Toying With Fate; Or Nick Carter's Narrow Shave, Pt 5

In this episode, Detective Carter receives a tip from Dora Ferris that points to Simeon Rich and Dick Darwin as suspects in a crime that took place on New Year's Eve. Dora offers to take Carter to her flat to inspect Darwin's clothing for clues, and they discover that Darwin has already left, taking all his belongings. However, Carter finds some papers on the floor that suggest Rich and Darwin may be implicated in the murder of Lawrence at the Red Dragon Inn. Specifically, a note written the day before New Year's indicates that Rich was at the Grand Central that afternoon, followed Lawrence downtown, and placed a party on his trail. 

Carter sees this note as an important piece of evidence, as it shows that Darwin and Rich had dined together at the Knickerbocker Cottage. He also believes that Darwin's hasty removal of his things from the flat could be an indication of guilt. Carter then asks Dora if she knows where Rich and his sister reside, which she does. He follows Darwin to a tenement on the east side of town and discovers that he had been looking for Lena Peters, a singer who had been wrongfully accused of a robbery and murder. 

Carter eventually tracks down Lena and clears her name. She reveals that her brother, Edward, had discovered the truth about the plot to falsely accuse Alfred Lawrence, and that he and his friend George Blanchard were both murdered under suspicious circumstances. Lena tells Carter that she had discovered a memorandum that Edward had written about Blanchard's confession and that it was her brother who left the signed documents in a package at the Red Dragon Inn. 

To keep Lena safe, Carter instructs her to stay at his mansion and conducts interviews with the waiter at the Knickerbocker Cottage, the messenger boy who delivered a message to two men matching the descriptions of Simeon Rich and Dick Darwin, and the bartender at McKeever's Saloon where Rich and Darwin met up with Brockey Gann, the man hired to murder Nick Carter! This episode is full of twists and turns as new clues are uncovered, and the investigation into Lawrence's murder takes on a new urgency.

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

Transcript

0:40

Hi friends and welcome to another episode of forward into the past. I'm JC Rede, your host and narrator. And today we're continuing on with the exciting detective story from yesteryear. Toying With Fate or Nick Carter's narrow shave, published in 1903 by street and Smith publishing house. The golden age of dime novels was a time when reading was the ultimate form of entertainment. It was an era when people could escape from their daily struggles, through the pages of thrilling novels and immerse themselves in colorful stories of adventure, romance, and mystery. One of the biggest publishers of dime novels during this time was street and Smith a company that helped shape the literary landscape of America. Street Smith was founded in 1855 by Francis Smith and Francis street. At first, the company focused on publishing religious books, but as the demand for cheap mass produced literature began to grow. They shifted their focus to dime novels. From the late 18 hundreds to the early 19 hundreds Street and Smith was one of the biggest publishers of these cheaply produced novels. And they were responsible for launching the careers of some of the most famous authors of their time. Dime novels were small, lightweight, and incredibly cheap. They were designed to be affordable for the working class. And many of them were written by anonymous authors who were paid next to nothing for their work. Despite this,dime novels were incredibly popular and they helped to create a new literary genre that was accessible to everybody. Street and Smith specialized in publishing dime novels that were targeted at young men. They focused on producing stories that were fast paced. Action packed and filled with adventure. Some of the most popular titles included the Nick Carter mysteries, the Frank Merriwell stories, which were part sports and part detective story, and the covered wagon, which was a Western serial. These novels featured larger than life heroes who battled against villains and faced incredible challenges all while falling in love. And winning the hearts of readers everywhere. The success of street and Smith's dime novels help to create a new type of reader. These novels were designed to be consumed quickly and they were often read on the go. Many people would pick up a dime novel while riding the train to work or while waiting in line at the grocery store. This made reading more accessible to people who may not have had the time or resources to devote to more serious literature. The golden age of dime novels was not without its critics. Many people felt that these novels were low brow and lacked literary merit. However others recognized the importance of these novels in shaping the literary landscape of America. Dime novels help to create a new type of reader and they paved the way for the pulp fiction and comic book industries that would follow. And speaking of dime novels. Let's get back to the 1903 Nick Carter story toying with pate or Nick Carter's narrow shave. Chapter nine. More evidence. Dora Ferris was the first to speak and break the silence. Mr. Carter. She said. I can see that rich and Darwin are implicated in some affair, which you are investigating. It may be a crime. It was committed on new year's Eve or you would not be so particular about that date. I feel sure of that. You are a shrewd woman, the detective remarked with a smile. I am not very shrewd, but I can read character and I am able to form conclusions by putting two and two together. You asked about Dick Darwin's clothing. If you desire to examine it, I will take you to my flat and you can inspect it. Darwin may be there now. No, he is not. He can't get in. I have the key. I will go with you to your flat. Tell me first, what case you are working on? That must remain a secret for the present. I know. You know? Yes. What case am I working on? The mystery of the red dragon inn. Dora laughed heartily Carter uttered an exclamation of annoyance. When you mentioned the name of Lawrence. I remember that a man by that name had been murdered on new year's Eve at the red dragon Inn. And I also remembered that it was stated that you were working on the case. You see. I know. Hm. Now that I come to think of it. I remember reading that, that man had just been released from state's prison. It was also stated that he was the forger of the Lawrence will. If that be so, then he was a cousin of Simeon and Sally rich. Mr. Carter. What is the matter? Uh, a thought just occurred to me and it startled me. What was it? Do you believe that Simeon Rich and Richard Darwin had a hand in that murder? That I can't tell. Perhaps rich was afraid of Lawrence. We will not talk any more about this matter. We will start for your flat. Oh, but I will help you. Hm. Yes, I believe you. They arose from the table. Carter put on his facial disguise and then they left the restaurant. Dora's flat was situated on 39th street next to a theater. It was elaborately furnished in a style that evinced more money than good taste, and Nick almost shuddered at the array of showy furniture, useless bric-a-brac, draperies, and ornaments, which crowded the little parlor into which she ushered him. Mr. Carter, I suppose you do not want to lose any time. She said. So, if you will follow me, I will conduct you to Darwin's room. Carter followed Dora along a private hall. At last, she opened a door and led him into one of the bedrooms, remarking. This is the room. After she had turned on the electric light, she looked around and then she uttered an exclamation of surprise. The room was in confusion. Carter looked at Dora. He has been here and carted off all his things. Dora ejaculated. As soon as she recovered the use of her voice. I thought you said he had no key, Carter remarked. No, he has none. He must have come here before the servant left. Hm. What time does she leave? Uh, seven o'clock. And where does she live? On 27th street. While Carter was asking these questions. His eyes were wandering around the room. On the floor in a corner, he spied several pieces of paper. He picked them up and smooth them out. Two were blanks. And the third had writing on it. The detective read it. His countenance brightened. Dora noticed the change. What is it? She asked. Uh, note. replied the detective. From whom. Rich. To Darwin. Yes. When was it written? On the afternoon of the day before new years. Is it important? Um, it may be. Will you read it? Nick examined her face intently. Do you still doubt me? No replied Carter after a pause. Nick was satisfied. You can rely on me to help you, Mr. Carter. Yes. I know it now. Will you read that note? Yes. Please do so. December 31st. Dear Dick. I was at the grand central this afternoon when he arrived. Followed him downtown in a cab. He went to the safe deposit company's office. I have placed a party on his trail. Meet me at seven o'clock tonight at the Knickerbocker cottage, we will dine together. Yours in haste. Simeon. Then Darwin was with rich that night. No doubt about that. Carter folded up the paper and placed it carefully away in his pocket book. He looked upon this note as an important piece of evidence. The, he mentioned in it, he felt confident, referred to the man who had been murdered at the red dragon in. According to this note, Rich and Darwin had dined together at the Knickerbocker cottage. It would be an easy matter to find out what time they had left that place. another thing was clear and that was that Darwin had taken fright about something, or he would have never removed his things from the flat in such haste. Was this move an indication of guilt? Carter turned to Dora and asked. Do you know where rich and his sister reside? Hmm. No, I do not. Did you ever hear Darwin speak of a woman named Isabella Porter? I know that woman. Where does she live? That I do not know. Did you know that Darwin and rich were acquainted with her? Rich has known her ever since she was a small girl. And what about Darwin? No, he's only being acquainted with her for a short time. And when did you first meet her? Uh, she was in Rich's company one night and he introduced her to me. And what do you know about her? She is the daughter of a rich merchant. I believe her mother and father are dead. But she has an income. Is that all, you know, Hmm. It is. It was too late to continue the inquiries further that night he concluded and he determined to go home as long as he was uptown. Carter was in a very thoughtful mood. Many curious events had happened during the past 24 hours. He was walking along leisurely with his head bowed, thinking of plans for that day and where he would go to make inquiries when his attention was attracted to two men who were walking ahead of him. Instantly, he raised his head and slackened his pace. One of the men he recognized as Darwin. The man's companion. He had never seen before. He could not get near enough to the men to hear their conversation. At the corner of 52nd street, the men separated and Darwin started in an easterly direction. Carter decided to follow him. And he gave up the idea of going home. Darwin reached the east side of town and turned into second avenue. What business has he overhear? The detective asked himself as he kept on the trail of his quarry. Between 41st and 40th streets, Darwin halted under a streetlamp. From his pocket, he took a slip of paper consulted it and then went along, examining the numbers of the houses. Carter stopped in the doorway of the corner store and watched him. At the same time he changed his disguise. He now looked as tough as any of the night prowlers in the questionable neighborhood. Darwin entered a tall tenement. Carter hurried out of his place of concealment. He also went into the house and stood in the lower hall. On each floor lights were burning. As he looked up, he saw Darwin distinctly on the next floor and he heard him knock on the door of the back room. Darwin knocked a number of times and no one opened the door. When he started to descend the stairs, Carter walked out and took up a position in a doorway of a house near the corner. Darwin came out of the tenement, walk to the corner and halted. Back and forth. He moved and kept looking at the house. The detective saw that he was uneasy. He wondered whom Darwin had come to see. Darwin after a time, came back to the tenement and entered again. Carter did not move from his hiding place. His quarry only remained inside a minute or so, and then came out, going back to the corner and halting. Carter came out of the doorway. He strolled up to the corner and stopped within a few feet of Darwin who saw and eyed him. Two or three times the man made a movement as if he were going to address Carter. But he hesitated. The detective made no attempt to speak. He looked up and down the street and appeared unconcerned. Carter wanted to see if Darwin would speak to him. He judged that if he waited long enough, the man would do so. Darwin crossed the street, halted a moment and then came back. He glanced sharply suspiciously at Carter. Excuse me. He said, as he came to a standstill. Do you live around here? Are you addressing me? The detective asked in a disguise tone of voice. I am. Oh, well, yes, I live in that house down there. Said Nick pointing to the tall tenement, which Darwin had twice entered. You do. What floor do you live on? The top, why? I want some information about one of the tenants. Eh. Carter bent forward and looked at Darwin. his acting was magnificent. Say. Are you a fly cop? He asked with suspicion. No Darwin replied quickly. I'm not a detective. You haven't got the cut of one. No. All right. What do you want to know? Are you acquainted with a woman named Lena Peters? You mean the woman who lives in the back room on the second floor. Yes. Yes. I know her by site. Well, have you seen her tonight? Now. I've been to her room now and knocked, but no one seems to be in. Did you have an appointment with her? Well, no, no, not exactly an appointment. Oh, For a time they were silent. Then Carter said in an offhand way. What does Ms. Peters do? She sings in a concert hall over on the west side. Darwin replied. Ah, I often wondered what she worked at to keep her out so late at night. Will you see her when she comes in? I don't know. Are you going to remain here long? Yeah. All night. What for. I watch the stores on the block. Oh, Why did you ask that question? Will you deliver a message to Lena Peters when she comes home? Certainly. Please tell her that a gentleman named Richard called to see her and that he wants her to come to his room. The first thing after noon. Where are your rooms? Oh, she's familiar with the address. And she's called on you before. Oh, yes. At your rooms. Yes. Have you been down here before? No. All right. I'll be sure and see Miss Peters. Here's a dollar for your trouble. Thanks. Carter pocketed the money. I can depend on you. Darwin asked uneasily. You can. The detective replied and he hardly was able to repress a smile. All right then. Good night. Darwin hurried away. Carter did not budge from the corner. That he had formed some new plan in his mind was evident, or he would have made a move to keep on the trail of his quarry. He said the woman's name was Peters. Lena Peters. The detective muttered a few minutes after Darwin had disappeared around the corner. She has seen him a number of times. Can she be any relation to the man who died in Bellevue hospital? If she is. Carter stopped musing. As he saw a woman who had hurried around the corner, enter the tenement. Instantly, he started toward the house and went in. The woman was halfway up the stairs. Chapter 10. Lena's story. Carter had entered the lower hall of the house without making any noise. The woman's attention was not attracted toward him. So he stood back in the shadow and watched her. She reached the landing and stopping in front of the door of the back room. She inserted a key in the lock, opened the door and went in. Nick knocked on the door of the room. The woman opened the door. What do you want? She demanded in surprise. Is your name Lena Peters? The detective asked. It is. I want to talk with you. Carter pushed his way into the room without ceremony and closed the door. The woman's face became flushed with anger. She stepped back from the detective and her eyes flashed. What do you want? She demanded with a string of oaths and she pulled out of her pocket, a small pistol. Don't get excited. Carter quietly said with a scornful smile. Put up your pistol Lena. I'm not going to harm you. Who are you? I will tell you in a few moments. You are a stranger to me. I guess not. As Carter said this, he pulled off his disguise. Lena uttered a scream and sank down into a chair. Nick Carter. She gasped. And the pistol fell from her grasp into her lap. You recognize me now, the detective said with a smile as he sat down, From this, it will be seen that he and the woman had met before. After a pause, Carter remarked. Let me see Lena. It is several years since we've had the pleasure of meeting. You haven't changed any, since I last saw you. No. Lena stammered. At that time you were singing at the empire on the Bowery. If my memory does not play me false. Yes. Uh, Western divine was robbed in the place of a large sum of money. And you were charged with a theft. It was a cowardly charge. I investigated the case. And you found out that I was innocent. Right. Only for you. I might've been sent to prison. Correct. Aye. Lena. Carter paused and looked straight into the woman's eyes. What is it? She asked. I want you to give me some information. Mr. Carter. I have always declared that if I could ever do you a favor for what you did for me, I would do it. Well then. Now's your chance. What do you want to know? Are you acquainted with a man named Dick Darwin? Oh, yes. Why? You've called on him a number of times. Yes. Where. Oh, he has a room in the studio building at the corner of 26th street and Broadway. How long have you known him? Oh, only a few weeks. Hmm. And how did you become acquainted with him? Aye. Lena hesitated. She looked at the detective and her face turned pale. Carter kept his eyes riveted upon her. Lena. He said. You must not try to conceal anything from me. Mr. Carter. Did Darwin employee you? Lena asked. No. Why. I just wanted to know. What if he had employed me? I am unable to say. Lena moved about uneasily in her chair. Carter kept still. He was giving the woman plenty of time to think. There was no need to hurry for he was confident that he would get out of her, all the information he desired. Mr. Carter, what do you know about Dick Darwin? Lena finally blurted out. Very little. The detective replied. I want to learn what you know about him. You are as Sphinx, like as ever. Hm, I have to be. Another silence followed. Lena arose from her chair and walked back and forth across the room several times. She resumed her seat again. I will tell you everything. She exclaimed. That is right. The detective said in an encouraging tone. Lena leaned back in her chair. And for some moments, she sat with her head bowed. At length, she looked up at the detective and said, I had a brother whose name was Edward Peters. He was employed by a Mrs. Porter who lived on fifth avenue. About 10 years ago. He was stabbed in the back and he died in Bellevue hospital. I always believe that someone murdered him, although I could never secure any evidence to prove it. He had for a chum, a man named George Blanchard. Blanchard also died in the hospital. Previous to his death. He made some kind of a confession to my brother in regard to a will case. I tried to get out of my brother, what the confession was about, but he would not tell me. Three months ago, I was looking through a trunk which contained some things belonging to my brother. And I found an old memorandum book. I opened it and I was surprised to find written in it, a short account of Blanchard's confession. I was interested. At the end of the confession, I found a note. What was it? I will get the book and read it to you. Please do so. Lena got up, walked over to a bureau. Opened a drawer, took out a small leather bound book. Returned to her seat. Open the book and commenced to read. This night, I stopped at the red dragon in, I gave the confession of blancher to the proprietor to lock up into a safe. I have seen Simeon rich three times. I have told him. That unless he pays me$10,000, I will take Blanchard's confession to the district attorney. I did not let him know where I had put the documents. No one knows about the contents of the papers except myself. Dr. Thompson did not ask to read the confession when he signed his name as a witness. Rich has promised to raise the money in a few days. Is that all Carter asked when Lena stopped reading? It is. Please let me have that book. Here it is. The detective glanced at some of the pages and then place the book in his pocket. What did you do after reading that memorandum? I knew Simeon rich Lena replied. I've met him some years ago. As soon as I read that memorandum, I made up my mind that rich would have to pay me well to keep silent. The thought came to me that perhaps he might've had a hand in my brother's death. I knew that rich was quite sweet on Isabella Porter, the daughter of the woman for whom my brother had worked. She is dead now. Oh, I mean, Mrs. Porter. Did you see rich? Yes. I hunted him up. Where was he living? In the studio building with Darwin to whom he introduced me. How did you find that out? I called on Ms. Porter, whom I knew was living at the Gerlach. What did you say to rich? I told him that I knew about the confession and I knew where it was. Was he frightened? Yes. He held a conference with Darwin, and he then told me that they would let me know how much they would pay me. I demanded$10,000. We have had several conversations about the matter. And a few days ago, I called on Darwin and he gave me$5,000 on account. I then gave him a copy of the memorandum in regard to the papers having been left with a proprietor of the red dragon in. Have you seen him since then? Once. Did he pay you any more money? No, but he promised to do so. From what Lena said, Carter knew now how it was that rich had learned of the existence of the Blanchard confession. The case was becoming clearer to the detective. But still for all that, he had not secured any positive evidence to prove that rich had anything to do with the murder. Lena. He said. You say that you believe your brother was murdered? I do. Do you think rich had anything to do with it? That I'm not sure. Will you be guided by me? I will. Then I want you to put on your things and accompany me. Are you going to place me under arrest? No. Then what? I am going to take you to my house. I want you to remain there until I have finished the case upon which I am at work. And what is that? The mystery of the red dragon inn. And you suspect rich? I do. I had been reading about that case. You have? Yes. And it has seemed strange to me that the detectives have not been able to find a clue. Will you accompany me? Yes. I may need your assistance. I will help you, Mr. Carter, gladly. Then, let us start. Lena put on her hat and coat, packed a few articles in a valise, and then she and the detective left the tenement. Day was dawning when Carter reached his home. He conducted Lena to Mrs. Peters, the housekeeper who gave her a room in which she promised to remain. Nick gave her a few instructions and then he retired to his own room where he threw himself down upon a couch and went to sleep. It was late in the morning when Carter awoke. He had an interview with Lena and then after partaking of a light breakfast, he went downtown. Chick Carter and Patsy Garvin, his two chief assistants were engaged upon another case, in which, by the way, Nick was fated to play a prominent part, so he did not see them that morning. Nick stepped into the cosmopolitan hotel and he saw Mr. Wright who informed him that his room had been entered during the night by someone. I think I knew who it was, the detective remarked. And then he departed feeling sure that the person who had entered the room was Brockey Gann. It tickled him to think that the rascal had been disappointed. Carter called at police headquarters, and there he learned that the other detectives had not made a discovery. He informed the chief inspector that he was following a promising clue and that he might be able to render a report in a few days. After leaving headquarters, he went uptown to the Knickerbocker cottage. There he questioned the waiters and at last he found the man who had served rich and Darwin on new year's Eve. Did you hear any of their conversation? The detective asked the waiter. Only a little, the man answered. They talked about some man who had just arrived from the city. Was any name mentioned? Yes. Can you recall it? I think it was. Uh, Lawrence. Yes. Hmm. And what did they say about him? Uh, that I don't know. What time did they leave here? Oh, well, about a half past 10. O'clock. Did you hear them mention where they were going? A messenger boy brought rich a note. He read it and then I heard him remark that they had better hurry down to McKeever's saloon. Was that all. Yes. Did you notice the number of the messenger? It was. Uh, yeah, 7 21. Do you know the boy. Oh, he's attached to the office on Broadway and 30th street. The waiter was unable to give the detective any more information. Carter hurried to the office of the district messenger company. There he found the messenger boy. Do you remember delivering a note on new year's Eve to a man who was dining at the Knickerbocker cottage? The detective asked the messenger. Was he a tall man? The boy queried. Yes. He was with a short stout man? Yes. Yeah, I gave him the note. From whom did you receive it? A man. Did you ever see him before? No. Can you describe him? He was pockmarked. Was he a tough? Yeah. Would you be able to recognize him again? Oh, sure. Carter gave the boy a bill and told him not to mention their conversation to a soul. From the boys' description, he recognized Brockey Gann. At McKeever's saloon, the detective was fortunate enough to find the bartender who had been on duty on new year's Eve. He was acquainted with this man. And as soon as he made himself known to him, he readily answered all his questions. They retired into a back room together, and as soon as they were seated, Carter asked. Are you acquainted with a man named Simeon rich? Yeah, I know who he is. The bartender replied. Do you remember if he was here on new year's Eve? Yeah, he was here with two men. At what time? Oh, it was about, uh, oh, 11 o'clock. Do you know, the men who were with him. Uh, one of the men was Brockey Gann. The other man, I don't know. Although I've seen him several times. And how long did they remain here? Uh, only a few minutes. They held a whispered conversation and then went out. Did you hear anything that was said? Not a word. This information only established one fact. And that was that rich Darwin and Brockie were together on new year's Eve. Carter left the saloon. He stood on the corner sometime trying to determine what he ought to do next. He was almost positive that Brockey Gann was the scoundrel who had tracked the murdered man. But how was he going to prove that. This was a conundrum. After a time, carter crossed the street and entered the establishment of a costumer. Who is Lena Peters, and how was she involved in this case? Can Nick Carter continue to give the slip to Brockey Gann? And how will Nick tie everything together in this case? Don't miss our next episode, where these questions may be answered in the case titled toying with pate or Nick Carter's narrow shave. Well, this case gets more and more interesting with each chapter, doesn't it? I can hardly wait to see what happens next. And yes, friends it is that time to remind you all that it would be awesome. If you could be a regular subscriber to the show. Are you passionate about exploring history and eager to keep the podcast thriving? By becoming a monthly supporter of the show, you can empower me to continue to create and find more engaging stories from the past and connect with fellow history buffs on the, buy me a coffee web page for the show. You can also read and view exclusive content that will not appear on any other social media platform. Because buy me a coffee has added so many features to their program that I will use it exclusively to add several bonus and behind the scenes features. And you won't want to miss that. Remember the link should be available on every major podcast platform under support the show, or just visit the podcast website at forwardintothepastpodcast.com. Or just send me a message and I'll be glad to get that direct link out to you. Okay. I've rambled long enough. I hope you enjoyed the show as much as I've enjoyed putting it together. As always friends. Thanks for listening. Keep sharing the stories and be a good human. Bye for now.