Toying With Fate; Or Nick Carter's Narrow Shave, Part 4

The latest episode of the podcast delves into the thrilling investigation of Nick Carter, who has been on the hunt for the murderers at the notorious Red Dragon Inn. In the previous episode, Nick infiltrated a meeting between Simeon Rich and Dick Darwin, who were conspiring to keep Isabella Porter from revealing everything she knew about the murder. In this episode, we see the plot thicken as Nick follows Darwin to a den of thieves, where he overhears Rich offering payment to have Nick killed.

Undeterred, Nick follows Darwin to a nightclub, where he meets up with Dora Ferris, who knows about Darwin's illicit meetings with Sally Rich. Dora breaks up with Darwin and leaves the nightclub, but Nick follows her outside and convinces her to reveal everything she knows about Darwin's plan. With this new information, Nick is one step closer to uncovering the truth about the murders at the Red Dragon Inn.

The podcast is a thrilling ride for anyone who loves a good mystery. The host does an excellent job of building suspense and keeping the listener engaged from beginning to end. The characters are well-developed and the story is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tune in to the podcast to find out what happens next in Nick Carter's investigation of the Red Dragon Inn.

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. your host and narrator. And today we're continuing the mystery being spun with Nick Carter in the 1903 story toying with fate or Nick Carter's narrow shave. Nick Carter master detective was a wildly popular dime novel series published by street and Smith in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These dime novels were inexpensive mass produced books that told thrilling tales of adventure, crime, and romance. Making them accessible and appealing to a wide audience over 1000 stories. Featuring this crime solving detective were written by various authors using the pseudonym of Nicholas Carter. Our dashing hero, Nick Carter faced danger, head on and traveled the globe solving crimes and battling all manner of villains. He relied on his widths charm and incredible physical prowess to outsmart his foes and save the day. Interestingly, Nick Carter. Wasn't just a talented detective. He was also skilled in disguise, allowing him to go undercover and gather crucial information in his pursuit of justice. The influence of Nick Carter on detective and crime fiction. Is undeniable. He was one of the early detective heroes, preceding famous characters, like Sherlock Holmes. And he serves as the archetype for that genre. Carter was known for his physical and intellectual prowess traits that would later become staples for crime fighting and detective characters in literature, film, and television. One of the most enduring aspects of Nick Carter's influence is the concept of the detective hero as a force for good. Carter's unyielding pursuit of justice and his determination to protect the innocent, made him a symbol of righteousness. He is resourcefulness and cunning inspired countless later, detectives who also relied on their intellect and skills to catch criminals. Additionally, Nick Carter's diverse array of adventures influenced the development of the pulp magazine genre. Pulp magazines, which featured thrilling stories of adventure in crime, similar to dime novels became wildly popular during the mid 20th century. Characters like Nick Carter laid the groundwork for later pulp heroes, such as the shadow, the spider and doc Savage. And now we returned to those, thrilling tales of mystery in our latest episode of toying with fate or Nick Carter's narrow shave. Chapter seven. Eavesdropping. Carter did not act hastily. He waited until Darwin had turned the corner before he alighted from the car. Then he started after his query. whom he soon caught sight of hurrying along on the south side of Houston street. The detective kept on the north side of the street. As he walked along, he made a few changes in his disguise. So that if he and Darwin we're brought face to face again, the man would not recognize him as the same person who had stood on the platform of the car with him. Darwin entered the crooks resort. Carter followed him inside. A number of men were leaning up against the bar. Lem Sampson, a tall burly, broad shouldered red faced man with an ugly scar over his left temple was serving out the drinks. Darwin's stepped up to the bar and spoke to Samson. Carter got near them and heard what was said. Have you seen Brockie? Darwin asked. He hasn't been in this evening. Samson replied. Did you expect to meet him tonight? I did. Go back into the room and wait. Is anyone in there? No. Carter sat down in a chair near the door of that room and feigned intoxication. No one paid any attention to him. The minutes past. Then the door of the room opened and a man entered. He was dressed in black. His code was tightly buttoned up. So as nearly to hide, the white handkerchief that encompassed his scrawny throat. His hair. And it was not very luxuriant was of a Foxy color and combed straight down, giving the observer the idea that it had been operated on by the prison barber. Pitted pockmarks covered his colorless lean face. At a glance, the detective recognized Brockie Gann. The rascal cast is restless eyes around the room as if he were in fear of some danger and thus shuffling up to the bar he asked of Samson in a horse tone of voice. Have you seen him? He's waiting inside. Samsung replied pointing toward the back of the room with his thumb. Brockie as he passed, Carter looked at him. The detective's head was bending forward and apparently he was asleep. Jaggy. Brockie muttered as he passed into the room. I'm glad you have come at last Brockie. The detective heard Darwin exclaimed. Sit down, help yourself to the rosy. Thank you. Brockie replied and he seated himself at the table, pouring out a glass full of liquor and swallowing it at a gulp. Darwin handed him a cigar, which he lighted and proceeded to smoke. That's the stuff! He ejaculated. What did you discover this afternoon? Darwin asked after a pause. Nothing much. Tell me what you did learn. Well, the Cove left the hotel and went downtown to the Manhattan safe deposit company. Then he returned to the house. I laid around the place for several hours thinking it would come out. He did not put in an appearance and I proceeded to make inquiries. Then I discovered that he was not in his room and I knew he had left the hotel. I have been able to get on this trail. The deuce. Well, that Cove is like an hill. For a time the men were silent. Carter realized that Brockie had been tracking him and saw that in the future, he would have to be more cautious. It was only by a mere stroke of good luck that he had slipped out of the hotel unrecognized. Finally Darwin looked across the table at his companion and said, I think I can trust you Brockie. Think you can? Brockie ejaculated. You have done so, and never found me unworthy of the trust. You remember? The blood left Darwin's face when thus addressed for a moment and a paleness usurped its place. Why Mr. Darwin, I was in hopes. I think you were misunderstanding I know you, I can trust you and it is not everybody. I would let that suffice. I shall want you to do something more for me. What is that? Carter must be put out of the way. I begin to comprehend. That man has been the bitterest enemy that I have ever had. You don't love him. No. Then you will undertake the job. For a consideration. Yes. Oh, I don't expect you to do it for nothing. I will pay you liberally. But remember there must be no failure. I'll do my best. Your best. That's what I said, retorted Brockie. Oh, you must not fail. There is a chance that I may. You must not. See here Darwin, that Cove is one of the worst terrors in the business. I'm aware of that? Well, it, well, The men were sitting with their elbows leaning upon the table and they stared into each other's eyes for some time in silence. Say Darwin. Brockie finally blurted out. I don't like to be spoken to in that way. You talk as if you had a hold on me. I have a hold on. You. Darwin, fairly hissed. And his face darkened while his eyes show like two coals of fire. So you think. But I also have a hold on you. My bully boy. And don't you forget it. Again, a silence fell on them. Darwin's scowled. Brockie smiled, showing a hideous gold tooth. We won't quarrel Darwin at last remarked. I guess, no. Broccoli replied with a chuckle. Will you do the work? I told you I would. Then start out tonight to run him down. Uh, the Exchequer is very low. How much will you need? 500 down and 5,000 when the Cove is out of the way. That is too much. Don't talk in that way. You know, it's not too much you in that other chap are going to pull out a big steak. I'm no fool Darwin. One word for me and, Hush! We're in a public ballroom and you ought to be more cautious. Are you going to come to time? I'll give you 300 tonight and tomorrow. We'll talk about the balance. Fork out the 300. Darwin took a roll of bills out of his pocket, counted out the amount and passed it over to Brockie who smiled again and shoved the money into his trousers pocket. How will you proceed? Darwin asked. I'll make up my mind later. Brockie replied. Tomorrow I shall expect to hear. Don't count on hearing tomorrow. W why not? I might not be able to find him tonight. All right. I'll meet you here tomorrow afternoon at four. O'clock you going? Yes. I guess I'll go with you. Darwin and Brockie left the room. They passed the detective and Darwin said. Did you notice that fellow. pointing at Carter. Certainly. Brockie answered. He's got a JAG on. The halted in the center of the room and looked back at the detective who did not stir. Suppose he should be shamming. Darwin remarked in an undertone. G'way? Brockie retorted. He may have heard what we were talking about. Not much. Hmm. I have a sort of feeling that he is a spy. Brockie gazed intently at Carter. Without uttering a word. He Strode across the room and clutched hold of the detective by the shoulder, shaking him vigorously. Wash Carter growled making no attempt to resist. Oh, gosh, measure. He mumbled a second time in a maudlin tone. Lash it fell a loud. Get up outta here. Brockie exclaimed, any jerk the detective out of the chair. Carter struggled from side to side and his acting was perfect. No one in the place paid any attention to him in the Brockie except Darwin. Shy. Uh, I, she got a leg up. Carter mumbled. And he caught hold of Brockie by the arm to steady himself. What do you live? Brocky asked. Yeah. The rascal was entirely deceived. He firmly believed the detective was nothing more than a drunken bum. He let go is hold on him. And with a grunt of well Fein discussed Carter staggered out of the den. Brockie and Darwin followed. The detective disappeared around the corner. The instead he was out of sight, he straightened up and darted into the doorway of a house where he made a change in his disguise. He was anxious not to lose sight of Darwin, any hasten back around into Houston street. Again. He almost ran into Brockie who had separated from Darwin, who is hurrying off up the street in the direction of Broadway. Broccoli did not recognize the detective and with an oath, he passed around the corner. Carter started after Darwin. He reached Broadway a few seconds later than he, and by a lucky chance, he was able to get on the same car with him. Carter was sure that he had struck the right trail. Indeed. He was firmly convinced. Now that Darwin and rich were implicated in the murder and that they had formed together some dastardly plot. The detective did not make any effort to surmise what that plot was. It was too early yet to start to theorize. By the detective side on the platform of the car, Darwin's stood entirely unconscious that the man whom he had paid Brockie to kill was near him. When the car reached 31st street. Darwin jumped off light at a cigar and strolled leisurely down the block, turning into sixth avenue. Carter was not far behind him. I'm going to find out more about you. My lad. The detective thought as he followed Darwin into a crowded dance hall. It was nearly midnight and the place was filled with men and women. A band was playing a popular waltz and the floor was crowded with dancers. Loud laughter and shouts of maudlin mirth were heard on all sides. Darwin halted near the entrance and cast his eyes over the dancers. He's looking for someone. Carter, mentally commented as he noted every action. Darwin at that moment, started up the stairway, leading into the gallery. The detective followed close behind him. In the gallery ranged along the railing where small tables at which merry parties of men about town and tenderloiners were seated, drinking. The women were flashily and expensively dressed, and many of them were adorned with valuable jewelry. Darwin, as soon as he reached the gallery looked searchingly around. Suddenly he started across the rear and reached a table at the opposite side of which a young woman was sitting alone. The woman looked at him and nodded coldly as he drew up a chair beside her. Uh, Carter had also crossed the gallery and he stood within a few feet of the table. What's the matter with you? Dora asked Richard Darwin as he sat down and ordered a waiter to fetch a bottle of champagne. You know, well enough, what is the matter? Dora snappishly replied. What's the use of you trying to feign ignorance? You look real sweet when you talk in that way. How dare you. Dover's fine. Eyes flashed. She turned around in her chair face Darwin and glared at him. One could see that she was not in an amiable mood. She was angry about something. Uh, her face was flushed and she raised her hand as if she would have liked to have struck her companion in the face. Here's the wine. Darwin exclaimed with a forced laugh as the waiter placed the bottle and glasses on the table. Drink some and see if it won't put you in a good humor. I want none of your wine. Dora retorted. Keep it for your yes, you do. I won't touch it. You and I are quits from this night forth. Sure. Probably you think, I don't mean it. You don't mean it my dear girl drink your wine. I want no wine that you have paid for. I want nothing from a man who will deceive me. I haven't deceived you. Dora. Indeed. I haven't. I don't understand what you mean. You scoundrel. The conversation was carried on in low tones, but it was exciting and intense. Dora leaned back in her chair, as she called Darwin a scoundrel and she looked him squarely in the eyes. Carter who had heard all that was said was deeply interested. Chapter eight. A woman scorned. Dora kept her eyes fastened on Darwin. There was a peculiar glitter in them. At first Darwin returned her gaze without flinching. But soon he commenced to move about uneasily. For some time neither spoke. A cynical smile played around the corner of Doris lips. You are contemptible. She sneered really? I should feel sorry for you if I did not. Despite you so intensely. Really Dora. I don't understand you. Darwin replied. You don't understand me? How can you sit there and see that? Where were you today at 11 o'clock. What I don't lie to me. Where, were are you? I was in O'Rourke's restaurant. With whom. Sally rich. And what were you doing at her company? I met her by chance. You had an appointment with her? I did not. I was in O'Rourke's at the time. And I saw both of you. Spying on me? Darwin's face darkened and he bit the ends of his mustache. I was not spying on you. Dora ejaculated. I wouldn't spy on anyone, but I am glad I've discovered your duplicity. You are jealous of Sally rich. Darwin retorted. I am not. But I do hate her. I am aware of that. She hates you. She is a low. Hush. I will not hush. This is the third time that I've caught you with her. You don't understand. I have business with her brother. Do you expect me to believe that. Not much. I'm not green. As long as you prefer that woman society, to mind, you may go with her. And I never want you to speak to me again. Oh, but Dora. Dick Darwin. My mind is made up. Do listen to reason, dora. Good night. Dora arose from the table. Cast a contemptuous glance at Darwin and walked into a side room. Confound that woman. Darwin muttered as he gazed after her, if she turns against me, she may ruin me. I wish I had met Sally rich. At least not for the present. Carter heard with Darwin muttered and he saw that the man was greatly disturbed. He's afraid of Dora for some reason. The detective cogitated. If I could get her out of yet unseen by Darwin while she is in her present mood. I might be able to whim some information out of her. Shall I make the attempt. Uh, Carter looked into the next room where he saw Dora putting on her cloak. He glanced at Darwin who was leaning back in his chair in a brown study. Should I try the detective thought and he gazed after Dora, who was starting for the stairway. He saw that Darwin did not move and he was still thinking. In an instant, his mind was made up and he started after Dora. She went out into the street. Then the detective spoke to her. You are a stranger to me, she said coldly with an air of affronted dignity. I am not such a stranger as you think miss Ferris, we have met several times. Carter rejoined. I don't seem to remember you. Perhaps not in this rig. Will you come up to Sherton's with me and have some supper. I want to talk with you. Who are you? My name is Nicholas Kotter. Y I. You need not be afraid. I am not afraid. Will you company me? I don't understand. I will explain when we get to Sherton's. There we can secure to seclude a table and no one will see us. It isn't that. You will not regret it. Fine. I will go with you. The detective and Dora had little to say until after the repast at shortens was placed upon the table and they were alone. Now we can talk. The detective said as soon as the waiter had left the room. You said you desired to secure some information from me. Dora remarked. I do. I can't imagine what it is about. You've been friendly with a man named Dick Darwin. Dora started. She laid down her knife and fork and looked at the detective with amazement depicted on every line of her handsome face. You heard with passed between us a while ago? She ejaculated. I did. Carter calmly replied and he smiled. Then you have known that I've thrown him over. Yes. I do not intend to have anything more to do with him. You really mean that? I do. I am serious. I have made many sacrifices for that man. And he is treated me brutally. Tomorrow you will change your mind. Mr. Carter, my mind is made up. Nothing will make me change it. I possess my father's nature. You were a friend of his and you know how bitter he could be against anyone for whom he formed a dislike. It is the same way with me. Then you will not hesitate to tell me all, you know, about Darwin. Has he committed a crime? Asked Dora. Do you think he has. I do not know. Neither do I asserted Carter with a smile? Then why are you so anxious to get information about him? I can't tell you. Oh, Dora gazed at the detective. She picked up the glass of wine and commenced to sip the Amber colored liquid. Carter was silent, but he watched her closely. Mr. Carter. Dora said, as she sat down the glass. I will tell you everything that I know about that, man. I thank you, the detective rejoined. I hate him. Her eyes flashed. The hot blood, mentaled her brow. And she hissed out the words between her clenched teeth. Now, the detective saw that she was in earnest. He knew that she did hate Dick Darwin and no power could make her become friendly with him again. How long have you been acquainted with him? Carter, asked. After a short silence. About three years. Dora answered. And where did you first meet him? In London. What were you doing over there? I was in the chorus of a girl from New York. We were playing over there at the Gatey. Were you introduced to him? I was. By whom. Ah, one of the other chorus girls, Sally rich. Then you were acquainted with Ms. Rich. Yes. And her brother. Well, yes, I know him. Well, Yes. How long have you known him? Four years. Where did you first meet him? At Costa and Biles where his sister and I were seeing together. Told me all, you know about Darwin. Give me time to collect my thoughts. Take all the time you desire. Carter was succeeding better than he had calculated. At first, he did not suspect that Dora felt so bitterly about the manner in which he had been treated by Darwin. He congratulated himself on the move he had made. As he watched Dora and noted the fleeting shadows crossing her face he was able to read almost all her thoughts. He saw that she had no compunctions of conscious. No tenderness for Darwin and that she would tell all she knew about the man. Did she know anything about the mysterious murder of the Red dragon inn? The detective was unable to surmise. Finally Dora raised her eyes and gazing straight at Carter. She said, dick Darwin is a cousin of Simeon rich. His mother was the sister of Rich's father. He was educated in England and he resided there until he was 30 years of age when he came to New York to live. When his father died, he inherited a small fortune. He sued, ran through it. Then he became connected with several dramatic enterprises and made some money. Six months ago, he took a company out on the road and he became stranded in Cincinnati. I sent him money to return to New York. When he got here, he was broke. For some time he enriched did not speak, but after he got back to the city, they patched up the differences and became as thick as two peas in a pod. Recently, he got to going around with Sally rich, unknown to me. And when I found out about it and chided him for it, he insulted me. Lately I've noticed that he was quite flush of money. He would not let me know where he got it from. When I would ask him what he was doing, he would fly into a towering rage. Today, what I saw him with Sally rich, I made up my mind to sever our relationship. Dora stopped talking and drank some wine. You have not told me all that you know about Darwin. Carter remarked. How do you know that I have not. I can tell from the matter in which you spoke, that you have kept something back. What do you think I have kept back? Was Darwin ever guilty of any crime? Why. I want to know. Hm. In England, he was arrested for forgery. Ah, He was released on bail and he fled to this country. And what did he forge? Checks. And he was never tried. No. The charges is still pending against him. Is Dick Darwin his right name. Yes. Were you ever present when he and Rich we're together? No. Do you know what business they are engaged in. I do not. I wish I did know. Did you ever hear Sally or her brother speak of a man named Lawrence? Sally Rich once told me that she had an uncle by that name. Did she ever speak of him? She only said that he died and left her and her brother, a lot of money. They had to fight for it in the courts. Was that all she told you? Yes. Carter thought for some time before he asked another question, he reviewed all the Dora had told him. He had gained some important information, but not as much as he expected. However, he was firmly convinced that Dora had told him the truth and that she had concealed nothing. Ms Ferris. He said after a time. Where was Dick Darwin on new year's Eve? I don't know where he was. He was with rich that I do know. And how do you know that? I saw them together going down sixth avenue about nine o'clock at night. They did not see me. And what time did you next? See him? At two o'clock in the morning. Where. He came to my flat, he was greatly excited about something and it seemed to me that he was very nervous. Did he say where he had been. No. Did you ask him? I did. And he would not tell you. He would not. You say he was very nervous. Very his clothing was spattered with mud and it seemed to me as if he had been in some kind of rumpus. Was he intoxicated? No. Here's the clothing which he had on that night at your flat. It is in his room there. But Mr. Carter. For what purpose are you asking all these questions? What do you suspect? I can't tell you now. You can trust me. I hate Dick Darwin so that I would help you to send him to prison. Would you do that? I swear I would do it. I'm afraid. Afraid I wouldn't. Yes. Try me. Trust me. Carter looked at the woman intently for some time in silence. Over and over again, he asked himself whether he dare to trust her or not. And at the same time he was evolving a plan in his mind. Can Nick Carter, trust the score and Dora Ferris. How is she connected to the murder at the red dragon Inn? And how will Nick manage to thwart his potential murderer? These and many more questions will be answered in the next exciting chapter. Of toying with fate or Nick Carter's narrow shave. Hey, thanks again for tuning in. Apologies for the delay in the release of these stories. I was down for over a month, recovering from a horrible bronchial virus, but I'm much better now. Thank you very much. As usual friends, if you like the stories that I'm sharing with you, would you please consider becoming a monthly patron? By using the link available on the podcast website or directly from many podcast platforms, you can become a monthly supporter beginning at less than the price of one single cup of coffee. I hope you do consider it, especially if you appreciate the storytelling. Oh, right. I've rambled long enough. As always friends. Thanks for listening. Keep sharing the stories. And B. Good human. Bye for now.