The Mask of Death; Or Nick Carter's Curious Case, Pt 1

Get ready for an adrenaline rush as we join Nick Carter on a spine-tingling robbery case from 1915, "The Mask of Death or Nick Carter's Curious Case." Our hero, Nick Carter is summoned by his friend and successful broker, Arthur Gordon, to investigate a peculiar crime involving Rudolph Strickland, his niece Wilhelmina, and a scene of chaos. Will Nick's cunning and moral compass guide them to the truth and help recover their lost treasures?

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Transcript

0:37

Hi friends and welcome to another episode of forward into the past. I'm JC Rede your host and narrator. And today we're beginning another title in the Nick Carter mystery series. This one from 1915 entitled the mask of death or Nick Carter's curious case. Dime novels emerged at a time when the industrial revolution and urban growth were rapidly changing the American landscape. These pocket-sized cheaply produced publications captured the imagination of the growing, working and middle classes. Offering them a much needed escape from the drudgery of daily life. As the name suggests dime novels were typically sold for a dime, making them affordable for a wide audience. They covered various genres, including crime, adventure, and romance. However it was the detective mysteries, particularly the Nick Carter series that stood out as a major force in the cultural significance of these publications. Created by John Russell. Correyle in 1886. Nick Carter was introduced as a private detective in the story, the old detectives pupil or the mysterious crime of Madison square. Over the years, the character's persona evolved from a cerebral and deductive detective to a more action oriented hero. Reflecting, the changing tastes of the readers. In his various incarnations, Nick Carter embodied the quintessential American hero, brave, resourceful, and driven by a strong moral compass. The popularity of the Nick Carter mysteries can be attributed to their gripping narratives, filled with suspense and twists that kept readers on the edge of their seats. Moreover, these stories were written in an engaging accessible language, appealing to a wide range of readers who sought entertainment and escapism. The ability of the stories to resonate with readers from different walks of life played a vital role in bringing the dime novel format into mainstream culture. The influence of the Nick Carter mysteries extends beyond the pages of the dime novels themselves. The character and the format he popularized had a lasting impact on the development of the detective fiction genre. The success of the Nick Carter series paved the way for other iconic detectives, such as Sherlock Holmes, the shadow and the Hardy boys to emerge and captivate the imaginations of readers for generations to come. Furthermore, the popularity of the Nick Carter mysteries inspired the creation of various adaptations, including film, radio, comic books, and television series, which helped solidify the characters status as a cultural icon. These adaptations also contributed to the enduring popularity of detective fiction, reaching new audiences and keeping the spirit of dime novels alive. And speaking of the spirit of dime novels, let's breathe life into this latest Nick Carter adventure, the mask of death, or Nick Carter's curious case. Chapter one. A mysterious robbery. Nick Carter will solve the mystery. No crime is too deep for him. He'll ferret out the truth and run down the Rascals. He will recover your lost treasures too Mr. Strickland one and all of them take my word for it. If there's one man on earth who can accomplish it. Nick Carter is that one, man. So pull yourself together, sir, and face this calamity man fashion. Carter is already on his way here. And he soon will fathom this outrageous and. Nick Carter did not wait to hear more. He pushed open the door through which he had heard the above remarks, observing that it was ajar and he entered without ceremony the apartments of the man to whom they had been addressed. They denoted that he was on the threshold of an extraordinary case, one shrouded in mystery and involving a great loss and the scene within seemed to warrant all that he had overheard. The entrance hall through which he had passed, led into a beautifully furnished parlor, overlooking fifth avenue. It was one of the front rooms of an apartment occupying the entire second floor of the spacious and magnificent old Vanhausen mansion turned to other than strictly private residential uses since the encroachment of commercial interests upon that part of the fashionable New York thoroughfare. A slender strikingly, pretty girl of 18 sat weeping in one of the richly upholstered armchairs. Her fair face was of an artless winsome type. Evincing girlish innocence and that sweet and sensitive nature, which none can resist. A light complexion and glistening golden hair crowning, a shapely and perfectly poised head told plainly that she was of German extraction. One of her two companions was a man turned 60. He was pacing to and fro in a state of abject distress and violent agitation. His short corpulent figure was shaking as if his every nerve had become a writhing red hot wire in his palpitating flesh. His round florid face was streaming with perspiration. His hair, a Tawny mop on a large intellectual head was in indescribable order. He was wringing his hands and moaning as if his heart was broken. The only other person present when Nick entered with his chief assistant Chick Carter was a tall clean cut man in the twenties, one Arthur Gordon, a successful broker and popular society man with whom Nick was well-acquainted and to whose urgent telephone request, he then was responding. Ah, here is Mr. Carter now, he exclaimed when the two detectives entered. Thank goodness, Nick, you could come immediately. We're up against a good and hard, terrible robbery. Hmm. Is that so. You know, Mr. Rudolph Strickland by name and reputation I'm sure. This is his niece, Willhelmina Strickland from Boston. Now do Mr. Strickland compose yourself that Mr. Carter may lose no time in sifting this matter to the bottom. There was indeed as Gordon implied little need of an introduction to Mr. Rudolph Strickland. His name was a familiar one in the best circles of New York society. He numbered among his friends and acquaintances, nearly all of the distinguished artists, musicians, and literary people of any note who were frequent visitors to his spacious apartments to admire his Superb collection of our treasures, or hear his master hand manipulate his famous Stradivarius violin. He was in no sense, a society, man. Nevertheless being a somewhat reserved and eccentric German with a passion for music, literature, and art. Treasures of which he had collected from all parts of Europe. Where he was a recognized connoisseur critic. And man of letters. Age had begun to undermine his health. However, and for nearly five years, he had occupied his present quarters on the second floor of the old Vanhausen mansion. Richly furnished and containing most of the fine collection upon which he had expended a considerable part of his fortune. He was a bachelor and lived entirely alone. Save when encroached upon by the woman who cared for his apartments or by his artistic and literary friends. A glance around the parlor while he responded to Arthur Gordon's introduction and afterward presented chick gave Nick a hint at the character of the robbery. Several empty picture frames from each of which the canvas had been removed were lying on the floor and leaning against the walls while vacant places on the mantle and in, or on the several costly glass cabinets told the tale of depredation. Gordon is right. Said he as to the young man's advice. You must be calm Mr. Strickland or valuable time, maybe lost. Lost? What is loss of time compared with the loss I have suffered? Cried the old German, wringing his hands and desperately running his fingers through his thick growth of hair. I am heartbroken. I am in despair. My beloved Murillo, my TTN my mess on the air. And co-wrote my price is courage. You had two originals by hail. Are you. My antique and grave gems, my costly collection of Jade, my... Hush! You will make yourself ill uncle Rudolph, cried, Wilamena rising and clasping his arm with her dainty hands. Do please try. Ah, I am ill already. It is a loss to make angels weep. Mr. Strickland went on in pathetic agitation. It is gone. That too is gone. My life, my soul, my best treasure on earth. My precious Stradivarius, Oh Mr. Carter. Nick checked him by placing both hands on the old man's shoulder, holding him firmly while he confronted him and said with intense and impressive earnestness. Stop sir. And listen to me. You have met with a great loss, but grief and lamentation will not bring back your stolen treasures. That now is what you most wish. That can be accomplished only by calm consideration of the circumstances followed by speedy and energetic efforts to trace the crooks and recover the plunder. I feel sure that I can do both. But I will undertake it only on one condition that you sit down and compose yourself while I look into the matter. Courage Mr. Strickland. Your treasures are not hopelessly lost. They have not been destroyed by fire. They still exist and I shall find them and restore them to you. Nick spoke with more assurance than he really felt, but the circumstances seemed to warrant his confident prediction and it was not without effect combined with his strong, personal influence. Mr. Strickland pulled himself together, clasping both hands of the detective and saying fervently, but much more calmly. God bless you. God bless you for that encouragement. I will try to be composed. I really will try Mr. Carter. Capital. Said Nick approvingly urging him to a chair. I now think I shall accomplish something. Tell me author, what you know of this matter. Nevermind at present what has been stolen. State merely the circumstances. That may be quickly done, Nick. Gordon replied. Ms. Strickland who resides in Boston and to whom I am engaged is visiting my parents for a few days. We were called here at five o'clock this afternoon and her uncle consented to go with us to dinner. We left here about six o'clock in return just before nine. During that brief interval, these rooms were entered and robbed of treasures enough to fill a wagon and the value of which can hardly be estimated. How the job was done as a mystery. There is not the slightest evidence showing where the thieves entered or how they remove the property. It could not have been carried out through.. One moment. Nick interposed. Does Mr. Strickland occupy this entire floor? He does. Are you sure that door was closed and locked when you went out? Yes, absolutely. Who occupies the floor below. Uh, Madam Denise, a fashionable milliner, her rooms were open when we returned. Several girls were busy in the workroom. MME Denise was in her display room in the front of the house. The door has a large plate glass panel and is within a few feet of the street door. You have questioned her? I infer. Nick put in. Yes, certainly. I went down and questioned her after telephoning to you. She had only a few customers this evening, but was in the front room all the, while she is positive that no persons have visited these rooms or left them by means of the stairs and the street door. Such a quantity of plunder could not possibly have been taken out that way without her observing it. Is there a rear door from the house? Nick inquired. Yes, Gordon quickly nodded it leads to a small paved area between the back of this and the adjoining dwelling and the sidewall of the Carroll building. I have learned positively, however that no persons have been in or out of the rear door. From whom. From the janitor. He is thoroughly trustworthy. He lives in a rear room on the ground floor. He has been there all of the evening and the door of his room has not been closed. No person could have passed through the hall without his having seen or heard him. He is absolutely sure there have been no intruders. By Jove, it does appear a bit mysterious Chick remarked. Plainly enough, the plunder must have been taken out in some direction. Nick replied. Now. Who occupies the upper floor of the house? Victor Gilbert, the well-known photographer. He is the only tenant on that floor. His integrity is beyond question. Mm, very true. Nick allowed. I do know him personally. His rooms were closed at six o'clock and have not been since occupied so far as I can learn. Gordon went on. I have telephoned to him telling him of the robbery, and he is now on his way here that we may visit his rooms. It does not seem possible. However that the robbery can have been committed from above. Nor from below Arthur, if all you have stated is correct. Nick said a bit dryly. Is it possible to reach the back windows of this apartment from those of the Carol building? No, no, it is quite impossible. Gordon protested. The distance is more than 20 feet! Besides Nick, there is no evidence that the windows of this flat had been opened. All of them were securely locked and. I will inspect them presently, Nick interrupted. It is very evident, at least that robbers have been here. And I know their knavery was not accomplished by any supernatural means. Now who knew of Mr. Strickland's intention to dine with you and be absent from his apartments this evening. Nobody knew it. Mr. Carter, Miss. Strickland cried with girlish earnestness. We did not know it ourselves until after we came here. We then persuaded uncle Rudolph to go with us. Were there any other persons present? No, sir. Only we three, no one could have overheard us. Mina is right. Put in Gordon, no person could have known that Mr. Strickland would be absent this evening. It was entirely unpremeditated. The crime could not have been planned from any knowledge of our intention. Do you keep any servants, Mr. Strickland, Nick inquired, turning to him. He had overcome his agitation, his terrible distress immediately following his discovery of the crime made hardly an hour before. He appeared to derive much hope and encouragement from what Nick had said to him. And from the fact that an investigation by the famous detective was already in progress. Arthur Gordon had in fact telephoned immediately to Nick for assistance after making the superficial investigation mentioned and finding the robbery so shrouded in mystery, as he felt sure to completely baffle the ordinary police. It was about 10 o'clock in the evening. When the two detectives arrived upon the scene. No, I keep no servants said Mr. Strickland, replying to Nick's question. As you may infer Mr. Carter, I have always been very careful to protect my treasures. My lost Stradivarius alone is worth$40,000. I would not have parted with it for 10 times that sum. The door of my apartments is a very strong one and it is provided with two heavy locks, which act automatically. My windows have patent fastenings and they are always closed and securely locked when I am absent. This evening was no exception. But who takes care of your rooms? Nick inquired. D'you look after them yourself. Oh, no, not the care and cleaning of them said Mr. Strickland. I employ a woman from the adjoining house, that occupied by Mr. Gerald Vaughn and his sister. Both of whom are friends of mine. I pay their housekeeper, Mrs. Emilia west to come in each day and to make my bed and put my sleeping room in order, and to come once a week to sweep and dust all of my rooms. I see. Nick remarked with a nod. She has been doing so for nearly three months, Mr. Strickland. Alas I now must find another. I am more than sorry to lose her. What is the trouble? Nick question. Has she been discharged by Mr. Vaughn? Oh no. Mr. Strickland shook his head. Sadly. Mrs. West died quite suddenly yesterday morning. Chapter two. A Vain search. Nick Carter ended his interrogations quite abruptly.

Carter: 17:30

I will look around for myself in search of evidence. He remarked turning to Arthur Gordon. You have better remain here with Mr. Strickland and his niece. If I require anything or wish to add to my inquiries, I will call you. I shall return in a few minutes. Go ahead. Gordon nodded. The case is in your hands.

Narrator: 17:49

Nick Carter glanced at Chick and led the way into an adjoining front room. It was a handsomely furnished music room. An expensive piano occupied one corner. Racks of music, a viola with many articles of like significance, evinced the refinement and musical genius of the owner. Mr. Rudolph Strickland had in fact, an international reputation as a violinist.

Chick: 18:12

Well, chief. The Rascals have left the piano at least. Chick dryly observed noting also in this room, convincing evidence of the visit of the thieves.

Carter: 18:21

Yes. So I see.

Narrator: 18:23

Nick replied more seriously.

Chick: 18:25

What do you make of it?

Carter: 18:27

A remarkable job has been done here. If all the Gordon stated is correct. I think chick you would better set about confirming it while I look farther.

Chick: 18:35

You mean?

Carter: 18:36

Go down and talk with Madame Denise and the janitor. You can measure them better than Gordon. Have a look at the area back of the house and see what possibilities it presents for getting away with such a quantity of plunder. Find out whether a wagon or a conveyance of any kind has been standing in the avenue, the side street on which the Carroll building fronts or an any locality available for such a job.

Chick: 18:57

I understand

Narrator: 18:58

Chick nodded.

Carter: 18:59

Step to the door to the next house, also, and question Mr. Vaughn and his sister. It's barely possible that one of them may have seen or heard the thieves without having suspected what was going on in here. Find out at all events. Then rejoin me.

Narrator: 19:13

Chick hastened to follow these instructions. A brief talk with Madam Denise and the janitor, one James Donald convinced him that both were honest, and could add nothing to what they already stated. An inspection of the area mentioned was equally convincing. It was only a narrow paved space back of the Vanhausen dwelling and that adjoining it, which occupied a corner lot on the side street on which the Carol building faced. There was no exit to the street and Chick saw plainly that crooks not only could not have removed their booty from the rear door of the building, but also that they would have found it impossible to ascend to the back windows of Mr. Strickland's apartments, which were more than 20 feet from the ground. A long ladder would have been necessary and their movements and the quietude of the enclosed area would surely have been heard by the janitor.

Chick: 20:02

Nothing was done out here.

Narrator: 20:04

Thought chick. Turning to retrace his steps to the front of the house.

Chick: 20:07

That's dead, open and shut. The stuff must've been taken out of the front door, despite the assertion of Madam Denise to the contrary.

Narrator: 20:15

Investigation outside nevertheless seemed to confirm the statement of the milliner. Chick could not learn that any suspicious conveyance had been seen in the neighborhood. Both the avenue and the side street were brightly lighted. Pedestrians were constantly passing. It seemed impossible that the crooks could have committed such a crime without being detected. There would not have been greater risk in attempting it in broad daylight. More deeply puzzled now as to how it could, by any means have been accomplished, Chick went to question the occupants of the corner house. It was an attractive brownstone dwelling of three stories. It's sidewall adjoining that of the Vanhausen residence with no passageway between them. A light in the front hall denoted that the Vaughns had not retired. A large wreath tied with purple ribbon hung on the knob of the door, a token that the shadow of death had fallen upon the house. But this did not deter chick from ringing the bell in accord with Nick's instructions. It was answered almost immediately by a slender serious looking man about 30 clad in a black suit. He was of dark complexion with wavy black hair and a peculiarly clear and pallid skin accentuated somewhat by a flowing black mustache. He gazed inquiringly at Chick who bowed politely and said.

Chick: 21:37

I wish to see Mr. Vaughn, is he at home?

Deland: 21:39

I am Mr. Vaughn. What can I do for you? The reply was agreeably made, but with a gravity chick was quick to observe and attributed to the death of one of the household. I am sorry to trouble you at such a time,

Narrator: 21:53

he rejoined.

Chick: 21:54

Uh, my name is Carter. I'm a detective. The apartments of your neighbor, Mr. Strickland have been robbed this evening And I...

Deland: 22:01

Robbed?

Narrator: 22:02

Mr. Vaughn, exclaimed interrupting with a quick display of surprise and consternation.

Deland: 22:06

Dear me, is it, is it possible? Robbed of what Mr. Carter?

Chick: 22:10

Of several very valuable paintings. Many of his art treasures and his almost priceless Stradivarius together with

Deland: 22:17

oh, oh, that is dreadful.

Narrator: 22:19

Mr Vaughn again, interposed.

Deland: 22:21

Strickland is such a fine old gentlemen. I am sorry for him, more than sorry for him. Come in Mr. Carter, can I be of any assistance?

Narrator: 22:31

Chick accepted the invitation and stepped into the hall. Through the open door of an adjoining parlor, dimly lighted by the rays of the hall lamp. He could see a closed casket on a bier, also numerous boxes of flowers. Evidently prepared for removal the following day. Observing his furtive glance in that direction, mr. Vaughn said gravely while he considerately closed the door of the room,

Deland: 22:53

my aunt who long has been the housekeeper for my sister and myself. Died suddenly of heart failure yesterday morning. She is to be taken to Springfield tomorrow for burial. Uh, step into the library, Mr. Carter. Clarissa will be terribly shocked by Mr. Strickland's misfortune. She is really fond of the old gentlemen. And often runs in to see him and hear him play on his rare old Strad. Stolen. Oh, that is too bad. It will be a terrible loss to him.

Chick: 23:21

I agree with you. Chick replied. He appears heartbroken.

Deland: 23:25

Well, no wonder. This is my sister, Ms. Vaughn, Mr. Carter.

Narrator: 23:29

Chick had entered an attractively furnished library where a handsome dark girl in the twenties sat reading a book. She laid it aside at once and arose to acknowledge the introduction. Though, with manifest wonderment as to the visitor's mission. Gerald Vaughn hastened to inform her however, evoking repeated expressions of surprise and sympathy. And chick then said,

Chick: 23:51

I came here only to ask whether you have heard any disturbance outside this evening. We wish to find out if possible, how the thieves entered Mr. Strickland's apartments and got away with such a quantity of plunder without being seen or heard. It really is very mysterious.

Deland: 24:06

Decidedly so Mr. Carter.

Narrator: 24:08

Vaughn agreed.

Deland: 24:09

But we have heard nothing unusual, not a sound suggestive of anything wrong.

Female: 24:14

We have been here alone too. Since dinner.

Narrator: 24:17

Put in Clarissa gazing with demure dark eyes at the face of the detective.

Female: 24:22

Both of us have been reading and it has seemed unusually quiet. If there had been any noise outside Gerald dear, we surely ought to have heard it.

Deland: 24:31

Hmm. It seems so indeed. Clarissa.

Female: 24:33

I have not heard a sound that I can recall.

Deland: 24:36

Nor have I, Mr. Carter, I can assure you.

Female: 24:38

The circumstances are such to that. I am unusually sensitive.

Narrator: 24:42

Ms. Vaughn added The sudden death of my aunt. Amelia has made me very nervous. I think we should send a message of sympathy Gerald to Mr. Strickland. He was very kind to us yesterday when he heard of our bereavement.

Deland: 24:56

I think so, too.

Narrator: 24:58

Vaughn said quickly.

Deland: 24:59

I had better step over there perhaps, and see him personally.

Female: 25:02

That will be even better. Gerald.

Deland: 25:05

Is there any objection, Mr. Carter, to my doing so?

Chick: 25:07

Not the slightest

Narrator: 25:09

chick said.

Chick: 25:10

You may go with me if you wish, since there is no information, you can give me.

Deland: 25:14

None, whatever Mr. Carter, I regret to say.

Narrator: 25:16

Vaughn replied.

Deland: 25:17

I hope you will command me, however, if I can be of any assistance. You don't mind being alone here, Clarissa for a few minutes.

Female: 25:25

No indeed. I will sit here till you return.

Deland: 25:29

I have closed the parlor door.

Female: 25:31

Very well. Uh, good evening, Mr. Carter. I do hope you will recover Mr. Strickland's property. Tell him Gerald, how deeply grieved I am over his misfortune.

Deland: 25:41

I will Clarissa. Now. Mr. Carter, I am ready to go with you.

Narrator: 25:45

Chick saw nothing to be gained by further inquiries. He accepted the slender shapely hand of the young woman, tendered while she was speaking, noting that there were tears in the sad and somber eyes with which she regarded him, forcing a faint momentary smile to her finely, curved lips. Gerald Vaughn, too, was equally impressive. There was something about both that lifted them above the ordinary. Those indefinable qualities, which denote class and character and which alone serve to avert, distrust and suspicion. Chick bowed and said a word of apology for having intruded. Then accompanied Gerald Vaughn from the house. Nick Carter was in the meantime proceeding with the investigations in the Strickland apartment, but only with negative results. Adjoining the two front rooms was a third, partly furnished for a dining room and connecting with a spacious library. Back of these were two bedrooms, a bathroom and a small kitchen, evidently, but little used. A window in the kitchen and in one of the bedrooms, also a small ground glass window in the bathroom, overlooked the back area of the house. Nick found that the first two were closed and securely locked, but that in the bathroom was open a few inches for ventilation. It was only about two feet square. And Nick looked in vain for any evidence denoting that a person had entered through it. Gazing out, he could see the gloomy area below, also the dark wall of the Carol building some 20 feet away, much too far for access to have been gained from any of its windows, all of which were those of business offices of one kind or another. Looking up all that could be seen where the gloomy walls of the several buildings, and a portion of the star studded sky.

Carter: 27:32

By Jove the Rascals have cleverly covered their tracks.

Narrator: 27:36

Nick muttered a bit grimly after these futile observations.

Carter: 27:40

It was the work of no ordinary crooks. I should need daylight. I reckon in order to pick up a thread worth following.

Narrator: 27:47

He was laboring at some disadvantage by means of the incandescent lamps only. And he returned in a few minutes to the front parlor.

Carter: 27:54

Are those back windows, as you found them Arthur, when you returned with Mr. Strickland?

Narrator: 27:59

He inquired when Gordon started up to meet him.

Patsy: 28:01

Yes, precisely.

Narrator: 28:02

He replied.

Patsy: 28:03

What have you learned?

Carter: 28:05

Hmm. Very little thus far.

Narrator: 28:07

said Nick. I see that the bathroom window is open a few inches. Mr. Strickland, are you in the habit of leaving it open? Yes, Mr. Carter, I am was the reply. But the bathroom door is always locked. The window, moreover is hardly large enough to admit a man nor could it be easily reached from the outside. I don't see how the thieves could possibly have entered it. Crooks device means, which no honest man would think of Nick replied. It is my opinion that. He did not finish the remark for chick returned at that moment in company with Gerald Vaughn and introductions and a brief discussion of the crime immediately followed. It was soon interrupted by the arrival of the photographer, however, who occupied the entire upper floor of the remodeled house. We will go up at once. Mr. Gilbert. Said Nick after they're greeting. Come with us chick. Gordon will wait here with Mr. Vaughn. The photographer hastened to lead the way through the hall and up the stairs, switching on the light in his reception room, his studio and in the extensive rear room containing the cameras and other paraphernalia required in his business. There appears to be nothing wrong. He remarked as the detectives followed him into the rear room. Everything is just as I left it at six o'clock Mr. Carter, as far as I can see. I will look a little farther Gilbert with your permission. Nick replied. Certainly. Go as far as you like. Nick then began a careful inspection of the three back windows. All of which were found to be securely locked. None bore any evidence of having been recently opened. The floor near them bore no trace of earth or dirt denoting, the recent presence of intruders. So far as could be seen in fact, even by the keen-eyed detective everything in the rooms of Mr. Victor Gilbert was, as he had stated precisely as he had left it. Is there a way to the roof? Nick inquired glancing up at a slightly sloping, 12 foot skylight, nearly in the middle of the ceiling. Yes, there is a ladder and a scuttle in my dark room. said the photographer. Let's go up there. Nick said shortly. I see that the roof is a flat one or nearly so, and I wish to cover all of the ground. Mr. Gilbert again, led the way. One after another, they mounted the ladder and crawled through the narrow scuttle. A stretch of slightly sloping, tar and pebble roof. The huge skylight, aglow with light from below. The two chimneys with which the house was provided. The lower roof of that adjoining it. The gloomy side wall of the lofty Carole building. The black intervening abyss. The glare from the brightly lighted streets in other directions. Only these and the purple dome of the starry sky met, their searching gaze. A fierce gust of wind caused the photographer to retreat toward the scuttle. By gracious Carter. I'd rather venture up here by daylight and in calm weather, he shouted. Go as far as you like you two, but I am ducking back on the ladder. I guess Gilbert daylight will be necessary for a further investigation. Nick replied. That's right too, Chick agreed. It don't seem possible that the job could have been done from here. The Rascals would have been blown away with their plunder. It is much more windy than early in the evening. Nick rejoined. We'll wait till morning to seek further. That's good judgment, Nick, in my opinion. Go on ahead. I'll follow you. Both crawled through the scuttle and picked their way down the steep ladder. And five minutes later, found them again in the Strickland apartment. The elderly gentlemen still was moaning over the loss of his costly treasures. He looked up with anxious eyes when the detectives entered saying quickly, Don't keep me in suspense. What have you learned Mr. Carter? Nick smiled faintly and shook his head. You must not expect too much of us. Mr. Strickland. He replied kindly. Such problems as this are not solved in a moment. Most of our discoveries thus far are of a negative character. The police. Could not possibly accomplish more than we Nick interrupted. Immediate publicity to might result in a disadvantage. You must leave the case entirely to me and wait patiently until morning. We will return at an early hour to continue our work. I shall remain here with uncle tonight, Arthur said Wilamena turning to her lover. That will be wise Mina I think. Gordon readily agreed. But I will return to see you in the morning, Nick. Very good. nodded the detective. You may expect us about seven o'clock. Who broke into Mr. Strickland's apartments. And how did they get the items out of the building without being seen? Could someone be telling a lie? And how will Nick solve this puzzling case? Don't miss our next installment of the mask of death or Nick Carter's curious case. Well, we're off to a blazing start. But just so you know, this will be a rather short story, so it will get us just to the American independence holiday this year. Then a short break for the holiday. And then back at it with more Nick Carter mysteries, after that. So if you're enjoying these stories, as much as I am, then please consider becoming a regular patron of the show by subscribing to a monthly donation on the podcasts. Buy me a coffee page. You always have the option of a one-time donation or subscribing monthly, you are never forced to do either one. Another thing you were never forced to do. Unlike that other patronage app is to register and or download the app. This is one of the main reasons I chose buy me a coffee. When I set up my podcast. I feel that it should always be up to you to determine how you want to support a show. I don't ever feel like I'm forcing you to do anything. I will. However, be incredibly grateful. If you do decide to support me. Visit the website for an easy link to the support page. Just click on that big yellow button with a coffee cup right on it. Well, there I go rambling again. Really got to stop doing that. As always friends. Thanks for listening. Keep sharing the stories and be a good human. Bye for now.