That is how the whole story came to be known.

The case was put in the writer's hands, and an indictment for the very unusual crime of attempted murder (there are only one or two such cases on record in New York State) was speedily found against the photographer's assistant.

At the trial the lover saw his mistress compelled to turn State's evidence against him to save herself.

She testified to the Christmas carols and the cyanide of mercury.
"Did you ever remove this terrible poison from the bolster ?" demanded the defendant's counsel in a sneering tone.
"No," answered the woman.
"Have you ever changed the bolster ?" he persisted.
"No." "Then it's there yet ?" "I-I think so," falteringly.
"I demand that this incredible yarn be investigated!" cried the lawyer.
"I ask that the court send for the bolster and cut it open here in the presence of the jury." The writer had no choice but to accede to this request, and the bolster was hunted down and brought into court.

With some anxiety both sides watched while the lining was slit with a penknife.