The search for the escapees continued the following day. Notice was sent “to all the police headquarters in New England” to be on the lookout, the three not being totally unknown in other parts. For example, Valle had an extensive criminal record in both New Hampshire and Maine, and “while he is the youngest of the trio he has probably been in as many scrapes as either of the others”. John Rogers was held on a charge of breaking and entering, but was also on parole from the New Hampshire State Prison following a conviction on a similar charge in Portsmouth. And as to Mr. Hanna, it was noted that “his photograph adorns the rogues gallery in Lynn and other cities in that state”.

So the search went on, and word was received that someone fitting Rogers’ description was at the boarding house of Mrs. Patrick Murphy, that being also located on Payne Street. Sheriff Parker and Dover Police Officer Young responded and were “well rewarded.” It was John Rogers. It turns out he was now rather restricted in his movements because, in jumping 18 feet from the top of the jail wall, he had injured one of his heels and was no longer as mobile as the previous day, now finding it almost impossible to walk. His plan, he related to Parker and Young, had been to stay at Mrs. Murphy’s for a week. In the meantime, he had come up with some warmer clothing, and that was soon traced to Elmo Grenier, the husband of Rosie, both of whom had accompanied Rogers when he signed in at the boarding house. One down, two to go.

Officers continued the search locally. Assistant Marshall Wilkinson went to the lodging house of Clara Colbath on Cushing’s Court. He learned that a young man fitting Hanna’s description, and who appeared to be somewhat lame, had appeared there Saturday night after 11 and rented a room. Wilkinson called for some back-up. When the lodger refused to open the door of his room, it was “smashed in,” and the occupant… who identified himself as a Mr. Welch… was found “in bed with the clothes drawn up about his head.” Having removed the bedding, the man was found to be the missing Hanna, with a broken foot. He dressed without complaint, was taken to the station, and placed in a cell. A search turned up 85 cents in his pants pocket. The source of his changed set of clothing was not disclosed. Hanna’s comment upon seeing Sheriff Parker: “Well, I suppose you are glad to see me again”. Two down and one to go.

There was no immediate clue as to the whereabouts of Cleophas Valle, but Marshall McKone was convinced that all three had benefitted from outside help, and he knew who to blame. Mrs. and Mrs. Grenier were promptly placed in custody.

(to be continued)