The Case of Laker, Absconded | Arthur Morrison | A Bitesized Audiobook

Martin Hewitt is called in to investigate the mystery surrounding Charles Laker, a clerk who has vanished with £15,000 of his bank's money. All the evidence suggests he has bolted to the continent, but he may have left a false trail. Can Hewitt trace his steps, track him down and recover the cash? Story begins at 00:01:18
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content):
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:18 The Case of Laker, Absconded
01:01:36 Credits, thanks and further listening
Arthur Morrison (1863-1945) was a journalist and author who made his name with realistic portrayals of English working class life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, typified by his most famous novel, 'A Child of the Jago' (1896). In addition, he composed numerous short stories for periodical publication between 1891 and 1913, with themes ranging from horror and the supernatural to detective tales. In the latter genre he created two popular contemporary "rivals of Sherlock Holmes", Martin Hewitt and Horace Dorrington.
Morrison was born in Poplar, in the east end of London, into a working class family. His father, a dock worker, died of tuberculosis when Arthur was eight. He began his career as an office boy at the London School Board and gradually worked his way up through the ranks of various publications, first as a clerk and eventually as a journalist and editor. He married Elizabeth Thatcher in 1892, and their son Guy was born the following year.
Morrison's detective character Martin Hewitt first appeared in The Strand Magazine just weeks after Conan Doyle apparently killed off Sherlock Holmes in 'The Final Problem', beginning with 'The Lenton Croft Robberies' in March 1894. Morrison was initially uncredited as the author, although his name was finally printed at the end of the series. The stories were illustrated by Sidney Paget, who had illustrated all the Holmes adventures for The Strand.
Hewitt was deliberately conceived by Morrison as a more realistic contrast to the "superman" figure of Holmes: he's workmanlike, practical and down to earth. That first series featured monthly in The Strand until September 1894; they were then collected in book form under the title 'Martin Hewitt, Investigator'. Two subsequent series of adventures featuring Hewitt appeared in The Windsor Magazine in 1895 and 1896, with a fourth and final series appearing in 'The London Magazine' in 1902-03. The stories are narrated by Hewitt's friend (and sometimes companion) Brett, a lawyer-turned-journalist. However, Brett is a far less active participant in the narrative than Dr. Watson, often not appearing at all in the story himself, merely relating events in the third person. In 'The Case of Laker, Absconded', Brett only makes a brief direct appearance mid-way through the story, before Hewitt explains all to him at the end.
Morrison's second detective character, Horace Dorrington, made his debut in The Windsor Magazine in January 1897, in 'The Dorrington Deed Box'. Dorrington is another unusual detective: described as "deeply corrupt" and a "lower class answer to Sherlock Holmes", he blurs the lines of the law, never afraid to resort to blackmail, burglary or fraud to achieve his results.
In addition to his career as a successful author of fiction, Morrison was also a collector of Japanese artwork, publishing a noted book and several articles on the subject. On his death his collection of Japanese paintings, prints and ceramics was left to the British Museum, his son Guy having pre-deceased him.
'The Case of Laker, Absconded' formed part of the second series of Martin Hewitt stories and first appeared in The Windsor Magazine in May 1895. It was later published in book form as part of the second volume of collected stories, 'The Chronicles of Martin Hewitt' (1896).
The image on the title card incorporates a photograph (c.1895) of the Bank of England and Royal Exchange buildings at the junction of Threadneedle Street and Cornhill, in the heart of the City of London.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2024

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Story begins at 00:01:18. This story is one of a series featuring Martin Hewitt, the first of several "rivals to Sherlock Holmes" who filled the gap created after Conan Doyle apparently killed Holmes off in 'The Final Problem' in December 1892. The Adventures of Martin Hewitt directly replaced those of Holmes in The Strand Magazine a few weeks later, in early 1893, with illustrations by Sidney Paget. If you enjoy this story, you may like to listen to the previous Hewitt adventure I narrated for this channel, 'The Case of the Dixon Torpedo': kzbin.info/www/bejne/mammeGlnmtijoZo Or for more Victorian and Edwardian detective adventures, you may enjoy my "Rivals of Sherlock Holmes" playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZL5tiXECltwXUI2QDDFrDHD

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Dear Bitesized, Oh I wish you countless blessings! Thanks for staying exactly as you are: focused on the storytelling, the artistic genre & the impetus towards sharing your lovely gifts in a world so commodified everywhere! You make it easy to find pertinent information & you go the extra mile from your start to finish! Brilliant! 🤎🧡💛💚💙📚📖🪭

[@BitesizedAudio]

@evelanpatton Thank you for your kind words, much appreciated

[@malcolmcurran6248]

I feel sure the authors of these stories would be as pleased and impressed with Simon's engaging voice performances of them as it's clear his listeners are. What a rare refuge and escape listening is for the imagination from our overly saturated world of constant images. Orson Welles used to say that we see better on radio. Simon certainly proves that's still true.

[@mijiyoon5575]

Wowzer! Look what I just found! An hour long too ... Thank You sooooooo much *Simon* you are the best

[@maxgc6413]

Oh Simon, you spoil us this Saturday evening. Nice and cold here. Curling up with a candle and cat. Perfect atmosphere. Thank you 🙏

[@JasonJason210]

Your channel reminds me so much of a good old days of radio 4. Cosy radio nights!

[@susangordon1153]

👏👏👏👏 Another wonderful evening with Simon! How I do just love to relax and let your wonderful voice carry me into these stories... You sir are my knight in shining armour, if only for a short while. There's no denying it, Simon, I absolutely adore you. Thank you so very much for spending time with us once again. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

😊

[@jeaneslick4316]

He has spoiled me! I measure all audio readers by his soothing, Thank you. ❤

[@januzzell8631]

Delightful, as always - thank you I did wonder whether G K Chesterton had read this when he wrote the Father Brown stories. I did wonder whether Laker was leaving a trail to help people find him as Father Brown did in the 1st story 'The Innocence of Father Brown'

[@christopherdilks6540]

I always get a kick out of receiving notifications from Bitesized Audio Classics 😊

[@smythharris2635]

Good to hear Laker held up his end, whilst Hewitt and Plummer piled on the runs; thus saving the follow-on. Well played, those men; and well read, Stanhope.

[@MrMrsmcd]

Thankyou Simon 😊

[@taliabee8661]

Ooh, what a lovely surprise when I can’t get to sleep following very minor op (but bloody painful!) in my mouth. Stitches really sting. This is improving the situation, for sure 😀♥️

[@ladyabstinencelevain8696]

Hope you feel better soon

[@along5925]

I've been there. It's miserable. Sending a little prayer. And truth be told, Simon DOES help.

[@taliabee8661]

@@along5925 it’s mending well, apparently but it’s so flipping sore!! You are quite correct, though…Mr S has definitely helped! 😀♥️

[@taliabee8661]

Thanks for kind thoughts, peeps ♥️♥️

[@BitesizedAudio]

@taliabee8661 Oh dear, you have my sympathies. I had an op to take out a couple of troublesome wisdom teeth about two years ago, and I remember the recovery period was frustrating. I hope you feel better soon.

[@ginabeena6757]

Ooh I'm so excited for this!! A brand new story is like Christmas! Thank you Simon! ❤️

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Merry Christmas Gina! More coming soon I hope...

[@NSGca]

Simon sending love and thanks, from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. I'm thankful for all you do.

[@snippycutwell9878]

So nice!

[@irenabevans3411]

Thank You, just what I needed a new tale

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to oblige! Thanks Irena

[@patriciaramsey5294]

How wonderful! Thank you Simon!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome. I had this marked down as one of your requests, sorry it's taken me a while to get around to it!

[@davehopkins1970]

Thank you Simon

[@sueforgan7713]

Thank you Simon always a pleasure to listen to your narrations ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thank you Sue

[@kindermord]

Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'm glad to know that, thanks for listening

[@sugarfalls1]

You make winter a whole lot better! Thank you, Simon!! 😍😍💖💖💖👏👏👏👏

[@eleshasmith6064]

Always a pleasure. Thank you!

[@patriciajrs46]

I always click like before you even get started!! Simon, you're just delightful. I love the things you read. Bless you greatly.

[@stewartlancaster6155]

Sunday night and Storm Isha raging outside our house high up in the Cumbrian hills and a lovely new story to listen to. Many thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Stewart, I hope you stay safe and warm. We've avoided the worst of the storm most of the day but it's making itself felt this evening!

[@patriciajrs46]

​@@BitesizedAudioTake good care of you and yours.

[@jsa-z1722]

WHAT A GREAT VOICE!!! 😍

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly! 😊

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Ooh how delicious! A midnight feast. Thank 'ee, my maestro. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome as always Bob! All the best

[@mariannwolf4889]

Thank you once more for the delightful reading. Extremely enjoyable. Also for the bit of history.

[@sylviaphelps8518]

Simon your voice is Perfect for these stories

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thank you!

[@eternitywithjesus777]

I love these stories, Simon. And, really appreciate the history story and the author.

[@cantonhag]

Awww, Simon, l love it when you appear 😊🎉

[@sandrapeach4990]

Very glad you are still finding & sharing these really great classic stories. Thank you for making the effort, love them 😃 😺

[@mariafrancescavinci7196]

I can't wait to get my knitting needles out and listen, THANK YOU SIMON❤❤❤❤❤

[@PippaAT]

What a joy on a bleak Sunday morning in Yorkshire. Your voice is such a delight to me.

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you Pippa!

[@stewartlancaster6155]

every morning is bleak in Yorkshire surely ?

[@PippaAT]

@@stewartlancaster6155 Oh, we have our moments!

[@user-jd4hm1fo6g]

There are many beautiful areas in Yorkshire and of all the English accents, Yorkshire is one of my favourites.

[@simoneclift3155]

Blissful ❤ Thank you so much for another fabulous narration. These truely make my day. X

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thank you Simone!

[@nickybaker1338]

I've been waiting eagerly for the next story - in fact I've barely been able to NOT tap my feet or twiddle my thumbs 😅 THANK YOU SIMON 😊

[@nickybaker1338]

Fantastic! As usual, I was able to picture every character because of your fine narration. Wonderful. Thank you so much. No doubt I shall be listening for the 2nd time once I've time-being 2nd, & in some cases 3rd time listening to the previous ones. 😊

[@gilllongano5360]

A new vintage mystery! Oh joy!!!! Thank you🙏🏻

[@earthcat]

Saving this for bedtime. Thank you Simon 👑

[@annemaclean6634]

This is a great story, I've got it in one of my short story paperbacks. The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes stories are great too and I will certainly listen to the other Martin Hewitt story you've done. Thanks so much for uploading these fantastic stories! 😊😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, I believe I have the same paperback (rather dog-eared, early 70s vintage). Thank you for listening Anne, and for taking the time to comment, glad to know you enjoy the stories

[@comshawqueen2534]

👏👏👏👏 Bravo Maestro! Such a delightful performance.

[@mngirl5437]

Thanks Simon ❤ Another great read!

[@joannewatts9892]

wonderful 💗 thank you very much , Simon 🌛✨🧖

[@daveglass7396]

Another excellent and excellently narrated story many thanks

[@shannondore]

Wonderful as usual Simon. Thank you!😊

[@junestanich7888]

Wonderful!

[@user-xd7dk3oy3q]

Really enjoyed this story, another author to add to the long list I’ve found through your channel✊❤️

[@quentingroves5952]

Another fantastic presentation,thank you so much Simon

[@mjrchapin]

The background and history of this detective makes it very interesting. Maybe because Mr. Holmes is so famous that the stories have been retold again and again, making them too familiar. This is an excellent change, with realistic and very plausible detection processes and logic! Please, sir, may we have some more?

[@BitesizedAudio]

More coming soon: lots of rivals of Sherlock Holmes in the pipeline, with perhaps the odd dip into the canon of the great detective himself every now and then...

[@janegardener1662]

You have a great voice for telling stories.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@diesel4125]

Love your narration Simon. You are a star!

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Dawn breaks everywhere and my eyes open wide with delight upon seeing a new story! I am absconding forthwith…don’t try and find me Hewitt! 😶‍🌫️

[@lesterbrandt3203]

Mahalo from Hawai'i

[@alanhughs461]

Brilliant story thanks Simon 👏

[@lyndaa7560]

Very good, many thanks Simon xx

[@evazauner]

that was awsome! great story and a perfect narration as ever.

[@caroleastwood9386]

W utterly marvellous Simon

[@silkeeberle8484]

Thank you Simon!

[@REFaust]

Been hoping this story would feature on the channel, one of the best Martin Hewitt mysteries, and the TV adaptation starring Peter Barkworth was great too. 👍

[@susanotway7875]

Very clever and enjoyable. Thanks Simon. Another great story!

[@kevinsterner9104]

Oh! neat.

[@whitetribe6424]

Great little mystery 😃

[@charlottereitberger6253]

NEW SUBSCRIBER, Just found you! Right up my ally. Your voice and delivery are excellent. ❤ thank you 🙏. 🇺🇸

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much Charlotte, welcome to the channel!

[@hiltrud2001]

Thank you!

[@mariameere5807]

To think I almost missed this one! Actually I always find them eventually!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, the notifications seem to be a bit random sometimes. You'll just have to keep checking back! I have also created various playlists, including some grouping stories by author, in case those are helpful: www.youtube.com/@BitesizedAudio/playlists

[@mariameere5807]

@@BitesizedAudioThank you Simon! You are a true gentleman! And an amazing actor! You have great taste, like mine! Great minds think alike…Ha ha I am so modest! ❤

[@untermunchkin4380]

My wife and I only watch British police procedurals. I listen only to audiobooks narrated by Brits. I actually cannot listen any other sort of narration. These are a godsend for me.

[@smythharris2635]

That's interesting, why is that?

[@BitesizedAudio]

@untermunchkin4380 Glad to help, thank you for listening!

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Yay❤❤❤❤❤❤

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Thank you 😊

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Thank you

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Thanks!

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Thank you for the super thanks 🙏

[@kanesaw4373]

Finally!!

[@electrictofumuffins6384]

🤸‍♂️♥️ Awesome!

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@pennybuskin9105]

ThanQ Simon, another winner just in time for bed

[@andrewbeale6072]

'...a gas inspector is pleased when he finds at length what he has been searching for.'

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, I thought that was a rather amusing line

[@williamhagen2792]

Stanhope is excellent. let. He could do more to different between cocharacters.

[@kathleenellenford4816]

👏🏻👏🏻❣️

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❤

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Thank you!

[@leebennett1821]

Mr Lidl I hear he is bitter Rival of Mr Aldi

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Thank you Simon

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Thank you