The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-08-13

arrived in the city he went at once TO his
boarding place, on the north side of the
city. and changed his clothes. Ferrell
said he was much disturbed by the talk
about the murder and robbery, which he
heard upon every hand, but he kept up
his nerve During the day he paid a num-
ber of bills that he owed out of the money
which he had stolen and bought some
clothes and other things which he needed.
Saturday night he went to see the young
lady TO whom he was engaged to be mar
ried, and arranged TO call again Sunday
afternoon.
1t was at Plain CITY, late Saturday after
noon that City Detectives O'Neill and Dun
don obtained the clue that led to Ferrelrs
apprehension They had been at the hotel
at daylight, while Ferrell was sleeping
in an upper room, and asked the proprietor
if any strangers had registered or had been
seen about the hotel. The proprietor said
that he did not remember having seen any
strangers Later in the afternoon the de-
tee again asked the proprietor if he
haC n any strangers about, and he re-
membered then that a man who had for
gotten to register had staid at the house
over night and had gone away on the early
morning train to Columbus. The detectives
at once searched the room, and were re-
warded by finding Lanes revolver where
he had secreted it. They also found several
way bills that had been overlooked by Fer
rell in his hurry and excitement while MAX
ing up the express package. The hotel
keeper was able TO give only an imperfect
description of the strange guest, because,
as he said, he was too sleepy at the time
to take any particular notice of him. The
detectives were dumfounded and not lit
tie distressed when they found the murderer
and robber had slipped through their hands
so easily, and the luckless hotel keeper was
given a sharp lecture. After learning of
the express package they telephoned to
Columbus and had it intercepted. The
package was opened and the stolen sacks
were found.
Chief of Detectives Kelley and Detectives
O'Neill and Dundon then set to work to run
down the mysterious stranger who. they
had become convinced, was an ex-employe
of the Adams Express Company. Sus-
picion soon rested on Ferrell, and informa-
ton secured in regard to his movements
during the last three days was considered
sufficient to warrant his arrest.
AT HIS SWEETHEART'S HOME.
The detectives first went to his boarding
place and were informed that he was prob
ably at the home of his sweetheart, Miss
Costlow, No. go Twenty-first street, on
the East Side. They at once went to the
Costlow home, whore they found Ferrell.
1t was a trying duty for the detectives
when they were ushered into the room
where Ferren sat conversing with the
young lady. Ferrell appeared annoyed at
the intrusion. The detectives did not
broach the subject OF the train robbery but
told him that he was suspected of bur-
glary and that they wished him to accom-
pany them to the police station, where the
chief OF police wanted to interview him.
Thinking that perhaps the detectives were
on the wrong scent, Ferrell nerved him
self and said with apparent composure:
II guess there must be some mistake"
He excused himself to the young lady,
and accompanied the detectives to the city
prison. On the way to the station the de-
tectives told Ferrell what he was wanted
for and what they knew, and he reluctant
ly admitted that he had committed the
crime. At the police station written con-
fession was taken by the chief of police.
Ferrell tried to keep his nerve, but it was
evident that he had been under a severe
strain and that he could not stand the or
Geal much longer. He did not tell con-
rected story Most of the facts were
brought out by questions, which he seemed
to answer reluctantly. Several times he
broke down, and when he was finally led
to a cell he was in a state of collapse He
then seemed TO fully realize for the. first
time the awful nature of his crime and the
fact that he will, in all probability, atone
for 1t with his own life
AS soon as ii was learned that Ferrell
had given the money to his sweetheart In
spector Barron went to the house and Sc
cured it. The young lady was utterly pros
| trated by the disclosures. She had not sus-
pected Ferrell of wrong doing for an in
stant and the news was terrible shock
to her and her parents, who had regarded
Ferrel a model young man. The young
lady had never doubted his story that the
money which he placed in her keeping had
been earned and saved by him as he stated
WAS NOT A GOOD MESSENGER.
Ferrelrs home is in Steubenville, o. His
father is said to be a bridge carpenter and
highly respected citizen of that place.
Terrell worked for the Adams Express
Company at Steubenville, coming to Co
lumbus a year and four months ago, when
he given run as messenger between
Columbus and Pittsburg. He was dis
| charged about three months ago, after
| three complaints had been made against
him on account of broken packages. Fer
rell was not able to give a very satisfac-
tory explanation in any instance, and after
| the last complaint he was dismissed from
| the service. The express company does not
charge Ferrell with crookedness in any of
these cases, but says that he did not give
| satisfactory service. 1t is believed that all
the cash taken by Ferrell, except about $3.50
which he had spent, has been recovered.
The amount in the hands of the police is
| 81, ,0eO31 \ bundle of money orders which
Ferrell says he threw into a vault have not
been recovered.
| fession that the murder and robbery were
| committed in Union county, and that he
VIII have TO be tried there. He says he
shot Lane just after the train left Milford
Center, and the robbery must have been
| committed in Union county also, as he left
the train at Plain City, which is almost on
the line between Union and Franklin coun-
| ties.
Tonight Ferrell has recovered his compo-
sure, after eating a hearty supper and