September 19, 2022 • 21 mins
This episode of 'Forward Into the Past' hosted by J.C. Rede continues the story of Nick Carter in the mystery titled 'The Call of Death or Nick Carter's Clever Assistant'. The host dives into the historical context of dime novels, emphasizing their accessibility and value to the working class compared to expensive books in an era with limited public library access for working people. The episode narrates how Nick Carter, along with his assistant Patsy, investigates the suspicious disappearance of Reverend Austin Maybrick following a private meeting with a veiled woman, suspected to be Kate Crandall, who was romantically interested in Maybrick. As Nick and Patsy delve deeper, they encounter a complex situation involving multiple spies watching the reverend’s home and engage in analytical deduction to unravel the mystery. They discover disparate sets of footprints indicating the presence of two men and two different women outside the rectory, complicating the case further. Despite interviewing Mrs. Soule, the housekeeper, and searching the Rector's belongings, they find no solid leads. Nick resolves to interview Kate Crandall for answers. The host concludes by expressing gratitude to the listeners and outlining upcoming episodes, including holiday-themed stories and another Nick Carter mystery beginning in January, with a streamlined format focusing more directly on the storyline.
Theme written by Bernard Kyer for this podcast. Follow the link for more info. https://www.bardmediamusic.com/
Support the show! Make a one-time donation or be a monthly supporter!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jcthevoice
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:03):
Hi again, folks.
And welcome once again toanother amazing episode of
forward into the past.
I'm J.C.
Rede, your host and narrator.
And today we're going to pick upexactly where we left off last
time in the Nick Carter mystery,the call of death or Nick
Carter's clever assistant.
(00:24):
As I mentioned in the lastepisode, even though dime novels
and story papers were lookeddown upon by members of high
society.
They were in many ways, the onlymeans to stories of vivid
imagination by most members ofthe working classes.
Now you have to remember that,even though there were many
public libraries throughout mostmajor cities, most working
(00:46):
people had very little to notime to go to a library.
And even if they did, it wasquite likely that whatever book
they happen to have borrowedmight've been stolen.
Pickpocketed poor, straight outpond for cash.
Since most books at a librarywould have been donated by
wealthy patrons and would havecost a pretty penny considering
(01:09):
that most printed books withlegitimate covers would have
cost anywhere from one to$2.
Quite a sum of money for ahardworking factory worker.
Story papers cost maybe five or10 cents and dime novels of
course could be had for 10 or 25cents a much more reasonable
cost.
(01:30):
And everyone had access to thoseat news vendor stands on almost
every street in America.
Now it's quite extraordinary torealize that a new copy of a
story paper was available almostevery week.
And within those eight pageswere several complete stories in
them.
Every single week.
(01:51):
The man behind the pseudonym ofNicholas or Chickering Carter.
And I'm going to mess up thisname.
Frederick van Wren Slayer day.
Wrote well over 1000 Nick Cartermysteries.
All by himself.
He churned out.
A 28,000 word story every weekfor years.
(02:13):
And believe it or not.
He did not use a typewriter.
He wrote every single one ofthose stories by hand week after
week.
Amazing.
Isn't it.
Now it is said by many that theNick Carter character is
directly responsible as thebasis for the pulp comics
superhero template, especiallywith his knack for arriving at
(02:35):
the proper moment to capture thebad guys and save the day.
As I mentioned in the lastepisode.
Which itself is a direct tie toVictorian storytelling.
Especially melodramas.
And speaking of arriving at theright time.
There is a phrase that is stillin common use today when we
speak of someone arriving at thebest time possible, usually
(02:58):
without a moment to spare.
This phrase was definitelycoined in the Victorian era.
And was more than likelyinfluenced by our master
detectives knack of dramatictriumph over evil.
Of course, we still to this daysay that someone who arrives at
the last possible moment ormanages to save the day, when
(03:18):
all things look Arrives.
In the Nick of time.
Yup.
That's where we get that phrase.
And speaking of arriving in theNick of time, let's get on with
our story.
In the last episode, HarrietFarley daughter of deceased
millionaire, Archibald Farleyhas stopped Nick from joining in
(03:39):
the investigation, into therobbery of a bank in Westchester
county.
She proceeds to tell our masterdetective.
That the Reverend Austin,Maybrick the rector of St.
Lawrence, his church also inWestchester.
Has disappeared under suspiciouscircumstances.
The Reverend who is secretlyengaged to Ms.
Farley, left the church groundsthe night prior and has not
(04:02):
returned.
Just before he left, he wasvisited by an unknown veiled
woman who the Reverend Maybrickhad an hour long private
conversation with in hislibrary.
Ms.
Barley suspects that the veiledwoman might be Kate Crandell, a
public stenographer who wasmaking romantic advances to the
Reverend and was highly upsetwhen she found out that Reverend
(04:25):
Maybrick and miss barley wereactually engaged.
Is Kate Gramble behind thereverend's disappearance.
And why did the Reverendwithdraw$500 from his bank
account?
And who did he go see?
Well, we'll find out more comingup in the next episode of the
call of death or Nick Carter'sclever assistant.
(04:50):
Chapter three.
Unexpected clues.
It was early afternoon when NickCarter and Patsy arrived in the
aristocratic suburb in whichHarriet Farley dwelt.
And nearly under the toweringwalls of St.
Lawrence's church, Nick directedthe chauffer to stop, however,
nearly a hundred yards from thesacred edifice.
(05:11):
You must drop us here, Ms.
Folly and return home.
Said he.
I will take your telephonenumber and talk with you later.
Why are you adverse to my goingwith you to the rectory?
She inquired with a look ofsurprise.
Only because publicity isundesirable at present.
If it can be prevented.
And it may be of advantage to meif my investigations are not
(05:32):
suspected.
Nick explained.
If you were seen returning withtwo men after your visit this
morning.
Curiosity might be aroused andinquiries and comments would
follow.
Very well, Mr.
Carter, in that case, Ms.
Farley said.
But you must let me hear fromyou.
I shall feel very anxious.
I certainly will.
(05:53):
Nick assured her while healighted with Patsy.
The limousine, sped away,leaving the two detectives in a
broad beautifully shaded avenueflanked on both sides with
handsome dwellings.
Each occupying spacious andfinely kept grounds.
Evincing the opulence andrefinement of the residents.
St.
Lawrence's church occupied acorner in the near distance.
(06:15):
It was a handsome edifice.
Somewhat back from the Ave andflanked by a quiet side street.
And Nick rightly inferred thatthe rectory, the home of the
Reverend Austin Maybrick and hiselderly housekeeper was situated
back of the church.
And fronted on the side street.
We'll turn back to the corner,Patsy and go through the side
(06:35):
street.
He remarked after brieflyviewing the surroundings.
That will, unless I am muchmistaken, bring us to the
rectory.
I'm with, you said Patsytritely.
What do you make of the case?
Chief?
Does it look bad to you?
Mmm, quite so replied Nick.
I did not increase Ms.
Follies anxiety by telling herso, but I think Maybrick is in
(06:57):
wrong.
If not up against the moredesperate game than he can pull
out of unaided.
It looks so, Chief, for fairsaid Patsy, who had been
informed of Ms.
Farley's disclosures.
I must find out if possible,just what his relations with
Kate Crandell have been said,Nick, also just what type of
woman she is out of what she iscapable of.
(07:18):
It's dollars to donuts that shefigures in his mysterious
absence.
Ms.
Farley, evidently is too proudto say just what she thinks of
the woman.
It's long odds that she's a bitfly and fancy at least.
Um, quite likely Nick aloud.
There are some experiences, youknow, that women reveal only in
desperation's spur.
Unless driven to desperation, itis characteristic of their sex
(07:41):
to be silent and bitterly nurse,the resentment.
When self-restraint ends,however, and desperation takes
the ribbons, they go completelyover the traces and to any
extreme.
That's true.
Chief said, Patsy.
Hell, it said, has no fury likea woman scorned.
I reckon chief, it was KateCrandell who called on Maybrick
(08:02):
Tuesday evening.
That's an open question saidNick.
It is important that we shallfind a correct answer to it.
The fact that the veiled woman,whoever she was remained alone
with maybe in the library for anhour, Indicates that they were
discussing a serious matter.
Sure thing, chief.
Evidently too, their interviewlead, to his withdrawing the$500
(08:24):
from the bank.
The following morning.
He may, for some reason, haveagreed to pay her that amount.
The fact that he departed withtwo empty suitcases, however,
shows that he was expecting toreceive something from her or
from persons with whom heevidently had an appointment.
His carrying a revolver,moreover, which is quite
extraordinary for a clergyman.
(08:46):
Indicates that he anticipatedtrouble.
He may have got in much deeperthan he expected.
In over his head, chief, I'mthinking.
Patsy dryly vouchsafed.
That now appears to be the sizeof it.
Nick agreed.
They had rounded a corner of theside street while speaking, and
then we're approaching therectory.
It stood on a plot of groundbetween the rear of the church
(09:07):
and an attractive estateoccupied by a handsome wooden
dwelling.
Both were somewhat back from thestreet and an iron picket fence
divided the two estates.
As he was approaching the end ofthis fence, where it met the
sidewalk.
Nick recalled what HarrietFarley had said about Kate
Crandell playing the spy nearthe rectory.
(09:27):
He paused to view the adjoininggrounds.
They would have offeredconcealment for such a spy and
Nick's impression provedprofitable.
This way, Patsy, for a moment.
He said quietly.
He saw that there was no path atthat point leading to the rear
of the house.
The close cut Greensward showedfaint footprints.
Nevertheless and Nick walkedinto the grounds.
(09:48):
Some 20 yards carefullyinspecting a narrow flower bed
that ran parallel to and nearthe fence for a considerable
distance.
He found not exactly what he wasseeking, but of the same
character.
He discovered several footprintsin the dark soil of the flower
bed.
At a point nearly back of therectory and some 30 feet from
(10:09):
it.
Contrary to Nick's expectations.
However, the imprints evidentlyhad been caused by the shoes of.
Men.
By Jove, this opens a new fieldfor conjecture said he calling
Patsy's attention to them.
We have heard nothing about malespies in this locality only
about the Crandall woman.
Gee that's right, chief, butthese are men's tracks said,
(10:32):
Patsy eagerly inspecting them.
Undoubtedly said Nick.
There evidently were two ofthem.
Note the two different sizesalso that the depths of the
souls is greater than the heels.
And that parts of each overlapthemselves all showing plainly
enough that the two men werecrouching here and evidently
watching something or some onethrough the picket fence.
(10:56):
Sure thing.
There are no prints at any otherpart of the flower bed.
There certainly were two men,Patsy, one of medium build the
other, quite a large man judgingfrom the size of their shoes.
Nick went on.
Through this shrubbery in therectory yard, They could see
only the rear and one side ofthe house, including the end of
the veranda and theconservatory.
(11:18):
I get you chief.
Said Patsy.
Whomever they were watching.
Must've been in that locality.
There is nothing speciallydistinctive in these imprints.
However, aside from suggestingthe size of the men.
Nick added.
We'll keep them in mind.
Nevertheless, while lookingfarther.
Looking where chief.
In the rectory grounds, Sydney.
If watching a person in thehouse, they would have selected
(11:40):
a nearer point.
It's a safe wager then that theywere watching some one Outside
of the rectory.
Gee, that's right too, saidPatsy quick to see the point.
Well, let's have a look.
We'll go out and enter throughthe gate.
We may slip a cog.
If we try to scale these ironpickets.
I believe you.
They're at sharp as a troopers,Lance.
(12:01):
Nick led the way to the streetand to the gate entering the
rectory grounds.
The housekeeper had not put inan appearance and they proceeded
around the veranda to that sideof the dwelling, visible from
the adjoining estate.
Carefully inspecting the ground.
In the meantime, Nick soondiscovered evidence confirming
his suspicions.
He found as before, in fact moreevidence than he was expecting.
(12:24):
In some yielding earth betweenone side of the conservatory.
And the bend of the librarywindow of space of about eight
feet.
We're numerous footprintsobviously caused by the shoes of
two women who had recently beenthere.
The impressions were very unlikeeach other.
One was that of a slender shoewith a small, long heel that had
(12:45):
sunk deep into the soft soil.
The other was larger and broaderwith spreading souls and wide
heals.
Generally known as common senseheals.
Crouching to carefully inspectall of these impressions.
Nick made other discoveries fromwhich he drew several important
deductions.
By Jove, this is still morecurious.
(13:06):
He remarked after a moment.
What's that chief.
Question Patsy bending nearer.
Two women have recently been hitinstead of only one.
The location of some of thetracks indicate that they came
to spy through the librarywindow and play the
eavesdropper.
It might've been in the evening,therefore.
For the would have been seen indaylight.
Surely.
(13:27):
Ah, Here are several bruisedblades of grass broken off by
them and trodden into the soil.
Nick added picking up a coupleof them.
They are too dry and wilted forit to have occurred as recently
as last evening, yet the allfresh and green enough to show
that it could not have been muchlonger ago.
We can safely say night beforelast.
(13:48):
The evening when the veiledwoman visited may brick.
Exactly.
Gee, you must be right chief,though it's fine figuring.
Hmm.
Here's another curious point,Patsy.
Namely.
The two women, if those shoeshave any significance would have
a decidedly opposite class said,Nick, one wore a narrow high
(14:10):
heeled shoe denoting, a woman offashion and means.
The heels of the other, werebroad, both badly worn.
And there was a patch on one ofthe souls.
The patch has left its mark insome of these imprints and the
rundown condition of both heelsappears in the indentations left
by them.
I see said Patsy.
(14:31):
It's as plain as twice two.
This woman must be of anopposite class then from the
other.
She wears patched shoes with theheels half gone, indicating that
she cannot afford new ones.
That's a sane and safededuction, chief, surely.
Ah, here is evidence warrantingstill another.
How so.
(14:51):
Note that all the imprints ofthe high heel shoes overlap and
partly obliterate those of thecheaper one.
Nick pointed out.
Plainly then.
The wearer of the former washere later than the other.
They were not here together.
Moreover all their tracks wouldnot have been so intermingled.
I see the point chief.
As near as I can now size it up.
(15:13):
The poorer clad woman, if hergarments corresponded with her
shoes.
Arrived here before the other.
And she may have been the veiledwoman who talked with Maybrick.
The other may have seen her orsuspected that she was in the
library with Maibec and she mayhave come here to watch them and
overhear what has passed betweenthem.
And the two men beyond thepicket fence may have been
(15:34):
watching both.
Mm, I think so.
Gee whiz.
Patsy said perplexedly.
All this increases the mix-upchief for fair.
Decidedly Nick agreed.
Why were two men and two womenhere?
Can one of them have been theCrandall woman?
I'm going to find out a littlelater.
(15:55):
said Nick a bit grimly.
We first, we'll have a talk withMrs.
Soule, however, and see what wecan discover in the house.
Miss Farley, though a bright andbrainy girl, may have overlooked
something.
Nick led the way to the rectorydoor and rang the bell.
He was admitted by Mrs.
Soul to whom he introduced Patsyand himself and whom he found to
(16:17):
be an elderly gracious woman of60 burdened with anxiety
concerning the missing rectorand eager to do all in her power
to aid the detectives.
But she could add nothing towhat she had already told
Harriet Farley as imparted toNick, nor give the ladder, the
slightest clue to the mystery.
She could describe the Rector'sveiled visitor only as a woman
(16:40):
of about Kate Crandall's, heightand figure, and had not observed
whether she was well or ratherpoorly clad.
She stated that the woman hadmerely asked whether Mr.
Maybrick was at home and wouldsee a lady for a short time and
that the rector had received herin his library.
Are you sure that she spoke ofherself as a lady?
(17:00):
Nick inquired.
She did not say woman, did she.
No sir.
Mrs soul insisted.
I am positive that lady is theword she used.
It was significant only in thatNick aimed to definitely learn
if possible which of the twowomen suspected of having been
spying outside, had an interviewwith Maybrick if either of the
(17:21):
two.
A search in the Rector's desk,moreover brought to light,
nothing explaining his absenceother than the revolver case
mentioned by Ms.
Farley.
A crayon portrait on an easel.
However, showed may brick to bea splendidly built striking type
of man with a strong, smoothlyshaved face, a classic cast of
(17:41):
features, and obviously a man ofSterling character and
extraordinary mental vigor.
Nick lingered only to direct Mrssoul to do nothing about the
matter, but to answer inquiriesby stating that Mr.
Maybrick was away for a few daysand the two detectives then
departed.
There was a look of increasingdetermination on Nick's strong,
(18:02):
clean cut face.
However, when they walked awayand rounded a corner of St.
Lawrence's church.
I'm going to find that womanPatsy or lose a leg in the
attempt, He said bluntly.
I'm with you, Chief, Patsyquickly declared.
We'll begin with getting KateCrandall's measure, Nick added.
Ms.
Farley told me that she has anoffice in the business section.
(18:22):
I will pay her a visit and seehow she lines up.
Am I to go with you?
You are to remain outside saidNick.
I may decide not to expose myhand, which would be to our
disadvantage if she really isresponsible for Mavericks
absence.
Hmm, That's right too.
It may be necessary to shadowher.
Moreover.
(18:43):
So you had better stick roundoutside and await my
instructions.
There will be something doing, Ithink after I have interviewed
this woman, Two sets offootprints, whose are they?
And what were those men andwomen doing?
Spying on the Reverend.
Which one is responsible for hisdisappearance.
And is Kate Crandall actuallythe veiled woman?
(19:06):
We'll find out when Nickinterviews her in the next
episode of the call of death orNick Carter's clever assistant.
Hi again, folks.
Once again.
A sincere word of thanks to allof you.
Wonderful listeners out there.
I am so very glad that you wereenjoying this series and believe
me, I'm getting quite a kick outof it too.
(19:29):
Now a bit of news.
Now due to the variouscircumstances that led up to the
tremendous delay in episoderelease for the next several
chapters there will not be anyhistorical anecdotes preceding
the story.
Just a quick"Hello", Thestoryline update and then into
the new chapter.
The Halloween stories are comingup quick.
(19:50):
And I want to have enough timeto share them with you all
before the end of October soonafterwards will be some
Christmas theme stories to endthe year.
And then beginning in January,all start again with another
Nick Carter mystery.
Well, that's it for now, folksas always.
Thanks for listening.
Keep sharing the stories and bea good human bye for now.
Hi again, folks.
And welcome once again toanother amazing episode of
forward into the past.
I'm J.C.
Rede, your host and narrator.
And today we're going to pick upexactly where we left off last
time in the Nick Carter mystery,the call of death or Nick
Carter's clever assistant.
(00:24):
As I mentioned in the lastepisode, even though dime novels
and story papers were lookeddown upon by members of high
society.
They were in many ways, the onlymeans to stories of vivid
imagination by most members ofthe working classes.
Now you have to remember that,even though there were many
public libraries throughout mostmajor cities, most working
(00:46):
people had very little to notime to go to a library.
And even if they did, it wasquite likely that whatever book
they happen to have borrowedmight've been stolen.
Pickpocketed poor, straight outpond for cash.
Since most books at a librarywould have been donated by
wealthy patrons and would havecost a pretty penny considering
(01:09):
that most printed books withlegitimate covers would have
cost anywhere from one to$2.
Quite a sum of money for ahardworking factory worker.
Story papers cost maybe five or10 cents and dime novels of
course could be had for 10 or 25cents a much more reasonable
cost.
(01:30):
And everyone had access to thoseat news vendor stands on almost
every street in America.
Now it's quite extraordinary torealize that a new copy of a
story paper was available almostevery week.
And within those eight pageswere several complete stories in
them.
Every single week.
(01:51):
The man behind the pseudonym ofNicholas or Chickering Carter.
And I'm going to mess up thisname.
Frederick van Wren Slayer day.
Wrote well over 1000 Nick Cartermysteries.
All by himself.
He churned out.
A 28,000 word story every weekfor years.
(02:13):
And believe it or not.
He did not use a typewriter.
He wrote every single one ofthose stories by hand week after
week.
Amazing.
Isn't it.
Now it is said by many that theNick Carter character is
directly responsible as thebasis for the pulp comics
superhero template, especiallywith his knack for arriving at
(02:35):
the proper moment to capture thebad guys and save the day.
As I mentioned in the lastepisode.
Which itself is a direct tie toVictorian storytelling.
Especially melodramas.
And speaking of arriving at theright time.
There is a phrase that is stillin common use today when we
speak of someone arriving at thebest time possible, usually
(02:58):
without a moment to spare.
This phrase was definitelycoined in the Victorian era.
And was more than likelyinfluenced by our master
detectives knack of dramatictriumph over evil.
Of course, we still to this daysay that someone who arrives at
the last possible moment ormanages to save the day, when
(03:18):
all things look Arrives.
In the Nick of time.
Yup.
That's where we get that phrase.
And speaking of arriving in theNick of time, let's get on with
our story.
In the last episode, HarrietFarley daughter of deceased
millionaire, Archibald Farleyhas stopped Nick from joining in
(03:39):
the investigation, into therobbery of a bank in Westchester
county.
She proceeds to tell our masterdetective.
That the Reverend Austin,Maybrick the rector of St.
Lawrence, his church also inWestchester.
Has disappeared under suspiciouscircumstances.
The Reverend who is secretlyengaged to Ms.
Farley, left the church groundsthe night prior and has not
(04:02):
returned.
Just before he left, he wasvisited by an unknown veiled
woman who the Reverend Maybrickhad an hour long private
conversation with in hislibrary.
Ms.
Barley suspects that the veiledwoman might be Kate Crandell, a
public stenographer who wasmaking romantic advances to the
Reverend and was highly upsetwhen she found out that Reverend
(04:25):
Maybrick and miss barley wereactually engaged.
Is Kate Gramble behind thereverend's disappearance.
And why did the Reverendwithdraw$500 from his bank
account?
And who did he go see?
Well, we'll find out more comingup in the next episode of the
call of death or Nick Carter'sclever assistant.
(04:50):
Chapter three.
Unexpected clues.
It was early afternoon when NickCarter and Patsy arrived in the
aristocratic suburb in whichHarriet Farley dwelt.
And nearly under the toweringwalls of St.
Lawrence's church, Nick directedthe chauffer to stop, however,
nearly a hundred yards from thesacred edifice.
(05:11):
You must drop us here, Ms.
Folly and return home.
Said he.
I will take your telephonenumber and talk with you later.
Why are you adverse to my goingwith you to the rectory?
She inquired with a look ofsurprise.
Only because publicity isundesirable at present.
If it can be prevented.
And it may be of advantage to meif my investigations are not
(05:32):
suspected.
Nick explained.
If you were seen returning withtwo men after your visit this
morning.
Curiosity might be aroused andinquiries and comments would
follow.
Very well, Mr.
Carter, in that case, Ms.
Farley said.
But you must let me hear fromyou.
I shall feel very anxious.
I certainly will.
(05:53):
Nick assured her while healighted with Patsy.
The limousine, sped away,leaving the two detectives in a
broad beautifully shaded avenueflanked on both sides with
handsome dwellings.
Each occupying spacious andfinely kept grounds.
Evincing the opulence andrefinement of the residents.
St.
Lawrence's church occupied acorner in the near distance.
(06:15):
It was a handsome edifice.
Somewhat back from the Ave andflanked by a quiet side street.
And Nick rightly inferred thatthe rectory, the home of the
Reverend Austin Maybrick and hiselderly housekeeper was situated
back of the church.
And fronted on the side street.
We'll turn back to the corner,Patsy and go through the side
(06:35):
street.
He remarked after brieflyviewing the surroundings.
That will, unless I am muchmistaken, bring us to the
rectory.
I'm with, you said Patsytritely.
What do you make of the case?
Chief?
Does it look bad to you?
Mmm, quite so replied Nick.
I did not increase Ms.
Follies anxiety by telling herso, but I think Maybrick is in
(06:57):
wrong.
If not up against the moredesperate game than he can pull
out of unaided.
It looks so, Chief, for fairsaid Patsy, who had been
informed of Ms.
Farley's disclosures.
I must find out if possible,just what his relations with
Kate Crandell have been said,Nick, also just what type of
woman she is out of what she iscapable of.
(07:18):
It's dollars to donuts that shefigures in his mysterious
absence.
Ms.
Farley, evidently is too proudto say just what she thinks of
the woman.
It's long odds that she's a bitfly and fancy at least.
Um, quite likely Nick aloud.
There are some experiences, youknow, that women reveal only in
desperation's spur.
Unless driven to desperation, itis characteristic of their sex
(07:41):
to be silent and bitterly nurse,the resentment.
When self-restraint ends,however, and desperation takes
the ribbons, they go completelyover the traces and to any
extreme.
That's true.
Chief said, Patsy.
Hell, it said, has no fury likea woman scorned.
I reckon chief, it was KateCrandell who called on Maybrick
(08:02):
Tuesday evening.
That's an open question saidNick.
It is important that we shallfind a correct answer to it.
The fact that the veiled woman,whoever she was remained alone
with maybe in the library for anhour, Indicates that they were
discussing a serious matter.
Sure thing, chief.
Evidently too, their interviewlead, to his withdrawing the$500
(08:24):
from the bank.
The following morning.
He may, for some reason, haveagreed to pay her that amount.
The fact that he departed withtwo empty suitcases, however,
shows that he was expecting toreceive something from her or
from persons with whom heevidently had an appointment.
His carrying a revolver,moreover, which is quite
extraordinary for a clergyman.
(08:46):
Indicates that he anticipatedtrouble.
He may have got in much deeperthan he expected.
In over his head, chief, I'mthinking.
Patsy dryly vouchsafed.
That now appears to be the sizeof it.
Nick agreed.
They had rounded a corner of theside street while speaking, and
then we're approaching therectory.
It stood on a plot of groundbetween the rear of the church
(09:07):
and an attractive estateoccupied by a handsome wooden
dwelling.
Both were somewhat back from thestreet and an iron picket fence
divided the two estates.
As he was approaching the end ofthis fence, where it met the
sidewalk.
Nick recalled what HarrietFarley had said about Kate
Crandell playing the spy nearthe rectory.
(09:27):
He paused to view the adjoininggrounds.
They would have offeredconcealment for such a spy and
Nick's impression provedprofitable.
This way, Patsy, for a moment.
He said quietly.
He saw that there was no path atthat point leading to the rear
of the house.
The close cut Greensward showedfaint footprints.
Nevertheless and Nick walkedinto the grounds.
(09:48):
Some 20 yards carefullyinspecting a narrow flower bed
that ran parallel to and nearthe fence for a considerable
distance.
He found not exactly what he wasseeking, but of the same
character.
He discovered several footprintsin the dark soil of the flower
bed.
At a point nearly back of therectory and some 30 feet from
(10:09):
it.
Contrary to Nick's expectations.
However, the imprints evidentlyhad been caused by the shoes of.
Men.
By Jove, this opens a new fieldfor conjecture said he calling
Patsy's attention to them.
We have heard nothing about malespies in this locality only
about the Crandall woman.
Gee that's right, chief, butthese are men's tracks said,
(10:32):
Patsy eagerly inspecting them.
Undoubtedly said Nick.
There evidently were two ofthem.
Note the two different sizesalso that the depths of the
souls is greater than the heels.
And that parts of each overlapthemselves all showing plainly
enough that the two men werecrouching here and evidently
watching something or some onethrough the picket fence.
(10:56):
Sure thing.
There are no prints at any otherpart of the flower bed.
There certainly were two men,Patsy, one of medium build the
other, quite a large man judgingfrom the size of their shoes.
Nick went on.
Through this shrubbery in therectory yard, They could see
only the rear and one side ofthe house, including the end of
the veranda and theconservatory.
(11:18):
I get you chief.
Said Patsy.
Whomever they were watching.
Must've been in that locality.
There is nothing speciallydistinctive in these imprints.
However, aside from suggestingthe size of the men.
Nick added.
We'll keep them in mind.
Nevertheless, while lookingfarther.
Looking where chief.
In the rectory grounds, Sydney.
If watching a person in thehouse, they would have selected
(11:40):
a nearer point.
It's a safe wager then that theywere watching some one Outside
of the rectory.
Gee, that's right too, saidPatsy quick to see the point.
Well, let's have a look.
We'll go out and enter throughthe gate.
We may slip a cog.
If we try to scale these ironpickets.
I believe you.
They're at sharp as a troopers,Lance.
(12:01):
Nick led the way to the streetand to the gate entering the
rectory grounds.
The housekeeper had not put inan appearance and they proceeded
around the veranda to that sideof the dwelling, visible from
the adjoining estate.
Carefully inspecting the ground.
In the meantime, Nick soondiscovered evidence confirming
his suspicions.
He found as before, in fact moreevidence than he was expecting.
(12:24):
In some yielding earth betweenone side of the conservatory.
And the bend of the librarywindow of space of about eight
feet.
We're numerous footprintsobviously caused by the shoes of
two women who had recently beenthere.
The impressions were very unlikeeach other.
One was that of a slender shoewith a small, long heel that had
(12:45):
sunk deep into the soft soil.
The other was larger and broaderwith spreading souls and wide
heals.
Generally known as common senseheals.
Crouching to carefully inspectall of these impressions.
Nick made other discoveries fromwhich he drew several important
deductions.
By Jove, this is still morecurious.
(13:06):
He remarked after a moment.
What's that chief.
Question Patsy bending nearer.
Two women have recently been hitinstead of only one.
The location of some of thetracks indicate that they came
to spy through the librarywindow and play the
eavesdropper.
It might've been in the evening,therefore.
For the would have been seen indaylight.
Surely.
(13:27):
Ah, Here are several bruisedblades of grass broken off by
them and trodden into the soil.
Nick added picking up a coupleof them.
They are too dry and wilted forit to have occurred as recently
as last evening, yet the allfresh and green enough to show
that it could not have been muchlonger ago.
We can safely say night beforelast.
(13:48):
The evening when the veiledwoman visited may brick.
Exactly.
Gee, you must be right chief,though it's fine figuring.
Hmm.
Here's another curious point,Patsy.
Namely.
The two women, if those shoeshave any significance would have
a decidedly opposite class said,Nick, one wore a narrow high
(14:10):
heeled shoe denoting, a woman offashion and means.
The heels of the other, werebroad, both badly worn.
And there was a patch on one ofthe souls.
The patch has left its mark insome of these imprints and the
rundown condition of both heelsappears in the indentations left
by them.
I see said Patsy.
(14:31):
It's as plain as twice two.
This woman must be of anopposite class then from the
other.
She wears patched shoes with theheels half gone, indicating that
she cannot afford new ones.
That's a sane and safededuction, chief, surely.
Ah, here is evidence warrantingstill another.
How so.
(14:51):
Note that all the imprints ofthe high heel shoes overlap and
partly obliterate those of thecheaper one.
Nick pointed out.
Plainly then.
The wearer of the former washere later than the other.
They were not here together.
Moreover all their tracks wouldnot have been so intermingled.
I see the point chief.
As near as I can now size it up.
(15:13):
The poorer clad woman, if hergarments corresponded with her
shoes.
Arrived here before the other.
And she may have been the veiledwoman who talked with Maybrick.
The other may have seen her orsuspected that she was in the
library with Maibec and she mayhave come here to watch them and
overhear what has passed betweenthem.
And the two men beyond thepicket fence may have been
(15:34):
watching both.
Mm, I think so.
Gee whiz.
Patsy said perplexedly.
All this increases the mix-upchief for fair.
Decidedly Nick agreed.
Why were two men and two womenhere?
Can one of them have been theCrandall woman?
I'm going to find out a littlelater.
(15:55):
said Nick a bit grimly.
We first, we'll have a talk withMrs.
Soule, however, and see what wecan discover in the house.
Miss Farley, though a bright andbrainy girl, may have overlooked
something.
Nick led the way to the rectorydoor and rang the bell.
He was admitted by Mrs.
Soul to whom he introduced Patsyand himself and whom he found to
(16:17):
be an elderly gracious woman of60 burdened with anxiety
concerning the missing rectorand eager to do all in her power
to aid the detectives.
But she could add nothing towhat she had already told
Harriet Farley as imparted toNick, nor give the ladder, the
slightest clue to the mystery.
She could describe the Rector'sveiled visitor only as a woman
(16:40):
of about Kate Crandall's, heightand figure, and had not observed
whether she was well or ratherpoorly clad.
She stated that the woman hadmerely asked whether Mr.
Maybrick was at home and wouldsee a lady for a short time and
that the rector had received herin his library.
Are you sure that she spoke ofherself as a lady?
(17:00):
Nick inquired.
She did not say woman, did she.
No sir.
Mrs soul insisted.
I am positive that lady is theword she used.
It was significant only in thatNick aimed to definitely learn
if possible which of the twowomen suspected of having been
spying outside, had an interviewwith Maybrick if either of the
(17:21):
two.
A search in the Rector's desk,moreover brought to light,
nothing explaining his absenceother than the revolver case
mentioned by Ms.
Farley.
A crayon portrait on an easel.
However, showed may brick to bea splendidly built striking type
of man with a strong, smoothlyshaved face, a classic cast of
(17:41):
features, and obviously a man ofSterling character and
extraordinary mental vigor.
Nick lingered only to direct Mrssoul to do nothing about the
matter, but to answer inquiriesby stating that Mr.
Maybrick was away for a few daysand the two detectives then
departed.
There was a look of increasingdetermination on Nick's strong,
(18:02):
clean cut face.
However, when they walked awayand rounded a corner of St.
Lawrence's church.
I'm going to find that womanPatsy or lose a leg in the
attempt, He said bluntly.
I'm with you, Chief, Patsyquickly declared.
We'll begin with getting KateCrandall's measure, Nick added.
Ms.
Farley told me that she has anoffice in the business section.
(18:22):
I will pay her a visit and seehow she lines up.
Am I to go with you?
You are to remain outside saidNick.
I may decide not to expose myhand, which would be to our
disadvantage if she really isresponsible for Mavericks
absence.
Hmm, That's right too.
It may be necessary to shadowher.
Moreover.
(18:43):
So you had better stick roundoutside and await my
instructions.
There will be something doing, Ithink after I have interviewed
this woman, Two sets offootprints, whose are they?
And what were those men andwomen doing?
Spying on the Reverend.
Which one is responsible for hisdisappearance.
And is Kate Crandall actuallythe veiled woman?
(19:06):
We'll find out when Nickinterviews her in the next
episode of the call of death orNick Carter's clever assistant.
Hi again, folks.
Once again.
A sincere word of thanks to allof you.
Wonderful listeners out there.
I am so very glad that you wereenjoying this series and believe
me, I'm getting quite a kick outof it too.
(19:29):
Now a bit of news.
Now due to the variouscircumstances that led up to the
tremendous delay in episoderelease for the next several
chapters there will not be anyhistorical anecdotes preceding
the story.
Just a quick"Hello", Thestoryline update and then into
the new chapter.
The Halloween stories are comingup quick.
(19:50):
And I want to have enough timeto share them with you all
before the end of October soonafterwards will be some
Christmas theme stories to endthe year.
And then beginning in January,all start again with another
Nick Carter mystery.
Well, that's it for now, folksas always.
Thanks for listening.
Keep sharing the stories and bea good human bye for now.
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.