discovering who the murderer was and bringing
him to justice. At the same time, he was expected to render whatever
assistance that was in his power to the unfortunate man who stood
accused of the crime, and who was also a native of Germany, requiring
his protection. The German Consul also entertained a well-grounded
faith in the innocence of Bucholz, and desired that every fact that
would substantiate this opinion should be discovered and used for his
benefit.

The State's attorney, on the contrary, was firmly established in his
belief that the murder had been committed by Bucholz, and none other,
and his desire was that this theory should be proved beyond the
possibility of doubt, in order that he, as the prosecuting officer of
the State, should be enabled to uphold the dignity of outraged law,
and to bring the guilty man to the justice which he believed was so
richly merited.

It was determined, therefore, after a conference with these
gentlemen, that my agents should pursue the investigation in such a
manner as seemed best, and which gave greatest promise of eventual
success.

Armed with this double authority, our arrangements were soon made,
and active operations were instituted. Whether our efforts resulted
in victory or defeat, the sequel will prove.

CHAPTER XVIII.

_A Detective Reminiscence._--_An Operation in Bridgeport in
1866._--_The Adams Express Robbery._--_A Half Million of Dollars
Stolen._--_Capture of the Thieves._--_One of the Principals Turns
State's Evidence._--_Conviction and Punishment._

When a great crime has been committed the public mind experiences a
sensation of horror. Imaginative persons are busy in the formation of
all sorts of fancies with regard to the perpetrators. His probable
appearance, gigantic proportions and horrible aspect are duly
commented upon, and exaggeration invariably takes the place of fact
in such estimations. In the majority of cases that have come under my
notice the personal appearance of the criminal belied the possibility
of his guilt.

The verdant spectator is frequently amazed to find the apparent
gentleman, attired with the precision of the tailor's art, with
immaculate linen, and of delicate, and sometimes refined appearance
arraigned for the crime of robbery or murder.

Many times I have seen the eager spectator in a court-room, looking
vainly among the group of lawyers before the bar, for the monster
they have conjured up in their imaginatio