The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-16


near the main entrance, which it was
customary for the porter to occupy when
Sir James was at the hall, was found a
tin box such as that described by Cooley.
1t was empty. Cooley was arrested and
accused of the murder and robbery of Sir
James. This was the theory: lie had
followed him into the study, and, hidden
by the screen, had watched the Baronet
counting his money. Providing himself
with weapon, in moment the greedy
wretch had pounced upon his master and
inflicted deadly wound. Then he had
stolen the money, box and all.
What he had done with the money
could not be ascertained, as all search
after that proved in vain. The feeling
was that Godley-or Colby, as he is fire.
quently styled in the account in the old
newspaper from which these facts are
taken-had invented the story respecting
Mr.. Ainslee, and the borrowed money.
The Coroner's jury broughtin verdict
of wilful murder against Cooley, and he
was removed to York Castle He was
indicted for the murder of Sir James
Marston, and duly tried at the Assizes
following. All the facts here narrated
were brought out by the prosecution
Mr. Ainslee swore solemnly that he never
accompanied Sir James to the study that
night, but bade him goodnight at the
foot of the grand staircase. He explained
the fact of his being seen on the stairs
with an umbrella as lie explained it be-
fore. In cross-examination when asked
whether he knew his father and mother,
he admitted that he did not. Then en-
sued the following singular colloquy:
Counsel-It is, indeed, wise child
that knows its own father, but with the
mother it is different somewhat. Pray,
Mr.. Ainslie, where were you brought up?
Mr.. Ainslie-I believe the first few
years of my life were spent at Marston
Hall.
Counsel--Do you remember travelling
with Sir James ON the continent when
you We're about ten years old; that is
fully twenty years ago?
Mr.. Ainslie--l do, very distinctly.
Counsel-Were you not then in the
habit of calling him father?
Mr.. Ainslie--l think | was.
Counsel-Now, do you not know as
well as any one 50 situated can know such
thing, that you are Sir James MarSton' S
illcgitimate son?
Mr. Ainslie-I have told you that l do
not know who my parents were.
Counsel-Now, on your oath, has not
Sir James regularly supplied you with
money ever since you can remember?
Mr. Ainslie-iIe has given me money
at many times.
Counsel producing bundle of letters
and handing one to the witncss) lis that
letter in your handwriting?
Mr.. Ainslie--It is.
Counsel-My Lord, we have already
proved where we got these letters, Mr.
:, Ainshe, did you write that letter to Sir
James, and that; in fact, all of these /
hand you?
Mr.. Ainslie-Yes, | did.
Several of these letters We're read. Mr..
Ainslie addressed Sir James as "My deaf
father" and signed himself "Your affec-
tionate SON" The letters were full of
personal matters, as between father and
SON. and money was repeatedly spoken of
as having been received or required.
The last dated letter was within month
of Sir James murder, and spoke with
deep feeling of the estates having to 60
away from the writer to distant relative
in case of the baroncts death.
Counsel--You say that you never knew
your mother?
Mr.. Ainslie--I don't remember her.
/ Counsel--Do you know the lady who
, will inherit the Marston estates?
Mr. Ainslie-I do.
Counsel-Do you know this umbrella?
Counsel drew forth green silk umbrella
: from beneath the table, and held it up.
! He fixed his eyes steadily on Mr.. Ainslie.
Every countenance in the courtroom was
fixed on the witness. There was per
creptible quiytr of his lip for momen
t He overcame the temporary neryou snesS
5 and answered distinctly:
II think have seen it before"
"Take it in your hand, sir" the coun.
sci said, "and examine it at your leis-
) ure."
WI. AHlHlle lCdCJlci Oul ills udilu anu
took the umbrella. He glanced at the
handle, passed his hand up and down the
! silk, and then looked toward counsel
"You have seen that umbrella before
{ Mr.. Ainslie, you are sure" counsel
asked.
81 am pretty sure that 7 have seen il
before" Mr.. Ainslie replied.
as that the umbrella you were seen
with on the night of the murder of Sil
r James Marston?' counsel asked in de.
iberate and solemn tone,
: "That is the umbrella which | took by
= mistake and returned to its place in the
rack in the entrance hall on the night in
: question" was the answer.
+ Mr. Ainsle extended the umbrella to-
t ward counsel as though desirous he
;, should relieve him Of it.
e "No, sir" counsel said; "keep that um
d brella moment longer. You have hat
y it in your hands before-did you evel
p open it%'
/ 81 am not aware that ever did," Mr.
9 Ainslie replied.
: e!Open II new. sir" said counsel.