of February, or from the 19th of April, when they rented the flat
on Clark street, and all those deliberations to take away the life
of this man Cronin; the appointment of a secret committee; the
attempt to make it appear that the society was trying this man as a
disguise to those who might not approve of such work; all these
things, if they are proved to you; if it appears in evidence that
this great deliberation was had, that this great conspiracy was
concocted as we claim, that this man's life was taken away, as we
shall prove--if all this satisfies your minds, then your duty will
be plain, then you can give the correct answer to the question as
to whether you have conscientious scruples against the death
penalty. Gentlemen, we will present this evidence as rapidly as
possible, but I trust you will be patient with us in this case. It
is a matter that concerns the people as well as the defendants. We
will present it as rapidly as we can, consistent with doing our
duty; and when you have heard this evidence, if you are not
satisfied that Dr. Cronin was murdered; if you are not satisfied
that these men, whether present at the killing of the doctor, or
whether only present in the conspiracy; if you are not satisfied
that they are guilty of the charge, then, of course, turn them
loose. But if this evidence shows this deep laid conspiracy; shows
its premeditation; shows the coolness with which they planned it;
if it convinces your minds beyond a reasonable doubt that they are
guilty, then your duty is claimed to inflict upon them the highest
penalty of the law."

[Illustration: John Kunze. John F. Beggs. Daniel Coughlin. Patrick
O'Sullivan. Martin Burke.

THE FIVE DEFENDANTS IN COURT.]

CHAPTER XXI.

EVIDENCE FOR THE STATE--THE STORY OF THE CRIME RE-TOLD--A LONG LINE OF
WITNESSES--SENSATIONAL DISCLOSURES AND MISSING LINKS SUPPLIED--A
MASTERLY GROUPING OF THE TESTIMONY AGAINST THE PRISONERS.

Just as soon as the State's Attorney had resumed his seat, and the
announcement had been made that the defense would postpone its reply
until the end of the trial, the task of examining the witnesses was
commenced. Report had it that the defense would contend that the body
dragged from the catch basin had not been satisfactorily identified as
that of Dr. Cronin's, and so the prosecution at once set ou