Nick Carter and The Gordon Elopement, Pt 1

Well, well, well, folks, it looks like Master Detective Nick Carter has gotten himself into quite the pickle this time. You see, he's been called upon to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young man named Arthur Gordon, who only just deeded his brand new estate to his fiancee before vanishing into thin air. And to top it all off, he's accused of running away with another woman! Oh, the scandal!

But fear not, dear listeners, for Nick is on the case, and he's got his trusty assistants by his side. His client, Mina Strickland, is convinced that her beau is being targeted as a victim, and she's got her sights set on one Mortimer Deland, a notorious crook who managed to escape from prison hospital a few months back. Sounds like a real stand-up guy.

Will Nick be able to find Arthur and clear his good name? Or will he be sidetracked by Deland and his devious ways? Tune in to find out, folks, because in the world of Master Detective Nick Carter, anything can happen.

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

Transcript

0:36

Hello again, friends and welcome to a new episode of forward into the past. I am JC your host and narrator. And today we're beginning a new story in the Nick Carter case files, but one that may have several familiar characters. If you listen to the previous story. Here we begin a new story. The Gordon elopement or Nick, Carter's three of a kind. Story papers and dime novels were a popular form of entertainment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These publications were typically serialized, meaning that each issue would end with a cliffhanger leaving readers, eager to buy the next issue to find out what happened next. Story papers were typically larger in format than dime novels, and they often featured more serialized stories as well as serialized illustrations. Dime novels. On the other hand, we're a smaller and more cheaply produced and they typically featured only one serialized story per issue. Both story papers and dime novels were popular with a wide range of readers, including adults and children. They were however, considered to be low brow entertainment, but they also played an important role in popularizing new genres of fiction, such as the Western, the detective story and the science fiction story. However, the popularity of story papers and dime novels began to decline in the early 20th century. There are a number of factors that contributed to this decline. One factor was the rise of new forms of entertainment, such as movies and radio. These new forms of entertainment, offered readers a more immersive and visually stimulating experience than story papers and dime novels could provide. Another factor that contributed to the decline of story papers and dime novels was the increasing availability of public libraries. In the late 19th century, public libraries were still relatively rare. However by the early 20th century, public libraries had become more widespread and they offered readers access to a wide range of books, including classic novels, biographies, and histories. This made it less necessary for readers to turn to story papers and dime novels for their entertainment. In addition to the factors mentioned before. There may be a few other reasons that might have contributed to the decline of story papers and dime novels. One possibility is that the rise of literacy rates led to a demand for more sophisticated forms of literature. Another possibility is that the changing social and cultural landscape of the early 20th century made the themes and values of story papers and dime novels seem outdated. Well, whatever the reasons, the decline of these publications was a significant event in the history of American popular culture. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of the volunteers at project Gutenberg. We still have wonderful stories like this classic Nick Carter mystery from 1915. Here's the Gordon elopement or Nick Carter's three of a kind. Chapter one. An open question. Nick Carter did not interrupt the sobbing girl. He listened, patiently grave and attentive. Letting her run on in broken desultory phrases until her first paroxism of grief immediately following his arrival should abate sufficiently for her to tell him connectedly what had occurred. They may say what they will, what they will. Mr. Carter. But I cannot believe it. will not believe it. She tearfully declared. My faith in him is unshaken. He is incapable of such deceit, such cruelty, such terrible treachery. He is the victim of a plot, hideous conspiracy, or some terrible crime. Oh, I am sure of it. He would not betray me, not in this way. Not for life itself. I know he would not. Arthur is above such duplicity, such terrible. Nick now checked her with a gesture. I agree with you, Ms. Strickland, he said kindly. Arthur Gordon is in my opinion, a thoroughly honorable man. As you are so sure of it too, and that he is the victim of a conspiracy, you best can serve him by subduing your agitation and telling me precisely what has occurred. I can do nothing nor form any opinion of the case until I know all of the circumstances. Mr. Carter is right. Wilamena. Said her elderly uncle, Mr. Rudolph Strickland. It is very kind of him to come out here with his assistant this morning. Dry your eyes, therefore, or let me talk with him. I can inform him Mina better than you. Do so Mr. Strickland said Nick turning to him. What has befallen Arthur Gordon, as far as you know? The scene of this interview, which was the beginning of one of the most extraordinary criminal cases in the career of the famous detective was the library of a new and exceedingly fine wooden residence in one of the most beautiful rural sections of the Bronx. The hour was about 10 o'clock on a charming may morning, nearly seven months since Nick Carter first met these people and recovered for Mr. Rudolph Strickland, the costly art treasures stolen from the fifth avenue flat in which he then resided resulting also in the arrest of the notorious European crook, Mortimer Deland together with a gang of local Confederates. Nick had frequently met Arthur Gordon since then. And he knew that this wealthy young banker and broker of wall street was contemplating matrimony, but he was ignorant of many of the particulars, which Mr. Strickland hastened to impart. This is Mr. Gordon's new house, said he. Though he already has deeded the entire estate to Wilamena who soon is to be his wife. We were to be married next Wednesday evening. Put in the girl more calmly. This is to be their home Mr. Carter and I am to live with them. Mr. Strickland continued. Both insist that I shall dwell no longer in the flat I recently occupied. You are now living here. I infer. Nick remarked. Only Mina and I, aside from several servants. Now I see. It was Arthur's wish that the wedding should take place in the home he is to occupy. So he bought this fine estate of several acres and then built and finished this beautiful residence. It was completed nearly three weeks ago. Well, it certainly is a fine place and a fine house Nick admitted, glancing around. I since have been living here with Mina while she has been making preparations for the wedding. Strickland went on. Mr. Gordon has been living at home with his parents in Riverside drive all the while, but he has been coming out here each afternoon after business hours to direct the laborers who still are at work on various parts of the estate. Was he here yesterday afternoon. Nick inquired. Yes until nearly six o'clock. And then? We supposed, he would return to dinner at that time as usual. And we sent one of the servants to call him from the golf links where he went to supervise the work of some of the laborers. The servant returned in a few moments and stated that Mr. Gordon had gone. Gone gone where. That's the question said, Mr. Strickland. I am stating the circumstances in the order they occurred that you may better be able to determine whether. Oh, you are too slow. Uncle Rudolph cried. Wilamena interrupting. I cannot endure this suspense! Here, Mr. Carter, read this. It came by mail this morning. It will tell you, in a nutshell, what is said to have occurred. But I cannot believe it will not believe it. They say. Oh, Mr. Carter, they say that Arthur Gordon has deserted me and he eloped with his handsome stenographer. Nick had heard of such cases. He did not reply to the grief stricken girl nor make any comments. He took a letter, which she starting up while speaking, hurriedly brought from the library table and tendered with trembling hand. It was a typewritten letter on paper bearing the printed business heading of the missing banker. Also the date of the previous day. It read as follows. My dear Mina. I am writing you a few lines before leaving my office on a subject, which though I am to see you within an hour, I have not the heart nor courage to discuss with you in person. This is a late day indeed, for me to discover that it is best for us to part permanently. That I would do you a far greater wrong in making you my wife then in taking the step I am about to take. Conditions have arisen that make it imperative, however, and I can see no wise or even possible alternative. I shall be far away when you read this and it is my intention never to return. I cannot ask you to forgive me. My only hope is that you can forget me. And in time, find one more worthy of you. You already have the deed of the new place, which with all it contains I hope you will keep in part amending of the wrong I have done you. Do please try to forget me. Arthur Gordon. Nick Carter's grave, clean cut face on which Mina Strickland's tearful blue eyes were anxiously riveted. Underwent, no change while he read the letter. He handed it to Patsy Garvin, his junior assistant who had accompanied him there, saying quietly. Read it Patsy. The case, evidently is one that we must investigate. Patsy obeyed without replying. Please tell me at once Mr. Carter. Mina pleaded. Do you think that. That Arthur Gordon wrote it. Nick interposed, turning to her. Well, yes. Frankly, Ms. Strickland, I do not. Oh, thank heaven for that, cried the girl. Your opinion is worth to me more than that of all the world. It must be then that he is the victim of. Stop a moment. Nick again, interrupted. My opinion will be worth more after I know all of the circumstances. It is now based only upon the fact that all this is very unlike Arthur Gordon. It is indeed. Let me question you, that will be the quickest way to bring out the salient points. said Nick. Answer as briefly as possible. You received the letter this morning. Yes, sir. Said Mina eager to proceed. The written signature is like Gordon's. Oh, precisely. You have had other letters from him, of course. Yes many Mr. Carter. Were they usually typewritten. No, no very rarely. He nearly always used a pen. Do you know whether he can use a typewriter skillfully or even easily. I don't think so said Mina. I think he dictates all of his typewritten letters. I doubt very much, nevertheless, that he would have dictated such a letter as this. said Nick when Patsy returned it to him. That's true chief for fair. Bear in mind, Mr. Carter, that it would have been dictated to the girl with whom he is said to have eloped. Put in Mr. Strickland suggestively. Admitting that even, he would have been much more likely to have written so personal and private a letter. Nick replied. Who is his stenographer? Her name is Pauline Perot said, Mina. A French girl. Of French extraction. I think. You've seen her. Yes. She has been out here twice in the past 10 days with Mr. Gordon. She boards in Fordham through which he passes when coming out here with this touring car. He has, for that reason frequently taken her home from his office, when on his way here. Is she a very attractive girl Nick enquired. I don't think so said Mina with brows knitting. She is tall and dark with black hair and eyes that frighten me. I tremble when she looks at me, she fills me with awe and. Oh, Mr. Carter. I have felt sure that there was something wrong. Some calamity coming, though I could not imagine what. A cloud has been hanging over me ever since I first saw Pauline Perot. Hm. How long has she been in Gordon's employ. Four or five months, I think. Have you suspected her of other than business relations with him? Not for a moment, cried Mina, nor do I now believe him guilty of anything wrong. I feel sure that he is the victim of a plot, a conspiracy or.. One moment. said Nick. Did he come out here with his touring car yesterday afternoon? He did, but he sent his chauffer home with it. I wondered at that Mr. Carter for he had never done so before. Nor did he offer any explanation? And you did not question him. No, sir. Did he appear as usual? Not quite Wilamena admitted. Oh, in what way was he different? He was more serious and self-absorbed as if he had something on his mind. He remained with us only a short time then said he was going out to see how the work on the links was progressing. He added that he would return a little later. That was the last I saw of him. Mina concluded with a sob. There is much more to this, Mr. Carter. Said Mr. Strickland. I went out to seek him or make further inquiries concerning him after our servant stated that he had gone. Hmm. And what did you learn? I was told by one of the workmen that he left the links about five o'clock. When last seen by them, he was walking south toward a Woodland road in that locality. I continued my search in that direction. And I soon met two women who had seen him. Women, you know, Yes. Two sisters, Mary and Ellen Dawson. They could not be mistaken, for both were employed here by Mr. Gordon to help clean and settle his house. Ah, I see. Nick nodded. When and where did they see him? About 10 minutes before at the juncture of a crossroad half a mile from where I met them. Mr. Strickland went on. He then was talking with Pauline Perrot. Both of the Dawson women have seen her here and both immediately recognized her. That evidently was a rendezvous, said Nick. I think so. Mr. Strickland agreed. Gordon then had a leather suitcase, but the women did not know whether it belonged to him or his companion. She was clad in a dark green traveling costume. When Gordon saw the two women approaching, he hurried away with Ms. Perrot as if anxious to avoid recognition. In which direction did they go? East through the crossroad. Did you continue your search? I did not Mr. Carter for I supposed that Arthur had unexpected business to look after having been sought by his stenographer, as I then inferred and that he would return that evening or telephone to us. Have you telephoned to his residence this morning? Yes indeed. He was not at home last night, nor can his parents explain his absence. They supposed that he spent the night here. Have you telephoned to his wall street office? I have, of course, about half an hour ago, said Mr. Strickland. With what result? Only two of the clerks, then we're there. They could give me no information. But I directed them to call me up at once if Mr. Gordon came in. I have no hope of that, however, in view of the letter that Mina has received. It does not indeed seem probable. Nick allowed. Added to all this said Mr. Strickland there now are rumors probably resulting from the gossip of the Dawson women that Gordon has eloped with Pauline Perot. If she is not in his office at her customary hour 10 o'clock. I shall began to fear. Mr. Strickland was interrupted by the ringing of a telephone on a stand in one corner, and Wilamena uttered a cry and ran to the instrument. Wait. Nick exclaimed. Let me answer it. The girl obeyed without a Remonstrance, if not quite willingly. Well? Nick queried over the wire. The response came in quick, agitated tones. Hello. I want Mr. Gordon, if he is there or Mr. Strickland, hurry! Mr. Gordon is not here. Who are you? Mr Beckwith, his cashier. Where can I communicate with Mr. Gordon? Do you know? He was not at home last night. I have just called up his residence. I must find him or.. One moment, Mr. Beckwith. Nick interrupted. This is Nick Carter talking. Nick Carter? Good heavens what has occurred out there? Tell me instead, what is wrong in Gordon's office that you are so disturbed? Wrong enough came the quick reply. Cash, bonds, and securities aggregating$60,000 are missing from the vault. Uh, unless Mr. Gordon removed them. Wait. Nick commanded a bit sharply. Is Pauline Perrot there. Uh, no, she is not, she has not come in yet. Nick glanced at a French clock on the mantel. It's struck the half hour at that moment, a single stroke, like the sudden death knell. The half after 10 o'clock. Chapter two. The man who escaped. Nick Carter decided instantly what must be done and also not done. He continued talking with Beckwith without a perceptible pause. Nick questioned him briefly, obtain Pauline Perrot's Fordham address, and then directed him to give no publicity to the matter, but to await the arrival of chick Carter, his chief assistant. Whom he would immediately send to Gordon's office to investigate the case. Nick then called up the library in his Madison avenue house and talked with chick. He gave him a brief outline of the circumstances together with such instructions as were necessary. And he then directed him to report in person at Gordon's residence in the Bronx. It will take him a couple of hours at least, he remarked to Patsy after hanging up the receiver. We can get in our work elsewhere in the meantime and return before he arrives. Naturally, of course, several pertinent questions had arisen in Nick's mind. And which could not consistently be ignored in spite of his high opinion of Arthur Gordon. Was he really the writer of the letter received by Mina Strickland. Had conditions really arisen, which made imperative the course, he said he was about to shape. Had he realized at that late day, indeed, that he was not as deeply in love with Wilamena as he supposed? Had he too become helplessly infatuated with Pauline Perrot. And as an only desperate resort, determined to desert Ms. Strickland and elope with the stenographer? Was it, he, in that case who had taken the cash bonds and securities from the vault in his office? Had he sacrificed all, but that small part of his fortune to say nothing of character, friends and family for a mad love for another woman. In view of the fact that Gordon had been acting voluntarily and in a measure had deceived the Stricklands as to his intentions. The previous afternoon, nick could not, but give the foregoing questions, serious consideration. He had, as he observed before, known of such cases. They were common enough, in fact, and what man has done, man may do. Nick's face reflected none of his thoughts however, when he turned from the telephone and stated what he had learned and the effect upon Wilamena about what he was anticipating. Good heavens. Is it possible? She exclaimed ghastly with increasing apprehensions. All that money gone from his vault. Don't keep me in suspense, Mr. Carter. Tell me just what you think about it? Tell me. I must look deeper into the matter Ms. Strickland, before I can tell you anything definite Nick interposed, evasively. I have not changed my opinion such as it was, and I will lose no time in sifting the matter to the bottom. Try to be patient until I have done so. I will try Mr. Carter, at least she replied. But all this must be the culmination of the terrible secret dread I've been feeling. Secret dread? I say that only because I have not mentioned it to anyone being unable to ascribe a definite cause for it. Mina explained. But it has been hanging over me like a depressing cloud. Ever since I first saw Pauline Perrot. Ever since, in fact, The escape of that terrible criminal Mortimer Deland from the prison hospital. Yes. I remember. Said Nick regarding her more intently. You were employed by Arthur. You remember to run him down? She went on. I have heard that Mortimer Deland never forgets, nor ever forgives. Since that extraordinary escape, Mr. Carter, I have lived in fear of him for fear that he might attempt to kill Mr. Gordon or in some terrible way avenge. Oh, pshaw. Nick checked her kindly. Put Deland out of your head. It is unfortunate, of course, that he fooled the hospital guards and contrived to give him the slip. Unfortunate indeed. Yes, but as far as seeking vengeance goes, it is much more probable that he immediately fled to Europe whence he came Nick added. Besides, I am the man he would seek not Gordon. For it was I who cornered and convicted him. There is no occasion for those apprehensions, Ms. Strickland. I hope not. I'm sure. Said Mina. You, you are going. Nick had taken his hat from the table on which he had placed it. Yes. He replied. I will return it a couple of hours, however, and chick may arrive in the meantime. We will leave no stone unturned to ferret out the truth. He led the way out to his touring car in which Danny, his chauffer had been waiting in the front of the house. To Fordham, Danny. He directed. Let'er go lively. Why to Fordham, chief? questioned Patsy, when both were seated in the tonneau and the car was speeding down the long driveway to the rural road. To inspect Pauline Perot's apartments and interview her landlady said Nick, with rather ominous intonation. Do you suspect her of being a crook? I think she is back of this whole business, Patsy of whatever it consists. Gee, that looks like a cinch declared Patsy. Either, she's playing a deep game chief and working it out with wonderful success. Or Gordon has lost his head completely and bolted with the woman. That last may possibly be true since other men have been equally foolish said Nick. I find it hard to believe of Arthur Gordon, however. That goes too. I doubt very much that he would have gone so far as to buy a big estate. Build and furnish a fine residence and then bolt with a girl that he has known less than six months. But he evidently met her voluntarily yesterday afternoon. Hmm. She may have wheedled him into doing so. But how if Gordon did not remove them could she have got the bonds and securities from his vault. Chick will try to find out. I have left that to him and given him all the necessary points. It is useless for us to speculate upon it at this time. Gee it surely is some case chief and likely to become a difficult one. said Patsy. It's odd too, that Ms. Strickland has felt so apprehensive of deviltry by Mortimer Deland, since his escape. Well, that's just like a girl of her sensitive nature. For all that chief, Deland must be a mighty slick gink or he never could have given the hospital guards the slip in female attire. To say, nothing of having contrived to secretly get the garments. That whole business is still a mystery. And likely to continue one. Said Nick. It looked to me like bribery, Patsy, rather than cleverness on Deland's part. And the bribery of a prison official is difficult to expose. Well, that's right too. It was no fault of ours. However for, we did our part. When we rounded up the Rascals. Nick added. Uh, take the road to the left. Danny, I'll give you the street and number after we hit the town. Did Arthur Gordon really abandoned his fiance just days before their impending wedding. Why did he meet with his stenographer? So secretly. And where did he go? These questions and more will be answered in the next thrilling episode of the Gordon elopement or Nick Carters, three of a kind. Well, we're off to a good start in this mystery. And there's that specter of Mortimer Deland still hanging about in the background. Hmm. Well, well, just have to stay tuned for more than. I'd like to remind you to become a monthly supporter of the show. For your choice of five, seven or$10 a month, about the cost of one typical Starbucks run. You can help make sure that the show continues to providing entertainment to you. I'm going to need to upgrade my laptop soon. Which is what I'm using to record all this craziness. So again, by helping out the show on a monthly basis, you can help me out quite a bit. Don't want to make a full commitment. That's fine. Unlike Patrion, the company that I use to provide the support options is called buy me a coffee. And they allow you to make a one-time donation if that works best for you. Also a plus, unlike Patrion, you don't have to download an additional app or force you to register. You are in control at all times. And you decide if you want to support monthly, which I hope you do. Or just a one-time donation. As an added bonus. If you become a monthly supporter, I will give you a discount code for use at either of my two merchandise shops for unlimited free shipping. Until the end of 2023. I mean, yeah, just can't lose. Okay. Friends as usual, I have rambled long enough. Until next time. Thanks for listening. Keep sharing the stories and be a good human. Bye for now.