Toying With Fate, or Nick Carter's Narrow Shave Pt 3

In this episode, Nick Carter and Peter Wright finally discover the contents of the mysterious package left by Edward Peters. The package includes evidence proving that Alfred Lawrence was framed for a crime he didn't commit. However, the identity of Edward Peters remains a mystery, and Nick follows a lead to the second witness on the signed confession to find out more. Unfortunately, he learns that Peters was murdered before he could provide the evidence to the police.

Nick discovers that Peters was employed as a butler by Mrs. Isabella Porter at an address on 5th Avenue. However, when he investigates the address, he finds a dead end. The next day, Nick and Peter Wright receive a threatening note from Miss Porter, who demands that they give her the package and stop investigating the mystery. Nick traces the messenger who delivered the note and discovers two men who are conspiring against him.

One of the men, Simeon Rich, accused Alfred Lawrence of forgery, while the other, Richard Darwin, seems to know more about the mystery than he's letting on. The two conspirators split up, with Rich going to see Isabella Porter and Darwin going to a den of thieves. Nick decides to follow Darwin, and the episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Nick and Peter heading towards danger. 

Overall, this episode is packed with suspense and intrigue, as Nick Carter gets closer to unraveling the mystery of Alfred Lawrence's wrongful conviction. The podcast keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, delivering unexpected twists and turns at every step.

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

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 picking up where we left off last time with the adventures of Nick Carter in the 1903 mystery crime thriller toying with fate or Nick Carter's narrow shave. The publishing house that created the Nick Carter character and stories, street and Smith, was founded in 1855 by Francis Scott street and Francis Shubael Smith. Initially the company published dime novels, which were cheap sensationalized books that were accessible to a wide audience. These dime novels were incredibly successful and street and Smith became one of the largest publishers in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most significant contributions that Street and Smith made to the publishing industry was their introduction of genre, specific pulp magazines, which were monthly publications that featured stories in various genres, including science fiction, crime and romance. These magazines were cheaply produced and sold for only 10 cents. Making them accessible to a wide audience. Street and Smith was also responsible for publishing some of the most famous writers of the time, including Edgar rice Burroughs. HP Lovecraft and Robert Heinlein. These writers helped to shape the genres that they wrote in. And their influence can still be seen in modern literature and entertainment. In addition to publishing dime novels and pulp magazines. Street and Smith was also an innovator in the world of comic books. In fact, they published some of the earliest comic books in the United States, including the shadow and doc Savage. These comics were incredibly popular and they helped establish the superhero genre. That of course is still popular today. And did you know. Both of those characters were directly influenced by our master detective Nick Carter. It's true. In fact, you could say that Nick Carter was the great-grandfather of our current slate of superheroes. Hey, let's check in on Nick right now. In our last episode, Nick, with the help of the original owner of the red dragon in Peter Wright was able to finally identify the name of the mysterious old man who was found murdered at the end. The man Alfred Lawrence was sent to prison for forging his uncle's name on the will, which had named him sole inheritor of the estate. After speaking to the warden at sing sing prison. Nick began to search for clues, including the cabman who identifies Lawrence as the man. He drove to a downtown safe deposit company. Finding no additional clues. Nick heads home where Peter Wright visits him later that evening. He tells Nick about a strange meeting he had with a woman. Isabella Porter who claims that Mr. Wright was given a package by an unknown gentlemen to keep for him until a later date, which he never reclaimed. Stating that he did not remember receiving such a package. Wright asks isabella Porter to return tomorrow when he can search his safe deposit. However, Peter Wright confesses to Nick that he had the package hidden in his own hotel room. And pulls that package from his coat pocket. What's in that package. And why does this woman want it? Well, Let's find out in the next episode of toying with fate or Nick Carter's narrow shave. Chapter five. An important package. This is the package, Mr. Wright, exclaimed, as he held up the bundle. I have not opened it. What is the endorsement Carter asked. Listen, and I will read. Papers relating to the Lawrence will case. The deuce you say. Read it for yourself. Mr. Wright handed the package to the detective. Carter took hold of it and read the endorsement. The writing is bold and clear. He said, No name signed to it. It is peculiar. Mr. Wright rejoined. It seems strange that this should turn up just at this time. And it is remarkable that I should have been impelled to act as I did. Hm. Yes, Carter remarked and he became thoughtful while he held the package in his hand and gazed at it. Fixedly. What do you suppose those papers contain? Well, we will examine them. Why was Isabella Porter so anxious to get possession of them? Well that we will have to find out. Who was Edward Peters? I can't answer that question. Carter laughed as he glanced at Mr. Wright who joined him remarking. If I were not so excited, I would never have asked such a question. Mr. Carter. I am aware of that. Well, let's examine those papers. That may be something in them, which will finish you with a clue. Or they may deepen the mystery. Carter broke the seals and tore off the wrapper. Five documents fell into his lap. Mr. Wright drew up his chair, close to the detective side. Carter picked up one of the papers and read the endorsement. Confession of George Blanchard Butler employed by Alfred Lawrence Esquire. Mr. Wright gave a prolonged whistle. His and the detectives eyes met for some time that did not speak. Confession of George Blanchard repeated Mr. Wright. We will read it. The detective remarked and he opened the paper. Mr. Wright lean back in his chair. Carter cleared his throat and commenced to read. I George Blanchard, knowing that I am about to die and to be called upon to face my maker, desiring to make reparation for grievous wrongs and sins, which I have committed. Do make the following confession. Hoping thereby to ease my conscience. May God have mercy upon my soul. I was born in Manchester, England end, at the age of 20, I came to America. Shortly after my arrival in New York, I was engaged by Alfred Lawrence Esquire to act as his Butler. And I went to work at his house on beach street. Mr. Lawrence was engaged in business with his uncle after whom he was named. Old Mr. Lawrence died. And when the will was read. It was found that his nephew was left all of the property. Simeon rich. Another nephew of the deceased proceeded to contest the will. And he claimed that Mr. Alfred Lawrence had forged the document. Previous to the death of old Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Alfred Lawrence and his wife became estranged. They used to quarrel frequently. Mrs. Lawrence was a cold willful and heartless woman. One day. I discovered that she was meeting Simeon rich clandestinely. This was before the death of her husband's uncle. I saw that I had her in my power and I made a demand upon her for hush money, which she gave me. I threatened her with exposure and I received from her several hundred dollars. One night shortly after the death of old Mr. Lawrence. Simeon rich came to me and told me that he was going to contest the will. He said he would pay me $10,000. If I would swear that I had seen Mr. Alfred Lawrence forged the will. Mrs. Lawrence he told me would be on his side. He paid me $1,000 down and the balance he promised to give me as soon as the will was broken. I entered into the plot. Papers, which would have cleared Mr. Alfred Lawrence of the charge of forgery. I stole from his safe. These papers. I have always kept in my possession and they will be found with this confession. One of the papers was the statement of the lawyer who had drawn up the will and who had died just before the contest. From time to time. Simeon Rich has tried to get possession of these papers, but I would never give them to him. Another paper was a letter written by Mrs. Lawrence to rich in which she outlined the whole plot. Mr. Alfred Lawrence in some way, got hold of this letter. He was sent to state's prison a year ago today. Mrs. Lawrence and rich have gone abroad together. Two weeks ago while crossing Broadway, I was knocked down by a runaway team and taken to this hospital. I have suffered terrible agony and the doctors have informed me that I cannot live. I entrust this confession and the stolen documents, which will clear Mr. Alfred Lawrence to my chum, Edward Peters, with instructions to deliver them to the proper authorities. I signed George Blanchard witnessed by Edward Peters, Leonard Thompson MD house, physician, Bellevue hospital. Dated August 17. For some time after Carter finished reading, he and Mr. Wright sat in silence. Mr. Wright was the first to speak. That confession shows that Lawrence was innocent. He remarked. Yes, the detective rejoined, but it throws no light on the murder. I wonder, what became of Edward Peters and what induced him to leave the package of documents with me. If I had only known the value of those papers years ago, I would have had Lawrence out of sing, sing in a Jiffy. Hmm. I wonder if Dr. Leonard Thompson, whose signature is attached to this confession is the famous specialist who now resides on upper fifth avenue. Well, we can easily find out by calling on him. We will start for his house immediately. Carter put the papers into the inside pocket of his coat. And then he and Mr. Wright started for the house of the fifth avenue physician. When the detective and his companion arrived at the palatial mansion. They were shown into a small reception room. In which a number of patients were seated. Carter gave his card to the Butler, requesting him to present it to his master and state that he desired to see the doctor on important business. In a few minutes, the Butler returned and said that the doctor would see them. Dr. Thompson was a man of fine physique and aristocratic bearing. At first, he acted rather coldly when the detective and Mr. Wright entered his private office. However, he invited them to be seated and asked what they desired. Were you ever house physician at Bellevue hospital? Carter inquired. I was Dr. Thompson replied. Is this your signature? The detective took the Blanchard confession out of his pocket and showed the doctor the signature. Hmm. Yes, that is my signature. The physician said after he had glanced at it. And instantly he thawed out and became interested. What is that paper? A confession of a man named George Blanchard. The detective answered. He was at one time a Butler for Mr. Alfred Lawrence. Oh. Yes. I remember that, man. He died from injuries received in a runaway. I never knew what the confession was related to. A man named Peters was with him all the afternoon before he died. I came up to the cot just as he signed the paper. And Peter's requested me to witness the signature, which I did. My mind was busy with other matters. And I never thought to ask what was in the paper. I signed the death certificate. And if my memory does not play me false, I think Peter has claimed the body and buried it. A month later Peter's himself was brought to the hospital in a dying condition. He had been stabbed, I think in some dark street, downtown. I recognized him as the man who had been with Blanchard and who had requested me to sign the paper. He died, unfortunately, without recovering consciousness. I can't tell whether anyone claimed his body or not. The records at Bellevue will show that. Oh, certainly. Doctor, we are greatly obliged to you for this information. Oh, why are you so anxious? I can't tell you anything just at present. I understand Mr. Carter. Well, If I can be of any further service to you, don't hesitate to call on me. Thank you. Carter and Wright departed. As soon as they were outside in the street, the latter turned to the former and said, What are you going to do next? We will go over to Bellevue. The detective rejoined. At the hospital, Carter proceeded to examine the record of deaths. After a long search, he found the name of Edward Peters. Here it is. He said turning to Peter Wright and holding his finger on the name. Uh, of read what the record says. Peter's Edward faulty. Unmarried native of England. Cause of death stab wound in back over left lobe of heart. Occupation Butler. Butler. What employed. Fifth avenue, name of employer. Mrs. Isabella Porter body claimed by Mrs. Porter date September 21. Well! Right exclaimed. And he looked at Carter with a quizzical expression on his face. More mystery. The detective rejoined. Peter stopped at the red dragon in on the night of September 20. How do you know that? Well, I, I put the date on the wrapper on the package. Did you leave that wrapper in your room? I did. From this record. It appears that the man was Mrs. Porter's Butler. Yes. She'd never had a Butler when they lived on west Broadway. And I was not aware that they had gone to reside on fifth avenue. Mrs. Porter's daughter was named after her. Oh, obviously. All right, let's go to your hotel. When miss Isabella Porter calls on you tomorrow. Tell her that you could not find the package. I'd like to know how she learned about it. That we will find out all in good time. I will put these papers away in a safe place. Yes, do so. It was quite late when the detective and Wright reached the hotel. Carter recover the rapper, which had been outside of the package. He sealed the documents up in an envelope and had the bundle locked up in the hotel safe. When he reached his house an hour later. He did not retire to rest. As soon as he locked the door of his sanctum, he proceeded to change his clothing. In a quarter of an hour, he had changed his appearance so completely that his most intimate acquaintance could not have recognize them. What did he intend to do? From the manner in which he acted, it was quite clear that he did not propose to remain in. He examined his notebook before leaving the room. And as he went out, he muttered. We will see what kind of place Ms. Porter lives in. Chapter seven. The threat. Carter desire to learn something about Isabella Porter. Her appearance at this time and her anxiety to secure the papers, which have been left in Mr. Wright's possession so many years before seemed peculiar. As the detective reviewed the incidents and recalled the record of Peter's death to his mind. He was almost certain that the man had been attacked by someone who desired to put him out of the way. Was Peter's death planned because he had in his possession, these damaging papers. Carter pondered over this question. The circumstance was puzzling. Why was no attempt ever made until now to get possession of the documents? How did Isabella Porter come to know or suppose that they were in the possession of Mr. Wright? Was it any wonder that Carter was in a quandary when these questions were presented to his mind? He did not know what to think. He was in the dark. There was a veil before his eyes figuratively speaking. He felt that Isabella Porter had some connection with the mystery of the red dragon in, but what this connection was, he could not determine. Presently he arrived at the address on west 19th street. It was an apartment house. He went into the vestibule and examined the names on the letter boxes. The name of the woman was not among them. It is, as I supposed the detective muttered, she does not live here. And she gave Mr. Wright, this address simply as a blind. To make sure that he was not wrong in his surmise Carter called on the janitor and questioned him. The man did not know any woman by the name of Isabella Porter. And he was sure that no woman answering to her description. Lived in the house. She had some deep object in view when she gave that false address. The detective thought. The discovery alone is sufficient to make one suspect her. Early the next morning, the detective called at the address on fifth avenue, which he had found in the record of Peter's death. No one there knew anything about any person by the name of Porter. He returned to the hotel and went to Mr. Wright's room. Intending to remain there until the woman called. He sent a message to the cashier of the safe deposit company stating that he had important business on hand and he would see him later in the day. Noon arrived, and Isabella Porter did not appear. Carter was impatient. I've wasted the whole morning. He remarked to Wright. That woman promised to call early. Wright rejoined. Do you think her suspicions were aroused? Hm. Well that I cannot tell. Well, it is curious. Yes, very. Carter Strode over to the window and looked out into the street. He was in a brown study. What should he do? Just then someone knocked on the door and the detective opened it. A messenger boy stood before him. I've got a note for Mr. Peter Wright. The boy said. Mr. Wright took the note and opened it. He glanced at it and then turning to the boy asked. From whom did you receive this? Uh, a man. The boy replied. Where was he when he gave it to. In the bar room of the Humber land house. What kind of a looking man was he. He was tall, had a smooth face and black hair. And what did he say when he gave you the note? He said simply to fetch it down to you. Was that all? Yes, that was all. Did he pay you? Yes, sir. Hmm, you may go. Wait, sunny. It was Carter who spoke. He had remained quiet during the time Peter Wright was questioning the lad. Let me see that note. He asked and Wright handed him the message. He read it and a smile crossed his face. Then he looked at the boy and asked. Did you ever see the man before? No, sir, the boy answered. You may go. When the messenger was out of the room, Carter turned to Mr. Wright and said, this note shows that the woman suspected a trap. No doubt. Mr. Wright rejoined. Read the note to me. I just glanced at it. Mr. Peter Wright. Dear sir. I cannot call on you today. I thought you were a gentlemen, but I have discovered that I cannot trust you. After I left you yesterday, I learned that you held a conference with Nicholas Carter, the detective. And he commenced to make inquiries about me. That man had better beware of how he metals with my affairs. I know that you have that package in your possession, and if you turn it over to that, detective, you will live to regret it. Yours very respectfully. Isabella Porter. Mr. Wright exclaimed when the detective finish reading. That for her threat. And the old man snapped his fingers together while defiance shown in his eyes. Well, one thing is for certain. Carter remarked. What is that? We're being watched. By whom. Hm, probably by the man who gave the note to the messenger boy. What are you going to do? Wow. I am going to call on the cashier of the safe deposit company. Half an hour later, the detective was in the office of the safe deposit company. He and the cashier visited the volt. And after some hesitation, the ladder opened Lawrence's box. It was empty. When this discovery was made, Carter uttered an exclamation of chagrin. Who could have remove the contents? The cashier ejaculated. Lawrence told me positively that he had valuable papers in this box. Yes, they've been removed, but whether recently or years ago, we cannot tell. The detective said. Oh, that is annoying. Carter left the vault and started uptown. So far he considered that he had made very little progress with the investigation. He reached the Humberland house and entered the cafe. It was four o'clock in the afternoon and quite a number of men were in the place. He thought that there might be a chance of learning something here. And that was the reason why he had stopped. The man who had given Isabella Porter's note to the messenger, he thought might come into the place. He sat down at one of the tables and proceeded to inspect the men around him. His attention was attracted toward a tall man who was seated at the next table. With a short stout man. The man was well-dressed. There was something about his matter. The detective did not like, and he looked at him more closely than he otherwise would have done. All of a sudden it came to him. That this man answered the description of the man who had given the messenger boy. Isabella Porter's note. Carter acted cautiously so that the man would not notice that he was watching him. They spoke in low tones and it was sometime before the detective was able to catch a word. They said, He leaned back in his chair and listened. The men were drinking. After a time they commenced to talk louder and the detective was able to hear. A man of less experience would have started. And perhaps betrayed himself when he heard the stout man address his companion as rich. Not so Carter. He did not move in his chair or show any sign that he had heard a word. His eyes were fixed on a painting on the opposite wall. And apparently he was examining it. Well, rich, the detective heard the stout man ejaculate. I think you made a mistake. For a while. This was all he heard for the man spoken low tones again, but this was sufficient to make Carter more deeply interested in those two men. Can this be the Simeon rich who conspired against Lawrence. He asked himself. There was a chance that the man was in no way related to the murdered man. After a time, the detective heard the man rich remark. Isabella made a mistake. Well, I don't know about that. The stout man rejoined. And at the same time, he lighted a fresh cigar while he leaned back in his chair and blew the smoke up in the air over his head. Darwin. Replied rich and a low, clear, deep voice. I think you are unnecessarily alarmed. I am not. I have heard a great deal about that man's ability. All such men are over estimated. When they are brought face-to-face with shrewed men. They fail. Ah, make no mistake that man has circumvented shrewder men than we. Bosch. Even at this moment, he may be in possession of important evidence. How could he have secured it? I do not know. And yet I do not feel safe. I tell you, we have nothing to fear. You should never have had that letter of Isabella's delivered. The old fool will never dare show it. That man has already been to Bellevue and examined the records. How do you know that? I made inquiries. When. This afternoon. It was, well, I had him watched. In one way, it was yes. In many ways. The men rested back in their chairs and they were silent. Carter had heard every word. And he was sure that the two men had referred to him. Although they have not mentioned any names. His heart beat violently in spite of his stoicism. Outwardly he was composed, but inwardly, he was excited. Am I on the right trail at last, he asked himself, Have these men had anything to do with the mysterious murder at the red dragon inn. Ought I to suspect them. Darwin arose from the table, paid the cashier for what they had had. And then the two men strolled out of the cafe into the corridor of the hotel. When they halted near the newspaper stand. Carter followed them openly, but unobtrusively and stood within a few feet of them. The lobby was crowded with people and it was easy to keep them under surveillance without the fear of attracting their attention. Well, rich, what are you going to do? Carter heard Darwin ask after they had stood silent for some time near the door. I am going uptown. Rich replied, evasively. To see Isabella. Yes. Ah, well, try and induce her to take a trip to Philadelphia and remain there until things quiet down. She won't listen to that. Confound these women, anyway! If you had, let me manage that affair and kept her out of it. There would've been nothing to worry about. As it is, you went ahead without asking my advice. And the result may be that you have furnished that man with a clue which will lead up to our downfall. Always croaking Dick. No, I am not. Well, what are you going to do? I am going to take a trip down to Lim Samson's joint. And see if Brockie Gann, has any report to make. What time tomorrow will you meet me? 11 o'clock. Where here said Darwin. If anything of importance has occurred, I will send you word. And goodnight. They had walked out into the street and now they separated one starting uptown and the other walking down to the corner of 24th street. Where he halted to wait for a car. For a moment or so Carter was in doubt about which one he ought to follow. Richard Darwin mentioned that he was going downtown to a place, kept by a man named Lim Sampson. The detective was familiar with the place, which was one of the worst crooks resorts on Houston street, near McDougal. He also knew that Brockie Gann was the leader of a gang of thugs. He had arrested Brockie several times, and once he succeeded in sending him to state's prison for a short term. Carter saw Darwin start out toward the center of the street as a downtown car came along. In an instant, his mind was made up. He ran out into the street and jumped aboard the car ahead of Darwin. On the way downtown, the detective made a close study of the man. He did not remember that he had ever seen him before. Darwin had the appearance of a man in prosperous circumstances. That he had been in the habit of associated with sporting man was quite evident from certain phrases, which Carter had heard him mutter. At Houston street. Darwin. Jumped off the car. Who is Richard Darwin. And what is he doing with Simeon rich? Where is he headed to. And how is Isabella Porter mixed up in the murder of Alfred Lawrence? The old man. The answer to these and other questions will be revealed in the next episode of toying with fate or Nick Carter's narrow shave. Well, that ends this week's enticing episode. I'm telling you I'm loving this intrigue. Mysteries have always held my interest ever since I was a kid. And this story well, I'm all in. As a reminder friends, please make sure to rate and or review the podcast. It makes the show more visible to new people. If you do this. The show is still less than a year old at this point, but growth is still difficult without your help. Also please consider supporting the show financially as a patron on the, buy me a coffee page, you get your choice of being a monthly supporter or a simple one-time gift of the price of a coffee. Either way it's very much appreciated. Once again, a very special thank you to project Gutenberg for providing this and other amazing stories. They're always adding more. So. I'm going to be busy for a long, long while. Okay. I've rambled long enough. As always friends. Thanks for listening. Keep sharing the stories. And be a good human. Bye for now.