June 11, 2022 • 20 mins
In this episode, we continue the casefile of Nick Carter and The Crime of the French Cafe, as it appeared in The New York Weekly, published in 1893 by Street & Smith. This story is now part of the public domain. It was taken from the online library at Project Gutenberg website: http://gutenberg.org and fully available to distribute and download absolutely free.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hey, everyone.
Welcome back to forward into thepast.
I'm JC Rede, your host andnarrator.
And I'm very excited to pick upwhere we left off last time for
the next part of the Nick Carterstory, the crime of the French
cafe written in 1893.
Originally published in streetand Smith's story paper called
(00:20):
the New York weekly.
Written by Nicholas Carter.
Nicholas Carter, the writer ofthe Nick Carter stories was a
pseudonym created by Ormond GSmith.
Who initially devised thecharacter of Nick Carter for his
father's publishing house.
John Russell, Correale anin-house writer for street and
Smith fleshed out the detectivesfor story and the next two.
(00:44):
And then due to demand for newNick Carter stories, turned over
the writing duties to over adozen different writers.
The demand for Nick Carterstories were soon so high that
street and Smith soon gave NickCarter his own weekly magazine.
Unfortunately for Nick Carterand us as an effect.
Although he was immenselypopular.
(01:05):
As I mentioned to the lastpodcast, he has appeared in well
over 4,000 stories.
His star faded into obscurity.
And from the research I've beenable to cobble together.
There were a few differentissues that came up over time.
And we'll discuss those infuture podcasts.
Luckily for us, there areseveral university libraries
(01:26):
that have digitized thousands ofstory papers, dime novels, and
pulp magazines.
Including the Nick Carterstories.
And as always, I tip my hat.
I always imagine I'm wearing afedora.
To project Gutenberg, whose teamof volunteers continues to save
these public domain digitalimages and convert them into
full fledged eBooks available todownload and read easily on any
(01:49):
device, whether it's a phone, atablet, or just a computer
screen.
Hopefully I'm doing the NickCarter stories, justice in order
to keep his exploits alive.
let's see, as we continue, wherewe left off last time in the
crime of the French cafe.
In the last episode, an unknownwoman was left murdered in a
(02:09):
French cafe in what was known asthe Tenderloin district.
More on that name in a laterepisode.
Famous detective Nick Carterwitnessed an unknown person
leaving the cafe and entering acab, going to some unknown
destination.
Gaspard the head waiter at thecafe claims to remember the face
of the man and the privatedining room, where the murder
(02:31):
took place.
And now he and Nick have tracedthis man steps back to the
elevator train.
Where Gaspard identifies the manat a distance.
Chapter three.
John Jones.
I want to you.
Whispered Nick.
How many luckless criminals havebeen startled by those words.
(02:54):
How many have seen the prison orthe gallows rise before them at
the sound?
In this case, however, the wordseemed to produce less than the
ordinary effect.
The man to whom they wereaddressed, turned suddenly
toward the detective, but didnot trick or tremble.
I beg your pardon said he.
I didn't quite understand whatyou said.
(03:15):
The man's coolness made Nickeven more in doubt about
Gaspard's identification.
After boarding the train, theyhad walked through it hurriedly
and in the car next to theengine Gaspard had clutched
Nick's arm whispering.
There is your man.
The person indicated waswell-dressed rather good-looking
and about 35 years old.
There was nothing particularlystriking about his appearance.
(03:38):
It would've been easy to havefound dozens of such men on
lower Broadway any day.
Nick fear to mistake.
But yes, Bard was sure.
I never forget a face.
He said, That is the man who Isaw coming out of room B.
That is the murderer.
The man was standing up andholding onto one of the straps.
(03:59):
His profile was turned to them.
Nick waited until he turned andshowed his full face.
The detective was bound to givegas Bard every chance to change
his mind.
But he remained firm.
And at last, Nick approached theaccused and suddenly whispered
those terrifying words in hisear.
Having done.
So.
(04:20):
He was obliged to carry itthrough.
Therefore, when the strangerasked Nick to repeat what he had
said, The detective in a lowvoice in audible to anyone else
in the car.
Told him what the accusationwas.
This is ridiculous.
Said the man, I read the storyof this affair in the papers
this morning, but I am notconnected with it in any way.
(04:42):
If you arrest me.
You must be prepared to take theconsequences.
I guess we can manage the affairquietly.
Sit Nick.
And give you no trouble at all.
I suppose you were goingdowntown to business.
Yes.
Well, I will go along too.
If you don't mind.
By holding means.
So the man.
And he looked much relieved.
(05:04):
I understand what your duty is.
He continued.
Since this imported Frenchjackass has made this charge, of
course you will have to lookinto it.
Come down to the office and makesome inquiries and then go up to
my flat.
I was at home last evening aftereight o'clock.
What did you do before that?
I had dinner with my wife andthen put her aboard a train.
(05:26):
She's gone away on a visit.
Whereas she gone.
No, sir, none of that.
I don't propose to have adetective go flying after her to
scare her to death.
She keeps out of this mess.
If I have any say about it.
But if you're arrested, she'llhear about it and come back to
the city.
I'm not going to be arrestedYou're too sensible a man to do
(05:48):
such a thing.
I can see that.
Ah, here we are.
We get off at Franklin street.
My place of business is just alittle way up the street toward
Broadway.
They left the train.
Nick was beginning to feel thata mistake had been made.
This man's easy manner andperfect confidence were hard to
square with the idea of hisguilt.
By the way set the suspect asthey descended the stairs.
(06:11):
I forgot to give you my card.
He handed it to Nick as he spokeand the detective read this.
Mr.
John Jones.
Alan Morse and Jones, electricalfixtures, the sunlight lamp.
What did I tell you?
Exclaim Gaspard, who was lookingover Nick shoulder.
It is that name?
It is the name that was on theregister.
(06:32):
He is the man.
But Nick took a different view.
He was of the opinion that Mr.
Jones had presented very strongevidence of his complete
innocence.
Anybody else might've signedhimself, John Jones, but the
real John Jones never.
It would be mighty hard toconvince a jury that a man
meditating murder had recordedhis correct name for the benefit
(06:53):
of the police.
The coincidence was certainlyastonishing, but it was in
Jones's favor.
They walked over to the officeof Alan Morrison Jones.
Mr.
Allen was there.
Ah, good morning, Mr.
Allen said Jones.
My name has gotten me intotrouble.
Again.
How is that?
Did you hear about that Frenchrestaurant murder last night?
(07:15):
Mm, well, I glanced at the storyin one of the papers.
This Frenchman here is a waiterat the place.
He saw me in an elevated trainjust now and told this other man
who was a detective.
That I was the potty who tookthat woman to that restaurant.
That was bad enough, but whenthey found out what my name was,
they convicted me immediately.
(07:37):
It appears that the visitor tothe restaurant sign, the very
uncommon name of John Jones onthe books.
Why what the devil exclaimedAllen looking rapidly at poor
gas Bard who is shaking in hisshoes.
Don't you know, this as aserious matter.
What do you mean.
He is the man cried gas, barred.
If I were dying, I would swearwith my last breath that this is
(08:00):
the man.
But who is the woman?
I asked Allen turning to Nick.
And what is she to do with mypartner?
That I cannot say replied, Nick.
She has not been identified.
And then you have absolutelynothing to go upon, except this
fellow's word.
Nothing.
Why this is nonsense.
Perhaps so said, Nick, but youwill admit that I would be false
(08:23):
to my duty if I did not make aninvestigation.
And investigate all you wishleft Jones, but don't bother me
any more than you have to.
This is my busy day.
I'm going right away.
I said, Nick All I want to ofyou that you will give me your
address and meet me at your homein the latter part of the
afternoon.
Mary well, so Jones.
(08:45):
And he scribbled on a piece ofpaper.
I'll be there at half past four.
O'clock.
Nick, thank Mr.
Jones for his courtesy andimmediately withdrew.
But he did not go far.
In a convenient doorway.
He wrote a note to chick on theback of the scrap of paper,
which Jones had given him.
And sealed it in an envelope.
Then he sent gas Bard with it tochick who was on the lookout in
(09:08):
the Undertaker's room where thebody lay.
Having dispatched this message.
Nick changed his disguise andkept watch over the
establishment of Alan Morris andJones.
Nothing of importance happeneduntil a little afternoon when a
reply came from chick.
Translated from the detectivecipher it read as follows.
(09:28):
The address is that of a goodflat house.
Jones lives there with his wife.
They have been there only twomonths.
Nobody in the house knowsanything about them.
They had one servant who wastaken sick about two weeks ago
and carried to a hospital whereshe died since then they have
lived absolutely alone.
There was nobody in the housewho'd seen Mrs.
(09:49):
Jones, his face.
She always wore a heavy veil.
The only description I could gettallied with that of the body.
The principal point was thehair.
I have just found a woman whosaw Mr.
And Mrs.
Jones go out yesterdayafternoon.
She remembers Mrs.
Jones's dress.
The description agrees with thatfound on the corpse.
Jones carried an alligator skintraveling bag.
(10:12):
Nobody saw either of them comeback to the house.
But Jones evidently slept there.
I shall take the woman who sawthem go out to the room where
the body lies.
Will send Patsy down with theresult of this effort at
identification.
I believe it will show the womanto be Mrs.
Jones.
I send this that you may havewarning chick.
Nick read this note and thenglanced across the street toward
(10:34):
the office of Alan MorrisonJones.
Through the window, he could seeJones, calmly writing a letter.
Could it be possible that thisman was guilty of?
So hideous a crime.
Half an hour past.
And then came the second messageas follows.
Identified as Mrs.
Jones.
Chapter four.
(10:55):
All sorts of identifications.
I'm sorry to tell you, Mr.
Jones, that the body of thewoman murdered last night has
been identified as that of yourwife.
So spoke Nick.
And this time Jones calmness wasnot proof against the surprise.
It can't be possible.
He explained leaping from hischair.
I am so informed, said Nick, andI must place you under arrest.
(11:20):
But there must be some infernalmistake here.
Said the accused.
I know that my wife is allright.
This must be somebody else.
A lady living in the same housewith you has recognized the
body.
I don't care if she has nobodyin that house knows my wife.
Is there anybody in the city whodoes know her.
I can't think of anybody.
(11:42):
How about the grocer with whomyou traded.
Our servant attended to all thattill she was taking sick.
Since then I've done what littlethere was to do.
We've eaten most of our meals atrestaurants.
What restaurants.
Oh all around.
There's The Alcazar forinstance, where we have
sometimes dined together.
Does the headwaiter there knowher.
(12:04):
I suppose he would remember herface.
He doesn't know the name.
All right.
I'll have him look at the body.
But man, you're going to let melook at it.
Aren't you exclaim Jones.
That would settle it.
I should think.
I'll take you there now.
And we will try to get somebodyfrom the Alcazar at the same
time.
Nick took the prisoner at onceto the Alcazar.
(12:25):
The headwaiter remember Jones'sface.
He had seen him dining with alady who had beautiful light
hair.
The three went to theundertakers rooms.
Nick watched Jones narrowly ashe approached the body.
He started violently at thefirst sight of it.
Then he became calm.
The hair is wonderfully, like hesaid, But there is no
(12:46):
resemblance between the twofaces.
That is true gentlemen.
Said the headwaiter.
This is not the lady.
On the contrary said a voiceclose beside them.
I believe that this lady wasyour wife, Mr.
Jones.
All the color went up, Jones hisface as he turned quickly toward
the man who had spoken.
Ah, Mr.
Gottlieb.
(13:07):
He said.
I am surprised to hear you saythat.
Mr.
Gottlieb is the grocer from whomthe Joneses bought their
supplies.
said chick who had advanced toNick's side.
I was not aware that you hadever seen my wife said Jones,
looking searchingly at thegrocer.
I never saw her plainly saidGottlieb.
She came into my store once ortwice, but always closely
(13:28):
veiled.
So I cannot be sure.
And of course, If you insistthat this is not your wife's
body.
I must be mistaken.
You are mistaken, sir.
said Jones coldly.
He turned to Nick.
Mr.
Gottlieb has sealed my doom forthe present.
He said with a smile.
I am ready to go with you.
Nick took his prisoner to policeheadquarters.
(13:50):
The police had, meanwhile sentPatsy in quest of Harrigan, the
Coachman.
Jones was taken into thesuperintendent's room and a
dozen other men were assembledthere waiting for the arrival of
the cab man.
Harrigan was very nervous whenhe appeared.
Youse fellas are trying to do meout of me, license said he, but
I'm telling you I was all right.
(14:11):
Last night.
I wasn't half so paralyzed asyou think I was, show me your
man and identify him.
Harrigan was led into thesuperintendent's room.
When he saw how many men werethere, he seemed to be a great
deal, taken a back.
But he put a bold face on thematter and promptly advanced
saying.
This is the man.
(14:32):
Nick made a gesture ofdisappointment and then he
laughed and the superintendentwith him.
The man whom Harrigan hadselected.
Was chick.
It was evident that the cab manwas going on pure guesswork.
Being sharply questioned.
He confessed that he had no ideahow his fare of the previous
night looked.
(14:53):
I'll give it to your deadstraight, said he at last, I
don't know whether the mug waswhite or black.
Say.
He might've been Chinese.
I believe that fellow is faking.
Set the Sergeant to Nick asHarrigan left the room.
No he's straight enough, I guesssaid Nick.
He's not the sort of man whowould have been led into a game
of this kind.
(15:14):
Nick then proceeded to questionthe prisoner in the presence of
chick and the superintendent.
His answers were straightforwardenough, but they threw little
light upon the affair.
The only subject, which herefused to discuss with the
whereabouts of his wife.
When questioned about her.
He invariably declined to speak.
She's gone on a little pleasuretrip.
(15:34):
He said, and I want her to enjoyit.
This affair will be all over.
When she gets back, she willnever hear of it where she is at
that says it should be.
Nick returned to his house,where he was informed that a
visitor was waiting for him.
He found a gentleman somewhatunder 40 years of age and
apparently in prosperouscircumstances.
(15:54):
Pacing the study floor.
The visitor was evidentlygreatly excited about something
for his hands trembled and hestarted nervously when Nick
entered.
Mr.
Carter.
He said anxiously.
Can I trust you fully.
Nick laughed.
I shan't do anything to preventit.
He said.
Will you swear to keep what Ishall tell you a secret.
(16:16):
No, sir, I will not.
The man made a despairinggesture.
I suppose that your business wasalways strictly confidential.
He said.
So it is, but I take no oaths.
I didn't mean that.
Exactly.
But, but.
The man hesitated, stammered,and was unable to proceed.
(16:36):
Come sir.
said Nick be calm.
Tell me plainly what you want meto do for you.
It isn't for me, it's for.
For a friend of mine.
Very well.
What can I do for your friend?
He is accused of a terriblecrime of which he is entirely
innocent.
I want you to save him.
I have been asked to do thatmany times.
(16:57):
And have you always succeeded?
Oh, no.
In several cases, the personshave been hanged.
The visitor shuttered violently.
I had heard, he said that younever failed to find the guilty
persons and to save theinnocent.
That is the truth.
It has been my good fortune toleave no case unsettled.
But you said these innocentpersons had been hanged.
(17:19):
They were hanged said, Nick, butthey will not innocent.
Their friends assured me thatthe persons were entirely
guiltless, but this was nottrue.
And therefore, Nick continuedlooking straight into the man's
eyes.
I should advise you to be verysure of your friend's innocence
before you put the case in myhands.
The visitor looked very muchrelieved.
(17:41):
I'm perfectly sure of it.
He cried, my friend had nothingto do with this case.
I'm glad to hear of it.
Who is he?
The man who has been arrested inthis restaurant murder case.
John Jones.
That is the name he has given tothe police.
But isn't that his right name?
I- I don't know, stammered thevisitor.
(18:01):
He must be a very particularfriend of yours since you don't
know what his name is.
I never saw him in my life.
Now, look here, Mr.
Um, Hammond is my name.
Well, Mr.
Hammond.
Your statements, don't hangtogether.
You began by saying that thisman was your friend.
I didn't mean that exactly.
But I sympathize with him.
(18:22):
It must be terrible to bearrested for such a crime and to
find the evidence growingstronger in spite of your
innocence.
How do you know that he isinnocent?
Before Hammond could reply.
There came a knock at the door.
Nick answered it.
Come in Gaspard.
He said throwing the door wideopen.
You sent for me and.
Good God, who is this?
(18:42):
You know him then.
Yes.
Yes.
I know him.
Cried Gaspard.
He is the man who is in room alast night.
Well, that adds a new wrinkleinto the story.
Who is Hammond.
And what was he doing at theFrench cafe?
If the woman is not John Jones'swife, then who is she?
(19:04):
And what is the relationshipbetween Jones and Hammond?
These questions and more will beanswered in the next exciting
episode of Nick Carter and thecrime of the French cafe.
Hey folks.
Thanks for listening.
Once again, special.
Thanks.
Go out to the tireless crew ofproject Gutenberg for providing
this and other amazing storiesavailable.
(19:26):
Absolutely free on the projectGutenberg website.
That's gutenberg.org, O R G.
Well, Until next time folks.
Thanks for listening.
Keep sharing your stories and bea good human.
Bye for now.
Hey, everyone.
Welcome back to forward into thepast.
I'm JC Rede, your host andnarrator.
And I'm very excited to pick upwhere we left off last time for
the next part of the Nick Carterstory, the crime of the French
cafe written in 1893.
Originally published in streetand Smith's story paper called
(00:20):
the New York weekly.
Written by Nicholas Carter.
Nicholas Carter, the writer ofthe Nick Carter stories was a
pseudonym created by Ormond GSmith.
Who initially devised thecharacter of Nick Carter for his
father's publishing house.
John Russell, Correale anin-house writer for street and
Smith fleshed out the detectivesfor story and the next two.
(00:44):
And then due to demand for newNick Carter stories, turned over
the writing duties to over adozen different writers.
The demand for Nick Carterstories were soon so high that
street and Smith soon gave NickCarter his own weekly magazine.
Unfortunately for Nick Carterand us as an effect.
Although he was immenselypopular.
(01:05):
As I mentioned to the lastpodcast, he has appeared in well
over 4,000 stories.
His star faded into obscurity.
And from the research I've beenable to cobble together.
There were a few differentissues that came up over time.
And we'll discuss those infuture podcasts.
Luckily for us, there areseveral university libraries
(01:26):
that have digitized thousands ofstory papers, dime novels, and
pulp magazines.
Including the Nick Carterstories.
And as always, I tip my hat.
I always imagine I'm wearing afedora.
To project Gutenberg, whose teamof volunteers continues to save
these public domain digitalimages and convert them into
full fledged eBooks available todownload and read easily on any
(01:49):
device, whether it's a phone, atablet, or just a computer
screen.
Hopefully I'm doing the NickCarter stories, justice in order
to keep his exploits alive.
let's see, as we continue, wherewe left off last time in the
crime of the French cafe.
In the last episode, an unknownwoman was left murdered in a
(02:09):
French cafe in what was known asthe Tenderloin district.
More on that name in a laterepisode.
Famous detective Nick Carterwitnessed an unknown person
leaving the cafe and entering acab, going to some unknown
destination.
Gaspard the head waiter at thecafe claims to remember the face
of the man and the privatedining room, where the murder
(02:31):
took place.
And now he and Nick have tracedthis man steps back to the
elevator train.
Where Gaspard identifies the manat a distance.
Chapter three.
John Jones.
I want to you.
Whispered Nick.
How many luckless criminals havebeen startled by those words.
(02:54):
How many have seen the prison orthe gallows rise before them at
the sound?
In this case, however, the wordseemed to produce less than the
ordinary effect.
The man to whom they wereaddressed, turned suddenly
toward the detective, but didnot trick or tremble.
I beg your pardon said he.
I didn't quite understand whatyou said.
(03:15):
The man's coolness made Nickeven more in doubt about
Gaspard's identification.
After boarding the train, theyhad walked through it hurriedly
and in the car next to theengine Gaspard had clutched
Nick's arm whispering.
There is your man.
The person indicated waswell-dressed rather good-looking
and about 35 years old.
There was nothing particularlystriking about his appearance.
(03:38):
It would've been easy to havefound dozens of such men on
lower Broadway any day.
Nick fear to mistake.
But yes, Bard was sure.
I never forget a face.
He said, That is the man who Isaw coming out of room B.
That is the murderer.
The man was standing up andholding onto one of the straps.
(03:59):
His profile was turned to them.
Nick waited until he turned andshowed his full face.
The detective was bound to givegas Bard every chance to change
his mind.
But he remained firm.
And at last, Nick approached theaccused and suddenly whispered
those terrifying words in hisear.
Having done.
So.
(04:20):
He was obliged to carry itthrough.
Therefore, when the strangerasked Nick to repeat what he had
said, The detective in a lowvoice in audible to anyone else
in the car.
Told him what the accusationwas.
This is ridiculous.
Said the man, I read the storyof this affair in the papers
this morning, but I am notconnected with it in any way.
(04:42):
If you arrest me.
You must be prepared to take theconsequences.
I guess we can manage the affairquietly.
Sit Nick.
And give you no trouble at all.
I suppose you were goingdowntown to business.
Yes.
Well, I will go along too.
If you don't mind.
By holding means.
So the man.
And he looked much relieved.
(05:04):
I understand what your duty is.
He continued.
Since this imported Frenchjackass has made this charge, of
course you will have to lookinto it.
Come down to the office and makesome inquiries and then go up to
my flat.
I was at home last evening aftereight o'clock.
What did you do before that?
I had dinner with my wife andthen put her aboard a train.
(05:26):
She's gone away on a visit.
Whereas she gone.
No, sir, none of that.
I don't propose to have adetective go flying after her to
scare her to death.
She keeps out of this mess.
If I have any say about it.
But if you're arrested, she'llhear about it and come back to
the city.
I'm not going to be arrestedYou're too sensible a man to do
(05:48):
such a thing.
I can see that.
Ah, here we are.
We get off at Franklin street.
My place of business is just alittle way up the street toward
Broadway.
They left the train.
Nick was beginning to feel thata mistake had been made.
This man's easy manner andperfect confidence were hard to
square with the idea of hisguilt.
By the way set the suspect asthey descended the stairs.
(06:11):
I forgot to give you my card.
He handed it to Nick as he spokeand the detective read this.
Mr.
John Jones.
Alan Morse and Jones, electricalfixtures, the sunlight lamp.
What did I tell you?
Exclaim Gaspard, who was lookingover Nick shoulder.
It is that name?
It is the name that was on theregister.
(06:32):
He is the man.
But Nick took a different view.
He was of the opinion that Mr.
Jones had presented very strongevidence of his complete
innocence.
Anybody else might've signedhimself, John Jones, but the
real John Jones never.
It would be mighty hard toconvince a jury that a man
meditating murder had recordedhis correct name for the benefit
(06:53):
of the police.
The coincidence was certainlyastonishing, but it was in
Jones's favor.
They walked over to the officeof Alan Morrison Jones.
Mr.
Allen was there.
Ah, good morning, Mr.
Allen said Jones.
My name has gotten me intotrouble.
Again.
How is that?
Did you hear about that Frenchrestaurant murder last night?
(07:15):
Mm, well, I glanced at the storyin one of the papers.
This Frenchman here is a waiterat the place.
He saw me in an elevated trainjust now and told this other man
who was a detective.
That I was the potty who tookthat woman to that restaurant.
That was bad enough, but whenthey found out what my name was,
they convicted me immediately.
(07:37):
It appears that the visitor tothe restaurant sign, the very
uncommon name of John Jones onthe books.
Why what the devil exclaimedAllen looking rapidly at poor
gas Bard who is shaking in hisshoes.
Don't you know, this as aserious matter.
What do you mean.
He is the man cried gas, barred.
If I were dying, I would swearwith my last breath that this is
(08:00):
the man.
But who is the woman?
I asked Allen turning to Nick.
And what is she to do with mypartner?
That I cannot say replied, Nick.
She has not been identified.
And then you have absolutelynothing to go upon, except this
fellow's word.
Nothing.
Why this is nonsense.
Perhaps so said, Nick, but youwill admit that I would be false
(08:23):
to my duty if I did not make aninvestigation.
And investigate all you wishleft Jones, but don't bother me
any more than you have to.
This is my busy day.
I'm going right away.
I said, Nick All I want to ofyou that you will give me your
address and meet me at your homein the latter part of the
afternoon.
Mary well, so Jones.
(08:45):
And he scribbled on a piece ofpaper.
I'll be there at half past four.
O'clock.
Nick, thank Mr.
Jones for his courtesy andimmediately withdrew.
But he did not go far.
In a convenient doorway.
He wrote a note to chick on theback of the scrap of paper,
which Jones had given him.
And sealed it in an envelope.
Then he sent gas Bard with it tochick who was on the lookout in
(09:08):
the Undertaker's room where thebody lay.
Having dispatched this message.
Nick changed his disguise andkept watch over the
establishment of Alan Morris andJones.
Nothing of importance happeneduntil a little afternoon when a
reply came from chick.
Translated from the detectivecipher it read as follows.
(09:28):
The address is that of a goodflat house.
Jones lives there with his wife.
They have been there only twomonths.
Nobody in the house knowsanything about them.
They had one servant who wastaken sick about two weeks ago
and carried to a hospital whereshe died since then they have
lived absolutely alone.
There was nobody in the housewho'd seen Mrs.
(09:49):
Jones, his face.
She always wore a heavy veil.
The only description I could gettallied with that of the body.
The principal point was thehair.
I have just found a woman whosaw Mr.
And Mrs.
Jones go out yesterdayafternoon.
She remembers Mrs.
Jones's dress.
The description agrees with thatfound on the corpse.
Jones carried an alligator skintraveling bag.
(10:12):
Nobody saw either of them comeback to the house.
But Jones evidently slept there.
I shall take the woman who sawthem go out to the room where
the body lies.
Will send Patsy down with theresult of this effort at
identification.
I believe it will show the womanto be Mrs.
Jones.
I send this that you may havewarning chick.
Nick read this note and thenglanced across the street toward
(10:34):
the office of Alan MorrisonJones.
Through the window, he could seeJones, calmly writing a letter.
Could it be possible that thisman was guilty of?
So hideous a crime.
Half an hour past.
And then came the second messageas follows.
Identified as Mrs.
Jones.
Chapter four.
(10:55):
All sorts of identifications.
I'm sorry to tell you, Mr.
Jones, that the body of thewoman murdered last night has
been identified as that of yourwife.
So spoke Nick.
And this time Jones calmness wasnot proof against the surprise.
It can't be possible.
He explained leaping from hischair.
I am so informed, said Nick, andI must place you under arrest.
(11:20):
But there must be some infernalmistake here.
Said the accused.
I know that my wife is allright.
This must be somebody else.
A lady living in the same housewith you has recognized the
body.
I don't care if she has nobodyin that house knows my wife.
Is there anybody in the city whodoes know her.
I can't think of anybody.
(11:42):
How about the grocer with whomyou traded.
Our servant attended to all thattill she was taking sick.
Since then I've done what littlethere was to do.
We've eaten most of our meals atrestaurants.
What restaurants.
Oh all around.
There's The Alcazar forinstance, where we have
sometimes dined together.
Does the headwaiter there knowher.
(12:04):
I suppose he would remember herface.
He doesn't know the name.
All right.
I'll have him look at the body.
But man, you're going to let melook at it.
Aren't you exclaim Jones.
That would settle it.
I should think.
I'll take you there now.
And we will try to get somebodyfrom the Alcazar at the same
time.
Nick took the prisoner at onceto the Alcazar.
(12:25):
The headwaiter remember Jones'sface.
He had seen him dining with alady who had beautiful light
hair.
The three went to theundertakers rooms.
Nick watched Jones narrowly ashe approached the body.
He started violently at thefirst sight of it.
Then he became calm.
The hair is wonderfully, like hesaid, But there is no
(12:46):
resemblance between the twofaces.
That is true gentlemen.
Said the headwaiter.
This is not the lady.
On the contrary said a voiceclose beside them.
I believe that this lady wasyour wife, Mr.
Jones.
All the color went up, Jones hisface as he turned quickly toward
the man who had spoken.
Ah, Mr.
Gottlieb.
(13:07):
He said.
I am surprised to hear you saythat.
Mr.
Gottlieb is the grocer from whomthe Joneses bought their
supplies.
said chick who had advanced toNick's side.
I was not aware that you hadever seen my wife said Jones,
looking searchingly at thegrocer.
I never saw her plainly saidGottlieb.
She came into my store once ortwice, but always closely
(13:28):
veiled.
So I cannot be sure.
And of course, If you insistthat this is not your wife's
body.
I must be mistaken.
You are mistaken, sir.
said Jones coldly.
He turned to Nick.
Mr.
Gottlieb has sealed my doom forthe present.
He said with a smile.
I am ready to go with you.
Nick took his prisoner to policeheadquarters.
(13:50):
The police had, meanwhile sentPatsy in quest of Harrigan, the
Coachman.
Jones was taken into thesuperintendent's room and a
dozen other men were assembledthere waiting for the arrival of
the cab man.
Harrigan was very nervous whenhe appeared.
Youse fellas are trying to do meout of me, license said he, but
I'm telling you I was all right.
(14:11):
Last night.
I wasn't half so paralyzed asyou think I was, show me your
man and identify him.
Harrigan was led into thesuperintendent's room.
When he saw how many men werethere, he seemed to be a great
deal, taken a back.
But he put a bold face on thematter and promptly advanced
saying.
This is the man.
(14:32):
Nick made a gesture ofdisappointment and then he
laughed and the superintendentwith him.
The man whom Harrigan hadselected.
Was chick.
It was evident that the cab manwas going on pure guesswork.
Being sharply questioned.
He confessed that he had no ideahow his fare of the previous
night looked.
(14:53):
I'll give it to your deadstraight, said he at last, I
don't know whether the mug waswhite or black.
Say.
He might've been Chinese.
I believe that fellow is faking.
Set the Sergeant to Nick asHarrigan left the room.
No he's straight enough, I guesssaid Nick.
He's not the sort of man whowould have been led into a game
of this kind.
(15:14):
Nick then proceeded to questionthe prisoner in the presence of
chick and the superintendent.
His answers were straightforwardenough, but they threw little
light upon the affair.
The only subject, which herefused to discuss with the
whereabouts of his wife.
When questioned about her.
He invariably declined to speak.
She's gone on a little pleasuretrip.
(15:34):
He said, and I want her to enjoyit.
This affair will be all over.
When she gets back, she willnever hear of it where she is at
that says it should be.
Nick returned to his house,where he was informed that a
visitor was waiting for him.
He found a gentleman somewhatunder 40 years of age and
apparently in prosperouscircumstances.
(15:54):
Pacing the study floor.
The visitor was evidentlygreatly excited about something
for his hands trembled and hestarted nervously when Nick
entered.
Mr.
Carter.
He said anxiously.
Can I trust you fully.
Nick laughed.
I shan't do anything to preventit.
He said.
Will you swear to keep what Ishall tell you a secret.
(16:16):
No, sir, I will not.
The man made a despairinggesture.
I suppose that your business wasalways strictly confidential.
He said.
So it is, but I take no oaths.
I didn't mean that.
Exactly.
But, but.
The man hesitated, stammered,and was unable to proceed.
(16:36):
Come sir.
said Nick be calm.
Tell me plainly what you want meto do for you.
It isn't for me, it's for.
For a friend of mine.
Very well.
What can I do for your friend?
He is accused of a terriblecrime of which he is entirely
innocent.
I want you to save him.
I have been asked to do thatmany times.
(16:57):
And have you always succeeded?
Oh, no.
In several cases, the personshave been hanged.
The visitor shuttered violently.
I had heard, he said that younever failed to find the guilty
persons and to save theinnocent.
That is the truth.
It has been my good fortune toleave no case unsettled.
But you said these innocentpersons had been hanged.
(17:19):
They were hanged said, Nick, butthey will not innocent.
Their friends assured me thatthe persons were entirely
guiltless, but this was nottrue.
And therefore, Nick continuedlooking straight into the man's
eyes.
I should advise you to be verysure of your friend's innocence
before you put the case in myhands.
The visitor looked very muchrelieved.
(17:41):
I'm perfectly sure of it.
He cried, my friend had nothingto do with this case.
I'm glad to hear of it.
Who is he?
The man who has been arrested inthis restaurant murder case.
John Jones.
That is the name he has given tothe police.
But isn't that his right name?
I- I don't know, stammered thevisitor.
(18:01):
He must be a very particularfriend of yours since you don't
know what his name is.
I never saw him in my life.
Now, look here, Mr.
Um, Hammond is my name.
Well, Mr.
Hammond.
Your statements, don't hangtogether.
You began by saying that thisman was your friend.
I didn't mean that exactly.
But I sympathize with him.
(18:22):
It must be terrible to bearrested for such a crime and to
find the evidence growingstronger in spite of your
innocence.
How do you know that he isinnocent?
Before Hammond could reply.
There came a knock at the door.
Nick answered it.
Come in Gaspard.
He said throwing the door wideopen.
You sent for me and.
Good God, who is this?
(18:42):
You know him then.
Yes.
Yes.
I know him.
Cried Gaspard.
He is the man who is in room alast night.
Well, that adds a new wrinkleinto the story.
Who is Hammond.
And what was he doing at theFrench cafe?
If the woman is not John Jones'swife, then who is she?
(19:04):
And what is the relationshipbetween Jones and Hammond?
These questions and more will beanswered in the next exciting
episode of Nick Carter and thecrime of the French cafe.
Hey folks.
Thanks for listening.
Once again, special.
Thanks.
Go out to the tireless crew ofproject Gutenberg for providing
this and other amazing storiesavailable.
(19:26):
Absolutely free on the projectGutenberg website.
That's gutenberg.org, O R G.
Well, Until next time folks.
Thanks for listening.
Keep sharing your stories and bea good human.
Bye for now.
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