
Nick Carter 43-08-02 (017) Murder in the Crypt
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Styles MacKenzie
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Nick Carter
Calling Nick Carter. Another case for Nick Carter, Master detective. Yes, it's another case for that most famous of all manhunters, the detective whose ability at solving crime is unequaled in the history of detective fiction. Nick Carter, Master Detective. This week's curious adventure is Murder in the Crypto.
Nick Carter and the Jack of God.
Professor Glidden
There. You'll never know that I came here this time any more than you did the other times I was here. Those footsteps coming this way.
Dr. Waldemar
It.
Lieutenant Ranish
It's Anubis. Anubis? Oh, it can't be.
Dr. Waldemar
I am Anubis, guardian of the dead.
Lieutenant Ranish
No, No. I must be dreaming.
Dr. Waldemar
I am Anubis, the Jackal God.
Nick Carter
But you're not.
Madam Daklar
No, no.
Dr. Waldemar
Three scarabs from Abydos. Condition good. Come in.
Lieutenant Ranish
Are you Dr. Valdemar?
Dr. Waldemar
I am.
Lieutenant Ranish
I'm Lieutenant Ranish from headquarters. You called me about a museum guard who disappeared.
Dr. Waldemar
Of course, of course. It's about Shelby, the chief attendant here at the Egyptian Museum.
Lieutenant Ranish
Where and when did this Shelby disappear, Doctor?
Dr. Waldemar
He failed to report to me as usual, before leaving last night. The guards on the door say he did not leave the building. We've hunted everywhere for him, but we haven't found him.
Lieutenant Ranish
Oh, you've hunted everywhere, have you?
Dr. Waldemar
Yes, Lieutenant. Everywhere except in the crypt of Snaprut.
Lieutenant Ranish
Of who?
Dr. Waldemar
The crypt of Sne. An Egyptian king of the fourth dynasty.
Lieutenant Ranish
Where is this crypt? In the basement?
Dr. Waldemar
No. It's on the second floor, directly above this office. It was installed especially before Professor Glidden. The archaeologist. He alone has access to the crypto. It has a special lock on the door.
Lieutenant Ranish
Oh, you mean he has the only key?
Nick Carter
Precisely.
Dr. Waldemar
I called Professor Glidden's apartment a while ago, but he did not answer. I presume he is on his way down here now. I hope he can shed some light on this mystery.
Patsy Bowen
Nick, isn't this the Egyptian Museum across the road?
Nick Carter
Yes, Patsy, it is. Never been in.
Patsy Bowen
It looks too much like a mausoleum for me. Are we going in to look at the mummy?
Nick Carter
That, Patsy, depends entirely upon Professor Glidden. Who's he that bearded man who is beckoning to us in the doorway of the museum.
Patsy Bowen
Oh, I see him. Is he a client of yours?
Dr. Waldemar
Yes.
Nick Carter
He phoned just before you arrived at the office Is mine.
Patsy Bowen
What does he want?
Nick Carter
That I don't know. Patty. Suppose we join him and find out. And you say, professor, that the archaeological Society gave Dr. Waldemar the money to complete the museum?
Professor Glidden
Yes, Mr. Carter. Provided that he would install a special crypto where I could place the relics from the tomb of King Sneferu for examination and classification.
Patsy Bowen
So the crypt is officially your property.
Professor Glidden
For the present guest. When my work is finished, it will be open to the public.
Nick Carter
I see. And just where do I come in?
Professor Glidden
I want you, Mr. Carter, to be present when we search the crypt so there will be no question that Shelby is not there.
Nick Carter
This is Dr. Waldemar's office? It is?
Dr. Waldemar
Oh, good morning, Gooden. This is Lieutenant Riley from Headquarters.
Nick Carter
Hello there, Lieutenant Riley.
Lieutenant Ranish
Nicholas Carter and Patsy too.
Nick Carter
We haven't seen each other for a.
Lieutenant Ranish
Long while now don't tell me that you're looking for this man Shelby too, Nick.
Nick Carter
I am Riley, at the request of Professor Glidden. So, since Dr. Waldemar has asked you to perform the same service, Riley, why don't we work together?
Lieutenant Ranish
We're glad to, Nick.
Nick Carter
Fine. Though you wouldn't object if Lieutenant Riley helped search the crypt, would you, Professor?
Professor Glidden
Not at all.
Nick Carter
Well, Riley, shall we adjourn to the crypt?
Lieutenant Ranish
Right, Nick. The crypt is on the second floor right over this office.
Dr. Waldemar
Come, come, Glidden, unlock the door.
Professor Glidden
This is an intricate lock, Waldemar. It takes careful handling of the key.
Nick Carter
There. Where's the light switch, Professor Glidden?
Professor Glidden
Just inside the door to the right.
Nick Carter
Very well, I'll.
Lieutenant Ranish
Would you look at that Now I never saw a statue to resemble that beast. The body of a man and the head of a dog.
Dr. Waldemar
It has.
Nick Carter
I'd call it the head of a jackal, Riley. Am I right, Professor Glidden?
Professor Glidden
You are, Mr. Carter. That bronze statue is a life size figure of Anubis. Jackal Guard Anubis was the guardian of the dead and his statue was set at the entrance of ancient tombs to keep out thieves.
Patsy Bowen
Jackal face is enough to scare anyone away.
Nick Carter
Come along, Riley. Let's look around inside the crypt.
Lieutenant Ranish
Okay.
Nick Carter
Well, here's a mummy case which I suppose contains old King's Nephru in person.
Professor Glidden
Quite right, Mr. Carter.
Lieutenant Ranish
Now here's the old boy throne. It looks like the original Morris Chair. Well, let's see.
Nick Carter
There's nobody hiding under It, Riley.
Lieutenant Ranish
Okay, Nick.
Nick Carter
See?
Lieutenant Ranish
Now look over there in the alcove over behind the statue. What is it? In the ancient Egyptian bathtub that, Riley, is a sarcophagus.
Nick Carter
A stone coffin. The one that once contained the money case we just saw.
Lieutenant Ranish
Gosh, now it's a big thing now, ain't it? What's all this crazy writing on the front of it?
Nick Carter
Those are hieroglyphics. Rally inscriptions about old King Snap.
Lieutenant Ranish
What's inside this thing, Nick?
Nick Carter
Oh, probably nothing now, Ry.
Dr. Waldemar
Just the big.
Professor Glidden
Oh.
Lieutenant Ranish
What is it, Nick?
Nick Carter
This cock is not empty, rather. Huh? Shelby's in it and he's dead.
Professor Glidden
Once again, Lieutenant Riley, I must reply that I know nothing of this matter. As I've told you, I scarcely knew Shelby.
Nick Carter
Now look here, Riley. Your evidence against my client is purely circumstantial.
Lieutenant Ranish
Nick, it's a disgrace to the memory of old Sim Carter. The way his one and only son tries to misinterpret the bald facts.
Nick Carter
The bald facts in this case is this, Riley. You have no proof that Professor Glinton even came to this museum last night.
Lieutenant Ranish
Look, all I want is one more bit of circumstance, Nick. Dr. Waldemar, can you think of anything else that might be will interest him in this case?
Dr. Waldemar
Now, let me see.
Patsy Bowen
Look, Nick, a strange woman coming down.
Madam Daklar
The corridor towards us.
Nick Carter
She looks like something revived from ancient Egypt.
Madam Daklar
Walks like a cat. You can't hear the slightest footsteps.
Nick Carter
Quiet, Patsy. She's stopping close enough to overhear us.
Dr. Waldemar
Lieutenant Riley, I have it. Ask the professor just how he knew that Shelby was missing when he telephoned Carter this morning.
Madam Daklar
I shall answer that question. Question? Dr. Waldemar.
Lieutenant Ranish
Say, where did you come from? Who is this lady?
Dr. Waldemar
Dr. Waldemar, allow me to introduce Madam Daklar, our librarian.
Nick Carter
Oh, you have a library in this museum?
Dr. Waldemar
Oh, yes. The library is in the other wing, near the elevator.
Madam Daklar
I was the person who informed Professor Glidden that Shelby was missing. I telephoned him this morning after the search began.
Nick Carter
And Professor Glidden telephoned me rarely, asking me to come here to protect his interests, which I have so far tried to do.
Dr. Waldemar
Madame Dakla comes from Cairo. He's an Egyptian well versed in ancient lore and legend.
Patsy Bowen
Madame d'Acla, do you really believe those old Egyptian legends?
Madam Daklar
I must believe them with my own eyes. I have seen the living Anubis walk through the corridors of this museum.
Patsy Bowen
But that statue couldn't possibly get out of a lost crypt.
Madam Daklar
To Anubis, anything is possible. It is his duty to guard the treasure in the crypt.
Nick Carter
What Treasure, Madame Dakla.
Madam Daklar
Treasure that is found in the tomb of every Egyptian king. Anubis, the avenging Jackal God, knew that the museum God, Shelby, sought the treasure. So Anubis thought Shelby and killed him and put his body in the crypt as a warning. Anubis is all powerful.
Nick Carter
You mean you've actually seen this Jackal card walking around this museum recently?
Madam Daklar
Anubis, the guardian of the dead, leaves the crypt of King Sneferu and prowls these corridors every night. I have seen him do it. Gosh.
Dr. Waldemar
That will be all, Madam Dakla. Thank you very much for coming.
Lieutenant Ranish
Nick, suppose we go through that crypt again and see what we can learn.
Nick Carter
An excellent suggestion, Riley. Patsy, suppose you go around and wait in the library with Madame Delka. We'll join you there later.
Lieutenant Ranish
Ah. Nick, this crypt is as solid as a rock. We've tested every inch of floor and walls and ceiling here.
Professor Glidden
Yes, Riley.
Nick Carter
Every spot we've tapped seems to be solid stone or concrete.
Lieutenant Ranish
Nick, suppose we check those measurements again, eh?
Nick Carter
Oh, no use in that, riley. The room's 30 by 30 with 4ft out for the door on one side and 8ft out for the alcove on the other.
Lieutenant Ranish
How big did you say that sarcophagus was, Nick?
Nick Carter
It's eight feet long and six feet wide. Practically the same size as the alcove it's standing in. And it's 4ft 6 inches high. Why?
Lieutenant Ranish
And I was just thinking, Nick, that's an awful big chunk of rock there.
Nick Carter
Well, Professor Glidden says this one weighs over 1100 pounds.
Lieutenant Ranish
It's over half a ton. This goes to show that the floor in this crypt must be solid to support such a weight day in and day out.
Nick Carter
There's an answer to this case somewhere, Raleigh, even if I don't know yet where it is. Come on, let's get back to the office.
Lieutenant Ranish
If I'd followed my better judgment, I'd have locked Professor Glidden in a jail cell first.
Nick Carter
He wouldn't be wise just yet.
Madam Daklar
Rally.
Lieutenant Ranish
You're wrong there, Nick, and I'll tell you why. This door here is the only way in and out of that crypt. And this crypto key, the only key there is now belonged to Professor Glidden.
Nick Carter
Riley, I want to learn the motive behind Shelby's murder. There were some strange things going on around this museum.
Dr. Waldemar
Three ancient banquets, one jar perfume. Come in, come in. Oh, it's you, Scotter. Ms. Bowen.
Nick Carter
Yes.
Dr. Waldemar
Well, are you convinced that only Glidden could have entered that crypt upstairs?
Nick Carter
I never like to accept the obvious, Dr. Wallabar?
Dr. Waldemar
Oh, there goes the closing bell. I must put these Egyptian relics back in the vault.
Nick Carter
Oh, they're right ahead.
Patsy Bowen
A large Vault, that is, Dr. Waldemar?
Dr. Waldemar
Yes. The museum requires a large vault. I had this one built here in the wall especially.
Nick Carter
Was it included in the original plans for the museum?
Dr. Waldemar
Well, no, not exactly. This wing of the building was still unfinished. When the architect died from completing it, we made some minor changes.
Nick Carter
I see. Doctor, do you think. Madame Declan, you must excuse me for.
Dr. Waldemar
A few minutes, Carter. I must speak to the attendants before they leave. It was one of poor Shelby's duties. It will only take a few minutes.
Nick Carter
By the way, Patsy, there's something on Waldemar's desk that should interest you.
Patsy Bowen
You mean that odd looking jar?
Nick Carter
Mm. It contains some ancient Egyptian perfume, he said.
Madam Daklar
Hmm.
Patsy Bowen
Smells like roses. Very strong.
Nick Carter
You better put it in the vault, Patty. All of I must have overlooked it.
Patsy Bowen
Can you smell it, Nick?
Madam Daklar
Powerful stuff.
Nick Carter
Yes, I can smell it all right. Put it in one of the shelves in the vault. What's the matter, Patsy?
Patsy Bowen
I just tripped down a small step at the front of the vault.
Nick Carter
You didn't spill any of that priceless perfume, did you?
Patsy Bowen
I'm afraid, yes, I did spill a few drops of it, Nick.
Nick Carter
Well, don't tell Waldemar. I hear him coming. Come out of the vault and look.
Madam Daklar
For instance.
Dr. Waldemar
Well, Carter, another day is done. Oh, if you please stand away from the vault, Ms. Bowen. I should like to close the door. Thank you.
Nick Carter
By the way, Doctor, was there any treasure buried with King Sneferu?
Dr. Waldemar
Probably, it was the custom. But it is also probable that such treasure was stolen centuries ago.
Nick Carter
Well, isn't Lydden interested in the matter of treasure?
Dr. Waldemar
Possibly, but he's more interested in translating the hieroglyphics on the sarcophagus.
Nick Carter
Well, Patsy, I must be going.
Patsy Bowen
You must be going? You mean you're going to leave me here in the museum?
Nick Carter
Only for a little while. I want you to go back to the library and have a talk with Madam Daclor Patrick.
Patsy Bowen
Talk about what?
Nick Carter
I'll tell you that while we're walking to the other wing. Good night, Dr. Wilmar.
Dr. Waldemar
Good night, Mr. Cotter.
Patsy Bowen
Mr. Carter isn't interested in ancient manuscripts, Madam Daca. He wants to see the architect's plans for this museum.
Madam Daklar
Oh, but he should ask Dr. Waldemar for those.
Patsy Bowen
I don't think Dr. Waldemar has them. Mr. Carter wants the original plan.
Madam Daklar
I shall be glad to see if I can find them for You. I shall try the file cabinet by the door.
Patsy Bowen
They're not under A for architect.
Madam Daklar
And they are not under B for building plans either. I shall try on the M Museum plan.
Patsy Bowen
What's that counting sound out in the corridor?
Madam Daklar
Yes, yes. Here they are in this folder. Plan for Egyptian museum to be erected. Look, coming through the door.
Nick Carter
Anubis.
Madam Daklar
Welcome, Anubis.
Dr. Waldemar
Anubis gives no greeting to those who defy him.
Madam Daklar
I have never defied you, Anubis.
Dr. Waldemar
You have sought the treasure that I guard.
Madam Daklar
Never. Never. I have always let go of what you are.
Professor Glidden
Away you are.
Lieutenant Ranish
Now what new mischief is going on here?
Professor Glidden
Nick O'Reilly.
Nick Carter
You're just in time. Huh? Patsy was just going to tell me. Who was it took Madame Dakla away? Patsy?
Patsy Bowen
It was somebody. Somebody who looked like Anubis the Jackal. God.
Nick Carter
What?
Patsy Bowen
Really, Nick? Madame Dakla had the plans of the museum in her hand. They're gone, too, Nick.
Lieutenant Ranish
This time we're going to look in that crypt upstairs first. Come on. All right, find that light switch now, Nick.
Nick Carter
Right. Rally.
Lieutenant Ranish
Ah, there she is. Laying right at the feet of that. That creature Anubis There.
Nick Carter
You mean the statue of Anubis Raleigh?
Lieutenant Ranish
It may be a statue now, Nick, but I am near to believing that the thing comes alive when it chooses Madame Dacla.
Patsy Bowen
Alive?
Lieutenant Ranish
She's still breathing, Patsy. What do you make of it?
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Styles MacKenzie
Wayfair Every style, every home. We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Stiles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals go wild. Like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table from wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair Every style, every home.
Nick Carter
She's been drug ready. Quick, get her over to the door where the air is pressured. That's right. She's coming around now.
Madam Daklar
Where am I?
Patsy Bowen
You're all right, Madame Dirk.
Madam Daklar
But I am. I am in the crypt now. And the last I knew, I was in the library. I knew it. I knew. Steel doors are no barrier to Anubis.
Lieutenant Ranish
Help her outside, Patsy, so I can lock the door.
Patsy Bowen
Here, you lean on me, madam.
Nick Carter
That.
Patsy Bowen
But I tell you, it is useless.
Madam Daklar
To lock that door. Anubis can pass through all barriers.
Lieutenant Ranish
Maybe so, but Professor Glidden can't. Come on, Madame Doctor. I'll take you back to the library. Then I'm going to put the professor in jail where I can keep my eye on him from now on. There'll be no problem.
Nick Carter
Patsy. H. When Riley opened the crypt just now and found Madame Dermatologist, do you notice the peculiar fragrance in the place?
Patsy Bowen
I must have been too excited to notice it, Nick. What was it like?
Nick Carter
It was the perfume of roses, Patsy. Musty ancient roses. You should have recognized it.
Patsy Bowen
You mean it was like the perfume from the bottle I spilled in Waldemar's office?
Nick Carter
Yes, Patty. It smells exactly the.
Professor Glidden
I admit nothing, Lieutenant Riley. I can't tell you how either Shelby or Madam Dacla got into the crypt.
Lieutenant Ranish
It's like I've been trying to tell you, Glidden. It's very simple. You had two keys, but you only gave me one.
Professor Glidden
And as I've been telling you, Lieutenant Riley, there was no duplicate key.
Dr. Waldemar
Stay out.
Lieutenant Ranish
I'm busy here. I said stay.
Dr. Waldemar
Hello, Riley.
Nick Carter
Hello, Glidden.
Lieutenant Ranish
So it's you again. Mr. Nicholas Carter. Well, I don't care whether Professor Glidden is your client or not. We're not releasing him.
Nick Carter
I don't want him release rally. I just want to ask him a few questions. Tell me, Professor Glenn, when you sent those relics of King Snefer to the Egyptian Museum, did Dr. Waldemar have any chance to examine them?
Professor Glidden
Why, no. They were all heavily boxed and crated. That is, everything except the sarcophagus. That was handled separately. Waldemar installed the sarcophagus in the crypt before I arrived.
Nick Carter
I see.
Professor Glidden
I. I seem to recall that Shelby helped him set it up. The boxes and crates were all upstairs when I got back. But I opened them alone and set up everything myself, including a statue.
Nick Carter
That's all I wanted to know. I'm sorry, professor, that you'll have to spend the night here. But I hope to arrange a release by morning.
Lieutenant Ranish
All right, Sergeant, take the professor to his cell.
Nick Carter
Yes, sir.
Dr. Waldemar
Come along, Professor.
Nick Carter
Say, Raleigh, will you do something for me?
Lieutenant Ranish
Why should I?
Nick Carter
Why shouldn't you? You learn something yourself and that's always a help in A murder case.
Lieutenant Ranish
All right, Nick. When can I lose?
Nick Carter
Fine. Pick up Patsy. She has all my notes and you may need them. Then both of you go to the crypt.
Lieutenant Ranish
Where will you be, Nick?
Nick Carter
I have to attend to another matter first. Now listen carefully, Riley. Here's what I want you to do when you get to the crowd.
Patsy Bowen
How long have we been in this crypt, Lieutenant Riley?
Lieutenant Ranish
Oh, about 15 minutes, Patty.
Patsy Bowen
If you didn't have a luminous dial on your watch, I'd say it was hours. Why did Nick say that we should stay here in the dark?
Lieutenant Ranish
You'll have to ask Nick that when he gets here, Patsy.
Patsy Bowen
Where did Nick say he was going?
Lieutenant Ranish
It might be that he's calling on Madame Dacla.
Madam Daklar
What ought you?
Lieutenant Ranish
Just a questioner, you understand.
Patsy Bowen
Oh, Raleigh. Of all the ridiculous notions.
Lieutenant Ranish
Well, D's boyfriend, Anubis is right here beside us. Patsy, do you see it? This statue of Anubis must be solid bronze.
Patsy Bowen
Patsy, if nothing happens here, something will happen when I find Mr. Nick Carter.
Lieutenant Ranish
Only ten minutes more, Patty.
Patsy Bowen
I'm getting so used to this darkness. I can see the sarcophagus plainly. Looks so big.
Lieutenant Ranish
It is big. It's almost.
Madam Daklar
What's that?
Lieutenant Ranish
I don't know.
Patsy Bowen
Sounds as if something was happening at last.
Madam Daklar
Riley.
Lieutenant Ranish
Hey, what is it? Patsy? Now you're not getting hysterical now, are you?
Patsy Bowen
Riley, I smell something. The perfume of roses. And it's getting stronger.
Lieutenant Ranish
Now, what is the perfume of roses to do with all this? Here?
Patsy Bowen
Riley, look. Look at that sarcophagus.
Professor Glidden
Patchy.
Lieutenant Ranish
What we're looking at can't be happening here. But it is.
Patsy Bowen
Is. That sarcophagus is rising straight up in the air.
Lieutenant Ranish
I've always said that the was believing.
Nick Carter
Look.
Patsy Bowen
I see what's doing it.
Lieutenant Ranish
Riley, you can't tell me that anything that will make a stone coffin weighing half a ton go floating up in the air five feet on the floor, Patty.
Patsy Bowen
It's on top of an elevator, Riley. An elevator? Sure. That's what's lifting it.
Lieutenant Ranish
Well, glory be, you're right, Patsy. That's what that rumbling sound was.
Nick Carter
Riley.
Madam Daklar
The man coming out of the elevator with a flashlight.
Lieutenant Ranish
Wait till I draw my gun, Patsy.
Dr. Waldemar
I'll see you're too late. Riley. I have you covered.
Patsy Bowen
Dr. Waldemar.
Madam Daklar
Wait.
Patsy Bowen
Riley. That elevator is the vault from Waldemar's office.
Nick Carter
Quite right, explorer. I have you both covered.
Dr. Waldemar
Don't try anything, either of you.
Lieutenant Ranish
What would you be trying, Waldemar?
Dr. Waldemar
There will be two new victims in this vault, Lieutenant Riley. Two fools who, like Shelby, found out to Matthew.
Nick Carter
But I'm sorry it isn't three.
Dr. Waldemar
Nick Carter would be a welcome addition.
Nick Carter
You really mean that, Waldemar?
Patsy Bowen
Nick, where are you?
Dr. Waldemar
Carter. How did you get here?
Nick Carter
I've been waiting for you and King Snapruss sarcophagus. And now if you.
Lieutenant Ranish
I'll kill you first.
Patsy Bowen
Carter.
Nick Carter
I doubt that. Okay.
Ben.
Lieutenant Ranish
Look out, Patsy. He's knocking over that statue. It's fallen over.
Nick Carter
The professor will be along in a minute. Now, Patsy. He called me at the hospital and asked. They asked me to meet him here outside the crypt in 15 minutes. Said he wanted to examine the elevator in the crypt.
Patsy Bowen
Was Voldemort dead, Nick?
Nick Carter
No, Patsy. I only wounded him. He knocked himself out when he staggered against the statue of Anubis. Voldemort made a complete confession when he recovered consciousness. He's admitted that he was hunting for the King's treasure and wanted to find it before Professor Glidden finished translating the hieroglyphics.
Patsy Bowen
And he was using the elevator to make secret trips between his office and this crypt.
Nick Carter
Exactly, Patsy. When Waldemar completed the new wing of the museum, he modified the original plans and put his office at the end of the first floor corridor. And he built this crypt on the second floor right over his office. Evidently, the elevator was already installed and Waldemar brought the sarcophagus up on top of it.
Patsy Bowen
And there was a sarcophagus standing in an alcove that was really the elevator shaft.
Nick Carter
The elevator itself became the vault in Waldemar's office. He disguised it with shelves and loaded them with curios. But it was still an elevator.
Patsy Bowen
And you think Shelby found out about it?
Nick Carter
Shelby must have helped Waldemar arrange things since it was more than a one man job.
Patsy Bowen
Then later, Shelby decided to look for the treasure on his own.
Nick Carter
Apparently, Voldemort confessed that he murdered Shelby for those very reasons and left the body in the crypt to blame the crime on Professor Glidden.
Patsy Bowen
And Waldemar put Madame Dacler in the crypt so Glidden would be blamed again.
Nick Carter
Exactly. But he didn't have to kill Decla. She knew nothing. You see, he merely grabbed Decla in order to get the original plans of the museum.
Patsy Bowen
Here comes the professor now. Next.
Nick Carter
Oh, hello, Professor. Right on time, I see.
Professor Glidden
I'm so glad to find you here, Carter. I wanted you to be here when I examined the crypt in the elevator. I want no more surprises.
Nick Carter
Well, I don't think anything else is going to happen up here, Professor. But I'll be glad of the Chance to do a little extra looking around myself.
Patsy Bowen
There's that Anubis again. He's on his face this time.
Nick Carter
It was quite clever of Waldemar to disguise himself as Anubis. He really did resemble the statue.
Madam Daklar
Look, Nick.
Nick Carter
Where, Patsy?
Patsy Bowen
There at the statue lying on the floor.
Professor Glidden
Why, the head is completely turned around.
Nick Carter
Yes, the fall must have knocked it loose. Oh, give me a hand with it, Professor. We'll set it up again.
Professor Glidden
Certainly, Carter. It's pretty heavy.
Nick Carter
Yes, it is.
Patsy Bowen
Pure gold. Oh, Nick, is it real?
Professor Glidden
I imagine it is, Ms. Bourne.
Nick Carter
Why, this must be the treasure of old King Snufferoos.
Professor Glidden
So that's where the royal treasure was hidden. Valdemar must have looked everywhere except in.
Nick Carter
The head of this statue. So Anubis was really the keeper of the treasure. Well, congratulations, Professor. And I hope this discovery makes up for all your troubles.
Professor Glidden
It does indeed, Mr. Carter. I shall now be able to visit Egypt again.
Patsy Bowen
Well, Nick, there is just one problem that still bothers me.
Nick Carter
And I suppose, as usual, that the problem represents the crux of the whole case.
Patsy Bowen
It does. When I put that jar of perfume on the shelf, did you already know that the vault was an elevator?
Nick Carter
I did, Patsy. The elevator floor wasn't quite level. That's why you tripped as you went into the vault.
Patsy Bowen
But of course. But Nick, what made you think it was an elevator in the first place?
Nick Carter
Quite simple, Patsy. There had to be an elevator to take the sarcophagus up to the crypt in the second floor.
Patsy Bowen
Nick, there's an elevator in the other wing of the museum. They could have taken the sarcophagus up that way and wheeled it across to the crypto.
Nick Carter
Patsy, how large is the sarcophagus?
Patsy Bowen
Eight feet long and six feet wide and four and a half feet high, didn't you say?
Nick Carter
Mm. And how wide is the door to the crypt?
Patsy Bowen
4Ft. According to your measurement.
Nick Carter
Exactly. Now, Patsy, do you think you could put a sarcophagus 4ft 6 inches high through a door only 4ft wide?
Patsy Bowen
Of course not, Nick.
Nick Carter
Of course not, patsy. Not even Dr. Waldemar could do it. Up through the alcove was the only way. Waldemar probably hoped that no one would think to compare the size of the door to the size of the Zacarpus.
Patsy Bowen
And nobody did. Except Nick Carter.
Nick Carter
This was another strange experience of Nick Carter, Master Detective called Murder in the Crypt. Or Nick Carter and the Jackal. God. Another of the curious adventures of Nick Carter which are brought to you regularly by WOR Mutual. And now, Nick and Patsy, what about our story for next week.
Well, next week's story is full of action, isn't it, Patsy?
Patsy Bowen
Action is right. You see, Nick investigated a murder on a lonely place called Skull Island.
Nick Carter
Yes, and there were only four people on the island who could have committed the crime. But it took a model of a clipper ship and a sea serpent to find out who the murderer was.
Patsy Bowen
It also took Nick Carter and a smart piece of deduction on his part to work out the answer.
Nick Carter
But what did a sea serpent have to do with the murder?
Well, we'll tell you all about that next week. In the meantime, I'm glad I don't have to say sarcophagus again. So long.
Patsy Bowen
So long, everybody.
Nick Carter
And so long to you, Nick and Patsy. In the strange adventure you have just heard, Nick Carter was impersonated by John Clark. Patsy by Helen Choate. The story was written for Nick Carter by Walter Gibson. Original music was played by Blue White. The entire production was under the direction of Jock McGregor. Next week at the same time, listen to another curious experience of Nick Carter entitled Murder on Skull island or Nick Carter and the Mystery of the Sea Serpent. This story is a copyrighted feature of street and Smith Publications Incorporated. The Return of Nick Carter is produced in the studios of WOR and is broadcast over most of these stations every Monday evening at 9:30 Eastern. Wartime.
Professor Glidden
This is mutual.
Detailed Summary of "Harold's Old Time Radio"
Episode: "Nick Carter 43-08-02 (017) Murder in the Crypt"
Release Date: April 26, 2025
Overview
In this enthralling installment of "Harold's Old Time Radio," titled "Murder in the Crypt," listeners are transported to the enigmatic setting of an Egyptian Museum plagued by mystery and deceit. The episode features the astute Master Detective, Nick Carter, embarking on a quest to unravel the sinister disappearance and murder of Shelby, the museum's chief attendant. As Carter delves deeper, he encounters ancient legends, suspicious characters, and supernatural claims that challenge his investigative prowess.
Setting the Scene
The story commences with Nick Carter receiving a call from Dr. Waldemar, igniting the central mystery of Shelby's sudden disappearance ([02:30] Lieutenant Ranish: "Are you Dr. Valdemar?"). The Egyptian Museum, home to relics from ancient Egypt, becomes the backdrop for this intricate tale, setting the stage for a blend of historical intrigue and modern-day crime.
Key Characters Introduced
The Disappearance and Initial Investigation
Nick Carter arrives at Dr. Waldemar's office, where the gravity of Shelby's disappearance is discussed. Despite exhaustive searches, Shelby remains missing, with the only unexplored area being the crypt of King Sneferu ([02:54] Dr. Waldemar: "Yes, Lieutenant. Everywhere except in the crypt of Snaprut."). Professor Glidden, holding the sole key to the crypt, becomes a person of interest as suspicions begin to surface.
Notable Quote:
[03:18] Nick Carter: "Precisely."
(Referring to Professor Glidden having the only key to the crypt)
Supernatural Claims and Heightened Suspense
As the investigation unfolds, Madam Daklar introduces a supernatural angle by claiming to witness Anubis, the Jackal God, roaming the museum ([09:24] Madam Daklar: "I have seen the living Anubis walk through the corridors of this museum."). These claims add a layer of mystique and tension, challenging the protagonists to discern fact from folklore.
Notable Quote:
[09:24] Madam Daklar: "I have seen the living Anubis walk through the corridors of this museum."
Discovery in the Crypt
Venturing into the crypt, Nick Carter and Lieutenant Ranish make a startling discovery: Shelby's lifeless body concealed within the ancient sarcophagus. This revelation contradicts earlier reports that Shelby never left the museum premises ([07:31] Nick Carter: "This crypt is as solid as a rock. We've tested every inch of floor and walls and ceiling here.").
Notable Quote:
[07:31] Nick Carter: "This crypt is as solid as a rock. We've tested every inch of floor and walls and ceiling here."
The investigation intensifies as Madam Daklar's descriptions of Anubis intersect with tangible evidence, creating a compelling narrative that intertwines myth with reality.
Clues and Conspiracies Unveiled
Further probing reveals architectural anomalies within the crypt. The sarcophagus sits atop an elevator system cleverly concealed within the crypt's structure, suggesting a meticulously planned method to facilitate Shelby's murder without detection ([25:05] Patsy Bowen: "And there was a sarcophagus standing in an alcove that was really the elevator shaft.").
Notable Quote:
[25:27] Patsy Bowen: "Then later, Shelby decided to look for the treasure on his own."
This discovery points towards a larger conspiracy involving key museum personnel, hinting at motives tied to embezzlement and exploitation of the museum's treasures.
Climactic Confrontation and Resolution
In a dramatic culmination, Nick Carter confronts Dr. Waldemar and Professor Glidden within the crypt. The true scheme unfolds: Professor Glidden and Dr. Waldemar orchestrated Shelby's murder to obscure their illicit activities and manipulate the museum's legacy. The use of Anubis lore served as a diversion, leveraging ancient myths to mask their modern deceit.
Notable Quote:
[25:34] Patsy Bowen: "And Waldemar put Madame Dacler in the crypt so Glidden would be blamed again."
As guilt surfaces, the culprits reveal their motivations, leading to their eventual apprehension. Nick Carter's keen intellect and unwavering determination ensure that justice prevails, restoring order to the museum and exonerating the innocent parties involved.
Final Revelation:
[26:34] Professor Glidden: "I imagine it is, Ms. Bourne."
With the mystery resolved, the episode closes on a note of triumph for Nick Carter and Patsy Bowen, setting the stage for future adventures.
Notable Quotes Throughout the Episode
"I am Anubis, guardian of the dead." — Dr. Waldemar ([01:35])
"Anubis can pass through all barriers." — Madam Daklar ([18:43])
"The bald facts in this case is this, Riley. You have no proof that Professor Glinton even came to this museum last night." — Nick Carter ([08:05])
"I have seen the living Anubis walk through the corridors of this museum." — Madam Daklar ([09:24])
"This crypt is as solid as a rock. We've tested every inch of floor and walls and ceiling here." — Nick Carter ([07:31])
"Exactly. But he didn't have to kill Decla. She knew nothing. You see, he merely grabbed Decla in order to get the original plans of the museum." — Nick Carter ([25:38])
Conclusion
"Murder in the Crypt" stands as a testament to the timeless allure of detective fiction, seamlessly blending historical intrigue with suspenseful storytelling. Nick Carter's methodical investigation, coupled with the atmospheric setting and richly developed characters, delivers an engaging listening experience reminiscent of radio's golden age. This episode not only entertains but also underscores the enduring appeal of unraveling complex mysteries through intellect and perseverance.
Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next adventure, where Carter's resolve is tested once more in the face of new enigmas and adversaries.