August 4, 2022 • 28 mins
And now we arrive at the Finale to Nick Carter's Ghost Story. How are the jewels being stolen? Who is behind this? Is it actually a ghost? Tune in and find out in the last episode of this classic tale of suspense!
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Hi everyone.
And welcome back to forward intothe past.
I'm Jacey your host andnarrator, and today we're
finishing off the final chaptersof the mystery of Nick Carter's
ghost story, which was writtenway back in 1894 exactly as it
appeared in the New York Weeklypublished by street and Smith.
(00:23):
And one of the things thatfascinates me as a storyteller
and history buff is the use oflanguage in whatever story I'm
reading.
It gives me a clue as to whothese characters might've been
within their society.
Now when I first started readingthe Nick Carter mysteries, I
approached him as a no-nonsensetypical New York detective.
(00:44):
But as I did more research andreally got to know the
character, the evolution of thecharacter's voice became quite
clear.
As a well-educated high societyman in New York, just before the
turn of the 20th century.
Nick Carter would have had analmost British sounding cadence
to his speech.
(01:04):
During this time in the UnitedStates, we had a very amicable
relationship with great Britain.
And of course in the late 18hundreds, both countries were in
the midst of the Victorian era.
The U S having just ended thecivil war.
It was a time for redefining whowe were as a country and as a
society.
(01:26):
There was a very strong push bynew England to usher in an age
of reason and science to thepoint of trying to demolish any
and all forms of lightentertainment that didn't fall
under the umbrella of quoteunquote, proper.
One of the major issues they hadwas in the world of literature.
(01:46):
You see.
The proper literature waswritten by authors that had been
accepted in both British andAmerican elite.
And educated circles.
Any other stories were seen asjunk.
However, because of theindustrial revolution, which
happened at the same time asVictorian life.
(02:07):
The lower classes were becomingmore educated and wanted more
things to read.
Even though they might notcomprehend it fully.
This is where the dime novelscame in to fill that need in the
common life.
Now true important literature,which was published by
legitimate publishers withleather book covers and proper
(02:29):
binding.
Cost upwards of one to$2, averitable fortune in those days,
especially when one lived inless than adequate surroundings
and personal effects were oftenburgled.
Dime novels on the other hand,provided working class folks
with simple to understandstories for about five to 10
(02:51):
cents.
Quite a bit of difference.
Story papers and penny dreadfulsin the UK, provided the same
stories and usually a greatvariety in a weekly format for
about the same price.
As we've learned.
Many of the dime novels hadstories that originally appeared
in the story papers first andthen were compiled into dime
(03:14):
novels that were a bit morepermanent and could be carried
in pockets or pocket books.
So as I discovered more and moreabout class distinctions and
styles, The more.
I realized that Nick Carter, whowas very well off and very
well-educated would speak morein line with his British
(03:35):
counterparts than he would withthe workaday classes, that
teemed the streets of New York.
And with that I offer to you mydear listeners, the exciting
conclusion of Nick Carter'sghost story.
In our last episode, ourIntrepid detective Nick Carter,
disguised himself as one ofColonel Richmond staff in order
(03:58):
to gain access to the housewithout being spotted.
While accompanying the Colonel.
Nick and his assistant Patsywere confronted by what seemed
to be the ghost of ColonelRichmond sister Levina.
While trying to capture theperson behind what he believed
to be a hoax.
Nick was hit with a sandbag andknocked out until the next
(04:20):
morning.
Upon coming to Nick decides upona plan to convince Colonel
Richmond that it is not anactual ghost stealing the
jewels.
Or else he will succumb to theColonel's belief in the other
world.
Who is behind everything?
How are the jewels being stolen?
(04:40):
And will our hero abandoned hisbelief that ghosts are not real.
Well, let's find out as we goforward into the past.
Once again.
And finish Nick Carter's ghoststory.
Chapter nine.
The diamond clasp.
(05:00):
They then left the room.
Nick dispatched Patsy secretlyto the Steven's house.
Shortly before noon, ColonelRichmond.
Horace and Nick took a train forthe city.
At two o'clock they entered thevault of the safe deposit
company.
It is a long room below thelevel of the street.
The walls are lined with metaldrawers fastened by locks of the
(05:22):
most approved pattern.
The drawers near the floor arethe largest.
They are perhaps a foot squareas seen when closed.
Near the top of the room.
They are much smaller.
A movable metal step ladderstands ready for the convenience
of those who wish to reach theboxes on the upper tiers.
The space in the middle of theroom is railed off and there
(05:44):
sits a guard day and night.
This is ours, said the Coloneladvancing toward one of the
larger drawers.
I placed the diamond clasp onthe very top of the pile of
jewels within.
It was in a case of its own.
Nick turned to speak to theofficer in charge.
He questioned him regarding thepossibility of any person taking
anything from the boxes.
(06:06):
He asked, especially about thecustody of Mrs.
Pond's jewels.
Colonel Richmond and Mrs.
Ponds have the two keysnecessary for the opening of the
drawer.
Said the official.
Yes said Colonel Richmondspeaking over his shoulder to
Nick.
I told you all about that.
And I explained how the secondkey happened to be in my
possession instead of Mrs.
(06:26):
Pond's.
True said Nick apologetically.
That was not what I was askingabout.
At that moment, he heard theclick of the drawer as it was
pulled open.
Here, wait for me.
He cried.
I should see everything.
As he stepped forward, HoraceRichmond was just closing the
little case, which had held thediamond clasp.
The Colonel was turning away.
(06:48):
I am deeply disappointed.
He said, The clasp is there.
As the Colonel walked away withbowed head, Nick turned to
Horace.
The young man's face was astudy.
He looked as if he had seen agraveyard full of ghosts.
Nick Carter.
He whispered.
This is dreadful.
What.
(07:08):
Hush! I had to fool him.
I positively had to, or he wouldhave gone crazy.
He poured the words into Nick'sear in an excited whisper.
I made him think the clasp wasin the box, but it isn't.
I substituted another piece.
The clasp is gone.
What shall we do?
He showed Nick the box.
It contained nothing.
(07:28):
Horace had removed the piece,which he had used in the
deception.
Good heavens cried Horace.
He heard me.
He pointed to the Colonel whostood like one who has been
struck upon the head.
Go on.
He cried, rushing toward them.
You deceived me.
Well, they searched the drawerand the clasp certainly was not
there.
Horace explained how he haddeceived the Colonel by quickly
(07:51):
putting another piece of jewelryinto the little case when he
found it empty.
I am clever at slight of handsaid he or I could never have
worked it.
I just flashed it before youreyes Uncle and made you think
that you saw the clasp.
Forgive me.
I thought it was the best.
I will forgive you Horace.
Said Colonel Richmond gently.
(08:11):
But now you must believe and youtoo, Mr.
Carter here is proof positive.
They locked the drawer and leftthe vault.
In the antechamber, Nick turnedto Horace.
I suppose you'll want to knockmy head off when I tell you what
I now propose to do said thedetective.
But I think it ought to be done.
What is it?
(08:32):
asked Horace.
I think you ought to besearched.
Exactly my own idea said,Horace.
It is only fair to you.
Proceed.
Nick searched him.
The diamond clasp was not found.
Horace certainly did not haveit.
I hope you're satisfied.
He said to Nick, you know,perfectly well that I have had
(08:52):
no opportunity to dispose of it.
There wasn't much chance in thatvault.
Nick laughed.
I should say not.
He replied.
I'm afraid we shall have to fallback upon the theory of the
Colonel.
No theory cried he, but theliving truth.
And now proven before you both.
But let me ask Mr.
(09:13):
Carter, why you suspected mynephew of taking the clasp.
I didn't.
Replied Nick promptly.
I searched him in order toremove every possibility.
Well, surely he would have hadno motive of such an action.
None that I can see said Nickwith perfect sincerity.
They proceeded at once to Mrs.
Steven's house.
It was about seven o'clock whenthey arrived.
(09:34):
They drove up from the stationand on the way picked up Patsy.
During the remainder of thedrive, he was busy communicating
with Nick in their signlanguage.
Ms.
Stevens is in her room, said,Patsy.
She has had a doctor with heralmost all the time.
He refuses to say anything.
I believe upon my soul that Ishot her last night.
(09:54):
Annie O'Neill the servantanswered the bell.
She ushered them into the parlorand said that Mrs.
Stevens was in the room of herdaughter who was quite ill.
Annie went upstairs to summither mistress.
A minute later, the party belowheard a scream.
Then Mrs.
Stevens appeared.
She was very pale.
In her hand, she held a smallobject wrapped in paper.
(10:18):
I have just found this upon mydaughter's pillow.
She said, I have not removed thepaper, but I know instinctively
what's within.
It is another jewel.
I am equally sure of it.
Cried the colonel, open thepackage, Mrs.
Stephens.
Oh, my hand trembles so, thelady began.
Don't open it now said, Nick,wait a moment.
(10:41):
I have a suggestion to make.
And at any rate, we all knowwhat is within.
Colonel Richmond.
I suppose it is useless to pleadwith you further.
Quite useless.
Said the Colonel.
Millie shall have all thejewels.
I am determined to buy them ofmy daughter and make the
transfer at once.
Well, I am beaten, said thedetective.
(11:04):
The case has gone against me.
But I will still try to helpyou.
I wish to call your attention tothe legal aspects of this case.
They may surprise you, butbefore going further, I think
you should know them.
You will not accept my authorityif I state the facts as they
are.
Mrs.
Stephens.
Is it not true that you have oneof the judges of the Supreme
(11:27):
court as your neighbor?
Uh, yes.
Judge Lorrimer is our nextneighbor to the south.
Will you kindly send yourservant to his house?
Or perhaps.
He glanced at Horace.
All right.
I'll go.
Said Horace.
I know the judge.
But I don't see what you aredriving at Mr.
Carter.
(11:47):
I want to persuade ColonelRichmond to get the law in the
case before he goes further.
He should consult an authorityabout the transfer before he
makes any more promises, whichmay or may not be legally good.
I think it a good idea saidColonel Richmond, Horace.
Go over to the judge's house.
During the interval while he wasgone, very little was done.
(12:09):
Mrs.
Stevens sat holding the packageand apparently deeply moved.
She several times declared toColonel Richmond that she did
not wish her daughter to get thejewels in such a way.
And that she was still convincedthat human beings had planned
and executed the whole strangeseries of robberies and
surprises.
If it should prove said, Nick,that this is a conspiracy.
(12:32):
Do you wish any arrests?
He turned toward the Colonel ashe spoke.
If it does said the Colonel witha smile.
You can arrest me.
It won't.
But I am serious.
So am I.
Of course if there had been acrime.
I would not shield the guiltyparties, whomever.
They might be.
At that moment, Horace returnedwith judge Lorimer, whom he had
(12:55):
met walking just beyond Mrs.
Stevens grounds.
I have tried to explain the caseto him.
Said Horace, but he said hedoesn't understand how any legal
complications can arise.
We will try to make that clearpresently said Nick.
Mrs.
Stephens.
Open that package?
No, wait a moment.
You are agitated.
(13:16):
You should have a glass ofwater.
Permit me to ring.
He put his hand upon the bellcord.
As he did so, Mrs.
Stephens opened the package, thearticle within rolled out upon
her lap.
It was not the diamond clasp,but an ordinary pocket knife of
large size.
Why Nick it's yours.
Cried Patsy.
(13:36):
So it is.
Responded the detective, butthis is a diamond clasp.
He drew the Relic of the thirdcrusade from his pocket as he
spoke and handed it to theColonel.
At that moment Annie O'Neillappeared at the door in answer
to the bell.
And now said Nick, while theothers stared in wonder, we will
consider the legal pointsinvolved.
(13:58):
Judge Lorimer.
Here are the necessary blankforms.
Please grant me warrants for thearrest of Horace Richmond and
Annie O'Neil for criminalconspiracy.
Chapter 10, some clever tricksexplained.
No sooner had Nick uttered thesewords than a loud cry rang
(14:19):
through the house.
Instantly Millie Stevensappeared upon the threshold of
the parlor.
Horace.
She cried.
Tell me it is not true.
You have not done this.
Certainly not he exclaimed.
It is an absurd slander.
Carter, you will be sorry forthis.
The girl looked straight intoHorace's face for an instant.
Then she uttered a moan.
(14:41):
He is guilty.
She cried.
I can read it in his eyes.
And I loved him so.
She sank upon the floor at hermother's feet.
Oh mother, she said.
This is a just punishment forme.
You told me, I must give him up.
You read his heart.
But I secretly accepted hislove.
(15:01):
I received letters in which hebegged me to keep our love a
secret.
And in which I should have reada confession of guilt.
And all the time he loved meonly because he thought that I
should have a fortune in goldand diamonds.
You have stated the case exactlysaid Nick.
When he thought that you wouldinherit all those jewels, he
made love to you.
(15:22):
Heaven knows that your ownattraction should have been
enough.
But they were not for him.
When the jewels went elsewhere.
He was probably on the point ofgiving you up.
I judge that from certainletters of yours in that
Telegraph cipher, which I foundin his room.
Then he wormed his plan formaking you rich.
He managed the robberies at thehouse with the aid of John
(15:43):
Gilder and one or two of thatspiritualistic gang, whom he
smuggled into the house.
He did everything to increasehis uncle's delusion.
It was he who put ColonelRichmond.
Again, in the hands of thatmedium.
I supposed that after thataffair was all over said, Mrs.
Stephens.
Both the Colonel and I haddisapproved of it.
(16:04):
Annie O'Neil said Nick turningto the servant.
A full confession from you iswhat we now require.
It may save you from prison.
We know that you managed theaffair from this end.
It was you who put the jewelswhere they were found after they
had been given to you by Horace.
It was you Catch her! This lastexclamation was addressed to
(16:25):
Patsy.
The girl was wavering as if shewould fall.
Before Patsy could reach her.
She sank, sobbing to the floor.
She proceeded to pour out anincoherent confession in which
little was clear, but the nameof Horace Richmond and the fact
that the girl loved him still.
I've been waiting for this saidHorace with a brutal sneer.
(16:45):
Trust the woman and lose thegame.
Well, it's all up.
I loved you, Millie, but notenough to marry you without the
jewels.
So I schemed for the transferand I have failed.
It was Annie O'Neil whomfollowed you last night, Patsy.
said Nick.
Now, who was the man?
John Gilder.
Gasped the terrified girl.
(17:06):
And you played the ghost.
Yes, sir.
But how about my shooting askedPatsy, how does Annie O'Neal
happen to be alive?
Uh, huh, read that from chick.
Said Nick producing a paper.
He's made some discoveries inthe Colonel's house today while
we were all away.
He's found the ghost.
It seems that this girl wasinside of a hollow dummy.
(17:29):
She stood over a trap door.
Just as soon as she had shownher face, she dropped the veil
and went through the trap.
The dummy still continued tostand there and you shot at it.
Two of your bullets flattened onit's steel braces.
The rest went through.
John Gilder flashed the light.
When he turned it off, the dummywas hauled down through the trap
(17:51):
and hidden in a place thatneither you nor I found Patsy.
Colonel Richmond seemed to be ina trance.
Uh, but the mysterious force, hesaid at last.
The injury to yourself and yourassistant.
How do you explain that?
It was done by John Gilderswinging a sandbag on a string
at the end of a pole, which hepoked through one of the panels.
(18:14):
It couldn't be seen in that dimlight and it made a fearful
weapon.
It's a wonder that he didn'tknock our heads off.
I thought that I heard somethingwhiz, muttered, Patsy.
And yet I heard her voice thismorning said the Colonel, she
said consent.
No, she didn't.
I said it.
I rejoined Nick.
I'm something of aventriloquist.
(18:35):
How was the affair managed atthe safe deposit vault?
Ask the Colonel after a pause.
Why, Horace took the clasp outof the box and put it in your
pocket.
You really saw it.
Only he made you think afterwardthat you didn't.
After I searched him, he pickedyour pocket and got the clasp.
Then he wrapped it in paper.
(18:56):
I picked his pocket to makematters even, and substituted my
knife.
Similarly wrapped up.
When we got to this house, hegave the knife to Annie O'Neill
who put it on Ms.
Stephen's pillow when she wentupstairs to call Mrs.
Stephens.
You have not explained therobberies at my house.
Said Colonel Richmond.
I'll do that over there.
(19:17):
Is the rest of it clear.
Has anybody a question to ask.
Nobody spoke.
Annie O'Neil said, Nick.
I'll leave here in Patsy'scharge.
Horace Richmond.
Come with us.
Horace looked ugly for a moment.
And then he calmed down andsullenly complied with Nick's
order.
Judge Lorimer begged to be ofthe party in order to see the
(19:38):
explanation of the mysteriousrobberies of which he had heard.
Two hours later, they all stoodin Mrs.
Pond's room.
The essential part of thismatter, said Nick.
Was this door, which appeared toopen and close of itself.
I saw that at a glance and madea secret investigation.
It is done by electricity.
(19:59):
There is a magnet in the casing,which is powerful enough to
swing the door to after whichthe same magnet pushes this
little bolt.
Which looks like an ordinaryscrew into position, and that
holds the door, but not verysteadily.
You may say that this shouldhave given me the criminal at
once, but it didn't.
(20:19):
You see.
This electromagnet workswhenever the current is turned
into the wires.
Horace was clever enough to havethe wires lead all over the
house.
A connection with the electriclight wires furnishing, the
current can be made in almostevery room of the house.
Of course.
I suspected Horace at oncebecause his room was directly
(20:43):
overhead.
In fact, the two are connectedas you see by a ventilator in
the form of a pipe with a gratedopening in each room.
The grating here you see isopen.
But bless me.
Exclaim judge Lorimer.
No thief could have come throughsuch a place.
Why it isn't six inches square.
Ah, step in here in a minute andsee said, Nick, and then he
(21:05):
called out all ready chick.
The whole party had by this timegone into Mrs.
Pond's sitting room.
Nick said hush and pointed tothe ventilator.
Most of the party could see itthrough the door.
Instantly there appeared a massof green feathers and then
Horace Richmond's parrotfluttered.
Noiselessly down into the room.
(21:27):
For a minute or two, it ranaround the floor.
Then it flew up onto thedressing table, seized a small
gold bar pin in its beak andflew back into the ventilator
pipe.
A nice trick said the detective.
I believe it took you some timeto teach the bird that.
About a year.
Growled Horace that bird waswell-trained before.
(21:48):
Is it all clear, said, Nick.
Perfectly.
said the Colonel, but how didyou get at it?
Simply enough.
There was only one way into thisroom when those robberies were
committed.
And the parrot was the onlyliving thing in the house that
was small enough to go throughthat pipe and intelligent enough
to do the trick.
You see, Horace had trained thebird to pick up bright objects.
(22:12):
And especially articles of thecolor gold and to go up and down
that pipe.
Then he schemed to have yourdaughter come here.
The rest was easy.
He waited till she was in thefarther room and then close the
door between by the electricaldevice.
Immediately, he sent down theparrot.
The bird were so well-trainedthat he required only a minute
(22:35):
or two to secure something.
Of course.
It was not always something ofvalue.
There were probably a dozenfailures where the bird brought
back nothing or some uselessobject that glittered.
I suspected the bird.
And so put chick on that lay.
As you see.
He has got the creature to workvery well.
Now Colonel, what more can I dofor you?
(22:57):
What shall be done with theprisoners?
Nothing.
I will not prosecute.
I guess we can hush it up if yousay so responded Nick.
By the way.
There's one thing that I want toexplain.
I mean, the strange appearanceof that diamond pin in the box
on the occasion of Mrs.
Steven's first visit.
It was not the real pen, but aduplicate.
(23:18):
Which had been prepared inadvance.
Horace had put up that game as afinishing touch for his uncle.
Mrs.
Pond had forced Horace to go forme, but he wouldn't be scared
out.
He played the game right undermy nose.
Annie O'Neil had the duplicatepin.
She opened that box while Mrs.
Stevens was calling to herdaughter as she testified and
(23:40):
put the duplicate into it.
Then she wrapped it up just as,before.
So I won't have to give up thejewels.
Said Mrs.
Pond.
I'm afraid you will said Nick.
The queerest part of the storyis to come.
Chick has found a later will bymiss Levina Richmond.
It is undoubtedly genuine.
And where do you suppose it wasfound?
(24:01):
The strangest of all places.
In Horace Richmond's room.
She died there, responded theColonel.
She must have hidden the willduring her last illness.
It is strange to think of HoraceRichmond, struggling with that
parrot.
And putting up his elaborateschemes while the document,
which would have given him allhe wanted was hidden in his own
(24:23):
room.
Horace Richmond's face at thatmoment.
was an amusing spectacle.
So was Mrs.
Ponds.
Nevermind daughter, said theColonel.
It is better so.
I will make good the loss toyou.
And so ends Nick, Carter's ghoststory in a most natural manner.
Nobody was ever punished for theaffair.
(24:45):
Even the gang of mediums andhealers whom Nick had rounded up
were released after their nightin jail.
Because on sober second thoughttheir dupes were ashamed to
complain against them.
Well gang that wraps up anotherexciting story from the case
files of Nick Carter, masterdetective.
(25:05):
As usual, I would like to thankthe tireless volunteers at
project Gutenberg.
It's only through their work andeffort that I am able to share
these amazing stories with youall.
I would also like to take thistime to remind you to become a
supporter of the show.
By doing so you allow me todonate some funds back to
project Gutenberg, to be able tocontinue saving these wonderful
(25:29):
tales of suspense and so manyother stories as well.
I'd also like to thank you.
The listeners and the supportersof the show for simply being
there and sharing this journeywith me.
I never thought that I'd beproducing tails like this and
gaining a worldwide audience,but that's exactly what's
happened.
(25:49):
And well, I'm humbled andhonored that you are taking time
out of your busy lives to listento me, weave these yarns for
you.
It's a dream come true for meand I am eternally grateful and
thankful for your continuedsupport.
And well-wishes.
Next story coming up is the laststory in the trilogy.
(26:11):
The mystery of St.
Agnes hospital written in theyear 1900.
Exactly.
As it appeared in street.
And Smith's weekly story paper,the New York weekly.
And after that.
Well, it's coming up on spookyseason.
Halloween folks.
And I'm thinking about sharingsome ghost stories with you all.
(26:31):
The kind that used to be toldaround glowing campfires or a
crackling fireplace stories thathaven't seen the light of day in
many years.
Ah, Ah, ah, ah, Well, that's allthe time I have for now gang.
As always.
Thanks for listening.
Keep sharing the stories and.
Be a good human.
(26:52):
Bye for now.
Hi everyone.
And welcome back to forward intothe past.
I'm Jacey your host andnarrator, and today we're
finishing off the final chaptersof the mystery of Nick Carter's
ghost story, which was writtenway back in 1894 exactly as it
appeared in the New York Weeklypublished by street and Smith.
(00:23):
And one of the things thatfascinates me as a storyteller
and history buff is the use oflanguage in whatever story I'm
reading.
It gives me a clue as to whothese characters might've been
within their society.
Now when I first started readingthe Nick Carter mysteries, I
approached him as a no-nonsensetypical New York detective.
(00:44):
But as I did more research andreally got to know the
character, the evolution of thecharacter's voice became quite
clear.
As a well-educated high societyman in New York, just before the
turn of the 20th century.
Nick Carter would have had analmost British sounding cadence
to his speech.
(01:04):
During this time in the UnitedStates, we had a very amicable
relationship with great Britain.
And of course in the late 18hundreds, both countries were in
the midst of the Victorian era.
The U S having just ended thecivil war.
It was a time for redefining whowe were as a country and as a
society.
(01:26):
There was a very strong push bynew England to usher in an age
of reason and science to thepoint of trying to demolish any
and all forms of lightentertainment that didn't fall
under the umbrella of quoteunquote, proper.
One of the major issues they hadwas in the world of literature.
(01:46):
You see.
The proper literature waswritten by authors that had been
accepted in both British andAmerican elite.
And educated circles.
Any other stories were seen asjunk.
However, because of theindustrial revolution, which
happened at the same time asVictorian life.
(02:07):
The lower classes were becomingmore educated and wanted more
things to read.
Even though they might notcomprehend it fully.
This is where the dime novelscame in to fill that need in the
common life.
Now true important literature,which was published by
legitimate publishers withleather book covers and proper
(02:29):
binding.
Cost upwards of one to$2, averitable fortune in those days,
especially when one lived inless than adequate surroundings
and personal effects were oftenburgled.
Dime novels on the other hand,provided working class folks
with simple to understandstories for about five to 10
(02:51):
cents.
Quite a bit of difference.
Story papers and penny dreadfulsin the UK, provided the same
stories and usually a greatvariety in a weekly format for
about the same price.
As we've learned.
Many of the dime novels hadstories that originally appeared
in the story papers first andthen were compiled into dime
(03:14):
novels that were a bit morepermanent and could be carried
in pockets or pocket books.
So as I discovered more and moreabout class distinctions and
styles, The more.
I realized that Nick Carter, whowas very well off and very
well-educated would speak morein line with his British
(03:35):
counterparts than he would withthe workaday classes, that
teemed the streets of New York.
And with that I offer to you mydear listeners, the exciting
conclusion of Nick Carter'sghost story.
In our last episode, ourIntrepid detective Nick Carter,
disguised himself as one ofColonel Richmond staff in order
(03:58):
to gain access to the housewithout being spotted.
While accompanying the Colonel.
Nick and his assistant Patsywere confronted by what seemed
to be the ghost of ColonelRichmond sister Levina.
While trying to capture theperson behind what he believed
to be a hoax.
Nick was hit with a sandbag andknocked out until the next
(04:20):
morning.
Upon coming to Nick decides upona plan to convince Colonel
Richmond that it is not anactual ghost stealing the
jewels.
Or else he will succumb to theColonel's belief in the other
world.
Who is behind everything?
How are the jewels being stolen?
(04:40):
And will our hero abandoned hisbelief that ghosts are not real.
Well, let's find out as we goforward into the past.
Once again.
And finish Nick Carter's ghoststory.
Chapter nine.
The diamond clasp.
(05:00):
They then left the room.
Nick dispatched Patsy secretlyto the Steven's house.
Shortly before noon, ColonelRichmond.
Horace and Nick took a train forthe city.
At two o'clock they entered thevault of the safe deposit
company.
It is a long room below thelevel of the street.
The walls are lined with metaldrawers fastened by locks of the
(05:22):
most approved pattern.
The drawers near the floor arethe largest.
They are perhaps a foot squareas seen when closed.
Near the top of the room.
They are much smaller.
A movable metal step ladderstands ready for the convenience
of those who wish to reach theboxes on the upper tiers.
The space in the middle of theroom is railed off and there
(05:44):
sits a guard day and night.
This is ours, said the Coloneladvancing toward one of the
larger drawers.
I placed the diamond clasp onthe very top of the pile of
jewels within.
It was in a case of its own.
Nick turned to speak to theofficer in charge.
He questioned him regarding thepossibility of any person taking
anything from the boxes.
(06:06):
He asked, especially about thecustody of Mrs.
Pond's jewels.
Colonel Richmond and Mrs.
Ponds have the two keysnecessary for the opening of the
drawer.
Said the official.
Yes said Colonel Richmondspeaking over his shoulder to
Nick.
I told you all about that.
And I explained how the secondkey happened to be in my
possession instead of Mrs.
(06:26):
Pond's.
True said Nick apologetically.
That was not what I was askingabout.
At that moment, he heard theclick of the drawer as it was
pulled open.
Here, wait for me.
He cried.
I should see everything.
As he stepped forward, HoraceRichmond was just closing the
little case, which had held thediamond clasp.
The Colonel was turning away.
(06:48):
I am deeply disappointed.
He said, The clasp is there.
As the Colonel walked away withbowed head, Nick turned to
Horace.
The young man's face was astudy.
He looked as if he had seen agraveyard full of ghosts.
Nick Carter.
He whispered.
This is dreadful.
What.
(07:08):
Hush! I had to fool him.
I positively had to, or he wouldhave gone crazy.
He poured the words into Nick'sear in an excited whisper.
I made him think the clasp wasin the box, but it isn't.
I substituted another piece.
The clasp is gone.
What shall we do?
He showed Nick the box.
It contained nothing.
(07:28):
Horace had removed the piece,which he had used in the
deception.
Good heavens cried Horace.
He heard me.
He pointed to the Colonel whostood like one who has been
struck upon the head.
Go on.
He cried, rushing toward them.
You deceived me.
Well, they searched the drawerand the clasp certainly was not
there.
Horace explained how he haddeceived the Colonel by quickly
(07:51):
putting another piece of jewelryinto the little case when he
found it empty.
I am clever at slight of handsaid he or I could never have
worked it.
I just flashed it before youreyes Uncle and made you think
that you saw the clasp.
Forgive me.
I thought it was the best.
I will forgive you Horace.
Said Colonel Richmond gently.
(08:11):
But now you must believe and youtoo, Mr.
Carter here is proof positive.
They locked the drawer and leftthe vault.
In the antechamber, Nick turnedto Horace.
I suppose you'll want to knockmy head off when I tell you what
I now propose to do said thedetective.
But I think it ought to be done.
What is it?
(08:32):
asked Horace.
I think you ought to besearched.
Exactly my own idea said,Horace.
It is only fair to you.
Proceed.
Nick searched him.
The diamond clasp was not found.
Horace certainly did not haveit.
I hope you're satisfied.
He said to Nick, you know,perfectly well that I have had
(08:52):
no opportunity to dispose of it.
There wasn't much chance in thatvault.
Nick laughed.
I should say not.
He replied.
I'm afraid we shall have to fallback upon the theory of the
Colonel.
No theory cried he, but theliving truth.
And now proven before you both.
But let me ask Mr.
(09:13):
Carter, why you suspected mynephew of taking the clasp.
I didn't.
Replied Nick promptly.
I searched him in order toremove every possibility.
Well, surely he would have hadno motive of such an action.
None that I can see said Nickwith perfect sincerity.
They proceeded at once to Mrs.
Steven's house.
It was about seven o'clock whenthey arrived.
(09:34):
They drove up from the stationand on the way picked up Patsy.
During the remainder of thedrive, he was busy communicating
with Nick in their signlanguage.
Ms.
Stevens is in her room, said,Patsy.
She has had a doctor with heralmost all the time.
He refuses to say anything.
I believe upon my soul that Ishot her last night.
(09:54):
Annie O'Neill the servantanswered the bell.
She ushered them into the parlorand said that Mrs.
Stevens was in the room of herdaughter who was quite ill.
Annie went upstairs to summither mistress.
A minute later, the party belowheard a scream.
Then Mrs.
Stevens appeared.
She was very pale.
In her hand, she held a smallobject wrapped in paper.
(10:18):
I have just found this upon mydaughter's pillow.
She said, I have not removed thepaper, but I know instinctively
what's within.
It is another jewel.
I am equally sure of it.
Cried the colonel, open thepackage, Mrs.
Stephens.
Oh, my hand trembles so, thelady began.
Don't open it now said, Nick,wait a moment.
(10:41):
I have a suggestion to make.
And at any rate, we all knowwhat is within.
Colonel Richmond.
I suppose it is useless to pleadwith you further.
Quite useless.
Said the Colonel.
Millie shall have all thejewels.
I am determined to buy them ofmy daughter and make the
transfer at once.
Well, I am beaten, said thedetective.
(11:04):
The case has gone against me.
But I will still try to helpyou.
I wish to call your attention tothe legal aspects of this case.
They may surprise you, butbefore going further, I think
you should know them.
You will not accept my authorityif I state the facts as they
are.
Mrs.
Stephens.
Is it not true that you have oneof the judges of the Supreme
(11:27):
court as your neighbor?
Uh, yes.
Judge Lorrimer is our nextneighbor to the south.
Will you kindly send yourservant to his house?
Or perhaps.
He glanced at Horace.
All right.
I'll go.
Said Horace.
I know the judge.
But I don't see what you aredriving at Mr.
Carter.
(11:47):
I want to persuade ColonelRichmond to get the law in the
case before he goes further.
He should consult an authorityabout the transfer before he
makes any more promises, whichmay or may not be legally good.
I think it a good idea saidColonel Richmond, Horace.
Go over to the judge's house.
During the interval while he wasgone, very little was done.
(12:09):
Mrs.
Stevens sat holding the packageand apparently deeply moved.
She several times declared toColonel Richmond that she did
not wish her daughter to get thejewels in such a way.
And that she was still convincedthat human beings had planned
and executed the whole strangeseries of robberies and
surprises.
If it should prove said, Nick,that this is a conspiracy.
(12:32):
Do you wish any arrests?
He turned toward the Colonel ashe spoke.
If it does said the Colonel witha smile.
You can arrest me.
It won't.
But I am serious.
So am I.
Of course if there had been acrime.
I would not shield the guiltyparties, whomever.
They might be.
At that moment, Horace returnedwith judge Lorimer, whom he had
(12:55):
met walking just beyond Mrs.
Stevens grounds.
I have tried to explain the caseto him.
Said Horace, but he said hedoesn't understand how any legal
complications can arise.
We will try to make that clearpresently said Nick.
Mrs.
Stephens.
Open that package?
No, wait a moment.
You are agitated.
(13:16):
You should have a glass ofwater.
Permit me to ring.
He put his hand upon the bellcord.
As he did so, Mrs.
Stephens opened the package, thearticle within rolled out upon
her lap.
It was not the diamond clasp,but an ordinary pocket knife of
large size.
Why Nick it's yours.
Cried Patsy.
(13:36):
So it is.
Responded the detective, butthis is a diamond clasp.
He drew the Relic of the thirdcrusade from his pocket as he
spoke and handed it to theColonel.
At that moment Annie O'Neillappeared at the door in answer
to the bell.
And now said Nick, while theothers stared in wonder, we will
consider the legal pointsinvolved.
(13:58):
Judge Lorimer.
Here are the necessary blankforms.
Please grant me warrants for thearrest of Horace Richmond and
Annie O'Neil for criminalconspiracy.
Chapter 10, some clever tricksexplained.
No sooner had Nick uttered thesewords than a loud cry rang
(14:19):
through the house.
Instantly Millie Stevensappeared upon the threshold of
the parlor.
Horace.
She cried.
Tell me it is not true.
You have not done this.
Certainly not he exclaimed.
It is an absurd slander.
Carter, you will be sorry forthis.
The girl looked straight intoHorace's face for an instant.
Then she uttered a moan.
(14:41):
He is guilty.
She cried.
I can read it in his eyes.
And I loved him so.
She sank upon the floor at hermother's feet.
Oh mother, she said.
This is a just punishment forme.
You told me, I must give him up.
You read his heart.
But I secretly accepted hislove.
(15:01):
I received letters in which hebegged me to keep our love a
secret.
And in which I should have reada confession of guilt.
And all the time he loved meonly because he thought that I
should have a fortune in goldand diamonds.
You have stated the case exactlysaid Nick.
When he thought that you wouldinherit all those jewels, he
made love to you.
(15:22):
Heaven knows that your ownattraction should have been
enough.
But they were not for him.
When the jewels went elsewhere.
He was probably on the point ofgiving you up.
I judge that from certainletters of yours in that
Telegraph cipher, which I foundin his room.
Then he wormed his plan formaking you rich.
He managed the robberies at thehouse with the aid of John
(15:43):
Gilder and one or two of thatspiritualistic gang, whom he
smuggled into the house.
He did everything to increasehis uncle's delusion.
It was he who put ColonelRichmond.
Again, in the hands of thatmedium.
I supposed that after thataffair was all over said, Mrs.
Stephens.
Both the Colonel and I haddisapproved of it.
(16:04):
Annie O'Neil said Nick turningto the servant.
A full confession from you iswhat we now require.
It may save you from prison.
We know that you managed theaffair from this end.
It was you who put the jewelswhere they were found after they
had been given to you by Horace.
It was you Catch her! This lastexclamation was addressed to
(16:25):
Patsy.
The girl was wavering as if shewould fall.
Before Patsy could reach her.
She sank, sobbing to the floor.
She proceeded to pour out anincoherent confession in which
little was clear, but the nameof Horace Richmond and the fact
that the girl loved him still.
I've been waiting for this saidHorace with a brutal sneer.
(16:45):
Trust the woman and lose thegame.
Well, it's all up.
I loved you, Millie, but notenough to marry you without the
jewels.
So I schemed for the transferand I have failed.
It was Annie O'Neil whomfollowed you last night, Patsy.
said Nick.
Now, who was the man?
John Gilder.
Gasped the terrified girl.
(17:06):
And you played the ghost.
Yes, sir.
But how about my shooting askedPatsy, how does Annie O'Neal
happen to be alive?
Uh, huh, read that from chick.
Said Nick producing a paper.
He's made some discoveries inthe Colonel's house today while
we were all away.
He's found the ghost.
It seems that this girl wasinside of a hollow dummy.
(17:29):
She stood over a trap door.
Just as soon as she had shownher face, she dropped the veil
and went through the trap.
The dummy still continued tostand there and you shot at it.
Two of your bullets flattened onit's steel braces.
The rest went through.
John Gilder flashed the light.
When he turned it off, the dummywas hauled down through the trap
(17:51):
and hidden in a place thatneither you nor I found Patsy.
Colonel Richmond seemed to be ina trance.
Uh, but the mysterious force, hesaid at last.
The injury to yourself and yourassistant.
How do you explain that?
It was done by John Gilderswinging a sandbag on a string
at the end of a pole, which hepoked through one of the panels.
(18:14):
It couldn't be seen in that dimlight and it made a fearful
weapon.
It's a wonder that he didn'tknock our heads off.
I thought that I heard somethingwhiz, muttered, Patsy.
And yet I heard her voice thismorning said the Colonel, she
said consent.
No, she didn't.
I said it.
I rejoined Nick.
I'm something of aventriloquist.
(18:35):
How was the affair managed atthe safe deposit vault?
Ask the Colonel after a pause.
Why, Horace took the clasp outof the box and put it in your
pocket.
You really saw it.
Only he made you think afterwardthat you didn't.
After I searched him, he pickedyour pocket and got the clasp.
Then he wrapped it in paper.
(18:56):
I picked his pocket to makematters even, and substituted my
knife.
Similarly wrapped up.
When we got to this house, hegave the knife to Annie O'Neill
who put it on Ms.
Stephen's pillow when she wentupstairs to call Mrs.
Stephens.
You have not explained therobberies at my house.
Said Colonel Richmond.
I'll do that over there.
(19:17):
Is the rest of it clear.
Has anybody a question to ask.
Nobody spoke.
Annie O'Neil said, Nick.
I'll leave here in Patsy'scharge.
Horace Richmond.
Come with us.
Horace looked ugly for a moment.
And then he calmed down andsullenly complied with Nick's
order.
Judge Lorimer begged to be ofthe party in order to see the
(19:38):
explanation of the mysteriousrobberies of which he had heard.
Two hours later, they all stoodin Mrs.
Pond's room.
The essential part of thismatter, said Nick.
Was this door, which appeared toopen and close of itself.
I saw that at a glance and madea secret investigation.
It is done by electricity.
(19:59):
There is a magnet in the casing,which is powerful enough to
swing the door to after whichthe same magnet pushes this
little bolt.
Which looks like an ordinaryscrew into position, and that
holds the door, but not verysteadily.
You may say that this shouldhave given me the criminal at
once, but it didn't.
(20:19):
You see.
This electromagnet workswhenever the current is turned
into the wires.
Horace was clever enough to havethe wires lead all over the
house.
A connection with the electriclight wires furnishing, the
current can be made in almostevery room of the house.
Of course.
I suspected Horace at oncebecause his room was directly
(20:43):
overhead.
In fact, the two are connectedas you see by a ventilator in
the form of a pipe with a gratedopening in each room.
The grating here you see isopen.
But bless me.
Exclaim judge Lorimer.
No thief could have come throughsuch a place.
Why it isn't six inches square.
Ah, step in here in a minute andsee said, Nick, and then he
(21:05):
called out all ready chick.
The whole party had by this timegone into Mrs.
Pond's sitting room.
Nick said hush and pointed tothe ventilator.
Most of the party could see itthrough the door.
Instantly there appeared a massof green feathers and then
Horace Richmond's parrotfluttered.
Noiselessly down into the room.
(21:27):
For a minute or two, it ranaround the floor.
Then it flew up onto thedressing table, seized a small
gold bar pin in its beak andflew back into the ventilator
pipe.
A nice trick said the detective.
I believe it took you some timeto teach the bird that.
About a year.
Growled Horace that bird waswell-trained before.
(21:48):
Is it all clear, said, Nick.
Perfectly.
said the Colonel, but how didyou get at it?
Simply enough.
There was only one way into thisroom when those robberies were
committed.
And the parrot was the onlyliving thing in the house that
was small enough to go throughthat pipe and intelligent enough
to do the trick.
You see, Horace had trained thebird to pick up bright objects.
(22:12):
And especially articles of thecolor gold and to go up and down
that pipe.
Then he schemed to have yourdaughter come here.
The rest was easy.
He waited till she was in thefarther room and then close the
door between by the electricaldevice.
Immediately, he sent down theparrot.
The bird were so well-trainedthat he required only a minute
(22:35):
or two to secure something.
Of course.
It was not always something ofvalue.
There were probably a dozenfailures where the bird brought
back nothing or some uselessobject that glittered.
I suspected the bird.
And so put chick on that lay.
As you see.
He has got the creature to workvery well.
Now Colonel, what more can I dofor you?
(22:57):
What shall be done with theprisoners?
Nothing.
I will not prosecute.
I guess we can hush it up if yousay so responded Nick.
By the way.
There's one thing that I want toexplain.
I mean, the strange appearanceof that diamond pin in the box
on the occasion of Mrs.
Steven's first visit.
It was not the real pen, but aduplicate.
(23:18):
Which had been prepared inadvance.
Horace had put up that game as afinishing touch for his uncle.
Mrs.
Pond had forced Horace to go forme, but he wouldn't be scared
out.
He played the game right undermy nose.
Annie O'Neil had the duplicatepin.
She opened that box while Mrs.
Stevens was calling to herdaughter as she testified and
(23:40):
put the duplicate into it.
Then she wrapped it up just as,before.
So I won't have to give up thejewels.
Said Mrs.
Pond.
I'm afraid you will said Nick.
The queerest part of the storyis to come.
Chick has found a later will bymiss Levina Richmond.
It is undoubtedly genuine.
And where do you suppose it wasfound?
(24:01):
The strangest of all places.
In Horace Richmond's room.
She died there, responded theColonel.
She must have hidden the willduring her last illness.
It is strange to think of HoraceRichmond, struggling with that
parrot.
And putting up his elaborateschemes while the document,
which would have given him allhe wanted was hidden in his own
(24:23):
room.
Horace Richmond's face at thatmoment.
was an amusing spectacle.
So was Mrs.
Ponds.
Nevermind daughter, said theColonel.
It is better so.
I will make good the loss toyou.
And so ends Nick, Carter's ghoststory in a most natural manner.
Nobody was ever punished for theaffair.
(24:45):
Even the gang of mediums andhealers whom Nick had rounded up
were released after their nightin jail.
Because on sober second thoughttheir dupes were ashamed to
complain against them.
Well gang that wraps up anotherexciting story from the case
files of Nick Carter, masterdetective.
(25:05):
As usual, I would like to thankthe tireless volunteers at
project Gutenberg.
It's only through their work andeffort that I am able to share
these amazing stories with youall.
I would also like to take thistime to remind you to become a
supporter of the show.
By doing so you allow me todonate some funds back to
project Gutenberg, to be able tocontinue saving these wonderful
(25:29):
tales of suspense and so manyother stories as well.
I'd also like to thank you.
The listeners and the supportersof the show for simply being
there and sharing this journeywith me.
I never thought that I'd beproducing tails like this and
gaining a worldwide audience,but that's exactly what's
happened.
(25:49):
And well, I'm humbled andhonored that you are taking time
out of your busy lives to listento me, weave these yarns for
you.
It's a dream come true for meand I am eternally grateful and
thankful for your continuedsupport.
And well-wishes.
Next story coming up is the laststory in the trilogy.
(26:11):
The mystery of St.
Agnes hospital written in theyear 1900.
Exactly.
As it appeared in street.
And Smith's weekly story paper,the New York weekly.
And after that.
Well, it's coming up on spookyseason.
Halloween folks.
And I'm thinking about sharingsome ghost stories with you all.
(26:31):
The kind that used to be toldaround glowing campfires or a
crackling fireplace stories thathaven't seen the light of day in
many years.
Ah, Ah, ah, ah, Well, that's allthe time I have for now gang.
As always.
Thanks for listening.
Keep sharing the stories and.
Be a good human.
(26:52):
Bye for now.
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