Thank you for sharing your observations on this fine Chan mystery! One thing you note is that there is no rail service to Lake Tahoe itself today. Yes, that is true, and, in fact, there never was. As was the case in Charlie Chan's day, there is a nearby stop on the Union Pacific rail line in the town of Truckee, California. The station is still active today, and I have been there on a couple of occasions. When I was there once, a passenger train made a stop there! I believe the train takes passengers all the way to Chigago. What a treat it would be to take that line one day!
And on your thoughts on that quick romance, stranger things have happened, and still do! Who knows, perhaps their engagement didn't ultimately work out. However, it is not uncommon for Charlie Chan to participate in budding romance in his adventures!
Rush, now why would you be-a-headin' to the town of Truckee? And more than once! Oh, I didn't read the facts:
Recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Truckee proudly retains its historic roots...Truckee is well known for its logging, ice manufacturing, the Emigrant Trail, as well as for the tragic expedition of the Donner Party.
So do are you a log-roller, or do you do ice sculptures? :laughing:
Neither. I can only gasp at the ramifications of either undertaking! Actually, Truckee is a quiet town that relies on a tourist economy. We had lunch on our first visit that had been reviewed on the Food Network. Good veggie burgers!
In "The Keeper of the Keys," Truckee plays a role, though. The story's first sentence: "The train had left Sacramento some distance behind, and was now bravely beginning the long climb that led to the high Sierras and the town of Truckee." And, while speaking with a young admirer who worked on the train, "'You alight at Truckee, Inspector'
'I do,' nodded Charlie..." In our online copy of the story, Truckee is mentioned 26 times! I recall a nice description of the drive from Lake Tahoe to Truckee, and the ride there is much the same today, only the road would be vastly improved!
So, if any fan of Charlie Chan ever finds themself at Lake Tahoe, there are some opportunities to make some very real connections to "The Keeper of the Keys"!
