00:39:34.199 --> 00:39:35.429
Stop a moment chauffeur.

00:39:35.539 --> 00:39:37.278
said Nick reaching for his revolver.

00:39:37.619 --> 00:39:39.869
Who are your passengers and where did you.

00:39:40.248 --> 00:39:42.079
The chauffer burst out laughing.

00:39:42.539 --> 00:39:45.719
Thundering guns! He cried removing his disguise.

00:39:46.139 --> 00:39:46.969
Is it you, Nick?

00:39:47.259 --> 00:39:51.789
The chauffeur was Chick Carter in the coat hat and goggles of Mr.

00:39:51.789 --> 00:39:59.728
Mullen with whom chick had easily planned the subterfuge before the coming down of the two much wanted women in suite 710.

00:40:00.248 --> 00:40:09.278
Five minutes later, nell Margate and Fanny Coyle were in irons and locked in a closet in the house pending the arrival of the male members of the gang.

00:40:09.878 --> 00:40:21.978
When that occurred some 20 minutes later and the four crooks alighted from the wagon containing the stolen treasures, four detectives stepped into the driveway and confronted each with a revolver ready, if needed.

00:40:22.478 --> 00:40:27.009
It was not needed however, for the arrest was quickly and easily made.

00:40:27.498 --> 00:40:31.369
10 o'clock that evening saw every culprit locked in the tombs.

00:40:31.579 --> 00:40:34.579
The first step toward the punishment, awaiting them.

00:40:35.048 --> 00:40:42.978
It appeared later that Nell Margate had discovered the feasibility of the robbery, that she had communicated with Fanny Coyle then in London.

00:40:43.369 --> 00:40:55.679
And that the latter then had rung Deland into the job, the latter going to Berlin and cultivating the acquaintance of Colonel Barker, and successfully laying his plans as have appeared.

00:40:56.128 --> 00:41:02.548
They were as successfully perverted by Nick Carter and his assistants and the gratitude and joy of Mr.

00:41:02.548 --> 00:41:12.389
Rudolph Strickland when he saw his cherished treasures being returned to his house, as Nick had promised may be far more easily imagined than described.

00:41:13.139 --> 00:41:17.699
It was a fixed habit of Nick Carter however, that of keeping a promise.

00:41:18.119 --> 00:41:18.898
The end.

00:41:19.898 --> 00:41:25.088
Well, friends that concludes this Nick Carter mystery, but have faith dear listeners.

00:41:25.449 --> 00:41:34.208
This story is just part one of a three-part mystery story arc, which involves Nick Carter going up against the wily Mortimer Deland.

00:41:34.389 --> 00:41:41.318
So make sure you set your podcast player on alert for the next several episodes of forward into the past.

00:41:41.588 --> 00:41:43.208
It's sure to be a great story.

00:41:44.018 --> 00:41:50.469
I'd like to take this time to let you know that forward into the past has our own merchandise store on Etsy now.

00:41:51.128 --> 00:41:59.889
Unfortunately for our international listeners delivery is only currently available in the U S but hopefully we'll be shipping internationally soon.

00:41:59.889 --> 00:42:02.528
So please keep an eye out for that coming up.

00:42:03.039 --> 00:42:05.858
In the meanwhile, I have a special offer for you.

00:42:06.429 --> 00:42:11.889
If you sign up and become a monthly supporter of the show on my, buy me a coffee page.

00:42:12.219 --> 00:42:14.798
You will receive free shipping.

00:42:14.949 --> 00:42:22.119
Good until the end of the year on any items that you purchase in the merchandise shop, even for Christmas.

00:42:22.239 --> 00:42:24.309
So please keep this in mind.

00:42:24.768 --> 00:42:30.889
Now you do have until the end of July, 2023 to pledge support, though, this is a limited time offer.

00:42:31.398 --> 00:42:31.938
Oh, okay.

00:42:31.969 --> 00:42:32.509
My friends.

00:42:32.719 --> 00:42:33.739
It's time to go.

00:42:34.278 --> 00:42:35.059
As always.

00:42:35.329 --> 00:42:36.349
Thanks for listening.

00:42:36.528 --> 00:42:40.699
Keep sharing the stories and be a good human.

00:42:41.628 --> 00:42:42.798
Bye for now.