Nick Carter and the Kidnapped Heiress, Pt 3

In this exciting episode of Forward Into The Past, host JC Rede narrates the thrilling 1903 detective story 'Nick Carter and the Kidnapped Heiress'. Listeners journey back to an era when serialized detective tales captivated audiences. Patsy, disguised and vigilant, tracks the dubious Snell to a clandestine meeting in the hills, only to find himself in grave danger. Captured and bound, Patsy faces a potentially fatal fate in a gas-filled cellar. Will he survive? Meanwhile, Snell and his companion negotiate with a band of men over a significant ransom. Tune in to experience the cliffhanger conclusion and masterful storytelling that defined early 20th-century detective fiction.

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 exciting episode of Forward Into The Past. I'm JC Rede your host and narrator. And today we're jumping back into the exciting tale of mystery from 1903 called Nick Carter and the Kidnapped Heiress or The Return of a Great Ransom. It was published in 1903 for Street and Smith's story paper series, the Nick Carter weekly. As the 19th century drew to a close, detective fiction found a vibrant home in the pages of story papers, captivating readers with tales of mystery and deduction. These affordable periodicals often published weekly became a cornerstone of popular literature and helped shape the modern detective genre. The rise of story papers, coincided with increased literacy rates and technological advancements in printing. Publications like the strand magazine in Britain and of course street and Smith's New York weekly in the United States offered a perfect medium for serialized detective stories. These tales kept readers, eagerly anticipating each installment, fostering a loyal readership. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, first appearing in the strand in 1891, exemplified the eras detective fiction. Homes's analytical mind and eccentric personality set a template for countless fictional sleuths to follow. Other notable detectives of the period included Sexton Blake. Martin Hewitt. And of course, Nick Carter. Story paper detectives often reflected the anxieties and fascinations of their time. They navigated urban landscapes, employed cutting edge forensic techniques and grappled with both common criminals and masterminds. These stories, not only entertained, but also educated readers about emerging scientific methods in crime solving. The genres, popularity and story papers led to the development of tropes still recognized today. The brilliant, but flawed detective. The loyal sidekick, and the seemingly unsolvable crime. Writers experimented with narrative techniques, including the unreliable narrator and the locked room mystery. As the new century dawned detective fiction in story papers, laid the groundwork for the genres continued evolution. It influenced the development of pulp magazines and helped pave the way for the golden age of detective fiction in the 1920s and thirties. The legacy of these early detective stories endures. Having shaped the conventions of mystery writing for generations to come. And we've heard several stories from that golden age of Nick Carter. But we're in the midst of an early story in his arsenal. One that predates it by almost 20 years. Here's part three of Nick Carter and the kidnapped heiress or the return of a great ransom. Chapter five. Caught in the Hills. Next morning in a fresh disguise. Patsy went over to Bronco Bill's and saw Snell eating breakfast. The detective felt relieved. He had feared that the man might've been so frightened by the drunken horseman as to light out. Patsy had now been studying the man for several days. I can't make him out, he said to himself. But I don't believe he's a regular crook. The detective was inclined to think that Snell had been up to crooked work, but that he was new to it. He went back to his lodging almost at once and watched. Snell came to the door of Bronco Bill's and stood there a moment looking up and down the street. He wants to walk for exercise, thought the waiting detective. But he doesn't dare to get far away for he's expecting somebody. I won't bother to follow him. So Snell that morning took his walks alone. They were not long ones. He was always back at Bronco Bill's within 10 minutes from the time he started. At length, he went in and stayed there. Patsy went across and looked in long enough to see that Snell had found an old book somewhere and was reading it in the bar room. It was almost noon when the man that Snell had been expecting came. The detective knew it before Snell did. Watching from his window, he saw a man come rapidly up from the direction of the railroad. He walked as if he knew where he was going, and he turned in at Bronco Bill's. It was the stranger who had come so near to murdering Snell a short time before in New York city. Now we're getting down to business thought Patsy with great satisfaction. It had been a long wait and he was a little tired of it. Every day, he had sent a telegram to Nick saying simply"no change" or"nothing doing". Meantime, he had received no word from his chief. So he knew that there was nothing for him to do, but stay there and watch. Of course, he crossed over to the saloon soon after the stranger went in. He was disguised so that neither knew him and Bronco Bill did not suspect that the man who asked for a cigar was the one who had done the wonderful shooting the night before. Snell and the stranger were eating dinner at a table in the corner. They did no talking. Patsy returned to his watching place. After dinner, the stranger went away, alone. The detective would have liked to follow but it was his business to spot Snell. And so he stayed where he was. Some three hours past, and then the stranger returned. He went into the saloon and almost immediately came out again with Snell. They walked away rapidly and Patsy was after them. Thinking that there might be some such excursion as this, the detective had bought a horse. The animal was stabled a few doors from his lodging house where he could be got quickly and he was kept settled all the time. But there was no use for him on this trip. The men walked through the city and they acted as if they were in a hurry, but they walked and Patsy thought it better to follow them in the same way. As long as they were in busy streets, he had no difficulty in keeping close to them. When they came to a long street where the houses were scattered, he fell a little further behind. And at last, they were in the open country with no house at all in sight ahead. Then the detective had to be very cautious. He decided to get into a field alongside the road where he could dodge behind bushes. It was well, he took this precaution when he did. He had hardly left the road when both men wheeled about suddenly. They stood for a full minute, looking back toward the city. There could be no doubt that some sudden fear of pursuit had made them turn. Patsy stooped behind a low bush and waited. At last, they went on, but Snell turned frequently and Patsy was kept on the dodge all the time. This continued for two miles or more. By then the road had brought them to hilly land, and the detective was thinking that his pursuit would be easier, when the two turned aside and began to climb a steep hill. It was covered with trees and there was no path. Deadwood was on the ground everywhere. A man's footsteps could be heard a long way, no matter how carefully he proceeded, therefore it was not possible any longer to keep the men in sight. Patsy took the chance of cutting across ahead of where the men seemed to be aiming for. In this way, he thought he might come to the top of the hill before they did. Perhaps he succeeded. He could not tell for when he got to the hilltop, they were not to be seen. He waited a bit and listened for a sound of their voices or footsteps but he heard nothing. The hill dipped steeply on the other side and there were many hills beyond. It was a very wild place, only partly wooded, and there seemed to be deep gullies in every direction. They didn't come out here for their health, thought Patsy. It was definitely to meet somebody. And probably that somebody is waiting in one of these gullies. But which one? It's almost as good a place for hiding as the big city is. After some little thought he went partway down the hill and then alongside the road until he came near the edge of a ravine. While he was cautiously approaching the edge he heard a laugh somewhere below him. In the ravine, undoubtedly. Then that was where the men had gone. Patsy saw a rock a short distance away from behind which he thought he might be able to look down into the ravine without being seen. A few cautious steps and he was beside it. Leaning far over it he found that he had chosen the spot luckily. For a little way below him he saw a group of men, most of them roughly dressed. Among them were Snell and his strange companion. They were talking earnestly. At that moment. Snell's companion was speaking and the others were listening. His words came faintly to Patsy's ears. I tell you, he said, we're ready to pay the price, but you've got to deliver the goods. There's nothing unfair in that. We've come out here to tell you so, but you can't deliver the goods here, can you? That'll be all right. Said one of the rough men. Oh will it? How do we know? demanded Snell's companion. We don't propose to put our feet into a trap. At this, some of the men laughed hoarsely. Supposing suggested one of them, we don't let you get out of this gulch alive. Snell could be seen to start uncomfortably. His companion however was unmoved. In that case he retorted you'd leave a couple of worthless stiffs here for the crows to pick that's all. Do you mean that you haven't brought the stuff with you? That's it exactly. Then what the dev. Why, interrupted Snell's companion. We're here to let you know that we're acting on the square. Prove that you're on the square too and we can do business. The men looked at each other. Don't like it. Grumbled one. Well said another, the youngest in the party. I think they've got the best of the argument. Here they are just as they agreed to be. They haven't gone to any detectives and it's our business now to hand over the goods. Patsy was greatly interested wondering whether this young man would persuade the gang to his way of thinking when, without the least warning strong hands were laid upon him. He turned like a flash at the first touch. His hand raised the revolver that he had been clutching from the moment when he laid down behind the rock. But there was no use in firing it. The bullet would not have hit anybody. His assailants had every advantage of him. He had been caught by both feet and yanked backward. Others grabbed him by the arms, still another dropped a noose over his head and pulled it tight. A little more strain on that rope and the detective would have been choked to death. In much less time than it takes to tell it, they had him with his hands securely bound behind his back. The detective was helpless. And up to this moment, nobody had said a word and no sound of the capture had reached the ears of the men in the ravine. Chapter six. Patsy is forced to sleep. When they had him bound to their satisfaction, Patsy's captors laid him on his back and looked him over. He saw too late, how it had happened. Close to the rock was a thick bunch of bushes. His judgment had been perfect for it had taken him to the exact spot where there was an easy way down into the Gulch. It was the way these men always took to get there. But unluckily for the detective, they had posted sentinels at that spot. His captors have been within reach of him from the moment he had arrived. Why they had not attacked him at once, could only be guessed. Probably they were so surprised that they didn't know what to do at first. And maybe they thought he might be a prospector or anybody but a detective who would go away as soon as he had taken a look. Well by gosh. Muttered one who seemed to be the leader of the sentinels. I reckon this'll make some difference with what their jawin' about down there. Patsy tried a bluff. I'd like to know what you mean. He began indignantly. I haven't done anything to you. And we won't do a thing to you. Interrupted the leader harshly. Oh, no, we won't teach you. Pick him up, boys. Two of the men took Patsy on their shoulders and they went stumbling down the side of the Gulch. Snell and the others looked up in the greatest surprise when they heard the sentinels coming. All of the men got to their feet for some had been sitting and guns were shown freely. What'd you got there? demanded the chief of the gang. A spy! replied the leader of the sentinels. Did you find them up there? Yes, sir. Behind that rock. He crept up just as if he'd know, there would be something to see below. The skunk. Probably, went on the Sentinel, he was put onto the thing by them galoots. And he pointed to Snell and his companion. That's right. Roared more than one angrily. So, this is what you call being on the square, is it? exclaimed the chief turning to Snell's companion fiercely. You make a deal to meet us here alone to talk business and give the tip to a prying detective, do you? And you think you'll get out in it with whole skins. Well, I don't think so. The ruffians were growling angrily and watching their leader. It needed only his word to make every one of them empty their revolvers into Snell and his companion. Snell was horribly frightened. I don't know anything about this, he stammered. I give you my word of honor. Ah, nuts. Interrupted the leader scornfully what's your word of honor worth. Plug him full of holes, cried another. The men raised their weapons and it did look as if there would be a double murder on the spot. He's right. Said Patsy quietly. The leader turned swiftly toward him. What's that you say? He demanded. Who's right? The man who just spoke. Him? Pointing to Snell. Yes. And I don't know who he is. And I suppose you don't know him'nuther. He said pointing to Snell's companion. I certainly don't. It was plain enough that nobody believed the detective, but he breathed easier. His interruption had gained time. The men were not so likely now to shoot in a hurry and ask questions afterward. Patsy had been set on the ground with his back to a rock. Snell's companion was looking at him sharply. It was to him the leader spoke next. I suppose Jim Leonard, he said, that you've got a word of honor to stack up that you've never seen this man'afore, eh? He's a stranger to me, replied Leonard. I never saw him before and we took all the pains we could to keep from being followed. Snell's been in town three days without seeing anybody who was on his track. Why should anybody be on his track anyway? Why. roared the leader, to get us behind bars you fool! Ain't that reason enough? He turned again to the detective. Perhaps you'll tell us how you come here? He said. Certainly since Patsy. I saw these two men in town. It was plain enough they had good businesses of some kind on. I took'em for prospectors and thought they'd struck a good thing somewhere. It wasn't a straight thing to do, but I followed'em to see what they got. This was a story that it was very easy for the rough Westerners to believe. Evidently, they were struck by it for they looked at each other doubtfully. All except the leader. He turned his eyes from Snell to his companion and then to Patsy and remarked calmly. You lie, every one of you. Then he addressed his men. We won't go off at half cock said he. These geezers have done us dirt. But maybe we'd better talk about it'afore we do anything. He spoke then to the sentinels. Y'all stay here and use your guns. If any of them tries to scoot. We'll go further down the gulch and chin about it. The sentinels nodded and the leader and the rest of his men went down the ravine until they were out of sight. Now, and then their voices could be heard as they argued, but what they said could not be told. Once they sent a couple of men up to take Snell's companion, Jim Leonard down to talk with them. They sent him back after half an hour and continued their discussion until the sun was setting. Then they all came slowly back to the spot where Patsy lay. The young man who had been speaking when Patsy was captured, was talking with the leader. I'm sure it's the best way. He was saying. Well, Harry, returned the leader. You got a sound nut on your shoulders and you can talk better than most of us, but I don't know. How some ever we'll try it. As you say the main thing is to get the stuff. We certainly can't get the ransom if we don't give them a chance to pay it, said Harry. The leader nodded. After dark. He said shortly. It grew dark early in that deep ravine, but it was not til fully two hours had passed that the gang began to move. In the meantime, they smoked and talked in low voices or lay on the ground and snoozed. At last, the leader stood up and said, Bring'em along. Patsy had tried at first to see if he could free his hands. And the darkness he tried again. But it was of no use. These fellows had known how to tie a knot and they kept the noose around his neck with a warning that they wouldn't mind leaving him there for crows to pick. That was only too plain. They cared little for the detective. It was Snell and Leonard that they were interested in. The gang returned to Helena in pairs mostly. Two went beside Patsy and one each with Snell and Leonard. The rest trailed along some in advance. Some behind. When they came to the edge of the town, they scattered over different streets. No one meeting any of them would have suspected that a score of men were coming into the city together. Patsy's guides took the noose from around his neck then and cautioned him that if he tried to break away, they would shoot. The caution wasn't necessary for the detective had no idea of doing anything except stick to the gang until he had found out all about the business that had brought them together. They came at length to a house in a quiet street. Patsy's guides took him in there opening the front door with a key and led him to the kitchen. The house was dark when they arrived, but it had gas and this was lit. Curtains were pulled down at the window and they waited in silence. Others came in from time to time. The last to arrive were Snell and Leonard and the men who had been walking with them. It was understood that they had been to Bronco Bill's where Snell had hidden the stuff. Whatever it was. When all were there, the leader said. Now, if you're ready for business at last, let's get at it without any palaver. We're ready, responded Leonard. All right. Prove it. Leonard glanced at Snell who slowly drew a wallet from his pocket and took from it a number of$1,000 bills. The eyes of the men in the gang flashed greedily. I'd rather'twas gold, muttered the leader. But looks straight enough. It's perfectly straight said Snell, closing the wallet. Well, what are you doing now? You brought that stuff to hand over didn't ya? Certainly. When you deliver the goods. It was Snell who responded and his voice was calm now. He seemed to feel that his victory was won. Leonard on the other hand, looked worried. Guess that's right enough then, remarked the leader. We've got the goods. We'll show that we can meet you. Harry. He interrupted himself suddenly with a glance at Patsy. Huh.'twon't do. He added in a decided tone. Not just yet. We don't want no witnesses to this proceeding. I don't profess to say that this geezer's a detective, but dead men tell no tales. I wished we'd bored holes in him, out there in the Hills. Better not do any shooting here. Suggested one of the men. Right. But there's a good way. Just as quiet and peaceable as a graveyard. Take him into the basement. What exclaimed Harry, you wouldn't do that! Wouldn't I? Course I would. Replied the leader harshly. You go and get the goods Harry, and mind your own business. Two or three of ya, gag that geezer and tie his feet. Then take them to the basement. Hear? They heard. Patsy saw young Harry's face pale as he went slowly from the room. Others proceeded promptly to obey their leader. I wonder if my time has really come at last. Thought the detective. He could make no resistance and tried none. It was useless too, to bluff the men or to try to plead with them. They stuffed his own handkerchief in his mouth and tied a cord tightly around his ankles. Then they lifted him while the rest of the gang and Snell and Leonard looked silently on and took him from the room by a door that opened upon a stairway. Down the stairs and along a short passage, they carried the helpless detective. At AtLast laid him upon a cemented floor. Not a ray of light was there. The men stumbled in the darkness as if they were not familiar with the place. Say your prayers, tenderfoot, remarked one of them with a harsh chuckle as he started away. He's got nerve. Said another noticing that no sound came from their victims throat. More likely he scared silly, returned the first. One of them was feeling along the wall. Hurry up. said the other. That's all right. I found it. Was a reply from a corner. Full on! Said the first. Yep. So it is. Come on then. They went out. Patsy heard the door closed behind them. Then their steps stumbling along the passage and upstairs. At last, he heard the opening and shutting of a door at the top. The sound of the leader's rough voice came to him, evidently asking a question. Is the trick done? Or something of that sort. You could imagine the men's short answer. Then probably the gang got down to business again with Snell and Leonard. It would do no good to try to tell what Patsy's thoughts and feelings were. He had been unlucky enough before to get captured by men who meant to kill him. On other occasions, he had worked himself free or Nick or Chick had come just in time to rescue him. Nick was thousands of miles away. And Chick wasn't on this strange case at all. The cords upon his hands and legs were very firm. And yet the young man felt no despair. Somehow, he thought and went to rubbing his back as well as he could against the hard cellar floor. He thought he might where the cords through in time. In time? Good heaven. Would there be time? What was that he smelled? An enemy more fearful than the bullets of assassins. He understood now what he had been doing when the man had been feeling along the way. The villain had been hunting for the gas jet. He had found it and turned the cock. Full on. The closed cellar was filling rapidly with the poisonous stuff. Patsy's throat tickled. He coughed and partly dislodged his gag, but it was only to take on more gas into his lungs. With all his might he wriggled so that the cord might be cut or worn enough to break. He could make new effect on it so far as he could tell. Every strain simply made the cord cut deeper into his flesh and he was as helpless as before. The poisoned atmosphere choked him. He felt his head whirling. The whole house seemed to be going around and around. In the confusion of his mind, he seemed to hear voices in a loud discussion. They ceased. There was no sound except a fearful roaring as if he lay at the bottom of Niagara Falls. And then a dreadful feeling that he might as well give it all up. A man had to die sometime. One time was probably as good as another. He had done what Nick told him to do as well as he knew how. He hoped that Nick and Chick would somehow get this gang. Patsy was very tired and sleepy. The whirling and the noises ceased. His brain. Was at rest. Will Patsy get out of this predicament. And will Nick find out what's going on with the gang in Montana? We'll find out in the following episode of Nick Carter and the Kidnapped Heiress or The Return of a Great Ransom. Well, I don't know about you, but that thrilling cliffhanger leaves me wanting more from this classic story. Nick Carter and the Kidnapped Heiress. Hey, thanks for joining me on this journey through the pages of yesteryear. If you've enjoyed this episode and want to help keep Forward Into The Past moving forward. Well, there's a few ways that you can do that. First consider becoming a monthly supporter. It's about the cost of one fancy coffee and it goes a long way in helping the show. Alternatively a one-time donation is always appreciated. No matter what you choose, you can find the link to my, Buy Me A Coffee page right there in the podcast description on your favorite listening platform or just by visiting the show's website. Of course, if financial support isn't an option. Leaving a rating and review on your favorite platform helps tremendously as well. As always friends, thanks for listening keep sharing the stories and be a good human. Bye for now.