After the valise had been found and returned to the
bank, Edwards was taken into the building. The silver coin which had
been recovered was placed within the satchel, and handed to him. After
taking it in his hand, he immediately exclaimed:
"Why, that isn't nearly as heavy as it was when we left the bank!"
Mr. Silby then brought out a sack containing five thousand dollars in
gold, and placed it in the satchel. Again Edwards lifted it, and this
time he at once said:
"That is more like it!"
This experience strengthened me in the belief of Eugene Pearson's
innocence, and that Edwards and his companion had either lost the gold
in some manner, or had disposed of it in some other way.
Acting upon this theory, the ground in the vicinity of the spot where
the valise was found was thoroughly searched by both the bank officials
and my operatives. All in vain, however; no trace was obtained of the
missing sack of gold, and the matter of its loss was as much a mystery
as ever.
After the preliminary hearing had been held, the prisoners were removed
to the county town, some miles distant, where they were placed in
confinement, awaiting the day of trial, which would not take place for
some time to come.
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