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Nick Carter Detective Library, No. 1
The Solution of a Remarkable Case
NOTE.-The following story was told to the writer by Nick Carter as being the most remarkable, and in many respects, the most mysterious case in his experience. It baffled the shrewdest detectives on the regular force, and had practically been abandoned when Nick Carter took hold of it. I tell the story in my own way and in the third person, but the facts, scenes and incidents are reproduced as nearly as possible in the great detective's own words.
CHAPTER I.
THE MURDER IN FORTY-SEVENTH STREET.
The city of New York was electrified one evening by the news that one of its greatest favorites had been foully murdered.
Eugenie La Verde had been found dead in her room and the murderer had not left a single clew, however slight, by which he could be traced.
Mademoiselle La Verde had been before the public for two seasons as a danseuse, and by her remarkable beauty and modesty, as well as by the unparalleled grace with which she executed her inimitable steps she had won her way to the hearts of all.
On the evening preceding her death she had danced as usual, winning round after round of applause, and a deluge of flowers.
Immediately after the performance she had been driven to her home in Forty-seventh street, accompanied only by her maid, who had been with her for many years, and who scarcely ever left her presence.
The maid had attended her as usual that night; had remained with her until she had disrobed, and then, at her mistress' request, ha