inhaled the sweet fragrance of a beautiful spring morning--a free
man.

CHAPTER XXIV.

_Sommers returns to Bridgeport._--_An Interview with Mr.
Bollman._--_Sommers allays the Suspicions of Bucholz's Attorney, and
engages him as his own Counsel._

The cold, bleak winds of March had yielded to the warm and
invigorating showers of April, and these had brought forth the bright
flowers and fragrant grasses that grew and blossomed on this
beautiful May morning, when Edward Sommers left the confining walls
of the prison at Bridgeport. More than two months had elapsed since
he entered its frowning portals to commence the isolated life of a
prisoner, and a sigh of grateful relief escaped him as he gazed
around upon the brightness and beauty of the scene that was spread
before him.

There was but little time given him for indulgence in these soothing
and agreeable reveries. There was work for him to do, and he must
summon up all his energies for the task before him. His release had
been accomplished, and the promised revelation of Bucholz would be
made to him in a few days, but he must visit those who had an
interest in his welfare, and to whom he was responsible for his
actions. He would also be enabled during the few days of rest to
strengthen his shattered nerves and prepare himself for the important
duties which would soon devolve upon him. He therefore took the train
for New York and arrived there in due time.

To William Bucholz the absence of his friend and confidant was a
severe blow, but as he realized the service he promised to perform
for him, and the prospect of safety that was opening before his
despairing mind, he became reconciled to his lonely fate, and waited
patiently for the return of the man who was expected to devote
himself to his interests.

The suspicious actions of Brown, the prisoner who had watched their
movements so zealously, had not escaped the notice of both Sommers
and Bucholz, and, on leaving, the former had cautioned his companion
particularly and repeatedly against saying anything to him or to any
one else about matters connected with his case.

At the end of three days Edward Sommers returned to Bridgeport, and,
selecting a private boarding-house, he took up his abode there and
prepared to carry out the plans that were to be arranged between
himself and William Bucholz.

He considered it of paramount importance at the outset to disabuse
the minds of the attorneys for Buchol