Nick Carter 43-07-12 (014) Death Across the Tracks

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio - Episode Summary

---

Podcast Information

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. The time before television when families gathered around the radio to listen to shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: Nick Carter 43-07-12 (014) Death Across the Tracks
• Release Date: March 31, 2025

---

Episode Summary: Death Across the Tracks

Death Across the Tracks is a thrilling installment of the Harold's Old Time Radio series, featuring the legendary detective Nick Carter. Set against the backdrop of a remote railway station, this episode delves into the mysterious murder of James Fitzpatrick, a railroad detective, unraveling a complex web of deceit, property disputes, and family betrayal.

---

Introduction

The episode opens with the iconic narration introducing Nick Carter as "the most famous of all manhunters" with unparalleled crime-solving abilities. Carter is en route to Midland Junction, a quiet, rural area where the central mystery unfolds.

Notable Quote:

• Nick Carter (00:15): "It's another case for that most famous of all manhunters, the detective whose ability at solving crime is unequalled in the history of detective fiction."

---

The Train Ride and Clue Revelation

During the train journey, Patsy Bowen, Carter's companion, challenges his attention to detail, pointing out an anomaly in the train timetable that suggests the train shouldn’t be stopping at Midland Junction. Carter dismisses her observation initially, hinting at ulterior motives for the unusual stop.

Notable Interaction:

• Patsy Bowen (00:51): "One of your rules is never to overlook an obvious clue."
• Nick Carter (01:05): "We're stopping way out here in the country."

This exchange establishes the dynamics between Carter and Patsy, highlighting Patsy's keen observational skills and Carter's confident demeanor.

---

Arrival at Midland Junction and Sheriff Baybrook

Upon arrival, a surprising revelation occurs: Nick Carter is also Sheriff Baybrook, the local law enforcement officer. This dual identity positions Carter uniquely within the community, giving him both outsider and insider perspectives.

Quote:

• Nick Carter (02:50): "You'll find me quite ready to cooperate with the local sheriff from the moment I meet him."

This twist adds depth to Carter’s character, showcasing his multifaceted role in solving the case.

---

The Murder of James Fitzpatrick

Carter and Patsy visit the railroad station, the crime scene where James Fitzpatrick was tragically killed. Fitzpatrick, who was investigating a series of freight car robberies, was shot with a rifle from a passing night freight, raising questions about the motive and the perpetrator.

Key Details:

• Weapon: Mahan powered Mannlicher rifle (04:14)
• Circumstances: Fitzpatrick was tracking Weasel Taggart and his gang, believed to be responsible for numerous freight car robberies (04:39).

Notable Quote:

• John Carter (04:14): "A revolver bullet, Sheriff?"
• Sheriff Baybrook (04:15): "No, rifle bullet. The Mahan powered Mannlicher rifle. A firearms expert identified it this morning."

These details set the stage for unraveling the intricate connections between the characters and the underlying motives behind the murder.

---

Conflict Between Baybrook and Halsey

Through conversations with Mary Fitzpatrick and visits to Jeremiah Halsey's General Store, Carter uncovers tension between Sheriff Baybrook and Halsey, who owns most of the land in the county except for the railway's right of way. Their rivalry over property and control adds another layer of complexity to the case.

Key Insights:

• Mary Fitzpatrick (03:37): "This isn't a matter for sympathy. ... It’s my duty to help to find the murderer."
• Nick Carter (08:32): "Well, that depends on the property, Mr. Hosey."

The rivalry suggests potential motives for both Halsey and Baybrook, intertwining personal vendettas with professional responsibilities.

---

Introduction of Tom Prentice

A critical turn in the investigation introduces Tom Prentice, Mary Fitzpatrick’s brother, who recently served time for embezzlement. Tom's involvement becomes suspicious, especially after Charlie, Mary’s son, inadvertently reveals his presence and actions during the night of the murder.

Notable Quote:

• Tom Prentice (14:14): "I heard the gunshot... I wanted to hop the freight and try to catch."

Tom’s motivations and actions hint at deeper familial conflicts and possible revenge against those he holds responsible for his predicament.

---

Climactic Confrontation and Resolution

The episode builds to a dramatic confrontation as Tom Prentice attempts to escape justice by fleeing on a freight train. A gun battle ensues, resulting in Tom being wounded and ultimately revealing his connection to Sheriff Baybrook’s schemes against Fitzpatrick.

Key Exchange:

• Roger Baybrook (14:22): "You were on it, Prentice."

This revelation ties together the disparate threads of property disputes, criminal activities, and personal vendettas, resolving the central mystery with Carter's sharp detective work.

---

Conclusion

Death Across the Tracks masterfully weaves a tale of mystery, betrayal, and redemption. Nick Carter’s dual role as both detective and sheriff allows him to navigate the intricate relationships and hidden motives that ultimately lead to solving the murder of James Fitzpatrick. The episode exemplifies the charm and suspense of Golden Age radio dramas, keeping listeners engaged through rich character development and compelling storytelling.

---

Key Themes and Insights

• Dual Roles: Nick Carter’s position as both detective and sheriff underscores themes of authority and responsibility within a tight-knit community.
• Property and Power Struggles: The conflict over land ownership and railway control highlights the lengths individuals will go to secure power and influence.
• Family and Betrayal: Tom Prentice’s actions reveal the complexities of familial loyalty and the devastating impact of betrayal.
• Classic Detective Work: The episode showcases traditional detective techniques, emphasizing observation, deduction, and interpersonal interactions to solve complex cases.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nick Carter (00:15): "It's another case for that most famous of all manhunters, the detective whose ability at solving crime is unequalled in the history of detective fiction."

• Patsy Bowen (00:51): "One of your rules is never to overlook an obvious clue."

• Nick Carter (01:05): "We're stopping way out here in the country."

• Nick Carter (02:50): "You'll find me quite ready to cooperate with the local sheriff from the moment I meet him."

• Mary Fitzpatrick (03:37): "This isn't a matter for sympathy. ... It’s my duty to help to find the murderer."

• Tom Prentice (14:14): "I heard the gunshot... I wanted to hop the freight and try to catch."

• Roger Baybrook (14:22): "You were on it, Prentice."

---

This episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic radio mysteries, blending suspense, intricate plotting, and memorable characters to deliver an unforgettable listening experience.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Calling Nick Carter. Another case for Nick Carter, master detective.

[Nick Carter]

Yes, it's another case for that most famous of all manhunters, the detective whose ability at solving crime is unequalled in the history of detective fiction. Nick Carter, Master detective. Tonight's curious adventure is Death across the.

[Narrator]

Track or Dick Carter and the Mystery of the night freight.

[Patsy Bowen]

Well, Mr. Nicholas Carter, I've learned one thing about you during this long, long.

[Nick Carter]

Train ride that's interesting, Patsy. Provided it doesn't reflect upon my ability as a detective.

[Patsy Bowen]

But it does, mister. One of your rules is never to overlook an obvious clue.

[Nick Carter]

Quite right, Betsy.

[Patsy Bowen]

Well, this time you've missed one.

[Nick Carter]

But we're not in the case yet, Betsy. Until we arrive at Midland Junction, I don't start to investigate the murder of James Fitzpatrick, the railroad detective. But when we get off at Midland Junction, then I'll be a big john.

[Patsy Bowen]

We aren't going to get off at Midland Junction. You overlook the very obvious clue that's printed right here in this timetable. Yes, yes. This train doesn't stop at Midland Junction. How are we stopping way out here in the country?

[Nick Carter]

Because Midland Junction happens to be way out in the country.

[Patsy Bowen]

They're stopping the Limited just for us.

[Nick Carter]

Just for us, Patsy. You see, the clue you found is counteracted by another you didn't know about. And that is that I happen to be handling this case for the Midland and Eastern Railway. It was their best detective who was murdered. They called on me to pick up where he left off. Well, come along, Patsy. This is where we get off.

[Patsy Bowen]

Okay, I'm coming.

[Nick Carter]

Watch that high step.

[Patsy Bowen]

Thank you.

[Roger Baybrook]

You're Mr. Carter?

[Nick Carter]

That's right. And this is Ms. Patsy Boone.

[Roger Baybrook]

How do you do?

[Patsy Bowen]

How do you do?

[Roger Baybrook]

I'm Roger Baybrook. I'll talk to you about the case after the limiter pulls out. Stay right here until I come back.

[Narrator]

What?

[Patsy Bowen]

Roger Baybrook. I've heard of him, Nick.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Isn't he that big real estate man.

[Patsy Bowen]

Who bought up a whole county just so he could run it the way he wanted to?

[Nick Carter]

That's right, Patsy. And this happens to be the county. He owns nearly everything in it except the right of way of the Midland and Eastern Railway. We just came in.

[Patsy Bowen]

Look at all those men with shotguns Babel's bringing back from that water tank.

[Nick Carter]

They're deputies, Bachelor. Probably out looking for the man who murdered James Fitzpatrick.

[Patsy Bowen]

I suppose one of them is the sheriff. They all look dumb enough. Why is it, Nick, that whenever we land half a mile from nowhere, we always find a hick sheriff who thinks we can give lessons to the great Nick Carter.

[Nick Carter]

That's really the exception rather than the rule, Patsy.

[Roger Baybrook]

I hope that rule won't apply in this case, Ms. Bowen.

[Patsy Bowen]

Oh, you. You startle me, Mr. Baybrook.

[Nick Carter]

Don't mind Patsy. Mr. Baybrook, you'll find me quite ready to cooperate with the local sheriff from the moment I meet him.

[Roger Baybrook]

You've already met him, Mr. Carter.

[Patsy Bowen]

You mean that you're the sheriff?

[Nick Carter]

You see Mr. Bay Brooks badge, don't you Patsy?

[Patsy Bowen]

Oh yes, sure.

[Roger Baybrook]

Mr. Carter. I shall now give you the details of the murder of James Fitzpatrick. Let's go into the railroad station. That's where it happened.

[Nick Carter]

All right, Sheriff.

[Roger Baybrook]

Hello, Mrs. Fitzpatrick.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

How do you do, Sheriff Baybrook?

[Roger Baybrook]

Ms. Fitzpatrick, this is Mr. Nicholas Carter. He's taking charge of the case.

[Nick Carter]

How do you do?

[Roger Baybrook]

After I've shown him the scene of the death. I shan't annoy you further.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

This isn't a matter for sympathy. I'm the station agent here, taking my husband's place while he's in the army. Jim Fitzpatrick happened to be my brother in law. But as far as his death is concerned, I regard him strictly as a railroad detective who was killed on these premises. So of course it's my duty to help to find the murderer.

[Roger Baybrook]

And mine too, Mrs. Fitzpatrick. Here's the office where it happened, Mr. Carter. James Fitzpatrick was seated in that chair with his back toward the window.

[Nick Carter]

I see.

[Roger Baybrook]

The night freight had just taken on water at the water tank about 100 yards up the track and was passing by the station. A shot was fired from about the middle of the train. The bullet smashed the window and found its mark in Fitzpatrick's back.

[Nick Carter]

A revolver bullet, Sheriff?

[Roger Baybrook]

No, rifle bullet. The Maha powered Mannlicher rifle. A firearms expert identified it this morning.

[Nick Carter]

I see. And what was the speed of the train as it passed the station? About 20 miles an hour.

[Roger Baybrook]

Well, that or a trifle less. There are about 30 boxcars, each fully loaded and sealed. The assassin must have been perched between two of those cars.

[Nick Carter]

Yes, undoubtedly the top of a boxcar would be well above the level of the window.

[Roger Baybrook]

Precisely.

[Nick Carter]

Well, Sheriff, have you any suspects?

[Roger Baybrook]

Yes. My deputies are looking for Weasel Taggart and his gang of freight car thieves. We feel sure they've been responsible for the epidemic of freight car robberies we've had around here.

[Nick Carter]

Had Jim Fitzpatrick connected Weasel with those robberies?

[Roger Baybrook]

Yes, he had. We feel sure that's why Weasel killed him. I'm going to make it my job to scour the country for Weasel and his gang. Well, you can handle the rest of it. Goodbye.

[Nick Carter]

Goodbye. Well, he's a funny bird.

[Charlie]

One, two, three, four people, Mommy.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Counting you and me oh, Hi, Charlie.

[Charlie]

If Mr. Baybrook hadn't gone away, there'd be five people here. But now there's only four of us. Well, but there'll be five again when Uncle Jim comes in. If he brings in Weasel, there'll be six. When is Uncle Jim gonna bring in Weasel with those handcuffs he showed me, Mommy?

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

I don't know, Charlie.

[Patsy Bowen]

Do you like to count, Charlie? Sure.

[Charlie]

Yes, I like to count all kinds of things, especially freight cars.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Now, come along, Charlie, now, get your supper ready. Oh, call me if you need me, Mr. Carter.

[Patsy Bowen]

I've really got to see.

[Nick Carter]

Quite all right, I will.

[Patsy Bowen]

He's a bright little chap, isn't he, Nick?

[Nick Carter]

Yes, and he's established one point for us, Patsy. Before he was killed, Jim Fitzpatrick was on the trail of Weasel Taggart and expected to get him. Oh, you better answer that, Patsy.

[Patsy Bowen]

All right. Hello.

[Scubby Wilson]

Hello, Miss Special Privilege.

[Narrator]

How does it feel to have a.

[Scubby Wilson]

Limited stop for you?

[Patsy Bowen]

Scobby Wilson? But how? When?

[Nick Carter]

Scubby came ahead of us on the early local, Patsy. At present, I take it, he's over in Halsey's General Store, that being the only building visible on the other side of the tracks.

[Narrator]

Is that Nick talking, Patsy?

[Patsy Bowen]

Yes. He deduces that you're at Halsey Store.

[Scubby Wilson]

Right. Come on over if you're still hungry.

[Patsy Bowen]

Hungry? Well, how'd you know I was hungry?

[Narrator]

Because you always are.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Uh.

[Scubby Wilson]

Oh, well, bring Nick along with you. And while you're eating, he can talk to Jeremiah Halsey, the Encyclopedia of Midland Junction. If Nick can sort out the clues that Halsey hands him, he'll have this case right in his pocket.

[Patsy Bowen]

We'll be right over, Scobby.

[Nick Carter]

Hello, Scabby.

[Scubby Wilson]

Oh, hi, Nick. Mr. Halsey. My friends, the intelligent one is Nick Carter, and the beautiful one is Miss Patsy Bowen.

[Patsy Bowen]

Oh, Scobby, how do?

[Narrator]

Glad to see you.

[Nick Carter]

How do you do?

[Narrator]

Come in, Sid.

[Scubby Wilson]

Mr. Halsey owns this general store, Nick. It's the only store around here.

[Narrator]

Well, I may own it now, but if Weasel Taggart has his way about it, I may not own it long. Weasel's tried three times now to steal my stock away from me. Maybe next time he'll succeed.

[Scubby Wilson]

Come on, Patsy, the food department is over here.

[Patsy Bowen]

You don't have to ask me twice.

[Nick Carter]

Tell me, Mr. Hosey, when did Weasel Taggart try to rob your store?

[Narrator]

Oh, three different times. Only I'm not expecting them again until they rob some more freight cars.

[Nick Carter]

What's the connection?

[Narrator]

Oh, by the way, miss, there's some good pies on that top shelf in the bakery department. Apple 10 cents and cherry 15.

[Patsy Bowen]

Okay.

[Narrator]

Yes, Mr. Carter. Every time Weasel's gang robbed some freight cars, Jim Fitzpatrick got together a bunch of deputies and went out hunting them.

[Nick Carter]

I see.

[Narrator]

And that left nobody here about, so they tried to rob my store.

[Nick Carter]

And what did you do about it?

[Narrator]

Well, scared them off every time. Just outsmarted them. That's what you got to do with people who try to take what belongs to you. Now, take Roger Baybrook, for instance. From the first day I saw him, I knew he wanted to buy up this whole county. So I went ahead and bought up a lot of property myself. I knew just what he wanted and I sort of tried to beat him to it. Well, we did a lot of buying and selling, him and me. And after it was all over, Babrook owned 10 times the amount of property that I did, but it cost him a hundred times more. Now, who would you say was the smarter?

[Nick Carter]

Well, that depends on the property, Mr. Hosey. But if your story is correct, Baybrook did pay too much for that old right away belonging to the Midland. And Easter.

[Narrator]

Well, he wanted it because it ran across the middle of his farm. He could have got it free if the franchise hadn't been renewed. That's what he was waiting for after young Tom Prentice tipped him off to it. Only Jim Fitzpatrick found out his game and blocked it.

[Nick Carter]

And how did Baybrook feel toward Jim Fitzpatrick after that?

[Narrator]

Well, he was mad enough to murder him, only he didn't say so. Babook just swore he'd get eaten with a railroad. And he has. By getting himself elected sheriff. He's after him. Every time a cow gets killed on their tracks, it'll cost them more in damage suits than he pays them for that strip of land.

[Nick Carter]

Mr. Holdsing. Get it back to Jim Fitzpatrick.

[Narrator]

No, no, no, no. Don't jump @ false conclusions, Ms. Carter. I didn't say Babe actually threatened Jim. You heard me mention Tom Prentice. Yes, well, he's Mary Fitzpatrick's brother. He worked for the railroad and embezzled some of their funds, so he told Baybrook about the right of way, hoping Baybrook would pay him for the information.

[Nick Carter]

I suppose Jim found out about that too.

[Narrator]

Oh, of course. And Tom wouldn't pay the money, so he went to jail. Here, here, here, you can't eat all those cherry pies. I'm saving that last one for Mary Fitzpattery. Here, come on now, hand it over. Eat a couple Apples and see it. Be right back, folks. I'm going into the shipping department for a paper bag.

[Scubby Wilson]

Well, Nick, did the local encyclopedia turn out to be a gold mine?

[Nick Carter]

I was just striking pay dirt, Stubby, when he got sidetracked on those cherry pies.

[Patsy Bowen]

I'd say this store was a gold mine. Gosh, it's as big as a barn. That's filled with just about everything.

[Scubby Wilson]

Everything except customers. Patsy, if I hadn't been around, Halsey would have been alone all afternoon.

[Patsy Bowen]

And why in the world did they keep all this big?

[Scubby Wilson]

A big stock brings a big trade. That's the motto Halsey keeps quoting. He's forgotten that half his customers have moved away since Baybrook brought up this land.

[Narrator]

Well, back again, folks, with a pie all wrapped up for Mary. Oh, that reminds me, Ms. Carter. I was telling you about her brother, Tom Prentice.

[Nick Carter]

Yes? How long ago did Tom go to prison?

[Narrator]

Well, I can't exactly say, Ms. Carter, but I can tell you how long he's been out and that. Since yesterday.

[Nick Carter]

Oh, yes. Seen him?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. Right here in this store. Stop. Say hello like he just been back from a trip. But let's get over to the station before the night freight comes along and blocks us off. It's kind of dark, and if you want the flashlights, I got some nice 69 centers in the hardware department.

[Nick Carter]

I have my own light, thanks. Come on, kid.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Hello?

[Patsy Bowen]

This is Fitzpatrick. We're back.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Hello.

[Patsy Bowen]

Mr. Halsey will be along in a few minutes with a friend of ours, Scubby Wilson.

[Charlie]

Hello, Mr. Carter.

[Nick Carter]

Well, hello there, Charlie.

[Patsy Bowen]

Hello there, Charlie.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

I told you to stay in bed.

[Charlie]

But I have to work, Mommy. If Uncle Jim isn't here, I've got to count the freight cars and report.

[Narrator]

How high can you count, Charlie?

[Charlie]

Gee, I only counted a 20 last night. Then Molly yelled and awful loud. Are you gonna yell tonight, Mommy?

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

No, dear. Now run back to bed. Hurry now. You can count the cause while you're in bed. The big freight is just about started.

[Charlie]

Okay.

[Narrator]

Hello, Mr. Holiday. Oh, hello, Charlie. Hi, Mary. Hello there. Thought you told me you like cherry pie, so I brought one along for you.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

Say, just got a good idea. Maybe Mr. Carter ought to look over those bills of Layton and other papers Jim used to keep. Yeah, you might find a clue there. Are they still in Jim's desk?

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Well, either there or in the safe.

[Narrator]

Come on, Ms. Scott, let's go into the office. You can try what's in the desk first.

[Nick Carter]

All right.

[Narrator]

There they are, right there.

[Nick Carter]

Don't imagine there's Much here that can.

[Narrator]

Help you can't tell you might find something.

[Nick Carter]

No, Mr. Halsey. Afraid there's nothing here in the desk that I can use.

[Narrator]

You're sure? Now, Carter, did you look real careful through that pile of papers in the wire basket?

[Nick Carter]

Yes, I did. What about that old safe in the corner, Mrs. Fitzpatrick? Maybe they're in there.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Well, I don't know the combination, Mr. Carter. You never gave it to me.

[Patsy Bowen]

Don't let that worry you, Mrs. Fitzpatrick. Nick opens safe doors almost as easily as you open an ice box.

[Nick Carter]

Well, I'll go and give it a try anyway.

[Narrator]

Killer's out there again. Riding the brakes like it did last night.

[Charlie]

Are you heard me?

[Nick Carter]

No, Betsy. If I hadn't gotten up in that desk just when I did, that bullet would have gone right through my head.

[Narrator]

We got to stop that freight. The killer's on it.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

I'll tell her station to flag it down.

[Narrator]

Have him get the chance search tree.

[Nick Carter]

That won't do any good. The killer will jump off as soon as the train gets out of town.

[Charlie]

There must be some way of catching him, Nick.

[Narrator]

Hey, you hear that? A brook dep must cornered him.

[Nick Carter]

Let's get out there and find out what's happening.

[Narrator]

Careful, he's got a gun.

[Patsy Bowen]

There are the deputies, Nick, crouching behind that pile of railroad ties.

[Narrator]

You down there, toss out your gun and come up with your hands raised. I have no gun. I'll come out like you want, but don't shoot. How much? You won't shoot if you ain't lying about that gun. Just keep your hands in the air and you won't get hurt. Okay, I'm coming out. Keep reaching. Come out of here. Don't take all night. You shot me in the leg. We ought to put another bullet for your heart, you daddy killer. I'm not the killer. Hey. Hey. You know who that is? Yeah. Tom Prentice.

[Nick Carter]

Is it your brother, Mrs. Fitzpatrick?

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Yes. After what happened last night, I made him hide in my attic. Well, why didn't you tell us? I was afraid he'd be blamed for killing Jim.

[Nick Carter]

Well, never mind explanations now. He's been shot. He needs a doctor.

[Patsy Bowen]

I'll go call one yet.

[Mary Fitzpatrick]

Tom, why did you leave the station? Why didn't you stay where you were?

[Narrator]

I heard the gunshot, Mary. The freight was passing and I knew.

[Nick Carter]

The killer was on it.

[Narrator]

I wanted to hop the freight and try to catch. You thought the killer was on it. Now that's a hot one.

[Roger Baybrook]

You were on it, Prentice.

[Narrator]

If our bullets hadn't made it hot for you. You'd still be on it. I had just hopped on when you started shooting. I tell you, I was going to try to find him.

[Nick Carter]

Hey.

[Narrator]

Hey.

[Roger Baybrook]

What's happened? What's going on here?