ce, nor could
they be used in any legal manner. They only served to strengthen my
belief in William Bucholz's guilty participation in the murder, and
determined me to pursue my present system of investigation vigorously
and unremittingly to a successful conclusion.

CHAPTER XXII.

_Sommers suggests a doubt of Bucholz's Innocence._--_He employs
Bucholz's Counsel to effect his Release._--_A Visit from the State's
Attorney._--_A Difficulty and an Estrangement._

We will now return to the prison at Bridgeport and to the unfortunate
man confined within its walls for the murder of his master.

The intimacy and friendship existing between Sommers and Bucholz
continued to increase as the days passed slowly on. By degrees and in
fragmentary conversations Sommers had learned the story of the murder
from his companion. He had advised him repeatedly about his
deportment in the prison, and as to his manner of conducting himself
upon his approaching trial. He had evinced a deep sympathy for his
unfortunate position, and, by timely suggestions and judicious
warnings, had led the accused man to rely upon him, in a material
degree, for advice and comfort.

During all this long intimacy Bucholz never wavered in his
protestations of innocence, or in his consistent statement of the
knowledge which he professed to have of the murder of Henry Schulte.

One day they were sitting together in the cell of Sommers. Bucholz
was in a very pleasant humor, owing to some event that had
occurred--a visit from some ladies of the village--and turning to
Sommers, he laughingly said:

"Ah, Sommers, it seems very strange that you and I should be in
prison, while others are free and enjoying the brightness and
pleasures of liberty."

"Yes," replied his companion, "but if we had both behaved ourselves
better, we would not be here."

Bucholz's manner changed instantly. He became livid in the face, his
lips trembled, and casting a searching look at his companion, he
said:

"But I did not do this thing that I am accused of."

Quietly and calmly his companion returned his glance, and then he
laughingly said:

"Oh, I know all about that. You can't fool me."

Bucholz did not reply. In a few moments he turned away and left the
cell, and the subject was not mentioned between them for several
days.

A short time after this, Sommers complained of the length of his
confinement, and wished that he might have his bail reduced, in order
to effe