Snarled Identities, Or, A Desperate Tangle

Nicholas Carter

2021年8月 · Otbebookpublishing

电子书

220

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Excerpt: ""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 detective's household, for he and Chick were actually going away for two weeks' vacation in the Adirondacks. The train that was to carry the two to the Great North Woods was scheduled to leave shortly after eight o'clock, 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. "Can't you forget that sort of thing?" he asked, in an injured tone. "I was hoping you would until we got well started, at least." "What's the trouble?" Nick asked, in a bewildered tone. "Oh, I see what you are driving at! You are afraid I'll see something interesting in the line of crimes and mysteries, and decide at the last minute to stay at home? Is that the idea?" His assistant nodded gloomily. "Correct," he answered. "I never know which way you are going to jump, or at what moment. When I'm 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 don't, somebody usually bobs up with a case that you find irresistible. You've been working your head off for months, and you are run down; you know you are." Chick grinned. "You are not exactly at the breaking point yet," he went on, "but you are just a little stale, and that won't 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, you'll have all sorts of calls every day, and if you allow yourself to read the papers, you'll run across plenty of things that will prove fascinating to you. Can't you cut yourself loose, though—absolutely?" "I've done harder things than that, grandmother," Nick answered, "but I really don't see the necessity for that sort of total abstinence. If you think I'm going to cut out all newspapers for two weeks, you're very much mistaken. I've promised to go, though, and I'm going—unless, of course, something turns up that is altogether too big to neglect.""

作者简介

Nicholas Carter, a pseudonym for John R. Coryell, was a prolific American author whose work spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1848, Coryell became a defining figure in the world of dime novels and pulp fiction, a genre that captivated the imaginations of millions during its heyday. His creation of the detective character Nick Carter, a master of disguise and a paragon of justice, revolutionized the detective genre and set the stage for future literary sleuths.Coryell's writing career was marked by a relentless output and a keen sense of the public's appetite for thrilling, fast-paced narratives. His stories often delved into themes of morality, justice, and the triumph of good over evil, resonating with readers in an era of rapid social and technological change. His influence extended beyond literature, as the character of Nick Carter became a cultural icon, inspiring radio shows, films, and comic books.Despite his commercial success, Coryell's work was not without controversy. Critics often dismissed dime novels as lowbrow entertainment, unworthy of serious literary consideration. However, Coryell's ability to craft compelling stories that addressed contemporary issues, such as crime and corruption, challenged these perceptions and highlighted the genre's potential for social commentary.Coryell's legacy endures in the continued popularity of detective fiction and the enduring appeal of the archetypal hero he helped to popularize. His innovative approach to storytelling and character development influenced a generation of writers, including Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, cementing his place in literary history as a pioneer of the modern detective story.