October 10, 2022 • 26 mins
In this episode of 'Forward Into the Past,' hosted by JC Rede, we delve into the Nick Carter mystery series, specifically focusing on chapters six and seven of 'The Call of Death or Nick Carter's Clever Assistant.' We follow Nick Carter's assistant, Patsy, as he gets involved in a dangerous situation with Turk McGill, a notorious gangster. McGill enlists Patsy's help to kidnap Kate Crandall to uncover the location of some hidden stolen money. Patsy, while playing along with the gangster, plans to outsmart him and ensure Kate's safety. Meanwhile, Nick Carter investigates a connected mystery involving a dead man, Jim Nortek, and his daughter Nancy, which leads to a larger plot involving a clergyman named Maybrick, stolen bank funds, and a potential reformation of Nancy after her father's death. This intricate narrative sets the stage for suspense and action, promising to reveal more in the upcoming episode.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hi everyone.
And welcome to another episodeof forward into the past.
I'm JC Rede, your host andnarrator.
And today we're going to diveright back into the final Nick
Carter mystery for this year,the call of death or Nick
Carter's clever assistant.
In this episode, I'm going toshare both chapters six and
(00:22):
seven.
And conclude it in the nextepisode with chapters eight and
nine.
Now, this will allow me torecord and post our Halloween
episodes in time for everyone toenjoy them.
Before Halloween night.
So without further ado, let'sfind out what's up next for our
Intrepid detective.
In our last episode, NickCarter's assistant Patsy
(00:45):
followed our main suspect.
Kate Crandell from her officeback to the boarding house where
she is staying.
While wearing a disguise, patsytails, Kate Crandall toward the
edge of town and stops.
When Ms.
Crandall is approached by asinister looking man, whom Patsy
identifies as Turk McGill,notorious gangster and all
(01:05):
around bad egg.
After Kate Crandell, rebuffsMcGill and heads home.
Patsy manages to worm his wayinto McGill's orbit.
McGill after sizing up Patsy.
Offers him a job with a hugepayday.
Kidnapped Kate Crandell andforce her to tell McGill where
she's hiding some stolen money.
Oh, how will Patsy get out ofthis predicament and how will he
(01:29):
get word to Nick?
Well, let's join in on the nextexciting episode of the call of
death or Nick Carter's cleverassistant.
Chapter six.
The man who died.
It was early evening when NickCarter arrived home after his
interview with Kate Crandall, hefound chick awaiting him.
(01:52):
On the office table, lay a smallplaster cast, not there when
Nick departed with HarrietFarley that morning concerning
whose mission and what since hadoccurred, chick was of course
entirely ignorant.
Well by Jove you've had a longouting.
He remarked when Nick enteredand removed his coat and hat.
Have you been equally busy?
You know, me replied Nickpointedly.
(02:14):
None better.
What's doing.
A case for the young lady whoprevented me from going with
Mallory this morning.
Who is she?
Her name is Harriet Farley.
She's the only child of the lateArchibald Farley.
She is worth four or fivemillions and then some.
Whoa, that ought to keep theWolf from the door at least
said, chick smiling.
(02:35):
What's the case.
Nick briefly informed him,covering all of the essential
points and immediately adding.
Have you heard from Patsy?
Hmm, not a word.
There must be something doingthen, or he would have found
time to telephone a message ofsome kind.
How long have you been here?
What's this.
Nick had caught sight of theplaster cast on the table.
He took it up and examined it.
(02:56):
One result of my trip withMallory, said Chick.
It's mighty strange, Nick, howcircumstances sometimes dovetail
together in this big and busyworld.
What you mean?
You've not forgotten.
Mallory's letter about a deadman up in Harlem?
Oh, certainly not.
Well, we went up there.
Chick said, more earnestly.
The address proved to be amiserable house in one of the
(03:16):
outskirts.
It appeared to be unoccupied.
So we forced an entrance.
Though very little force wasnecessary.
As far as that goes.
And you found.
A miserably furnished place,Nick, with indications of
poverty on all sides.
There was evidence at a man andwoman had been living there.
And so some of the neighborsinformed us, but the woman has
removed all of her belongingsand left only the body of the
(03:38):
man.
We found the body in a dismalback room on the second floor.
He has been dead for about twodays.
Murdered?
Mm, not exactly.
What you mean by not exactly.
Violence, but not murder.
Said chick.
The cause of his death wasobvious.
It resulted from a bullet woundin his left shoulder.
(03:59):
It had not been properlytreated.
Blood poison had ensued and senthim over the dark river.
Hm.
That's strange.
Nick remarked.
There must be something back ofit.
Could you identify him?
Easily.
Who.
The very man Nick of whom wewere talking with Mallory when
Vallon arrived with that letter.
Jim Nortek the yegg cracksman.
(04:19):
The crook suspected of havingbeen one of the gang that robbed
that Westchester savings bank.
The devil you say.
There was nothing to it Chickadded.
There was no mistaking him.
You probably are right.
Nick replied with a nod.
One of the gang is known to havebeen wounded during their
hurried getaway.
The man was Nordek.
Hm.
Undoubtedly.
That occurred a week ago, chickwent on.
(04:41):
He evidently had been lying illand in a bad way, since then.
There was convincing evidence ofthat.
Furthermore, according to theneighbors we questioned, no
physician was called and nothingdefinite is known about the
couple.
They've occupied the housenearly a month.
They probably did not dare tocall a physician lest the wound
might lead to an exposure ofNordic's identity and his part
(05:03):
in the Westchester burglary.
Hmm.
That undoubtedly explains it.
Nick agreed.
Nordic took a chance of recoverywithout the help of a surgeon.
His negligence proved fatal.
The writer of the letter musthave been his daughter Nancy,
Nordic, whom I saw in a Harlemtrain a month ago.
Oh, that's right too, chicksaid.
The woman seen by the neighborsanswer's Nancy Nordics
(05:23):
description.
She took care of her father tillhe died.
Then she bolted sending chiefMallory that letter.
And...
and a$50 bank note for funeralexpenses.
It shows plainly enough that Iwas right.
In attributing the burglary to agang, including Nordic.
Exactly.
That bank note was part of theplunder, said Nick.
(05:44):
Nordeck evidently got his shareof it.
He must have been dead brokebefore the burglary, however, or
he would not have been living insuch quarters as you describe.
You searched the house ofcourse?
Every nook and corner.
What did you find?
Only what I have stated.
There was nothing to show whereNancy Nordic has gone or any
trace of the stolen money.
(06:05):
She bolted with that.
All right.
Or as much of it as Nordicderived from the job.
Mallory took charge of the bodyand we'll have it decently
buried.
If we are to judge from thesentiment expressed in her
letter to Mallory, the betterpart of the girl must have been
deeply stirred by the death ofher father.
Nick observed.
She wanted him to have a clothcovered casket With silver
grips.
(06:25):
You remember?
Also a prayer said for him,She's not entirely bad then
after all.
His death may have hit her hard,Chick, and possibly will reform
her.
Well let's hope so for her ownsake.
Where did you get this cast?
From one of the footprints inthe backyard.
Said chick.
I thought it might be neededlater, perhaps.
(06:46):
And so I sent Danny after someplaster and made a cast of the
footprint.
It was Nancy Nordics.
All right.
For no other woman has recentlybeen in the yard.
She was.
Stop a moment.
Nick interrupted.
By Jove chick, you are rightcircumstances do dovetail
strangely sometimes.
You mean?
This is a facsimile of one ofthe imprints I found under
(07:07):
Maybrick's library window.
Are you sure?
Positively here is the rundownheel.
The mark of a patch on the soul.
And the size is exactly thesame.
Great guns.
That seems almost incredible.
Said chick with a puzzledexpression.
It cannot be that Nancy Nordicwas one of the women you
suspected of having beenwatching Maybrick.
(07:27):
On the contrary chick, shecertainly was, Nick insisted.
But what motive could she havehad?
A clergyman is about the lastman on earth in whom Nancy
Nordic would have any interest.
Her whole career has been avicious one.
True.
It must be that you are mistakenthen and that the shoe of some
other woman corresponds exactlywith hers.
Wait a bit said Nick.
(07:49):
Let me consider all of thecircumstances.
I know I'm not mistaken.
Be quiet while I stir up my graymatter and dig out the solution
of this problem.
Nick was not long in finding itor in framing up a theory that
seemed consistent, at least Withall of the known circumstances.
His thoughtful face, suddenlylighted.
He straightened up and exclaimedgazing again, at chick.
(08:10):
Bye Jove.
I think I have it.
The answer.
Yes.
Good.
If I am right, however, theoutlook is bad.
Deucedly bad at that.
Bad for whom?
For the rector Maybrick and forNancy Nordic herself.
Why bad for her questioned chickperplexedly.
I don't get you.
What do you make of it?
(08:30):
Listen.
Nick drew forward in his chair.
As sure as you're a foot high,the veiled woman who visited
Maybrick on Tuesday evening wasNancy.
Nordeck.
Her inferior attire.
The likeness of this plastercast, to the footprint under the
window together with all of theother circumstances, convince me
that she was the woman.
But why if she went there tovisit him, did she look through
(08:52):
the library window?
To learn whether he was at homeand alone.
That would have been a perfectlynatural step for her to have
taken.
True Nick, as far as that goes,Chick allowed.
But why on earth did she visitMaybrick?
What business can a crook of herclass have had with a clergyman?
That is suggested, at least inthe letter she sent to Mallory.
(09:14):
You mean?
The sentiment I detected betweenthe lines.
Said Nick.
That girl chick, for she'slittle more than a girl was so
deeply affected by the death ofher father that she resolved to
reform.
There's nothing else to it.
She went to Maybrick and toldhim about the burglary and she
offered to turn over the plunderto him that he might restore it
(09:36):
to the bank officials.
Oh, hold on.
Chick exclaimed.
Incredulously.
You are overlooking no end ofcontradictory points.
How, to begin with, did NancyNordeck come in possession of
the plunder.
That is easily explained.
Nick replied.
We know that Jim Nordic has beenrepeatedly Buncoed and cheated
by his pals.
And he may, in this case, haveinsisted upon taking charge of
(09:59):
the plunder until it could havebeen equally divided.
The gang would have consented tothat.
Of course, for they could nothave cracked the vault without
his assistance.
He was the big squeeze in thatpart of the work.
That's very true.
Chick allowed.
If I'm right then Nordic took itto the house in which he died or
hid it somewhere else, perhaps.
(10:20):
Expecting to recover from hiswound.
And soon to whack up with hisConfederates who evidently would
not living with him and Nancy inthe Harlem house.
Well surely not Nick or theywould have been seen by the
neighbors.
Instead, however Nordic died andthe girl experienced a change of
heart I now feel dead sure ofthat chick.
And it's not the first time thatdeath has brought about such a
(10:41):
reformation.
But why did she not in thatcase, take the plunder directly
to the bank officials or turn itover to the police.
For two reasons, perhaps Nickpointed out.
She may have feared arrest orknew that she would be watched
and would be prevented by othermembers of the gang.
Hm, possibly.
The fact that they did not go tothe Harlem house and force her
(11:03):
to give up the plunder.
Moreover convinces me thatNordic had it hidden somewhere
and that after his death, Nancyalone knew where it could be
found.
I see.
She did not dare to go andremove it however lest she would
be seen and waylaid by the gang.
She went to Maybrick thereforand told him all of the
circumstances.
(11:24):
It would have been perfectlynatural for her to select him
for his charitable work amongthe criminal cases is widely
known and she would have feltsure that she could rely upon
him.
Well, that goes without saying,said Chick.
This theory is further confirmedby the fact that Maybrick left
home the following night withtwo empty suitcases.
(11:45):
Nick argued.
In which to bring home theplunder.
Exactly.
But why did he draw$500 from thebank?
Hmm.
Well, let's see.
Nick said thoughtfully.
It's obvious that Nancy Nordicis nearly penniless aside from
the bank funds.
She may refuse to take any moreof the stolen money yet may have
(12:06):
insisted upon having funds withwhich to leave the country.
She is wanted for several pettycrimes, you know?
True.
Maybrick must have drawn his ownmoney to give her.
Knowing that he would afterwardbe reimbursed by the bank
officials.
There is a reward of$10,000 forthe recovery of the funds.
Well, the girl could have gotthat.
(12:26):
Said chick.
If she has had the turn ofheart, that the circumstances
lead me to suspect.
She would not accept the reward.
Nick replied.
That is a woman's way of doingthings.
I begin to think you are rightNick, after all.
I feel pretty sure of it.
But how do you account forMaybrick's absence and his.
That's the worst feature of thecase.
Nick put in.
(12:47):
You mean?
That he's in bad, most likely aswell as Nancy Nordegg.
I don't quite get you.
Now suppose I am right, saidNick.
Suppose this theory is correct.
It's a copper riveted cinch,chick in that case that the gang
that committed the burglary hasbeen stealthily watching Nancy
Nortek.
(13:07):
And By thunder.
I see the point, cried chick,more gravely.
You think that they have gotboth her and Maybrick and also
have landed the plunder.
It certainly looks sofurthermore, wait.
There's my telephone bell.
We may hear from Patsy.
Nick turned quickly to his deskand took up the instrument.
Hello.
(13:28):
He said quietly.
No answer.
He called again, a bit louder: Hello? (13:30):
undefined
Hello.
Still no answer.
Nick's brow clouded.
Then suddenly there fell uponhis listening ears, a quick
intermittent tapping.
He listened even more intently.
His countenance lighted, andthen clouded again, darker than
before.
He seized a pad of paper and apencil and began to write
(13:52):
listening all the while.
Three minutes passed and Nickthen hung up the receiver and
sprang to his feet.
Bring Danny and the car asquickly as possible.
He cried.
We've got to make a record run.
If we ever made one.
Guns on your hips, chick.
Patsy's in the hands of thegang.
Chapter seven.
Taking long chances.
(14:13):
Patsy Garvin and Turk McGillafter arriving at a very lucid
understanding concerning KateCrandall speedily decided how
their felonious design couldbest be executed.
Patsy entered into it, moreover,with a zest that further assured
McGill of his sincerity of whichhe had scarce a shadow of doubt
when they parted to beginoperations.
Leaving McGill to keep hisappointment with Kate, patsy
(14:36):
hastened to a public garage thathe had seen while shadowing her
from her office.
Luckily, too, He immediatelyfound the proprietor to whom he
quickly introduced himself andconfided the situation.
Patsy found in him a willingassistant too, who provided him
with a touring car, but flatlyrefused to accept any payment.
I will not even think Heprotested when Patsy tried to
(14:58):
force McGill's$20 bank note uponhim.
Pastor Maybrick is a friend ofmine and he's one man in a
million.
Nick Carter is one in 10millions, moreover, and it's a
pleasure to serve both of them.
You take the car, Mr.
Garvin and return it whenconvenient, it's yours for the
asking, I'd like to do more andI wish you good luck.
Patsy thanked him heartily andguided the car from the garage
(15:19):
within 20 minutes after partingfrom McGill.
He knew that he was playing ahazardous game and taking long
chances that he was going upagainst as dangerous and
desperate a man has ever stoodin leather as well as crooks of
like character and that a slipof the tongue, or even the ghost
of a mishap might at any moment,expose his subterfuge and put
(15:39):
him in peril of his life.
It was not in Patsy's nature toshrink from the undertaking on
that account, however, and hehardly gave it a thought.
He felt that the game was worththe candle and he was ready to
burn the candle at both ends.
Daylight was turning to the duskof early evening when he left
the garage.
It was just about the time whenKate Crandell had promised to
(15:59):
meet McGill and Patsy at onceheaded for the point agreed
upon.
He discovered them when heentered the long street leading
out of the town, moreover, andhe slowed down to approach them
moderately.
McGill saw him coming.
Increasing confidence in him,mingled with his feeling of grim
satisfaction.
He was talking earnestly withthe woman, Then in a locality
(16:20):
where there were only a fewscattered dwellings.
But he had relieved her of anymisgivings by turning back with
her toward the town.
Though in reality only to seeand make ready for Patsy when he
approached.
He reached into his pocket andgrasped a large silk
handkerchief with which he wasprovided.
Half a minute later, broughtPatsy within 30 yards of the
couple.
He then swerved toward thembringing the car to a stop near
(16:42):
the curbing.
Beg.
Pardon, sir.
Said he leaning out and at thesame time deftly unlocking the
door of the tonneau.
Will this road, take me toBronxville.
Kate Crandell paused.
McGill shook his head andstepped back of her as if, to
point the way for hisquestioner.
No, not straight ahead, Hereplied with a significant wink.
You must take the firstcrossroad.
(17:03):
To the left or right.
To the left and now Dolan gether! McGill had clasped the silk
handkerchief over Kate's mouth.
And as quick as a flash wastying it back of her head.
Patsy equally quick leaped fromthe car and seized her arms,
forcing them behind her andcrying hurriedly.
Tie her wrists, McGill, withanother handkerchief.
I've got her.
(17:23):
She can't yip.
Her struggles cut no ice.
Into the car with her now.
And the trick is turned.
In spite of her frantic effortsto escape, it was a
comparatively easy task for twostrong and determined men to
quickly overcome the frightenedwoman who was hurriedly forced
into the, tonneau even whilePatsy was speaking.
She then sank half fainting inone corner.
(17:44):
Unable to make any outcry andhardly able to move.
McGill banged the door and satdown beside her crying sternly.
You'll not be hurt woman.
If you keep still and do whatyou're told.
Now, Dolan away with you.
Follow this road for half amile, then take the left fork.
I'll direct you later.
You're all right from your toesup pal.
And you'll get the coin Ipromised you.
(18:05):
Let her go lively.
The last was entirelyunnecessary.
The speedometer was alreadyshowing 40 miles an hour and the
last of the scattered dwellingswere quickly left behind.
The dusty road swept like a grayribbon under the swiftly moving
car, the skillful driving ofwhich McGill was quick to see
and appreciate while Patsy wasinwardly congratulating himself
upon having informed the rascalthat his vocation was that of a
(18:28):
chauffeur.
Under McGill's repeatedassurances that she was in no
personal danger.
Kate Crandall's first flash ofterror Had subsided and she
appeared to yield more calmly tothe situation, though a fiery
gleam in her black eyes, plainlyevinced her impotent fury and
resentment.
With one eye on the woman, theother on the road ahead, mcGill
(18:49):
frequently shouted additionalinstructions to Patsy who
quickly followed them with amere nod and response.
Patsy had of course, no idea asto their precise destination.
He was thoroughly familiar withthe country, through which they
were speeding.
However, knowing by name nearlyevery important road in
Westchester county.
And he soon foresaw in what partof it, they were likely to bring
(19:11):
up.
His anticipations soon wereverified.
McGill suddenly leaned forwardand cried, pointing up the
Woodland road, then only dimlydiscernible in the increasing
darkness.
Slow down when rounding the bendDolan.
Then take the lane on the left.
It will bring you to an oldstone house in a clearing.
That's the grip.
The going is bad in the lane,but you can make the side yard.
(19:33):
All right.
You'll see lights in thedistance.
Head for them.
I get you Mike! Patsy cried backat him, then to himself.
I'll get you for keeps too bythunder.
Bearing a slip up.
The touring car swept around along curve in the Woodland road.
Scattered lights in the distancecame into view.
Seen through the trees and fromthe moving car, they appeared
and vanished again and again,like fluttering fireflies seen
(19:56):
in the gloom of a summer night.
Patsy knew the distantsettlement.
He noted the precise location ofthe grim old house That also
came into view, looming upagainst the background of woods
and the star studded purple ofthe sky.
A feeble Ray of light here andthere from the lower windows,
told that it was occupied.
But that the outer blinds wereclosed and the curtains drawn.
(20:17):
Swing round to the right DolanAnd you'll bring up at the side
door, McGill directed.
That's the stuff.
Leave me to do the talking.
I'll put you in right Dolan forwhat you've done.
I'll do as much for you, McGill.
Replied Patsy with drysignificance.
He had rounded a corner of thegloomy stone building and
stopped some 10 feet from theside door.
A whistle from McGill wasanswered with a cry from within
(20:40):
quickly followed by the heavytread of men on a bare floor.
The door was hurriedly opened.
And a stream of light from theside hall fell upon the touring
car and its occupants.
It also distinctly revealed thethree men who had responded to
McGill signal.
One was a short swarthy fellowin the twenties.
A stranger to Patsy, but whosevicious character was plainly
(21:01):
reflected in his sinister face?
Another was tall and gaunt withsquinted eyes and cadaverous
countenance while the third wasa square shouldered, powerful
man of 50.
With a smoothly shaved hardfeatured face evincing imperious
will and bulldog aggressiveness.
Patsy instantly recognized thelast two men, both crooks and
(21:22):
cracks men of nationalreputation.
And he also realized more keenlythat he was carrying his life in
his hand.
Blink Morgan and ginger Gridley.
He said to himself, I'm in rightby thunder.
If I can only stay right andkeep things coming my way, if
not, gee, I can see my finish.
These thoughts flashed throughPatsy's mind while Gridley
(21:43):
staring from the house.
Cried harshly.
What's this Turk?
What's the meaning of this?
Why?
Oh you back up, Ginger, until Ihave time to explain.
McGill interrupted springingfrom the car.
Lend a hand, Morgan, And takethe skirt inside.
She's the cat who queered ourgame last night.
We've got to where we want arenow.
All right.
Take her in! The cadaverous manwith the squinted eyes from
(22:05):
which he derived his nickname.
Hasten to obey.
McGill having rudely forced thewoman to get out of the car
while he was speaking.
And she then was seized byMorgan and hurried into the
house.
Gridley in the meantime, whomPatsy knew must be the leader of
the gang, Gazed with frowningeyes from one to the other.
And then sternly repeated hisquestion.
What's the meaning of this,McGill.
(22:27):
Why have you brought her here?
Because she wouldn't yield topersuasion.
Miguel curtly declared.
We must force her to tell herwhat we want to know.
That could not be done withoutbringing her here.
You still think she knows.
She must know, she heard allthat infernal squealer said.
But who's this fella.
He helped me get her he's allright, too.
(22:47):
McGill forcibly asserted.
Get out Dolan and shake handswith Tom Gridley more often
called ginger Gridley.
You'll find them full of gingertoo.
If you cross him badly.
He's all right, Tom.
And I couldn't have got theskirt without his help.
He hired the car with some moneyI gave him and come inside.
Gridley interrupted, extendinghis hand to Patsy.
It's all right.
Dolan.
If you're all that McGill saysyou are.
(23:10):
I'm all that and something more.
Patsy coolly assured him.
You can bank on me as long asI'm used right.
You'll have no kick comingDolan.
If you're handing a straightgoods, replied Gridley.
If not.
Nothing doin on the if not line.
Uh, this way then.
Lock the door Phelan.
The last was addressed to thefourth man of the gang, while
Patsy followed them into thehouse.
(23:31):
He heard the ominous click ofthe lock when Phelan turned the
key.
It told him that there was noretreat.
No backing out of the hazardousundertaking in which he had
fearlessly ventured.
Patsy Garvin.
However, had no suchinclination.
Even for a moment.
How will Patsy get out of thismess?
And what was the strange messagereceived by Nick Carter by
(23:54):
telephone?
We'll find out in the very nextepisode of the call of death or
Nick Carter's clever assistant.
Well gang, that's it for thisepisode.
I hope you enjoyed yourself andI hope you stick around for the
very next episode.
it should be coming up quitesoon.
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(24:14):
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(24:36):
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Well, gang.
(24:57):
I hope you enjoyed yourselves.
Take care.
As always.
Thanks for listening.
Keep sharing the stories and bea good human bye for now.
Hi everyone.
And welcome to another episodeof forward into the past.
I'm JC Rede, your host andnarrator.
And today we're going to diveright back into the final Nick
Carter mystery for this year,the call of death or Nick
Carter's clever assistant.
In this episode, I'm going toshare both chapters six and
(00:22):
seven.
And conclude it in the nextepisode with chapters eight and
nine.
Now, this will allow me torecord and post our Halloween
episodes in time for everyone toenjoy them.
Before Halloween night.
So without further ado, let'sfind out what's up next for our
Intrepid detective.
In our last episode, NickCarter's assistant Patsy
(00:45):
followed our main suspect.
Kate Crandell from her officeback to the boarding house where
she is staying.
While wearing a disguise, patsytails, Kate Crandall toward the
edge of town and stops.
When Ms.
Crandall is approached by asinister looking man, whom Patsy
identifies as Turk McGill,notorious gangster and all
(01:05):
around bad egg.
After Kate Crandell, rebuffsMcGill and heads home.
Patsy manages to worm his wayinto McGill's orbit.
McGill after sizing up Patsy.
Offers him a job with a hugepayday.
Kidnapped Kate Crandell andforce her to tell McGill where
she's hiding some stolen money.
Oh, how will Patsy get out ofthis predicament and how will he
(01:29):
get word to Nick?
Well, let's join in on the nextexciting episode of the call of
death or Nick Carter's cleverassistant.
Chapter six.
The man who died.
It was early evening when NickCarter arrived home after his
interview with Kate Crandall, hefound chick awaiting him.
(01:52):
On the office table, lay a smallplaster cast, not there when
Nick departed with HarrietFarley that morning concerning
whose mission and what since hadoccurred, chick was of course
entirely ignorant.
Well by Jove you've had a longouting.
He remarked when Nick enteredand removed his coat and hat.
Have you been equally busy?
You know, me replied Nickpointedly.
(02:14):
None better.
What's doing.
A case for the young lady whoprevented me from going with
Mallory this morning.
Who is she?
Her name is Harriet Farley.
She's the only child of the lateArchibald Farley.
She is worth four or fivemillions and then some.
Whoa, that ought to keep theWolf from the door at least
said, chick smiling.
(02:35):
What's the case.
Nick briefly informed him,covering all of the essential
points and immediately adding.
Have you heard from Patsy?
Hmm, not a word.
There must be something doingthen, or he would have found
time to telephone a message ofsome kind.
How long have you been here?
What's this.
Nick had caught sight of theplaster cast on the table.
He took it up and examined it.
(02:56):
One result of my trip withMallory, said Chick.
It's mighty strange, Nick, howcircumstances sometimes dovetail
together in this big and busyworld.
What you mean?
You've not forgotten.
Mallory's letter about a deadman up in Harlem?
Oh, certainly not.
Well, we went up there.
Chick said, more earnestly.
The address proved to be amiserable house in one of the
(03:16):
outskirts.
It appeared to be unoccupied.
So we forced an entrance.
Though very little force wasnecessary.
As far as that goes.
And you found.
A miserably furnished place,Nick, with indications of
poverty on all sides.
There was evidence at a man andwoman had been living there.
And so some of the neighborsinformed us, but the woman has
removed all of her belongingsand left only the body of the
(03:38):
man.
We found the body in a dismalback room on the second floor.
He has been dead for about twodays.
Murdered?
Mm, not exactly.
What you mean by not exactly.
Violence, but not murder.
Said chick.
The cause of his death wasobvious.
It resulted from a bullet woundin his left shoulder.
(03:59):
It had not been properlytreated.
Blood poison had ensued and senthim over the dark river.
Hm.
That's strange.
Nick remarked.
There must be something back ofit.
Could you identify him?
Easily.
Who.
The very man Nick of whom wewere talking with Mallory when
Vallon arrived with that letter.
Jim Nortek the yegg cracksman.
(04:19):
The crook suspected of havingbeen one of the gang that robbed
that Westchester savings bank.
The devil you say.
There was nothing to it Chickadded.
There was no mistaking him.
You probably are right.
Nick replied with a nod.
One of the gang is known to havebeen wounded during their
hurried getaway.
The man was Nordek.
Hm.
Undoubtedly.
That occurred a week ago, chickwent on.
(04:41):
He evidently had been lying illand in a bad way, since then.
There was convincing evidence ofthat.
Furthermore, according to theneighbors we questioned, no
physician was called and nothingdefinite is known about the
couple.
They've occupied the housenearly a month.
They probably did not dare tocall a physician lest the wound
might lead to an exposure ofNordic's identity and his part
(05:03):
in the Westchester burglary.
Hmm.
That undoubtedly explains it.
Nick agreed.
Nordic took a chance of recoverywithout the help of a surgeon.
His negligence proved fatal.
The writer of the letter musthave been his daughter Nancy,
Nordic, whom I saw in a Harlemtrain a month ago.
Oh, that's right too, chicksaid.
The woman seen by the neighborsanswer's Nancy Nordics
(05:23):
description.
She took care of her father tillhe died.
Then she bolted sending chiefMallory that letter.
And...
and a$50 bank note for funeralexpenses.
It shows plainly enough that Iwas right.
In attributing the burglary to agang, including Nordic.
Exactly.
That bank note was part of theplunder, said Nick.
(05:44):
Nordeck evidently got his shareof it.
He must have been dead brokebefore the burglary, however, or
he would not have been living insuch quarters as you describe.
You searched the house ofcourse?
Every nook and corner.
What did you find?
Only what I have stated.
There was nothing to show whereNancy Nordic has gone or any
trace of the stolen money.
(06:05):
She bolted with that.
All right.
Or as much of it as Nordicderived from the job.
Mallory took charge of the bodyand we'll have it decently
buried.
If we are to judge from thesentiment expressed in her
letter to Mallory, the betterpart of the girl must have been
deeply stirred by the death ofher father.
Nick observed.
She wanted him to have a clothcovered casket With silver
grips.
(06:25):
You remember?
Also a prayer said for him,She's not entirely bad then
after all.
His death may have hit her hard,Chick, and possibly will reform
her.
Well let's hope so for her ownsake.
Where did you get this cast?
From one of the footprints inthe backyard.
Said chick.
I thought it might be neededlater, perhaps.
(06:46):
And so I sent Danny after someplaster and made a cast of the
footprint.
It was Nancy Nordics.
All right.
For no other woman has recentlybeen in the yard.
She was.
Stop a moment.
Nick interrupted.
By Jove chick, you are rightcircumstances do dovetail
strangely sometimes.
You mean?
This is a facsimile of one ofthe imprints I found under
(07:07):
Maybrick's library window.
Are you sure?
Positively here is the rundownheel.
The mark of a patch on the soul.
And the size is exactly thesame.
Great guns.
That seems almost incredible.
Said chick with a puzzledexpression.
It cannot be that Nancy Nordicwas one of the women you
suspected of having beenwatching Maybrick.
(07:27):
On the contrary chick, shecertainly was, Nick insisted.
But what motive could she havehad?
A clergyman is about the lastman on earth in whom Nancy
Nordic would have any interest.
Her whole career has been avicious one.
True.
It must be that you are mistakenthen and that the shoe of some
other woman corresponds exactlywith hers.
Wait a bit said Nick.
(07:49):
Let me consider all of thecircumstances.
I know I'm not mistaken.
Be quiet while I stir up my graymatter and dig out the solution
of this problem.
Nick was not long in finding itor in framing up a theory that
seemed consistent, at least Withall of the known circumstances.
His thoughtful face, suddenlylighted.
He straightened up and exclaimedgazing again, at chick.
(08:10):
Bye Jove.
I think I have it.
The answer.
Yes.
Good.
If I am right, however, theoutlook is bad.
Deucedly bad at that.
Bad for whom?
For the rector Maybrick and forNancy Nordic herself.
Why bad for her questioned chickperplexedly.
I don't get you.
What do you make of it?
(08:30):
Listen.
Nick drew forward in his chair.
As sure as you're a foot high,the veiled woman who visited
Maybrick on Tuesday evening wasNancy.
Nordeck.
Her inferior attire.
The likeness of this plastercast, to the footprint under the
window together with all of theother circumstances, convince me
that she was the woman.
But why if she went there tovisit him, did she look through
(08:52):
the library window?
To learn whether he was at homeand alone.
That would have been a perfectlynatural step for her to have
taken.
True Nick, as far as that goes,Chick allowed.
But why on earth did she visitMaybrick?
What business can a crook of herclass have had with a clergyman?
That is suggested, at least inthe letter she sent to Mallory.
(09:14):
You mean?
The sentiment I detected betweenthe lines.
Said Nick.
That girl chick, for she'slittle more than a girl was so
deeply affected by the death ofher father that she resolved to
reform.
There's nothing else to it.
She went to Maybrick and toldhim about the burglary and she
offered to turn over the plunderto him that he might restore it
(09:36):
to the bank officials.
Oh, hold on.
Chick exclaimed.
Incredulously.
You are overlooking no end ofcontradictory points.
How, to begin with, did NancyNordeck come in possession of
the plunder.
That is easily explained.
Nick replied.
We know that Jim Nordic has beenrepeatedly Buncoed and cheated
by his pals.
And he may, in this case, haveinsisted upon taking charge of
(09:59):
the plunder until it could havebeen equally divided.
The gang would have consented tothat.
Of course, for they could nothave cracked the vault without
his assistance.
He was the big squeeze in thatpart of the work.
That's very true.
Chick allowed.
If I'm right then Nordic took itto the house in which he died or
hid it somewhere else, perhaps.
(10:20):
Expecting to recover from hiswound.
And soon to whack up with hisConfederates who evidently would
not living with him and Nancy inthe Harlem house.
Well surely not Nick or theywould have been seen by the
neighbors.
Instead, however Nordic died andthe girl experienced a change of
heart I now feel dead sure ofthat chick.
And it's not the first time thatdeath has brought about such a
(10:41):
reformation.
But why did she not in thatcase, take the plunder directly
to the bank officials or turn itover to the police.
For two reasons, perhaps Nickpointed out.
She may have feared arrest orknew that she would be watched
and would be prevented by othermembers of the gang.
Hm, possibly.
The fact that they did not go tothe Harlem house and force her
(11:03):
to give up the plunder.
Moreover convinces me thatNordic had it hidden somewhere
and that after his death, Nancyalone knew where it could be
found.
I see.
She did not dare to go andremove it however lest she would
be seen and waylaid by the gang.
She went to Maybrick thereforand told him all of the
circumstances.
(11:24):
It would have been perfectlynatural for her to select him
for his charitable work amongthe criminal cases is widely
known and she would have feltsure that she could rely upon
him.
Well, that goes without saying,said Chick.
This theory is further confirmedby the fact that Maybrick left
home the following night withtwo empty suitcases.
(11:45):
Nick argued.
In which to bring home theplunder.
Exactly.
But why did he draw$500 from thebank?
Hmm.
Well, let's see.
Nick said thoughtfully.
It's obvious that Nancy Nordicis nearly penniless aside from
the bank funds.
She may refuse to take any moreof the stolen money yet may have
(12:06):
insisted upon having funds withwhich to leave the country.
She is wanted for several pettycrimes, you know?
True.
Maybrick must have drawn his ownmoney to give her.
Knowing that he would afterwardbe reimbursed by the bank
officials.
There is a reward of$10,000 forthe recovery of the funds.
Well, the girl could have gotthat.
(12:26):
Said chick.
If she has had the turn ofheart, that the circumstances
lead me to suspect.
She would not accept the reward.
Nick replied.
That is a woman's way of doingthings.
I begin to think you are rightNick, after all.
I feel pretty sure of it.
But how do you account forMaybrick's absence and his.
That's the worst feature of thecase.
Nick put in.
(12:47):
You mean?
That he's in bad, most likely aswell as Nancy Nordegg.
I don't quite get you.
Now suppose I am right, saidNick.
Suppose this theory is correct.
It's a copper riveted cinch,chick in that case that the gang
that committed the burglary hasbeen stealthily watching Nancy
Nortek.
(13:07):
And By thunder.
I see the point, cried chick,more gravely.
You think that they have gotboth her and Maybrick and also
have landed the plunder.
It certainly looks sofurthermore, wait.
There's my telephone bell.
We may hear from Patsy.
Nick turned quickly to his deskand took up the instrument.
Hello.
(13:28):
He said quietly.
No answer.
He called again, a bit louder: Hello? (13:30):
undefined
Hello.
Still no answer.
Nick's brow clouded.
Then suddenly there fell uponhis listening ears, a quick
intermittent tapping.
He listened even more intently.
His countenance lighted, andthen clouded again, darker than
before.
He seized a pad of paper and apencil and began to write
(13:52):
listening all the while.
Three minutes passed and Nickthen hung up the receiver and
sprang to his feet.
Bring Danny and the car asquickly as possible.
He cried.
We've got to make a record run.
If we ever made one.
Guns on your hips, chick.
Patsy's in the hands of thegang.
Chapter seven.
Taking long chances.
(14:13):
Patsy Garvin and Turk McGillafter arriving at a very lucid
understanding concerning KateCrandall speedily decided how
their felonious design couldbest be executed.
Patsy entered into it, moreover,with a zest that further assured
McGill of his sincerity of whichhe had scarce a shadow of doubt
when they parted to beginoperations.
Leaving McGill to keep hisappointment with Kate, patsy
(14:36):
hastened to a public garage thathe had seen while shadowing her
from her office.
Luckily, too, He immediatelyfound the proprietor to whom he
quickly introduced himself andconfided the situation.
Patsy found in him a willingassistant too, who provided him
with a touring car, but flatlyrefused to accept any payment.
I will not even think Heprotested when Patsy tried to
(14:58):
force McGill's$20 bank note uponhim.
Pastor Maybrick is a friend ofmine and he's one man in a
million.
Nick Carter is one in 10millions, moreover, and it's a
pleasure to serve both of them.
You take the car, Mr.
Garvin and return it whenconvenient, it's yours for the
asking, I'd like to do more andI wish you good luck.
Patsy thanked him heartily andguided the car from the garage
(15:19):
within 20 minutes after partingfrom McGill.
He knew that he was playing ahazardous game and taking long
chances that he was going upagainst as dangerous and
desperate a man has ever stoodin leather as well as crooks of
like character and that a slipof the tongue, or even the ghost
of a mishap might at any moment,expose his subterfuge and put
(15:39):
him in peril of his life.
It was not in Patsy's nature toshrink from the undertaking on
that account, however, and hehardly gave it a thought.
He felt that the game was worththe candle and he was ready to
burn the candle at both ends.
Daylight was turning to the duskof early evening when he left
the garage.
It was just about the time whenKate Crandell had promised to
(15:59):
meet McGill and Patsy at onceheaded for the point agreed
upon.
He discovered them when heentered the long street leading
out of the town, moreover, andhe slowed down to approach them
moderately.
McGill saw him coming.
Increasing confidence in him,mingled with his feeling of grim
satisfaction.
He was talking earnestly withthe woman, Then in a locality
(16:20):
where there were only a fewscattered dwellings.
But he had relieved her of anymisgivings by turning back with
her toward the town.
Though in reality only to seeand make ready for Patsy when he
approached.
He reached into his pocket andgrasped a large silk
handkerchief with which he wasprovided.
Half a minute later, broughtPatsy within 30 yards of the
couple.
He then swerved toward thembringing the car to a stop near
(16:42):
the curbing.
Beg.
Pardon, sir.
Said he leaning out and at thesame time deftly unlocking the
door of the tonneau.
Will this road, take me toBronxville.
Kate Crandell paused.
McGill shook his head andstepped back of her as if, to
point the way for hisquestioner.
No, not straight ahead, Hereplied with a significant wink.
You must take the firstcrossroad.
(17:03):
To the left or right.
To the left and now Dolan gether! McGill had clasped the silk
handkerchief over Kate's mouth.
And as quick as a flash wastying it back of her head.
Patsy equally quick leaped fromthe car and seized her arms,
forcing them behind her andcrying hurriedly.
Tie her wrists, McGill, withanother handkerchief.
I've got her.
(17:23):
She can't yip.
Her struggles cut no ice.
Into the car with her now.
And the trick is turned.
In spite of her frantic effortsto escape, it was a
comparatively easy task for twostrong and determined men to
quickly overcome the frightenedwoman who was hurriedly forced
into the, tonneau even whilePatsy was speaking.
She then sank half fainting inone corner.
(17:44):
Unable to make any outcry andhardly able to move.
McGill banged the door and satdown beside her crying sternly.
You'll not be hurt woman.
If you keep still and do whatyou're told.
Now, Dolan away with you.
Follow this road for half amile, then take the left fork.
I'll direct you later.
You're all right from your toesup pal.
And you'll get the coin Ipromised you.
(18:05):
Let her go lively.
The last was entirelyunnecessary.
The speedometer was alreadyshowing 40 miles an hour and the
last of the scattered dwellingswere quickly left behind.
The dusty road swept like a grayribbon under the swiftly moving
car, the skillful driving ofwhich McGill was quick to see
and appreciate while Patsy wasinwardly congratulating himself
upon having informed the rascalthat his vocation was that of a
(18:28):
chauffeur.
Under McGill's repeatedassurances that she was in no
personal danger.
Kate Crandall's first flash ofterror Had subsided and she
appeared to yield more calmly tothe situation, though a fiery
gleam in her black eyes, plainlyevinced her impotent fury and
resentment.
With one eye on the woman, theother on the road ahead, mcGill
(18:49):
frequently shouted additionalinstructions to Patsy who
quickly followed them with amere nod and response.
Patsy had of course, no idea asto their precise destination.
He was thoroughly familiar withthe country, through which they
were speeding.
However, knowing by name nearlyevery important road in
Westchester county.
And he soon foresaw in what partof it, they were likely to bring
(19:11):
up.
His anticipations soon wereverified.
McGill suddenly leaned forwardand cried, pointing up the
Woodland road, then only dimlydiscernible in the increasing
darkness.
Slow down when rounding the bendDolan.
Then take the lane on the left.
It will bring you to an oldstone house in a clearing.
That's the grip.
The going is bad in the lane,but you can make the side yard.
(19:33):
All right.
You'll see lights in thedistance.
Head for them.
I get you Mike! Patsy cried backat him, then to himself.
I'll get you for keeps too bythunder.
Bearing a slip up.
The touring car swept around along curve in the Woodland road.
Scattered lights in the distancecame into view.
Seen through the trees and fromthe moving car, they appeared
and vanished again and again,like fluttering fireflies seen
(19:56):
in the gloom of a summer night.
Patsy knew the distantsettlement.
He noted the precise location ofthe grim old house That also
came into view, looming upagainst the background of woods
and the star studded purple ofthe sky.
A feeble Ray of light here andthere from the lower windows,
told that it was occupied.
But that the outer blinds wereclosed and the curtains drawn.
(20:17):
Swing round to the right DolanAnd you'll bring up at the side
door, McGill directed.
That's the stuff.
Leave me to do the talking.
I'll put you in right Dolan forwhat you've done.
I'll do as much for you, McGill.
Replied Patsy with drysignificance.
He had rounded a corner of thegloomy stone building and
stopped some 10 feet from theside door.
A whistle from McGill wasanswered with a cry from within
(20:40):
quickly followed by the heavytread of men on a bare floor.
The door was hurriedly opened.
And a stream of light from theside hall fell upon the touring
car and its occupants.
It also distinctly revealed thethree men who had responded to
McGill signal.
One was a short swarthy fellowin the twenties.
A stranger to Patsy, but whosevicious character was plainly
(21:01):
reflected in his sinister face?
Another was tall and gaunt withsquinted eyes and cadaverous
countenance while the third wasa square shouldered, powerful
man of 50.
With a smoothly shaved hardfeatured face evincing imperious
will and bulldog aggressiveness.
Patsy instantly recognized thelast two men, both crooks and
(21:22):
cracks men of nationalreputation.
And he also realized more keenlythat he was carrying his life in
his hand.
Blink Morgan and ginger Gridley.
He said to himself, I'm in rightby thunder.
If I can only stay right andkeep things coming my way, if
not, gee, I can see my finish.
These thoughts flashed throughPatsy's mind while Gridley
(21:43):
staring from the house.
Cried harshly.
What's this Turk?
What's the meaning of this?
Why?
Oh you back up, Ginger, until Ihave time to explain.
McGill interrupted springingfrom the car.
Lend a hand, Morgan, And takethe skirt inside.
She's the cat who queered ourgame last night.
We've got to where we want arenow.
All right.
Take her in! The cadaverous manwith the squinted eyes from
(22:05):
which he derived his nickname.
Hasten to obey.
McGill having rudely forced thewoman to get out of the car
while he was speaking.
And she then was seized byMorgan and hurried into the
house.
Gridley in the meantime, whomPatsy knew must be the leader of
the gang, Gazed with frowningeyes from one to the other.
And then sternly repeated hisquestion.
What's the meaning of this,McGill.
(22:27):
Why have you brought her here?
Because she wouldn't yield topersuasion.
Miguel curtly declared.
We must force her to tell herwhat we want to know.
That could not be done withoutbringing her here.
You still think she knows.
She must know, she heard allthat infernal squealer said.
But who's this fella.
He helped me get her he's allright, too.
(22:47):
McGill forcibly asserted.
Get out Dolan and shake handswith Tom Gridley more often
called ginger Gridley.
You'll find them full of gingertoo.
If you cross him badly.
He's all right, Tom.
And I couldn't have got theskirt without his help.
He hired the car with some moneyI gave him and come inside.
Gridley interrupted, extendinghis hand to Patsy.
It's all right.
Dolan.
If you're all that McGill saysyou are.
(23:10):
I'm all that and something more.
Patsy coolly assured him.
You can bank on me as long asI'm used right.
You'll have no kick comingDolan.
If you're handing a straightgoods, replied Gridley.
If not.
Nothing doin on the if not line.
Uh, this way then.
Lock the door Phelan.
The last was addressed to thefourth man of the gang, while
Patsy followed them into thehouse.
(23:31):
He heard the ominous click ofthe lock when Phelan turned the
key.
It told him that there was noretreat.
No backing out of the hazardousundertaking in which he had
fearlessly ventured.
Patsy Garvin.
However, had no suchinclination.
Even for a moment.
How will Patsy get out of thismess?
And what was the strange messagereceived by Nick Carter by
(23:54):
telephone?
We'll find out in the very nextepisode of the call of death or
Nick Carter's clever assistant.
Well gang, that's it for thisepisode.
I hope you enjoyed yourself andI hope you stick around for the
very next episode.
it should be coming up quitesoon.
In the meantime, why don't youventure over to my Facebook
(24:14):
page?
JC re Dave voiceovers andnarration.
Do a search and you'll find itthere.
Or just visit my website.
Forward into the pastpodcast.com there you'll find
links to the Facebook page, theInstagram page, and of course,
links to all the podcastplatforms that the show appears
on.
Oh, there's also a link for theshows.
(24:36):
Buy me a coffee page where youcan.
Buy me a coffee.
Just for the cost of one cup ofcoffee, you can support the show
and continue listening to thesewonderful episodes.
Or if you like, you can go aheadand sign up for the subscription
model.
It's entirely up to you.
I leave the option open.
Well, gang.
(24:57):
I hope you enjoyed yourselves.
Take care.
As always.
Thanks for listening.
Keep sharing the stories and bea good human bye for now.
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