The Adventures of NERO WOLFE - "Stamped for Murder"

The Adventures of Nero Wolfe
STAMPED FOR MURDER
Oct 20, 1950
Following is the HISTORICAL GLOSSARY that you will see scrolling at the end. I thought it might be helpful to peek down here if there is a term or something you don't understand, instead of having to wait till the end!
HISTORICAL GLOSSARY
Wolfe refers to Gloria Kent as a "gammer" in conversation with Archie. This is an ironic statement because a gammer is an older woman who is unmarried (and thus assumed to be unattractive). It comes from "god-mother" and is used in the same way someone might refer to a "maiden aunt" or to an "old maid". He uses this term to tease Archie who finds the young beautiful Ms. Kent attractive.
When Wolfe dismisses Archie he says, "I intend to spend this afternoon with my New World Atlas." In 2024 we have Google Maps and Google Earth. In the 1950s people had atlases which were large books filled with maps, and each map was packed with fascinating details. A standard atlas was very large to accommodate thorough maps, large like 3 feet by two feet. Of course there were smaller ones but the standard atlas was a very large book that, when open, covered nearly the entire top of your desk.
Inspector Cramer says, "Oh, I get it. And while the others were hasslin' around, he tried to steal a march and quietly resorted to murder." To steal a march is an old idiom which means to gain an advantage over competitors. It originates from the definition of "march" that has to do with soldiers marching to get somewhere to attack in a battle. If you sneak your troops to a better position without the enemy being aware of it you "stole a march".

[@sylviahoffman9440]

Nice ending surprise! I didn't expect that, but it makes sense no one could "find" the treasure since no matter what the papers inside the envelope say, the real treasure was not where anyone would even look. Very cool.
Thanks for sharing the story and the historical idioms. ❤

[@sandeakilpatrick2386]

Very good! Thank you.

[@roberthoffman7695]

awesome. nice twists at the end. I especially liked the Invisible Ink angle. :0)