The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-08-11

Henry Collins was small man, but wore
no beard. OF course my suspicious were
fixed on him as soon as l discovered his
name on the margin Of the newspaper, yet
never dreamed that he was capable of
committing a crime.
My mind now underwent series of
rapid changes. One moment regarded it
as almost certain that Henry Collins had
something to do with the murder the next
moment would say to myself, It is pre-
posterous he is no such man. There are
a thousand ways this paper might have
got into other hands. He may have lent il
to old Bradley or it may have fallen from
his window; or he may have lost it from
his pocket. Why should he have called
my attention to Bradley's house? Be-
sides, he wears no beard"
On the subject Of this beard it did not at
first occur to me that he might have worn a
false one but it did finally, and recall
ed very soon afterward, what now re-
garded as most suspicious circumstance.
1t was about midnight that Henry Col
Inns told me that Mr., Bradley had been in
but few minutes now remembered
that the body was cold and rigid when l
first went in, and fastened away to meet
the surgeon who had made the examina-
tion, five minutes later.
1 had the good luck to find him soon, and
in reply to my inquiry, he stated that Brad
ley must have been dead two hours when
he was called.
"Have the detectives found any clue ?'
he asked.
"Not that I'm aware of" replied, and
took my leave.
My first step now was to go to an es-
tablishment in which Collins was employed
and inquired for him.
On doing SO, was informed that he had
asked and obtained leave of absence to
visit Trenton.
/ next started for his house, which was
half mile distant carefully looking up
and down every street crossed. had
made half of the distance when caught a
glimpse of the very man l was looking
for.
He was coming towards me on one of the
cross streets, showing that he had not
come directly from his house. He carried
a valise, and by his side walked a small,
rough-loolting man whom did not know,
and with whom he was conversing earnest
ly. went a few steps to meet them, and
was within yard of them before Collins
saw me.
"Ah, how are you, Mr. Collins P'' l
said.
He started visibly, but on recognizing
me, seemed to regain his composure, and
passed on, but detained him by pausing
in front of him and opening dialogue.
"Not going traveling?" said l.
"Yes-a short distance-only to New
Haven" ..,..
"Wouldn't it be just as well to go to
Trenton ?" asked, in significant tone,
cycling him keenly. af
He turned very pale, and in voice that
quivered perceptibly, said: te. .f
Great heaven, Mr.. Whitmire what do
you mean?" I'd,
81 mean that you and your friend must
60 to the station with me.'
With look of despair ON his white face
that never shall forget, he dropped his
valise, and staggered a step or so to an
awning-post, which he grasped for support.
At the same moment his companion
turned to dart away but luckily two men,
who had just stopped on the sidewalk to
talk about something, stood directly in his
path, and his movements being confused,
reached him with one bound, and seized
him by the collar, warning him not tc
resist.
He was thoroughly cowed, while Collins
had too little strength left him to attempt
to escape.
In five minutes marched them into the
station, together with the valise, and haC
them locked up in separate cells.
then told the captain the whole story
: He was disposed to think, at first, that
had made a blunder but on questioning
the two prisoners, and especially on ex
amining the valise, and finding a larg'
! sum OF money in it, he concluded that
had caught the right men, and so distancet
the regular detectives.
It proved to be SO, and the two men were
duly convicted of murder, on evidence tina
was beyond all dispute. Indeed, when Col
Inns lost all hope Of escaping the gallows
he was so broken down that he made ful
confession, giving substantially the follow