The great Governor of Chihuahua was the next witness.
He was not questioned, but was simply requested to state what he knew about the “Plunger from Kansas.” Much that has been related was repeated by him, to which he added many spicy instances connected with the life of the Plunger while he was a refugee from justice in Chihuahua.
“Shortly after arriving in the city,” said the Governor, “he sent me, by a private and confidential carrier, his card, which was accompanied by two thousand dollars in gold, which was equivalent then to nearly five thousand dollars in Mexican money. I had no disposition to accept a bribe, nor to help shield him from the law. He fled from this city after several months, and from accounts at the time he was lost at sea or by pestilence; but by his own confession he was a suicide. If his means is not sufficient to pay the debts he owes, I hope the law will take all he has, and part of all he earns, for employment he must get at once, until every cent he stole from those who befriended him, is paid.”
Helen Hinckley told all she knew of the Plunger, when she was a child, and he a frequent visitor at her father’s house in Kansas City. She said that she was left an orphan after he had robbed her father, and her struggles for a livelihood, alone and unprotected, were, even yet, when she thought of them, a horrible nightmare to her.
No further witnesses were called, nor did others present themselves.
Judge Ulloa announced that the testimony had been heard, and the jury could absent itself and weigh it very carefully.
During its absence a message was handed the Governor. After looking it over, he arose and said: “The message in hand concerns everybody as much as myself. It is from the War Department, and reads: ‘The army of the rebellion engaged in a battle with the United State troops in West Virginia, at an early hour this morning. The loss was heavy on either side, but the victory is ours.’”
For a few moments there was wild disorder in court, and shouts of: “Truth will triumph,” came from every side; for those who had been sympathizers with the rebels before the trial began, were now thoroughly convinced of their error, and strongly favored supporting the Union and stimulating scientific investigations.
At the height of their rejoicing, the jury entered, and the foreman announced that the vote was unanimous in favor of conviction.
The Plunger was asked if he had any statement to make. He arose and said: “To escape the torture of mind, soul and body to which I have been subjected through this, the third existence, I will gladly give up every cent, and work to pay the rest. I herewith hand your honor checks to meet my full obligations to Miss Hinckley and President Francisco de Urdiñola, and part pay to others I robbed; the balance I owe them will be paid as I earn it.”