Nick Carter and The Kidnapped Heiress, Pt 1

In this episode, Nick Carter encounters a mysterious client, George Snell, who seeks help in a case of kidnapping, robbery, and blackmail involving the governor's daughter in Wenonah. As Snell's actions become suspicious, Nick's assistant, Patsy, embarks on a thrilling pursuit to uncover the truth behind Snell's motives. An intense and intriguing journey ensues, leading to unexpected twists and potential danger. Tune in to unravel the enigma in "Nick Carter and The Kidnapped Heiress."

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

Transcript

0:37

Hi friends and welcome to another episode of Forward Into The Past. I'm JC. Rede, your host and narrator. And today we're kicking off a new episode of that stalwart detective from the turn of the 20th century, Nick Carter. This story was originally published in May of 1902 under the title of Nick Carter and the Kidnapped Heiress or The Recovery of a Great Ransom. Nick Carter, the quintessential American detective may not be a household name today, but his influence on the early 20th century was undeniable. Debuting in 1886, a mere year before Sherlock Holmes, Carter's dime novel adventures captivated readers with thrilling plots, exotic locales, and an unwavering sense of justice. Though overshadowed by more literary detectives later on, Carter's impact on popular culture, particularly through his embodiment of the American spirit, secured his place as a forerunner in the genre. Published in a fast paced episodic format, Nick Carter's stories reflected the anxieties and aspirations of a burgeoning nation. He was a Jack of all trades: a master detective, a cunning spy, a fearless adventurer, tackling everything from international espionage to domestic villainy. This versatility resonated with a society undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization. Readers facing a world of increasing complexity, craved a hero who could navigate any situation. Carter's unwavering moral compass, further cemented his appeal. He was a champion of the underdog, a defender of the innocent. In a time of social and economic upheaval, his unwavering sense of right and wrong offered reassurance. This virtuous nature, contrasted with the grittier detectives that emerged later. But it resonated deeply with early 20th century audiences. Beyond his character, the sheer volume of Nick Carter stories had a profound impact. Written by a rotating team of authors under the pseudonym of Nicholas Carter, the series churned out hundreds of novels over several decades. This mass production helped define the genre itself, establishing tropes and conventions that future detective fiction would build upon. The series success also paved the way for other dime novel heroes, further enriching the world of pulp fiction. Nick Carter's influence, transcended the written word. He became a multimedia sensation. Starring in films, radio dramas, and comic strips. This cross pollination ensured his presence in the lives of countless Americans, further solidifying his place in the cultural zeitgeist. However Carter's portrayal wasn't without limitations. Reflecting the biases of his time, he often displayed stereotypical views of race and ethnicity. Additionally, the formulaic nature of the stories could be repetitive. Yet these limitations can be seen as a product of their era. Despite these shortcomings, Nick Carter's legacy remains significant. He was a pioneer in the detective genre, introducing themes and tropes that continue to resonate today. His embodiment of American ideals, courage, justice, and resourcefulness resonated deeply with early 20th century readers. Though, largely a forgotten figure, Nick Carter's influence on American popular culture remains a testament to his enduring appeal. And let's check out some of what made this character so enduring as we begin the story of Nick Carter and the Kidnapped Heiress or The Recovery of a Great Ransom. Chapter one. A Doubtful Client. Mr. Carter, can I trust you? It was in the great detective's own house that this question was asked. Well was Nick's quiet answer. If you had any doubt on that matter, why did you come to me? His caller looked nervously at the floor. There's no use in talking to me, Nick went on, unless you do trust me. A detective can do nothing for a client who does not give him his confidence absolutely. Of course, the other assented. I did not mean to offend you. You haven't offended me. I am so disturbed by it you see. So much depends on secrecy. It is so terribly important that they found it difficult to make up my mind to consult anybody on the matter. And yet I know by your reputation that you are a perfectly trustworthy man. There's nobody in The States more so. While the man was speaking, Nick was studying him. In fact, the detective had been doing that from the moment the man entered. He was apparently about 50 years old. A well-dressed prosperous looking man, who might be a merchant or a lawyer or a banker. Nick did no guessing. The man might be anything else. He had given his name as George Snell, but he had not sent in his card and he had not said where he belonged. Word had simply been taken to Nick by a servant that a Mr. George Snell wanted to see him on most important business. He isn't an American. Was Nick's only conclusion from what had been said thus far. An American would not have spoken simply of The States as he did. There had been a pause after the caller's last remarks. Well, he exclaimed then. I'm not coming more than two thirds of the way across the continent for nothing. I set out to consult you and I will do so. That's better. said the detective and willing to help him tell his story, he asked. What kind of a case, is it Mr. Snell? Well, I suppose you'd call it a kidnapping, but there's robbery combined with it. And. And also. Also blackmail. Mr. Snell, hesitated and stammered a little bit at the end of his speech. Nick merely nodded. To begin with. Continued Mr. Snell. I come from Wenonah. You may not be aware that the government of England has made a large section of Western British America into a province and called it Wenonah. Yes said Nick. I am aware of it. You are a well-informed man then. Few Americans would know the fact, for the province is so young that it isn't down on the maps yet. You know, also, I suppose that the capital of the province is a town called Manchester. Yes. Yes, I do. Well, that is where the crime was committed. It happened a month ago. The governor of the province, uh, Bradley is his name, gave a party at his house. All the prominent families of the town and country around attended. There was dancing till the late hour. Then when guests were going away, it was discovered that the governor's daughter Estelle was missing. She has not been seen since. And how old is the child? Asked Nick. Child? Echoed Mr. Snell in apparent astonishment. Then he seemed to understand and added. Oh, It is natural that you should use that word, but the girl is 20. Oh! Yes, she's the governor's only daughter and heiress therefore to his property, which is very great. Has nothing been heard from her? Indirectly yes. Her captors have offered to restore her for a ransom. Has there been any attempt to deal with her captors? Yes, but nothing has come of it. There is doubt now whether she is really in the hands of kidnappers. Ah, what then? Well, I haven't told you the whole story, Mr. Carter. Go on then. The day after she disappeared, it was found that a considerable amount of jewelry had gone also. Was she wearing it at the ball? Yes. Some of it, most of it, in fact, but that was not all. There were also missing certain state papers and some private documents, belonging to the governor. These are extremely important. They must be recovered at any cost. Are they more important than the recovery of Ms. Bradley, Mr. Snell? Well, no, I wouldn't say that, but they complicate the case badly. An offer has been made to restore them. And the girl. No. Oh, well, that is, there was one offer to restore the girl and another to deal for the return of the papers and jewelry. There seems to be a double gang of villains at work. Hmm. Quite possibly. What about the blackmail you mentioned. That answered Mr. Snell hesitating. Uh, has to do with the stolen papers. Ah, something shady in the governors past? Mr. Snell looked at the floor. Well, I wouldn't like to say he replied, some people might think so. Evidently the robbers do think so. Well, yes, for, they put a big price on the papers. I suppose the matter has been investigated by the police of Manchester. No. Then, how did you communicate with the robbers? I didn't say that I had communicated with the robbers! Exclaimed Mr. Snell hastily. No, but I supposed it was you. Uh, nevermind that for a moment. Tell me more about the disappearance of Ms. Bradley. Well, there isn't much that I can tell. She must have left the house soon after midnight, but she wasn't missed till three hours or more later. Was she engaged to be married? Snell look sharply at the detective. You're a keen one. He said. No, she wasn't engaged. And that is another complication. Well it is known that she was in love with a young fellow who wasn't liked by her father. Naturally, he wasn't at the ball. It is thought possible that she eloped with him and that the offer of the robbers to restore her was a bluff. Was her lover a rich man. No decidedly, not. Then you think she may have taken the jewelry to sell for her own use? It is possible. Yes. I have thought of that. And that the robbery of the papers simply happened to come at the same time? That might be. Has Ms. Bradley's lover been seen since she disappeared? Yes. And what does he say? Nothing. Indeed? I should suppose that he would say a good deal. He goes about his business as usual, but he is under constant watch. It's plain enough that there is something on his mind. I should think they might be in any case, what is his name? Cecil west. And what is your relation to the affair Mr. Snell? The visitor seemed startled. My relation to it? He echoed. Certainly. Do you come here as the representative of governor Bradley? Oh, no, not at all. The governor did not send me. Ah, well then who did? Snell looked uncomfortable. Do you need an answer to that? he asked. Of course I do. I must know with whom I am dealing with. But I gave my name. It is not enough. The detective spoke rather sharply. Mr Snell hesitated and then said, Mr. Carter. I cannot see why I should be dragged into the matter at all. But interrupted Nick coldly. Nobody has dragged you that I am aware of. I certainly didn't. You are trying to do so now, Mr. Carter. Nick arose. There is no need that we should talk any longer. He said. Snell also stood up and he looked very much troubled. I see that I have offended you. He said. I did not mean to. You see Mr. Carter, a great scandal might come of this. It is very important that there should be none. The governor's position might be lost. At this moment. said Nick. I care nothing for the governor's position. You have given me some facts in a case that might be interesting, but I don't propose to tackle it unless I know what I am about. We want you to look for the girl and the stolen papers. Who are we? Snell hung his head. Excuse me a moment. said Nick, then: I think I heard the telephone ring. When I return, I hope you will have made up your mind to trust me. If you haven't, we can't do business. He bowed and left the room, but he did not go to the telephone. Instead, he went to a room where Patsy, one of his assistants, was reading and gave him a few rapid instructions. Then he wrote a telegram and sent it to the nearest office by a servant. Patsy got his hat and went downstairs. Now Mr. Snell, said Nick, when he returned. Are you ready to tell me what I want to know? I can only say that I want you to act in behalf of the governor. Does he know that you came to New York to ask this. Snell did not answer. We are wasting each other's time. said Nick. Snell made a last appeal. I may be doing wrong. He said, but I beg you to look into this matter. You can't help seeing how important this is. Well, replied Nick. Usually I have nothing to do with a case where any facts are concealed from me. I am concealing no facts. Pardon me, but you refuse to answer one of the first questions a detective would ask. I was going to say, Mr. Snell, give me a few hours to think it over and come again. Will you call tomorrow morning? I will. Very well. Till then. The detective went with his visitor to the door. Mr Snell said good evening politely and started down the street. A short distance behind him went Patsy. Chapter two. Mr Snell in trouble. Nick had not taken the time to tell Patsy very much about Snell. There's something up. He said to his assistant. I have no idea what it is, but I want you to shadow this man and see what becomes of him. Do you think he's a crook? Asked the young man. Not yet. He may be. If, so it won't be the first time that a crook has tried to throw me off the track by calling on me. I simply feel that there is something queer in this and I'd like to find out about it. So I shall ask this man to call again. Unless he makes up his mind to tell me all the facts. Snell refused to tell all the facts, and so Patsy slipped out after him. He had not gone far from the house when the young detective became convinced that another man was following Snell. This made his work very difficult for he had to look sharp against betraying himself, not only to Snell, but to the other man. Snell went into a drug store and bought a cigar. The man who seemed to be following him, loafed on the opposite corner. Patsy turned down a street and dropped into a doorway where he made a swift change in his appearance. He was at Snell's heels again, when the man from Wenonah went on. The other man seemed to have disappeared. I was mistaken. Thought Patsy. Or the second chap is a better shadow than I am. For some blocks, he kept up his chase, never losing sight of Snell and seeing nothing more of the other. Meantime. Snell was apparently wandering around aimlessly. He would stop at a corner and wait a full minute before he made up his mind, which way to go. Often he changed his direction. In this way, he got into a neighborhood which was very quiet in the evening. Partway down a block he stopped suddenly, stood still for a moment and then went close to a building. He was then in such deep shadow that Patsy could not see him. Somebody spoke to him, reasoned the detective. He went cautiously closer and before he could see anybody, he heard the sound of voices in conversation. What they said it was impossible to make out. The detective dared not get close enough, than that for fear of attracting the attention of the men. There seemed to be two of them. Presently, he heard one voice say. I won't do it. One of the men started away. It will be the worst for you then. Growled the other. The first man hastened his steps. As he came from the shadow, Patsy saw that it was Snell. The other man was darting after him on tiptoe. He had one arm drawn back. Great Scott! Thought Patsy. He means murder. He gave up trying to conceal his actions then. Running forward as fast as possible, he shouted look out! Snell turned quickly. The other man was close to him and let his hand fall. With a great leap, Patsy was up to him just in time to catch his arm. But it was too late to stop the blow entirely. A slungshot in the man's hand slipped from it and struck Snell, a glancing blow on the head. Ah, he cried and staggered. Patsy dashed to assist him and caught hold of him in time to prevent him from falling against an iron fence, which probably would have broken his head. The would be murderer was dashing down the street. Patsy could not be in two places at once. He wanted to chase the unknown criminal, but his first business was with Snell. This was not only because Nick had sent him out to shadow Snell, but because the man seemed to be badly injured. He was groaning and trembling so that he would have fallen if the detective had not held him up. Better sit down a minute, Patsy suggested. And let me see if there's anything serious the matter. Snell sank to a doorstep and Patsy made a quick examination of his head. That was a nasty blow. He said. But I think your skull is sound. Aren't you feeling better? Yes. Replied Snell. I am. I was more frightened than hurt perhaps. I am greatly obliged to you. Oh, don't mention it. Let me help you to your house. Do you live near. Snell laughed a little. Near? He repeated. I shouldn't say not. Will you have a cab call to take you home? Asked Patsy. Again, Snell laughed. It would be too long a journey, he said. I am a stranger in New York and I am staying at The Fifth Avenue. Uh, that isn't very far away. I believe. No, and you can get a car at the next mock, if you want to. Oh, I'd rather walk. He got up and Patsy held his arm till they came to the corner. I don't suppose your friend will tackle you again, said the detective then. But I haven't anything to do. And if you like, I'll walk with you to the hotel. You are very kind. Snell responded. Suppose you do. I confess that I am very nervous. He had it in for you, I suppose. Remarked Patsy. Yes. Don't you want to speak to this policeman about it? An officer was approaching. No, no. Exclaimed Snell, hastily. I have my reasons for keeping the matter quiet. Don't for heaven sake say a word. All right. It's no business of mine, but if any fellow had thumped me like that, I should want him put where he couldn't try it again. I don't think he will try it again. At least. Not in New York. I'd rather not talk about it. Just as you say, sir. Want to stop in at a drug store and get your head bathed with arnica? Oh, that would be a good idea. They entered the next drug store they came to where it proved that Snell had suffered nothing more than a painful bruise. After that they went onto The Fifth Avenue Hotel. I am very much obliged to you, said Snell halting in the doorway. Don't mention it. Patsy responded. Will you come in and have something? He looked as if he hoped Patsy would say no. But the detective was glad of any excuse to stick to them. Yes said Patsy don't care if I do. Snell nodded silently and led the way into the hotel. As they were passing the desk, the clerk spoke to him. Uh, Mr. Snell. He said, there's a telegram here for you. Excuse me said Snell to Patsy going quickly to the desk. He took the envelope handed to him and open it with trembling fingers. When he had read the message, he crumpled the paper in his hand and frowned. After a moment of thought, he turned to Patsy saying, excuse me again. And went with them to the bar room. Snell poured himself a stiff drink of whiskey. Once more. He said, raising his glass. I thank you for coming to my rescue. Honestly, I believe I should be a dead man this minute if you hadn't. Here's your health. Thanks responded Patsy. Now continued Snell. I don't like to leave a man who has saved my life in this abrupt way, but I've got to. This telegram calls me out of town and I must lose no time in getting ready. Won't you leave me your name and address. Why, answered Patsy. I'll give you my name if you want and address too, but it isn't likely that we shall meet again if you don't live in New York. My name is James Callahan. And he gave an address that the detectives sometimes used. It was a place where any letters that came to strange names were promptly taken to Nick's house. Snell made a note of the address. My name is Snell. He said. And I hope we shall meet again. Mr. Callahan. I must say goodbye now. They shook hands and Snell went to the elevator. I wish he had dropped that telegram thought the detective. He looked at the clock. It was an hour and a half to midnight. If Snell meant to leave town at once, he could hardly hope to do so until midnight for that was the hour at which through trains started from most stations. There was time to make a report to Nick and get back again, if that should be necessary. Accordingly Patsy hurried to Nick's house. And told his chief what had happened. Nick looked very thoughtful. I had about decided that the man was crazy, he said. I sent a telegram to the chief of police at Manchester, asking if he knew of any robbery of jewels, state papers or anything else of great importance within a month. I also asked if there had been a mysterious disappearance within the same time. And if he knew who George Snell was. Here's his answer received five minutes ago. He handed a telegram to Patsy. It read nothing doing in crime here. Never heard of George Snell. No man of that name lives here. Densmore. Didn't smell Sidney. Is the chief at Manchester. Now he used to be on the New York force and I know him quite well. Now if there had been a serious crime at Manchester, 2000 miles away, isn't it strange that I should hear of it in New York before it is known there? It beats me, said Patsy. And it looks as if Snell was the chief crook in the matter, added Nick. But if he is, I can't see what he is driving at. After getting this telegram, I thought he was crazy that he imagined a crime had been committed. And I didn't mean to have anything more to do with the matter. Now I am interested. What you have told me, shows that there is something up, something very mysterious. I think we'd better keep our eyes on it, Patsy. Well? Well, go back to the hotel and get on Snell's track. Follow him across the continent if necessary and keep me posted. All right boss. Better take a cab, leave your grip in it, until, you know what station Snell is going to then stick to him like a burr. There may be more attempts against his life. Patsy was gone in a minute. When his cab halted at The Fifth Avenue, he did not leave it for he saw Snell coming out. The man got into a hotel carriage and told the driver to take him to the Pennsylvania railroad station. This was done and of course, Patsy followed. Snell bought a ticket for Chicago and Patsy who stood close behind him at the window, did the same. They were almost side by side as they went to the ferry boat. Patsy, of course so disguised that Snell did not recognize him. Snell went to the forward end of the boat and stood near the rail. The detective sat down in the men's cabin. Hardly had he taken his seat when a man came aboard, whom he had seen before. It was the one whom he had suspected a shadowing Snell from Nick Carter's house. Well, folks that brings us to the end of the first two chapters of Nick Carter and the Kidnapped Heiress or The Recovery of a Great Ransom. We'll be back next time to continue the thrilling saga of Nick Carter as he unravels the mystery of the missing heiress. In the meantime if you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to Forward Into The Past, wherever it is that you get your podcasts. Subscribing ensures that you never miss an episode and every listen helps us reach more fans of classic tales. And speaking of helping us reach more listeners. If you've enjoyed the show, consider leaving a rating and review. It takes just a few minutes and makes a huge difference in spreading the word about Forward Into The Past. Of course, word of mouth recommendations are always appreciated, too. So tell your friends, family. Heck anyone who enjoys a good adventure story about the gems that we're uncovering here from the public domain. As always friends, thanks for listening, keep sharing the stories and be a good human. Bye for now.