The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-12-08
it" he said Quietly.

it, he said quietly.
1t was marked by the stenographer,
turned with it in his hand to the jury.
He explained the address on the en-
velOpe and the pOstmark Topeka, May
13-" Then he started to read the let
John Collins eyes were on the court
room floor. His cheeks were burning
red. Without once looking at the wit
ness or the prosecuting attorney he
heard the letter through.
1T was addressed MY Dear Little
Girl and was commonplace in far
as the trial was concerned for the first
five pages. But as Attorney Jetmore
turned the first page of the second
sheet, he paused, and then in SLOW de-
liberate tones, audible in all parts Of
the room he read.
The man who did the deed did
something just as dastardIy. He ar
ranged everything so that suspicion
would fall on the only other man in the
house-myself.'
AS Mr. Jetmore slowly pronounced
these words there was an absolute
hush. AS he finished, the hundreds of
spectators, as one person, broke into
an exclamation of surprise.
Why had John Collins anticipated
this suspicion. The letter was written
a. few hours after the murder before
the slightest breath of suspicion had
tainted his reputation. The vast as
semblage turned to him as if to read
the answer in his face.
He was still sitting with his eyes on
the floor. His cheeks were deeply
flushed. Not muscle in his face
moved.
Mr.. Jetnore proceeded with the letter
When he read "our keenest sorrow I
think is yet to come,'' another excIama-
tion swept through the crowd. At last
he finished it.
Miss BabcOck had heard the reading
in perfect compOsure.
She sat in an easy position in the wit
ness chair and looked straight ahead.
Mrs. Collins had dropped her eyes
from the face of the witness and half
closing them leaned her head on one
hand. Grace Collins let her eyes wan
der about the court room, now and then
returning them to the face of her broth
The examination of Frances BabcocI
was then resumed. A few minutes be
fore noon she was turned over to the
defense for examination.
Mr. GODDARD started by asking her in
what way John Collins was in the hab-
it of referring to his father. She an
swered ''in the most affectionate way"
He asked her if he seemed proud of
his father. She said he did
At this juncture Mrs. Collins covered
her face with one hand and gently sob
bed. John Collins, a brother of the late
J. s Collins, who sat by her, was also
ViSibly affected.
After a few questions by Mr.. GODDARD,
Judge Hazen adjourned court until af-
ternOOn.
johnson Jordan Recalled.
At the opening of the Collins case
this morning Johnson Jordan was re-
called by Mr.. Hayden
Q.-When was the Collins watch first
pawned2
Am Emporia about May II.
Q.-Was that the first time it had
left your possession?
A.-Yes.
Q.-When was the chain pawned?
A.-May or to Q. H. Morrison.
Odd the defendant give you any
other reason for wanting his father
put out of the way2
A.-Only that if his father went to
Chicago he would find out something
about John.
Q;--Did he ever give you plan of the
Collins house?
Did he say he had picked the
folding door locks so they wouldn't
work?
A-Yes
Odd he offer you a key?
A.-Yes, the Wednesday night he
gave me the watch.
Q.-What kind of a key?
A fiat key.
Odd you kill J. s. Collins?
A.-No, sir.
O-Were you at his residence the
night he was killed?
A.-No.