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.