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or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts at into History.com. It's July 31st, 1910 near Quebec City, Canada. A pilot boat cuts through the choppy waters of the St. Lawrence River.

On board, 47-year-old Walter Dieu steadies himself as the boat approaches a large ocean liner making its way up river. Compared to the SS Montrose, the pilot boat is

tiny and Walter worries for a moment that the enormous ship will surely crush

them, but he puts his faith in the boatman.

Walter is a chief inspector with London's metropolitan police, and he's here in Canada to do an important job.

A few days ago, Walter departed England on the trail of a fugitive.

Self-styled Dr. Holly Harvey Crippen is the prime suspect in the murder of his wife,

and Walter has been tipped off that Holly fled the country on board the Montrose.

After a race across the Atlantic, Walter has caught up with the Montrose and intends to apprehend

Holly before he can set foot on dry land.

Walter jumps as the mantra sounds its foghorn,

but it's just a signal to the pilot boat to come closer

as Walter's boat comes alongside the giant liner.

A hatch opens in the side of the Montrose's hull right beside the smaller boat.

Arms reached down from inside the Montrose, grasping Walter and hauling him on board.

As soon as he's through the hatch, Walter flashes his police badge, but there's no need.

The captain of the Montrose has been briefed in advance of Walter's arrival and is there

waiting for him. He leads Walter through the passageways and up some stairs until they

reach the luxurious first-class accommodations.

...