The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-05-20

send her tho tonic and he never did
but had he done so she would have
taken It with implicit faith in him.
There Is nothing to show whether at
TINS time he was contemplating get
ting rid of her in the same way that
he got rid OF Avis Lnneil.
In the routine of church life at Hy-
aims the pastor mad met Avis LInneli
coming from tn normal school. OF
walking IN the street OF the little sea-
side village Avis constantly met the
IN mister. Avis grew Interested III the
church and the work and asked to be
allowed to hzlp him. He accedcd and
said she mus, be baptised.
Rtcheson had II bicycle ana was fond
or riding. Presently NJ had Avis Lin
nell FOR companion ON his rides and
frequently they went bathing to-
geth~r. Her mother saw. but ala not
disapprovc.
R'cheson himself baptiscd Avis. She
gave up the dances. the little social
parties OF the little town. she CAV.
up everything FOR the church work.
and during the winter he declared his
love 10 her lie brought Il ring TO
Avis and babe her wear II as an en-
easement ring. That ring had already
been Worn as pledge of Eicheson's
He explained that they must not
think of marrying until he was clear
OF his complications in tho Hyannis
Church. due TO his modern sermons.
by April. 1910. the minister and the
officers of the church society had
reached deadlock Either Richcson
must resign. or the church would find
means to compel him from the pulpit
He resigned
Avis first took alarm when she knew
that Rlchcson must leave Hyannis
What shall we do?" she asked, and
Klcheson, never ut II loss for n plan
sad that he would get IL missionary
appointment and they should marry
and go forth to work In foreign lands.
he went and took with him the ring
no had given to Avis. He said that one
OF the prongs that upheld the diamond
was bent and that he feared she might
1850 tho stone. Trustingly she gave 1t
to him. as she would have given him
anything In the world; she regarded
herself as the wlfo OF Richeson.
Tho minister came to Boston and
before he had been IN tho city fort
night he was considered as candl-
date for the pulpit of the Emmanuel
Baptist Church In Cambridge. and in
two months he was installed as pas
tor there.
Engaged TO Miss Edmnnds
, a new church meant whole new
series OF complications. His burden
was increasing. for he trailed all his
obligations with him. His return to
Boston meant renewal of his friend
ship with Miss Edmands. and he in
spired for her tho same interest so
many women had felt for him. Finally
they became engaged
The rest of the story Is well rcmem-
bered. Richeson had TO get rid of Avis
Linnell In some way. Miss Edmands
had money and social position Mar
riaEe with her meant much to him. To
throw her over meant ruin SO he
choose what to him was the ensiest,
way-the sacrifice of Avis Linncll
He purchased the cyanide OF no.
tassium he needed from William Hahn.
druggist at Newton Centre. on Tues
day, October 10. 'en the pretense that
he needed 1t to kill a dog. On Thurs
day he telephoned:to Avis Linnell. who
was in Boston studying music. making
an appointment for luncheon on Satur-
day. On Friday ho attended n Sunday
school convention. On Saturday he
gave her the poison In n capsule.
After Avs Iinnell had been found
dead at the Young Womsn's Chris
tian Association. where she lived. Miss
sage to Richeson. Tho latter was not
at his home then. but ut the house of
Miss Violet Edmands. Tho clcrgyman.s
landlord relayed the message to him.
and several hours after Miss Linncll
had died Richeson called UP the Young
Womhn's Christian Association and
said:
This the Rev. Mr.. Richeson."
This is Miss Hanscomb at the Y.
w. c. A., Boston," she answered. land
1 called YOU to inform you that Miss
L'nnell has died here and that we
want you to come In Immediately so
that you may arrive by the time the
medical examiner des."
Miss Linnell Is dead. hut why do
you call me-" said Richeson
Because YOU were tho only friend
of Miss Llnnell near at hand, and be-
cause we felt that you should know of
the fact. that you might come MT once.
Miss Llnncll spoke of but one man.
her fiance. and she mentioned your
| ma me at all times"
81 remember that baptized Miss
Linnell at Hyanns three wears ago"
said Richcson. "and | know her folks.
but 7 do not know why I should be
| called in regard to the matter"
Miss Hanscomb was dumbfounded at
this reply. hut when he put this qucs-
ton Did she say anything before she
died?" Richeson was n man under sus-
picion.
| Rfchcson's Confession.
Richcson was indicted on November
| I for the murder of Avis I.nnelI His
trail was set for January is last. On
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