Essex County Herald

A Case of Circumstantial Evidence.

Circumstantial evidence of a crime is sometimes so strong as to render proof of innocence—if the law demanded such proof—almost impossible. A graduate of Yale has for years past ministered to a parish in Haywood, near San Francisco. Not long ago he joined the Odd Fellows, and was one of two persons in the lodge who knew where the key of the safe was kept. One day the safe was robbed. On being informed of it the reverend gentleman examined the room, and found the false key with which the safe had been opened, and some of the money under the safe. Subsequently going to the room alone, he found the stolen purse, empty, under the mat. Suddenly it occurred to him that circumstantial evidence had accumulated which would point to him as the robber, and, actuated by strange fear, he let the purse remain, and that night returned privately, intending to destroy it. The room chanced to be watched, and he was caught in the act. Circumstantial evidence was strong against him, but the jury, hearing his pitiable story of cowardice, acquitted him, under the conviction that he told the truth.