They reasoned that the recipients of the letters would send the money to get the goods, even though not expecting any legacy, and not having any relation, who would likely be in Sidney to die. They were not mistaken in the weakness of their fellow men. The money came by check, draft and money order.

After they had accumulated about forty thousand dollars. Postmaster Fred Clary became suspicious and reported the facts so far as he knew them to the Federal authorities. The trio were arrested, and Judge Dundy sentenced them to Federal prison. The woman broke down and died in Sidney Jail, the others being taken to Leavenworth.

Clary, who came to Sidney as a telegraph operator, served a term as postmaster and then returned to the Western LInion. He is now general superintendent of the eastern district.

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Reverend Benton, a Methodist minister, came to Kimball about 1890, and satisfied people there and at Sidney with his credentials.

Shortly after the Morgan & Johnson bank blew up and Morgan committed suicide, Benton tried to cash an eight thousand dollar draft at Cheyenne. He wanted three thousand cash immediately, and would leave the other five thousand on deposit. There was little cash available

HISTORY < >F WESTERN NEBRASKA

and the bank did not accept the proffer. Henry St. Rayner and Mr. Donaldson, were at Cheyenne at the time, and when they returned to Sidney, told the local bankers of "the preacher with the eight thousand dollar draft." As expected, Benton came to Sidney, this time willing to take two thousand dollars in cash.