Blood Will Tell; or Nick Carter's Play in Politics, Pt 2

In this episode, JC Rede continues the second part of the 1915 Nick Carter mystery "Blood Will Tell" or "Nick Carter's Play in Politics." Nick Carter finds Arthur Gordon, who is involved in a threatening situation, at police headquarters. Despite the evidence that seems to incriminate Gordon, Nick believes in his innocence and promises to pull him out of the mess. Gordon explains that he visited Tilly Lancey, who claimed to have compromising letters from Gordon's political opponent, John Madison. However, Gordon refused to engage in such despicable means to win the election. After Gordon's arrest, Nick investigates further and discovers inconsistencies that suggest Gordon is being framed. He confides in his colleagues and plans to find evidence to prove Gordon's innocence before the election.

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Transcript

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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 the second part of the 1915 Nick Carter mystery blood will tell or Nick Carter's. Play in politics. Story papers were a popular form of entertainment in the 19th century. They were typically sold in installments and each installment would end with a cliffhanger to keep readers coming back for more. Story papers featured a wide variety of genres, including romance, adventure, mystery, and science fiction. However story papers eventually lost popularity in the early 20th century. There are a number of reasons for this decline. One reason is the rise of the dime novel. Dime novels offered a more immersive and satisfying reading experience than story papers. They were longer, more complex and more character driven, and they were easier to carry than a wieldy story paper. Another reason for the decline of story papers is the rise of mass media. The invention of radio gave people new ways to be entertained. They could now listen to stories without having to read them. This made story papers, less appealing to many people. Finally the decline of story papers can also be attributed to changes in the way people read. In the early 19th century, people read more for entertainment than for information. They would often read story papers in their spare time after a long day of work. However in the 20th century. People began to read more for information. They would read newspapers, magazines, and textbooks to learn about current events and to improve their knowledge. This shift in reading habits, made story papers, less appealing to many people. The increasing cost of production was also a contributing factor. As story papers became more popular, the cost of printing and distributing them also increased. This made it more difficult for publishers to make a profit on story papers. Another factor was the changing demographics of the reading public. In the 19th century story papers were primarily read by working class people. However, as the 20th century progressed, the reading public became more educated and affluent. This shift in demographics led to a decline in the demand for story papers as these new readers preferred to read novels and other more sophisticated forms of literature. Despite the decline of story papers. They continue to have a place in literary history. They were a popular form of entertainment for many years and they help to shape the development of popular fiction. Story papers also played an important role in the education of many people as they provided them with access to stories and information that they would not have otherwise had. And speaking of information, let's get back to the information on our Intrepid detective, as we continue the 1915 mystery blood will tell or Nick Carter's. Play in politics. Chapter three. Nick takes a chance. Nick Carter found Gordon seated in a detention room at police headquarters, accompanied by Regan, Kennedy, and the police commissioner. The two officers had arrived with their prisoner several minutes before bringing also the evidence mentioned by Phelan. Despite the persuasive arguments of the commissioner however, for the two men were personal friends, Gordon had positively refuse to make any statements about the case or to discuss the threatening situation in which he was involved. He sprang up eagerly nevertheless, when Nick entered and a tinge of color appeared in his pale cheeks. He extended his hand, saying fervently. Thank heaven Carter that you have arrived. I was just about to request that I might telephone to you again. I seem to be in a deucedly bad mess. I can depend only upon you to pull me out of it. I will try to do so Gordon of course. Nick replied. After a word of greeting for the others. Have you told. I have told nothing. Gordon interrupted, nor will I, Nick, except in a private interview with you. I then will state all that I know about this infernal business. Well, that can be arranged. I think. Nick replied, turning to the commissioner. Have you any objection? None, whatever Nick was the reply. I know of no man I would rather have on the case. Go as far as you like. The commissioner at once withdrew with Reagan and Kennedy, and Nick took the chair the former vacated. Now Gordon hand me straight goods and be quick about it. He said, forcibly. I have been to Tilly Lance's flat and know what has been found there. Also what Reagan and Kennedy have discovered that appears to incriminate you. It goes without saying however that I don't take much stock in it. I must have the whole truth from you. Nevertheless, if I am to pull you out of the fire. Have you seen..? Don't delay to question me, Nick interrupted insistently. I shall see all there is to be seen. Merely answer my questions as briefly as possible. Did you call on Tilly Lancey last evening? Yes, I did. Gordon admitted. Did you mail her a letter stating that you would visit her at 11 o'clock Yes. For what? What relations have you with a woman of her stamp? Well, that can be quickly told, said Gordon. I was stopped on fifth avenue three days ago by a fashionably dressed woman, closely veiled. She asked me to give her a few minutes conversation stating that she had important information for me. Something that would have a favorable bearing upon my election to Congress. So you consented. Yes. And what followed. She then said that she had in her possession, a package of letters written to her, by my political opponent, John Madison, the nature of which if made public would ruin him politically and ensure his defeat. Hmm. I see. She said that she would allow me to read them that I might judge for myself of the effect of their publication would have, and to which she would consent on conditions that she would state after I had read the letters. And what reply did you make? Nick questioned. Naturally being very anxious to carry this election. I questioned her further, said Gordon. She would reveal nothing more definite however, unless I would call on her and examine the letters. Do you mean Gordon? That she would not then reveal her identity? Nick inquired. Oh, no, not that. Gordon said quickly. I told her that I would not consider such a proposition from any unknown woman. She then drew her veil aside. And I recognized her. Matilda Lancey. Yes. You say you recognize her, said Nick. How long have you known her? I never spoke to her before in my life. Gordon earnestly assured him. I long have known her by name and reputation. However, and I at once decided that I would not consider her proposal. Hmm, quite right. I'm sure. I told her so Nick, but she insisted upon my taking her address and telephone number lest I should change my mind. Gordon went on. She said that I could communicate with her in that case. And that was all during that meeting. Well, what more? I did not then intend to give the matter. Another thought said, Gordon. I could not keep it out of my mind however, for I am having a hard political fight and seeking every possible lever with which to swing the election my way. In short Gordon, you finally decided to call on Tilly Lancy and read the Madison letters. Said Nick interrupting. Yes. That's the main point. I did Nick. And I tried to get her by telephone yesterday morning bowed Gordon. I was unable to do so, however, and I then wrote a line to her and dropped it in the mail when I went out to lunch. Did you afterward hear from her or try to telephone to her? No. I took it for granted that she would receive my note and that I would find her at home at the time mentioned. Why did you set so late an hour? Because I had a political appointment, which I knew would detain me until nearly 11 o'clock. Enough of that then. said Nick. It covers that part of the ground. At what time did you arrive at her flat. It was after 11, nearly half past. You found her at home? Yes. Alone? Yes. So far as I knew. And what followed. I had removed my oh, but I am getting ahead of my story. Gordon broke off. Knowing the reputation of the woman, Nick, and that my face has become a very familiar one because of the political placards about town and apprehending that I might be recognized if seen going there. And incur adverse and unjust criticism. I resolved to visit her in disguise. I see. Said Nick without further comments. As I was saying, Gordon continued. I removed my disguise in the vestibule and Ms. Lancey admitted me a moment later. She invited me into the room back of the front parlor. I know. Said Nick. What then occurred. She then came to the point and said, plainly, that she wanted to sell me the letters Madison had written to her. She stated that they were of so compromising a character that if published his defeat in the coming election would be inevitable. Yes, that is about what I suspected. Remarked, Nick. She offered to give them to me and permit me to have them published either personally or indirectly for$10,000. She did most of the talking, Nick, and that's about all that was said. You mean? I mean, of course, that I would not resort to such despicable means even to ensure my election. Gordon interrupted more forcibly. I told her so, also what I thought of her and her proposition and I then left the house. Did she accompany you to the door? No. I departed in haste and disgust both for her and myself for having gone there. And what was she doing when you left? She was seated on a sofa in the rear parlor. I paused in the vestibule only to replace my disguise and I then hastened home. That was the last I saw of her, or want to see. Yes. I understand. You can imagine my amazement and consternation, therefore, when I was arrested this morning for having murdered her to say nothing of being confronted with such evidence has been discovered. Gordon added. I tell you, Nick, nevertheless, that I.. Nevermind telling me, Gordon, for time is of value. Nick again, interposed. Merely answer my questions. Did you see the package of letters she claimed to have had? I did not. Nick. She said they were in her desk. And was the desk closed? Yes and locked. It is a roll top, which locks automatically when the cover is rolled completely down. I noticed that it was tightly closed. It was locked all right, Gordon, said Nick. Did you remove your overcoat while talking with Ms. Lancey? Yes. Did you put it on before leaving the flat. No. I put it on after reaching the street. I merely took my disguise from the pocket and put that on while in the vestibule. Gordon thoughtfully explained. I then hurried out into the street. I may have walked half a block before putting on my overcoat for I was feeling a bit warm and resentful. It irritated me that the woman thought me capable of such beastly business. Well, she sized you up from her own standpoint. Nick remarked. Can you in any way account for the spots of blood on your suit, your overcoat, and in one of the pockets of the latter. No, Nick, most emphatically, Gordon declared. I am entirely in the dark. Am I to understand then, that you now have told me all that you know about the crime or any circumstances that might have a bearing on it? Nick enquired. Yes, absolutely all, Gordon said. I know nothing, whatever about the crime itself, Nick. Nor have I, the slightest suspicion as to who committed it. How did you return home? I took a subway train. Were you then in disguise? No. I removed it before arriving at the subway station and thrust it into my pocket. Did you meet anyone with whom you are acquainted? I don't think so. I noticed no one, I hurried home and went directly to bed. Really Nick. That is all I can tell you. That will answer then, said the detective. Are these the articles brought from your residence. Yes. Nick had arisen abruptly and turned to a table near one of the walls. Lying on it were the disjointed section of a burglar's Jimmy one of which was stained with blood. Also Gordon's evening suit, his overcoat, and the disguise worn the previous night. Nick examined all of them carefully noting the spots of blood on the black suit consisting of several scattered drops on the left sleeve and pants leg as if bespattered by a gushing wound. There was only a single spot on the overcoat, however, and that was near the bloodstained pocket. It's a mystery to me, Nick, a damnable mystery said Gordon, after waiting for the detective to express an opinion. This is likely to ruin my chances of election to say nothing of. Say nothing is what you must do. Nick interrupted. I will try to ferret out the truth, Gordon before the publication of the superficial facts can do you any harm. A thousand thanks, Nick said Gordon gratefully. I knew I could depend on you. We will confide in the commissioner, however, and I think I can prevail on him to liberate you and state that your arrest was due to a mistake. Really? I would be doubly grateful for that. The commissioner knows you as well as I do Gordon. And he will realize that your defeat in the near election may result from holding you under arrest. That must be prevented however, if possible. I will return home Nick and remain there, subject to his orders, said Gordon eager to bring it about. Or he can have an officer go there to watch me. I think I can make him see, Gordon, that you are most likely the victim of a plot rather than guilty of this crime. Nick replied. All this will necessitate my breaking a record to find absolute evidence in proof of it however, and I shall leave you immediately after talking with him. You keep your mouth closed after that and be patient till you hear back from me. I will do both, Nick, Gordon assured him. I'll be off, then, after a talk with the commissioner. Come with me. I also want him to hold these articles subject to my order. I think I may find a use for them. Chapter four. Nick's capital work. Nick Carter easily won the commissioner to his own views and he then returned at top speed to the Columbus avenue flat. None could have realized more keenly that time was of value. That the political fate of his friend and client to say nothing of his life even depended upon what he could quickly accomplish. Nick felt that he was equal to the emergency however, as well as sure of his man, and he was shaping his course accordingly. It was precisely half past 10 when he arrived for the second time at the home of the murdered woman. Hawley, the reporter, still was waiting for information. Other reporters had arrived and were blocking the steps. Most of them recognized the detective and awaited him eagerly. Nothing doing gentlemen at present, said Nick, threading his way between them. It's too early in the game. Wait till I have dug up something definite. But I have been told that the honorable Arthur Gordon has been arrested on suspicion, said a persistent one. Is that true Mr. Carter? No, no. Quite the contrary, Nick coolly asserted. Gordon went down to headquarters voluntarily, merely to explain certain circumstances that seemed at the time to have a bearing on the case. That was all a mistake. Gordon is at Liberty and has returned to his residence in Riverside drive. If you publish anything to the contrary, you will make a most egregious blunder. But he was placed under arrest, wasn't he? Hawley demanded impulsively. Nick swung round and eyed him more sharply. There was something about him he did not fancy. Something that in a vague way, impressed him that they had met before. But he then was in too great haste to seriously consider the fleeting impression. He lingered only for a moment, replying a bit curtly. No, no, there has been no arrest, nothing of the kind. No arrest will be made in fact, until evidence is found that will warrant it. That's all gentlemen at present. Nick turned with the last and Strode into the hall. Hawley gazed after him furtively, with eyes dilating and his pointed beard twitching nervously. He remained only for a moment longer, then descended the steps and hurried away. Nick found Chick and Phelan patiently waiting for him, though the former immediately greeted him with anxious inquiry. Well, is it as bad as it looks? It's bad enough, Chick. Nick replied, removing his overcoat and tossing it on a chair in the front room. I reckoned you'd think so, said Phelan. Nick turned and replied more impressively. That isn't all I think. I'm going to confide in you Phelan, and tell you what I have done and why I have done it. Phelan instantly turned more grave. It goes without saying Nick, that whatever you do or have done will be for the best he replied. Do you think I made a mistake in having Gordon arrested so quickly? Well, it would have been better to have deferred. It said, Nick. I admit nevertheless, that the circumstances seem to warrant it. I certainly thought so. Well, that's neither here nor there now, for I have talked with the chief and had Gordon liberated. I gave the chief my word that I would find evidence refuting that involving Gordon. And that I would also run down the real criminals. It now is up to me to make good. I hope you've not bitten off more than you can chew. Said Phelan inelegantly. I don't think so. What did Gordon say for himself? Chick inquired. Nick then told both what Gordon had stated, also his own reasons for the steps he had taken. Either he did this or he did not. He said forcibly in conclusion. I feel sure he did not. Who did kill this woman then? And with what motive? We now will try to find out. Gordon's story certainly is a plausible one, Chick declared. It explains his visit, his letter, and why the disguise was in his pocket. All were mystifying points as well as seriously suspicious. But think what it doesn't explain. Argued Phelan, still doubtful. If others killed this woman after Gordon departed, and if he went directly home as stated, how came blood on his garments, even in his overcoat pocket. As if that gory Jimmy had been carried away in it. How came the Jimmy under shrubbery in Gordon's grounds. It must be the Jimmy with which the woman was killed. Where are the Madison letters, if he didn't get them and why. Hold your horses Phelan. Nick interrupted, then hurriedly searching the open desk. Don't ask so many questions. They cannot be answered in advance of an investigation. We have only Tilly Lancey's word for it, mind you, that a package of Madison's letters were here, aside from the fact that someone broke into the desk. They are no longer here, at all events. for I have searched it thoroughly. By Jove, this may have been a job to kill two birds with one stone! Said chick. What do you mean? Phelan growled. A job, not only to get the Madison letters, but also to do it in such a way to fix the crime upon Gordon and defeat him in the coming election. Huh. grunted Phelan. Could you find any evidence, Chick, that others were here last night? Nick paused and inquired. Not an atom, Nick. And you searched. Everywhere. Chick interrupted. The only window tampered with, is that through which Gilroy entered this morning. There's not a sign of anything more. If others were here, they must've been admitted by the woman herself or. Stop a moment. Nick cut in. Here it is a partly written letter addressed to a woman named Cora, merely an invitation to dine. Oh, that's Cora Cavendish said Phelan. She has been Tilly Lancey's running mate for a year. She's a bird of the same feather. Where does she live? asked Chick. Well, she has apartments in the Nordeck in 44th street. Oh, she's a fly Jade if ever there was one. Possibly then. Wait, Nick interrupted again. Here is an important point. It convinces me that I am right. Right in what? Came from Phelan. That Tilly Lancey did not write these words on the wall. Great Scott is that so? What's the point. Nick displayed the partly written letter found in the desk then turned to the wall on which the incriminating words were inscribed. Notice the capital a in Gordon's given name. Said he pointing. It has the proper form for the capital. Here in this letter are no less than three of the same capitals and all of a different shape. Well, how different? They are the enlarged form of the small letter, a form, which many persons use when writing that capital, said Nick. If it appeared only once it might be attributed to chance, but all three show plainly that Tilly Lancey habitually wrote the capital A in the form of the small letter. Here is the other form however, in this writing on the wall, Don't expect me to believe that this woman would under such circumstances have changed her habit of writing. By Jove, that is important. said Chick eyes lighting. But why blood on the tip of her forefinger? Phelan protested. Isn't that enough evidence that she. It is not reliable evidence. Nick objected, interrupting. But the size of her fingertip corresponds with the marks on the wall. That cuts no ice. Nick again, insisted. Clever crooks bent upon this deception would have dragged the woman near enough to the wall after killing her, to grasp her lax hand and finger and force it to inscribe the desired words. That is precisely what was done. This inconsistency in the capital A alone convinces me of that. I am not so sure of it Carter, all the same, Phelan still objected. Well, I am Phelan and I was reasonably sure of it from the first, said Nick. Why so? Notice her fractured skull. Such wounds are prohibitive. Tilly Lancey did not recover consciousness to say nothing of having revived sufficiently to write these words. Furthermore, if she had, she would not have done so. What do you mean? Well, Here is the telephone stand scarce three feet away. Nick continued. With consciousness and reason restored and sufficient strength to have dragged herself to the wall and written these words, she would have taken a simpler method to expose her assailant. You mean with the telephone? Certainly. It was directly in front of her. She must've seen it. Even if she could not rise, she could have tipped over the stand and got hold of the instrument. In half the time, it would have taken her to dip her finger in blood. And write these words. She could have told the whole story to a telephone operator. Or even have called up the police. By gracious, Nick, that admits of no argument said Chick, emphatically. She surely would have done so. The several circumstances combined leave no room for a single doubt. I think so, too. Phelan nodded. I guess you are right Carter after all. I blundered like a fool in getting after Gordon so quickly. Nick did not reply. Crouching beside the corpse of the murdered woman, he took a lens from his pocket and examined her bloodstained fingertip. Her hand. And her wrist. The several wounds in her matted hair. And then he surprised both of his observers by taking out his own handkerchief and dipping it in some of the partly congealed blood and afterward folding it and replacing it in his pocket. What's that for? Phelan inquired with brows knit perplexedly. Further study. Nick tersely said rising. I am going to leave you Phelan to notify the coroner and to take the necessary legal steps. Bear in mind, however that all this is strictly confidential for the present. Publication might prove disastrous. Trust me, Phelan assured him. I'm dumb, Nick, until you remove the seal of silence. You have something else up your sleeve I infer? Exactly. Go ahead then. And good luck. I'll look after things here while you get in your work. Good enough, Phelan, said Nick shaking hands with him. I'll reciprocate in some way, when. Cut that. Phelan interrupted. You know, I am always at your service. Go ahead and get in your work. Nick did not delay his departure. He left the house with Chick and returned to his touring car. Home, Danny. He directed. I'll let him drop me there Chick, and then take you to headquarters. I want Gordon's garments and that bloodstained Jimmy. Tell the commissioner, I will be responsible for their safe return. Bring them to the library. What does Nick have up his sleeve or rather in his pocket? Is detective Phelan, convinced that he arrested Arthur Gordon too quickly. And how will Nick solve the mystery before election night? These and other questions may be answered in next week's episode of blood will tell or Nick Carter's play in politics. Well friends, it certainly looks bad for Arthur Gordon. Again. But I'm sure Nick will somehow pull him out of it. Once again, friends may I remind you that one of the easiest ways to support the show is to simply rate it on whatever podcast app you're using and leave a quick review. It doesn't have to be long at all. The more ratings and reviews I get, the more the show becomes visible as a suggestion to new listeners and keeps the show's momentum going. Of course you can always share the podcast with friends and family. People are always more likely to trust the word of someone they know, rather than just a review on a website. Although that does help to support your recommendation. Or heck. Just Chuck me some cash easily through the, buy me a coffee page. The link of course is on the website and available through my social media link in bio. Okay. I've rambled long enough. As always friends. Thanks for listening. Keep sharing the stories and be a good human. Bye for now.