Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-12-30
Gales aud Sketfhfs.
on HIS Track.
A CHANCE DISCOVERY WHICH LED TO
INPoRrANr RESULTS.
Confined from vesterday.)

| Iexamined the margin over the title OF
tho paper, and to my establishment found
written in pencil the name and residence
of Henry Collins. It sss weekly paper
which | observed was published in city
he had formerly lived in, and its date was
10 recent that he must have received it on
the day preceding the murder. imme-
diately took leave of Mr. M, saying
thought knew where the paper had come
from, and begging his pardon for having
been so rude to him, 1 FASTENED down to
the Office of the hotel, where | examined
the register finding the name of J. Brown,
with room 81 assigned. knew the clerk,
and inquired:
"When did Mr. Brown take room 81 r.
Early this morning when was not on
duty"
.Dld anyone occupy the room during
the evening ?"
"No-yes-let me see.'' he replied,
glancing over the register-"here is the
name of Harvey Elton. remember, now.
He was without baggage, and paid for the
room in advance, saying he wanted to be
called at three o'clock. The porter went
I'D at that hour, but the door was open
and the bed had not been slept in. The
other clerk told me he gave the same
room to Mr.. Brown because he wanted q
| front ROOM"
"Do you remember the appearance of
Eltonp"
"Yes-rather small man, with very
full black beard"
Henry Collins was small man, but had
no beard. Of course my suspicious were
fixed on him as soon as discovered his
tbo IF tho NJ
never dreamed that he was capable of
committing crime.
My mind 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, be is no such man. There are
many ways by which this paper might
have got into other hands. He may have
lent it to 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 !?
Besides, he has no beard.
On the subject of this beard, it did not
first occur to me that he might have worn
false one, but it did finally land realized,
very soon afterward, what now regarded
as d very suspicious circumstance.
1t was about midnight that Henry Col
loins told me that Mr.. Bradley had been
in but very few minutes. now remem-
Der that the body was cold and rigid when
first went in, and fastened away to
meet the surgeon who had made the ex-
animation five minutes later.
had the 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 P"
he asked.
"Not that am aware Of" I replied,
and took my leave.
My first step now was to go to an es-
tablishment in which Collins was en-
ployed and inquire for him. did so, and
leave of absence to visit Trenton. 7 next
started for his house, which was nalt a
mile distant. carefully looking up and
down every street crossed. had made
half the distance when caught glimpse
of the very man was looking for.
He was coming toward me on one of
the cross streets. showing that he had
come directly from his house. He carried
valise, and by his side walked small,
rough looking man whom did not know,
and With whom he was conversing ear
nestly. went few steps to meet them,
and was within a few yards of them before
Collins saw me.
."Ah, how are you, Mr.. Collins" l
said.
He started visibly, but on recognizing
me seemed to regain his composure and
answered my salutation. He would have
passed on, but detained him by passing
in front of him and opening a converse
ton.
Going travelling" said I.
Eyes to New Haven"
"Wouldn't it be Just as we'll to 90 to
Trenton ?" asked, significantly.
He turned pale. and in a voice that
quivered perceptibly said:
Great Heaven. Mr.. Whitmire, what do
you mean nowp'
81 mean that you and your friend must
90 to the station with me-"
With look of despair on his white face
that shall never forget, he dropped his
valise and staggered few steps to an
awning post, which he held to for sup
port.
At the same moment his companion
turned to dart away, but, luckily. two
men, who had just stopped on the side
walk to talk. stood directly in his path.
and his movements became confused.
reached him in one bound and seized him
by the collar. warning him not to resist.
He was thoroughly cowed. while Collins
had too little strength lett him to escape.
In five minutes marched them into the
station, together with the valise and had
them locked up in separate cells. then
told the Captain the whole story. He was
disposed to think. at first, that had made
blunder; but on questioning the two
prisoners, and especially on examining
the valise and finding large sum Of
money in it, he concluded that | had
caught the right men. and so distanced
the regular detectives.
1t proved to be so, and the two men
were duly convicted of murder on evil
dence that was beyond dispute. Indeed,
when Collins lost all hope of escaping the
gallows, he was so broken down that he
made full confession, giving substantial
ly the following account of the crime:
The stories of Bradley's great wealth
had first put it into his head to rob him.
By watching for long time from back