Blood Will Tell; Or Nick Carter's Play in Politics, Pt 1

In this episode of "Forward Into the Past," JC Rede continues the three-part storyline of the Nick Carter mystery, "Blood Will Tell; Or Nick Carter's Play in Politics." Nick Carter, a renowned detective, receives a frantic call from Arthur Gordon, a prominent New York banker and politician who has been arrested for the murder of Matilda Lancey. Nick and his assistant, Chick, rush to the crime scene to investigate. They discover a trail of evidence, including a blood-stained desk, a broken window, and a chilling message written in blood on the wall. As they delve deeper into the case, they begin to suspect that Gordon may be the victim of a frame-up orchestrated by his political opponent, Jack Madison. Nick decides to visit Gordon at police headquarters to hear his side of the story and gather more information.

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Transcript

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hi, friends and welcome once again to forward into the past. I'm JC Rede, your host and narrator. And today we're beginning the final story in the three part storyline in the Nick Carter mystery blood will tell or Nick Carter's play in politics. Story papers and dime novels where two closely related precursor formats. That are virtually inseparable from the dumb novel in many ways. Story papers or newspapers. That feature serialized fiction or stories issued in chapters over several issues. This format pre-existed Beatles, dime novels by as many as 30 years and continued to thrive well into the dime novel era. Although often considered a distinct format by collectors and scholars in many ways, the story paper and dime novel are virtually inseparable. Most dime novel publishers, also published story papers. And many stories published in dime novels were originally serialized in the story papers. Story papers were weekly eight page newspaper, like publications. Varying in size from tabloid to full-size newspaper format. And usually costing five or 6 cents. They started in the mid 1850s and were immensely popular. Some titles being issued for over 50 years on a weekly schedule. The dime novel was a new form of literature that was cheaply produced and sold for 10 cents or less. The first dime novel was published by beetle and Adams in 1860. The dime novel was an important part of American popular culture for over 60 years. The legacy of story papers and dime novels is that they paved the way for modern, popular literature. They were the first mass produced form of literature that was affordable for the average person. They were also the first form of literature that was aimed at a mass audience rather than an elite one. They helped to create a new market for popular literature that has continued to this day. In conclusion story papers and dime novels played an important role in American popular culture. They were the first mass produced form of literature that was affordable for the average person. And they helped to create a new market for popular literature that has continued to this day, their legacy lives on, in modern, popular literature. And speaking of modern day, let's get back to our podcast story. As we begin, the 1915, Nick Carter mystery blood will tell or Nick Carter's. Play in politics. Chapter one, the woman found dead. The telephone communication was from Arthur Gordon, the prominent New York banker and broker, then a candidate for election to Congress on the fusion reform ticket. A communication so sensational in character, and so imbued with alarm and anxiety on the part of the speaker, that it evoked only the following terse decided response from Nick Carter to whom the frantic appeal had been made. I will go right up there. Mr. Gordon, I will be there in 10 minutes. What's the trouble. The inquiry came from chick Carter, the celebrated detectives, chief assistant. When Nick arose from his swivel chair and hurriedly closed his roll top desk. A murder has been committed, or said to have been, he replied. A murder where? Columbus avenue. Nick said tersely. Author Gordon is under arrest for the crime. The woman's body was found by. But we'll get the details later. You had better go with me. Luckily, Danny is at the door with the touring car. We will lose no time. Both detectives were leaving Nick's Madison avenue residence when the last was said, hurriedly putting on their overcoats while entering his powerful motorcar. In another moment, both were seated in the tonneau and speeding north through the crisp air of the October morning. It then was nine o'clock. Nick had hurriedly given Danny, his chauffeur, the Columbus avenue address of the house in which the murder was said to have been committed. And he remarked a bit grimly to chick while they settled back on the cushioned seat. it's strange how Gordon repeatedly gets into trouble. I should say so. He certainly is up against it good and hard. It's less than a year since we pulled him out of that scrape in which he was suspected of having killed his stenographer, that double dyed, rascal Mortimer Deland, who fooled him so completely and female attire. Yes. I remember. Chick nodded. But what is he now up against? What did he tell you? I did not wait to learn many of the details. Nick replied. He has just been arrested by a plain-clothesman and a policeman. The latter was sent to his house by detective Phelan, who evidently had learned enough to warrant his arrest. Great guns. Is it possible? Gordon yielded submissively of course, and was allowed to telephone to me. Was he at his home, in the Bronx. No. He has been living with his parents in Riverside drive during his present political campaign. His wife and her uncle Rudolph, Strickland are with them. It is more convenient for Gordon to be in town while making his political fight then at his Bronx residence. By Jove, this comes at a bad time for him, Nick. If there really is any serious evidence against him. Chick said gravely. Mm, a bad time. Indeed. Well, we are almost on the Eve of election. Gordon has put up a splendid fight against Madison, his congressional opponent on the democratic ticket. His election though the possibility was ridiculed at first, now has conceded in many quarters. And it looks to me like a cinch. Unless this affair turns the tide of public opinion. Chick added more seriously. That suggests something. Nick replied. You mean? That this effect may be a, frame-up a dastardly scheme designed to have just the effect that you mentioned. In other words, chick to throw Gordon down at the last moment. And so insure Jack Madison's election. But Madison would not do such a beastly trick as that nor even connive at it. Don't be so sure of it. Nick said, dryly men with political ambitions. Some men at least are capable of infernally wicked work. Madison is very anxious to carry this election. And so is the party machine. There is much depending on it. Well, that's very true Chick allowed, but I cannot believe Madison is capable of such knavery to say nothing of murder. Who is the victim? Matilda Lancey. The deuce you say! Her reputation is infernally bad in circles where she is well known. Both detectives had seen her occasionally and were aware of her shady reputation. She was a frequenter of the theaters, the best hotels and the fast restaurants with a capacity for why that made her in one respect, at least, a desirable patron. Though in public, she never went beyond certain discrete points. Tilly Lancey in fact, as she was familiarly known. Enjoyed friendly relations with a small Legion of fast society, chaps and men about town and was equally distinguished for her striking beauty, her fine figure, her costly jewels and beautiful gowns. That she had met her death at the hands of a man of Arthur Gordon's type. Seemed utterly incredible. Tilly Lancey eh. Chick muttered, audibly. So she has come to the end of her career. It has been hinted by some of the mudslinging stumped speakers, Nick that Madison has been quite as friendly with Ms. Lancey as the law allows. In view of the fact that he has a wife and family. Still another reason, perhaps why my suggestion has feet to stand on. Nick replied. There is nothing in speculating upon it however, Before we have learned just what has been done. And what evidence has been found. Let her go lively Danny. There was little occasion for the last. Danny then was running nearly at top speed up fifth avenue, guiding the flying car with the eye and hands of an expert. Policemen on the crossings stared amazedly till they caught a glimpse at the face of the famous detective and when instantly recognized they made no attempt to stop him. They knew that only an emergency case would take him at that high speed through the most fashionable New York thoroughfare. Less than 10 minutes had passed when Danny swerved to the curbing near the home of miss Matilda Lancey. A taxi cab was standing directly in front of the house. It was a brown stone dwelling occupying a corner lot. One of a block of five, the house having three flats accessible through a single front door and entrance hall. A policemen was standing on the steps. He was talking with a slender man in a plan business suit. A man with an intellectual or professional type of countenance with wavy hair, a pointed beard and gold bowed spectacles. He had a wad of copy paper and a pencil in his hand. And he turned quickly when Nick and chick ascended the steps asking politely. Do you object in my going in with you, Mr. Carter? I'm a city newsman. I will be very discreet as to the story I turn in or will be governed entirely by your wishes. I happen to be passing and saw officer Gilroy on the steps. He told me a murder has been committed. How did you happen to recognize me? Nick inquired pausing briefly and eyeing the man a bit sharply. I did not recognize you smiled the other. Gilroy mentioned your name when your car stopped at the curbing. Well, I don't know myself just what has been done here, said Nick. I prefer not to grant your request immediately. You may wait here until I have look things over if you like. And then if I have anything to give you for publication, I will inform you. Very well, sir. Thank you for that. Uh, which flat Gilroy. The first one, Mr. Carter. Said the policemen. Detective Phelan is in there. Wait in the vestibule, Mr. Hawley, if you like, he added to the reporter, Mr. Carter will not forget you. Nick heard these added remarks, including the reporter's name while he entered the house with chick. He noticed that there were several drops of dry blood on the polished uncarpeted floor near the door of the first flat. A polished stairway led up to the second floor. There were three women in mourning gowns seated on the upper stairs. With pale and awed gaze, they turned upon the two detectives. Nick found the door of the first flat of jar and he entered without knocking. A large dark man, about 50 years old with seated in one of the armchairs in the handsomely furnished front parlor. But he had once arose when the two detectives entered. I've been waiting for you, Nick. He said he, after a word in hearty greeting. Gordon telephone to me after his arrest, stating that you were coming here at his request and asking me not to disturb things before you arrived. I have done very little in that line. So I decided to wait for you. That's the equivalent to admitting you see that I realized your head to be longer than mine. Thanks Phelan. It said Nick smiling faintly. I'm thinking however that this job won't require a very long head. Phelan quickly added. The truth sticks out all over it. Involving Arthur Gordon? I feel so sure of it, that I sent a policeman, Jim Kennedy to arrest him. As convincing as that is it. That's what Nick. And there's no telling what a man might do, who has done the job of this cunning. I thought I better get him without delay. Nick glanced around the room, noting a few drops of blood on the thick Wilton carpet. A scattered trail leading through a broad curtained doorway into an adjoining room. One curtain of the portiere was partly torn from its pins and was hanging awry from it's Walnut rod. Step in there and have a look said Phelan. Nothing can be done for the woman. So I've not called a physician. She was dead and gone long ago. Nick drew aside the Portier and entered the adjoining room. It evidently had been used for a living room or a library. In the middle of it stood a table covered with newspapers, books, and magazines. A desk between two windows overlooking the side street, the roller shades of which we're still drawn down, had been broken open, and some of its contents were scattered all over the floor. Against the wall of an adjoining bedroom, accessible from a passageway leading to a dining room in the kitchen stood a sofa on which were several handsome silk pillows. Two of them were bespattered with blood. On the floor near one end of the sofa. Lay the lifeless form of the woman. She was clad in a handsome evening dress. Her bare neck and shoulders were covered with blood. Her luxuriant Auburn hair was in disorder matted with blood that had flowed from several gashes in the scalp. The skull had been beaten in with a heavy bludgeon of some kind. She was lying on her left side with her head, nearly touching the baseboard of the wall from which her right hand appeared to have fallen after a desperate effort to reach it or to continue doing so. In confirmation of this, there was a course. Angular irregular scrawl on the wallpaper. Several words, evidently written with a tremulous hand by the woman. And inscribed with the tip of her forefinger dipped in her own life's blood. A scrawl ending abruptly with a direct downward stroke toward where her right hand was then lying. It was as if she had expired or lost consciousness, at least. While making a desperate effort to write more. Enough to tell in the full, tragic story. The several slanting, irregular words were legible, however, and there was no mistaking, their fateful significance. They read. Arthur Gordon. Did this to get the. That was all saved. The last downward stroke left by the falling hand. Was it enough? Was it all that would be required to convict, to send her assasin over the same dark river? These were the first questions that arose in the mind of Nick Carter. Chapter two. The headquarters, man. Nick Carter took in with a few swift glances. Those important features of the scene already mentioned. Instead of immediately beginning a more careful inspection however, he turned it to the headquarters man and said, Am I to understand Phelan, that these things were about as you found them. Yes, nothing has been disturbed. Nick of any importance. Was the woman lying in that position? Yes, I have not touched the body. I saw that writing on the wall and.. One moment. Nick interposed. Who discovered the crime? A girl who lives in the second flat, she came down about eight o'clock to go out to work, and she saw spots of blood on the hall floor, near the door of this flat. Yes. I noticed them when I entered. She tried the door and found it locked. It has an automatic lock. She then rang repeatedly being acquainted with miss Lancey, but she could get no response. Does this woman live alone here? Yeah. So I'm told except when entertaining her friends. I see. The girl then called her mother and they hunted for Gilroy who is on this beat. He entered through the kitchen window, forcing it open. And he then saw what had occurred. I happen to be in the precinct station when he telephone, added Phelan, pointing to a telephone on a standard one corner. I came here with Kennedy, taking temporary charge of the case, and I soon found evidence enough to warrant sending him to arrest Mr. Gordon. You mean that writing on the wall? Yes, partly. What else? Well I found this letter in the wastebasket, said Phelan, taking it from his pocket. It must've been written by Gordon for it's on a letter sheet bearing has business heading as does the envelope in which it came. Let me see them. It was mailed at two o'clock yesterday. It contains only a single line addressed to miss Lancey stating that Gordon would call to see her here at 11 o'clock. That must've been 11 o'clock last evening. Nick glanced at the brief pen written letter. He was familiar with Gordon's writing and he immediately recognized it. The letter seemed to corroborate all of Phelan's statements. Did you think that was evidence enough to warrant arresting Gordon? Nick again inquired. I thought I had enough for a starter, Nick, at least. Phelan bluntly asserted. I reckon I've not shot very wide of the mark. Why so? Because Kennedy has phoned me of other facts. Namely? He met Dennis Regan, a detective from the precinct station just before he arrived at the Gordon residence. Phelan proceeded to disclose. He told Regan what had occurred and whom he was after. Regan decided he would not butt in, knowing I was on the case, but he waited in the ground south of the house while Kennedy went in to see Gordon. Well? Well, while he was out there pacing up and down the gravel walk. He noticed that one of the small branches of a clump of shrubbery was partly broken off and hanging down as if something had recently been thrown in among the shrubs disturbing the dry leaves that had fallen from them. He went to examine them. I infer. That's right. He found under the dry leaves, a double jointed Jimmy. It was parted at the socket, each section being about eight inches long and both were badly stained with blood. Quite a remarkable discovery. Nick observed with brows knitting slightly. Anything more? Well, as far as that goes, this desk evidently was forced open with just such a Jimmy. Phelan continued turning to the desk. Here are marks on the woods showing plainly where the curving wedge shaped point was forced under the top to pry it up and break the lock. Yes, I see. Nick nodded. That's very evident Phelan indeed. The jimmy found by Regan has just that kind of point. Still more evidence, eh? I think so, Nick. It's a safe bet too, that this woman's head was broken with the same Jimmy. The fractures and gashes show plainly that a bludgeon of that kind was used. I agree with you. Said Nick crouching to inspect the several terrible wounds. Both the fractures and gashes could have been caused only with a bludgeon having one or more edges. The Jimmy is probably octagonal in shape. Yeah, very likely. I did not inquire about that. Well, what followed. Regan then decided to dip into the case. Phelan continued. He went into the house and found that Kennedy had discovered other evidence. What kind of evidence? Well to begin with Nick, Gordon refused to say where he was at 11 o'clock last night. Kennedy then told him about the murder and placed him under arrest. To make a long story short, for I have not all the details. Gordon's evening suit, which he admits having worn last night was found spattered with blood. Hmm, is that so. There are stains of blood in one pocket of his overcoat too. As if the Jimmy was disjointed and thrust into it after the murder. You can see for yourself that the weapon used by the assassin is missing. Yes, so I have noticed. In the other pocket of Gordon's overcoat was a disguise, a false beard and a mustache. They. One moment. Nick interrupted. Gordon saw all of this evidence, I suppose. Yeah, certainly. And what did he say about it? Nothing. Nothing? No, he refused positively to make any statements, whatever. Phelan explained. He said he would not do so until after he had conferred with you. Regan then allowed him to telephone to you. And while waiting for Gordon to get ready to accompany him, he phoned these facts to me. And where is Gordon now? On his way to police headquarters. If not already there. Said Phelan. Both Regan and Kennedy went with them. Taking the evidence mentioned. Well, yes, certainly. And that's all you knew about the case. Isn't that enough? Phelan asked bluntly. What more would you have? It tells a story plainly enough. What story inquired, Nick tentatively. What is your theory? It can be told with a breath. Phelan declared. Gordon came here to get something from this woman. His letter shows that he had an appointment with her at 11 last night. She refused to give him what he wanted. Evidently something which he knew was in this desk. He came prepared to get it at any cost. I follow you. Nick nodded. When he found that she would not give it up, he killed her with the Jimmy and then broke open the desk with it. Here are stains of blood on the desk showing that it was forced after the murder was committed. Yes. That does appear probable. Nick allowed. Gordon probably found what he wanted and then fled. Phelan went on. The woman afterward revived sufficiently to realize the situation. Also that she was near her end. She must've been too weak to rise or make herself heard. But she dragged herself near enough to the wall to write these few words on it, with the tip of her finger dipped in the pool of blood. The smooches of blood on the carpet show, plainly that she dragged herself over the floor. She evidently died or faded before she could complete what she would have written. Well, that's my theory, Carter. Very good. Said Nick a bit dryly. All that seems very logical Phelan, and you are some theorist. I will look around a bit, however, and see what more I can find. Go ahead. Phelan nodded. The day is young. It then was only half past nine. Instead of immediately doing so, however, Nick abruptly changed his mind. He turned to Chick and said, I first must see Gordon and see what he has to say. His statements may be of aid in making an investigation. I can run down to headquarters with my car and be back here in half an hour. Easily. Let nothing be disturbed until I return. Admit no one Phelan. Nor give out anything for publication. Gordon is in a position to be ruined politically by this affair. I know he is the last man in the world. However, to have committed such a crime as this. I agree with you, Nick, to that extent. And that leads me to think that it may be a frame-up. That someone is out to turn him down. I want his side of the story. I will return within an hour. We'll wait. nodded Phelan. In the meantime, Chick, have a look at the back door and windows, also those in the basement, as well as the basement stairs. Nick then directed. Seek evidence aside from that left by Gilroy denoting that others were here last night and that the flat was stealthily entered. I understand. Said Chick removing his overcoat. You go ahead and see Gordon. I'll make sure nothing is tampered with before you return. Nick hastened out by the way he had entered. The reporter Hawley was still waiting in the vestibule. Well, Mr. Carter, what may I, he began eagerly. Nothing doing. Nick interrupted pausing only for a moment. The less you publish at present, the better I shall like it. You mean? That's all. I mean, and all I can remain to say. bear it in mind, Mr. Hawley, and be governed accordingly. Nick did not wait for an answer. Nor to note the effect of his somewhat Curt remarks. He at once ran down the steps and entered his touring car. To police headquarters, Danny, at top speed. He directed, we have a rapid-fire case on our hands. Hawley came out on the steps and gazed after the speeding car. He now was frowning darkly. There was an anxious gleam and glitter deep down in the narrowed eyes back of his gold-bowed spectacles. His pointed beard, twitched and quivered perceptibly, while he bit his lower lip. After a moment. Nevertheless, he turned calmly to the policemen and asked with curious, coolness. Where's he gone. Give it up. Gilroy said, tersely. He never tells where he's going, nor what he has up his sleeve. Nick Carter isn't that guy. He might've said at least whether I could enter the flat and.. Rats. Gilroy growled. Did you want it written down with a slate and pencil? He as much as said you couldn't enter, there's nothing for you in waiting. Hawley waited. Nevertheless. Did Arthur Gordon murder, Tilly Lancey. And on the cusp of election night. Did detective Phelan get his man or are there other clues to follow for Nick? Don't miss our next exciting episode. When we continue the mystery of blood will tell or Nick Carter's play in politics. Well gang we're off to running start. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app. And if you can do me a favor and submit a rating and review well, That will do wonders for the podcast show algorithm. Making it visible to so many more people. I can't do it without your help friends. And this is about the easiest way to do it. If you want to help out financially, which I would appreciate, make sure to visit my, buy me a coffee support page. You can make a small one-time donation if you'd like, or you have the option of becoming a monthly supporter of the show for as little as five bucks a month. That's less than a meal at a fast food restaurant. 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