Classic Comics Review: The Hotel Murders

[Maniac_nmt]

A little while back a call went out for a classic review. I volunteered to share some of my collected classic strips. #### Tracy, Flash Gordon, and Tarzan. The first series will contain: #### Tracy - The Hotel Murders.

So to start with, I'd like to give a little background on the title character. #### Tracy debuted in 1931. Drawn by artist Chester Gould, it was a gritty, violent crime drama. His previous efforts to get into cartooning had been failures, and Tracy helped launch a phenomenon.

Gould's first crime strips detailed various crimes, and how the criminal would outsmart the police. A tenant in his building would read these strips, and began to replicate the crimes he read about. After several successful burglaries all following Gould's crime strips to the letter, Gould and the Police realised something was up, and wrote a strip to capture the fellon. True to form, the tenant followed the strip, and was captured by the Police.

The detective in charge of the case suggested Gould change his under performing crime strip. He suggested that people did not want to read about crooks who always won the day. In honor of the detective, Gould re-aranged his name and created Richard '####' Tracy. The yellow fedora wearing detective we've all come to know and love. His new strip was an instant success. Tracy has gone on to battle all manner of criminals, from the bizarre physically, to the bizarre mentally. A detective without equal, if Tracy is on the case it's as good as solved.

The first case I will be covering is 'The Hotel Murders'. The strip originally ran in papers from 3/9/36 to 4/27/36. It reads a bit different then some other Tracy stories, in that it is a genuine mystery story. I will try to cover approximately one strip each day as time permits.

Our story begins with #### comming out onto the street where Pat, Tess, and Junior are all waiting for him, about to embark on a trip. Tess is reading a paper and #### informs them all the planed trip is canceled. He's just recieved a telephone call. This would become a popular motiff, and is even spoofed during the war when Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and other Holywood actors produce '#### Tracy in B Flat' as a radio program for service men. #### is a relentless cop, and his down time, or private moments are always being interrupted by work.

The paper reveals that a Mr. Addie Gothorn, a gambling mogul, and confidence man has been found murdered in a hotel. By simply showing the page of the paper, Gould conveys more information then might be ordinarily available in a dialogue box. Setting up the mystery in a single pannel.

Tess is somewhat unsurprised that Tracy is called off, but is visibly upset and begins to cry. Junior and Pat similarly frown as Tracy let's them know they're off on another case, that Chief Brandon has told him he must report immediately to headquarters. About this time the popular radio serial would have the sound of cop sirens, and a car zoom off to the next location.

Tune in next time to see what the Chief has to tell Tracy.

[Maniac_nmt]

Today we continue with strip #2 in this series.

Tracy and Pat step into a taxi, and rush off to Police Headquarters. Here they are met by Chief Brandon.

You know the Chief must have liked to kick Tracy in the shins after calling him in. He tells him "Too Bad to call off your trip south...". With the regularity it happens, you'd think Brandon must invent crimes to keep Tracy arround. I almost have to wonder if this is Gould's dry attempt at humor, or just the type of thing you'd expect a Chief of Police to say.

Regardless, it's revealed that this is the biggest underworld murder ever in the city. In the morgue, the trio look over the body. When you are an underworld figure of Gothorn's caliber, 'At least a thousand people could have committed this murder.'

While a universally reviled character, a murder is a murder, and it's game time for Tracy.

The last pannel gives us our first bit of information, as Tracy notes the deceased was shot two times in the stomach. Later on this will be an important piece of information in the case, so tuck that one away in your detective notepad.

Like many Tracy cases the strips open up with a seemingly impossible case. Where anyone and no one could be a suspect. Over the course of the case, Tracy shows just why he's the number 1 detective in the whole country.

Tune in tomorrow for another installment of the Hotel Murders.

[Maniac_nmt]

Today's Installment:

Tracy and Chief Brandon arrive at the hotel Gothorn was staying at. Apparently he was discovered shot just inside the door. The doorman and the janitor inform the two they didn't see anything happen.

On their way back to change and go off duty they heard groans comming from the hall. The doorman is quick to point out the blood stains were Gothorn was found lying.

It's strange that no one saw anything, if he was shot right there. However, the two cops don't seem to find that suspicious (guess that's a common thing in the 30s, as this is not uncommon in the radio drama either).

#### does ask if that was the first time they'd seen him. The doorman says no, that he saw Gothorn enter Bindie's restaurant just across the street, not 10 minutes before he was found.

Along with the narrow window for ther murder, the doorman has given our boys their first lead.

Tomorrow Pat Patton shows up with some important news that puts a new spin on the whole case. So stick arround for a classic Tracy villian's name popping up.

[Maniac_nmt]

We join Tracy and the Chief back at Police Headquarters. The scene opens with them discussing the large poker game Gothorn had three weeks ago. It appears he lost in this game. Apparently he lost $200,000 dollars. Which might seem like a lot now, but stop and realise, that's $200,000 in 1931. The equivalent of millions today. this was no small stakes poker game, and any one involving that much cash would have to involve so serious crime lords.

Gothorn then made the mistake of refusing to pay, and like most loosers claimed the game was a frame up. Generally not a good idea in such circles. As the corpse can now testify to.

Pat Patton busts in on the third pannel with a juicy pice of info. None of ther then 'Lips' Manlus was the biggest winner of the poker game. However, it gets even juicer, he was occupying a room in the same hotel Gothorn was found killed in.

Apparently the red tape wasn't as hefty in the 30s, as Chief Bradon promptly tells the two to bring in Manlus as well as every player in that poker game.

However, don't grab your guns just yet, there's still plenty of detectin' left to do.

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcome back Secret Service Patrol members! Today continues our tale of the Hotel Murders.

Last strip Chief Bradon told our detective duo to round up all the members involved in the card game. Well, while he may not be big on evidence, and just wants to slap 'em in irons (remember the Troops motto, 'All suspects are guilty, period, otherwise they wouldn't be suspects, would they?'), Tracy at least seems to know a little better.

Today's strip sees him calling on Bindie's restaurant to check up on a previous clue about it. The man has a mind like a steel trap, he even remembers the cashiers name at this eatery, Frane (like many Tracy characters, you wind up with some off the wall names).

Frane (despite his name), seems an affable fellow and greets Tracy as he comes into the door. Being the all arround nice guy he is, Tracy rather politely asks him if he can spare a few minutes to come downtown.

He let's Frane know he knows Gothorn was in the restaurant just before his death, and they'd like him come down and talk to them about it. Frane rather intelligently agrees quite affably.

Meanwhile, in the hotel, Patton is talking to the desk clerk, asking about the bellhop who waited on room 404 (it's not mentioned here, but elsewhere this is implied to be Lips Manlus' room). Pat seems to lack Tracy's easy going humor, with a rather agressive face on. However, it seems to yield the same results. Pierre, the desk clerk, remembers that it was Bellhop #28 by the name of Lorimor (again with the names).

Tune in tomorrow for the first 'real info' on the case, and a shadowy intruder.

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcome back Secret Service Patrol! I almost missed today, the snow is comming down in sheets here. Remember, do like #### Tracy, slow down and drive safe in the snow. Always leave yourself some extra room when tailing a suspect, you'd rather they run off the road then you run into them.

Today Pat is still in the hotel looking for information. Pierre, the desk clerk, brings Lorimor, the bell hop, arround to meet him. Like Tracy, Pat doesn't mince words and gets right to the point asking him if he waited on room 404 the day Gothorn was killed.

When the answer is affirmative Pat is understandably quite enthused. Asking Lorimor to wait in the locker room (where they change when coming on and off duty) he rushes out the door to get ####, excited to get their 'first' real information. I suppose the fact that he also uncovered that Lips Manlus was in on the poker game, and also in the hotel was just chicken feed.

Lorimor heads down to the locker room to get changed. His shift is over in 10 minutes, and he may as well get out of his monkey suit. Unfortunately for him a misterious shadow is lurking on the edge of the pannel with a gun in hand. Will he live, will he tell Tracy what he knows? Stay tuned for further developments.

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcome back Secret Service Patrol members!

Today's strip takes us back to headquarters. Tracy is talking with Frane, the fellow who runs Bindie's register. Pat can be seen in the door to the office, but remains quiet this week while Tracy gets some dope from the clerk. Gould's inclusion of Pat at this stage seems rather odd, given how important it seemed that he talk to Tracy. It's also note worthy that his outfit has changed from black, to grey (my strips are black and white, so I'm affraid I can't give you, the faithful reader, the actual color).

Tracy opens up asking Frane to repeat everything he knows about the case, again. While we didn't see Frane say it before, this let's us know that Tracy likes to listen carefully to any information he can get. What might not be obvious the first time may be gleaned upon further reflection.

The next pannel shows us Chief Brandon, Tracy, and Junior listening to Frane's reply. As a character, Junior was a brilliant stroke to include in the strip. It gave kids a person they could pretend to be, and imagine as if they were along for the adventure. Junior would serve as the main interaction with the kids who listened to the daily radio program. He would tell listeners all about the special offers, read off the secret code messages, and help sell membership in the club.

Frane infroms the trio that a call came in over the telephone at the cashier's desk, arround nine in the evening, on the day Gothorn was shot. The caller asked if Gothorn was in the restaurant. Frane said no, and was asked by the caller to ask Gothorn to call room 404 (now we know why the number has poped up before now) when he came in.

Tune in tomorrow to see if Frane was telling the mysterious caller the truth, and see Pat miraculously enter the door for a second time. Before we sign off, Mr. Quaker Man would like me to remind you all to send in two box tops to Quaker Puffed Wheat, or Quaker Puffed Rice, to The #### Tracy Secret Service Patrol, Box L, Chicago. Then you to can get your very own Secret Service Patrol codebook and badge. For those of you with your badge, remeber to wear it always. This let's #### Tracy know you are with him, and for him. Untill next time!

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcome back Secret Service Patrol! First of all I would like to send out a hearty congratulations to all of you who have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant! Well done patrol members!

Today's strip open with Frane wrapping up his testimony. After delivering the message, Gothorn called room 404 back, and then walked out #### casually notes that only 10 minutes passed between that call and the murder. So who ever did it, worked fast.

About this time Pat comes into the office as if he hadn't just walked in last episode. He starts to tell Tracy that he just called the Center Shore Hotel when Tracy rather uncharacteristically cuts him off mid sentance to see if Pat got in touch with the bellboy for room 404.

Next pannel Pat naturally has a rather sour face on since #### rather rudely interupted him. He does inform him though that the manager said the bell hop is over there now, and for them to come and pick him up. Maybe we're the only ones who noticed, but Pat actually talked to the bellboy. Maybe that sour face is because he's suddenly gone amnesiac on us. Still, Tracy says his line without a pause, "Okay - Let's go." So Junior Pat and Tracy whiz off to the hotel.

Tune in next time to hear about the bell boy that wasn't there!

[Maniac_nmt]

Good evening Secret Service Patrol members!

Since I'll be out skiing tomorrow, I'm not sure I'll want to get on for a strip, so today you get a treat. Two strips for the price of one.

Our First Strip:

####, Pat, and Junior have just arrived at the hotel, and great Pierre, the front desk manager as they come in. Pierre informs them that Lorimor is down in the locker room waiting for them to arrive.

Pierre and the detectives head down into the basement, with Pierre acting like all managers and yelling impatiently for his employee.

However, Lorimor is no where to be found. As Pierre notes he just came down a minute ago to change. Pat meanwhile has checked the washroom and informs our crew Lorimor is not there either. There really isn't anywhere to hide, the locker room is just the tall lockers you see in high schools all over America, and changing benches. Where can Lorimor be? Have you been following us so far? If you have you may have a clue...

Our Second Strip:

The groupd is obviously puzzled. They're standing right in front of his locker, number 12 which Junior (being like all kids) is tugging on and saying 'It's locked tight.'

Of course, like all kids he keeps tugging on it untill something breaks, but in a totally unexpected manner! Lorimor's dead body comes falling out of the locker giving Junior quite a scare! Tracy and Pat quickly examine the body.

It's the bell hop all right, and he's been shot and killed! (If you've been a faithful reader so far you'd remember the shadowy figure in the locker room from a few strips back).

Did somebody hear Pat when he came to check on the hotel? Did they remember the bell boy? Are they just a psycho bent on murder? I guess you'll just have to wait and see how this caper unfolds! Untill next time Tracy fans!

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcome back Secret Service Patrol members!

Today we rejoin our crew at the scene of another movie. Our scene open with Tracy, Pat, and Junior examinging the body of the dead bell hop, Lorimor. Apparently he's been shot through the head.

Pierre, the manager, is understandably aghast, and wonders how it could have happened. He only came down 10 minutes ago to change his clothes. For those who have been following along so far, Gothorn was killed in a 10 minute window. Who ever this guy is, he likes to work fast.

Knealing over the body, Tracy makes an estimate that it was a .38 caliber lead slug that killed Lorimor. While Pierre has the perfectly reaction of crying our 'But why? He's...He's only a boy!'

Tracy is quick to note to the distressed Pierre that Lorimor was killed to keep him from talking. Obviously the detectives are on the right track if Lorimor was killed to prevent him from talking. It's just a shame that a young man had to pay for it with his life.

Tune in next time to find out who rented room 404.

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcome back Secret Service Patrol!

We rejoin our crew with Chief Brandon yelling at Tracy to explain the bell hop murder. Our hero takes it all in stride though. There can only be one explanation!

It almost looks like Tracy is jabbing Brandon in the chest. Which while it might be tempting (the guy did sabotage his vacation), is uncharacteristic of ####, leading me to suspect he's merely gesturing. It's all so clear though. The bell hop had been waiting on room 404, and has been killed to keep him silent.

While apparently not that smart, Brandon can put two and two together well enough and says that whoever occupied room 404 needs to be brought in. Now, here's the kicker. 'Lips' Manlis (the spelling for his name changes here from Manlus to Manlis) was renting room 404 under an assumed name!

Tracy has established him being there through finger print evidence from the room, and the fact he was the big winner in Gothorn's poker game (which Gothorn welshed on). The Chief seems shocked by this, as you may be (since we never saw Tracy enter room 404 and check for prints). Of course it just goes to show how ontop of things Tracy always is.

Next time we begin our search for 'Lips' Manlis! Tune in next time Tracy fans

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning Secret Service Patrol, and welcome to another installment of the Hotel Murders.

We rejoin our crew just as Pat comes in the door. Wasting no time Tracy asks Pat if he's he located Manlis' apartment. The next more is to round him up.

Pat looks a little perturbed. Maybe he just wants Tracy to say hello, or let him catch his breath when he comes in. Regardless he tells Tracy that while he could find his apartment, he did find the garage where Manlis' big yellow sedan is located (I have to wonder what the craze for yellow is, although I rather expect things came in bright colors in Gould's comics to make them pop and stand out, seem a little more fantastic).

Excited by the news, Tracy and Pat hurry out of the station making a bee line for that garage. You'd think Tracy would at least let Pat grab a donut and some coffee, but nooooo......

At the garage Tracy uses some rather uncharacteristically bad english. "We're from police headquarters bud. Want to hang around till the owner of that big yellow car sends his chauffeur over." Largely, Tracy leaves out the We or I at the start of his second sentance, and calls the attendant 'bud'. This is probably more due to the size of the word balloon then anything else. Tracy in the radio program made a distinct point of correcting such bad gramar, or the use of slang (although his comic version did use some slang in earlier years).

Anyways, the attendant says they won't have to wait long, the owner of the car usually picks it up about this time every evening.

Stay tuned next time for the chase!

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning Secret Service Patrol!

Today the chase is on. Our strip opens with Manlis' driver comming in to get the car. #### and Pat are hidden arround the corner, mostly out of sight. Unfortunately the police budget must be low as #### and Pat have to use a Taxi to tail him (I know a squad car would give it away, but surely they could afford an unmarked car for such things....Perhaps that concept hadn't caught on just yet)

Regardless, #### and Pat pile into a Taxi and roar off after the yellow car. It's interesting to not that the driver uses 'OKE' for 'OK', something I've seen in other strips from this time. I cannot say exactly when this changed out in english vernacular.

The chauffeur has stopped outside an apartment complex of some sort with a Tea Room on the ground floor.

Tracy and Pat rush in and nab the driver before he can warn Manlis. Showing his criminal nature part of what he says is scribbled out implying he's swearing at Tracy. However, Tracy isn't perturbed, he's got his patented .45 trained on the driver and tells him to call up to Manlis and say his cars here. Clever Tracy, very clever.

Will Tracy's ruse work? Will they apprehend 'Lips' Manlis? Stay tuned next time.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning Secret Service Patrol! I'll be out of town for next couple days, so I will be covering 2 strips instead of the normal 1 today.

Strip 1

Tracy's ruse worked, and 'Lips' Manlis steps out of the elevator totally unprepared for the trap. However, you don't get that far in the criminal underworld if you can't think on your feet.

Seeing Pat Manlis charge into action. With his left he pulls Pat's gun away, and a powerful right uppercut has Pat seeing stars. Without a moment to loose Manlis yells for his driver to make for the car.

However, if thinking on your feet serves Manlis well, Tracy is a master at knowing what that thought will be. As Manlis rushes through the rotating door he's met by Tracy standing outside with two .45s leveled at him. A cleverly placed foot has Manlis stuck inside, trapped like the rat he is.

Manlis is understandably panic'd. That Tracy always seems to be one step ahead. With the old line about reaching for the sky, Tracy nabs his man, and wryly frees his foot from the door. Go get'em ####!

Strip 2

Manlis has been brought back to the station for questioning. Brandon and Tracy are both gathered arround him. With a pleasant smile Tracy asks Manlis to relax, and tell them all he knows about the murder of Addie Gothorn (Al Capone once made a comment about getting more with a smile and a gun....).

Tracy infroms Manlis they know that Gothorn owe'd him 100Gs on a poker debt (which means the other players racked up 100Gs, if you've been following along so far). He also says, while jabbing Manlis in the chest, for Manlis to tell them how he killed him. Wow, Tracy can do the good cop/bad cop routine all by himself ;)

Manlis, probably angy at being poked at, yells out the famous claim of innocence. About this time Pat comes in. Apparently the coroner has just shown up, and has to see Tracy immediately. What could this mean?

Out in the hall Tracy meets up with the coroner, who has some important news! The bullet wounds in Gothorn's stomach were not what killed him, and he's brought a diagram to prove it! Interesting stuff no doubt. Stay tuned to here more of Manlis' interogation next time!

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcome back Sevret Service Patrol!

Today we rejoin our favorite flat-foot as he interogates the criminal 'Lips' Manlis.

Manlis is yelling out his innocence. It appears that Tracy has told him about the dead bellboy, as he mentions having not shot the bellhop and Tracy does not call him on it. He does stress that may may be HIS story.

However, the cops know he was one of 10 men that sat in on the big poker game four weeks ago. Junior has shown back up and I think it's only fair to comment on how kids dressed then vs now. Junior is dressed in slackes, a kerchif, and jacket. Styled up almost as his hero #### Tracy.

Smilling wrly, Tracy then informs Manlis that the cops know about the hundred Gs he won, being the largest winner in the game. Which apparently doesn't flap Manlis at all.

Tomorrow Tracy and Pat are interupted in their interogation.

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcoms back Secret Service Patrol!

Today our strip open with Tracy continuing his interogation of 'Lips'. Back to bad cop, from last weeks good cop, Tracy is yelling at Manlis, waving a finger in his face (obviously his mother never told him it's rude to point. Maybe I should send him to meet my Grandmother and Marjorie's School of Manners. She'd straighten him out). He's telling Manlis they know Gothorn welshed on his gambling debt. Implying Manlis has a perfect motive murder.

At this time, the Chief interupts everything. With phone in hand he tells Tracy that the Coroner has called, and 'everything' is ready. Hmm...What could that be? Tracy has the Chief lock up the prisoner, and calls Pat and Junior to come along.

Pat shows his normal cynical side, and as they're walking out he asks why Tracy is pushing so hard to find Gothorn's murderer. He, as most would, feels that whoever killed him, did a good turn for society. Tracy shows his usual stoicism. Murder is murder to Tracy. It doesn't matter who gets killed.

Next time we see just where our boy are going, and what that call was about.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning Secret Service Patrol! Are you all wearing your badges today?

Last time we left the detectives as they were heading out of the station. Today we find them in a car (not a cop car, and not a taxi, which makes you wonder why they had to use a taxi to tail Manlis' driver several strips back) Tracy tells Pat and Junior, that if his hunch is right, Gothorn's killing will involve at least three of the city's biggest names.

As they pull up, Pat realises they've shown up at the cemetery. Which Tracy effectively notes is where he wants to be.

Pat asks rather incredulously about it, but Tracy cuts him off mid posture. That call from the coroner last time? They're exhuming the body of Addie Gothorn at Tracy's request. In the background we can see men doing just that. Pat's apprehension is rather normal, most people tend to get a little squemish about exhuming a body. Tracy on the other hand shows his cool, calculating side. He'll leave no stone unturned in his quest for law and order.

Tune back next time to find out why Tracy ordered the body exhumed.

[Maniac_nmt]

Hello gain Secret Service Patrol!

We rejoin our trio as they enter the cemetery where Addie Gothorn has been burried. As they are walking in, Tracy hands Patton a coroner's diagram. It details the path of the bullets that hit Gothorn's stomach. Shots that were apparently quite superficial! So, the plot thickens as it were.

Next pannel we get a close up of the coroner's diagram (amazingly good for being a coroner... :) ). The bullets themselves passed through a fleshy part on the right side of Gothorn's boday. A spot that would be incapable of killing him in the 10 minute window our killer had.

The party digging up the body waves to our trio. Tracy states that death was caused by something else, something he intends to uncover! The cold weather outside looks like it may heat up a little when Tracy gets his answers.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good Evening Secret Service Patrol!

Today we're still at the cemetery. Tracy is showing Pat the coroner's diagram of the bullet's path. I suspect this may have been a monday strip as it just rehases what went on in the last one we discussed.

About this time the coroner shows up, and diagram in hand, Pat asks him if this proves Gothorn died from something else? Which the coroner gives an affirmative answer to. it's interesting to note. That in the previous strip, Pat is rendered in a black coat (and has been for a while now). The coroner in this strip is rendered in black, and Patton is now rendered in grey. I note this as the previous strip Patton is in black, and in tomorrow's strip Patton is in black. I wonder if this is a subtle slip up, or perhaps has more to do with black tending to mean death in the western world. As such the coroner (death) appears in black, and Gould is contrasting that against the detectives.

Regardless, the coroner informs them this is precisely the reason he phoned headquarters, and asked Tracy to get the body exhumed. Tracy, ever the good guy, puts this in laymans terms, ie the coroner's original verdict was wrong!

Boy, is this guy ever a master of the understatement. He admits his error, and makes the prediction that the mystery of Gothorn's death will prove more knotty then any of the detectives suspect!

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning Secret Service Patrol!

This morning our story opens up with the grave diggers pulling Addie Gothorn's coffin out of his grave. Tracy makes a rather dry quip about 'Even in Death Addie Gothorn Knows no rest!'

Pat is back in a black suit this morning, now that the coroner is gone. He informs Tracy of his disbelief. He feels the coroner is nuts to say the bullets didn't kill Gothorn. Tracy disagress, saying he greatly respects the coroner's judgement.

Stumped for ideas Pat asks if it couldn't have been poison? Tracy doubts that, apparently gangsters of his day don't go in for such things.

As the body gets loaded up and everyone drives out of the cemetery, Tracy makes the prediction that he will find out what killed Gothorn in 24hrs. Meanwhile, in the foreground, a mysterious figure is shown to have been spying on the detectives, possibly even having heard their conversation. Could this be the same Mr/Mrs X that killed the bellboy?

[Maniac_nmt]

Greetings Secret Service Patrol!

Tracy and the body have returned to the coroner's office, and are examining the body again. They're indoors now, so while the Coroner can't wear his black coat, he still has his black hat on. Of course, Tracy is wearing his tradmark yellow fedora as well. I suspect this may have been a way to more easily seperate characters. So that when you can't see their faces clearly, the colored hat makes them standout. Anyways, an assistant has shown up with a test tube. Which the Coroner states shows no traces of poisons in Gothorn's blood. Just as Tracy suspected.

Tracy and the coroner bend over the body, and Tracy gives the Coroner a rebuke. Saying the job will be done properly, THIS time. It must be difficult at times working with Tracy. He's right something like 99% of the time, and can often find errors that the trained pros in that field missed.

Of course, Tracy finds something that the coroner missed.

There is something small hidden on the back of his head. Something the Coroner didn't see the last time. What could it be?

[Maniac_nmt]

Today we find out what Tracy discovered on the back of Gothorn's head.

The Coroner is almost stupified at what he missed! A bullet hole in the back of Gothorn's head, under a lock of hair! It must be no fun at all living in Tracy's world, always missing something you should have seen only so Tracy can come along an look like a genious when he finds it.

Bending over the corpse, Tracy has doubts about the 'bullet hole' though. In the foreground is the lab assistant, who looks like something out of a Lon Chaney movie. Gould routinely gave his characters strange, or distinctive looks as a way to make the normal seem like something else. 'Lips' Manlis is given exagerated lips, Flattop sports a literal flat-topped head, The Brow has an almost grotesquely massive forehead, etc.

The Coroner is surprised by Tracy's surmise, asking what he could mean. Tracy tells us he doesn't think it's a bullet hole at all.

The Coroner may have been incompetant enough to miss the 'bullet hole' in the first place, but he sure as shooting isn't going to take that from Tracy. He knows a bullet hole when he sees one by George. Unpreterbed, Tracy sugests they probe for the bullet, and settle it once and for all.

Tune in next time to see who is right, and who eats crow.

[Maniac_nmt]

Merry Christmas Secret Service Patrol! As a Christmas treat, you get two strips today.

As you may recall, last time Tracy and the Coroner disagreed over the manner of wound in the back of Gothorn's head. Today Tracy appears to have been proven right. After probing the wound they can find no bullet.

Tracy calls up to the Chief to have him come down. They've run into a mystery that will put the whole department in a quandry.

Knowing it will mean some overtime, Tracy sends Junior across the street to get a pot of coffee. I'm a little unsure on the nature of Junior's response, as he calls Tracy 'Mike Tracy'. Perhaps Mike is meant to be a generic name in the 30s?

Even the great Tracy is baffled by this case. He had thought it was just another gang land killing, but this mystery wound implies something else. The coroner can't resist a harmless jib at tracy, and tells him he wouldn't want easy cases all the time.

Strip 2

Tracy is heading out of the office (which we now find out is the county morgue, and not the police station). The Chief and Pat are just arriving (meaning Tracy had to drop Pat off somewhere off pannel on the way back from the cemetary, which is odd since Junior was with Tracy, and all 3 were at the cemetary).

Tracy orders a sandwich and a pot of java to go from a bug eyed cashier while a mysterious figure stands in the foreground.

Junior is distracted by the shop keepers parrot.

When the stranger is satisfied Junior is distracted, and while the clerk gets the pot of coffe, he slips something into Tracy's sandwich. What could it say?

[Maniac_nmt]

Hello Secret Service Patrol! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

We rejoin our story with Chief Brandon, ####, and Pat all in the front room of the coroners. Tracy tells the Chief that all though the wound in the back of Gothorn's head looks like a bullet wound, he he doesn't want to call it that.

However, there is no doubt that this mystery wound is what killed Gothorn. Tracy leeds the other two into the next room so Brandon can see the body.

Here we get a shot of Gothorn's head (which now seems to sport Blonde hair vs the black it was originally dipicted as in his paper in the picture. Which may just be due to size of the reprint, or it could be some slight confusion on Gould's part, as Lorimor the bellhop had blonde hair. Yes, I'm sure this is not Lorimor's body). Tracy states that after hours of examination, he discovered the mystery hole under a lock of hair.

[Maniac_nmt]

Hello Secret Service members!

Today Tracy has led the chief and Pat into a room where they have a diagram set up with the Gothorns wound on it. Tracy is informing them that the mystery wound extends about an inch inside the skull, and appears exactly like a bullet hole except there is no bullet in the skull.

The wound also shows no evidence of particles of burned powder or grease lubricant typically found in wounds made by a revolver slug.

There is also no exit wound of where a bullet would have left the head. As the chief says whatever went in, didn't come out.

A real puzzler 'eh Tracy fans, but the rabbit hole goes deeper next time.

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcome back Secret Service Patrol! Do you all have snow in your front yards? Remember what #### always says, 'Slow down and take extra caution when driving in the snow.' Thanks, that's good advice detective.

Tracy and the Chief are still scratching their heads over this puzzle. No bullet in the bullet hole means what!?! It's too confusing for the Chief, he's giving up, can you figure it out?

But wait, don't guess yet! The rabbit hole goes even deeper. Someone comes up with the suggestion that perhaps it's a punch hole, from an Iron rod or something. If you guessed that, you'd be wrong. That's impossible because the hair all points into the wound. If it had been something punched into the head some of the hair would have pointed out.

Right at this point a tension break shows up, as Junior returns with the coffee and sandwich. Check back next time to find out what was in Tracy's sandwich!

[Maniac_nmt]

Greetings and Salutations Secret Service Patrol! Are you stumped by the mystery yet? I know I am, but you know ####, even if he says it, he's never stumped.

Today we rejoin our crew as Tracy sits down to enjoy a ham sandwich and a pot of joe. You can tells this is the 30s, the Chief lights up a stoogie right in Tracy's face with no comment. Tracy is just about to tell us what he thinks of the wound when he bites into something in his ham on white. Do you remember? The mysterious stranger put it there several strips back.

Incredibly, it's a piece of paper, hidden where Tracy would find it, but Junior wouldn't suspect it.

It contains the sinster message to 'LAY OFF' in rather bad hand writing. It seems, someone is keeping track of our detectives, and doesn't like what they've found so far. Will #### back down? Tune back next time to see their response.

[Maniac_nmt]

Happy New Year Secret Service Patrol!

Last time Tracy was just about to give us his theory on the wound when he found a suspicious note saying 'LAY OFF', in rather poor handwriting, in his sandwich. Today's pannel opens up where last times strip ended; a close up of the note. I suspect this may have been because the last strip was a Friday, and this was a Sunday. After the weekend, it would have been natural to repeat this sort of thing to keep it fresh in reader's minds.

Everyone is noticibly shocked. The Chief can't believe it. Yet it is, a warning hidden in an apparently innocent Ham on White.

Tracy asks Junior where he got the sandwich. To which Junior tells us it was the Cozy Cafe, just across the road.

Hoping to catch a break, Tracy and our boys quickly rush out of the building to see if they can garner any clues. Will they find the mystery man there?

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcome back Tracy fans!

When we last left our crew they were rushing out to the Cosy Cafe to try and find Mr. X who'd planted a note in Tracy's sandwich. Today we find them just about to enter the cafe. The Chief wonders if perhaps it's some gag, done by someone who knows Tracy. Tracy, however, is determined to find out.

Wanting to make sure it's done right, the Chief sends Pat arround back to cover the rear entrance, while he'll stay out front (awfully chummy of the Chief to stand guard isn't it).

Tracy walks in, and showing his photographic memory, calls the cashier by name. Asking if the fellow at the counter is his only customer. In true, politically incorrect fashion, Tony (the cashier) answers in a thick accent in the affirmative (I almost miss the days when authors mispelled things to 'sound out' the accents of characters).

Tracy asks if anyone else has been in the store in the last 10 minutes. To which Tony answers just Junior and a cab driver. (As yet we don't get to see the patron's face, but you'll want to remember it next time).

[Maniac_nmt]

Hello again Tracy fans! Sorry for the break there, but your humble corespondant was sick, and did not keep up on his work.

As you probably remember, we last left Junior and Tracy at the Cosy Cafe, where Tracy was talking to Tony (the cashier). Tracy is just informing Tony, that his sandwich had a note stuck in it. Which surprises Tony.

As you may note, at the end of the last strip, Tony revealed that a cab driver had also been in the cafe a few minutes ago. So Tracy has Tony call him so they can question him (as this is well before cell phones, Tony would probably ring the dispatch station to get in touch with the cabbie).

While Tony calls the cabbie, Tracy turns his attention to the old man at the counter (with the fuzzy sideburns) and tells him he has to be searched. Tracy wants to see if he has a pencil and paper on him wich match the note.

Looks to be no dice though. The old man sells pencils for a living (and my how times have changed, just 5 cents for one of his pencils). As he's revealing this, Pat comes in from the back and let's D_ick know that there is no one back there but the cook. So it looks like a wash for our detective.

Tune back next time to watch the Chief read Tracy the riot act.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good evening Secret Service Patrol!

We return to our story as Tracy and crew have just got back to the office. Pat is angry, but not at ####. He's upset they couldn't nab the suspect who put the note in Tracy's sandwich.

The Chief is also unhappy, but he's mad at #### himself. With a mouth reminicient of modern Anime when angry, the Chief is tearing into Tracy over the lack of headway Tracy has made. Unlike you or I however, Tracy just frowns and tells the Chief to go ahead, he had this chewing out comming.

We break here and introduce a new character to you all. Tracy's G-man pal, Jim Trailer. He sports a shaved head, black bowler, and tiny mustache. He's at an Eye Doctors, asking him to identify a pair of glasses.

Pals of Tracy are willing to go the extra mile for him, this is the 21st shop Trailer has been to. Making small talk, the optomitrist asks what case the spectacles figure into. Well, you and I know don't we.

[Maniac_nmt]

Sorry all, work and life have been keeping me pretty busy of late. So my Tracy reading has slid a little.

Last time Tracy's G-man pal, Jim Trailer, had discovered who a pair of glasses (found at the scene of the crime), belonged to. Today we rejoin him right as he's reaching the Skycrest Apartments.

The differences in the two (Tracy and Trailer) can be subtle at times. Such as when Trailer reaches the desk, he calls the desk manager 'Clerk' where Tracy would have used the man's first name. Trailer tells him he is looking for a Mr. Athnel Jones, and wonders if he stays there. Which the clerk gives an affirmative to.

In a sure sign that this is the 30s, the clerk points him out standing at the Cigar Counter. Smoking (although called cancer sticks, even then) was much more prevalent in the world that spawned #### Tracy. While Tracy never smoked (didn't drink, ate right, etc etc etc), others smoke on a semi regular basis.

Surprises of surprises. Jim Trailer watches Mr. Jones leave the counter, and we get a close up view of his face. It's the pencil salesman that Tracy encountered earlier in the cafe! What does this mean? It obviously means something to Mr. Trailer as he runs off to tell Tracy.

[Maniac_nmt]

Hello again Tracy fans!

We rejoin our story back at the police department with ####, Pat, and the Chief. Tracy comes out of left field, asking what the temperature was on the day Gothorn was shot (hmm....does #### know or suspect something we don't?). The Chief takes time out of chomping on his cigar (see, told you lot's of people smoked, but not our hero. It certainly can't be healthy for Chief Brandon, as he would eventually be replaced by Pat Patton. Once Patton graduated to being Chief of police, Tracy would get a new side kick by the name of Sam Catchem. However, Pat is still his chum at this time, and was his companion on the radio program).

Bamboozled, The Chief wonders why Tracy wants to know what the temperature was when they're dealing with murder. Pat, however, proves himself a better friend and offers to call the weather bureau.

After hanging up the phone Pat lets Tracy know they were in the middle of the cold 'wave', it was 10 degrees below zero. Apparently this all means something to Tracy, who thanks Pat (always the model of manners).

[Maniac_nmt]

Evening Tracy fans!

We are back with our crew as Jim Trailer comes in through the door. Neither Pat nor the Chief know who he is (it was normal for Tracy to have adventures with all kinds of people. In his radio show he even gets called to Washington to develop a secret crime fluid as a scientist). Tracy reveals he's been waiting for Trailer to show up with news (remember, no cell phones back then, and at this time Tracy does not have his nifty wrist watch which you all know and love).

Those glasses that we didn't know about untill Trailer showed up? Well, they were so secret that not even the Chief knew about them either.

It turns out the glasses were picked up behind the servants quarters at the hotel. About 12 feet from where Gothorn was found. It's kind of funny in a way though that they were kept secret. Tracy didn't know someone was tailing him at that time. Maybe he's psychic?

[Maniac_nmt]

Salutations Secret Service members!

We open with Jim Trailer recounting his 'glasses adventure'. He recaps that Tracy discovered them, and asked Trailer to keep it a secret while he tracked down their owners. He notes that he tried 22 optometrists before finding out who they belonged to.

Tracy promptly asks who they belonged to as Pat and the Chief examine the specs. Trailer reveals they belong to a retired manufacturer, Athnel Jones.

The Chief states he's never heard of Athnel Jones. Trailer obviously did some homework, and tells us that he was a research chap in mechanical refreigeration. He was the inventor of several devices now used in artificial cooling. Hmm...could that have something to do with Tracy's inquiry about the termperature, or the mystery wound? Is the Chief just getting senile, does he really remember Mr. Jones? Find out next time.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning Patrol members!

It appears Trailer's revelation that Jones was a refigeration specialist appears to have stuck on something with Tracy. Tapping his chin he notes that brings up the idea of ice, emphasizing the word. He then asks Trailer where Mr. Jones lives. To which Trailer tells them 'In the Arisocratic Skycrest Hotel.' Meaning it's no pigsty there. During all this Jim is still holding the glasses out in his hands, the way he's been doing for the past 2 days stips. I wonder if his arm ever gets tired.

Well, the Chief has a sudden attack of memory. It seems he did know who Athnel Jones was after all. Apparently, he had Gothorn (the murder victim for those who don't remember) arrested two years ago for blackmail. However, when the case came to court it was thrown out. Gee, would that be what you call, a motive? It sure puts a whole new light on our pencil pusher.

Excited by this news, Tracy wants Pat to call Junior over (as he must have left after Tracy hit the Cozy Cafe up). Tracy tells them all, he's going to have Junior become a bellhop at the Skycrest Hotel. Obviously to become an inside man, and find some more information out about Mr. Jones.

It's interesting to note, that the terminology for Apartments has changed to hotel. In the 30s, it would not have been terribly uncommon to have an upscale place that was a cross between what we think of as a hotel and apartments. A doorman, desk clerk, waiting staff, maids, etc, yet be lived in for extended periods like an apartment.

[Maniac_nmt]

Today our story takes up with Junior answering the telephone. Finding Pat on the phone he gives a brief response. Junior, is of course, dressed in a nice shirt, checked pants, and spotted kravat (boy have we come a long way to black AC/DC shirts and ripped blue jeans). I note this, as again, times were different then. People dressed, and acted differently. Kids often wearing mini versions of adult clothes.

The strip cuts back to headquarters, with all four men standing arround Pat. Patton tells Junior to come down right away, Tracy's orders. They need him to help out on the Gothorn case.

Well, just like I'm sure you boys and girls would be, Junior is excited to helping Tracy on a case. Doffing his cap, Junios rushes out the door. The first real case he's being let in on. Golly!

Trailer and #### are discussing Junior, and what sort of help he'll be giving. Tracy is going to get Junior a job as a bellhop at the Skycrest Apartments. He believes in that capacity, Junior will learn more in a day, then they might learn in a week. He can wait on the suspect, have access to the room, etc.

[Maniac_nmt]

Hello again fellow Patrol members!

Are you excited? I know I am, Junior has just arrived find out what his big assignment is. All the men are standing arround with smiles on their faces, so you know it must be something good (boy you can tell comics were different when it was a good thing to have a young boy for a partner, and stick him in harms way, and everyone smiled about it).

Pushing his hat back, Tracy takes a serious tone and asks Junior if he's ever been a bellhop in his long and colorful assistant's career. Always eager for a new challenge, Junior says no, but is quick to note he can learn.

Emphasising the importance of the mission, Tracy lifts Junior up onto a chair to look him in the eye (this can be confusing as it almost looks like they are kneeling down, but it becomes clear next pannel). Get this, breaking news here. Tracy believes they've located the killer! You heard it hear first, the cops believe Athnel Jones killed Addie Gothorn. They want Junior to help them get the goods on him. I bet you'd just faint from excitement, working with the famous #### Tracy, but Junior cooly says 'That's right down my ally'.

With his ward all for it, Tracy tells Pat to put through a phone call to the Skycrest Hotel immediately. Tell the Manager to 'COME TO HEADQUARTERS IMMEDIATELY' (I imagine Gould bolds that statement to emphasize the underlying excitement he's trying to work up, and that big things are comming).

[Maniac_nmt]

Good evening Service Patrol!

We we left our story last time, Tracy had instructed Pat to call up the manager of the Skycrest hotel. Today the manager of the hotel has arrived. He has a round, almost fat face, a black suit, fedora, and a thick Hitler style mustache (remember, this is the 30s, so that style was still popular, and not out of vogue yet). Of course the manager, Mr. Brown, is quite happy to help (times sure do change 'eh).

Tracy tells him they just want him to allow Junior to work as a bellhop, with no pay (Tracy makes a point of this, which seems kind of odd), and be tasked with all the calls from Athnel Jones' room. To which the manager replies 'Gladly!'

#### brings Junior forward (presumably to introduce him to Mr. Brown, but the intro must take place off pannel), and tells Mr. Brown to treat him like any other bellhop. Most importantly though, he's to keep his lips sealed on Juniors real identity (it's funny you should mention that Tracy, perhaps you should remember to say that in the future too, or it might cost you).

Junior is again up on his chair looking over Tracy's shoulder as Mr. Brown and Tracy shake hands. Mr. Brown tells Tracy to have Junior report to the bellhop captain tomorrow morning in the locker room. Junior is as excited as I'm sure you'd be. Not only does he get to help out in the case, but he gets to go undercover, and come face to face with the enemy.

Next time, Junior takes a job.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good evening Secret Service Patrol!

We rejoin our story with in the locker room of the Skycrest Hotel. Junior is finishing up his uniform. The head bellhop apparently doesn't even know why Junior is there. He seems skeptical, as Junior looks to young for the job to him. To which Junior shows that Tracy's discipline has paid off when he calls the bellhop 'Sir' (wow, don't I wish people had better manners today. Shoot, I've even had people get upset because I use Sir and Mam when dealing with other people). Junior tells him he knows the ropes, and uses the saying "I'll be right on the job." (effectively meaning he'll do a good job, or he'll be on the ball as it were).

Not to be undone the head Bellhop still lays it into Junior. If three complaints are lodged against him he'll be fined a dollar (now remember, that's a lot of money in the 30s, a meal might not cost you a whole dollar, with desert included). Still, Junior is unpretured and still calls him Sir.

We now cut over to Athnel Jones on the telephone. I'm not sure I've taken time to describe him yet, so I will do so now. He's an elderly chap that's bald on top. He has large, fuzzy sideburns which come just below his ear. He sports a small, pinched nose, with a long stretch from the bottom of his nose untill his mouth. He's got several jowls, and an overall rounded face. I note this as Gould typically made his villians look strange, or distinct. Overall, he's achieved this giving Jones a mean, hard old man, that's used to money or power. Back to the dialogue, Mr. Jones wants a bottle of seltzer water sent up to room 310 (his room), and WANTS THAT BELLHOP TO STEP LIVELY! (yowch! what a grouchy old codger).

Back in the lobby, a number of bellhops are waiting for orders, or running off on errands. The manager calls out for a bellboy to take a bottle of seltzer to room 310. Which of course means Junior comes up to take it up. What clever plan will Junior come up with once he's there? Tune in next time to find out.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good Morning Secret Service Patrol!

We're back as Junior faces his first encounter with the enemy. Arriving at room 310, Junior is decked out in his bellhop uniform carrying a seltzer bottle and ice, while holding out a card to sign for it on. Jones proves his personality is just how he looks, yelling at Junior for the crummy service, and complaining about his youth.

Junior has set the tray down inside Jones' room, with Junoes yelling at him again about signing for it, as Junior gave him a blank card (slip up, or on purpose? well keep reading). Junior dodges the bullet and excuses himself, producing the actual slip.

Free from Jones' presance Junior runs down the hall, carrying the blank card in a hankerchief. He's headed for the boiler room, where Trailer and Tracy are waiting.

It's worth noting here that Gould actually draws the boiler equipment in the background in this pannel. Unlike many cartoonists, he often takes the time to fill in the background of his pannels with incedentals that help identify his locations, and give the pannel a more realistic feel. Back to the action, Junior arrives very excited. The blank card was all a ploy to get Jones' finger prints. Junior himself notes that Jones 'looks like Satan himself'. Tracy congratulates Junior on a job well done.

[Maniac_nmt]

Hello again Patrol members!

We rejoin our story in the boiler room of the Skycrest Hotel. Tracy is just handing over the card with fingerprints to Trailer, so he can id them. However, Juniors mission is just starting. Tracy informs the young lad that he has another job for him

Showing off his love for nifty gadgets, Gould has come up with a corker for the time. Tracy produces a button hole camera for Junior to wear. It fastens right inside the jacket, and has room for 3 exposures on the film. You have to realise, for the 30s this is dynamite stuff. What little boy or girl wouldn't get excited over something like that? We can tell from Junior's excited face it sounds just swell.

Tracy begins to set Junior's unifrom up to house the camera. The lens projects through a hole in one of his brass buttons. The bulb that triggers the shutter sits in one of his pockets. Through this entire explanation Junior wears a look of total amazement.

The camera affixed, Gould zooms out to catch some more of the room in the final pannel. Tracy tells Junior to take a picture of Jones' face next time he's in his room. Take one of Mr. Jones, and anything else that looks suspicious. Junior salutes Tracy and heads out to complete his new task.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good Evening Secret Service Patrol!

Junior is just comming back up to Jones' room with a bottle of seltzer, and what looks like either wine or champange. Junior is grousing about how demanding Jones is, and how despite the swanky locale, it's no picnic.

Jones meets Junior at the door grumpy, and dour, just like his face would make you think. If you remember, Junior will be docked pay after a certain number of complaints. Jones sure seems on his way to filing them, complaining about the rotten service, despite Juniors good manners.

Sure enough, Mr. Jones threatens Junior that he's going to call the manager and have a new boy put on his calls (yowch! that could threaten the whole deal). Unpreterbed, Junior calmly answers 'Yes Sir.' while snaping a picture with his hidden camera. Unfortunaly, it's made a 'click' noise. What does this mean for Junior? Find out next time.

[Maniac_nmt]

Hello again Secret Service Patrol!

If you remember, last time Junior's button hole camera made a click as he took a photo of Athnel Jones. Well, Jones may be old, but he's not deaf. Jones whips arround demanding to know what the noise was (uh oh). Junior, thinking fast on his feet blames it on some keys in his pocket.

Saluting, Junior asks if that will be all. Apparently that will be as Jones prepares to throw a bottle at Junior while screaming for him to get out.

Junior exits, stage left, running down the hall. He's obviously a bit shaken by it as he's pulled a hankerchief out to wipe his forehead. Maybe it's that slamming door behind him. Whatever, Junior scurrys off to find Jim and Tracy in the boiler room to hand off the camera.

Next time, is someone getting suspicious of Junior?

[Maniac_nmt]

Good evening Patrol members!

We rejoin Junior's adventures as a bellhop back in the Boiler Room (sheesh, you'd think it'd be to hot for overcoats and hats, but there arm Jim and Tracy, as if it were 40 below). Junior is just handing over his secret camera, with the picture of Jones on the film. He also managed to snag another set of prints on the tray that carried everything. Tracy is anxious to develop the shot, but is still incredibly demanding. He orders Junior to 'get back upstairs!'

This doesn't seem to bug Junior, as he muses on Jones' chances now that Tracy is getting information on him. When out of no where....JUNIOR IS SHOT AT! The bullet knocking his bellhop cap right off his head! Zowie!

Junior is panic stricken, sweating bullets all over the place. Someone put a bullet clean through his cap! Who is trying to kill our Junior detective?

Next time Junior finds a cold surprise.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning Patrol members! Sorry for the delay, had car problems last night.

If you remember, last time Junior was shot at, and the bullet knocked hat off. Today, Junior has regained his composure and is now looking for the bullet (I don't know about you, but I think I might have ske-dadled out of there if I was being shot at). Picking up his hat, Junior examines the wall that bullet hit. There is a mark where it impacted the wall, but no bullet hole (hmm.......).

Either there was no bullet, or it's disappeared....but wait, whats this Junior finds on the floor? A bunch of tiny objects, what could they be?

ICE! That's right, little pieces of ice! (Hey, I wonder how that all plays into Jones' expertice in refrigeration, and Tracy's questions about the temperature on the day of the murder). What a discovery, better go catch Tracy before he leaves the hotel Junior!

[Maniac_nmt]

Hello again Patrol members!

Last time Junior had just found fragments of ice where the bullet fired at him should be. Today we cut away to Police headquarters, where Pat and the Chief are waiting outside the dark room. The Chief, of course, is wondering where Tracy is. Pat tells him, that Tracy and Jim are developing the picture Junior took of Mr. Jones, while Pat whips up some Hypo for them

The next pannel is almost all black, and is of Jim and Tracy in the dark room. Nothing is really visible. Either the Chief has entered the room (which would spoil the picture), or they have a phone inside as Tracy tells the Chief they're just finishing up the picture Junior took.

Our detectives get their first good look at Mr. Jones. The pictures shows Jones with a perterbed look on his face with the bottle of seltzer in hand. At which point several comments are made about how cranky he looks.

A shout comes in from off pannel (Junior running into the department no doubt, as Jim Trailer notes, remember, this isn't a tv show or movie, so often times cartoonists have to spell things out you'd ordinarily never say). Tracy is surprised, as they left Junior at the hotel. Next time Junior reveals what all the fuss is about.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good evening Patrol members! #### and the gang took a night off to watch the Superbowl with some friends, but he's back for another thrilling installment tonight!

Junior is just running into the room, all shook up! Tracy and crew turn arround, and ask Junior what's up. As they thought he was still at the hotel, they're a little surprised to see him.

Without missing a breath Junior whips off his cap and hands it over to Tracy. Excitedly he proclaims that someone just shot at him in the hotel. Almost as soon as he left the boiler room (wow, Tracy and Jim made good time back to police headquarters in order to develop the photo, and chit chat, that, or Junior was caught in a dimmensional time warp).

Tracy examines the bellhop cap as Junior points out the holes made by the bullet... dun dun dun.....A bullet made of ICE!!! Unfortunately, Junior doesn't know who fired the shot (but I bet you can guess! Shhh....don't spoil it yet).

Just to prove his point, Junior produces a small can that he put the chips of the Ice bullet in. Of course, now they're all water. However, it never occurs to Tracy to doubt his young ward. Instead, he's sobered up, and upset he put Junior in harm's way. No two ways about it, they're dealing with a Maniac ( :cheeky: :) ). Well crew, now it's time for the A game to come up to bat.

Next time, #### and Pat come out to play.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good evening Patrol members! I spent my work day listening to '#### Tracy in B Flat' by Command Performance, and #### Tracy and the Black Peral of Osiris. If any of you Patrol members have a copy of the Secret Service Code, please pm me. I've been able to compile a partial list of letters for Prisoner, Buffalo, and Football.

Anyways, on with the story.

#### and Pat arrive at the Skycrest Hotel with parcels under their arms. At the front desk they meet the manager of the hotel, and show him their badges. They inform him that they will be on site for the next couple of hours, posing as window washers. At which the manager readily agrees.

After seeing the duo into the lockeroom, the manager heads out, saying for them to let him know if they need anything. Pat and Tracy are busy getting into the window washer uniforms (presumably what the parcels had in them), but ask Brown (the manager) to wish them luck. Tracy has a feeling they need it.

Tracy heads up the hallway in his uniform, barely recognizable with a false mustache, cap, and pipe in his mouth (you'd almost think Tracy wouldn't know how to even load a pipe, he doesn't smoke in any way, shape, or form). He notes it's been a while since he put such tricks to work, but... well, here goes...

However, it is Pat Patton who finds room 310, and sets up to wash the window (these are the old style doors, with the glass window above them, Tracy, as we'll find out next week, is doing the outside windows). Athnel Jones doesn't appear to happy about it, but Pat tries to play it cool. There is an editor's box at the bottom of the pannel, which implies that Jones may suspect something is amiss.

Next time...The Manager's blunder!

[Maniac_nmt]

Good evening Patrol members!

Last time Pat was setting up to wash the windows with Jones getting suspicious. Today Jones has gone back into his apartment to check on a mysterious bag. Tracy is outside, washing those windows. Apparently either something in the bag is important, or Jones doesn't buy the disguises. He's alarmed that another window washer is oustide.

True to form, he yanks the phone off the table and hollers at the desk clerk. Complaining about the window washers annoying him at this time of day. Then gives off a surprised 'WHAT!?' part way through his tirade. Uh-Oh!

Walking away from the phone, ol' sour puss gets a devious look on his face. His suspicions have just been confirmed.

On the other end, the desk clerk is just putting his phone down, mortified. Great Scott you blundering fool! You just told the enemy that there were no washers on duty today! What have you done to Tracy!? What trouble have you turned loose?

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcome back Patrol members, join us once again, for another thrilling installment of...#### Tracy!

When last we left, the hotel manager had just given the game away, by revealing there were no window washers on duty today. Pat is just comming back into the lockerroom, where Tracy is changing. As he was leaving his post in the hall, Athnel Jones came out of his room and went out. Tracy must see this as a lucky break, and tells Pat to get changed as well.

While fixing up his tie (gad, you'd think after being in ROTC I'd be a master at that, but nooooooo), Tracy says that he saw enough through Jones' window to want to search Jones' appartment (no search warrant ####?).

Meanwhile, over in the lobby, the manager is shaking like a leaf. He's heading up the stairs, trying to find Tracy. He's got to put Tracy on guard, and let him know that Mr. Jones knows something is going on (I'd be shaking to if I had to tell Tracy I'd fumbled the ball late in the 4th quarter).

Alas, Brown won't be able to tell Tracy anything, for out of a closet steps Mr. Jones, with a gun!!! No, it's back into that fire hose closet for our desk clerk. Mr. Jones knows the jigg is up, and it's time for business.

Tune in next time, as #### and Pat search the villians lair.

[Maniac_nmt]

I hope all the rest of the Patrol are enjoying a nice, lazy Sunday! Well, in case it's to lazy, here's some #### Tracy to liven it up a little.

Last time, #### and Pat decided to go check out Mr. Jones' apartment (room 310 - editor Rob). Today they've walked into some place that looks more like a science laboratroy then a person's living space. 'Great Scott!' says ####, there's a room full of refrigeration machinery (hmmm...cold weather the day Gothorn was shot, Jones is a refrigeration specialist, an ice bullet fired at Junior, a room full of refrigeration equipment...)

Tracy muses on the possible intelligence of their murder suspect. Pat meanwhile notes one of them should be standing guard, to look for Jones' return. Good thinking Pat, if a little bit late. Don't they teach anything in police school anymore?

Right on cue, the detectives hear a noise. As they come out of the lab room Tracy tells Pat to douse the lights.

A mysterious black figure has just entered room 310, and out detectives are in plain sight if the light gets turned back on. Uh-oh!

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning Patrol members!

It looks like the game is up! Jones has just flipped on the lights, and caught #### and Pat in his appartment. Someone should tell him you can't repeat something the first time you say it though, and it has to be the first time when you are hitting the lights at the same time. Anways, he's none to happy about finding strangers in his apartment.

Tracy tries to play it diplomatically. Basically telling Jones that he understands, but that they're from the police department. Unfortunately, Jones doesn't seem to be having anything of it. He shakes his fist and takes a threatening pose at Tracy.

Well Mr. Jones, not so bright now are you? Not taking any chances, #### whips out his patented .45. Hands up Mr. Jones! The detectives will relieve you of that little case you have in your hand. See, maybe if you'd play'd it cool, you could have bought yourself some time, but no.

Next time, we take a look at that small bag.

[Maniac_nmt]

Welcome back Patrol members!

Last time #### had Athnel Jones at gun point. Today resumes with Pat taking over the job of holding their foe at gun point. Tracy has taken Mr. Jones' mystery case away from him. With his hands up, Jones finally tries to play it smart, and attempts to pass himself off a simple, old man. Retired, and with a harmless case (should have taken that track earlier smart guy, cause Tracy isn't buying what your selling).

Tracy sets the case down on a nightstand, and asks Jones just what the mystery case is. Jones (still with his hands up) replies that it is a kind of refrigerator. Something for testing purposes.

Tracy opens it up, and inside finds compartments filled with dry ice!

Next time, Pat proves why he's the number two detective, and needs Tracy arround (Pat you dolt!).

[Maniac_nmt]

Sorry for the delay Patrol, but here's another installment of... #### TRACY!

Last time we left our story as #### and Pat had Mr. Jones covered with an automatic. Tracy was just checking out Mr. Jones' mystery bag. Now, in order to do this, Tracy has his back to Mr. Jones, so he can rest the satchel on a table. Jones must be psychic or something, he's about to pull a fast one on Pat (who must have flunked out of police school, that, or forgot to drink his coffee this morning). Jones explains he's really a scientist, who deals with refrigeration and coolants. Right on cue, he drops his watch to the ground, and loudly states 'OOP! My watch!'.

Well Pat, you dunder head, we all knew what that meant, why don't you? Like a ninny, Pat bends over to pick up the watch (somehow forgeting he's the one with the gun covering Jones... :rolleyes: :confused: ). Jones reaches into his pockets, as he simultaneously kicks Pat in the head (owch! you big bully! we know Pat has a hard head, but that's just mean).

Pulling a line out of a 1930s ganster movie, Jones tells them to reach for the sky, as he brandishes two pistols, one in each hand. Pat rubs his sore head, while Tracy looks in disbelief as he raises his hands (Great Scott ####! Your partner is a poltroon!).

Next time, Tracy makes a startling discovery while held at gun point!

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning Secret Service Patrol! I hope you all had a restful weekend, because now it's time for another exciting adventure of...#### Tracy!

Last time, Pat pulled a rookie blunder, and Athnel Jones got the drop on our detectives. We rejoin our scene with Jones brandishing two pistols at our detectives. Each one appears to be a single shot model, but 2 bullets can still mean two dead detectives. Which, is exactly what Jones is planning on. It looks like trouble, as he knows why our duo is there, and neither of them is 'going to leave this room alive!'.

Jones reveals he's even more dangerous that just that. He states he's at the end of his rope, and no longer cares what becomes of himself. None the less, Tracy must have heard this line of talk before, and tries to calm Jones down.

Tracy stalls for time, he's noticed something peculiar about those two pistols. A small trickle of water is dripping out of both barrels. Suddenly, Tracy puts it all together. His search for the murderer of Addie Gothorn is over!!!

What has Tracy figured out? Why is water running out of Jones' gun barrels? What will happen to our two chums? Stay tuned to #### Tracy!

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning again Patrol members! Time to rise and shine, and head to work or school. It's also time for another installment of... #### Tracy!


Last time, Jones had Pat and Tracy covered with his two pistols, when water droplets started leaking out their barrels. Today we open up to a zoomed out shot of Jones holding the duo at arms length with his pistols. Jones is well aware that these two were his 'window washers'. Guns still dripping slightly he tells them that was the last time they'll snoop arround.

Always the considerate guy, Jones wants them to turn arround and face the wall. He wants to shoot them in the back of the head. You know, make it as painless as possible and all. Gee, what a swell guy. I wish I had a friend like him.

Tracy's not done in just yet though. Backing up slightly, Tracy pretends to trip on the rug in Jones' room, falling over backwards.

Well, if Pat was a chowder head for getting them into this mess, Jones can wear a dunce cap too. He falls for the willy Tracy's ploy. As he steps in and points the gun down, a tiny ice pellet slides from the barrel! Eureka! Have you been following along Tracy fans? Did you guess it already? Now we know exactly what killed Addie Gothorn. An ice bullet! How fiendishly clever was that? It would melt and leave no balistic evidence once fired. No wonder Tracy and his crew were so baffled. Now it all makes sense why Tracy was asking about the cold weather, and why he was interested in Jones' refrigeration speciality.

Tune back next when #### gets shot!

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning Secret Service Patrol!

As we rejoin our story, #### has just tricked Athnel Jones by faking his fall backwards. At which point Jones pointed his gun downwards, and water started to run out. Tracy, now on his back, comments about something falling out of Jones' gun. Which promptly causes Jones to shake like a leaf. He may be in trouble now.

Standing back up, Tracy tells Jones flat out he knows about the ice bullet, and how useless it is, now that it's run out of the gun. Uh-oh, panic time Mr. Jones. If you shake any worse you'll vibrate the house down.

Well, now's the time ####, go get 'em! With a lunge #### rushes forward and snags Athnel Jones. At the same moment, Jones fires right into ####'s chest! However, our master detective has guessed right, and it's nothing but water!

Knocking one of the guns out of Jones' hands, he pulls the arm back. Their scuffle knocking over funiture, Tracy yells for Pat to grab Jones' other arm. He suspects he may have a gun in another pocket. Pat reacting fast, moves in to help subdue the suspect.

Next time Tracy examines the case.

[Maniac_nmt]

Phew! I hope all you Patrol members had as much as I did today. The skiing was fantastic, and it gets even better, because now it's time for....#### TRACY!

Last time #### put the moves on Athnel Jones, and the end of the strip, he and Pat were scuffling with the old scoundrel. Today #### decides enough is enough, and ends this little fracas with a mighty right to the kisser! Go get'em ####, use that ol' one two! That's one criminal who'll learn never to knock your hat off again.

Even Pat is impressed with Tracy's haymaker. With just one punch he's floored our villian, knocking him cold. Upset his hat got mussed (you can see him brushing it off, even if he doesn't comment on it), Tracy orders Pat to put Jones in the chair in the back ground, and to cuff him.

Famous yellow fedora firmly back on his head, Tracy sets about opening Jones' case to take a closer look inside. It's interesting here, as the lines of the picture apparently have Tracy with a cigarete in his mouth (however, we all know full well that Tracy doesn't smoke). I have to assume that in reproduction something was lost. That perhaps the squiggle that is smoke is either breath (caused by the cold of the refrigerated case), or was supposed to part of something on the wall. Either way it looks out of place (and it can't be a cancer stick, as Tracy don't have it in the next pannel).

Opening up the case is particularly revealing. It contains frozen carbonic acid gas (what that is, I have no idea), which is apparently one of the coldest known refrigerants in the 1930s. Gee ####, is there any subject you aren't an expert on? There is also a bulb that can be used to put water into what looks like batteries. Not to be out done, Pat walks over with something he's just discovered.

What is it? Find out next time, in another exciting installment of...#### Tracy.

[Maniac_nmt]

Good morning again Patrol members.

As you may remember, last time #### and Pat put the cuffs on Athnel Jones, and began to look through his little case. Pat had just come over to show Tracy something. Today Tracy is holding that something in his hands. Two blank cartridges that were discovered in Jones' pocket. Covered in paraffine, over the powder. Meanwhile, in the background, Jones is just waking up in the chair Pat put him in.

Grabbing the now awake Jones out of his chair, Tracy escorts him out the door. Poor Pat gets the grunt labor job, as Tracy tells him to bring along the case and the blank shells.

Tracy must have called headquarters, as Chief Brandon himself is driving the car that is taking them back to headquarters. Sitting in the back, Tracy finally tells Jones that he's under arrest for the murder of Addie Gothorn. Must have been nice not to have Miranda rights to read, or just flat ignore them.

Well, old Jones doesn't seem perturbed by that one bit. He, seemingly happily, admits to murdering Gothorn. Much to Pat and Tracy's chagrin. Now isn't that an odd one you two. A crook who admits it right out when you catch him..

Next time we'll wrap up this case.

[Maniac_nmt]

Hello Secret Sercive Patrol! Today I'm going to wrap up the end of this caper. There are still a number of strips left, but they're all pretty much wrap up at this stage.

Like traditional detective stories, the remaining strips are all the sort of 'how I figured it out, and how he did it' type stuff you'd expect. For once though, Gould ends up painting a semi sympathetic villian.

Usually, most of the main villians are pretty hard boiled types. Occasionally they black mail people into helping them, or petty criminals get drafted into serious crimes, but Jones is actually none of those things. As soon as he goes in the klink he starts singing like a canary. It turns out, Gothorn blackmailed Jones for 50 grand. Stop and think about that for a moment, 50 grand in the 1930s. That's like a few million today. This Jones guy had to be one rich chap to be milked for that much cash. Unfortunately, the blackmail drove Jones' wife to suicide. So, now we know why he looks like a grump all the time. I think you and I would go a little nuts if we were bilked out of 50 grand in the 30s, and it killed our spouse. Of course, none of that excuses murder, but it does put a different spin on Jones vs Gould's usual killers (guys like Flattop, the Brow, Shakey, and so forth are all pretty psychotic).

Tracy also explains what the box does a number of times (the repetition of this is part of why I'm summing up the 'who done it' bit). He explains this to the chief once, then again to the Chief, Pat and Junior, and finally to Jim Trailer (who helped Tracy run clues down on this case). The case was actually a mini refrigerator which Jones used to make and store ice bullets. He used the paraffin covered shells to house the bullet, the paraffin preventing the water from getting into the explosive powder. The guns were then set vertically into two slots in the case (barrels pointing to the roof). Water was then dropped into the barrel and shell (using the dropper), and in 15 minutes you had frozen ice bullet guns. Then the guns would be removed and held in the hand for a few seconds. The wielder's body heat causes the bullet to come loose from the barrel so they can be fired.

Strictly a close range affair, the bullet will then melt, leaving no tracable evidence. Clever, to be sure. Gould certainly shows his love of gadgets. However, it is exactly this ingenuity which clued Tracy in to the nature of it. Basically, it was so smart it gave itself away (in effect, Jones out-foxed himself). If you've followed all along, you'll note how Tracy dropped hints that he might have known what was what early on (you'll remember him asking early on what the temperature was the day Gothorn was shot).

Of course, this all serves to show how Tracy is always one step ahead of everyone else. It's almost like he's a bit of a jerk, and just wants to reach that point where he can be a smug sob. Of course, this is not the truth. Tracy is just to humble over all, and always wants to be absolutely certain before nailing his man (never mind that his hunches are almost always 100% correct from the begining, something even lampooned a few times in the #### Tracy radio program, with Pat saying they could just give up detecting, and arrest people based on Tracy's hunches). The smile you see on his face at the end, isn't him being smug, it's just satisfaction from a job well done.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this trip into comic histroy. This was definately a different case for Tracy. None of the typical over the top villians, no gun fights, a little mystery to keep you guessing (Jones actually shows up fairly late in the story for a Tracy villian). Hopefully I've been able to empart a bit of my love for the character, and the original 'World's Greatest Detective'.

Cheers!