The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-12-04
HER STORY is TOLD.
Abbie Rice Completes Her Direct
Testimony.

Omaha, Neb. Dec. 4.-When the trial
of Charles E. Davis. charged with the
murder of DR.. Rustin, was resumed
this morning in Judge Sears division of
the district court Mrs. Abbie Rice
again went on the witness stand. 1t is
expected that the greater part of the
day viii be consumed in her examina
ton, as the defense is making frequent
objections notwithstanding the ruling
OF the court, which practically let's in
Mrs. Rice's entire story as it has been
so frequently told in the previous hear
ings. The state has IL more witnesses,
so 1t is hardly expected that it will be
ready to rest it's case today and it is
likely that the defense will not begin
introducing testimony before Monday.
The court room was again the scene
of a crush of spectators today requir-
ing the constant alertness of the bailiffs
to prevent interruption of the proceed
ings.
The question pending when the court
adjourned yesterday was allowed to be
answered. Mrs. Rice said that DR..
Rustin told her that he had secured
man to kill him and that she would
not have to do the deed. She told Of
DR.. Rustin calling up a drug store to
secure aconite on the afternoon before
his death. She told of the visit of
Davis to the doctors office during the
afternoon. She told of her visit to the
doctors office at night during which
Davis came Meantime the doctor
showed her bottle of poison which he
said he was preparing for Davis who,
in exchange for it, was to kill DR..
Rustin.
During Davis second visit to the Of
flee while he was temporarily absent
from the room witness said she tried to
diSSuade DR.. RuStin from dying but he
declared that it must be that night
She said DR.. RuStin explained to her
his plan of sending Davis to the vicin
ity of his home. She left the office
after o'clock that night, going TO
Meyer & Dillon's drug store and later
walking on Farnum street near Six :.
teenth waiting for DR.. Rustin. She saw
the. latter approach accompanied by
Davis, who boarded a westbound car
after which DR.. Rustin Joined her and
they walked to Fortieth and F'arnum
streets. On the way DR.. Rustin told
her his plans were all made. Arriving
at Fortieth and Farnum she said she
saw Davis standing on the sidewalk
DR.. Rustin here left her for his home,
which was near and she shortly after
wards took a car for her boarding
house Before leaving her DIR. Rustln
told her to wait little while and If he
found Davis would fail him he would
return to her. She did as directed
taking the third car that came along.
She went to Clara Gleason's place at
Twelfth and Douglass streets, where
she lived and telephoned twice to Dr.
Rustin's home, and was told that ne
was not at home. She arrived at the
Gleason home about 20 minutes after
midnight. After o'clock next morn
ing she called the Rustin home again
but did not learn of the shooting until
she read it in the newspapers later
Here the witness was turned over 10
the defense and the cross examination
began.
The cross examination of the wit
ness was apparently almost perfume
tory. although in some instances IL
seemed to bring out contradictions 10
tba testimony of other witnesses. At
no time was the witness in the least
embarrassed nor did the opposing at
torn eys seem desirous of causing her
any disquietude. 1t was announceo
that the state expects to finish before
today.