Transcriberâs Notes: The original spelling, hyphenation, and punctuation have been retained, with the exception of apparent typographical errors which have been corrected. Text in Italics is indicated between _underscores_. Text in Small Capitals has been replaced by regular uppercase text. * * * * * NICK CARTER STORIES New Magnet Library PRICE, FIFTEEN CENTS _Not a Dull Book in This List_ Nick Carter stands for an interesting detective story. The fact that the books in this line are so uniformly good is entirely due to the work of a specialist. The man who wrote these stories produced no other type of fiction. His mind was concentrated upon the creation of new plots and situations in which his hero emerged triumphantly from all sorts of trouble, and landed the criminal just where he should beâbehind the bars. The author of these stories knew more about writing detective stories than any other single person. Following is a list of the best Nick Carter stories. They have been selected with extreme care, and we unhesitatingly recommend each of them as being fully as interesting as any detective story between cloth covers which sells at ten times the price. If you do not know Nick Carter, buy a copy of any of the New Magnet Library books, and get acquainted. He will surprise and delight you. _ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ 850âWanted: A Clew By Nicholas Carter 851âA Tangled Skein By Nicholas Carter 852âThe Bullion Mystery By Nicholas Carter 853âThe Man of Riddles By Nicholas Carter 854âA Miscarriage of Justice By Nicholas Carter 855âThe Gloved Hand By Nicholas Carter 856âSpoilers and the Spoils By Nicholas Carter 857âThe Deeper Game By Nicholas Carter 858âBolts from Blue Skies By Nicholas Carter 859âUnseen Foes By Nicholas Carter 860âKnaves in High Places By Nicholas Carter 861âThe Microbe of Crime By Nicholas Carter 862âIn the Toils of Fear By Nicholas Carter 863âA Heritage of Trouble By Nicholas Carter 864âCalled to Account By Nicholas Carter 865âThe Just and the Unjust By Nicholas Carter 866âInstinct at Fault By Nicholas Carter 867âA Rogue Worth Trapping By Nicholas Carter 868âA Rope of Slender Threads By Nicholas Carter 869âThe Last Call By Nicholas Carter 870âThe Spoils of Chance By Nicholas Carter 871âA Struggle With Destiny By Nicholas Carter 872âThe Slave of Crime By Nicholas Carter 873âThe Crookâs Blind By Nicholas Carter 874âA Rascal of Quality By Nicholas Carter 875âWith Shackles of Fire By Nicholas Carter 876âThe Man Who Changed Faces By Nicholas Carter 877âThe Fixed Alibi By Nicholas Carter 878âOut With the Tide By Nicholas Carter 879âThe Soul Destroyers By Nicholas Carter 880âThe Wages of Rascality By Nicholas Carter 881âBirds of Prey By Nicholas Carter 882âWhen Destruction Threatens By Nicholas Carter 883âThe Keeper of Black Hounds By Nicholas Carter 884âThe Door of Doubt By Nicholas Carter 885âThe Wolf Within By Nicholas Carter 886âA Perilous Parole By Nicholas Carter 887âThe Trail of the Fingerprints By Nicholas Carter 888âDodging the Law By Nicholas Carter 889âA Crime in Paradise By Nicholas Carter 890âOn the Ragged Edge By Nicholas Carter 891âThe Red God of Tragedy By Nicholas Carter 892âThe Man Who Paid By Nicholas Carter 893âThe Blind Manâs Daughter By Nicholas Carter 894âOne Object in Life By Nicholas Carter 895âAs a Crook Sows By Nicholas Carter 896âIn Record Time By Nicholas Carter 897âHeld in Suspense By Nicholas Carter 898âThe $100,000 Kiss By Nicholas Carter 899âJust One Slip By Nicholas Carter 900âOn a Million-dollar Trail By Nicholas Carter 901âA Weird Treasure By Nicholas Carter 902âThe Middle Link By Nicholas Carter 903âTo the Ends of the Earth By Nicholas Carter 904âWhen Honors Pall By Nicholas Carter 905âThe Yellow Brand By Nicholas Carter 906âA New Serpent in Eden By Nicholas Carter 907âWhen Brave Men Tremble By Nicholas Carter 908âA Test of Courage By Nicholas Carter 909âWhere Peril Beckons By Nicholas Carter 910âThe Gargoni Girdle By Nicholas Carter 911âRascals & Co. By Nicholas Carter 912âToo Late to Talk By Nicholas Carter 913âSatanâs Apt Pupil By Nicholas Carter 914âThe Girl Prisoner By Nicholas Carter 915âThe Danger of Folly By Nicholas Carter 916âOne Shipwreck Too Many By Nicholas Carter 917âScourged by Fear By Nicholas Carter 918âThe Red Plague By Nicholas Carter 919âScoundrels Rampant By Nicholas Carter 920âFrom Clew to Clew By Nicholas Carter 921âWhen Rogues Conspire By Nicholas Carter 922âTwelve in a Grave By Nicholas Carter 923âThe Great Opium Case By Nicholas Carter 924âA Conspiracy of Rumors By Nicholas Carter 925âA Klondike Claim By Nicholas Carter 926âThe Evil Formula By Nicholas Carter 927âThe Man of Many Faces By Nicholas Carter 928âThe Great Enigma By Nicholas Carter 929âThe Burden of Proof By Nicholas Carter 930âThe Stolen Brain By Nicholas Carter 931âA Titled Counterfeiter By Nicholas Carter 932âThe Magic Necklace By Nicholas Carter 933ââRound the World for a Quarter By Nicholas Carter 934âOver the Edge of the World By Nicholas Carter 935âIn the Grip of Fate By Nicholas Carter 936âThe Case of Many Clews By Nicholas Carter 937âThe Sealed Door By Nicholas Carter 938âNick Carter and the Green Goods Men By Nicholas Carter 939âThe Man Without a Will By Nicholas Carter 940âTracked Across the Atlantic By Nicholas Carter 941âA Clew From the Unknown By Nicholas Carter 942âThe Crime of a Countess By Nicholas Carter 943âA Mixed Up Mess By Nicholas Carter 944âThe Great Money Order Swindle By Nicholas Carter 945âThe Adderâs Brood By Nicholas Carter 946âA Wall Street Haul By Nicholas Carter 947âFor a Pawned Crown By Nicholas Carter 948âSealed Orders By Nicholas Carter 949âThe Hate That Kills By Nicholas Carter 950âThe American Marquis By Nicholas Carter 951âThe Needy Nine By Nicholas Carter 952âFighting Against Millions By Nicholas Carter 953âOutlaws of the Blue By Nicholas Carter 954âThe Old Detectiveâs Pupil By Nicholas Carter 955âFound in the Jungle By Nicholas Carter 956âThe Mysterious Mail Robbery By Nicholas Carter 957âBroken Bars By Nicholas Carter 958âA Fair Criminal By Nicholas Carter 959âWon by Magic By Nicholas Carter 960âThe Piano Box Mystery By Nicholas Carter 961âThe Man They Held Back By Nicholas Carter 962âA Millionaire Partner By Nicholas Carter 963âA Pressing Peril By Nicholas Carter 964âAn Australian Klondyke By Nicholas Carter 965âThe Sultanâs Pearls By Nicholas Carter 966âThe Double Shuffle Club By Nicholas Carter 967âPaying the Price By Nicholas Carter 968âA Womanâs Hand By Nicholas Carter 969âA Network of Crime By Nicholas Carter 970âAt Thompsonâs Ranch By Nicholas Carter 971âThe Crossed Needles By Nicholas Carter 972âThe Diamond Mine Case By Nicholas Carter 973âBlood Will Tell By Nicholas Carter 974âAn Accidental Password By Nicholas Carter 975âThe Crookâs Bauble By Nicholas Carter 976âTwo Plus Two By Nicholas Carter 977âThe Yellow Label By Nicholas Carter 978âThe Clever Celestial By Nicholas Carter 979âThe Amphitheater Plot By Nicholas Carter 980âGideon Drexelâs Millions By Nicholas Carter 981âDeath in Life By Nicholas Carter 982âA Stolen Identity By Nicholas Carter 983âEvidence by Telephone By Nicholas Carter 984âThe Twelve Tin Boxes By Nicholas Carter 985âClew Against Clew By Nicholas Carter 986âLady Velvet By Nicholas Carter 987âPlaying a Bold Game By Nicholas Carter 988âA Dead Manâs Grip By Nicholas Carter 989âSnarled Identities By Nicholas Carter 990âA Deposit Vault Puzzle By Nicholas Carter 991âThe Crescent Brotherhood By Nicholas Carter 992âThe Stolen Pay Train By Nicholas Carter 993âThe Sea Fox By Nicholas Carter 994âWanted by Two Clients By Nicholas Carter 995âThe Van Alstine Case By Nicholas Carter 996âCheck No. 777 By Nicholas Carter 997âPartners in Peril By Nicholas Carter 998âNick Carterâs Clever ProtÃ©gÃ© By Nicholas Carter 999âThe Sign of the Crossed Knives By Nicholas Carter 1000âThe Man Who Vanished By Nicholas Carter 1001âA Battle for the Right By Nicholas Carter 1002âA Game of Craft By Nicholas Carter 1003âNick Carterâs Retainer By Nicholas Carter 1004âCaught in the Toils By Nicholas Carter 1005âA Broken Bond By Nicholas Carter 1006âThe Crime of the French CafÃ© By Nicholas Carter 1007âThe Man Who Stole Millions By Nicholas Carter 1008âThe Twelve Wise Men By Nicholas Carter 1009âHidden Foes By Nicholas Carter 1010âA Gamblersâ Syndicate By Nicholas Carter 1011âA Chance Discovery By Nicholas Carter 1012âAmong the Counterfeiters By Nicholas Carter 1013âA Threefold Disappearance By Nicholas Carter 1014âAt Odds With Scotland Yard By Nicholas Carter 1015âA Princess of Crime By Nicholas Carter 1016âFound on the Beach By Nicholas Carter 1017âA Spinner of Death By Nicholas Carter 1018âThe Detectiveâs Pretty Neighbor By Nicholas Carter 1019âA Bogus Clew By Nicholas Carter 1020âThe Puzzle of Five Pistols By Nicholas Carter 1021âThe Secret of the Marble Mantel By Nicholas Carter 1022âA Bite of an Apple By Nicholas Carter 1023âA Triple Crime By Nicholas Carter 1024âThe Stolen Race Horse By Nicholas Carter 1025âWildfire By Nicholas Carter 1026âA _Herald_ Personal By Nicholas Carter 1027âThe Finger of Suspicion By Nicholas Carter 1028âThe Crimson Clue By Nicholas Carter 1029âNick Carter Down East By Nicholas Carter 1030âThe Chain of Clues By Nicholas Carter 1031âA Victim of Circumstances By Nicholas Carter 1032âBrought to Bay By Nicholas Carter 1033âThe Dynamite Trap By Nicholas Carter 1034âA Scrap of Black Lace By Nicholas Carter 1035âThe Woman of Evil By Nicholas Carter 1036âA Legacy of Hate By Nicholas Carter 1037âA Trusted Rogue By Nicholas Carter 1038âMan Against Man By Nicholas Carter 1039âThe Demons of the Night By Nicholas Carter 1040âThe Brotherhood of Death By Nicholas Carter 1041âAt the Knifeâs Point By Nicholas Carter 1042âA Cry for Help By Nicholas Carter 1043âA Stroke of Policy By Nicholas Carter 1044âHounded to Death By Nicholas Carter 1045âA Bargain in Crime By Nicholas Carter 1046âThe Fatal Prescription By Nicholas Carter 1047âThe Man of Iron By Nicholas Carter 1048âAn Amazing Scoundrel By Nicholas Carter 1049âThe Chain of Evidence By Nicholas Carter 1050âPaid with Death By Nicholas Carter 1051âA Fight for a Throne By Nicholas Carter 1052âThe Woman of Steel By Nicholas Carter 1053âThe Seal of Death By Nicholas Carter 1054âThe Human Fiend By Nicholas Carter 1055âA Desperate Chance By Nicholas Carter 1056âA Chase in the Dark By Nicholas Carter 1057âThe Snare and the Game By Nicholas Carter 1058âThe Murray Hill Mystery By Nicholas Carter 1059âNick Carterâs Close Call By Nicholas Carter 1060âThe Missing Cotton King By Nicholas Carter 1061âA Game of Plots By Nicholas Carter 1062âThe Prince of Liars By Nicholas Carter 1063âThe Man at the Window By Nicholas Carter 1064âThe Red League By Nicholas Carter 1065âThe Price of a Secret By Nicholas Carter 1066âThe Worst Case on Record By Nicholas Carter 1067âFrom Peril to Peril By Nicholas Carter 1068âThe Seal of Silence By Nicholas Carter 1069âNick Carterâs Chinese Puzzle By Nicholas Carter 1070âA Blackmailerâs Bluff By Nicholas Carter 1071âHeard in the Dark By Nicholas Carter 1072âA Checkmated Scoundrel By Nicholas Carter 1073âThe Cashierâs Secret By Nicholas Carter 1074âBehind a Mask By Nicholas Carter 1075âThe Cloak of Guilt By Nicholas Carter 1076âTwo Villains in One By Nicholas Carter 1077âThe Hot Air Clue By Nicholas Carter 1078âRun to Earth By Nicholas Carter 1079âThe Certified Check By Nicholas Carter 1080âWeaving the Web By Nicholas Carter 1081âBeyond Pursuit By Nicholas Carter 1082âThe Claws of the Tiger By Nicholas Carter In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the books listed below will be issued during the respective months in New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a distance promptly, on account of delays in transportation. To Be Published in July, 1922. 1083âDriven From Cover By Nicholas Carter 1084âA Deal in Diamonds By Nicholas Carter To Be Published in August, 1922. 1085âThe Wizard of the Cue By Nicholas Carter 1086âA Race for Ten Thousand By Nicholas Carter 1087âThe Criminal Link By Nicholas Carter To Be Published in September, 1922. 1088âThe Red Signal By Nicholas Carter 1089âThe Secret Panel By Nicholas Carter To Be Published in October, 1922. 1090âA Bonded Villain By Nicholas Carter 1091âA Move in the Dark By Nicholas Carter To Be Published in November, 1922. 1092âAgainst Desperate Odds By Nicholas Carter 1093âThe Telltale Photographs By Nicholas Carter To Be Published in December, 1922. 1094âThe Ruby Pin By Nicholas Carter 1095âThe Queen of Diamonds By Nicholas Carter To Be Published in January, 1923. 1096âA Broken Trail By Nicholas Carter 1097âAn Ingenious Stratagem By Nicholas Carter SNARLED IDENTITIES OR, A DESPERATE TANGLE BY NICHOLAS CARTER Author of the celebrated stories of Nick Carterâs adventures, which are published exclusively in the NEW MAGNET LIBRARY, conceded to be among the best detective tales ever written. [Illustration] STREET & SMITH CORPORATION PUBLISHERS 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York Copyright, 1916 By STREET & SMITH Snarled Identities (Printed in the United States of America) All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign languages, including the Scandinavian. SNARLED IDENTITIES. CHAPTER I. STARTLING NEWS. Nicholas Carter, and his first assistant, Chickering Carter, had risen early that morning, but not for the usual reason. It was a very unusual occasion in the great detectiveâs household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeksâ vacation in the Adirondacks. The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight oâclock, and many preparations had been deferred until that morning. Now, however, everything was practically ready, their trunk was packed, locked, and strapped, their suit cases were nearly filled, and they had time for a bite of breakfast and a glance at the morning papers, which had thus far been neglected. Nick seemed to be the only one who was interested in the news. In fact, his assistant made a wry face when he saw his chief reaching for one of the papers. âCanât you forget that sort of thing?â he asked, in an injured tone. âI was hoping you would until we got well started, at least.â âWhatâs the trouble?â Nick asked, in a bewildered tone. âOh, I see what you are driving at! You are afraid Iâll see something interesting in the line of crimes and mysteries, and decide at the last minute to stay at home? Is that the idea?â His assistant nodded gloomily. âCorrect,â he answered. âI never know which way you are going to jump, or at what moment. When Iâm trying to get you off for a holiday, especially, I feel the greatest responsibility. You have such a way of changing your mind, and, if you donât, somebody usually bobs up with a case that you find irresistible. Youâve been working your head off for months, and you are run down; you know you are.â Chick grinned. âYou are not exactly at the breaking point yet,â he went on, âbut you are just a little stale, and that wonât do, you know. Any day something may break that will require your keenest brain work, and your last ounce of strength and agility. Of course, things will turn up; of course, youâll have all sorts of calls every day, and if you allow yourself to read the papers, youâll run across plenty of things that will prove fascinating to you. Canât you cut yourself loose, thoughâabsolutely?â âIâve done harder things than that, grandmother,â Nick answered, âbut I really donât see the necessity for that sort of total abstinence. If you think Iâm going to cut out all newspapers for two weeks, youâre very much mistaken. Iâve promised to go, though, and Iâm goingâunless, of course, something turns up that is altogether too big to neglect.â He opened the paper, whereupon Chick gave an exaggerated sigh of resignation. âWhat is to be is to be, I suppose,â the younger detective murmured; âor, in more up-to-date form, she goes as she lays.â It may be inferred, therefore, that he was far from surprised, when his chief gave a startled exclamation a few moments later. âWell,â Chick asked pessimistically, âwhat have you struck now? We are not going away, I suppose?â âOf course we are, you idiot!â Nick answered excitedly. âYouâll agree with me, though, Iâm sure, that it would have been a calamity if we had missed this. It looks as if we had had our last tussle with âGreen-eyeâ Gordon.â Chickâs eyes widened. âWhat do you mean?â he asked. âHas Gordon died in prison?â Nick nodded soberly. âHe was burned to death last night in a fire that destroyed one wing of Clinton Prison,â he replied, his eye hastily running over the rest of the article. Presently the paper was passed to Chick. This, in part, was what the latter read. CHAPTER II. âGREEN-EYEâ GORDON. âShortly after ten oâclock last night fire was discovered in the laundry at Clinton Prison. The blaze spread with surprising rapidity, and as the laundry was in the basement of one of the main wings of three tiers of cells above it, the lives of many of the convicts were soon seen to be in danger. âUnder the circumstances, it is surprising that more lives were not lost, but the best information obtainable at the present time is that three of the inmates were fatally burnedâincluding the clever and infamous Green-eye Gordonâthat many were injured or temporarily overcome, and that one took advantage of the excitement to escape. âAs soon as it was seen that the fire was beyond control, so far as the prisonâs fire-fighting facilities were concerned, and that there was danger of asphyxiation from the dense smoke, the cells of each tier in the threatened wing were unlocked simultaneously, and there was a general exodus of frightened prisoners. The scene defies description, for the delay in opening the cells had given the trapped men an opportunity to work themselves up into a frenzy, and, as a result, the guards were powerless to handle them. âA general jail delivery might have followed if the convicts had realized their power, but fear had driven everything else out of their minds for the time being, and in consequence, only one man, Convict No. 9,371, made his escape. He is known to the world beyond the gray walls as âShangâ Libby, a yegg, who had made his headquarters at Buffalo. Libby must have followed one of the guards when the latter left the inclosure for help, and having waited until the door of freedom had been opened, he quietly struck the guard down and passed through. He was one of those who had hastily dressed himself in the prison uniform and unless he can manage to get other clothing there is no doubt that he will soon be rounded up.â Then followed a long account of the fire, and references to those who had been killed or seriously injured. The article ended with the following: âThe death of Ernest Gordon, widely known as Green-eye Gordon, was the most ignominious one, and hardly in keeping with this notorious criminalâs career. There was nothing spectacular about it. Gordon might have been expected to play a conspicuous part at such a timeâto rally the prisoners for a concerted attempt at escape, for instanceâbut he does not seem to have distinguished himself in any such way. Indeed, it would appear that his daring and initiative left him at the last, for there seems no very good reason for his death, when most of his fellow prisoners escaped. âOf course, some accident must have happened to him, for he was found trodden to death by the others in their bestial rush. His face disfigured beyond recognition. âGordon hailed from New York, and those who know have long classed him as one of the cleverest and most dangerous criminals this country has ever produced. He came of a good family, and was well educated, but early showed a tendency to criminal pursuits. Apparently he reformed, however, and for several years was employed by one of the great detective agencies. âIn this capacity he showed himself to be very able and daring, so much so that he advanced rapidly, and long enjoyed the utmost confidence of his employers. In the end, however, it was learned that he had been using his position for his own ends, and had really never given up his career of crime. He must have known that a storm was brewing, for, as usual, he managed to get away a few jumps ahead. âAfter that, thanks to the invaluable experience he had gained as a detective, he turned his attention to much more ambitious and lucrative pursuits, soon becoming one of the most troublesome thorns in the side of the police of this city and elsewhere. Gordon always was versatile, and handled many kinds of crime with remarkable success. Toward the last, however, he developed something approaching a specialty in the shape of blackmail on a large scale. He seemed to have an uncanny facility for learning the secrets of the wealthy and prominent, and using them for purposes of blackmail. âCrimes of this sort are not easy to establish in a legal way, or to punish, for the victims seldom raise an outcry. Nevertheless, that lifelong foe of crime and criminals, Nicholas Carter, took up the trail, and finally brought Gordon to bay. The capture and trial of two years ago are doubtless fresh in the minds of many newspaper readers. âGordon acquired his nickname of Green Eye from the fact that he had a pair of peculiar, rather nondescript gray eyes, which were said to emit a green light when the man was angry or excited. In addition, his eyes showed an inclination to cross at such times, although perfectly normal at all others. In fact, it is claimed that these distinguishing characteristics more than once served to identify the clever rogue, whose remarkable histrionic ability and skill at make-up would otherwise have enabled him to defy detection.â Of course, neither of the detectives read all of this. They did not need to, for they knew a great deal more about Ernest Gordon than any one else could have told them. Chick followed his chiefâs example in glancing through the article and getting the main points that were new to him. Then he looked up with an odd expression. âWell, it certainly sounds final enough,â he remarked. âI find it hard to believe, though, that Green Eye is dead, and that he died in such a way.â âIt is somewhat difficult to credit it,â Nick agreed. âThatâs the way things frequently happen, though. Fate isnât always dramatic in its methods according to our theatrical standards. No, it seems safe enough to believe that Ernest Gordon wonât give us any more trouble, and I find a certain amount of relief in the thought. Iâm willing to confess now that there were times when I doubted my ability to bring him to account. In other words, I felt myself nearer defeat at his hands than I had ever done in any other case.â The detective pulled out his watch, glanced at it, and threw his napkin aside. âWe must hustle if we are going to catch that train,â he announced. Five minutes later he and Chick were whirled away to the station. Their well-earned vacation had begun, but they were far from carefree. The thought of Ernest Gordon persisted in haunting their minds, and somehow it seemed to dull the edge of their anticipations. CHAPTER III. NOT SO DEAD, AFTER ALL. Two days later a striking-looking, conspicuously well-groomed man presented himself at Nick Carterâs door. He did not give his name, which is not to be wondered at under the circumstances, for the caller was Green-eye Gordonânot his ghost, but the man himself, substantial flesh and blood, escaped convict, and first-class criminal. For once Chickâs intuitions had been keener than his chiefâs. The younger detective had been inclined to question the validity of Gordonâs death in the absence of any more conclusive testimony than that given in the first accounts of the fire. Nick, however, had been in a mood to discourage such skepticismâperhaps because of that relief to which he had confessed. The fact was that it was Green Eye who had escaped, and not the yegg from Buffalo. Gordon had stumbled over the latterâs body during that mad rush for safety. The yegg was by no means dead at the time, but had been overcome by the smoke, and, without a momentâs hesitation, Gordon had determined to profit by the encounter. He had no definite plan, but it was characteristic of him that whereas the others were interested only in escaping the flames, he was looking for the opportunity to escape from the prison itself, and was prepared to profit by every promising circumstance. It occurred to him at once that an exchange of coats would be to his advantage, and he proceeded at once to make the exchange, stripping off the unconscious manâs coat, and putting his own halfway on in place of it. The reason for this may be easily guessed. The gray coatsâfor stripes are no longer in vogue in New York Stateâbore each manâs prison number, and, therefore, by such a simple exchange, identities could be shifted temporarily. Gordonâs number was 39,470, and, of course, it was known to all the keepers and prisoners as standing for the identity of the formidable Green Eye. The other manâs number, on the other hand, had no particular significance, for the yegg was an ordinary criminal, of comparatively little intelligence, who had not made himself conspicuous in any way, either in or out of the prison. Consequently, if there should prove to be later on any reason to believe that Libby was missing, his absence would not be likely to cause any great commotion, for it would be taken for granted that his capture was only a question of time. Gordon had reasoned shrewdly, as usual, and had thus, by his own promptness and resourcefulness, put himself in the way of the luck that subsequently favored him. He had feigned an injury, and had thrown himself down in the prison courtyard, after taking care to stagger close to the main gates, and a shadow of the projecting section of the wall. There he was ignored, for the flames in the burning wing were mounting higher and higher, and all the men were not yet out of it. It was some minutes before Green Eyeâs chance had come, but it did come, as he had felt sure it would. One of the guards rushed past him and approached a small door at one side of the big, double gates. Evidently the man had been sent on some important errand, which would take him outside the prison walls. The keeper looked behind him with a wary eye to make sure that he was not followed. He had fears of a general break for liberty, but apparently no one was paying any attention to him. Therefore he excitedly inserted a key in the lock, and, after some fumbling, opened the door. It was then that Gordon had pounced upon him. One blow had been enough. It caught the unfortunate guard behind the ear and sent him hurtling through the opening. In a moment the convict had followed. Gordon dashed across the road before the vanguard of the crowd from the town had reached the spot, and, dodging through the extensive lumber yard, made his way to the outskirts of Dannemora, his goal being a certain tumble-down, abandoned house. There he found what he soughtâa moisture-proof box of considerable size, containing a complete outfit of clothing, an automatic of the latest model, and no less than five hundred dollars in gold. We have hinted that Ernest Gordon was no ordinary criminal, and the truth of that has doubtless begun to shine through this narrative. Here, at any rate, is striking evidence of it. Green Eye had always preferred to work alone, as many of the most successful criminals have done. He had friends, however, and one of these had carried out his directions. The gates of Clinton Prison had not even closed behind Gordon, when the latter had begun to plan for a possible escape, and the planting of this box played an important part in the arrangement. During his many months in the prison, Green Eye had not succeeded in liberating himself, but now that the fire had enabled him to escape, the box was waiting for him, thanks to his unusual foresight. Thus it was that he had completely eluded pursuit. The authorities were looking for a commonplace, unimaginative yegg, who went by the name of Shang Libby, and who might be expected to retain some, at least, of his prison garments. It is little wonder, therefore, that they failed to capture the polished and superdaring Gordon, who lost no time in starting for New York City in a sleeping car. The fugitiveâs first thought when he reached the metropolis was one of revenge. He had no idea of killing Nick Carter for the part the latter had played in his downfall, for murder had never been in his line. There are many other kinds of revenge, however, and Gordon was determined to avail himself of one or more of them. He wished to humiliate Nick to the utmost, if possible, and, incidentally, to do so in such a way that his success would line his pockets with gold. He had a plan, when he presented himself at Nickâs door, but it was lacking in many details, for these he had decided to leave to the inspiration of the moment. In any case, however, he meant to palm himself off as a would-be client, and, having thus gained the detectiveâs confidence, to proceed with the rest of the scheme, or some modification of it. âIs Mr. Carter in?â he asked anxiously, when the butler opened the door. âNo, sir,â the servant replied, noting with approval the visitorâs apparent prosperity and air of importance. âMr. Carter is out of town at present.â âIs it possible? For how long?â âHe went away day before yesterday, and expected to be absent for two weeks.â âHow unfortunate! I have a case of the utmost importanceâthe sort of thing no one else can handle,â the caller said, with the semblance of profound disappointment. âOne of his assistants might help me to some extent, however, or bring the matter to Mr. Carterâs attention by telegraph.â Again the butler shook his head regretfully. He was being very indiscreet, but he did not suspect it for a moment, owing to the impression the stranger made upon him. âIâm afraid thatâs out of the question, too, sir,â he answered. âThere is no one at home who could attend to you. Itâs the first time it has happened in years.â The stranger seemed greatly distressed. âThis is terrible!â he cried. âI donât know what I shall do if I canât get hold of Mr. Carter. I would be very sorry to break up his vacation, but Iâm sure if he knew the circumstances, he would not hesitate for a moment. Some very prominent people are involved, and, unless something is done speedily, there will be nothing short of a national scandal. Surely, you will give me Mr. Carterâs address, will you not?â The butler hesitatedâand fell. CHAPTER IV. THE DETECTIVEâS âHALFWAY HOUSE.â Chick had been in favor of cutting off all communication with the detectiveâs residence in New York. It was not because he himself felt any great need of a holiday, but rather because he had an exaggerated notion that his chief was badly in need of a change. Nick, however, had vetoed this suggestion, and left things largely to his butlerâs discretion. The butler had been in his service for years, and had shown himself by no means a fool. âIf anything big develops,â Nick had told him, âdo not hesitate to telegraph for me, or have me called on the long distanceâif there isnât time to write. I donât want to miss an important case.â The butler remembered these words nowâand forgot that he did not even know the callerâs name. Carried away by the manâs air of authority, he blurted out the desired information. âMr. Carter is staying at the Buckâs Head Inn, Little Saranac Lake, sir,â he said. âMany thanks! Thatâs all I need. Iâm sure Mr. Carter will respond at once when he hears whatâs in the wind,â Gordon declared importantly, and having made a note of the address, thanked the butler again, and returned to the waiting taxi. Green Eye had seen a great light as a result of the butlerâs incautious revelations, and all his previous plans had been discarded. In their place a new one was growingâa plan that promised to set a record for daring, and to bring the detective nearer to professional shipwreck than he had been in all of his career. The new plan did not involve an interview with Nick. On the contrary, it was built upon the fact that the detective was hundreds of miles away, buried in the woods. Therefore, as may be guessed, Green Eye did not make use of the address the butler had given him. He was quite satisfied to have created the impression that he intended to communicate with Nick at once, and that the latter might return in the course of a day or two. The following morning an individual climbed the stairs leading to one of Nickâs âhalfway houses,â that particular one being on One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Street. Nick Carter maintained a number of these places in different parts of the city, and in each of them he kept several complete changes of clothing and a supply of wigs, false mustaches, beards, make-up articles, and the like. Their mission is perfectly obvious. Under ordinary circumstances, it was safe enough for the detective and his assistants to disguise themselves at home, and to return to their headquarters at their pleasure. When they were handling an unusually delicate case, however, or dealing with exceptionally clever lawbreakers, they found it necessary to take further precautions, and these so-called halfway houses then came in handy. In other words, the secret bases of suppliesâeach of which had two exitsâmade it possible for them to leave and return to their headquarters openly, and without disguise, although the intervening hours might be devoted to the most relentless shadowing, carried on under all sorts of guises. The man who climbed the stairs at the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Street place, therefore, might easily have been Nick in the act of returning from some such expedition. He did not look in the least like the great detective, but that proved nothing, and his actions went far to indicate that he was Nick or one of the latterâs assistants. He boldly approached the door of the room, the location of which did not seem to give him the slightest trouble, despite the fact that there was nothing on the door to guide him. He seemed to have some little difficulty in getting the door open, to be sure; but, after working at the lock for two or three minutes, he gained entrance. Many criminals would have given a great deal to know the location of one of those rooms, but Nick did not dream that one rascal had long since discovered the halfway house in Harlem. The man who had gained entrance by picking the lock was Green-eye Gordon, of course. He had learned of the place shortly before Nick had caught him, two years or more back, and had been more or less uncertain as to the present use of the room. The detective might have given it up in the interval, for all he knew, but he had resolved to put his knowledge to the test, and now he was rewarded, for a glance about the place showed him that it was still employed by the detective. Rows of clothing hung in orderly array on hooks along the walls. At one side there was a long mirror, which enabled one to view oneself from head to feet, and between the windows, at the rear, was a dressing table, which looked as if it might belong to some musical-comedy star, so cluttered was it with make-up materials of all sorts. It was nearly an hour later when Ernest Gordon let himself out, locked the door behind himâafter some further effortâand sauntered downstairs. Another complete transformation had taken place in his appearance. He was no longer the hunted criminal who had escaped from Clinton Prison, no longer the dressy individual who had presented himself at the detectiveâs, the day before, and least of all did he look like the man who had ascended those stairs some fifty minutes previously. Now, to all intents and purposes, he was Nick Carter himself. Not only was he wearing one of the excellent suits the detective kept for his more respectable disguises, but in build, walk, features, and even expression, he was as much like Nick Carter as one pea is like another. His astounding plan had ripened into action. CHAPTER V. IN NICKâS SHOES. The butler happened to be out ordering supplies when the detectiveâs front bell rang, and, as Mrs. Peters, the housekeeper, was near the door, she answered it. On the tip of her tongue she had the answer which she had already given to several inquiriesâthat the detective was out of town. Therefore, her amazement may be imagined when she foundâas she supposedâthat it was Nick himself who was outside. âFor goodnessâ sake, sir!â she ejaculated, starting in surprise. âWhat in the world are you doing back so soon?â The masquerader smiled one of Nickâs characteristically genial smiles. âI was called back, Iâm sorry to say,â he answered, his voice taking on the detectiveâs familiar tones. âJoseph furnished my address yesterday, I believe, and the man he gave it to wired me to come back. The case was so important that I felt I had to. I hope to return, though, in a few days, and, as I have everything here, of course, I didnât bring any baggage.â âWell, I never!â exclaimed the housekeeper. âI feared it would be just like this, but I hoped you would stay this time. Didnât Mr. Chickering come back with you?â âNo, I left him at Little Saranac, but shall send for him if I need him.â As they had been speaking, the housekeeper had instinctively stepped aside, and Gordon had passed her. Now he started up the stairs, in the direction of the study. âYouâll have some lunch ready at the usual time?â he asked, looking back over his shoulder. âOf course, sir,â was the reply; and that was all that was said. If the new arrival had been Nick himself, he would have smilingly apologized to Mrs. Peters for having broken in so unexpectedly upon her well-earned relaxation, but Green Eye was altogether too selfish to think of such things. Thus far he had played his part very well, but there were many pitfalls in his path, and there was no knowing at what moment he might fall into one of them. His eyes were not Nickâs eyes, and his disposition was not Nickâs dispositionâfar from it, in fact. At any moment his innate harshness and tyranny might assert themselves. Moreover, his habits were unlike those of the detective. He smoked much more, for one thing, and he drank. Nick, to be sure, had consumed many a glass of beer and wineâfor effect and under protestâbut he had no real liking for anything of the sort, and no one had had a better opportunity than he to note the evil effects of drink. Naturally, Gordon had resolved to deny himself whenever he was under the eye of those who were familiar with Nickâs habits, but it remained to be seen whether he would succeed in keeping to that resolution. Already he had forgotten one little thing which might have caused him embarrassment, and might still do so, for that matter. He had meant to offer some plausible explanation of his failure to let himself in with a latchkey, but he had forgotten all about it at the time, and now it might seem strange if he brought up the subject. He had not come straight to the house from the changing room on One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Street, but had shown himself in one or two places where Nick was well known, his idea being to see if his disguise would pass inspection elsewhere before submitting himself to the scrutiny of Nickâs household. That had consumed some time; consequently, the luncheon hour was near when he arrived at the house. He was on fire with eagerness to rummage in Nickâs desk, hunt about in his file cases, and rifle his safe, but he knew that he could not accomplish much before lunch, and he did not wish to make himself conspicuous by passing over that meal. Perhaps he could accomplish something, however. With that idea in view, he approached one of the detectiveâs metal file cases. The drawers were locked, but he found a means of opening them, and the drawer he first pulled out was that devoted to the letter âG.â A few moments spent in thumbing over the big cards filed there brought the desired one to light. It was that devoted to himself, and bore, in addition to a lot of closely written information, a photograph and a set of facsimile finger prints. Gordon seemed to take a grim delight in reading the accurate description of himself, and the careful details concerning his career, characteristic methods, and so on. âNot bad!â he muttered presently. âIn fact, itâs a little too true for comfort. I think I shall have to withdraw it.â And going over to the wastebasket, he deliberately tore the card into small bits and dropped them into the receptacle. After that he returned to the file case, fingered over some of the other cards, and then leaned thoughtfully on the opened drawer. âThere are hundreds and thousands of cases recorded here,â he mused, âbut apparently they are not the most important ones, and itâs safe to say that Carter isnât keeping records of his most confidential affairs in such an easily accessible place. I have no doubt I could milk lots of these fellows for tidy little sums, but Iâm after big game just nowânot rabbits.â His gaze strayed in the direction of the detectiveâs safe, and a more calculating look came into his eyes. âI shouldnât be surprised if you hold the records Iâm looking forâor some of them,â he muttered aloud, addressing the big safe. âIf not, you may contain something else of interest. At any rate, Iâm going to find out, the first chance I get.â CHAPTER VI. AN INTERRUPTION. The audacity of Green-eye Gordonâs venture has doubtless been apparent from the beginning, but now the real purpose of his impersonation has begun to be discernible. He was not there in Nick Carterâs shoes, in undisturbed possession of the detectiveâs study, for the mere satisfaction involved in such a daring masquerade. Of course, the experience was a stimulating one, and the clever rascal chuckled to himself every time he pictured Nickâs face when the detective learned the truth. It was something more practical, though, that had brought him there. Naturally, if he succeeded in gaining access to the safe, he would not be above appropriating to his own uses whatever money and valuables he might find there, but his desires even went beyond thatâfar beyond it. He knew that Nick had handled many of the most delicate cases that had ever developed in this country, and was the custodian of more secrets than had come into the possession of any other American. Among those secrets he had no doubt were many of such a nature that those concerned would feel compelled to part with large sums of money, in order that their secrets might be kept. Some of them doubtless were men and women now wealthy or distinguished, who had some secret connected with their past lives which they would go to almost any lengths to keep the world from knowing. In other cases, the guilty might be dead, or unable to pay, but the records would probably give the names of relatives, friends, or former business associates who might be successfully blackmailed. That was itâblackmail on a huge and hitherto unprecedented scale. The accomplished scoundrel had made up his mind that Nick Carterâs records would prove nothing less than a gold mine, and he meant to work that mine for all it was worth in the next week or ten days. Nick might have destroyed the most confidential and dangerous of these records, but Gordon did not believe that to be the case. âThey are too valuable to him in his work,â he told himself. âAnd, even if they were not, the keeping of records gets to be a habit. Of course, he may realize that some of them would be more dangerous than a few tons of dynamite, if they should fall into the wrong hands, and he may have placed the ones of that description in some safe-deposit vault. If he has, that will mean much more trouble, but if I can locate the vault, I ought to be able to trick those in charge of it into giving me access to the box, even if I canât produce the key. Am I not Carter himself, and are not keys lost or mislaid in the best-regulated families? âLetâs hope that wonât be necessary, though. I trust I shall find what I want right in this room.â He was summoned to luncheon then, but he came through the ordeal that followed with flying colors. Joseph, the detectiveâs butler, served him in person, and evidently found nothing more suspicious than Mrs. Peters had done. Gordon still had himself well in hand, and, after the brief greetings were over, little was said. âIâll eat whatâs set before me,â Green Eye had decided. âThe servants are well trained, and ought to know Carterâs likes and dislikes by this time; therefore I canât go far wrong in eating what they serve, whether I like it or not. It wonât be easy to deny myself, and to keep on the alert, but I shall have to pay some penalties, I suppose, for aspiring to be the great and exalted Nick Carter.â And he grinned at the thought. After luncheon the impostor hurried back upstairs, and hunted up a box of Nickâs favorite Havana cigars. A handful of them underwent a careful selection, and a more or less appreciative sniffing before being transferred to his pocket. âNot so bad,â he commented mentally. âA little too dry, though, and Iâve smoked better.â Nevertheless, he did not seem averse to smoking these, one after another. âI shall have to go out before long, I suppose,â he decided. âItâs understood that Iâve been called back on important business, and, as it isnât convenient for my new client to call on me here, Iâll be expected to meet him elsewhere, and to make a noise like action.â That did not deter him, however, from making an immediate descent upon the safe, but he soon found that he would be obliged to defer serious activities in that connection. He had hoped to be able to open the safe by merely putting one ear to the door and listening to the fall of the tumblers in the lock, but five or ten minutesâ effort convinced him that that was out of the question. âIt canât be done with a lock like this,â he concluded, with a muttered imprecation. âIt looks to me as if I would have to force my way in if Iâm going to get in at all. That will be decidedly risky, at best, but I think I can do it quietly enough, and, after itâs over, I ought to be able to find some means of concealing my handiwork. Not just now, though, thanks. Iâll take something a little easier, first.â And with that he turned his attention to the desk. The top had been cleared of its accumulation of papers before the detectiveâs departure, and the drawers were all locked, but Green Eye was provided with certain handy little tools. To be sure, it took two or three minutes to open each drawer, but soon the contents of three or four of them lay at his disposal in plain sight, and he determined to examine these papers and books before opening the other drawers. He was engaged in this absorbing occupation, when the lower bell rang and roused him with a start. âWonder who that is?â he asked himself apprehensively, then shrugged his shoulders. âThis wonât do!â he muttered. âIf Iâm going to be as nervous as a cat at every sound, I had better give up. What difference does it make who it is; Iâm master of the situation.â He listened attentively, and heard Joseph go to the door, after which there was a murmur of voices, followed by steps on the stairs. Presently, the butler knocked and entered. âI thought I told you at luncheon that I was still out of town,â Gordon said angrily. âI came back for this one case, nothing else, and I donât want to be bothered by every Tom, Dick, and Harry.â âI didnât forget, sir, I assure you,â Joseph said apologetically. âItâs Mr. Cray, though, and I felt you would want to make an exception in his case. Thereâs a gentleman with him.â Gordon knew
{'title': 'Snarled Identities; Or, A Desperate Tangle by Nicholas Carter', 'source': 'Project Gutenberg', 'lang': 'en'}