me refreshments, after which they departed,
and feeling completely exhausted after their laborious experience of
the night before, Robert and Edward Sommers sought their couches, and
were soon wrapt in slumber.

The German Consul was elated at the success which had crowned our
efforts, and he no longer entertained a single doubt of the guilt of
the miserable man, in whose behalf he had originally interested
himself.

The information of our success was conveyed to Mr. Olmstead, the
State's attorney, who received it with evident surprise and
satisfaction. We had succeeded beyond his expectations, and the
correctness of his original theory had been fully demonstrated.

He experienced the proud consciousness of being able to successfully
prosecute a criminal who had violated the law, and to convict a
wretch who had taken a human life in order to possess himself of the
blood-stained fruits of his crime.

While all this was transpiring the guilty man passing the weary hours
indulging in alternate hopes of escape, and oppressed with harrowing
fears of punishment.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

_The Detective manufactures Evidence for the Defense._--_An Anonymous
Letter._--_An important Interview._--_The Detective triumphs over the
Attorney._

These events occurred during the latter part of May, and the trial
would not take place until early in September. It was necessary
therefore that the utmost secrecy should be observed in reference to
what had transpired, and especially so far as William Bucholz was
concerned.

The visits of Edward Sommers to the jail must be continued, and every
effort must be made to pierce through the dead wall of Bucholz's
silence and reserve in relation to the murder.

Hitherto when in their conversations the subject of the murder had
been mentioned, and Sommers would quietly hint at his complicity, the
other, with a shrug of his shoulders and a peculiar smile, would
abruptly change the conversation. His strong will and the constant
admonitions of his counsel had prevented him from revealing in any
manner the secret of his crime, and except for certain actions, small
in themselves, but speaking a "confirmation strong as holy writ," he
had given no sign that he was acquainted with the dreadful
circumstances, or had any knowledge of the affair other than had been
already related by him.

After arriving in Bridgeport, Sommers hastened to the jail and found
Bucholz impatiently awaiting his arriv