This course was deemed necessary for two reasons--his health had been considerably impaired by his long confinement, and, besides that, it was decided that he could work more successfully in the interests of Bucholz, could he be freed from the restraint of the prison.
Mr.Bollman had met Mr.Olmstead upon the train and had broached the matter to him.

Mr.Olmstead had demurred to the reduction, for reasons which seemed sufficient for his action, and had informed Mr.
Bollman that he would visit the jail, have an interview with Sommers, and ascertain the full particulars of his case.
In accordance with that suggestion, he had called at the jail, and Sommers had been notified of the desire of the State's attorney to see him.
He was conversing with Bucholz in their usual friendly manner when the notice was conveyed to him, and as Bucholz heard the name of the visitor and the nature of the communication, he became confused and apparently much frightened.

He looked beseechingly at Sommers as he turned to obey the summons, and tears came into his eyes as his friend left the cell.
A hundred thoughts came crowding through his brain as Sommers departed.

What object could the State's attorney have in sending for his friend?
Could it be that their intimacy had been noticed and reported, and that Mr.Olmstead would attempt to force him to divulge their secrets?
Would he offer such inducements to Sommers as would outweigh his proffered friendship and induce him to betray the confidence that had been reposed in him?
He could not tell, and with bitter, anxious and doubtful thoughts pressing upon his mind, he left his cell and walked in the direction of the little room where he knew the conference was being held.
No sound of the conversation reached his ears, and with aching heart, his mind filled with perplexing and agonizing doubts, he returned to his cell, and throwing himself upon the bed, he gave himself up to the dreadful thoughts that possessed him.
At length he heard the opening and closing of the door, and soon the returning footsteps of Sommers sounded along the passage.
Bucholz hastened out, and at once communicated his fears to his friend--that he had betrayed him.
Sommers received this outburst with dignified calmness of demeanor, and finally turning upon his companion with a show of anger, he said: "I did not think that you had such a small opinion of me.

I have been a friend to you all along, and it is not probable that I should change my position towards you now, but if you think so, I cannot help it." Saying which, and with an injured air, Sommers left his friend, and going at once to his own cell he shut the door forcibly behind him.
[Illustration: _The quarrel between William Bucholz and Edward Sommers._] This was the commencement of an estrangement which lasted several days.