Snarled Identities, Or, A Desperate Tangle

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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 detectives 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 oclock, 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. Cant you forget that sort of thing? he asked, in an injured tone. I was hoping you would until we got well started, at least. Whats the trouble? Nick asked, in a bewildered tone. Oh, I see what you are driving at! You are afraid Ill 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 Im 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 dont, somebody usually bobs up with a case that you find irresistible. Youve 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 wont 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, youll have all sorts of calls every day, and if you allow yourself to read the papers, youll run across plenty of things that will prove fascinating to you. Cant you cut yourself loose, thoughabsolutely? Ive done harder things than that, grandmother, Nick answered, but I really dont see the necessity for that sort of total abstinence. If you think Im going to cut out all newspapers for two weeks, youre very much mistaken. Ive promised to go, though, and Im goingunless, of course, something turns up that is altogether too big to neglect.'

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