dward Sommers again.

The ubiquitous Brown had not been idle; he still watched these men
with ceaseless and jealous vigilance, and whenever they were together
he would endeavor to approach them as closely as possible. He saw
many things that excited his curiosity, but their conversations he
could not understand. These two men were the only prisoners who spoke
German, and on that account they were as secure from interruption as
though no prying eyes were watching them or no suspicions were
entertained in regard to their intimacy.

One day an incident occurred, however, which threatened to mar the
serenity of the intercourse of these two men, who had been so
strangely thrown together, but which eventually resulted in cementing
their union more closely.

Sommers had retained Mr. Bollman, the attorney for Bucholz, for the
purpose of having his bail reduced in order to effect his release
from imprisonment. 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