r he would
attempt to correspond with them in some manner. Again, it might be the
case that some of his relatives were already aware of his crime, and of
the fact that he was hiding from the officers of the law, and it could
not be expected that they would voluntarily give information that would
lead to his discovery. However grieved and disappointed they might be,
however angry they must naturally feel, they could not be expected at
such a time as this to turn his accusers, and aid in his capture.

I have known cases in the course of my professional practice, however,
when fathers, actuated by what they considered the highest motives, have
delivered up their sons to the law, and, though the ordeal was an
exceedingly trying and distressing one, they never faltered for a
moment in what they considered the performance of their duty. I need not
say that such evidences of self-sacrifice were painful to me, and that
my feelings were always deeply touched by the mental sufferings of the
poor criminals, who in the hour of their sorest need, found themselves
deserted by the only friends upon whom they believed they could rely in
an emergency which threatened disgrace and servitude.

While this is true, it is equally certain that I have yet to record a
single case in which a female relative ever assisted, in any manner,
toward the apprehension of a criminal. No power seemed able to force
from her a word that would tend to work him injury, and though her heart
was breaking, and her love for the lost one had passed away, yet, with a
persistence worthy of all admiration, she refused to do aught that would
add to the misery of the fallen one; and, if occasion offered,
invariably rendered her assistance to secure his escape.

Taking these ideas into consideration, therefore, it would not do to
rely at all upon any assistance from the relatives of Edwards, and to
advise them of our suspicions and search, would naturally only tend to
place both him and them upon their guard.

A slower and more laborious operation was therefore necessary. Fully in
earnest in his determination to capture these men, and firmly supported
by the officials of the bank, who were as resolute as he in their
resolve to apprehend the robbers, William at once put this plan into
execution.

Operatives were posted to watch the residences of the relatives of
Edwards in the city, and instructed to carefully note their actions,
particularly in the matter of receiv