The Mysterious Death of a 'Well-Known Character'

The death of the unfortunate woman May Hunter, alias Mary Todhunter, was the primary subject of discussion on the streets today. The police have been busily engaged in working up the case, observing a discreet silence on the evidence secured. It is well known that they possess evidence proving murder, and the closer the case is examined, the more mysterious it becomes. The breaking of the lock of the drawer in which the woman kept her valuables, and the fact that her feet were tied together, is clear evidence of violence and robbery. Dr. Fagan conducted a post-mortem, which will be presented at the inquest. Medical testimony indicates evidences of suffocation were found in the lungs.

Mary Hunter was formerly a well-known character in Port Townsend. Her real name was Mary Todhunter. She deserted her husband and children in Chicago last spring and came to Port Townsend with a traveling man, living with him as his wife. Tiring of him, she deserted him and became the inmate of a house of shame. She was conspicuous for fine and elegant costumes worn on the street daily. She won the affections of William Weideman, a grocery clerk, who spent all his salary on her and appropriated money for her support. He was convicted of larceny and served a term in jail. She subsequently claimed to be the missing heiress for whom a rich uncle in Chicago advertised, and then suddenly disappeared. Investigation showed that the person advertising was her husband, who threatened to kill her on sight. Her family is said to be wealthy and well connected in Chicago.