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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bucholz and the Detectives, by Allan Pinkerton
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Bucholz and the Detectives
+
+Author: Allan Pinkerton
+
+Release Date: January 31, 2007 [EBook #20497]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BUCHOLZ AND THE DETECTIVES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ALLAN PINKERTON'S
+
+GREAT DETECTIVE BOOKS.
+
+
+ 1.--MOLLIE MAGUIRES AND DETECTIVES.
+ 2.--STRIKERS, COMMUNISTS, AND DETECTIVES.
+ 3.--CRIMINAL REMINISCENCES AND DETECTIVES.
+ 4.--THE MODEL TOWN AND DETECTIVES.
+ 5.--SPIRITUALISTS AND DETECTIVES.
+ 6.--EXPRESSMAN AND DETECTIVE.
+ 7.--THE SOMNAMBULIST AND DETECTIVES.
+ 8.--CLAUDE MELNOTTE AS A DETECTIVE.
+ 9.--MISSISSIPPI OUTLAWS AND DETECTIVES.
+10.--GYPSIES AND DETECTIVES.
+11.--BUCHOLZ AND DETECTIVES.
+12.--THE RAIL ROAD FORGER AND DETECTIVES.
+
+
+These wonderful Detective Stories by Allan Pinkerton are having an
+unprecedented success. Their sale is fast approaching one hundred
+thousand copies. "The interest which the reader feels from the outset
+is intense and resistless; he is swept along by the narrative, held
+by it, whether he will or no."
+
+All beautifully illustrated, and published uniform with this volume.
+Price $1.50 each. Sold by all booksellers, and sent _free_ by mail,
+on receipt of price, by
+
+
+G. W. CARLETON & CO., Publishers,
+New York.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: _The Arrival at South Norwalk._]
+
+
+
+
+BUCHOLZ AND THE DETECTIVES.
+
+
+
+BY
+
+ALLAN PINKERTON,
+
+
+AUTHOR OF "THE EXPRESSMAN AND THE DETECTIVE," "THE MODEL TOWN AND THE
+DETECTIVES," "THE SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES," "THE MOLLIE
+MAGUIRES AND THE DETECTIVES," "STRIKERS, COMMUNISTS, TRAMPS AND
+DETECTIVES," "THE GYPSIES AND THE DETECTIVES," ETC., ETC., ETC.
+
+
+
+NEW YORK:
+_G. W. Carleton & Co., Publishers_,
+MADISON SQUARE.
+MDCCCLXXXII.
+
+
+
+COPYRIGHT BY
+ALLAN PINKERTON.
+1880.
+
+Stereotyped by
+Samuel Stodder,
+Electrotyper & Stereotyper,
+90 Ann Street, N.Y.
+
+Trow Printing and Book-Binding Co.
+N.Y.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+THE CRIME.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+                                                                 PAGE
+
+The Arrival in South Norwalk.--The Purchase of the Farm.--A
+Miser's Peculiarities, and the Villagers' Curiosity                17
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+William Bucholz.--Life at Roton Hill.--A Visit to New York City    30
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+An Alarm at the Farm House.--The Dreadful Announcement of William
+Bucholz.--The Finding of the Murdered Man                          39
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+The Excitement in the Village.--The Coroner's Investigation.--The
+Secret Ambuscade                                                   47
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The Hearing Before the Coroner.--Romantic Rumors and Vague
+Suspicions.--An Unexpected Telegram.--Bucholz Suspected            56
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The Miser's Wealth.--Over Fifty Thousand Dollars Stolen from the
+Murdered Man.--A Strange Financial Transaction.--A Verdict, and
+the Arrest of Bucholz                                              67
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Bucholz in Prison.--Extravagant Habits, and Suspicious
+Expenditures.--The German Consul Interests Himself.--Bucholz
+Committed                                                          78
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+My Agency is Employed.--The Work of Detection Begun                87
+
+
+THE HISTORY.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Dortmund.--Railroad Enterprise and Prospective Fortune.--Henry
+Schulte's Love.--An Insult and Its Resentment.--An Oath of
+Revenge                                                            93
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A Curse, and Plans of Vengeance                                   109
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+A Moonlight Walk.--An Unexpected Meeting.--The Murder of Emerence
+Bauer.--The Oath Fulfilled                                        115
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+The Search for the Missing Girl.--The Lover's Judgment.--Henry
+Schulte's Grief.--The Genial Farmer Becomes the Grasping Miser    122
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Henry Schulte becomes the Owner of "Alten-Hagen."--Surprising
+Increase in Wealth.--An Imagined Attack Upon His Life.--The Miser
+Determines to Sail for America                                    131
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+The Arrival in New York.--Frank Bruner Determines to Leave the
+Service of His Master.--The Meeting of Frank Bruner and William
+Bucholz                                                           148
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+A History of William Bucholz.--An Abused Aunt who Disappoints His
+Hopes.--A Change of Fortune.--The Soldier becomes a Farmer.--The
+Voyage to New York                                                157
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Frank Leaves the Service of His Master.--A Bowery Concert
+Saloon.--The Departure of Henry Schulte.--William Bucholz Enters
+the Employ of the Old Gentleman                                   166
+
+
+THE DETECTION.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+The Detective.--His Experience, and His Practice.--A Plan of
+Detection Perfected.--The Work is Begun.                          177
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+A Detective Reminiscence.--An Operation in Bridgeport in 1866.--The
+Adams Express Robbery.--A Half Million of Dollars Stolen.--Capture
+of the Thieves.--One of the Principals Turns State's
+Evidence.--Conviction and Punishment                              185
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+The Jail at Bridgeport.--An Important Arrest.--Bucholz Finds a
+Friend.--A Suspicious Character who Watches and Listens.--Bucholz
+Relates his Story                                                 205
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+Bucholz Passes a Sleepless Night.--An Important Discovery.--The
+Finding of the Watch of the Murdered Man.--Edward Sommers Consoles
+the Distressed Prisoner                                           218
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+A Romantic Theory Dissipated.--The Fair Clara Becomes
+communicative.--An Interview with the Bar Keeper of the "Crescent
+Hotel"                                                            226
+
+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                                               233
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+The Reconciliation.--Bucholz makes an Important Revelation.--Sommers
+Obtains his Liberty and Leaves the Jail                           244
+
+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                                252
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+Sommers' Visit to South Norwalk.--He Makes the Acquaintance of Sadie
+Waring.--A Successful Ruse.--Bucholz Confides to his Friend the
+Hiding Place of the Murdered Man's Money                          260
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+Edward Sommers as "The Detective."--A Visit to the Barn, and Part
+of the Money Recovered.--The Detective makes Advances to the Counsel
+for the Prisoner.--A Further Confidence of an Important Nature    270
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+A Midnight Visit to the Barn.--The Detective Wields a Shovel to
+Some Advantage.--Fifty Thousand Dollars Found in the Earth.--A
+Good Night's Work                                                 284
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+The Detective Manufactures Evidence for the Defense.--An Anonymous
+Letter.--An Important Interview.--The Detective Triumphs Over
+the Attorney                                                      295
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+Bucholz Grows Skeptical and Doubtful.--A fruitless Search.--The
+Murderer Involuntarily Reveals Himself                            309
+
+
+THE JUDGMENT.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+The Trial.--An Unexpected Witness.--A Convincing Story.--An Able
+but Fruitless Defense.--A Verdict of Guilty.--The Triumph of
+Justice                                                           319
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+Another Chance for Life.--The Third Trial Granted.--A Final
+Verdict, and a Just Punishment                                    338
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The following pages narrate a story of detective experience, which,
+in many respects, is alike peculiar and interesting, and one which
+evinces in a marked degree the correctness of one of the cardinal
+principles of my detective system, viz.: "That crime can and must be
+detected by the pure and honest heart obtaining a controlling power
+over that of the criminal."
+
+The history of the old man who, although in the possession of
+unlimited wealth, leaves the shores of his native land to escape the
+imagined dangers of assassination, and arrives in America, only to
+meet his death--violent and mysterious--at the hands of a trusted
+servant, is in all essential points a recital of actual events. While
+it is true that in describing the early career of this man, the mind
+may have roamed through the field of romance, yet the important
+events which are related of him are based entirely upon information
+authentically derived.
+
+The strange operation of circumstances which brought these two men
+together, although they had journeyed across the seas--each with no
+knowledge of the existence of the other--to meet and to participate
+in the sad drama of crime, is one of those realistic evidences of the
+inscrutable operations of fate, which are of frequent occurrence in
+daily life.
+
+The system of detection which was adopted in this case, and which was
+pursued to a successful termination, is not a new one in the annals
+of criminal detection. From the inception of my career as a
+detective, I have believed that crime is an element as foreign to the
+human mind as a poisonous substance is to the body, and that by the
+commission of a crime, the man or the woman so offending, weakens, in
+a material degree, the mental and moral strength of their characters
+and dispositions. Upon this weakness the intelligent detective must
+bring to bear the force and influence of a superior, moral and
+intellectual power, and then successful detection is assured.
+
+The criminal, yielding to a natural impulse of human nature, must
+seek for sympathy. His crime haunts him continually, and the burden
+of concealment becomes at last too heavy to bear alone. It must find
+a voice; and whether it be to the empty air in fitful dreamings, or
+into the ears of a sympathetic friend--he must relieve himself of the
+terrible secret which is bearing him down. Then it is that the
+watchful detective may seize the criminal in his moment of weakness
+and by his sympathy, and from the confidence he has engendered, he
+will force from him the story of his crime.
+
+That such a course was necessary to be pursued in this case will be
+apparent to all. The suspected man had been precipitately arrested,
+and no opportunity was afforded to watch his movements or to become
+associated with him while he was at liberty. He was an inmate of a
+prison when I assumed the task of his detection, and the course
+pursued was the only one which afforded the slightest promise of
+success; hence its adoption.
+
+Severe moralists may question whether this course is a legitimate or
+defensible one; but as long as crime exists, the necessity for
+detection is apparent. That a murderous criminal should go unwhipt of
+justice because the process of his detection is distasteful to the
+high moral sensibilities of those to whom crime is, perhaps, a
+stranger, is an argument at once puerile and absurd. The office of
+the detective is to serve the ends of justice; to purge society of
+the degrading influences of crime; and to protect the lives, the
+property and the honor of the community at large; and in this
+righteous work the end will unquestionably justify the means adopted
+to secure the desired result.
+
+That the means used in this case were justifiable the result has
+proven. By no other course could the murderer of Henry Schulte have
+been successfully punished or the money which he had stolen
+recovered.
+
+The detective, a gentleman of education and refinement, in the
+interests of justice assumes the garb of the criminal; endures the
+privations and restraints of imprisonment, and for weeks and months
+associates with those who have defied the law, and have stained their
+hands with blood; but in the end he emerges from the trying and fiery
+ordeal through which he has passed triumphant. The law is vindicated,
+and the criminal is punished.
+
+Despite the warnings of his indefatigable counsel, and the fears
+which they had implanted in his mind, the detective had gained a
+control over the mind of the guilty man, which impelled him to
+confess his crime and reveal the hiding place of the money which had
+led to its commission.
+
+That conviction has followed this man should be a subject of
+congratulation to all law-abiding men and women; and if the fate of
+this unhappy man, now condemned to long weary years of imprisonment,
+shall result in deterring others from the commission of crime, surely
+the operations of the detective have been more powerfully beneficial
+to society than all the eloquence and nicely-balanced theories--incapable
+of practical application--of the theoretical moralist, who doubts the
+efficiency or the propriety of the manner in which this great result
+has been accomplished.
+
+ALLAN PINKERTON.
+
+
+
+
+BUCHOLZ AND THE DETECTIVES.
+
+
+
+
+
+THE CRIME.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_The Arrival in South Norwalk._--_The Purchase of the Farm._--_A
+Miser's Peculiarities, and the Villagers' Curiosity._
+
+
+About a mile and a half from the city of South Norwalk, in the State
+of Connecticut, rises an eminence known as Roton Hill. The situation
+is beautiful and romantic in the extreme. Far away in the distance,
+glistening in the bright sunshine of an August morning, roll the
+green waters of Long Island Sound, bearing upon its broad bosom the
+numerous vessels that ply between the City of New York and the
+various towns and cities along the coast. The massive and luxurious
+steamers and the little white-winged yachts, the tall "three-masters"
+and the trim and gracefully-sailing schooners, are in full view. At
+the base of the hill runs the New York and New Haven Railroad, with
+its iron horse and long trains of cars, carrying their wealth of
+freights and armies of passengers to all points in the East, while to
+the left lies the town of South Norwalk--the spires of its churches
+rising up into the blue sky, like monuments pointing heaven-ward--and
+whose beautiful and capacious school-houses are filled with the
+bright eyes and rosy faces of the youths who receive from competent
+teachers the lessons that will prove so valuable in the time to come.
+
+Various manufactories add to the wealth of the inhabitants, whose
+luxurious homes and bright gardens are undoubted indications of
+prosperity and domestic comfort. The placid river runs through the
+town, which, with the heavy barges lying at the wharves, the
+draw-bridges which span its shores, and the smaller crafts, which
+afford amusement to the youthful fraternity, contribute to the
+general picturesqueness of the scene.
+
+The citizens, descended from good old revolutionary sires, possess
+the sturdy ambitions, the indomitable will and the undoubted honor of
+their ancestors, and, as is the case with all progressive American
+towns, South Norwalk boasts of its daily journal, which furnishes the
+latest intelligence of current events, proffers its opinions upon the
+important questions of the day, and, like the _Sentinel_ of old,
+stands immovable and unimpeachable between the people and any
+attempted encroachment upon their rights.
+
+On a beautiful, sunny day in August, 1878, there descended from the
+train that came puffing up to the commodious station at South
+Norwalk, an old man, apparently a German, accompanied by a much
+younger one, evidently of the same nationality. The old gentleman was
+not prepossessing in appearance, and seemed to be avoided by his
+well-dressed fellow-passengers. He was a tall, smooth-faced man about
+sixty years of age, but his broad shoulders and erect carriage gave
+evidence of an amount of physical power and strength scarcely in
+accord with his years. Nor was his appearance calculated to impress
+the observer with favor. He wore a wretched-looking coat, and upon
+his head a dingy, faded hat of foreign manufacture. His shoes showed
+frequent patches, and looked very much as though their owner had
+performed the duties of an amateur cobbler.
+
+It was not a matter of wonder, therefore, that the round-faced Squire
+shrugged his burly shoulders as the new-comer entered his office, or
+that he was about to bestow upon the forlorn-looking old man some
+trifling token of charity.
+
+The old gentleman, however, was not an applicant for alms. He did not
+deliver any stereotyped plea for assistance, nor did he recite a tale
+of sorrow and suffering calculated to melt the obdurate heart of the
+average listener to sympathy, and so with a wave of his hand he
+declined the proffered coin, and stated the nature of his business.
+
+The Squire soon discovered his error, for instead of asking for
+charity, his visitor desired to make a purchase, and in place of
+being a victim of necessity, he intended to become a land-owner in
+that vicinity.
+
+The young man who accompanied him, and who was dressed in clothing of
+good quality and style, was discovered to be his servant, and the old
+gentlemen, in a few words, completed a bargain in which thousands of
+dollars were involved.
+
+The blue eyes of the worthy Squire opened in amazement as the
+supposed beggar, drawing forth a well-filled but much-worn leather
+wallet, and taking from one of its dingy compartments the amount of
+the purchase-money agreed upon, afforded the astonished magistrate a
+glimpse of additional wealth of which the amount paid seemed but a
+small fraction.
+
+The land in question which thus so suddenly and strangely changed
+hands was a farm of nearly thirty acres, situate upon Roton Hill, and
+which had been offered for sale for some time previous, without
+attracting the attention of an available purchaser. When, therefore,
+the new-comer completed his arrangements in comparatively such few
+words, and by the payment of the purchase-money in full, he so
+completely surprised the people to whom the facts were speedily
+related by the voluble Squire, that the miserably apparelled owner of
+the "Hill," became at once an object of curiosity and interest.
+
+A few days after this event, the old gentleman, whose name was
+ascertained to be John Henry Schulte, formally entered into
+possession of his land, and with his servants took up his abode at
+Roton Hill.
+
+The dwelling-house upon the estate was an unpretentious frame
+building, with gable roof, whose white walls, with their proverbial
+green painted window shutters overlooking the road, showed too
+plainly the absence of that care and attention which is necessary for
+comfort and essential to preservation. It was occupied at this time
+by a family who had been tenants under the previous owner, and
+arrangements were soon satisfactorily made by Henry Schulte by which
+they were to continue their residence in the white farm-house upon
+the "Hill."
+
+This family consisted of a middle-aged man, whose name was Joseph
+Waring, his wife and children--a son and two blooming daughters, and
+as the family of Henry Schulte consisted only of himself and his
+servant, the domestic arrangements were soon completed, and he became
+domiciled at once upon the estate which he had purchased.
+
+The young man who occupied the position as servant, or valet, to the
+eccentric old gentleman, was a tall, broad-shouldered, fine-looking
+young fellow, whose clear-cut features and prominent cheek-bones at
+once pronounced him to be a German. His eyes were large, light blue
+in color, and seemed capable of flashing with anger or melting with
+affection; his complexion was clear and bright, but his mouth was
+large and with an expression of sternness which detracted from the
+pleasing expression of his face; while his teeth, which were somewhat
+decayed, added to the unpleasing effect thus produced. He was,
+however, rather a good-looking fellow, with the erect carriage and
+jaunty air of the soldier, and it was a matter of surprise to many,
+that a young man of his appearance should occupy so subservient a
+position, and under such a singular master.
+
+Such was William Bucholz, the servant of Henry Schulte.
+
+Between master and man there appeared to exist a peculiar relation,
+partaking, at times, more of the nature of a protector than the
+servant, and in their frequent walks William Bucholz would invariably
+be found striding on in advance, while his aged, but seemingly
+robust, employer would follow silently and thoughtfully at a distance
+of a few yards. At home, however, his position was more clearly
+defined, and William became the humble valet and the nimble waiter.
+
+The reserved disposition and retired habits of the master were
+regarded as very eccentric by his neighbors, and furnished frequent
+food for comment and speculation among the gossips which usually
+abound in country villages--and not in this case without cause. His
+manner of living was miserly and penurious in the extreme, and all
+ideas of comfort seemed to be utterly disregarded.
+
+The furniture of the room which he occupied was of the commonest
+description, consisting of an iron bedstead, old and broken, which,
+with its hard bed, scanty covering and inverted camp-stool for a
+pillow, was painfully suggestive of discomfort and unrest. A large
+chest, which was used as a receptacle for food; a small deal table,
+and two or three unpainted chairs, completed the inventory of the
+contents of the chamber in which the greater portion of his time was
+passed when at home.
+
+The adjoining chamber, which was occupied by Bucholz, was scarcely
+more luxurious, except that some articles for toilet use were added
+to the scanty and uninviting stock.
+
+The supplies for his table were provided by himself, and prepared for
+his consumption by Mrs. Waring. In this regard, also, the utmost
+parsimony was evinced, and the daily fare consisted of the commonest
+articles of diet that he was able to purchase. Salt meats and fish,
+brown bread and cheese, seemed to be the staple articles of food. At
+the expiration of every week, accompanied by William, he would
+journey to South Norwalk, to purchase the necessary stores for the
+following seven days, and he soon became well-known to the
+shopkeepers for the niggardly manner of his dealings. Upon his return
+his purchases would be carefully locked up in the strong box which he
+kept in his room, and would be doled out regularly to the servant for
+cooking in the apartments below, with a stinting exactness painfully
+amusing to witness.
+
+The only luxury which he allowed himself was a certain quantity of
+Rhenish wine, of poor quality and unpleasant flavor, which was
+partaken of by himself alone, and apparently very much enjoyed. At
+his meals Bucholz was required to perform the duties of waiter;
+arranging the cloth, carrying the food and dancing in constant
+attendance--after which he would be permitted to partake of his own
+repast, either with the family, who frequently invited him, and thus
+saved expense, or in the chamber of his master.
+
+Gossip in a country village travels fast and loses nothing in its
+passage. Over many a friendly cup of tea did the matrons and maids
+discuss the peculiarities of the wealthy and eccentric old man who
+had so suddenly appeared among them, while the male portion of the
+community speculated illimitably as to his history and his
+possessions.
+
+He was frequently met walking along the highway with his hands folded
+behind his back, his head bent down, apparently in deep thought,
+William in advance, and the master plodding slowly after him, and
+many efforts were made to cultivate his acquaintance, but always
+without success.
+
+This evidence of an avoidance of conversation and refusal to make
+acquaintances, instead of repressing a tendency to gossip, only
+seemed to supply an opportunity for exaggeration, and speculation
+largely supplied the want of fact in regard to his wealth and his
+antecedents.
+
+Entirely undisturbed by the many reports in circulation about him,
+Henry Schulte pursued the isolated life he seemed to prefer, paying
+no heed to the curious eyes that were bent upon him, and entirely
+oblivious to the vast amount of interest which others evinced in his
+welfare.
+
+He was in the habit of making frequent journeys to the City of New
+York alone, and on these occasions William would meet him upon his
+return and the two would then pursue their lonely walk home.
+
+One day upon reaching South Norwalk, after a visit to the metropolis,
+he brought with him a large iron box which he immediately consigned
+to the safe keeping of the bank located in the town, and this fact
+furnished another and more important subject for conversation.
+
+He had hitherto seemed to have no confidence in banking institutions
+and trust companies, and preferred to be his own banker, carrying
+large sums of money about his person which he was at no pains to
+conceal, and so, as he continued this practice, and as his
+possessions were seemingly increased by the portentous-looking iron
+chest, the speculations as to his wealth became unbounded.
+
+Many of the old gossips had no hesitancy in declaring that he was
+none other than a foreign count or some other scion of nobility, who
+had, no doubt, left his native land on account of some political
+persecution, or that he had been expatriated by his government for
+some offense which had gained for the old man that dreadful
+punishment--royal disfavor.
+
+Oblivious of all this, however, the innocent occasion of their
+wonderment and speculation pursued his lonely way unheeding and
+undisturbed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+_William Bucholz._--_Life at Roton Hill._--_A Visit to New York
+City._
+
+
+William Bucholz, the servant of the old gentleman, did not possess
+the morose disposition nor the desire for isolation evinced by his
+master, for, instead of shunning the society of those with whom he
+came in contact, he made many acquaintances during his leisure hours
+among the people of the town and village, and with whom he soon
+became on terms of perfect intimacy. To him, therefore, perhaps as
+much as to any other agency, was due in a great measure the fabulous
+stories of the old man's wealth.
+
+Being of a communicative disposition, and gifted with a seemingly
+frank and open manner, he found no difficulty in extending his circle
+of acquaintances, particularly among those of a curious turn of mind.
+In response to their eager questioning, he would relate such wonderful
+stories in reference to his master, of the large amount of money which
+he daily carried about his person, and of reputed wealth in Germany,
+that it was believed by some that a modern Croesus had settled in
+their midst, and while, in common with the rest of humanity, they paid
+homage to his gold, they could not repress a feeling of contempt for
+the miserly actions and parsimonious dealings of its possessor.
+
+With the young ladies also William seemed to be a favorite, and his
+manner of expressing himself in such English words as he had
+acquired, afforded them much interest and no little amusement. Above
+all the rest, however, the two daughters of Mrs. Waring possessed the
+greatest attractions for him, and the major part of his time, when
+not engaged in attending upon his employer, was spent in their
+company. Of the eldest daughter he appeared to be a devoted admirer,
+and this fact was far from being disagreeable to the young lady
+herself, who smiled her sweetest smiles upon the sturdy young German
+who sued for her favors.
+
+Sadie Waring was a wild, frolicsome young lady of about twenty years
+of age, with an impulsive disposition, and an inclination for
+mischief which was irrepressible. Several experiences were related of
+her, which, while not being of a nature to deserve the censure of her
+associates, frequently brought upon her the reproof of her parents,
+who looked with disfavor upon the exuberance of a disposition that
+acknowledged no control.
+
+Bucholz and Sadie became warm friends, and during the pleasant days
+of the early Autumn, they indulged in frequent and extended rambles;
+he became her constant chaperone to the various traveling shows which
+visited the town, and to the merry-makings in the vicinity. Through
+her influence also, he engaged the services of a tutor, and commenced
+the study of the English language, in which, with her assistance, he
+soon began to make rapid progress.
+
+In this quiet, uneventful way, the time passed on, and nothing
+occurred to disturb the usual serenity of their existence. No attempt
+was made by Henry Schulte to cultivate the land which he had
+purchased, and, except a small patch of ground which was devoted to
+the raising of a few late vegetables, the grass and weeds vied with
+each other for supremacy in the broad acres which surrounded the
+house.
+
+Daily during the pleasant weather the old gentleman would wend his
+way to the river, and indulge in the luxury of a bath, which seemed
+to be the only recreation that he permitted himself to take; and in
+the evening, during which he invariably remained in the house, he
+would spend the few hours before retiring in playing upon the violin,
+an instrument of which he was very fond, and upon which he played
+with no ordinary skill.
+
+The Autumn passed away, and Winter, cold, bleak, and cheerless,
+settled over the land. The bright and many-colored leaves that had
+flashed their myriad beauties in the full glare of the sunlight, had
+fallen from the trees, leaving their trunks, gnarled and bare, to the
+mercy of the sweeping winds. The streams were frozen, and the
+merry-makers skimmed lightly and gracefully over the glassy surface
+of pond and lake. Christmas, that season of festivity, when the
+hearts of the children are gladdened by the visit of that fabulous
+gift-maker, and when music and joy rule the hour in the homes of the
+rich--but when also, pinched faces and hungry eyes are seen in the
+houses of the poor--had come and gone.
+
+To the farm-house on the "Hill," there had come no change during this
+festive season, and the day was passed in the ordinary dull and
+uneventful manner. William Bucholz and Sadie Waring had perhaps
+derived more enjoyment from the day than any of the others, and in
+the afternoon had joined a party of skaters on the lake in the
+vicinity, but beyond this, no incident occurred to recall very
+forcibly the joyous time that was passing.
+
+On the second day after Christmas, Henry Schulte informed William of
+his intention to go to New York upon a matter of business, and after
+a scanty breakfast, accompanied by his valet, he wended his way to
+the station.
+
+They had become accustomed to ignore the main road in their journeys
+to the town, and taking a path that ran from the rear of the house,
+they would walk over the fields, now hard and frozen, and passing
+through a little strip of woods they would reach the track of the
+railroad, and following this they would reach the station, thereby
+materially lessening the distance that intervened, and shortening the
+time that would be necessary to reach their destination.
+
+Placing the old gentleman safely upon the train, and with
+instructions to meet him upon his arrival home in the evening,
+Bucholz retraced his steps and prepared to enjoy the leisure accorded
+to him by the absence of the master.
+
+In the afternoon his tutor came, and he spent an hour engaged in the
+study of the English language, and in writing. Shortly after the
+departure of the teacher Mrs. Waring requested him to accompany her
+to a town a few miles distant, whither she was going to transact some
+business, and he cheerfully consenting, they went off together.
+
+Returning in the gathering twilight Bucholz was in excellent spirits
+and in great good humor, and as they neared their dwelling they
+discovered Sadie slightly in advance of them, with her skates under
+her arm, returning from the lake, where she had been spending the
+afternoon in skating. William, with a view of having a laugh at the
+expense of the young lady, when within a short distance of her, drew
+a revolver which he carried, and discharged it in the direction in
+which she was walking. The girl uttered a frightened scream, but
+William's mocking laughter reassured her, and after a mutual laugh at
+her sudden fright the three proceeded merrily to the house.
+
+It was now time for William to go to the station for his master, who
+was to return that evening, and he started off to walk to the train,
+reaching there in good time, and in advance of its arrival.
+
+Soon the bright light of the locomotive was seen coming around a
+curve in the road, the shrill whistle resounded through the wintry
+air, and in a few minutes the train came rumbling up to the station,
+when instantly all was bustle and confusion.
+
+Train hands were running hither and thither, porters were loudly
+calling the names of the hotels to which they were attached, the
+inevitable Jehu was there with his nasal ejaculation of "Kerige!"
+while trunks were unloaded and passengers were disembarking.
+
+Bright eyes were among the eager crowd as the friendly salutations
+were exchanged, and merry voices were heard in greeting to returning
+friends. Rich and poor jostled each other in the hurry of the moment,
+and the waiting servant soon discovered among the passengers the form
+of the man he was waiting for.
+
+The old gentleman was burdened with some purchases of provisions
+which he had made, and in an old satchel which he carried the necks
+of several bottles of wine were protruding. Assisting him to alight,
+Bucholz took the satchel, and they waited until the train started
+from the depot and left the trackway clear. The old man looked
+fatigued and worn, and directed Bucholz to accompany him to a saloon
+opposite, which they entered, and walking up to the bar, he requested
+a couple of bottles of beer for himself and servant. This evidence of
+unwonted generosity created considerable wonderment among those who
+were seated around, but the old gentleman paid no attention to their
+whispered comments, and, after liquidating his indebtedness, the two
+took up their packages and proceeded up the track upon their journey
+home.
+
+What transpired upon that homeward journey was destined to remain for
+a long time an inscrutable mystery, but after leaving that little inn
+no man among the curious villagers ever looked upon that old man's
+face in life again. The two forms faded away in the distance, and the
+weary wind sighed through the leafless trees; the bright glare of the
+lights of the station gleamed behind them, but the shadows of the
+melancholy hills seemed to envelop them in their dark embrace--and to
+one of them, at least, it was the embrace of death.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_An Alarm at the Farm-house._--_The Dreadful Announcement of William
+Bucholz._--_The Finding of the Murdered Man._
+
+
+The evening shadows gathered over Roton Hill, and darkness settled
+over the scene. The wind rustled mournfully through the leafless
+branches of the trees, as though with a soft, sad sigh, while
+overhead the stars glittered coldly in their far-off setting of blue.
+
+Within the farm-house the fire glowed brightly and cheerily; the
+lamps were lighted; the cloth had been laid for the frugal evening
+meal, and the kettle hummed musically upon the hob. The family of the
+Warings, with the exception of the father, whose business was in a
+distant city, were gathered together. Samuel Waring, the son, had
+returned from his labor, and with the two girls were seated around
+the hearth awaiting the return of the old gentleman and William,
+while Mrs. Waring busied herself in the preparations for tea.
+
+"Now, if Mr. Schulte would come," said Mrs. Waring, "we would ask him
+to take tea with us this evening; the poor man will be cold and
+hungry."
+
+"No use in asking him, mother," replied Samuel, "he wouldn't accept."
+
+"It is pretty nearly time they were here," said Sadie, with a longing
+look toward the inviting table.
+
+"Well, if they do not come soon we will not wait for them," said Mrs.
+Waring.
+
+As she spoke a shrill, startled cry rose upon the air; the voice of a
+man, and evidently in distress. Breathless they stopped to
+listen--the two girls clinging to each other with blanched faces and
+staring eyes.
+
+"Sammy! Sammy!" again sounded that frightened call.
+
+Samuel Waring started to his feet and moved rapidly toward the door.
+
+"It sounds like William!" he cried, "something must have happened."
+
+He had reached the door and his hand was upon the latch, when it was
+violently thrown open and Bucholz rushed in and fell fainting upon
+the floor.
+
+[Illustration: "_Bucholz rushed in and fell fainting to the floor._"]
+
+He was instantly surrounded by the astonished family, and upon
+examination it was discovered that his face was bleeding, while the
+flesh was lacerated as though he had been struck with some sharp
+instrument. He had carried in his hand the old satchel which
+contained the wine purchased by Mr. Schulte, and which had been
+consigned to his care on leaving the depot, and as he fell
+unconscious the satchel dropped from his nerveless grasp upon the
+floor.
+
+Recovering quickly, he stared wildly around. "What has happened,
+William, what is the matter?" inquired Samuel.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Schulte, he is killed, he is killed!"
+
+"Where is he now?"
+
+"Down in the woods by the railroad," cried Bucholz. "We must go and
+find him."
+
+Meanwhile the female members of the family had stood wonder-stricken
+at the sudden appearance of Bucholz, and the fearful information
+which he conveyed.
+
+"How did it happen?" inquired Samuel Waring.
+
+"Oh, Sammy," exclaimed Bucholz, "I don't know. When we left the
+station, Mr. Schulte gave me the satchel to carry, and we walked
+along the track. I was walking ahead. Then we came through the woods,
+and just as I was about to climb over the stone wall by the field, I
+heard Mr. Schulte call out, 'Bucholz!' 'Bucholz!' It was dark, I
+could not see anything, and just as I turned around to go to Mr.
+Schulte, a man sprang at me and hit me in the face. I jumped away
+from him and then I saw another one on the other side of me. Then I
+ran home, and now I know that Mr. Schulte is killed. Oh Sammy! Sammy!
+we must go and find him."
+
+Bucholz told his story brokenly and seemed to be in great distress.
+
+"If I had my pistol I would not run," he continued, as if in reply to
+a look upon Samuel Waring's face, "but I left it at home."
+
+Sadie went up to him, and, laying her hand upon his arm, inquired
+anxiously if he was much hurt.
+
+"No, my dear, I think not, but I was struck pretty hard," he replied.
+"But come," he continued, "while we are talking, Mr. Schulte is lying
+out there in the woods. We must go after him."
+
+Bucholz went to the place where he usually kept his revolver, and
+placing it in his pocket, he announced his readiness to go in search
+of his master.
+
+"Wait till I get my gun," said Samuel Waring, going up-stairs, and
+soon returning with the desired article.
+
+Just as he returned, another attack of faintness overcame William,
+and again he fell to the floor, dropping the revolver from his pocket
+as he did so.
+
+Sammy assisted him to arise, and after he had sufficiently recovered,
+the two men, accompanied by the mother and two daughters, started
+toward the house of the next neighbor, where, arousing old Farmer
+Allen, and leaving the ladies in his care, they proceeded in the
+direction where the attack was said to have been made.
+
+On their way they aroused two other neighbors, who, lighting
+lanterns, joined the party in their search for the body of Mr.
+Schulte.
+
+Following the beaten path through the fields, and climbing over the
+stone wall where Bucholz was reported to have been attacked, they
+struck the narrow path that led through the woods. A short distance
+beyond this the flickering rays of the lantern, as they penetrated
+into the darkness beyond them, fell upon the prostrate form of a man.
+
+The body lay upon its back; the clothing had been forcibly torn open,
+and the coat and vest were thrown back as though they had been
+hastily searched and hurriedly abandoned.
+
+The man was dead. Those glassy eyes, with their look of horror, which
+were reflected in the rays of the glimmering light; that pallid,
+rigid face, with blood drops upon the sunken cheeks, told them too
+plainly that the life of that old man had departed, and that they
+stood in the awful presence of death.
+
+Murdered! A terrible word, even when used in the recital of an event
+that happened long ago. An awful word to be uttered by the cheerful
+fireside as we read of the ordinary circumstances of every-day life.
+But what horrible intensity is given to the enunciation of its
+syllables when it is forced from the trembling lips of stalwart men,
+as they stand like weird spirits in the darkness of the night, and
+with staring eyes, behold the bleeding victim of a man's foul deed.
+It seemed to thrill the ears and freeze the blood of the listeners,
+as old Farmer Allen, kneeling down by that lifeless form, pronounced
+the direful word.
+
+It seemed to penetrate the air confusedly--not as a word, but as a
+sound of fear and dread. The wind seemed to take up the burden of the
+sad refrain, and whispered it shudderingly to the tall trees that
+shook their trembling branches beneath its blast.
+
+I wonder did it penetrate into the crime-stained heart of him who had
+laid this harmless old man low? Was it even now ringing in his ears?
+Ah, strive as he may--earth and sky and air will repeat in chorus
+that dreadful sound, which is but the echo of his own accusing
+conscience, and he will never cease to hear it until, worn and weary,
+the plotting brain shall cease its functions, and the murderous heart
+shall be cold and pulseless in a dishonored grave.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_The Excitement in the Village._--_The Coroner's Investigation._--_The
+Secret Ambuscade._
+
+
+Samuel Waring knelt down beside the form of the old man, and laid his
+trembling hand upon the heart that had ceased to throb forever.
+
+"He is dead!" he uttered, in a low, subdued voice, as though he too
+was impressed with the solemnity of the scene.
+
+Bucholz uttered a half articulate moan, and grasped more firmly in
+his nerveless hand the pistol which he carried.
+
+One of the neighbors who had accompanied the party was about to
+search the pockets of the murdered man, when Farmer Allen, raising
+his hand, cried:
+
+"Stop! This is work for the law. A man has been murdered, and the
+officers of the law must be informed of it. Who will go?"
+
+Samuel Waring and Bucholz at once volunteered their services and
+started towards the village to notify the coroner, and those whose
+duty it was to take charge of such cases.
+
+Farmer Allen gazed at the rigid form of the old man lying there
+before him, whose life had been such an enigma to his neighbors, then
+at the retreating forms of the two men who were slowly wending their
+way to the village, and a strange, uncertain light came into his eyes
+as he thus looked. He said nothing, however, of the thoughts that
+occupied his mind, and after bidding the others watch beside the
+body, he returned to his own home and informed the frightened females
+of what had been discovered.
+
+The news spread with wonderful rapidity, and soon the dreadful
+tidings were the theme of universal conversation. A man rushed into
+the saloon in which the old man and Bucholz had drank their beer, and
+cried out:
+
+"The old man that was in here to-night has been murdered!"
+
+Instantly everybody were upon their feet. The old gentleman was
+generally known, and although no one was intimately acquainted with
+him, all seemed to evince an interest in the cause of his death.
+
+Many rumors were at once put in circulation, and many wild and
+extravagant stories were soon floating through the crowds that
+gathered at the corners of the streets.
+
+Samuel Waring and Bucholz had gone directly to the office of the
+coroner, and informing him of the sad affair, had proceeded to the
+drug-store in the village, with the view of having the wounds upon
+his face dressed. They were found to be of a very slight character,
+and a few pieces of court-plaster dexterously applied were all that
+seemed to be required.
+
+By this time the coroner had succeeded in impanneling a jury to
+accompany him to the scene of the murder, and they proceeded in a
+body toward the place. The lights from the lanterns, held by those
+who watched beside the body, directed them to the spot, and they soon
+arrived at the scene of the tragedy.
+
+The coroner immediately took charge of the body, and the physician
+who accompanied him made an examination into the cause of his death.
+
+Upon turning the body over, two ugly gashes were found in the back of
+his head, one of them cutting completely through the hat which
+covered it and cutting off a piece of the skull, and the other
+penetrating several inches into the brain, forcing the fractured
+bones of the skull inward.
+
+It seemed evident that the first blow had been struck some distance
+from the place where the body had fallen, and that the stunned man
+had staggered nearly thirty feet before he fell. The second blow,
+which was immediately behind the left ear, had been dealt with the
+blunt end of an axe, and while he was prostrate upon the ground.
+
+Death must have instantly followed this second crushing blow, and he
+had died without a struggle. Silently and stealthily the assassins
+must have come upon him, and perhaps in the midst of some pleasant
+dream of a boyhood home; some sweet whisper of a love of the long
+ago, his life had been beaten out by the murderous hand of one who
+had been lying in wait for his unsuspecting victim.
+
+From the nature of the wounds the physician at once declared that
+they were produced by an axe. The cut in the back of the head, and
+from which the blood had profusely flowed, was of the exact shape of
+the blade of an instrument of that nature--and the other must have
+been produced by the back of the same weapon. The last blow must have
+been a crushing one, for the wound produced was several inches deep.
+
+An examination of the body revealed the fact that the clothing had
+been forcibly torn open, as several buttons had been pulled from the
+vest which he wore, in the frantic effort to secure the wealth which
+he was supposed to have carried upon his person.
+
+In the inner pocket of his coat, which had evidently been overlooked
+by the murderers, was discovered a worn, yellow envelope, which, on
+being opened, was found to contain twenty thousand dollars in German
+mark bills, and about nine hundred and forty dollars in United States
+government notes. His watch had been wrenched from the guard around
+his neck, and had been carried off, while by his side lay an empty
+money purse, and some old letters and newspapers.
+
+Tenderly and reverently they lifted the corpse from the ground after
+this examination had been made, William Bucholz assisting, and the
+mournful procession bore the body to the home which he had left in
+the morning in health and spirits, and with no premonitory warning of
+the fearful fate that was to overtake him upon his return.
+
+The lights flashed through the darkness, and the dark forms, outlined
+in their glimmering beams, seemed like beings of an unreal world; the
+bearers of the body, with their unconscious burden, appeared like a
+mournful procession of medieval times, when in the solemn hours of
+the night the bodies of the dead were borne away to their final
+resting-place.
+
+They entered the house and laid their burden down. The lids were now
+closed over those wild, staring eyes, and the clothing had been
+decently arranged about the rigid form. The harsh lines that had
+marked his face in life, seemed to have been smoothed away by some
+unseen hand, and a smile of peace, such as he might have worn when a
+child, rested upon those closed and pallid lips, clothing the
+features with an expression of sweetness that none who saw him then
+ever remembered to have seen before.
+
+After depositing the body in the house, several of the parties
+proceeded to search the grounds in the immediate vicinity of the
+murder. Near where the body had fallen a package was found,
+containing some meat which the frugal old man had evidently purchased
+while in the city. Another parcel, which contained a pair of what are
+commonly known as overalls, apparently new and unworn, was also
+discovered. An old pistol of the "pepper-box" pattern, and a rusty
+revolver, the handle of which was smeared with blood, was found near
+where the body was lying. No instrument by which the murder could
+have been committed was discovered, and no clue that would lead to
+the identification of the murderers was unearthed. They were about to
+abandon their labor for the night, when an important discovery was
+made, which tended to show conclusively that the murder had been
+premeditated, and that the crime had been in preparation before the
+hour of its execution.
+
+By the side of the narrow path which led through the woods, stood a
+small cedar tree upon the summit of a slight rise in the ground. Its
+spare, straggling branches were found to have been interwoven with
+branches of another tree, so as to form a complete screen from the
+approach from the railroad, in the direction which Henry Schulte must
+inevitably come on his way from the depot. Here, undoubtedly, the
+murderer had been concealed, and as the old man passed by,
+unconscious of the danger that threatened him, he had glided
+stealthily after him and struck the murderous blow.
+
+These, and these only, were the facts discovered, and the question as
+to whose hand had committed the foul deed remained a seemingly
+fathomless mystery.
+
+Midnight tolled its solemn hour, and as the tones of the bell that
+rang out its numbers died away upon the air, the weary party wended
+their way homeward, leaving the dead and the living in the little
+farm-house upon the "Hill," memorable ever after for the dark deed of
+this dreary night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_The Hearing before the Coroner._--_Romantic Rumors and Vague
+Suspicions._--_An Unexpected Telegram._--_Bucholz Suspected._
+
+
+The next day the sun shone gloriously over a beautiful winter's day,
+and as its bright rays lighted up the ice-laden trees in the little
+wood, causing their branches to shimmer with the brilliant hues of a
+rainbow's magnificence, no one would have imagined that in the gloom
+of the night before, a human cry for help had gone up through the
+quiet air or that a human life had been beaten out under their
+glittering branches.
+
+The night had been drearily spent in the home which Henry Schulte had
+occupied, and the body of the murdered man had been guarded by
+officers of the law, designated by the coroner who designed holding
+the customary inquest upon the morrow.
+
+To the inmates of the house the hours had stretched their weary
+lengths along, and sleep came tardily to bring relief to their
+overwrought minds. Bucholz, nervous and uneasy, had, without
+undressing, thrown himself upon the bed with Sammy Waring, and during
+his broken slumbers had frequently started nervously and uttered
+moaning exclamations of pain or fear, and in the morning arose
+feverish and unrefreshed.
+
+The two girls, who had wept profusely during the night, and before
+whose minds there flitted unpleasant anticipations of a public
+examination, in which they would no doubt play prominent parts, and
+from which they involuntarily shrank, made their appearance at the
+table heavy-eyed and sorrowful.
+
+As the morning advanced, hundreds of the villagers, prompted by idle
+curiosity and that inherent love of excitement which characterizes
+all communities, visited the scene of the murder, and as they gazed
+vacantly around, or pointed out the place where the body had been
+found, many and varied opinions were expressed as to the manner in
+which the deed was committed, and of the individuals who were
+concerned in the perpetration of the crime.
+
+A rumor, vague at first, but assuming systematic proportions as the
+various points of information were elucidated, passed through the
+crowd, and was eagerly accepted as the solution of the seeming
+mystery.
+
+It appeared that several loungers around the depot at Stamford, a
+town about eight miles distant, on the night previous had observed
+two conspicuous-looking foreigners, who had reached the depot at
+about ten o'clock. They seemed to be exhausted and out of breath, as
+though they had been running a long distance, and in broken English,
+scarcely intelligible, had inquired (in an apparently excited
+manner), when the next train was to leave for New York. There were
+several cabmen and hangers-on who usually make a railroad depot their
+headquarters about, and by them the two men were informed that there
+were no more trains running to New York that night. This information
+seemed to occasion them considerable annoyance and disappointment;
+they walked up and down the platform talking and gesticulating
+excitedly, and separating ever and anon, when they imagined
+themselves noticed by those who happened to be at the station.
+
+Soon after this an eastern-bound train reached the depot, and these
+same individuals, instead of going to New York, took passage on this
+train. They did not go into the car together, and after entering took
+seats quite apart from each other. The conductor, who had mentioned
+these circumstances, and who distinctly remembered the parties, as
+they had especially attracted his attention by their strange
+behavior, recollected that they did not present any tickets, but paid
+their fares in money. He also remembered that they were odd-looking
+and acted in an awkward manner. They both left the train at New
+Haven, and from thence all trace of them was lost for the present.
+
+Upon this slight foundation, a wonderful edifice of speculation was
+built by the credulous and imaginative people of South Norwalk. The
+romance of their dispositions was stirred to its very depths, and
+their enthusiastic minds drew a vivid picture, in which the manner
+and cause of Henry Schulte's death was successfully explained and
+duly accounted for.
+
+These men were without a doubt the emissaries of some person or
+persons in Germany, who were interested in the old gentleman and
+would be benefited by his death. As this story coincided so fully
+with the mysterious appearance of the old man at South Norwalk; his
+recluse habits and avoidance of society, it soon gained many
+believers, who were thoroughly convinced of the correctness of the
+theory thus advanced.
+
+Meanwhile the coroner had made the necessary arrangements for the
+holding of the inquest as required by the law, and his office was
+soon crowded to overflowing by the eager citizens of the village, who
+pushed and jostled each other in their attempts to effect an entrance
+into the room.
+
+The first and most important witness was William Bucholz, the servant
+of the old gentleman, and who had accompanied him on that fatal walk
+home.
+
+He told his story in a plain, straightforward manner, and without any
+show of hesitation or embarrassment. He described his meeting Mr.
+Schulte at the depot; their entering the saloon, and their journey
+homeward.
+
+"After we left the saloon," said Bucholz, who was allowed to tell his
+story without interruption and without questioning, "Mr. Schulte said
+to me, 'Now, William, we will go home;' we walked up the railroad
+track and when we reached the stone wall that is built along by the
+road, Mr. Schulte told me to take the satchel, and as the path was
+narrow, he directed me to walk in advance of him. He was silent, and,
+I thought, looked very tired. I had not walked very far into the
+woods, when I heard him call from behind me, as though he was hurt or
+frightened, 'Bucholz! Bucholz!' I heard no blow struck, nor any sound
+of footsteps. I was startled with the suddenness of the cry, and as I
+was about to lay down the satchel and go to him, I saw a man on my
+right hand about six paces from me; at the same time I heard a noise
+on my left, and as I turned in that direction I received a blow upon
+my face. This frightened me so that I turned, and leaping over the
+wall, I ran as fast as I could towards the house. One of the men, who
+was tall and stoutly built, chased me till I got within a short
+distance of the barn. He then stopped, and calling out, 'Greenhorn, I
+catch you another time,' he went back in the direction of the woods.
+He spoke in English, but from his accent I should think he was a
+Frenchman. I did not stop running until I reached the house, and
+calling for help to Sammy Waring, I opened the door and fell down. I
+was exhausted, and the blow I received had hurt me very much." He
+then proceeded to detail the incidents which followed, all of which
+the reader has already been made aware of.
+
+He told his story in German, and, through one of the citizens
+present, who acted as interpreter, it was translated into English.
+While he was speaking, a boy hurriedly entered the room, and pushing
+his way toward the coroner, who was conducting the examination, he
+handed to him a sealed envelope.
+
+Upon reading the meager, but startling, contents of the telegram, for
+such it proved to be, Mr. Craw gazed at Bucholz with an expression of
+pained surprise, in which sympathy and doubtfulness seemed to contend
+for mastery.
+
+The telegram was from the State's Attorney, Mr. Olmstead, who, while
+on the train, going from Stamford to Bridgeport, had perused the
+account of the murder of the night before, in the daily journal.
+Being a man of clear understanding, of quick impulse, and indomitable
+will, for him to think was to act. Learning that the investigation
+was to be held that morning, immediately upon his arrival at
+Bridgeport he entered the telegraph office, and sent the following
+dispatch:
+
+    "_Arrest the servant._"
+
+It was this message which was received by the coroner, while Bucholz,
+all unconscious of the danger which threatened him, was relating the
+circumstances that had occurred the night before.
+
+Mr. Craw communicated to no one the contents of the message he had
+received, and the investigation was continued as though nothing had
+occurred to disturb the regularity of the proceedings thus begun.
+
+Mr. Olmstead, however, determined to allow nothing to interfere with
+the proper carrying out of the theory which his mind had formed, and
+taking the next train, he returned to South Norwalk, arriving there
+before Bucholz had finished his statement.
+
+When he entered the room he found that Bucholz had not been arrested
+as yet, and so, instead of having this done, he resolved to place an
+officer in charge of him, thus preventing any attempt to escape,
+should such be made, and depriving him practically of the services of
+legal counsel.
+
+Mr. Olmstead conducted the proceedings before the coroner, and his
+questioning of the various witnesses soon developed the theory he had
+formed, and those who were present listened with surprise as the
+assumption of Bucholz's guilty participation in the murder of his
+master was gradually unfolded.
+
+Yet under the searching examination that followed, Bucholz never
+flinched; he seemed oblivious of the fact that he was suspected, and
+told his story in an emotionless manner, and with an innocent
+expression of countenance that was convincing to most of those who
+listened to his recital.
+
+No person ever appeared more innocent under such trying circumstances
+than did this man, and but for a slight flush that now and then
+appeared upon his face, one would have been at a loss to discover any
+evidence of feeling upon his part, which would show that he was alive
+to the position which he then occupied.
+
+His bearing at the investigation made him many friends who were very
+outspoken in their defense of Bucholz, and their belief in his entire
+innocence. Mr. Olmstead, however, was resolute, and Bucholz returned
+to the house upon the conclusion of the testimony for that day, in
+charge of an officer of the law, who was instructed to treat him
+kindly, but under no circumstances to allow him out of his sight, and
+the further investigation was deferred until the following week.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_The Miser's Wealth._--_Over Fifty Thousand Dollars Stolen from the
+Murdered Man._--_A Strange Financial Transaction._--_A Verdict, and
+the Arrest of Bucholz._
+
+
+Meantime there existed a necessity for some action in regard to the
+effects of which Henry Schulte was possessed at the time of his
+death, and two reputable gentlemen of South Norwalk were duly
+authorized to act as administrators of his estate, and to perform
+such necessary duties as were required in the matter.
+
+From an examination of his papers it was discovered that his only
+living relatives consisted of a brother and his family, who resided
+near Dortmund, Westphalia, in Prussia, and that they too were
+apparently wealthy and extensive land-owners in the vicinity of that
+place.
+
+To this brother the information was immediately telegraphed of the
+old gentleman's death, and the inquiry was made as to the disposition
+of the body. To this inquiry the following reply was received:
+
+    "TO THE MAYOR OF SOUTH NORWALK:
+
+    "I beg of you to see that the body of my brother is properly
+    forwarded to Barop, near Dortmund, so as to insure its safe
+    arrival. I further request that you inform me at once whether his
+    effects have been secured, and how much has been found of the
+    large amount of specie which he took with him from here? Have
+    they found the murderer of my brother?
+
+    Signed, "FREDRICK W. SCHULTE."
+
+Had those who knew the previous history of Henry Schulte expected to
+have received any expression of sorrow for the death of the old
+gentleman, they were doomed to be disappointed, and the telegram
+itself fully dissipated any such idea. The man was dead, and the
+heirs were claiming their inheritance--that was all.
+
+Shortly after this a representative of the German Consul at New York
+arrived, and, presenting his authority, at once proceeded to take
+charge of the remains, and to make the arrangements necessary towards
+having them sent to Europe.
+
+The iron box which had proved such an object of interest to the
+residents of South Norwalk, was opened at the bank, and to the
+surprise of many, was found to contain valuable securities and
+investments which represented nearly a quarter of a million of
+dollars.
+
+It was at first supposed that the murderers had been foiled in their
+attempt to rob as well as to murder, or that they had been frightened
+off before they had accomplished their purpose of plunder. The
+finding of twenty thousand dollars upon his person seemed to be
+convincing proof that no robbery had been committed, and the friends
+of Bucholz, who were numerous, pointed to this fact as significantly
+establishing his innocence.
+
+Indeed, many people wondered at the action of the State's attorney,
+and doubtfully shook their heads as they thought of the meager
+evidence that existed to connect Bucholz with the crime. A further
+examination of the accounts of the murdered man, however, disclosed
+the startling fact that a sum of money aggregating to over fifty
+thousand dollars had disappeared, and, as he was supposed to have
+carried this amount upon his person, it must have been taken from him
+on the night of the murder.
+
+Here, then, was food for speculation. The man had been killed, and
+robbery had undoubtedly been the incentive. Who could have committed
+the deed and so successfully have escaped suspicion and detection?
+
+Could it have been William Bucholz?
+
+Of a certainty the opportunity had been afforded him, and he could
+have struck the old man down with no one near to tell the story. But
+if, in the silence of that lonely evening, his hand had dealt the
+fatal blow, where was the instrument with which the deed was
+committed? If he had rifled the dead man's pockets and had taken from
+him his greedily hoarded wealth, where was it now secured, or what
+disposition had he made of it?
+
+From the time that he had fallen fainting upon the floor of the
+farm-house kitchen, until the present, he was not known to have been
+alone.
+
+Tearful in his grief for the death of his master, his voice had been
+the first that suggested the necessity for going in search of him. He
+was seen to go to the place where he usually kept his pistol, and
+prepare himself for defense in accompanying Samuel Waring.
+
+He had stood sorrowfully beside that prostrate form as the hand of
+the neighbor had been laid upon the stilled and silent heart, and
+life had been pronounced extinct. He had journeyed with Sammy Waring
+to the village to give the alarm and to notify the coroner, and on
+his return his arms had assisted in carrying the unconscious burden
+to the house. Could a murderer, fresh from his bloody work, have done
+this?
+
+From that evening officers had been in charge of the premises.
+Bucholz, nervous, and physically worn out, had retired with Sammy
+Waring, and had not left the house during the evening. If he had
+committed this deed he must have the money, but the house was
+thoroughly searched, and no trace of this money was discovered.
+
+His bearing upon the inquest had been such that scarcely any one
+present was disposed to believe in his guilty participation in the
+foul crime, or that he had any knowledge of the circumstances, save
+such as he had previously related.
+
+Where then was this large sum of money which had so mysteriously
+disappeared?
+
+A stack of straw that stood beside the barn--the barn had been
+thoroughly searched before--was purchased by an enterprising and
+ambitious officer in charge of Bucholz, and although he did not own a
+horse, he had the stack removed, the ground surrounding it diligently
+searched, in the vague hope that something would be discovered hidden
+beneath it.
+
+But thus far, speculation, search and inquiry had availed nothing,
+and as the crowd gathered at the station, and the sealed casket that
+contained the body of the murdered man was placed upon the train to
+begin its journey to the far distant home which he had left but a
+short time before, many thought that with its departure there had
+also disappeared all possibility of discovering his assassin, and
+penetrating into the deep mystery which surrounded his death.
+
+An important discovery was, however, made at this time, which changed
+the current of affairs, and seemed for a time to react against the
+innocence of the man against whom suspicion attached.
+
+In the village there resided an individual named Paul Herscher, who
+was the proprietor of the saloon in which the deceased and his
+servant had taken their drink of beer, after leaving the train upon
+the night of the murder.
+
+During the residence of Mr. Schulte at Roton Hill, Bucholz and Paul
+Herscher had become intimate acquaintances, and Bucholz had stated
+upon his examination that during the month of the previous October he
+had loaned to Paul the sum of two hundred dollars. That the servant
+of so parsimonious a man should have been possessed of such a sum of
+money seemed very doubtful, and inquiries were started with the view
+of ascertaining the facts of the case.
+
+The investigation was still going on, and Paul was called as a
+witness. His story went far towards disturbing the implicit
+confidence in Bucholz's innocence, and caused a reaction of feeling
+in the minds of many, which, while it did not confirm them in a
+belief in his guilt, at least made them doubtful of his entire
+ignorance of the crime.
+
+Paul Herscher stated that on the morning after the murder Bucholz had
+entered his saloon, and calling him into an adjoining room, had
+placed in his hands a roll of bills, saying at the same time, in
+German:
+
+"Here is two hundred dollars of my money. I want you to keep it until
+I make my report to the coroner. _If anybody asks you about it, tell
+them I gave it to you some time ago._"
+
+Here was an attempt to deceive somebody, and, although Paul had
+retained this money for several days, without mentioning the fact of
+its existence, his revelation had its effect. Upon comparing the
+notes, all of which were marked with a peculiar arrangement of
+numbers, and by the hand of the deceased, they were found to
+correspond with a list found among the papers of Henry Schulte, and
+then in the custody of his administrators.
+
+To this charge, however, Bucholz gave a free, full and, so far as
+outward demeanor was concerned, truthful explanation, which, while it
+failed to fully satisfy the minds of those who heard it, served to
+make them less confident of his duplicity or his guilt.
+
+He acknowledged the statements made by Paul Herscher to be true, but
+stated in explanation that he received the money from Mr. Schulte on
+their way home on the evening of the murder, in payment of a debt due
+him, and that, fearing he might be suspected, he had gone to Paul,
+and handing him the money, had requested him, if inquiries were
+instituted, to confirm the statement which he had then made.
+
+That this statement seemed of a doubtful character was recognized by
+every one, and that a full examination into the truthfulness of his
+assertions was required was admitted by all; and, after other
+testimony, not, however, of a character implicating him in the
+murder, was heard, the State's attorney pressed for such a verdict as
+would result in holding Bucholz over for a trial.
+
+After a long deliberation, in which every portion of the evidence was
+considered by the jury, which had listened intently to its relation,
+they returned the following verdict:
+
+"That John Henry Schulte came to his death from wounds inflicted with
+some unknown instrument, in the hands of some person or persons known
+to William Bucholz, and we do find that said William Bucholz has a
+guilty knowledge of said crime."
+
+This announcement occasioned great surprise among the people
+assembled; but to none, perhaps, was the result more unexpected than
+to William Bucholz himself. He stood in a dazed, uncertain manner for
+a few moments, and then, uttering a smothered groan, sank heavily in
+his seat.
+
+The officers of the law advanced and laid their hands upon his
+shoulder; and, scarcely knowing what he did, and without uttering a
+word, he arose and followed them from the building. He was placed
+upon the train to Bridgeport, and before nightfall the iron doors of
+a prison closed upon him, and he found himself a prisoner to be
+placed on trial for his life."
+
+[Illustration: "_The officers of the law advanced and laid their
+hands upon his shoulders_"--]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_Bucholz in Prison._--_Extravagant Habits and Suspicious
+Expenditures._--_The German Consul Interests Himself._--_Bucholz
+committed._
+
+
+Sorrowful looks followed the young man as he was conducted away, and
+frequent words of sympathy and hope were expressed as he passed
+through the throng on his way to the depot, but he heeded them not. A
+dull, heavy pain was gnawing at his heart, and a stupor seemed to
+have settled over his senses. The figures around him appeared like
+the moving specters in a horrible dream, while a black cloud of
+despair seemed to envelop him.
+
+He followed the officers meekly, and obeyed their orders in a
+mechanical manner, that showed too plainly that his mind was
+wandering from the scenes about him. He looked helplessly around, and
+did not appear to realize the situation in which he was so suddenly
+and unexpectedly placed.
+
+He experienced the pangs of hunger, and felt as though food was
+necessary to stop the dreadful pain which had taken possession of
+him, but he made no sign, and from the jury-room to the prison he
+uttered not a word.
+
+It was only when he found himself in the presence of the officials of
+the prison, whose gloomy walls now surrounded him, that he recovered
+his equanimity, and when he was ordered to surrender the contents of
+his clothing, or submit to a search, his eyes flashed with
+indignation, and the tears that welled up into them dropped upon his
+pallid cheek.
+
+With a Herculean effort, however, he recovered his strong calmness,
+and drawing up his erect figure he submitted in silence to the
+necessary preparations for his being conducted to a cell.
+
+But as the door of the cell clanged to, shutting him in, and the
+noise reverberated through the dimly-lighted corridors, he clutched
+wildly at the bars, and with a paroxysm of frenzy seemed as though he
+would rend them from their fastenings; then, realizing how fruitless
+were his efforts, he sank upon the narrow bed in a state of
+stupefying despair.
+
+The pangs of hunger were forgotten now, he could not have partaken of
+the choicest viands that could have been placed before him, and alone
+and friendless he fed upon the bitterness of his own thoughts.
+
+In vain did he attempt to close his eyes to the dreadful
+surroundings, and to clear his confused mind of the horrible visions
+that appalled him. The dark cloud gathered about him, and he could
+discover no avenue of escape.
+
+The night was long and terrible, and the throbbing of his brain
+seemed to measure the minutes as they slowly dragged on, relieved
+only at intervals by the steady tramp of the keepers, as they went
+their customary rounds. The lamp from the corridor glowed with an
+unearthly light upon his haggard face and burning eyes, while his
+mind restlessly flitted from thought to thought, in the vain attempt
+of seeking some faint relief from the shadows that surrounded him.
+
+All through the weary watches of the night he walked his narrow cell,
+miserable and sleepless. Hour after hour went by, but there came no
+drooping of the heavy lids, betokening the long-looked-for approach
+of sleep. At length, when the darkness of the night began to flee
+away and the gray dawn was breaking without, but ere any ray had
+penetrated the gloom of his comfortless apartment, he threw himself
+upon the bed, weary, worn and heart-sick--there stole over his senses
+forgetfulness of his surroundings, and he slept.
+
+The body, worn and insensible, lay upon the narrow couch, but the
+mind, that wonderful and mysterious agency, was still busy--he
+dreamed and muttered in his dreaming thoughts.
+
+Oh, for the power to look within, and to know through what scenes he
+is passing now!
+
+Leaving the young man in the distressing position of a suspected
+criminal, and deprived of his liberty, let us retrace our steps, and
+gather up some links in the chain of the testimony against him, which
+were procured during the days that intervened between the night of
+the murder and the day of his commitment.
+
+It will be remembered that he had been placed in charge of two
+officers of South Norwalk, who, without restraining him of his
+liberty, accompanied him wherever he went, and watched his every
+movement.
+
+Bucholz soon developed a talent for spending money, which had never
+been noticed in him before. He became exceedingly extravagant in his
+habits, purchased clothing for which he had apparently no use, and
+seemed to have an abundance of funds with which to gratify his
+tastes. At each place he went and offered a large note in payment of
+the purchases which he had made, the note was secured by the
+officers, and was invariably found to contain the peculiar marks
+which designated that it had once belonged to the murdered man. He
+displayed a disposition for dissipation, and would drink to excess,
+smoking inordinately, and indulging in carriage-rides, always in
+company with the officers, whose watchful eyes never left him and
+whose vigilance was unrelaxed.
+
+The State's attorney was indefatigable in his efforts to force upon
+Bucholz the responsibility of the murder, and no means were left
+untried to accomplish that purpose. As yet the only evidence was his
+possession of a moderate amount of money, which bore the marks made
+upon it by the man who had been slain, and which might or might not
+have come to him in a legitimate manner and for legitimate services.
+
+The important fact still remained that more than fifty thousand
+dollars had been taken from the body of the old man, and that the
+murderer, whoever he might be, had possessed himself of that amount.
+It was considered, therefore, a matter of paramount importance that
+this money should be recovered, as well as that the identity of the
+murderer should be established.
+
+The case was a mysterious one, and thus far had defied the efforts of
+the ablest men who had given their knowledge and their energies to
+this perplexing matter.
+
+Mr. Olmstead, who remained firm in belief in Bucholz's guilt, and who
+refused to listen to any theory adverse to this state of affairs,
+determined in his heart that something should be done that would
+prove beyond peradventure the correctness of his opinions.
+
+About this time two discoveries were made, which, while affording no
+additional light upon the mysterious affair, proved conclusively that
+whoever the guilty parties were they were still industrious in their
+attempts to avert suspicion and destroy any evidence that might be
+used against them.
+
+One of these discoveries was the finding of a piece of linen cloth,
+folded up and partly stained with blood, as though it had been used
+in wiping some instrument which had been covered with the crimson
+fluid. This was found a short distance from the scene of the murder,
+but partially hid by a stone wall, where Bucholz and Samuel Waring
+were alleged to have stood upon the night of its occurrence.
+
+The other event was the mysterious cutting down of the cedar tree,
+whose branches had been intertwined with others, and which had
+evidently been used as an ambuscade by the assassins who had lain in
+wait for their unsuspecting victim.
+
+Meantime, the German Consul-General had been clothed with full
+authority to act in the matter, and had become an interested party in
+the recovery of the large sum of money which had so mysteriously
+disappeared. With him, however, the position of affairs presented two
+difficulties which were to be successfully overcome, and two
+interests which it was his duty to maintain. As the representative of
+a foreign government, high in authority and with plenary powers of an
+official nature, he was required to use his utmost efforts to recover
+the property of a citizen of the country he represented, and at the
+same time guard, as far as possible, the rights of the accused man,
+who was also a constituent of his, whose liberty had been restrained
+and whose life was now in jeopardy.
+
+The course of justice could not be retarded, however, and an
+investigation duly followed by the grand jury of the County of
+Fairfield, at which the evidence thus far obtained was presented and
+William Bucholz was eventually indicted for the murder of John Henry
+Schulte, and committed to await his trial.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_My Agency is Employed_--_The work of Detection begun._
+
+
+The events attendant upon the investigation and the consequent
+imprisonment of Bucholz had consumed much time. The new year had
+dawned; January had passed away and the second month of the year had
+nearly run its course before the circumstances heretofore narrated
+had reached the position in which they now stood.
+
+The ingenuity and resources of the officers at South Norwalk had been
+fully exerted, and no result further than that already mentioned had
+been achieved. The evidence against Bucholz, although circumstantially
+telling against him, was not of sufficient weight or directness to
+warrant a conviction upon the charge preferred against him. He had
+employed eminent legal counsel, and their hopeful views of the case
+had communicated themselves to the mercurial temperament of the
+prisoner, and visions of a full and entire acquittal from the grave
+charge under which he was laboring, thronged his brain.
+
+The violence of his grief had abated; his despair had been dissipated
+by the sunshine of a fondly-cherished hopefulness, and his manner
+became cheerful and contented.
+
+It was at this time that the services of my agency were called into
+requisition, and the process of the detection of the real criminal
+was begun.
+
+Upon arriving at my agency in New York City one morning in the latter
+part of February, Mr. George H. Bangs, my General Superintendent, was
+waited upon by a representative of the German Consul-General, who was
+the bearer of a letter from the Consulate, containing a short account
+of the murder of Henry Schulte, and placing the matter fully in my
+hands for the discovery of the following facts:
+
+ I. Who is the murderer?
+
+II. Where is the money which is supposed to have been upon the person
+of Henry Schulte at the time of his death?
+
+Up to this time no information of the particulars of this case had
+reached my agency, and, except for casual newspaper reports, nothing
+was known of the affair, nor of the connection which the German
+Consul had with the matter.
+
+At the interview which followed, however, such information as was
+known to that officer, who courteously communicated it, was obtained,
+and my identification with the case began.
+
+It became necessary at the outset that the support of the State's
+Attorney should be secured, as without that nothing could be
+successfully accomplished, and an interview was had with Mr.
+Olmstead, which resulted in his entire and cordial indorsement of our
+employment.
+
+The difficulties in the way of successful operation beset us at the
+commencement, and were apparent to the minds of all. The murder had
+taken place two months prior to our receiving any information
+concerning it, and many of the traces of the crime that might have
+existed at the time of its occurrence, and would have been of
+incalculable assistance to us, were at this late day no doubt
+obliterated.
+
+Undismayed, however, by the adverse circumstances with which it would
+be necessary to contend, and with a determination to persevere until
+success had crowned their efforts, the office was assumed and the
+work commenced.
+
+Mr. Bangs and my son, Robert A. Pinkerton, who is in charge of my New
+York agency, procured another interview with Mr. Olmstead, and
+received from him all the information which he then possessed.
+
+Mr. Olmstead continued firm in his belief that the crime had been
+committed by Bucholz, and being a man of stern inflexibility of mind,
+and of a determined disposition, he was resolved that justice should
+be done and the guilty parties brought to punishment.
+
+Declining to offer any opinion upon the subject until the matter had
+been fully investigated in the thorough manner which always
+characterizes my operations, it was decided to send a trusted and
+experienced operative to the scene of the murder, to obtain from all
+persons who possessed any knowledge of the affair every item of
+information that it was possible at that late day to secure.
+
+Accordingly, John Woodford, an intelligent and active man upon my
+force, was detailed to the scene of operations with full authority to
+glean from the already well-harvested field whatever material was
+possible, and from his reports the particulars as detailed in the
+preceding chapters were obtained. The inquiries were made in the most
+thorough manner, and at the end of his labors every item of
+information connected with the matter was in our possession and the
+foundation was laid for a system of detection that promised success.
+
+The particulars of the case were communicated to me at my
+headquarters in Chicago, and I was resolved also to learn the
+antecedents of John Henry Schulte and his servant, in order to
+unravel the mystery which attended his appearance at South Norwalk,
+and to discover the relations which existed between the master and
+the man who now stood charged with a foul crime.
+
+That this eccentric man, possessed of such large means, should thus
+have taken up his abode in a land of strangers, and should have lived
+the secluded life he did, was an added mystery in the case, which I
+resolved to become acquainted with. I considered this necessary,
+also, in order to discover some motive for the crime, if any existed
+except that of robbery, and to guide me in my dealings with any
+suspected persons who might thereafter be found.
+
+His brother was communicated with, and another operative was detailed
+to gather up the history of the man from the time of his landing in
+America.
+
+John Cornwell, a young operative in the service of my New York
+agency, was delegated for this service, and he performed the duty
+assigned him in a manner which furnished me with all the information
+I desired to possess, and as the story contains much that is of
+interest, I will give it here.
+
+
+
+
+THE HISTORY.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_Dortmund._--_Railroad Enterprise and Prospective Fortune._--_Henry
+Schulte's Love._--_An Insult and its Resentment._--_An Oath of
+Revenge._
+
+
+How true it is, that in the life of every one, there exists a vein of
+romance which justifies the adage that "Truth is stranger than
+fiction."
+
+No page of history may bear their names. No chronicle of important
+events may tell to the world the story of their trials and
+sufferings. No volume of poetry or song may portray the sunshine and
+the storms through which they journeyed from the cradle to the grave.
+But in their quiet, humble lives, they may have exemplified the vices
+or virtues of humanity, and may have been prominent actors in
+unpublished dramas, that would excite the wonderment or the
+admiration, the sympathy or the condemnation of communities.
+
+The life of Henry Schulte evinces this fact, in a remarkable degree.
+
+The town of Dortmund in Prussia, in 1845.
+
+A quiet, sleepy, German town, in the Province of Westphalia, whose
+inclosing walls seemed eminently fitted to shut out the spirit of
+energy and activity with which the world around them was imbued, and
+whose five gates gave ample ingress and egress to the limited trade
+of the manufacturers within its limits.
+
+Once a free imperial city, it had acquired some importance, and was a
+member of that commercial alliance of early times known as the
+"Hanseatic League," but its prosperity, from some cause, afterwards
+declined, and passing into the hands of Prussia in 1815, Dortmund had
+slumbered on in adolescent quiet, undisturbed by the march of
+improvement, and unaffected by the changes that were everywhere
+apparent in the great world without her boundaries.
+
+This sober, easy-going method of existence seemed to be in perfect
+accord with the habits and dispositions of the people. The honest old
+burghers pursued the even tenor of their way, paying but little heed
+to the whirl and excitement of the large cities, and plodding on with
+machine-like regularity in their daily pleasures, and their slow but
+sure acquirement of fortune. Children were born, much in the usual
+manner of such events--grew into man and womanhood--were married, and
+they--in their turn, raised families. Altogether, life in this old
+town partook very much of the monotonous and uneventful existence of
+a Van Winkle.
+
+Such was Dortmund in 1845.
+
+About this time, however, the wave of the advancing spirit of
+business activity had traveled sufficiently westward to reach this
+dreamy village, and a railroad was projected between Dortmund and the
+City of Dusseldorf.
+
+Dusseldorf, even at that time, was the great focus of railroad and
+steamboat communication, and situated as it was, at the confluence of
+the Dussel and Rhine rivers, much of the transit trade of the Rhine
+was carried on by its merchants.
+
+Here, then, was an opportunity afforded for such an added impetus to
+trade, such a natural increase in fortune, that it would readily be
+imagined that the entire community would have hailed with delight an
+enterprize which promised such important results, and that new life
+and energy would have been infused into the sluggish communities of
+Dortmund.
+
+Such was the case, to a very great extent, and a large majority of
+the people hailed with delight a project which would place their town
+in direct communication with the great cities of their own country
+and with all the ports of foreign lands. But of this we shall speak
+hereafter.
+
+On the road which led from Dortmund to Hagen, about fifteen miles
+distant, dwelt Henry Schulte, a quiet, reserved man, who had tilled
+the soil for many years. Of a reserved and morose disposition, he
+mingled but rarely with the people who surrounded him, and among his
+neighbors he was regarded as peculiar and eccentric. His broad acres
+evinced a degree of cultivation which proved that their owner was
+well versed in the science of agriculture; the large crops that were
+annually gathered added materially to the wealth of their proprietor,
+and the general appearance of thrift about the farm denoted that
+Henry Schulte was possessed of a considerable amount of the world's
+goods.
+
+But while every care was taken of the fruitful fields, and every
+attention paid to the proper management of his lands, the cottage in
+which he lived, stood in marked contrast to its surroundings. A low,
+one-story structure, with thatched roof, and with its broken windows
+filled here and there with articles of old clothing, proclaimed the
+fact that its occupant was not possessed of that liberal nature which
+the general appearance of the farm indicated.
+
+There was an air of squalor and poverty about the cottage, which told
+unmistakably of the absence of feminine care, and of the lack of
+woman's ministrations--and this was true.
+
+For many years Henry Schulte had lived alone, with only his hired man
+for company; and together they would perform the necessary domestic
+duties, and provide for their own wants in the most economical manner
+possible.
+
+Many stories were told among the villagers about Henry Schulte, for,
+like most all other localities, gossip and scandal were prevailing
+topics of conversation.
+
+It is a great mistake to suppose that in the country, people may live
+alone and undisturbed, and that anyone can hope to escape the prying
+eyes or the listening ears of the village gossip, male or female.
+Such things are only possible in large cities, where men take no
+interest in each other's affairs, and where one man may meet another
+daily for years without ever thinking of inquiring who he is or what
+he does, and where you pass a human being without a greeting or even
+a look. In the country, however, where everybody knows everybody,
+each one is compelled to account to all the others for what he does,
+and no one can ever be satisfied with his own judgment.
+
+Notwithstanding the charm which exists in this communion of work and
+rest in word and deed, the custom has very serious drawbacks, and any
+person having good or bad reasons of his own for disposing of his
+time in a manner different from what is customary, has to contend
+against the gossip, the jibes and the mockery of all. Hence, almost
+all localities have their peculiar characters, whose idiosyncrasies
+are well known, and who are frequently the subject of raillery, and
+often of persecution.
+
+To the gay and simple villagers of Hagen, Henry Schulte was an object
+of great interest, and to most of them the story of his past was well
+known. Many of the old men who sat around the broad fire-place in the
+village inn, could remember when he was as gay a lad as any in the
+village, and had joined in their sports with all the zest and
+enthusiasm of a wild and unrestrained disposition; and when he
+marched away to join his regiment, no step was firmer, and no form
+more erect than his.
+
+When he had waved adieu to the friends who had accompanied him to the
+limits of the town, and had bidden farewell to the tearful Emerence,
+his betrothed, who had come with the others; many were the prayers
+and good wishes that followed him upon his journey. He was a great
+favorite with both the young and old people of Hagen, and no
+merry-making was considered complete without the company of young
+Henry Schulte and his violin.
+
+It was at one of the May-day festivals that Henry had met the
+beautiful Emerence, the daughter of old Herr Bauer, the brewer, and
+as their regard proved to be mutual, and the father of the young lady
+being propitious, nothing occurred to mar the pleasure of the young
+people, and the course of their true love flowed on as smoothly as
+the gentle river until Henry was required to do service for his king
+and to enter the ranks as a soldier.
+
+It is needless to follow the young man through the various episodes
+of his soldier life, in which he distinguished himself for his
+uniform good nature, cheerful obedience of orders and strict
+attention to duty; it is enough to know that at the expiration of his
+term of service he returned home, and was welcomed by the many
+friends who had known and loved him from his youthful days.
+
+It was at this time that the catastrophe occurred which changed the
+whole tenor of his life, and made him the reserved, hard man that we
+find him at the commencement of our story.
+
+In the village there lived a wild, reckless young man by the name of
+Nat Toner, who had just returned to his native place after an absence
+of several years, and who since his return had spent his time at the
+village tavern amid scenes of dissipation and rioting, in which he
+was joined by the idle fellows of the village, who hailed with
+delight the advent of the gay fellow whose money furnished their
+wine, and whose stories of romantic adventure contributed to their
+entertainment.
+
+Nat was a bold, handsome fellow, whose curling black hair and
+flashing black eyes and wild, careless manner played sad havoc with
+the hearts of the young girls of Hagen, and many a comely maiden
+would have been made supremely happy by a careless nod of greeting
+from this reckless young vagabond.
+
+Not so with Emerence Bauer. Her timid, gentle nature shrank
+involuntarily from the rough, uncouth manners of the handsome Nat,
+and the stories of his extravagances only filled her mind with
+loathing for the life he was leading and the follies he was
+committing.
+
+As she compared her own cheerful, manly Henry to this dissipated
+Adonis, whose roistering conduct had made him the talk of the
+village, she felt that her love was well placed and her heart well
+bestowed.
+
+To Nat Toner the aversion manifested by Emerence only served to
+create in him a passionate love for her, and he was seized with an
+uncontrollable longing to possess her for his own.
+
+Up to this time he had not been informed of the betrothal existing
+between Emerence and Henry Schulte, and his rage and disappointment
+on discovering this fact was fearful to behold. He cursed the young
+man, and swore that, come what would, and at whatever cost, he would
+permit no one to come between him and the object of his unholy
+affections.
+
+His enmity to Henry Schulte, which soon became very evident, was
+manifested upon every possible occasion, until at length Henry's
+universal good nature gave way under the repeated taunts of his
+unsuccessful rival, and he resolved that further submission would be
+both useless and cowardly.
+
+Nothing further occurred, however, for some time, but fresh fuel was
+added to the fire of Nat Toner's anger by an incident that he was an
+unobserved witness of. One evening he was returning home from the
+tavern, where he had been drinking with his companions till a late
+hour. His way led him past the residence of Emerence Bauer, and as he
+passed by upon the other side of the lighted street he witnessed the
+affectionate parting of Henry Schulte and the lady of his love.
+
+Setting his teeth firmly, his eyes flashing with the malignity of
+hate, he strode on, vowing vengeance upon the innocent cause of his
+anger, who, with his mind filled with many pleasant dreams of the
+future, pursued his way towards the little farm-house where he then
+dwelt with his father and mother.
+
+The next evening as Henry was passing the village tavern on his
+return from Dortmund, where he had been to dispose of some of the
+produce of the farm, he found Nat and his companions in the midst of
+a wild and noisy revel.
+
+Henry would have rode on unmindful of their presence, but Nat, spying
+his rival, and heated with wine, induced his companions to insist
+upon his stopping and drinking a glass of wine with them, which
+invitation Henry, after vainly attempting to be excused from,
+reluctantly accepted, and, dismounting from his horse, he joined
+their company.
+
+After indulging in the proffered beverage, Henry seated himself with
+his companions and joined with them in singing one of those quaint
+German songs which are so full of sweetness and harmony, and which
+seem to fill the air with their volume of rude but inspiring music.
+
+After the song was finished, Nat filled his glass, and rising to his
+feet said, in a taunting voice:
+
+"Here is a health to the pretty Emerence, and here is to her loutish
+lover." Saying which he deliberately threw the contents of his glass
+full in the face of the astonished Henry.
+
+With a smothered expression of rage, Henry Schulte sprang to his feet
+and with one blow from his right hand, planted firmly in the face of
+his insulter, he laid him prostrate upon the floor. Quickly
+recovering himself, the infuriated Nat rushed at his brawny
+antagonist, only to receive the same treatment, and again he went
+down beneath the crushing force of that mighty fist. An ox could not
+have stood up before the force of the blows of the sturdy farmer,
+much less the half-intoxicated ruffian who now succumbed to its
+weight.
+
+[Illustration: "_And again he went down beneath the crushing force
+of that mighty fist._"]
+
+Foaming with rage and bleeding from the wounds he had received, Nat
+Toner struggled to his feet the second time, and drawing a long,
+murderous-looking knife from his bosom, he made a frantic plunge at
+his assailant.
+
+Quick as a flash, however, the iron grip of Henry Schulte's right
+hand was upon the wrist of the cowardly Nat, and with a wrench of his
+left hand the knife was wrested from him and thrown out of the
+window. Then Henry, unable to further restrain his angry feelings,
+shook his aggressor until his teeth fairly chattered, and, finally
+flinging him from him with an expression of loathing, said:
+
+"Lie there, you contemptible little beast, and when next you try to
+be insulting, count upon your man in advance."
+
+Saying which, and with a quiet good evening to the astonished
+company, he walked out of the house, and mounting his horse, rode
+slowly homeward.
+
+The discomfited Nat slowly arose, and gaining his feet, glared around
+at his wonder-stricken friends, in whose faces, however, he failed to
+discover the faintest evidence of sympathy or support.
+
+These honest, good-natured Germans were far too sensible and
+fair-minded to justify such an unwarrantable and unexpected insult as
+that which had been put upon one of their favorite friends, and
+consequently not one of the company lifted their voice or expressed
+any regrets for the punishment which Nat had so justly received.
+Henry had, in their opinion, acted in a manner which accorded
+entirely with their own views upon such matters, and much the same as
+they themselves would have done under similar circumstances.
+
+Raising his clenched hand, and with face deadly pale, Nat Toner faced
+the silent group, and cried out, in the intensity of his passion:
+
+"Henry Schulte shall pay dearly for this. As truly as we both live, I
+will have a full revenge, and in a way he little dreams of."
+
+Uttering these words, he strode fiercely from the room, and
+disappeared in the darkness of the night. His companions, realizing
+that their pleasure for that evening was ended, silently took their
+leave, and wended their way to their several homes.
+
+How well Nat Toner kept his oath will hereafter be seen, but many of
+the old men of Hagen yet recall with a shudder his dreadful words,
+and their fulfillment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+_A Curse._--_Plans of Revenge._
+
+
+As Nat strode onward to his home, after leaving his companions, his
+mind was in a chaotic state of excitement and rage. He was still
+smarting from the blows he had received, and the blood was flowing
+from his nostrils and lips. He paid no heed to this, however, for
+there was murder in his heart, and already his plans of revenge were
+being formed--plans which fiends incarnate might well shrink from,
+and from the execution of which even demoniac natures would have
+recoiled in horror.
+
+As he walked on, the dark, lowering clouds that had been gathering
+overhead, broke into a terrific storm of rain; the wind whistled and
+howled through the valleys, and from the mountain gorges the
+lightning flashed with a vividness almost appalling; but, undismayed
+by the storm and the tempest, which seemed at that time to accord
+with the emotions of his own wicked heart, Nat continued on his way,
+which lay past the unpretending, but comfortable farm-house, where,
+in the peace and contentment of a happy home, Henry Schulte dwelt
+with his parents.
+
+As he reached a point in the road opposite the dwelling of his hated
+rival, and from the windows of which the lights were gleaming
+cheerily, Nat stopped, and, unmindful of the drenching rain, he shook
+his uplifted hand at the inoffensive abode, and, in a voice choking
+with rage, cried:
+
+"Curse you, Henry Schulte! Be on your guard, for if I live, you will
+know what it is to suffer for what you have done this night. Enjoy
+yourself and your victory while you can, but there will come a time
+when you would rather be dead than the miserable thing I will make
+you. Curse you! Curse you!"
+
+Having relieved the exuberance of his passion in this manner, he
+silently resumed his journey, and reaching his home retired at once
+to his room, and throwing himself upon the bed, he gave himself up to
+the devilish meditations which filled his mind.
+
+Ah, Nat Toner, far better for you, for that happy village of Hagen,
+and for the future happiness of two loving hearts, if to-night the
+lightning's flash had sent its deadly stroke through your murderous
+heart and laid you lifeless upon the road.
+
+As may be imagined, the news of the encounter between Henry Schulte
+and Nat Toner was noised about the village, and during the next day
+the matter became the universal theme of conversation. It was
+astonishing, however, to remark the unanimity of opinion which
+prevailed with regard to it. The entire community with one accord
+united in condemning the insult and applauding its resentment; and
+when Nat Toner made his appearance the following day, bearing upon
+his face the marks of the punishment he had received, he was greeted
+with cold salutations and marked evidence of avoidance by those who
+heretofore had been disposed to be friendly, and even gracious.
+
+This only intensified his anger at the cause of his humiliation, but
+he concealed his emotions and shortly afterwards returned to his
+home.
+
+The anxiety of Emerence for the safety of her lover was most
+profound, and trembling with fear of the threatened revenge of Nat
+Toner, for his oath had also been repeated, she besought Henry to be
+watchful and cautious of his unscrupulous adversary, all of which he
+laughingly and assuringly promised to do. Not so much for his own
+security, of which he had no fear, as for the sake of the dear girl
+who was so solicitous for his welfare, and to whom his safety was a
+matter of so much importance.
+
+The next few days passed uneventfully away, Nat remaining at home,
+nursing his wrath and the wounds upon his face, and Henry Schulte
+attending to his various duties upon the farm. The quarrel finally
+ceased to be a matter of remark, and the simple-minded villagers,
+believing that Nat's threats were only the utterances of a man crazed
+with drink, and smarting under the punishment he had received,
+quieted their fears and resumed their ordinary peaceful and contented
+mode of living.
+
+To Nat Toner the days passed all too slowly, but with the
+slowly-moving hours, in the seclusion of his own home, and his own
+evil thoughts, his revenge became the one object of his life. His
+reckless, vagabond existence of the past few years, during which it
+was hinted by several of the villagers, with many shrugs of their
+shoulders and wise noddings of their venerable heads, he had been
+engaged in the service of a bold and successful French smuggler, had
+not tended to elevate his mind, or to humanize his disposition. His
+depraved nature and vicious habits were roused into full action by
+this encounter with Henry Schulte, and the anger of his heart was in
+no wise lessened, as he reflected that he had brought his injuries
+upon himself. All the brutal instincts of his degraded disposition
+were aflame, and he resolved that his revenge for the indignities
+that had been put upon him, should be full and complete.
+
+With a fiendish malignity he determined to strike at the heart of his
+antagonist through the person of the object of his love, and by that
+means to be revenged upon both.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+_A Moonlight Walk._--_An Unexpected Meeting._--_The Murder of
+Emerence Bauer._--_The Oath Fulfilled._
+
+
+On a beautiful moonlight evening, about a week after the hostile
+meeting of Henry Schulte and Nat Toner, Emerence, all impatient to
+meet her lover, whom she had not seen for some days, and whom she
+fondly expected this evening, left the residence of her parents and
+walked towards a little stream that ran along the outskirts of the
+village, where she had been in the habit of meeting Henry upon the
+occasions of his visits.
+
+The evening was a delightful one, and the scene one of surpassingly
+romantic beauty. The bright rays of the moon sparkled and danced upon
+the rippling water; the border of grand old trees that fringed the
+bank of the stream was reflected with exaggerated beauty far down
+among the waters; the glittering stars stole in and out among their
+branches, and shone in the clear crystal mirror. Now a fleecy speck
+of cloud floated over the face of the Queen of Night, from behind
+which she would soon emerge, with increased brilliancy, to dart her
+long arrowy beams away down to the pebbly bottom of the flowing
+river, kissing the fairies that the old German legends tell us dwelt
+there in the days of old.
+
+Silently, but with happy heart and beaming eyes, the young girl gazed
+upon the scene that lay before her; then, walking to the center of
+the rustic bridge that spanned the stream from shore to shore, she
+leaned over the low railing and watched, with her mind teeming with
+pleasant visions of the future, her figure reflected as in a
+burnished mirror, upon the water beneath her.
+
+Her sweet reverie was interrupted by the sound of approaching
+footsteps, and a blush illumined her face as she thought she would
+soon greet her coming lover, and feel his strong arms about her.
+Turning her head a little, she saw another shadow there so distinctly
+traced that she had no difficulty in recognizing it, and she started
+in affright as she discovered that instead of Henry Schulte, the
+new-comer was none other than his enemy and hers, Nat Toner.
+
+She would have yielded to an intuitive sense of danger, and fled from
+the spot, but Nat stepped quickly in the way and barred her passage,
+lifting his hat in mock reverence as he addressed her.
+
+"Good evening, pretty Emerence, you look like a beautiful water
+sprite in the rays of this bright-beaming moon."
+
+Did she imagine it, or was there a cold, hard ring in the voice that
+uttered these words, which filled her heart with an aching fear, and
+made her lips tremble as she acknowledged his salutation?
+
+"You are waiting for Henry Schulte, I suppose!" he continued, in the
+same hard, mocking tone.
+
+Mustering up all the latent courage which she possessed, she looked
+up unflinchingly, as she replied:
+
+"I do not know that anyone has a right to question me upon my
+movements, or to assign a reason for my actions."
+
+"Indeed, my pretty little spit-fire! You speak truly, but Nat Toner
+intends to assume a right which no one else possesses," answered Nat
+tauntingly, while his black eyes glistened in the moonlight with a
+baleful light.
+
+"I cannot stop to listen further to such language, and must bid you
+good evening," said Emerence, drawing herself up haughtily, and
+turning to leave the bridge.
+
+"Stop where you are and listen to me," cried Nat sharply, and with
+his right hand he grasped the wrist of the shrinking girl.
+
+"Nat Toner!" at last said Emerence boldly, "remove your hand from my
+wrist, or I will call for help, and then perhaps your conduct will
+meet with its just punishment."
+
+"Utter one word, at your peril. I have something to say to you, and
+you must listen to me," said Nat, releasing his hold, and glaring
+fiercely at the brave girl who stood before him.
+
+"I will listen to nothing further from you to-night. Stand aside and
+let me pass," said Emerence firmly, and again turning to leave the
+bridge.
+
+"Emerence Bauer, listen to me I say. I have something to tell you
+that concerns that lover of yours, Henry Schulte, and you shall hear
+what I have to say."
+
+At the mention of Henry's name Emerence stopped, and thinking that
+perhaps she might serve her lover by remaining, she said:
+
+"I will hear you, Nat Toner, but be as brief as possible."
+
+"Aha! for the sake of your dear Henry, you will listen to me. I
+thought so. Do you know that he is my enemy till death; that the
+insults which he has heaped upon me can only be washed away by blood;
+and that you, my haughty beauty, alone can satisfy the hate I bear to
+Henry Schulte and the revenge I have sworn against him?"
+
+"Nat Toner, what do you mean?" tremblingly inquired the affrighted
+girl, unable to stir.
+
+Ah, well might she tremble now! There was murder in the flashing of
+those wicked black eyes that glared upon her, and the distorted,
+pallid face before her showed too plainly the passions of his heart,
+as he answered:
+
+"What do I mean? I will tell you! I loved you, Emerence Bauer, and I
+hate Henry Schulte for the insult he has put upon me. You scorn my
+love, and Henry Schulte must pay the penalty. He shall never possess
+you, for--I mean to kill you!"
+
+With a wild shriek, that rang through the air as the cry of a
+frightened bird, Emerence turned to flee from the fiend before her.
+But, alas, too late! The murderous weapon came down with a dull,
+heavy crushing sound upon that fair, girlish head, and she fell
+lifeless at the feet of the madman who had slain her.
+
+[Illustration: "_She fell lifeless at the feet of the madman who
+had slain her._"]
+
+Without uttering a word Nat Toner lifted up the body of the
+unfortunate girl and threw it over the low railing of the bridge into
+the rippling water beneath. A splash followed that sent the water in
+brightly burnished crystals high in the air--and then the river
+flowed on, as though unconscious and uncaring for the burden that had
+been committed to its keeping.
+
+Raising himself to his full height and shaking his blood-red hand in
+the direction of the village, Nat Toner cried out with demoniac
+exultation:
+
+"Now, Henry Schulte, I am revenged!"
+
+Saying which, he plunged into a strip of woods that grew near by, and
+disappeared from view.
+
+Oh, shimmering moon, did no pitying glance fall from thy cold, bright
+face as this fair, young life was cruelly beaten out by the hand of
+her brutal assassin? Oh, glittering stars, did no dark clouds
+intervene between thy merry twinklings and the dreadful scene below?
+And ye, oh, rippling river, did no murmur escape thee as the crimson
+tide of this fair dead girl mingled with thy transparent waves and
+floated away into the darkness of the night?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+_The Search for the Missing Girl._--_The Lover's Judgment._--_Henry
+Schulte's Grief._--_The Genial Farmer becomes the Grasping Miser._
+
+
+Half an hour later, Henry Schulte, who had been delayed beyond his
+wont in the village, came walking briskly along the road that led to
+the abode of Emerence. His heart was gay, and a blithe, merry song
+rose to his lips as he journeyed along. All unconscious of the dark
+deed that had been committed, he stood upon the rustic bridge, where
+he had expected to meet his betrothed, and gazed at the beauty of the
+landscape that was spread before him. No sound came from that
+gurgling stream, to tell the impatient lover of the fate of her he
+loved, and little did he dream, as he stood there in quiet
+contemplation of the glorious night, that directly beneath his feet,
+with her calm, dead face upturned towards him, could be seen,
+through the transparent waters, the lifeless body of the fair maiden,
+whose head had nestled on his bosom and whose loving lips had made
+him happy with their kisses of love.
+
+Ah, nevermore for thee will the bright moon shine in its translucent
+splendor, and never again will you know the happiness and the peace
+of this beautiful evening, as you waited on that bridge for her who
+nevermore would come to your call again.
+
+After waiting a short time, and not hearing the footsteps of his
+affianced, Henry resumed his journey and soon arrived at the
+residence of the wealthy brewer, whose hospitable doors flew open at
+his knock, and the mother of Emerence stood in the low, broad
+passage-way.
+
+"Where is Emerence?" quickly inquired the mother of the girl, in
+surprise, at seeing him alone.
+
+"Emerence! Is she not at home?" exclaimed Henry, equally surprised.
+
+"No," replied the mother. "She went out about an hour ago, to meet
+you on the way."
+
+Henry immediately became alarmed. He had not seen her, and it seemed
+incredible that she could have gone to visit any friends on the
+evening when she expected him, and certainly not without informing
+her parents of the fact.
+
+"I will go at once in search of her," he said, as he turned away from
+the house, and hurriedly retraced his steps towards the village, with
+a terrible fear for her safety pressing upon his heart.
+
+He inquired at every house where her friends resided, but everywhere
+was met with a wondering negative. No one appeared to have seen her,
+or to know anything of her whereabouts, and at length, wearied with
+his fruitless inquiries, and rendered almost desperate at his want of
+success, he went to the village tavern, and requested the aid of his
+comrades in searching for the missing girl, for whose safety and
+happiness he would willingly have laid down his life.
+
+In a moment all was bustle and excitement; torches were procured and
+the party started upon their mission, resolved to discover some clue
+of the missing lady before the dawning of another day. Henry was in
+advance, and under his direction every part of the road which led
+from the residence of the brewer to the village, and the adjacent
+woods, were carefully examined, but all with no success. No trace
+could be discovered, and the superstitious villagers began to regard
+the disappearance as a supernatural mystery.
+
+Utterly fatigued with their bootless investigation, and saddened by
+the thought that some harm must have come to the innocent maiden,
+they reluctantly left the house of the brewer and turned their
+footsteps towards the village, determined to continue their search in
+the morning. To Henry the suspense was agonizing. He seemed almost
+crazed at the uncertainty which shrouded the fate of the girl he
+loved so dearly, and he vainly attempted to discover some solution of
+the awful mystery.
+
+As the silent party were crossing the bridge, they stopped for a
+temporary rest before proceeding further on their way, and indulged
+in subdued conversation upon the mystery which thus far had defied
+their efforts to solve.
+
+Suddenly they were startled by an exclamation from one of their
+number, who, on looking casually over the railing into the stream
+beneath, discovered in the bright reflection of the brilliant moon,
+the figure of the murdered girl lying in the shallow water. With an
+agonizing cry Henry sprang into the river, and in a few moments
+clasped the lifeless body in his strong arms and bore her to the
+shore.
+
+It was too true--the pale, beautiful features that met their
+frightened gaze were none other than those of the village
+beauty--Emerence, and a stillness like that of death fell upon the
+assembly as they looked upon her.
+
+At first it was supposed that she had been accidentally drowned, but
+upon the lights being brought, and that cruel blow upon the head
+being discovered, each one looked at the other, and the words burst
+almost simultaneously from the lips of all:
+
+"_Nat Toner!_"
+
+After the first cry which escaped him, Henry Schulte never spoke
+again during that painful time, but with reverent hands he smoothed
+the wet drapery about her shapely limbs, and closed the great staring
+eyes, which, when he last looked upon them, were full of love, and
+hope, and happiness--and then, as the men gathered up the fair form
+and bore it to her once happy home, he followed silently, and with
+faltering steps.
+
+It had needed no words from the villagers to tell him of the author
+of this crime. Before they had spoken, his own mind had discovered
+the murderer, and he had resolved upon the course to be pursued, and
+when, immediately after the sad funeral rites had been performed, and
+the body of the fair young Emerence had been placed in the ground,
+Henry disappeared from the village, one and all felt that the mission
+he had gone upon was a righteous one, and no one disputed his right
+to go.
+
+At the end of a month he returned, but with a face so changed that he
+was scarcely recognized. The happy light was gone forever from his
+eyes, and the hard stern lines about the mouth told the sad story of
+long suffering, and of a harsh judgment that had been fulfilled.
+
+No one questioned him upon his journey, or its result, and he gave no
+explanations, but when some weeks later a party of hunters in the
+forests on the mountains, near Werne, discovered the lifeless body of
+Nat Toner, with his pistol by his side, and a bullet-hole through the
+low, white forehead, the villagers felt that Henry's search had not
+been in vain, or his revenge incomplete.
+
+To this day no one can tell, whether, suffering the pangs of remorse,
+the miserable man had put an end to his own life, or whether the
+wound in the low, white forehead was planted there by the man whom he
+had so dreadfully wronged.
+
+No inquiries were made, however, and as time passed on, the history
+of Nat Toner passed out of the conversations of the simple
+village-folk, and, save as it was occasionally recalled by some
+romantic and unfortunate event abroad, was never mentioned.
+
+To Henry Schulte the record of that sad night was always present, and
+was never effaced from his memory. The change that was wrought in him
+was apparent to all. He no longer mingled with the villagers in their
+merry-makings, but isolated himself entirely from their meetings and
+their pleasures.
+
+A few years afterwards his parents died, and his elder brother
+assuming the control of the farm and estates of his father, Henry
+removed to the farm where we now find him, and to the lowly cottage
+which he had occupied to the time of which we write. He became a
+settled misanthropist, whose only aim in life seemed to be the
+acquirement of wealth, and whose once genial and generous nature had
+now become warped into the selfishness and avarice of the miser.
+
+So he had lived, a social hermit, until in 1845 he had become a
+prematurely old man, with whitened hair and furrowed brow, whose love
+for gold had become the passion of his life, and whose only
+companions were a hired man and the old violin with which, in his
+younger days, he was wont to make merry music at the festivals in the
+village, but which now was tuned to mournful harmonies "cadenced by
+his grief."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+_Henry Schulte becomes the Owner of "Alten Hagen."_-_Surprising
+Increase in Wealth._--_An Imagined Attack upon His Life._--_The Miser
+Determines to Sail for America._
+
+
+It was at this time that the projected railroad between Dortmund and
+Dusseldorf began to assume definite proportions, and as the line of
+the contemplated road lay through the village of Hagen, much
+excitement was engendered in consequence.
+
+The people of Dortmund were building extravagant castles in the air,
+and wild and vague were the dreams which filled their sanguine minds
+as they contemplated the advantages that were to accrue to them upon
+the completion of this enterprise.
+
+The contagion spread rapidly to Hagen, and the simple-minded
+villagers, who saw in this movement the rapid growth of their little
+town; the possible increase in the value of their property and the
+consequent augmenting of their now limited fortunes, hailed with
+delight the information that energetic operations would soon be
+begun, with the view of successfully accomplishing the desired
+object.
+
+Not so, however, thought the Baron von Lindenthal, whose vast estate
+lay in close proximity to the village, immediately adjoining the farm
+owned and occupied by Henry Schulte, and through whose domain the
+road must necessarily pass.
+
+To him the idea of encroaching upon the ancestral acres of a von
+Lindenthal, was an act of sacrilege not to be complacently submitted
+to. The quiet and peaceful seclusion in which he and those who had
+preceded him had lived, and the repose of his declining years was to
+be disturbed by the whistling of the locomotive and the rattle of the
+train. The din, and bustle and activity of trade was to be brought to
+his very threshold, and the ease and comfort of his aristocratic
+retirement would soon become a thing of the past. This must not and
+could not be permitted, and the blood of the patrician boiled within
+his noble veins as he contemplated the outrage that thus threatened
+him, and which was to result in laying profane hands upon his
+possessions. Improvements were all very well in their way, but then
+they must not be of such a character as to interfere with the
+pleasure or the luxurious ease of the Baron von Lindenthal. His
+comfort and happiness were things to be considered far above the
+material growth of a commercial town, and were not to be subordinated
+to the welfare of its ambitious inhabitants.
+
+But then, as now, the march of public improvement was not to be
+retarded, and so, finding it impossible to successfully oppose or to
+prevent the building of the objectionable railroad, the incensed
+Baron very reluctantly determined to dispose of his baronial estates
+and to remove to a more congenial locality, where the encroachments
+of trade were not to be feared, and where, in undisturbed seclusion
+and retirement, he might pass the remainder of his days.
+
+With the irascible and impetuous Baron, the formation of an opinion
+led to immediate action, and no sooner had he resolved to the
+satisfaction of his own mind to dispose of his broad acres, than he
+began to look about him for a purchaser.
+
+When Henry Schulte heard of this intention of the Baron, he
+determined, if possible, to become the owner of this extensive
+demesne. His mind was sufficiently alive to the importance of this
+railroad movement to convince him that the real estate in proximity
+to the line of the road must necessarily increase in value, and he
+also realized the necessity of seeing the Baron without delay, in
+order to precede any of the railroad contractors, who would no doubt
+present themselves ere long.
+
+He consequently waited upon the irate Baron on the morning following,
+and upon being ushered into the presence of the last of the von
+Lindenthals, at once broached the subject of his desire to purchase
+the land.
+
+The gouty old land-owner looked with astonishment as his
+shabbily-dressed visitor proffered his request. He had never imagined
+that his unobtrusive neighbor was possessed of any money besides his
+farm, and the proposition to become the purchaser of "Alten-Hagen"
+was a complete surprise to him.
+
+The Baron did not know of the hours of patient toil, nor of the
+habits of miserly economy which had enabled Henry Schulte to
+accumulate so large a sum of money as to warrant him in entertaining
+the desire to increase his estate; nor did he know that his
+economical neighbor could see further into the future, and better
+appreciate the advantages which would accrue to him from the
+possession of this additional property, than could their present
+aristocratic owner.
+
+However, the Baron lost no time in idle speculations as to the means
+by which his visitor had grown wealthy. His land was for sale, a
+purchaser stood before him, and in a short time the wealthy miser
+became the owner of the Baron's land for a price entirely inadequate
+to the value which he received. When, a few weeks later, the question
+of appropriating the land and allowing the damage therefor came to be
+considered, the railroad company were required to treat with the
+miser of Hagen instead of the Baron von Lindenthal.
+
+The wisdom and foresight displayed by Henry Schulte in becoming the
+purchaser of this estate was very soon clearly demonstrated, for in a
+very short time afterwards he received from the railroad company, as
+damages and for the right of way through his grounds, more than the
+sum he had originally paid to the impulsive Baron for the fee of the
+entire estate.
+
+A few years after this several coal mines were opened in the
+vicinity, iron works were erected, and as Hagen became a thriving,
+flourishing city it naturally extended its industries. Henry
+Schulte's newly acquired property then became available for the
+erection of iron works and coal breakers, and his wealth was
+considerably increased by these means. A division of a part of his
+land into building lots, on the main road from Herdecke to Hagen,
+also swelled the volume of his increasing revenue. It seemed that he
+had suddenly fallen upon the wave of advancing fortune, for soon
+after this some parts of the soil being found to be of excellent
+quality for brick-making, he entered into arrangements with some
+extensive manufacturers and received a large sum for the use and
+occupation of his grounds for that purpose.
+
+Thus, in a very few years, the patient, plodding, avaricious farmer
+found himself one of the wealthiest men in the locality. This fact,
+however, produced no change in his habits or his dress, nor did his
+mode of living undergo any improvement consequent upon the changed
+condition of his circumstances. This vast accumulation of money only
+seemed to intensify his avarice, to increase his meanness, and the
+desire for gain became the ruling passion of his heart and mind. He
+removed to the large and imposing mansion lately occupied by the
+Baron, but this was done simply because he could find no other
+occupant for it; while he could readily procure a tenant for the
+little cottage where he had previously resided.
+
+The effect of his presence there was soon made manifest, and only a
+short time elapsed before this beautiful residence presented an
+appearance of negligence sadly at variance with the thrifty neatness
+that was everywhere apparent during the time of its occupancy by the
+Baron and his family. The general air of neglect and squalor
+surrounding it proclaimed that the habits of the miser had been too
+firmly grounded to be easily disturbed, and that the man remained the
+same, whether in the castle or the hovel.
+
+Indeed, it seemed that his reserve and isolation became more marked,
+and he dressed so shabbily that he scarcely ever appeared in other
+than soiled and ragged garments. His heart became harder and more
+grasping, and the few people who had known him in his younger days,
+and were disposed to be friendly, soon dropped away from him, finding
+it impossible to endure his harshness of manner and his penurious
+ways.
+
+His household now consisted of a housekeeper and a valet, the former
+an elderly woman, who had long been an object of charity to the
+people of Hagen, and whose services were procured by him at a mere
+nominal price, and the latter was a young, simple-minded fellow, who
+performed the multifarious duties of a man-of-all-work, for a
+stipulated sum that barely sufficed for his needs, exclusive of the
+daily fare which he received from the hands of his economical
+employer.
+
+His administration of domestic affairs was in entire accord with his
+narrow-minded and contracted heart, and the servants found but little
+comfort while in his employ. He took sole charge of his domestic
+arrangements himself, and to the patient and uncomplaining Mrs.
+Scheller would daily furnish the meager complement of beans and
+potatoes which were required for the day's consumption. The balance
+of the store would then be religiously kept under lock and key to
+prevent any tendency towards extravagance on the part of those who
+served him.
+
+In addition to the various other investments possessed by him, he
+cultivated a large portion of the land acquired from the Baron, and,
+being a practical farmer, thoroughly understanding the advantage of
+drainage, he succeeded in redeeming a great amount of land heretofore
+deemed worthless, and brought it to a high state of cultivation.
+
+His farming land consisted of several hundred acres, which required
+the employment of many men, and the large forests, with their
+apparently inexhaustible timber, furnished occupation for a number of
+woodmen, all of whom were under the supervision of the master. Here,
+too, his parsimony extended, and, while no efforts were spared to
+improve the quality of the land, and to increase the crops that were
+gathered, in every other respect his miserly nature exerted itself.
+
+The horses and cattle were lean and poorly fed, the buildings were
+out of repair, and a general system of rigorous and pinching economy
+was observed, all of which tended to the dissatisfaction of those
+employed by him, but which in no wise affected the firmly-grounded
+avarice of their employer, who every day appeared to grow more harsh
+and unfeeling.
+
+He became grinding and pitiless in his dealings with those who were
+indebted to him, exacting full and prompt payment of all moneys due
+to him, without regard to the straitened circumstances of his
+debtors, or the destitution which frequently followed his summary
+means of enforcing his collections.
+
+The various cares and anxieties attendant upon the management of his
+affairs were often vexatious and annoying, and as time wore on he
+became exceedingly captious and irritable. His ebullitions of temper,
+which now became quite frequent, were vented upon the innocent heads
+of those who labored in his service, and much dissatisfaction was
+engendered in consequence. He became suspicious of all who surrounded
+him, and imagined that every one with whom he was connected were
+seeking to rob him, and finally an idea took possession of his mind,
+which completely destroyed his peace and made his existence perfectly
+miserable. He imagined that his life was in danger, and that there
+was a conspiracy formed to murder him for his money.
+
+So firmly did this conviction cling to him that he became intensely
+nervous and restless, and was scarcely able to sleep in his bed at
+nights. He would bolt and bar himself in his chamber so securely that
+it was a matter of perfect impossibility to effect an entrance, and
+then, still doubtful, he would be wakeful and uneasy during the long,
+weary hours of the night, until from sheer exhaustion he would fall
+into a troubled sleep, which lasted late into the morning.
+
+Nothing occurred of a character to justify his suspicions or to
+increase his fears, until one morning he was awakened at a very early
+hour by the breaking with a loud crash of one of the windows that
+opened into his room. Instantly he was awake, and, springing from his
+bed, he rushed frantically to the window, discharged his pistol
+several times in succession, at the same time calling loudly for
+help.
+
+His cries alarmed his valet, who slept in a room communicating with
+that of his master, and who hastened at once to his assistance. It
+was too dark to discover anything of the cause of the breaking of the
+glass, and as no further demonstration occurred, he succeeded in
+quieting the fears of his master, and restoring him to tranquillity.
+As soon as it was daylight, he made an investigation into the cause
+of this seeming attack, and an examination of the outside of the
+premises disclosed the fact that the alarm had been occasioned by the
+falling of the branch of an old tree that stood near to the house,
+and on which some of the limbs were withered and dead.
+
+This discovery, however, by no means allayed his fears or dissipated
+his suspicions, but, on the contrary, he became so fixed in the
+insane idea that he would be assassinated, that his life in the old
+home became a burden to him, and he longed for a change of scene that
+would ensure ease for his mind, and safety for his body.
+
+Henry Schulte was at this time an old man--the sixty years of his
+life had passed away slowly, but eventfully to him, and his whitened
+hair and wrinkled face betokened that age had left its indelible mark
+upon the once stalwart form of the Henry Schulte of days gone by. His
+head was generally bowed as though in deep thought, whether at home
+or abroad, and the broad shoulders seemed to have yielded to the
+weight of trouble which had come upon him in those early days. He was
+never seen to smile, and the hard, set lines about the mouth never
+relaxed, however mirthful was the scene before him, or however
+pleasurable the association in which he might accidentally find
+himself placed. His violin was his only companion during the long
+evening hours, and almost every night the harmonious strains of the
+music which he evoked from that instrument could be heard by those
+who journeyed upon the lonely road which passed in front of his
+house.
+
+In the early fall of 1877, an incident occurred, which, in the
+disordered state of his mind, rendered it impossible for him to
+remain any longer in fancied peace and security.
+
+One morning about daybreak a party of gunners, who were in search of
+game, were passing the premises occupied by Henry Schulte, when one
+of their number, a nephew of the old man, being the son of his elder
+brother, knowing his weakness in regard to being assassinated, and
+from a spirit of mischief which prompted him, took careful aim and
+fired directly through the window of the sleeping apartment of his
+uncle, and then quickly and laughingly passed on. The old gentleman,
+suddenly aroused from his slumbers, jumped up in affright, calling
+loudly in the excess of his terror:
+
+[Illustration: "_The old man jumped from his bed in affright,
+calling loudly for help._"]
+
+"Help! Help! The villains have attempted to murder me again!"
+
+Frank Bruner, his servant, being thus awakened, ran to the window and
+saw the party rapidly disappearing around a bend in the road. He
+recognized Bartolf Schulte as being one of the party, and informed
+his master of the fact.
+
+"Mein Gott! Mein Gott!" exclaimed the old man. "My own brother's son
+try to take my life--this is horrible. He wants my money and he tries
+to kill me."
+
+It was a long time before his violence subsided, but when at length
+Frank succeeded in calming his excitement and restoring him to
+reason, one idea seemed to have taken possession of him, and that was
+that he must leave his home for his own safety, and that the sooner
+this was accomplished the better it would be for him and for his
+peace of mind.
+
+No inducement that could be offered was sufficient to disturb his
+resolution upon this point. No argument that could be suggested, but
+what was urged against this seemingly insane notion, but all to no
+avail. His mind was fully made up, and nothing could overcome the
+settled determination which he had arrived at, to get away at once
+from the place which threatened so much danger to his person, and in
+which he was in constant dread and fear.
+
+He therefore immediately began his preparations for departure, and
+placing his property in the hands of a careful attorney at Hagen, he
+lost no time in converting his available securities into money and
+decided to take passage for America--a land of which he had heard so
+much, and which promised a rest for his over-wrought mind.
+
+He journeyed to Hamburg, and from thence in a few days, accompanied
+by his servant, he took passage in a steamer, arriving in New York
+City, "a stranger in a strange land," in the month of August in the
+same year.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+_The Arrival in New York._--_Frank Bruner determines to leave the
+Service of his Master._--_The meeting of Frank Bruner and William
+Bucholz._
+
+
+The vagaries of the human mind under all circumstances are frequently
+inscrutable, but under no other influence, perhaps, is the mind so
+susceptible of impressions of a governing character from unimportant
+causes as it is when controlled by the fear of personal safety.
+
+It would readily be imagined that Henry Schulte, whose mind was
+filled with vague but distressing apprehensions for his life, could
+have found refuge, safe and unassailable, within the broad domain of
+his own native land, and that he might have considered himself free
+from impending danger if he could have placed even a short distance
+between himself and those whom he believed to be his mortal enemies.
+This, however, he found it impossible to do and rest contented; so,
+resisting all the arguments that were urged by his faithful but
+overtaxed servant and companion, and believing that his only safety
+lay in his getting away from his native land, he persisted in coming
+to America, where he felt assured he would be free from persecution,
+and where, in the quiet and repose of rural retirement, his peace of
+mind would be undisturbed.
+
+That these fears must have been deeply-grounded there can be no
+doubt, for this old man, in leaving the home of his childhood and the
+many scenes which were endeared to him by the close association of
+early friendship and experience, turned his back upon the spot where
+he had first seen the light of day, and where he had grown from youth
+to manhood. Here, too, the joy and sorrow of his life had come to
+him, and in the little churchyard of the village, beneath the waving
+trees, reposed all that was mortal of the one great love of his life.
+
+Stolid and seemingly indifferent, so far as outward evidence gave any
+demonstration, of the many tender associations surrounding him, he
+left his native village and set off upon the long journey that was to
+end in his death. Speeding away from the imagined assassin, he
+journeyed directly to the presence and companionship of the man who
+was to slay him.
+
+Taking passage upon a steamer bound for America, they were soon
+riding upon the broad bosom of the Atlantic, and after an uneventful
+voyage landed safely in New York.
+
+Not one of the many passengers of the vessel, or among the crowd that
+stood upon the pier and watched their disembarking, would for a
+moment have supposed that this old man, whose face gave evidence of
+the years through which he had passed, whose clothing showed too
+plainly the marks of long and hard usage, and whose general
+appearance resembled that of a beggar, was the possessor of wealth
+enough to render any of them independent of the world. Nor would they
+have thought that the worn and frequently-patched coat he wore
+concealed a sum of money equalling nearly a hundred thousand dollars.
+Yet such was the fact; for upon his person he carried fully this
+amount of money, most of which was in German mark bills, easily
+convertible into American money; and which, should the fact become
+known, would have been sufficient to excite the cupidity of many of
+them, who would not hesitate to attempt the operation of relieving
+him of his hoarded wealth, and who might, perhaps, scarcely consider
+an old man's life of sufficient importance to successfully interfere
+with their possessing themselves of his money.
+
+He had jealously guarded his secret and his treasure, and although
+his sleep was frequently disturbed by startling visions of robbery
+and murder, not one of the many who surrounded him suspected for an
+instant the wealth that he possessed.
+
+To his servant he was generally reticent, but not so excessively
+secretive, for Frank Bruner was well-informed of the extent of his
+master's treasures, although he was not fully aware of the amount he
+had brought with him.
+
+Poor Frank led a miserable existence on that passage to New York, and
+many times after he had settled himself in his berth for a
+comfortable night's sleep he would be rudely awakened by his nervous
+and suspicious master, who was continually imagining that somebody
+was forcing an entrance into his state-room. He would start up with
+affright, and nothing would allay his fears but a rigid examination
+of the premises, which invariably resulted in finding nothing of a
+suspicious or fear-inspiring nature.
+
+Many times, upon remonstrating with his master about the
+groundlessness of his fears, he would be made to feel the heaviness
+of his hand, and chastisements were the reward of his devotion so
+frequently that his usually submissive spirit began to rebel, and
+Frank resolved to leave the service of so peculiar and so thankless a
+master upon the first favorable opportunity that presented itself.
+
+The journey, as we have said, was made in safety, and Henry Schulte,
+with his wealth intact, arrived in New York, and, seeking a quiet,
+comfortable hotel, he was directed to "THE CRESCENT," where he soon
+wended his way, and to which he directed his servant to have his
+trunks conveyed without delay.
+
+The hotel which he had selected was a German boarding-house, of
+modest dimensions and of unpretentious appearance. Over its doorway
+swung the faded sign of the Crescent, and over its destinies presided
+the portly, good-natured landlord, who dispensed the creature
+comforts to the limited number of guests who lodged beneath his roof.
+
+Henry Schulte entered the little room of the hotel which was used as
+a bar-room, and, paying no attention to the other occupants, he
+seated himself at one of the tables, ordered a bottle of wine, which
+he proceeded to drink slowly until nearly finished, after which he
+pushed the bottle and glass towards his thirsty and longing servant
+and bade him consume the balance.
+
+Seated around the room in various attitudes, but all engaged in the
+occupation of smoking and drinking, were a number of men, all inmates
+of the hotel, and all Germans, to whom the old man's appearance
+naturally gave occasion for considerable curiosity.
+
+Several attempts were made to cultivate his acquaintance and to
+interrogate him upon the incidents of his passage over, but all of no
+avail. He maintained a reserve that was impossible to overcome; his
+answers were given in monosyllables, and, as but little encouragement
+was given to friendly converse, he was finally left alone to enjoy
+his musings.
+
+At an early hour of the evening he signified his intention of
+retiring, and, accompanied by his servant, he left the room and
+shortly afterwards went to bed.
+
+After attending to the requirements of the old gentleman, Frank
+Bruner returned to the bar-room and joined the group sitting around
+the table. His mind was fixed upon leaving a service that was
+distasteful to him, and in which he was made to feel the hand of the
+master too frequently and too heavily to be borne longer with
+submission or silence. He was anxious, therefore, to make some
+inquiries in regard to a change of position from those whom he
+supposed would be acquainted with the facts he was desirous of
+learning.
+
+While they were thus conversing, a young man entered, and after
+saluting those present in a careless, off-hand manner, he seated
+himself among them. He was a tall, broad-shouldered young German,
+with blonde hair and smoothly-shaven face; his eyes were large and of
+a light blue color. His cheek-bones were rather prominent, and when
+he laughed he displayed his teeth, which, being somewhat decayed,
+gave a rather unpleasant expression to the countenance, otherwise he
+was what might have ordinarily been considered a good-looking fellow.
+
+Upon seating himself, he was jocularly questioned by one of the
+number, in reference to some young lady, who was evidently known to
+them all.
+
+"Ah, William, how did you find the lovely Clara this evening?"
+inquired his friend, in German.
+
+William Bucholz, for that was the name of the new-comer, shrugged his
+shoulders, and with an amused expression upon his face, answered:
+
+"Oh, as well as usual, and quite as charming."
+
+And then, perceiving the presence of Frank, he looked inquiringly at
+his friends, and added: "Whom have we here?"
+
+"A young man who has just arrived from Germany," was the reply.
+
+Bucholz immediately arose, cordially shook hands with the stranger,
+and engaged him in conversation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+_The History of William Bucholz._--_An Abused Aunt who Disappoints
+His Hopes._--_A Change of Fortune._--_The Soldier becomes a
+Farmer._--_The Voyage to New York._
+
+
+William Bucholz had been an inmate of the hotel for several weeks
+prior to this time, having arrived from Germany in the latter part of
+July. He was somewhat of a favorite with the people with whom he
+associated, and being of a free and jovial disposition had made many
+friends during his limited residence in the city. As he is to bear an
+interesting part in the sequence of this narrative a few words may
+not be out of place in regard to his antecedents.
+
+The father of Bucholz, who was a veterinary surgeon of some
+prominence in Schweigert, had reared his children in comparative
+comfort, and had provided them with a liberal education.
+
+The early years of young Bucholz had been spent with an uncle, who
+was very fond of him, and delighted to have him near his person. This
+uncle was a brother of his father, and very late in life had married
+a lady of large fortune, but whose appearance was not at all
+prepossessing. As William grew into manhood he entered the army and
+became connected with the "Brunswick Hussars."
+
+Here he distinguished himself principally by leading a life of
+dissipation and extravagance, which made him an object of remark in
+his regiment. There were many wild spirits among his comrades, but
+none who displayed such an irrepressible and reckless disposition as
+William Bucholz. His uncle, loving him as a son, and whose union had
+been blessed with no children, forgave his follies and liquidated his
+debts without a murmur, but shook his head frequently in a doubtful
+manner, as rumors reached him of some new exploit in which William
+had been a leading spirit, or some fresh scandal in which he was a
+prominent participant.
+
+The family of Bucholz, with that weakness which sometimes
+characterizes the relative of the wealthy, soon began to display a
+coolness and dislike toward the wife of the uncle, and as no children
+were born to them, they looked forward with certainty to inheriting
+the vast wealth of their childless relative, without seeming to
+regard the rights or interests of the wife, who, in Germany as well
+as in America, frequently exercises a potent influence in the
+disposition of her husband's affairs.
+
+That this conduct was displeasing to the woman who had brought so
+much wealth into the family may readily be imagined, and being
+possessed of sufficient spirit to resent the affronts put upon her,
+she did not tamely submit to be thus ignored by the supercilious
+relatives of her husband, but determined to be revenged upon them in
+a manner which she knew would be complete and satisfactory to
+herself.
+
+Among her numerous friends was the widow of a captain of hussars, who
+had been in the same regiment with Bucholz, but who had died a short
+time before, leaving his sorrow-stricken wife without sufficient
+income for her support, and with the care of an only son who had been
+born to them in their brief married life. To this lady William's aunt
+immediately offered her house as a home, and promised to take care of
+her child's education and provide for its future. This offer was
+gratefully accepted by the bereaved and impecunious widow, who, with
+her child, soon became domiciled beneath the roof of the uncle and
+the socially abused aunt.
+
+As the boy grew into years he displayed so many traits of a noble,
+manly character and of a fond and loving disposition, that the hearts
+of the aged couple instinctively warmed towards him with an abiding
+affection, and the mother dying soon after, he was formally adopted
+by them.
+
+The uncle continued, however, to supply the wants of his prodigal and
+degenerate nephew, but they increased so enormously that he was
+forced to remonstrate with the young man upon the recklessness of his
+conduct. His remonstrances were met with a spirit of impertinence and
+defiance that angered the old gentleman to such an extent that he
+declined at once to pay any further debts of his nephew's
+contracting, and limited his allowance to a sum which, while
+sufficiently large to provide for his actual needs, afforded no
+opportunities for lavish outlays or indiscreet dissipations.
+
+This action excited the ire of William and his family, who did not
+hesitate to ascribe it to the promptings of the wife, whom they had
+so consistently ignored, and whose feelings they had so frequently
+outraged.
+
+The relations between the brothers ceased to be friendly, and an
+estrangement took place which was increased by the family of Bucholz,
+who spoke every where in the most disrespectful terms of the wife of
+the brother.
+
+While matters were in this position the uncle was suddenly attacked
+with a malady which resulted in his death. After the funeral the will
+was opened, and it was found, to the mortification and disappointment
+of his relatives, that instead of leaving to them the bulk of his
+large fortune, he had bequeathed the major portion to his adopted
+son, and had only left the sum of twenty thousand dollars to be
+divided equally among the six children of his brother.
+
+If the widow had desired to be revenged, she had succeeded admirably
+in her wishes, and the solemn countenances of the disappointed
+Bucholzes, as they wended their way homeward after the reading of the
+will, from which they had hoped so much, would have been full
+satisfaction for the years of insult she had been compelled to endure
+from them during the life of her husband.
+
+This disposition of the estate of the uncle was a severe blow to
+those who had so confidently expected to have been enriched by his
+death, and produced a marked change in their manner of living. The
+bright, airy castles which they had builded, faded away--their hopes
+of prospective wealth were rudely dissipated, and the necessity for
+facing the actual position of affairs stared them in the face.
+William could no longer be permitted to lead the idle life of a
+soldier, and one and all would be compelled to labor for themselves.
+It was a bitter awakening from a bright dream, but the man of their
+hopes was dead, and their regrets were unavailing.
+
+Bucholz, therefore, obtained an extended leave of absence, and in a
+short time entered into an engagement with an extensive farmer to
+learn the science of agriculture, and became domiciled beneath the
+roof of his employer and instructor. The dull routine of a farmer's
+life was, however, illy suited to his impulsive disposition, and
+although he had no manual labor to perform, he soon grew tired of the
+monotony of his existence and longed for a change.
+
+He had read of the wonderful success which attended the efforts of
+some of his countrymen who had emigrated to Australia, that arcadia
+of the agriculturist, and burning with a desire to seek his fortune
+in the new land of promise, he began to make inquiries of the place,
+its products, and of the possibilities of successful operations while
+there.
+
+All the information which he gleaned was of such a character as to
+fill his mind with ambitious projects, and a desire to make his
+fortune in that far-off country, and he resolved to undertake the
+journey.
+
+His preparations were soon made, and ere many days he was afloat upon
+the heaving ocean, bound for New York, where he was informed he could
+procure a sailing vessel direct to Australia, at a cost much less
+than he could by any other process of travel.
+
+Arriving without accident in New York, he had taken up his quarters
+at "The Crescent Hotel," and proceeded to make inquiries concerning
+the continuance of his journey.
+
+To his disappointment, however, he discovered that no vessels were
+likely to sail from New York directly to Australia, and the limited
+means he had brought with him were insufficient for the expense
+necessary to travel overland to a point of embarkation. He was
+therefore compelled to delay his journey until he could receive
+sufficient funds to enable him to continue farther. He immediately
+wrote to his family for the money he required, and it was while
+awaiting their reply that he met Frank Bruner, the servant of Henry
+Schulte, whose acquaintance was destined to produce such a marked and
+dramatic effect upon his future life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+_Frank leaves the Service of his Master._--_A Bowery Concert
+Saloon._--_The departure of Henry Schulte._--_William Bucholz
+enters the employ of the old gentleman._
+
+
+We left William Bucholz and Frank Bruner in conversation at "The
+Crescent Hotel." The young Hussar who had been reared in luxury,
+whose life until this time had been a round of pleasure and gayety,
+and who had come to America to seek his fortune--and the servant of
+the strange and silent old man who had crossed the sea to escape the
+imagined dangers which threatened him and to find peace and comfort
+in his declining years.
+
+"You have just come over from Germany, I understand," said Bucholz,
+addressing his companion in German.
+
+"Just arrived to-day," replied Bruner.
+
+"Did you come alone?"
+
+"Oh, no; I came with the old gentleman who has just gone to bed."
+
+"Have you been long with him?"
+
+"Long enough to want to get away from him," was the reply.
+
+"What is the reason?" inquired Bucholz, with some indication of
+surprise and curiosity.
+
+"Well, he does not use me properly, and I have grown tired of his
+abuse," answered Frank, sullenly.
+
+After further questioning him, Bucholz learned the story of the old
+man's eccentricities, the fact of his large possessions, and the
+probability of his extending his travels as far West as California.
+
+"I would not leave him," said Bucholz, after Frank had finished his
+narrative; "he may not live very long, and he will no doubt do
+something handsome for you."
+
+"I don't care for that," replied Frank Bruner; "I would not continue
+many days longer in his service even if I knew that he would leave me
+all his money."
+
+At that moment the sound of a cane struck angrily upon the floor
+above them admonished Frank that his master desired his services, and
+also that he was in no pleasant humor.
+
+"There he goes!" cried Frank, "and I must go to him or I shall feel
+the weight of his stick. Good-night."
+
+"Good-night!" said Bucholz, extending his hand, "I will see you again
+in the morning."
+
+The young man turned and left the room, and Bucholz seated himself
+apart from the rest of the company, apparently lost in profound
+meditation. Shortly after, he roused himself, as with an effort, and
+bidding his comrades good-night he went up stairs to his room.
+
+He did not immediately retire, however, but sat up until a late hour,
+revolving in his mind the information which he had just received and
+debating with himself as to his future course of action.
+
+The result of this mental consultation appeared satisfactory to him,
+and he undressed himself and went to bed. He would encourage Frank to
+leave his distasteful employment, and he would offer himself as an
+applicant for the vacant position. He had no fears of the result, and
+felt no anxiety about the probabilities of his being made the subject
+of the old man's castigations. If the old gentleman designed going to
+California he would be so much nearer to the coveted place of his
+ambitious dreams, and he could very easily submit to temporary
+discomforts in order to secure the practical benefits which he so
+much desired. With this comforting reflection he closed his eyes and
+was soon fast asleep.
+
+In the morning he again met Frank Bruner, and the conversation of the
+night before was continued. Bucholz, without seeming to be anxious
+upon the subject, adroitly led the unsuspecting servant on in his
+dislike for his occupation, and he succeeded so well that before the
+day was passed, Frank had firmly resolved to inform Henry Schulte of
+his plans and of his intention to leave his service.
+
+In the evening, immediately after supper, he communicated his
+intention to his master, who received it with violent manifestations
+of disappointment and anger, and almost instantly retired to his
+room, locked his door, thereby denying admission to Frank, who was
+prepared to serve his irate master until he could provide himself
+with another servant.
+
+Finding himself left to his own resources, Frank cordially accepted
+an invitation to take a stroll with his newly-found associate, and
+putting on his hat he linked his arm in that of Bucholz, and they
+left the hotel together.
+
+Walking slowly on they soon came to the brilliantly-lighted
+thoroughfare in the Bowery, known as Chatham Street, and here their
+ears were saluted with the sounds of music, which emanated from the
+illuminated saloons, which lined the sidewalks at frequent intervals.
+
+Frank gazed with curious eyes at this phase of New York life, so new
+and startling to one whose early years had been passed in the rural
+simplicity of a German peasant, and as Bucholz stopped before one of
+these places and asked him if he would like to go inside, he made not
+the slightest objection. Quietly following his guide they found
+themselves within the walls of one of those gilded palaces of sin,
+that have so often proved the avenues through which many unsuspecting
+young men have entered upon a life of shame and dishonor.
+
+To Frank, however, the scene was novel and exciting, the music was
+exhilarating, and the "pretty waiter girls" were objects of curiosity
+and unfeigned admiration. Pushing their way through the crowded
+assembly, where men and women were engaged in drinking and indulging
+in loud and boisterous laughter, they reached a position in front of
+a stage that had been erected in the rear end of the hall, and before
+which hung a gaudily-painted curtain, which hid from the spectators
+the mysteries and perhaps the miseries that lay beyond.
+
+Bucholz appeared to be perfectly at home among this mixed assemblage,
+and nodded familiarly to right and left in recognition of numerous
+friends and acquaintances. Presently a buxom-looking German girl,
+whose rosy cheeks and rotund figure gave evidence that her life in
+this place had been of short duration, advanced towards them, and,
+seating herself beside Bucholz, bade him good evening, in a tone of
+familiarity which betokened a long, or, at least, a well-understood
+acquaintance.
+
+[Illustration: _"A buxom looking german girl sat down beside
+Bucholz, and bade him Good Evening."_]
+
+To the young man who accompanied Bucholz there seemed to be a
+fascination in the glitter of his present surroundings, and he
+instinctively began to feel envious of his more fortunate companion,
+who appeared so much at his ease, and whose intimacy with the
+Teutonic siren was so much to be admired.
+
+During the progress of the mixed entertainment that followed, in
+which dancing and singing, banjo playing, and a liberal display of
+the anatomy of the female "artists" formed the principal features,
+they sipped their beer and applauded loudly the efforts of those who
+ministered to their enjoyment.
+
+Upon the conclusion of the performance, they returned to their hotel,
+and Frank Bruner's mind was more firmly settled in his determination
+to leave the service of Henry Schulte, and to find employment in the
+city, where such pleasures would be open to him at all times.
+
+On their walk homeward to the hotel Frank again mentioned his resolve
+to Bucholz.
+
+"I think you are very foolish," was the reply. "The old man has lots
+of money, and if I was in your place I would do very different."
+
+Frank was immovable, however, and the words of his companion produced
+no effect upon his mind.
+
+The next morning Mr. Schulte endeavored in vain to induce Frank to
+change his determination, and at last, finding it impossible to do
+so, he paid him the amount that was due to him and dispensed, rather
+reluctantly, with his further services.
+
+A few days after this, having completed the business which detained
+him in New York, the old gentleman announced his intention of
+departing, and, having his baggage transferred to the coach, he
+started for the depot, leaving Frank behind him, who now half
+regretted having so suddenly sundered his relations with his
+eccentric employer.
+
+Bucholz's opportunity had now arrived, and jumping into the coach, he
+took his seat beside the old gentleman, whose acquaintance he had
+cultivated during his brief sojourn at the hotel.
+
+"You are going away, Mr. Schulte?" said Bucholz.
+
+The old man nodded his head affirmatively, but made no audible reply.
+
+"Which way are you going?" asked Bucholz, unabashed by the manner of
+the other.
+
+"I am going down to South Norwalk, in Connecticut, to buy a farm
+which was advertised for sale there," answered Mr. Schulte.
+
+"Where is Frank?" asked Bucholz, as though in ignorance of their
+separation. "Is he not going with you?"
+
+"Frank is no longer in my employ. I have discharged him, and he must
+now look out for himself."
+
+"Don't you want somebody to take his place?" said Bucholz, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, but I will get some one down there, I guess," replied the old
+man, as though he did not desire to talk any further about his
+affairs.
+
+"Don't you think I would suit you, Mr. Schulte? I have nothing to do,
+and would be very glad to take the place," urged Bucholz. The old
+gentleman looked up in surprise at this question, and said:
+
+"You would not come for such wages as I would pay."
+
+He named a sum ridiculously small, but Bucholz announced his perfect
+willingness to accept the position at the remuneration offered.
+
+The old gentleman revolved the question in his mind for a few
+moments, gazing somewhat suspiciously at the young man the while, and
+at length said to Bucholz, who was anxiously awaiting his decision:
+
+"Well, you may come along and see how you will like it. If it does
+not suit you, you can return, and we can make our arrangements
+afterward."
+
+The matter was thus disposed of, and William Bucholz journeyed to
+South Norwalk with his employer. The gay soldier had become the
+humble servant, the prospective farmer had been transformed into the
+obsequious valet.
+
+These two men had journeyed across the seas, for a far-off land, and
+thus had strangely met. The web of fate had woven itself around their
+two lives, and the compact this day made was only to be severed by
+the death, sudden and mysterious, of the eldest party to the
+agreement.
+
+Who could have told that before many months had rolled away, that old
+man would have been brutally beaten to death, and that the
+bright-faced young man who sued for his favor would be sitting in a
+lonely cell under the dreadful charge of committing the foul deed!
+
+Perhaps could either have glanced with prophetic vision into the
+future, their paths, by mutual consent, would have widely diverged,
+and their intimacy have ceased forever on that August afternoon.
+
+
+
+
+THE DETECTION.
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+_The Detective._--_His Experience and His Practice._--_A Plan of
+Detection Perfected._--_The Work is Begun._
+
+
+The detective occupies a peculiar position in society, and is a
+prominent actor in many scenes of which the general public can have
+no knowledge. In his breast may be locked the secrets of many men who
+stand in proud pre-eminence before the public, and who are admired
+and respected for the possession of virtues that are but the cloak
+with which they hide the baser elements of their dispositions.
+
+The canting hypocrite, whose voice may be loudest in chapel or
+meeting-house, and whose sanctimonious air and solemn visage will
+cover the sins of his heart to the general observer, is well known to
+the detective, who has seen that same face pale with apprehension,
+and has heard that same voice trembling with the fear of exposure.
+
+That dapper young gentleman, who twirls his moustache and swings his
+cane so jauntily upon the promenade, is an object of admiration to
+many; but to the man who knows the secrets of his inner life another
+scene is opened, and he remembers when this same exquisite walked the
+cell of a prison--a convict guilty of a crime.
+
+Through all the various grades of society the detective has wended
+his way, and he has looked into men's hearts when infamy stared them
+in the face and dishonor impended over them.
+
+His experience has rendered him almost incapable of surprise, or
+mobility of feeling. He is ever watchful for the deceptiveness of
+appearances, ever prepared to admit everything, to explain
+everything, and to believe nothing--but what he sees.
+
+The judicial officer, with the nicety and legal acumen of a thorough
+jurist, applies the technicalities of the law to the testimony
+submitted to him, but the detective observes with caution, and
+watches with suspicion all the odious combinations and circumstances
+which the law with all the power at its command cannot successfully
+reach.
+
+He is made the unwilling, but necessary recipient of disgraceful
+details; of domestic crimes, and even of tolerated vices with which
+the law cannot deal.
+
+If, when he entered upon his office, his mind teemed with illusions
+in regard to humanity, the experience of a year has dissipated them
+to the winds.
+
+If he does not eventually become skeptical of the whole human race,
+it is because his experience has shown him that honor and vice may
+walk side by side without contamination; that virtue and crime may be
+closely connected, and yet no stain be left upon the white robe of
+purity, and that while upon the one hand he sees abominations
+indulged in with impunity, upon the other, he witnesses a sublime
+generosity which cannot be weakened or crushed. The modest violet may
+exhale its fragrance through an overgrowth of noxious weeds--and
+humanity bears out the simile.
+
+He sees with contempt the proud bearing of the impudent scoundrels
+who are unjustly receiving public respect, but he sees also with
+pleasure many heroes in the modest and obscure walks of life, who
+deserve the rich rewards which they never receive.
+
+He has so often pierced beneath the shining mask of virtue and
+discovered the distorted visage of vice, that he has almost reached a
+state of general doubtfulness until results shall demonstrate the
+correctness of his theories. He believes in nothing until it is
+proven--not in absolute evil more than in absolute good, and the
+results of his teachings have brought him to the conclusion that not
+men but events alone are worthy of consideration.
+
+A knowledge of human nature is as necessary to him as that he shall
+have eyes and ears, and this knowledge experience alone can give.
+
+In my eventful career as a detective, extending over a period of
+thirty years of active practice, my experience has been of such a
+character as to lead me to pay no attention to the outward appearance
+of men or things. The burglar does not commit his depredations in the
+open light of day, nor in the full view of the spectator. Nor does
+the murderer usually select the brilliantly-lighted highway to strike
+the fatal blow. Quietly and secretly, and with every imagined
+precaution against detection, the criminal acts, and it is only by
+equally secretive ways that he can be reached.
+
+Weeks and months may elapse before he is finally brought to bay, but
+I have never known it to fail, at least in my experience, that
+detection will follow crime as surely as the shadow will follow a
+moving body in the glare of sunlight.
+
+From the facts collected by my operatives, and from every other
+available source, I was now put into possession of every point in the
+case of the murder of Henry Schulte, that could be arrived at, and we
+were prepared to define a plan of operation, which, if strictly
+adhered to, bore the impress of promised success.
+
+An old man had been foully murdered, and his body had been robbed of
+a large sum of money. Money, therefore, was the cause of the murder,
+and the recovery and identification of this would undoubtedly lead to
+the discovery of the criminal.
+
+The matter, with all its attendant facts, was placed in the hands of
+Mr. Bangs, my general superintendent, and of my son, Robert A.
+Pinkerton, who resolved to succeed in the undertaking if success were
+possible.
+
+The details of our proposed line of action were submitted to the
+German Consul-General and to the State's attorney, Mr. Olmstead. The
+former, while expressing doubts of the expediency of the plan
+proposed, determined finally to allow us to pursue such course as in
+our judgment was advisable, while the latter gentleman signified his
+hearty approval, as it accorded in many respects with a plan which he
+had previously thought feasible in this very matter.
+
+Our relations with these gentlemen were of a nature somewhat
+peculiar. The German Consul was acting in a double capacity, and had
+two interests to serve. He represented the heirs of the murdered man,
+and in that relation he was desirous of recovering the money that had
+been stolen, as well as discovering who the murderer was and bringing
+him to justice. At the same time, he was expected to render whatever
+assistance that was in his power to the unfortunate man who stood
+accused of the crime, and who was also a native of Germany, requiring
+his protection. The German Consul also entertained a well-grounded
+faith in the innocence of Bucholz, and desired that every fact that
+would substantiate this opinion should be discovered and used for his
+benefit.
+
+The State's attorney, on the contrary, was firmly established in his
+belief that the murder had been committed by Bucholz, and none other,
+and his desire was that this theory should be proved beyond the
+possibility of doubt, in order that he, as the prosecuting officer of
+the State, should be enabled to uphold the dignity of outraged law,
+and to bring the guilty man to the justice which he believed was so
+richly merited.
+
+It was determined, therefore, after a conference with these
+gentlemen, that my agents should pursue the investigation in such a
+manner as seemed best, and which gave greatest promise of eventual
+success.
+
+Armed with this double authority, our arrangements were soon made,
+and active operations were instituted. Whether our efforts resulted
+in victory or defeat, the sequel will prove.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+_A Detective Reminiscence._--_An Operation in Bridgeport in
+1866._--_The Adams Express Robbery._--_A Half Million of Dollars
+Stolen._--_Capture of the Thieves._--_One of the Principals Turns
+State's Evidence._--_Conviction and Punishment._
+
+
+When a great crime has been committed the public mind experiences a
+sensation of horror. Imaginative persons are busy in the formation of
+all sorts of fancies with regard to the perpetrators. His probable
+appearance, gigantic proportions and horrible aspect are duly
+commented upon, and exaggeration invariably takes the place of fact
+in such estimations. In the majority of cases that have come under my
+notice the personal appearance of the criminal belied the possibility
+of his guilt.
+
+The verdant spectator is frequently amazed to find the apparent
+gentleman, attired with the precision of the tailor's art, with
+immaculate linen, and of delicate, and sometimes refined appearance
+arraigned for the crime of robbery or murder.
+
+Many times I have seen the eager spectator in a court-room, looking
+vainly among the group of lawyers before the bar, for the monster
+they have conjured up in their imaginations, and finally settling
+upon some sharp-featured, but unimpeachable attorney as the
+malefactor, indulge in wise reflections as to the impossibility of
+mistaking a rogue from his appearance.
+
+I have seen their start of surprise as the real criminal, genteel,
+cool and gentlemanly, would rise from his seat and plead to the
+indictment that would be read to him, and their solemn shake of the
+head as their wise reflections were scattered to the winds.
+
+My first experience with the town of Bridgeport was particularly
+suggestive of these reflections. I was engaged in a detective
+operation in which the Adams Express Company were the sufferers,
+having been robbed of a large amount of money, and, as the robbery
+took place in the vicinity of that city, the thieves, whom I
+succeeded in capturing, were confined in the jail there.
+
+The affair occurred during the first week of January, 1866, and the
+facts were as follows:
+
+On the night of the sixth of January, in the year just mentioned, the
+public mind was startled by the announcement that the Adams Express
+Company had been robbed of over a half million of dollars, by the
+thieves breaking into the car in which their valuables were placed,
+prying open the safes, and abstracting over six hundred thousand
+dollars, in notes, bonds and other valuable securities.
+
+The train to which the car was attached had left New York for Boston
+at eight o' clock in the evening, and it was not until arriving at
+New Haven that the depredation was discovered.
+
+The dismay of the company's officials may be imagined when, on
+entering the car at the latter place, the fractured safes met their
+astonished gaze. A marlin spike, three dark lanterns and a sledge
+hammer which lay beside them, told too plainly how the work had been
+accomplished, but it furnished no clue as to how, or when, or by
+whom.
+
+The car was of the ordinary size of a box freight car, built with an
+iron frame, sheathed over with thick sheet iron plates, rivetted
+strongly together, and so closely made that a light placed inside
+could not be seen when the doors were closed. A messenger always
+accompanied this car, but he usually sat in the baggage car of the
+train, and as the train did not make any stoppages between New York
+and New Haven, it was only at this time that the theft was discovered
+by the entrance of the messenger.
+
+It further appeared that the company's safes were taken from the
+depot in New York and placed in the iron car, which was waiting upon
+a side-track, and which was immediately afterwards attached to the
+train.
+
+The safes having been placed in the car, the door was securely
+locked, and, as the train was then ready to start, the agent of the
+company gave the word "All right!" The train started and sped upon
+its journey, and nothing further was known until its arrival at New
+Haven and the discovery of the theft.
+
+I was immediately notified of the matter, and after a careful
+observation of the safes and an investigation into the facts of the
+case, I thought I detected the handiwork of a party of young thieves
+whom I had accidentally encountered in another operation in which I
+had been engaged some months previously.
+
+Operatives were immediately despatched in various directions, and the
+movements of the suspected parties were carefully but unobservedly
+watched. Very soon after, I succeeded in running down two of the
+parties, named John Tristram and Thomas Clark, and upon arresting
+them each one had in his possession a gold watch, both of which were
+identified as stolen property. They were accordingly conveyed to
+Bridgeport and held to await their trial.
+
+Mr. Wells, the genial and efficient keeper of the prison, whose
+acquaintance I had previously made, received the prisoners and
+securely fastened them up.
+
+A few days following this, an old resident of Norwalk, who was also
+an uncle of one of the men arrested, was observed by one of my men,
+carrying a package of unusual weight from his residence to the house
+of a sister of Tristram in New York City, and an examination of the
+house resulted in finding nearly eighty seven thousand dollars of the
+stolen treasure. The old man was arrested, but developments proved
+too plainly that he was only acting as a mere blind messenger for the
+other parties, and he was accordingly discharged.
+
+The trial of the two men, which subsequently took place at
+Bridgeport, was attended by a large array of New York burglars,
+shoplifters and pick-pockets--all friends of the criminals. They were
+closely watched, as it was feared that they intended making some
+attempt to rescue the prisoners. This precaution proved not to have
+been in vain, for during the sitting of the court an attempt was made
+to purloin an iron box in which most of the testimony intended for
+use in the case, was kept. This was fortunately discovered in time,
+and many of the individuals concerned in it left town immediately.
+
+On the trial Tristram pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a term of
+imprisonment of three years and six months.
+
+From the evidence upon the part of the company, it appeared that the
+money in the safes was in four separate pouches, and consisted mainly
+of currency belonging to banking institutions, and all of which
+lacked the signatures of the bank officers to give it full character
+as money.
+
+The amounts taken were as follows:
+
+    From the Washington Pouch,           $278,000.00
+    From the Baltimore Pouch,             150,000.00
+    From the Philadelphia Pouch,          100,000.00
+    From the New York Pouch,              150,000.00
+                                          ----------
+                                         $678,000.00
+
+The two watches that were found upon the prisoners and identified as
+stolen from the safes, were designed as gifts, and were being carried
+by the company for delivery to the friends of the givers in Boston.
+
+Clark stood trial alone and was found guilty of only one count of the
+information against him, and his counsel obtained a stay of
+proceedings.
+
+I was now determined to capture the other members of the gang, and my
+arrangements were made accordingly. I suspected an individual named
+James Wells as being a participant in the robbery, and therefore made
+him the principal object of attack.
+
+Wells was living at home with his mother at that time, and I
+succeeded in introducing one of my operatives into the house as a
+boarder. This operative cultivated the acquaintance of James, and
+proved a very agreeable companion indeed, while by the female members
+of the family he was regarded as one of the most pleasant boarders
+imaginable. The work was admirably accomplished, and he obtained all
+the information that was necessary to enable me to act intelligently
+and actively in the matter.
+
+Prompt arrests followed, and Martin Allen, James Wells, Gilly
+McGloyn, Eddy Watson and John Grady were pounced upon and conveyed to
+prison.
+
+Thus far the evidence obtained had been of a character sufficient to
+warrant an arrest, but hardly of convincing force to justify a
+conviction upon a trial by jury.
+
+Most of the stolen property had been recovered, and I finally decided
+to make an onslaught upon the weak points of Clark, the man
+previously arrested, and now awaiting the new trial which had been
+granted in his case.
+
+Accordingly I visited the jail and had an interview with this
+individual, who did not, at first, appear at all delighted with the
+visit. In a short time, however, I had gained entire control of the
+man, and he became like wax in my hands. He made a full confession of
+the robbery, and declared his readiness to become a witness for the
+prosecution. Having accomplished my purpose, I announced to the
+officers of the State my readiness to proceed to trial, and my
+sanguine hopes of a full conviction of the parties implicated.
+
+The trial took place shortly afterwards in Danbury, and I do not
+remember ever to have seen a more gentlemanly-looking array of
+prisoners before a bar of justice.
+
+They were all dressed in the most exquisite style, and deported
+themselves in a manner far from what would ordinarily be expected
+from men engaged in professional criminal pursuits.
+
+During the trial the Court House was thronged by the fair sex of
+Danbury, whose sympathetic hearts were profoundly touched at the
+sight of these gentlemanly-appearing rascals. The attendance was
+further augmented by the appearance of many of their friends, both
+male and female, who came from New York to witness the proceedings
+and offer their loving consolations to the unfortunates.
+
+The alarm of these sympathetic friends reached a culminating point
+when the prosecuting attorney arose in his place and announced that
+he would place upon the stand one of the principals in the robbery,
+who would unfold the plot and its successful execution. Each prisoner
+looked at the other, and angry, suspicious glances flashed from the
+eyes of them all. Threats were whispered audibly among their friends,
+but no demonstration took place, and the silence in the court-room
+became painfully oppressive as the State's attorney, after finishing
+his address to the jury, called the name of Thomas Clark.
+
+The prisoner took the stand, and, unabashed by the angry glances that
+were directed towards him, he told the story of the robbery in a
+plain, straightforward manner, that carried conviction to the minds
+of both judge and jury.
+
+The testimony which he gave was as follows:
+
+"My connection with this robbery commenced on or about the 20th of
+December last (1865), at which time I met Martin Allen at a saloon in
+New York City. It was on that occasion that he told me that his
+brother-in-law, James Wells, who resided in Brooklyn, had an
+acquaintance named Gilly McGloyn, and that Gilly had a brother-in-law
+named Grady, who was a brakeman on the express train of the New York
+and New Haven Railroad, which left New York at 8 o'clock in the
+evening. He also said that Grady wanted McGloyn to get somebody to
+help throw the safes out of that train. McGloyn went to Wells on
+purpose to inform him, and Wells told him of it, and Allen told me.
+
+"The next day Allen, Wells, McGloyn and Grady met me at Lafayette
+Hall, on Broadway, about the 21st of December. At that time Grady
+exhibited a piece of soap which contained an impression of a key-hole
+in the lock of the Adams Express car. In the course of the
+conversation which ensued at that time, Grady said that there were
+two messengers who looked after the Adams Express cars alternately,
+one on each alternate night. He said that the most careless of the
+two messengers was named Moore, and that his evenings from New York
+were Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Grady said he thought any one
+of those evenings would be the best to select for the purpose of
+committing the robbery.
+
+"Some time afterward, on a night when Moore had charge of the express
+car, I got on the train at Forty-second street, and went into the
+smoking car. There was a man there busy making a fire in the stove,
+and in a few moments Grady came into the car, and in order to
+signalize to me who Moore was, slapped the man on the back, saying,
+'Billy Moore, you don't know how to make a fire.'
+
+"The place which I selected as the proper point for throwing off the
+safes was between Coscob Bridge and Stamford. I hit upon that spot
+for the purpose, because at that point the distance between stoppages
+was short, being only three miles from Coscob Bridge to Stamford. I
+left the train at Bridgeport, where I stopped at the Atlantic Hotel,
+near the depot, all night. I returned to New York by the 10 o'clock
+train next morning. I think it was the same day that the parties I
+have named had another meeting at Lafayette Hall.
+
+"It was at that time we arranged a plan for getting the safes out at
+Forty-second street, where we got the size of the lock of the express
+car. Next day Allen and myself visited nearly every hardware store in
+New York for the purpose of purchasing a lock similar to that on the
+car. The nearest to it in appearance was found in a store on Howard
+street, between Crosby street and Broadway. We wanted this lock to
+put on the door of the car after breaking the other off. That same
+day Allen and Wells went to the same store and bought a sledge
+hammer. On the evening of the same day Allen went to Crowe's livery
+stable and hired a horse and a heavy express wagon.
+
+"Some time before this Allen and I went to a blacksmith shop and had
+a piece of steel made into shape for the purpose of prying the lock
+off the car. No less than five efforts were made to take the safes
+off the car at Forty-second street, on nights when Moore was
+messenger. Next day after our last attempt Allen, McGloyn, Grady and
+myself met at Lafayette Hall and arranged to abandon the Forty-second
+street plan. Tristram, Hudson and McGuire were never present at our
+conferences at Lafayette Hall. I used to meet McGuire and tell him
+what had transpired, and he used to convey the intelligence to
+Tristram and Hudson.
+
+"The new plan was that three of us were to secrete ourselves in the
+express car during its brief stay at Forty-second street, and the
+other five were to go in the passenger cars. We three were to throw
+off the safes after the train got over the Harlem Bridge. The five
+were to get out at the bridge. After the three had thrown off the
+safes they were to ring the bell, stop the train, get off and walk
+back till they met the others. They were then to take the safes to
+some convenient place, break them open, and pack the money and
+valuables in two valises which they had with them, and leave the
+safes there.
+
+"On the night of the 6th of January last, the eight of us, Allen,
+Tristram, McGuire, Hudson, Wells, McGloyn, Grady and myself met by
+previous agreement, about seven o'clock, near the depot and
+Forty-second street. McGuire brought with him two carpet-bags, a
+marlin spike and a common mortising chisel. The others of us had a
+piece of steel, a lock, a sledge hammer and a dark lantern. Hudson,
+Grady, McGuire and myself got in between the express car and the
+freight train, and managed to break the lock with the marlin spike.
+We then drew back the door and three of us, Grady, McGuire and
+myself, got in. Hudson then placed the lock in the staple outside,
+but not in the hasp, and then closed the door. This was to save
+appearances.
+
+"We sat quietly until the train got in the tunnel, between New York
+and Harlem. We found three safes in the car. We got one of them over
+and tried to break in the bottom with the sledge hammer, but we found
+this would not work. We then took the marlin spike, drove it into the
+door of the safe and pried it open. McGuire held the spike and Grady
+and I knocked it in. Having packed the contents of this in a
+carpet-bag, we broke open another safe, the contents of which we also
+packed away. The reason we did not get out after passing Harlem
+Bridge was because we discovered, after getting into the car, that
+the rope was in an iron tube, and that prevented our stopping the
+car.
+
+[Illustration: "_We pried the safe open._"]
+
+"At Coscob Station we got out and hid one of the bags in a pile of
+lumber. We then walked up the track a mile toward Stamford, where we
+hid in a stone wall the large carpet-bag. The three of us then,
+unincumbered, walked to Stamford. Here Grady lived, and he wished us
+to go to a barn, and said he would bring us something to eat; but
+McGuire and I thought it best to go back to New York as soon as
+possible; so we got aboard a freight train for Norwalk and took the
+Owl, a midnight train, from there. Going to New York we sat in
+different parts of the car and did not speak. The train stopped for
+some reason or other at One Hundred and Twentieth street, and there
+McGuire and I got out.
+
+"We were then on our way to Tristram's house, and there we met Allen,
+Hudson and Tristram. They told us they had got on the car as agreed
+upon, and had got off at Harlem Bridge, and walked up the track about
+six miles, but, failing to find us, had become disgusted and returned
+home. That evening Tristram, McGuire and I started for Norwalk in the
+five o'clock train. We all got off at Stamford, and I went to a
+livery stable, for the purpose of hiring a horse and wagon in order
+to remove the stolen property. I told the stable keeper I was going
+to Norwalk, but it was so cold he would not hire his horses. We could
+not get a horse at Stamford, so we arranged to take the next train to
+Norwalk. We reached Norwalk the next day, and stopped at the house of
+old Josiah Tristram till Tuesday evening. On Monday evening we were
+joined by Hudson. He came to the house with Tristram in a Rockaway
+carriage. We then went to Coscob Bridge, got the hidden bags, and
+returned to Tristram's house. We here unpacked and repacked the bags,
+tying a couple of skate straps about them, so as to be handy for
+Josiah Tristram to carry them to New York next day, January 9. We
+remained here Tuesday evening, when Tristram and I were arrested."
+
+The effect of Clark's evidence was thrilling in the extreme. The
+story was too potent for cross-examination. The enemy was badly
+shattered and demoralized. Ex-Judge Stuart, counsel for the
+prisoners, maintained the currency was not money because it was
+incomplete without the bank officers' signatures, but he was
+overruled by the court.
+
+A host of witnesses were then produced to prove that Allen, Wells and
+some of the other prisoners were elsewhere on the night of the
+robbery. The characters of the witnesses for the defense broke down
+under cross-examination; but no matter, the jury disagreed--a result
+which had been anticipated owing to certain associations of one of
+the jurors with friends of some of the prisoners.
+
+A second trial was ordered, and took place in Danbury during the
+latter part of the year. During the interval that elapsed before the
+second trial, McGuire, who was out on bail, took part in the bold
+robbery of the Bowdoinham Bank, in Maine, for which he is now serving
+out a fifteen years' sentence in State Prison.
+
+Hudson managed to escape before the first arrest of the prisoners,
+and with ten thousand dollars of the stolen money went to Europe,
+where he has been ever since.
+
+One of Allen's friends, who was visiting Danbury with his family
+during the first trial, and who was on visiting terms with one of the
+jurors, represented to an old friend who met him in the hotel that he
+"had found Jesus" and was "leading a new life." He was congratulated,
+but carefully watched.
+
+One of the female witnesses for the _alibi_, a handsome brunette,
+said, on cross examination, that she was a dressmaker, but seldom
+made dresses, as she was the recipient of two hundred dollars every
+week from a New York merchant, who admired her for her beauty.
+
+At the second trial the four remaining prisoners, McGuire having gone
+into business in Maine, fared not so well. They were convicted and
+sent to Wethersfield, from whence some of them may have emerged wiser
+and better members of society. Some of them could not reform. The
+stolen money was nearly all recovered, and the Adams Express Company
+had, long previous to the end of the trial, indemnified all their
+customers for any loss sustained by the robbery.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+_The Jail at Bridgeport._--_An Important Arrest._--_Bucholz Finds a
+Friend._--_A Suspicious Character who Watches and Listens._--_Bucholz
+Relates His Story._
+
+
+A few days had elapsed after my taking charge of the case of William
+Bucholz, when two arrests were made by the officials of Bridgeport,
+one of which promised to have an important bearing upon the
+investigation in hand.
+
+One was that of a shrewdly-educated young Irishman, whose sharp,
+piercing black eyes, and closely-cut black hair, gave him a look of
+acuteness that was apparent to the most casual observer. He had been
+charged with false pretense in assuming to be the agent of a
+publisher of chromos, and his practice was to take orders for the
+pictures which he exhibited, from his unsuspecting customers, the
+same to be delivered at some future time. He would then receive a
+part of the purchase money in advance, and take his departure, while
+the innocent subscriber would look in vain for the fulfillment of his
+contract.
+
+The other arrest was that of a handsome and gentlemanly-looking man
+of about thirty-five years of age. His hair, which was prematurely
+gray, curled gracefully about his brow and temples, but his
+moustache, which was of a brownish color and carefully trimmed,
+lessened the indication of greater age on account of the color of his
+hair. He evinced a quiet reserve of manner, and a general air of
+respectability scarcely in accord with his appearing to answer for
+the commission of a crime, and many sympathetic remarks were made by
+the bystanders on the occasion of his hearing.
+
+He was charged with forgery, and had been arrested in the act of
+presenting a forged order for a money package, at the office of the
+Adams Express Company at Bridgeport. The evidence of the forgery was
+unmistakable, and the agent of the company detecting it, at once had
+the man arrested.
+
+These two arrests were almost coincident; their hearing at the
+preliminary examination took place at the same session of the court,
+and as each of them waived a hearing and were unable to procure bail,
+they were both consigned to the jail to await their trial at the next
+sitting of the general court.
+
+As a general thing there seems to be a sort of community of interest
+or fraternity of feeling existing between prisoners during their
+confinement. At certain hours in the day, in many places of
+imprisonment, the authorities permit the prisoners to leave their
+cells and to take exercise in the corridors. At such times they
+mingle together indiscriminately and indulge in general conversation,
+and many interesting episodes could be gathered from their recitals
+of the various scenes through which they have passed during their
+vicarious life, and the experiences thus related would tend to prove,
+beyond question, that the imagination of the romancer falls far short
+of the actual realities of life.
+
+Many wild and seemingly extravagant stories are related, which fill
+the listener with incredulity, but which, upon inquiry, are usually
+found to be but truthful relations of actual occurrences.
+
+But in this jail at Bridgeport there was one person, who, upon
+finding himself a prisoner, held himself aloof from the rest,
+declining to make any acquaintances or to engender any friendships,
+and this person was the quiet-looking man who had been arrested by
+the express company, and whose name was ascertained to be Edward
+Sommers. He studiously avoided his fellow-prisoners and maintained a
+degree of reserve which repelled their advances and at once induced
+their respect.
+
+Thomas Brown, the black-haired, false pretender, however, immediately
+placed himself on friendly terms with every one within reach, and his
+merry stories were fully appreciated by the residents of the
+correctional institution in which they found themselves thrown
+together.
+
+But how fared William Bucholz during the days that had intervened
+since his incarceration? His mind, it is true, had grown calmer since
+the first paroxysm of his grief had spent itself, and he had composed
+himself sufficiently to look the future hopefully in the face. As day
+after day was passed in the seclusion of his cell, he had grown
+reconciled to a certain extent to the existing state of affairs, but
+he still looked forward anxiously to the day which was to deliver him
+from the enclosing walls that restrained him of his liberty.
+
+He was moody and silent, and his mind was much disturbed. His waking
+thoughts were ever busy with the weighty and depressing consideration
+of his position and of the fate that hung over him like a pall. Hour
+after hour he would pace the corridors, seeking no companionship and
+taking no pleasure in the mirth-provoking actions of those who
+surrounded him, or in any of the events that transpired within the
+jail.
+
+Mechanically he would walk backward and forward, apparently in deep
+and dejected thoughtfulness, and when the time came for the keepers
+to lock him up again he would yield a ready but listless obedience,
+and spend the remainder of the time in reading and profound
+meditation.
+
+He appeared to have no visitors except his counsel and a few friends
+from South Norwalk. But his attorneys would invariably exercise a
+cheering influence upon him, and their visits were always looked
+forward to with pleasure.
+
+Under their ministrations Bucholz seemed to have buoyed himself up
+with a certain well-grounded hope of ultimate acquittal, and the
+thought of the possibility of conviction, while it would frequently
+occur to him, never found a firm place in his mind.
+
+During the infrequent and invariably short conversations that took
+place between himself and any of his fellow prisoners, he always
+spoke hopefully of his approaching trial, and ever asserted, with an
+air of conviction, that upon its completion he would walk out of the
+court-room a free man. His counsel had solemnly warned him against
+making a confidant of any one with whom he conversed, and he was
+always very careful in his utterances when speaking about his
+connection with the murder of Henry Schulte.
+
+Thus the days sped on until Edward Sommers entered the jail, and then
+it seemed as though his disposition for reserve entirely left him.
+There appeared to be some feeling of personal attraction between
+Bucholz and the newcomer almost unaccountable, for as they both had
+avoided the companionship of the other inmates, they, strange to say,
+soon quietly, almost imperceptibly, drifted into a friendship for
+each other seemingly as profound as it was demonstrative.
+
+Both being natives of Germany, they conversed in the language of the
+Fatherland, and as they were familiar with many localities of joint
+interest, they became quite intimate, and many hours were whiled away
+in the relation of their earlier experiences and in fond
+recollections of bygone days.
+
+During the entire time in which they were allowed to mingle with each
+other, these two would sit together, and their friendship soon became
+the topic of general conversation. Thomas Brown, however, seemed to
+be exceedingly uneasy under its manifestations, and he would
+oftentimes steal upon them unawares and endeavor to catch some
+fleeting words of their apparently interesting conversations.
+
+Under the inspiration of a mutual interchange of thoughts the two
+friends became warmly attached to each other, particularly so far as
+Bucholz was concerned. They shared together their stores and the
+delicacies which would be furnished them by visiting ladies or by the
+counsel of Bucholz, who frequently visited his client and supplied
+him with needed articles of diet, which were not furnished by the
+authorities of the prison.
+
+Thus matters went on, the friendship of Sommers and William Bucholz
+seeming to increase with every recurring day, and the watchful Brown
+still jealously watching their movements and attempting to listen to
+their confidences.
+
+They were sitting together one day shortly after this, when Bucholz,
+in a jocular manner, addressing his companion, said:
+
+"Ah, my dear Sommers, I am surprised to find you here in jail and
+upon such a charge as they have brought against you."
+
+"Yes, but my dear Bucholz, consider my surprise to find you here, and
+upon the charge of murder, too. You must remember you are not clear
+yet," answered Sommers, with a tinge of annoyance in his voice, but
+whether it was his tone or the language used that brought the color
+to the face of the accused man, Sommers did not then know.
+
+"Ah, you should not joke upon such a serious matter," he answered,
+with a degree of confusion that could not have escaped the attention
+of his friend.
+
+"Never mind, my friend," replied Sommers. "It will all come out right
+in the end, only you must not talk to your fellow-prisoners about
+their troubles, nor allow them to talk to you about yours."
+
+"Oh, no!" said Bucholz; "my lawyers always tell me to say nothing to
+anybody."
+
+"That is right. You cannot tell who would be your friend or who your
+enemy, in a place of this kind."
+
+The next day, as they were sitting together, two German newspapers
+were handed to Sommers by the hall-man, and upon receiving them he
+handed them at once to his companion. Bucholz opened the paper
+carelessly, but as his eyes glanced over its contents, he stopped,
+started to his feet, and then throwing the paper suddenly down upon
+the floor, he buried his face in his hands.
+
+"What is the matter now?" asked Sommers, astonished at this strange
+behavior, and picking up the discarded paper.
+
+"Look there!" exclaimed Bucholz, pointing to a passage in the paper.
+"Read that. That is the first time that paper ever said I was
+guilty."
+
+The article to which he alluded was in regard to a statement which
+Bucholz had made at the time of his arrest. In explaining the fact of
+his having several large sums of money in his possession, he had
+declared that his sister had sent them to him from Germany. This
+statement had just been discovered to be untrue, and the denial of
+the sister of the fact of her having sent any money at all, was the
+basis of the article in question.
+
+"This looks rather bad for you, William," said Sommers, sorrowfully.
+
+"It does look bad," he replied, "but I never did say that I received
+any money from my sister. I never did say anything of that kind."
+
+The black eyes of the ubiquitous Brown were upon the two men as they
+stood talking, but he was too far away to hear what was transpiring
+between them.
+
+"What can they have against you any how?" inquired Sommers. "Surely
+there must be some ground of suspicion upon which to base their
+charge."
+
+"Ah, you do not know. After the old man was murdered; I was arrested;
+I was closely questioned, and I did say some things that I should not
+have said. I had no lawyer, and a white-haired fox whose name was
+Illing did every thing he could against me. I did not have an
+opportunity to explain myself at all."
+
+"That was too bad, indeed," added Sommers; "but it can all be shown
+right upon the trial, and then you will come out safely."
+
+"Oh, yes, it will come out all right on the trial, I know, for then I
+will have my lawyers to defend me."
+
+"But, tell me, William, how did this murder occur?"
+
+Thus questioned, Bucholz, without hesitation, at once commenced and
+related to his friend the circumstances of the affair, adhering
+strictly to the same story which he had told at the inquest, and
+which he had religiously repeated ever since.
+
+While they were thus conversing, the jailer came to lock them in
+their cells for the night. Brown slipped quietly away, and the two
+men, thus so strangely thrown together, shook hands and retired to
+their separate apartments, where they spent the night in slumber. But
+ah, how pleasant or how fatiguing was that slumber!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+_Bucholz passes a Sleepless Night._--_An Important Discovery._--_The
+Finding of the Watch of the Murdered Man._--_Edward Sommers consoles
+the Distressed Prisoner._
+
+
+Our narrative must necessarily deal somewhat largely with the
+interior arrangements and experiences of a prison. Not a very
+gratifying spectacle certainly, nor one ordinarily calculated to give
+occasion for many incidents of a pleasurable character, or for those
+glossed with the tints of romance or gallantry.
+
+How many untouched pillows there are as the sable folds of night
+gather around the dreary walls of the prison. How many aching hearts
+and weary brains are waiting and watching for the dawning of the
+day--the coming of the bright rays of the morning, which shall dispel
+the gloom and despair of their narrow chamber, and gild with golden
+beauty the darkened corners where, in the solemn hours of the night,
+lurk the grim specters that were born of their remorse or their
+fears.
+
+Bucholz passed a sleepless night after the conversation just had with
+his companion, Edward Sommers; the buoyancy of his hopes was shaken,
+and between the fitful, restless slumbers, dark dreaming and frowning
+visitants came to him in all the forbidding presence of accusing
+spirits.
+
+In the morning he arose unrested and unrefreshed, and as he greeted
+his friend, the latter detected traces of tears in his eyes, which
+were shrouded with the dark lines that gave token of a lack of sleep
+and of intense mental distress.
+
+After the usual morning salutations were exchanged, they partook of
+their breakfast in silence. Upon the arrival of the hour for the
+admission of visitors, Paul Herscher, who had testified in regard to
+the money which Bucholz had given him, was announced as desiring to
+see the prisoner, and together they went into his cell.
+
+The information which he brought proved to be very important, though
+not in the least consoling, and appeared to have an effect upon
+Bucholz far from assuring. It appeared that a severe storm of snow
+had fallen on the Sunday afternoon following the murder, and which
+had remained upon the ground in the fields and woods until this time,
+when the March rains and warm sunshine had caused all traces of it to
+disappear, leaving the ground uncovered to the bright sunlight of a
+Spring morning.
+
+On the morning previous to this visit, a farmer engaged in the fields
+adjoining the farm formerly occupied by Henry Schulte, had discovered
+a watch lying upon the ground, which had evidently been hidden from
+view by the snow. This watch had been immediately identified as
+belonging to the murdered man.
+
+It will be remembered that at the inquest it had been discovered that
+the watch usually worn by Henry Schulte, had been torn forcibly from
+the guard around his neck, and from that time all traces of it had
+disappeared, until this unexpected resurrection from under its
+covering of snow.
+
+What made this discovery of more importance was the fact that the
+watch was found, not far from a fence bordering a road along which
+Bucholz was known to have traveled on the night of the murder while
+on his way to the village to give the alarm. It verily seemed as
+though another link had been forged in the chain of evidence that was
+being drawn around him, and Bucholz realizing this felt his heart
+sink within him, as he listened to the loquacious visitor who seemed
+to be very well pleased in having something to tell.
+
+Maintaining his composure, however, he listened to the recital
+without any evidence of emotion, and not one would have imagined that
+it had the slightest effect upon him other than that of curiosity,
+but after Paul Herscher had departed he threw himself upon his bed
+and sobbed bitterly.
+
+In this condition he was found by Edward Sommers a few minutes
+afterwards, and almost immediately thereafter he was followed by the
+stealthy-moving Brown, who, passing the door of the cell occupied by
+Bucholz, and looking in, had discovered the strange proceedings that
+were taking place.
+
+Posting himself upon the outside of the cell door Brown endeavored to
+listen to what ensued between the two men inside, but to his intense
+chagrin and disappointment he discovered that they were talking in
+German and he could not understand a word.
+
+Sommers seated himself upon the bed beside his companion, and placing
+his hand upon his shoulder endeavored to solace him in his apparent
+distress.
+
+"My dear fellow," said he, after Bucholz had told him the cause of
+his tears, "do not be so discouraged."
+
+"Ah, how can I help it," replied Bucholz, "when everything seems to
+be turning against me?"
+
+"Never mind, Bucholz; you have good lawyers, and they will tell you
+what to do," said his companion, soothingly. "Now, tell me, my
+friend, how many people ever saw this watch of Mr. Schulte? If he
+made no friends, he could not have shown his watch to many people."
+
+"That is so," replied Bucholz, eagerly catching at the suggestion,
+and his face brightened at once. "There is only one person who can
+identify it--the old man's former servant, Frank Bruner, and he must
+be got out of the way."
+
+Sommers gazed at his companion in astonishment. The change in him was
+wonderful--the depression of spirits had disappeared entirely, and
+this effect had been produced by a proposition to _dispose_ of one
+who might prove a damaging witness against him. Rather a strange
+suggestion to come from one who was entirely guiltless of crime!
+
+"You are a great fellow, Sommers," continued Bucholz, with glee, "and
+after we get out of this we will have a good time together."
+
+"What will we do to have a good time?" asked Sommers, rather
+doubtfully.
+
+"We will go to Australia," replied the other, in great good humor,
+"and we will enjoy ourselves there, I can tell you."
+
+"Yes, but that will take a great deal of money, and where is that to
+come from?"
+
+"Never you mind about the money; I will fix that all right. I do not
+intend to work, and you need not do so either."
+
+Sommers looked up at his friend, who smiled in a peculiar manner, and
+was about to question him further upon the subject, but at that
+moment the conversation for that day was interrupted by the
+announcement of a visit from Mr. Bollman, one of the counsel Bucholz
+had employed to conduct his case, and who was the only one of the
+attorneys who made frequent visits to their client.
+
+Sommers bade his friend good morning, and, as he left the cell, he
+ran forcibly against the listening Brown, who had ensconced himself
+near the door. The two men glared at each other for a moment, and
+then, without speaking, each went their separate ways. Sommers
+determined to keep his eye on this fellow, and dispose of him in a
+very decisive way should he prove further troublesome.
+
+Thus day by day did the intimacy between Bucholz and Sommers
+increase, while the watchfulness of Brown had not diminished in the
+least. He seemed to keep his searching eyes upon the pair, and
+scarcely any movement was made that escaped his notice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+_A Romantic Theory Dissipated._--_The Fair Clara becomes
+communicative._--_An Interview with the Barkeeper of "The Crescent
+Hotel."_
+
+
+While these events were transpiring within the jail, I was actively
+engaged in the attempt to follow the clue in relation to the two
+suspicious individuals who had made their mysterious appearance at
+Stamford on the night of the murder of Henry Schulte.
+
+It will be remembered that their actions attracted universal
+attention, and that, after inquiring for a train to New York, they
+had taken one going in a directly opposite direction.
+
+Judicious inquiries soon brought my officers in personal contact with
+several parties who distinctly recollected the two strange persons
+above mentioned, and from their descriptions we were enabled to trace
+them to their places of residence.
+
+It was ascertained that they were two respectable and peaceably-disposed
+Germans who resided at New Haven, and who had come to Stamford on
+that evening to attend a frolic at the house of a German farmer who
+lived near to that place. They had spent the evening in a jovial
+manner, and had left the house under the impression that by hastening
+their steps they would be in time to catch the train for their homes.
+They had consequently run the greater part of the distance to the
+station, which being nearly a mile away, accounted for their
+breathless condition upon reaching there. They had then inquired for
+a train _from_ New York, and not _to_ that city, and upon being
+informed that no further trains from that direction (as they
+understood it) would arrive that night, they had indulged in an
+extended personal altercation, each accusing the other of being the
+cause of their detention. When the train did arrive, contrary to
+their expectations, their ill feelings had not sufficiently subsided,
+and they sat sullen and apart upon their journey to their places of
+abode.
+
+These facts, of course, dissipated the romantic theory that foreign
+emissaries had been employed by the relatives of the deceased to put
+him out of the way in order to secure his wealth; and so that
+glittering edifice of speculation fell to the ground.
+
+I did not have much faith in this story from the outset, but it is a
+rule with me to follow every point in an investigation to a definite
+and satisfactory conclusion, and this line of inquiry was diligently
+pursued to the results mentioned. I therefore dismissed the matter
+from further consideration.
+
+Operatives were also detailed to visit the Crescent Saloon, where the
+fair and voluptuous Clara presided and ministered to the bibulous
+appetites of her numerous friends and admirers.
+
+They succeeded in making the acquaintance of the young lady, and by a
+liberal purchase of drinks, were successful in getting the fair but
+frail damsel in a communicative mood. She related her previous
+experience with Bucholz and confessed to entertaining at one time a
+decided regard for him, which regard was, however, not unmixed with
+fear. She also related several incidents, in which Bucholz, after
+having gone to South Norwalk, had visited the saloon and had been
+very lavish in spending his money.
+
+"He was here," said the girl, "only a few days before the murder, and
+he drank a great deal. He appeared to have plenty of money, and spent
+more than fifty dollars here at one time. He seemed wild and excited,
+and talked about the old man in a manner that frightened me. When I
+heard about the murder from the young servant that used to work for
+Mr. Schulte, I could not help thinking that Bucholz had something to
+do with it. His eyes had a wild, wicked look when he spoke about the
+old man's money, and I felt sure that he was robbing him during his
+lifetime. When I heard that he was dead and had been murdered, I
+could not help it, but I thought at once that Bucholz had done it. I
+do not know why I thought so, but I could not get rid of that
+impression."
+
+These statements, although furnishing no proofs of Bucholz's guilt,
+were of a character to convince me of the possibility of his having
+committed the murder. He had evidently been stealing from the old man
+before his death, and whether the murder had been committed to hide
+his previous robberies or to obtain possession of the great wealth
+which he carried about him, was the question I was resolved to
+determine.
+
+A visit was also paid to the hotel where Bucholz had boarded and
+where he had met Mr. Schulte and engaged in his service. The
+cheery-faced landlord was very reticent upon the subject, and but
+little was learned from him. His barkeeper, however, was more
+disposed to talk, and it was ascertained that when Bucholz had left
+the hotel to enter the employ of Mr. Schulte he had left unpaid a
+bill for board which had been accumulating for some weeks, and that
+his trunk had been detained in consequence. After the murder he had
+visited the hotel in company with the officers who had him then in
+charge, and had paid his bill and taken his trunk away. The barkeeper
+shrugged his shoulders and declined to have anything to say when
+asked about any suspicious actions on the part of Bucholz during his
+residence in the house or since his engagement with Mr. Schulte.
+
+From this person it was also discovered that a mail package,
+evidently containing some money, had been received at the hotel,
+addressed to William Bucholz. It purported to come from Germany, but
+an examination of the seals disclosed the fact that the package had
+been manufactured in the city, and that it had been designed to give
+color to the story of Bucholz's, of his having received money from
+his relatives who resided in Germany. There were, however, too many
+circumstances surrounding this package of a suspicious character to
+successfully deceive any one about its having come through the
+regular channels, or, in fact, having come from Germany at all. This
+package was the subject of discussion in the German paper, whose
+comments had produced such a marked effect upon the prisoner when he
+read it.
+
+This information I was compelled to receive for what it was worth.
+The package had been delivered, and I could only depend upon the
+recollections of those who had seen it at the time. Their statements
+or opinions would certainly not be received as evidence, nor could
+they be used in any legal manner. They only served to strengthen my
+belief in William Bucholz's guilty participation in the murder, and
+determined me to pursue my present system of investigation vigorously
+and unremittingly to a successful conclusion.
+
+
+
+
+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. He became livid in the face, his
+lips trembled, and casting a searching look at his companion, he
+said:
+
+"But I did not do this thing that I am accused of."
+
+Quietly and calmly his companion returned his glance, and then he
+laughingly said:
+
+"Oh, I know all about that. You can't fool me."
+
+Bucholz did not reply. In a few moments he turned away and left the
+cell, and the subject was not mentioned between them for several
+days.
+
+A short time after this, Sommers complained of the length of his
+confinement, and wished that he might have his bail reduced, in order
+to effect his deliverance. He also suggested that if he could once
+get out of the jail he could work for his friend--in whose welfare he
+was warmly interested--in a manner that would greatly benefit him.
+
+Bucholz, apparently ignoring this proposition, seemed anxious to
+revert to their previous conversation, and began by referring to his
+friendly relations with Henry Schulte during his lifetime, and
+complained of the absurdity of placing him in jail upon the charge of
+murdering him.
+
+"Why," said he, "he promised to take me with him to Germany and make
+me inspector of his estates there, and I should probably have been
+heir to many thousands of dollars at his death. Would I not be a fool
+to kill him?"
+
+Sommers listened patiently to the long recital, which he knew did not
+contain a particle of truth, and upon its conclusion he remarked, in
+a light, careless way:
+
+"Now, William, between you and I, I actually believe that you had
+something to do with this murder."
+
+Again that deathly pallor overspread his face; he became confused and
+scarcely able to speak--but at length, recovering himself with an
+effort, he declared his innocence, and said that he could not sit
+upon the bed enjoying health if he had done this deed, or knew the
+parties who had.
+
+"Why," continued he, "I would not have gone to Norwalk that night and
+reported the murder if I had done it. Ah, my dear Sommers, you will
+learn when you go to Norwalk yourself from everybody there that all
+my actions have been those of an innocent man."
+
+Sommers looked doubtfully at his friend, and when he had finished
+speaking, he said:
+
+"Well, Bucholz, it is none of my business. I hate to see you in this
+difficulty, and no matter whether you had anything to do with it or
+not, I will do all that I can to get you out of it. I feel almost as
+badly about it as you do."
+
+"Ah, Sommers, I tremble at the thought of a verdict of guilty! I
+think I should die upon the spot if I should hear that word."
+
+Sommers comforted him as well as he was able to do; promised him
+whatever assistance that was in his power to render him, and by
+repeated assurances, he succeeded in quieting his fears and restoring
+his tranquillity.
+
+It was finally agreed between them that Sommers should make a decided
+effort to be admitted to bail, and then securing his liberty, he
+should devote himself to the interests of his friend Bucholz, but
+during all their after conferences he never asserted his innocence to
+Edward 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 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. These two men, formerly so intimate and friendly, avoided each
+other so pointedly that it was observed by all the inmates of the
+prison, and to none did it afford more gratification than to the
+curious and suspicious Brown, whose black eyes now glittered with a
+wicked satisfaction as he noticed the coolness that existed between
+the two men whose previous friendliness had occasioned him so much
+concern.
+
+He immediately began to make advances toward Bucholz, with, however,
+but little success. William repelled his attempts at friendliness,
+and seemed to be sorrowful and despondent. He missed the
+companionship of Sommers. He felt convinced that he had accused him
+unjustly, and the only man he cared for among the many by whom he was
+surrounded held himself aloof from him, and he had no disposition to
+make new friends.
+
+Three days elapsed, during which no communication took place between
+them, and this continued silence proved too much for William Bucholz.
+He missed the companionship that had whiled away so many weary hours,
+and unable to endure any longer the anger of his friend, he sat down
+and indited a letter to Sommers, apologizing for his actions and
+proffering a renewal of his friendship.
+
+This message was duly received by Sommers, who, in addition to their
+estrangement, appeared to be distressed about his own affairs, but
+who, nevertheless, welcomed the repentant Bucholz with all the
+cordiality of his disposition, and the coldness of the past few days
+was forgotten in this renewal of their friendship.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+_The Reconciliation._--_Bucholz makes an Important Revelation._--_Sommers
+obtains His Liberty and leaves the Jail._
+
+
+It is a truism almost as old as Time itself, that true love is never
+fully known until after the lovers have once quarreled and made their
+peace. The kiss of reconciliation after a temporary estrangement is
+frequently more potent than the first declaration of affection.
+
+Nor was the rule disproved in the present case, and as the two men
+clasped hands upon the renewal of their seeming friendship, the
+crisis of their intercourse was reached. The separation of the past
+few days had shown Bucholz the necessity of a friendly voice and a
+friendly hand. The guilty secret which he had been keeping so long in
+his heart must find utterance--it had become heavy to bear. From this
+day forth all the concealment which he had practiced upon Sommers
+were to be swept away before the tide of this reconciling influence.
+Hereafter they were to stand face to face, acknowledged criminals,
+whose joint interest was to secure their liberty; whose only object
+was to effect their escape from the meshes of the law they had
+outraged, and which now seemed to envelop them so completely.
+
+No protestations of innocence or acknowledgments of guilt were
+necessary--the bedrock of an implicit and instinctive understanding
+had been reached, and each looked upon the other as fellow prisoners
+who were to suffer for their misdeeds, unless some potent agency
+intervened for their preservation.
+
+From the nature of their intercourse preceding this event, Sommers
+did not entertain a single doubt of the guilt of William Bucholz. His
+avoidance of the matter while in conversation; the confusion which
+marked his demeanor as Sommers conveyed to him indirectly or
+otherwise his belief that he knew more of the murder than he had as
+yet admitted, and his weak denials--all went very far to confirm him
+in the belief that William Bucholz, and him alone, was connected
+intimately and actively with the tragedy.
+
+At the interview which followed their reconciliation, Sommers
+appeared to be very much depressed, and gave his companion to
+understand that all his hopes of being admitted to bail had been
+disappointed on account of the failure of his attorney--who was also
+acting for Bucholz--to have the amount reduced, and of the inability
+of the friends upon whom he relied to furnish the large sum required.
+
+He also complained that the jailer had opened one of his letters and
+had discovered the fact that his relations were respectable people,
+who moved in good society, and who were as yet ignorant of his
+perilous and degrading situation. He was fearful that they would
+learn of his true condition unless he was enabled soon to effect his
+release. He regretted this fact particularly, because it prevented
+him from assisting his friend, who needed so much the services of
+some one to act in his behalf, which service, despite the previous
+doubts that had been entertained of him, he was still willing but
+unable to render.
+
+The disappointment of Bucholz was no less acute than that of his
+companion. He had counted so securely upon the release of Sommers, in
+order to enlist his services for his own safety, that the effect of
+this unpleasant information was painful to witness.
+
+At length, unable further to control himself, he threw his arms
+around Sommers, crying out:
+
+"Oh, I wish I could only get out one night, one single night, then I
+could give you five hundred dollars, and all would be right!"
+
+"That is easily said," replied Sommers, despondingly, "but if you did
+get out, where could you get the money?"
+
+"I am speaking the truth," said Bucholz. "If you wanted five
+thousand, I could give it to you, if I was only out one night. I
+could tell you a secret that would open your eyes, but as long as you
+are here I can do you no good, and you cannot help me."
+
+Sommers, who was reclining upon the bed, raised himself upon his
+hand, and looking Bucholz in the face with a knowing smile, said:
+
+"I suppose you would lift old Schulte's treasure!"
+
+Bucholz started slightly, but he had gone too far to retreat, and he
+admitted at once that if he could get out, he knew where the money of
+the murdered man was hid, and that no one beside himself possessed
+the knowledge.
+
+There was an instantaneous gleam of satisfaction in the eyes of
+Sommers as this information was conveyed to him, and he determined to
+secure his release at all hazards. New life seemed to be infused into
+him, and there was a glow of excitement in his ordinarily pallid face
+that told of the agitation of his mind.
+
+He jumped from the bed, and facing his companion, said:
+
+"I will get out of this if it is in the power of human effort to
+accomplish it. I will write to my friend at once, and no time shall
+be lost in the attempt."
+
+This change in his manner soon communicated itself to Bucholz, and in
+a short time, under the influence of this new-born hope, their
+conversation assumed a more cheerful strain, and bright pictures of
+the future were indulged in.
+
+Active measures were at once begun, the friends of Sommers were
+written to; another interview was had with the State's attorney, and
+sufficient reasons were offered for a reduction in the amount of the
+bail under which he was held.
+
+Mr. Olmstead, after listening to the statements made to him, agreed
+to the reduction asked for, and in a few days the necessary forms
+were gone through with. The requisite amount of money was deposited
+with the Court, and everything was in readiness for the release of
+Edward Sommers from his place of confinement.
+
+The information was conveyed to Bucholz and Sommers, while they were
+walking up and down the corridor during the hours in which they were
+released from their cells, and the effect was observable upon the
+faces of both. Bucholz, while rejoicing in the accomplishment of a
+result that would prove of incalculable benefit to himself, was none
+the less reluctant as the time approached, to part with the friend
+who had brightened many gloomy hours, and whose intercourse had
+produced such a beneficial change upon his spirits and disposition.
+
+He seemed loth, now that they were about to be separated, to utter
+the parting word, but as he thought of the advantage which this
+release would be to him, he assumed a cheerful demeanor, and appeared
+rejoiced at his speedy deliverance.
+
+Their leave-taking was of the most friendly character, and after
+bestowing upon Bucholz the various articles which his cell contained,
+and many delicacies which had been received during his imprisonment,
+Sommers prepared to leave the prison.
+
+Clasping the hand of Bucholz, he whispered:
+
+"Courage, William. I will see you often, and between us we will
+succeed in our undertaking yet."
+
+Saying which, and after a cordial parting salutation from the genial
+and pleasant jailer, Mr. Wells, the doors of the prison were
+unlocked, and Edward Sommers walked out into the bright sunshine and
+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 Bucholz of any suspicion in regard to
+the relations existing between them, and with that end in view he
+paid a visit to the city of New Haven, and finding Mr. Bollman, the
+counsel who had acted for both of them, at his office, he engaged him
+for the conduct of his own case when it should come to trial.
+
+In the course of the conversation which ensued, Mr. Bollman turned
+suddenly to Sommers, and said:
+
+"Do you know, Mr. Sommers, that I have earnestly and repeatedly
+warned my client against you? I had reason to believe that the
+prosecuting attorney had placed some one in the jail to cultivate the
+friendship of William Bucholz, in the attempt to obtain a confession
+from him, and I thought you were the man. William would not listen to
+this, however, and I myself believe now that such is not the case as
+regards yourself, but I told him that he must not trust any one with
+whom he was associated, nor make a confidant of any one in the
+prison. A man in his position, you know cannot be too careful."
+
+Sommers listened attentively and good-humoredly to these remarks, and
+finally informed Mr. Bollman that he knew Bucholz had been warned
+against him, for he had told him so.
+
+"But, Mr. Bollman," continued he, "you need not be afraid of me, for
+I have given him the same advice myself."
+
+"Do you know of any suspicious persons in the jail?" asked Mr.
+Bollman.
+
+"I cannot tell with any certainty," replied the other; "but I do not
+like the looks of one of the hall men, nor of that treacherous-looking
+Brown, who is always spying upon the actions of the inmates of the
+prison. I have warned Bucholz against these men myself, and I do not
+think he has given them any information whatever."
+
+After a protracted conversation, during which Sommers labored
+diligently and successfully to erase any latent suspicions from the
+mind of the attorney, Mr. Bollman at length said:
+
+"Well, Mr. Sommers, to be candid with you, my suspicions were the
+most decidedly aroused when I had my interview with Mr. Olmstead, the
+State's attorney, about your bail. He evinced an unwillingness to
+reduce the amount, and expressed a belief that you had known Bucholz
+before you came to the jail. His manner of speaking led me to think
+that he knew more about you than was good for my client, and I felt
+sure that he had been the means of placing you in the jail to watch
+him."
+
+"I quite agree with you, Mr. Bollman; it did look suspicious," said
+Sommers; "but Mr. Olmstead asked me the same questions when I spoke
+to him. I suppose he thought from our intimacy that I must have been
+acquainted with him before he was arrested."
+
+With this explanation, and the ingenuous manner in which it was
+given, the mind of Mr. Bollman seemed to be at rest upon this
+subject, and their further conversation related to the case in which
+Sommers himself would appear as defendant, and in which Mr. Bollman
+was to act as his counsel.
+
+Sommers informed him that he had seen the gentleman whose name had
+been forged, and that, in consideration of the family connections of
+the accused, he had agreed not to appear against him, and that there
+would be very little danger of his conviction of the crime of which
+he was charged.
+
+This appeared to be very gratifying information for Mr. Bollman, who
+therefore anticipated very little trouble in clearing his client and
+earning his fee.
+
+It was further arranged between them that a letter should be sent to
+the relations of Bucholz in Germany, who had not as yet displayed any
+sympathy for the unfortunate man or made any offer of assistance to
+him, during the hour of his trial.
+
+One noticeable feature of their conversation was the evident
+avoidance by both of them of a discussion of the probable guilt or
+innocence of the accused man, nor did either declare his belief in
+his innocence.
+
+Mr. Bollman expressed himself very carefully: "I have followed up the
+theory of his guilt, and it does not agree with his own statements or
+those of other people. Then, again, I have taken up the theory of his
+innocence, and this does not agree with his story either. It is a
+most extraordinary case, and sometimes it seems to me that it cannot
+be otherwise but that William Bucholz is the guilty party; and then,
+again, there are some of his actions that tend positively to show
+that he did not do it. I am at a loss what to say about it myself."
+
+Sommers gave Mr. Bollman to understand that he believed in the guilt
+of the accused man, but that, in despite of that fact, he was willing
+to help him to the extent of his power.
+
+And so they parted, and Edward Sommers returned to Bridgeport to be
+near his fellow-prisoner, and to carry out the plan which was to be
+entrusted to him.
+
+As he stepped from the train upon the platform, he was surprised to
+see the figure of Thomas Brown standing in the doorway of the
+station, evidently waiting for the train to bear him away for the
+time. Upon making inquiries he ascertained that he had been released
+on bail, and that he had found friends to assist him. He never saw
+him again. Whether this individual was an embryo detective, who was
+desirous of discovering the mystery of the Schulte murder, or whether
+he was simply a victim of intense curiosity, was never learned.
+
+He disappeared, and, so far as his relation to this narrative is
+concerned, was never heard of again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+_Sommers' Visit to South Norwalk._--_He makes the Acquaintance of
+Sadie Waring._--_A Successful Ruse._--_Bucholz Confides to His Friend
+the Hiding Place of the Murdered Man's Money._
+
+
+Upon the return of Edward Sommers to the jail at Bridgeport he was
+warmly welcomed by his friend, to whom the intervening days had
+passed slowly and wearily.
+
+His greeting was cordial and friendly, and as Sommers related his
+experiences during his absence, the eyes of William would light up
+with pleasure. No one to have looked at him now would have imagined
+for a moment that the face now wreathed with smiles had once been
+distorted by a murderous passion, or grown ashen pale with the fear
+of the consequences of his action.
+
+Their conversation was long and seemingly interesting, and as Sommers
+unfolded his plans for the relief of the imprisoned man, all doubt of
+their success was dissipated from his mind, and visions of
+prospective safety came thick and fast. He still appeared doubtful of
+communicating the promised secret of the hiding-place of the old
+man's money to his companion. He avoided the subject by eager
+questions upon other topics, and when the time arrived for the
+departure of Sommers, the confidence was still withheld, and the
+position of the stolen money was known only to the man who had placed
+it there.
+
+Sommers had informed him of his visit to Mr. Bollman and of the
+conversation which had taken place between them relating to the
+suspicions entertained by him of Sommers, to all of which Bucholz
+listened with wrapt attention, and when he was again solemnly
+cautioned about informing his counsel of the relations existing
+between them, or of their possession of any of the wealth of the
+murdered man, with a peculiar twinkle in his eye he promised a strict
+obedience.
+
+Finding it impossible to extract anything from him upon this visit,
+Sommers took his leave, promising to return upon the next day that
+visitors were admitted, and also agreeing to furnish him with some
+delicacies for which he had expressed a desire.
+
+Sommers began to grow impatient under this continued procrastination
+and evasion, and he resolved to take such measures as would
+accomplish the object desired. He had found, during his connection
+with Bucholz, that he had not the slightest regard for the truth. He
+would make the most astounding assertions, unblushingly insisting
+upon their truthfulness, and even when brought face to face with
+facts which contradicted his statements, he would stubbornly decline
+to be convinced or to admit his error or falsehood. All through their
+intercourse he had evinced this tendency to exaggeration and
+untruthfulness, and Sommers had grown to be very skeptical with
+regard to any statement which he would make.
+
+He had promised William to visit the farmhouse where Henry Schulte
+had resided, and to call upon the family of the Warings, who still
+continued to reside there, and to carry a message to Sadie.
+Accordingly, one morning he started for South Norwalk, and, arriving
+there in safety, he walked up the main road, and, entering through
+the gate in front of the house, he knocked at the door.
+
+The family were all absent except Sadie, who greeted the new-comer in
+a friendly manner. He announced himself as a friend of William's, and
+conveyed to her the affectionate messages which he had been entrusted
+with. Sadie appeared to be rejoiced at the information which he
+brought, and soon became quite communicative to the young man. She
+related to him the incidents of the murder, and expressed her belief
+in the innocence of Bucholz, and her hopes of his acquittal.
+
+Sommers, by the exercise of a little good nature and that tact which
+is generally acquired by a man of the world, succeeded in
+ingratiating himself into the favor of the young lady, and when,
+after spending some time in her company, he arose to take his leave,
+she volunteered to accompany him a short distance upon his journey,
+and to point out to him the spot where the murder had taken place.
+
+Her offer was cheerfully accepted by Sommers, and they were soon
+chatting pleasantly on their way through the fields. Arriving at the
+strip of woods, they walked along the narrow path and Sadie
+designated to him the place where the body had been found.
+
+Very different now was the scene presented. The trees, whose branches
+were then bare, were now covered with their bright and heavy verdure;
+the ground, that then was hard and frozen, was now carpeted with the
+luxurious grass; the birds sang merrily overhead, and the warm
+sunshine lighted up the wood with a beauty far different than was
+apparent upon that bleak winter night when Henry Schulte met his
+death upon the spot where they now were standing.
+
+They then walked together up the railroad, and meeting the mother and
+sister returning home, Sommers bade them a pleasant good-bye and
+promised to pay them another visit as soon as practicable.
+
+He determined to make this visit the groundwork of a definite attack
+upon the reticence of William Bucholz. The next morning, upon going
+to the jail, he informed William of his visit to South Norwalk, and
+of his meeting with Sadie Waring. After relating the various
+incidents that had occurred during his visit, and which were listened
+to with lively interest, he turned suddenly to Bucholz, and lightly
+said:
+
+"By the way, Bucholz, the Warings are going to move."
+
+Bucholz started suddenly, as though the information conveyed an
+unpleasant surprise.
+
+"You must not let them move, Sommers," he exclaimed quickly, and with
+an evidence of fear in his voice. "That will never do."
+
+"I can not prevent their moving," replied Sommers. "They will do as
+they please about that, I guess. Besides, what has their moving got
+to do with us?"
+
+"Oh, everything, everything," exclaimed Bucholz.
+
+"Well, they are going at all events."
+
+"Then the money must be got. Oh, Sommers, do not betray me, but one
+of the pocket-books is in the barn."
+
+"Whereabouts in the barn?" inquired Sommers, almost unable to conceal
+his satisfaction at the success of his ruse.
+
+"I will show you how to get it. I will draw a sketch of the barn, and
+show you just where it is to be found," exclaimed William, hurriedly.
+"Oh, my dear Sommers, you do not know how worried I have been. I
+first threw the money under the straw in the barn, and on the Sunday
+morning after old Schulte was killed I went out in the barn to get
+it, and put it in a safe place, when I found that the straw had been
+taken away. I stood there as if I was petrified, but I looked
+further, and there, under the loose straw upon the ground, I saw the
+pocket-book lying all safe. The man who had taken the straw away had
+not been smart enough to see it. I felt as though a bright gleam of
+sunshine had come over me, and I picked it up and hid it away in a
+safe place. My God! My God! What a fool I was."
+
+"I should think so," replied Sommers.
+
+Bucholz then drew a sketch of the barn, and designated the
+hiding-place of the money as being under the flooring of the first
+stall that you met on entering.
+
+It was with great difficulty that Summers retained his composure as
+he received this information, but he succeeded in controlling his
+emotions, and took the paper from the hands of his companion with a
+calmness which displayed the wonderful control which he exercised
+over himself.
+
+"There are some marks upon these bills," said Bucholz with a laugh,
+"and if Mr. Olmstead was to see them he would know what they mean."
+
+"Ah, yes," replied Sommers. "They are the numbers which Mr. Schulte
+put upon them, but," he added, confidently, "I will soon fix that, a
+little acid will take that all out and nobody will know anything
+about it."
+
+The prisoner laughed, gleefully, and slapping his companion upon the
+back, exclaimed:
+
+"Ah, Sommers, you are a devil of a fellow! and I can trust your skill
+in anything."
+
+He then informed Sommers that he did not know how much money was in
+the pocketbook; that he had taken some fifty and one-hundred-dollar
+bills out of it, but that fearing to have so much money about him he
+had replaced a large portion of what he had previously taken.
+
+The time was now approaching for visitors to leave the prison, and
+Sommers arose to go. Bucholz arose also, as if some new idea had
+occurred to him, or he had formed some new resolve; he said:
+
+"While you are there you may as well get--" then he stopped abruptly,
+and changing his mind, he added: "But never mind, that is too--high
+up."
+
+Sommers felt confident that his companion was withholding something
+from him, and he was resolved that before he had finished, he would
+arrive at the whole of the mystery, but he had gained enough for one
+day and he was compelled to be satisfied.
+
+Before leaving Bucholz for that day he informed him that he would
+take the money to New York and endeavor to get the marks out of the
+bills; that he would then throw the empty pocket-book in some place,
+where it would be found, and that would be a good thing for him upon
+the trial.
+
+Bucholz caught greedily at this suggestion, and laughed loudly at the
+prospect of blinding the eyes of justice by the operation of this
+clever trick.
+
+Leaving him in this excellent good humor, Sommers took his departure
+from the jail, and, in a jubilant frame of mind, returned to the
+town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+_Edward Sommers as the Detective._--_A Visit to the Barn, and Part of
+the Money Discovered._--_The Detective makes Advances to the Counsel
+of the Prisoner._--_A Further Confidence of an Important Nature._
+
+
+The reader is no doubt by this time fully aware of the character of
+Edward Sommers. He was a detective, and in my employ. Day by day, as
+his intimacy with William Bucholz had increased, I had been duly
+informed of the fact. Step by step, as he had neared the point
+desired, I had received the information and advised the course of
+action.
+
+Every night before retiring the detective would furnish me with a
+detailed statement of the proceedings of the day which had passed,
+and I was perfectly cognizant of the progress he made, and was fully
+competent, by reason of that knowledge, to advise and direct his
+future movements.
+
+The manner of his arrest had been planned by me, and successfully
+carried out; the money package had been made up in my office, and the
+forged order was the handiwork of one of my clerks, and the ingenious
+manner of carrying out this matter had completely deluded his
+accusers, by whom the charge was made in perfect good faith.
+
+During his occupancy of the prison he had so thoroughly won the
+confidence of William Bucholz that he had become almost a necessity
+to him. This guilty man, hugging to himself the knowledge of his
+crime and his ill-gotten gains, had found the burden too heavy to
+bear. Many times during their intercourse had he been tempted to pour
+into the ears of his suddenly-discovered friend the history of his
+life, and only the stern and frequently-repeated commands of his
+watchful counsel had prevented the revelation. But the time had come
+when, either through the fear of losing what he had risked so much to
+gain, or from the impelling force of that unseen agency which seeks a
+companion or a confidant, he had confided to his fellow-prisoner the
+hiding-place of the old man's wealth--the money stained with the
+life-blood of his master.
+
+How much he may have been guided to this course by the question of
+self-interest is a matter of speculation. He had been cruel enough to
+strike this old man down and to rob him of his money. He had been
+wary enough to wound himself, and to have feigned a terror which had
+deluded many into a belief in his innocence. He had been sufficiently
+sagacious to keep from his attorneys all knowledge of this money, and
+he had repeatedly denied to Sommers, and to every one else, any
+participation in the dark deed of that winter's night.
+
+When, however, it appeared to be possible that his fellow-prisoner
+might be of assistance to him in his approaching trial, and that this
+assistance could only be rendered by the release of Sommers from
+jail, he had caught at the suggestion and the result had followed.
+
+I became convinced as matters progressed that whatever knowledge
+Bucholz had of the crime would never be communicated while Sommers
+remained a prisoner, and hence, after he had been confined long
+enough to accomplish the preliminary object in view, I arranged that
+his bail should be reduced and that he should be released.
+
+It is not necessary to relate in detail the daily intercourse of
+these two men during their days of joint imprisonment. How Sommers,
+by dexterous questioning, had fathomed the mind of the suspected
+murderer, and become so closely identified with his interests, that
+he was regarded as the only man upon whom he could rely for
+assistance.
+
+The detective had played his part admirably. Although the constant
+object of suspicion, he had succeeded in overcoming all doubts that
+were entertained of his true position; and, although Bucholz had been
+repeatedly warned by his counsel against this man in particular, he
+had successfully outwitted them, and knew more of their client than
+they had been able to learn.
+
+After obtaining the information as to the place where William had
+secreted the money which had been taken from the murdered man,
+Sommers at once telegraphed, in cipher, the fact to my New York
+agency and requested instructions how to proceed. A trusted operative
+was at once sent to act with him, and to accompany him upon his visit
+to the barn in search of the treasure, and operative John Curtin was
+the man selected for that duty.
+
+He left New York on the following morning, and, arriving at
+Bridgeport, had an interview with Edward Sommers, and together they
+devised the plan by which they were to get possession of the dead
+man's money.
+
+They accordingly boarded the train for South Norwalk, and upon their
+arrival they separated and proceeded up the railroad track until they
+were out of sight of any curious eyes about the depot, when they
+rejoined each other and continued on their way.
+
+The barn where the money was alleged to be hidden stood between the
+house and the strip of woods through which they had come, and the
+large double doors were upon the side facing them. It was necessary
+that every precaution should be taken against being observed, and
+consequently it was decided that Sommers should enter the barn, while
+Curtin, reclining under one of the trees, would be enabled to keep
+watch and to warn his companion, should any one approach the barn and
+threaten detection.
+
+This plan being arranged, Somers walked directly towards the barn,
+the doors of which were closed and fastened upon the inside by a
+swinging bar. Inserting his hand through an opening in the wood-work,
+he pushed the bar from its place, and the doors flew open.
+
+Hastily entering the building, he found the interior to correspond
+exactly with the description given him by Bucholz, and a hurried
+glance showed him at once the place where the pocket-book was alleged
+to have been hidden.
+
+He soon reached the designated spot, and, reaching under the loose
+flooring near the head of the stairs, his eyes lighted up with
+satisfaction as his hand came in contact with the leather book which
+he had half hoped and half doubted to find there. Quickly removing it
+from its place of concealment, he deposited it in the inner pocket of
+his coat and ran from the barn in the direction of the spot where his
+companion was lying.
+
+John Curtin was provided with a stout adhesive envelope, and
+producing this, the earth-stained wallet was at once enclosed within
+it, and in the presence of the other the packet was sealed up
+securely. The two men then walked to the next station, and taking the
+train for New York, came directly to the agency.
+
+The German Consul was notified, and in a short time he made his
+appearance, when the package was placed in his hands, and he was
+requested to open it.
+
+He did so, and the contents of the book were counted in his presence
+and in that of Mr. Bangs and my son Robert. It was found to contain
+the sum of four thousand seven hundred and thirty-seven dollars, in
+United States money, each note bearing the numbers which had been
+placed upon them by Henry Schulte and which had also been discovered
+upon the money which Bucholz had been so lavish in expending after
+the murder and prior to his arrest.
+
+The gratification of all at the success thus far achieved was
+apparent upon their faces. Whatever belief had existed in their minds
+prior to this of the innocence of the man accused was swept away
+before this substantial and convincing proof of his guilt. All felt
+that we were upon the right track, and that the course pursued had
+been the only practical one under the circumstances.
+
+The money, after being carefully counted, was enclosed in a wrapper
+of heavy brown paper, to which the German Consul affixed his seal,
+and the package was placed in the fire-proof at the agency for safe
+keeping, until a final disposition should be made of it.
+
+It was evident that the money thus discovered was but a small portion
+of that which had been taken from the person of Henry Schulte, and
+Edward Sommers was directed to return to Bridgeport and continue his
+visits to Bucholz and his attempts to obtain further information
+regarding the balance.
+
+Bucholz had previously suggested to Sommers that someone should be
+sent to Germany to endeavor to procure some of the money which he had
+inherited from his uncle, in order to enable him to bear the expenses
+of his trial, and he had requested the detective to undertake the
+voyage. Sommers had demurred to this, and had recommended to his
+companion that Mr. Bollman, who was also a German, be commissioned
+for that purpose. This would induce the absence of the attorney and
+his cautions, and enable him to work with more freedom upon the
+prisoner. He therefore had offered to loan to Bucholz the amount of
+money that would be required to defray the expenses of such visit,
+and to take the note of his friend for the amount.
+
+Mr. Bollman cheerfully assented to this proposition, and only awaited
+the furnishing of the loan by Sommers to embark upon his journey to
+the home of Bucholz, and to attempt the collection of the money which
+he had inherited.
+
+Sommers was therefore provided with the sum of three hundred and
+fifty dollars in money which did not bear any of the marks that had
+been placed upon the notes belonging to Henry Schulte, and that
+evening he returned to Bridgeport.
+
+He visited William the next day and informed him of the success of
+his visit and of the finding of the money. He also told him that he
+had placed the package in a safe place, but that he had not yet been
+successful in removing the marks, owing to the peculiar nature of the
+ink with which the numbers had been made.
+
+Bucholz seemed to be both pleased and relieved with the results
+obtained, but seemed anxious that the money should be furnished for
+Mr. Bollman's departure as early as possible.
+
+Sommers then told him that he had succeeded in borrowing some money
+from a friend of his, which he would advance for that purpose, but
+that, in order to fully deceive Mr. Bollman, William should give him
+his note, in the presence of the attorney, for the amount. Upon this
+being done, the money would be forthcoming, and Mr. Bollman could
+depart at once.
+
+The next day Mr. Bollman visited the accused man by appointment, and
+the matter was explained to him by Sommers and Bucholz. He announced
+his approval of the loan about to be made. The note was duly drawn,
+the money counted out, and Bucholz handed the amount to his counsel.
+
+As Mr. Bollman received the money, he looked up quickly and inquired,
+in a quiet manner:
+
+"This money is not on the list, is it?"
+
+[Illustration: "_This money is not upon the list, is it?_"]
+
+It was a very adroit question, had the detective not been upon his
+guard, but without flinching, he looked doubtfully but steadily into
+his face, as he inquired:
+
+"What list? I don't know what you mean."
+
+"Oh!" replied Mr. Bollman, with a light laugh, "I thought this might
+possibly be some of Schulte's money."
+
+At this they all laughed, and the mind of the attorney seemed to be
+set at rest upon the point of Sommers' knowledge of anything in
+connection with the wealth of Henry Schulte.
+
+After Mr. Bollman's departure from the jail, Sommers, turning to
+Bucholz, said, in a quiet, unconcerned manner:
+
+"I heard that the Schulte estate has been sold, and that the
+new-comer intends to tear down the buildings at once. He bought it on
+speculation, and expects to find Schulte's money."
+
+Bucholz was visibly affected by this information. His face became
+pale, and his lips trembled as with suppressed emotion.
+
+"They won't find anything there, though," laughingly continued
+Sommers, apparently ignoring the excitement of his companion. "We
+have got ahead of them."
+
+"My God!" exclaimed Bucholz, not heeding the last remark. "This must
+not be done. I will trust you, Sommers, and we must get the _other
+pocket-book_. You must go there and get it."
+
+The excitement and distress of the young man were unmistakable, as he
+proceeded slowly and tremblingly to inform Sommers where the other
+book was to be found.
+
+"My dear Sommers, you must get this other money--it is in the barn
+also. In one corner there is a bench, and under this bench there is a
+large stone--you must dig under this stone and there you will find
+it."
+
+Sommers listened intently to the directions given, and promised to
+perform the duty that was imposed upon him, and, hiding the
+satisfaction that he felt, he soon after took his leave from his
+companion, who now seemed greatly relieved at the prospect of saving
+this treasure for which he had sacrificed so much, and which now
+seemed in such imminent danger.
+
+With mingled emotions of pride and satisfaction, Sommers left the
+jail and proceeded on his way to his lodgings.
+
+After a long struggle he had been successful. "The falcon, after many
+airy circlings, had made its swoop at last," and its polished talons
+had done their work not unsuccessfully. The stricken quarry might
+flutter for a while, but the end would be soon and sure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+_A Midnight Visit to the Barn._--_The Detective wields a Shovel to
+some Advantage._--_Fifty Thousand Dollars found in the Earth._--_A
+good Night's Work._
+
+
+The day following the revelations made in the preceding chapter,
+Edward Sommers returned to the agency and communicated the
+information which he had received the day before, and awaited
+instructions before proceeding further in the matter.
+
+My son Robert A. Pinkerton determined to accompany him upon this
+visit to the barn, and he also requested the German Consul to
+delegate some one from his office to be one of the party. To this
+proposition the German Consul at once assented, and Paul Schmoeck, an
+attache of the Consulate, was selected to accompany them upon their
+visit to the Schulte estate.
+
+Procuring a dark lantern and a garden spade, the party left New York
+about nine o'clock in the evening, and, without accident or delay,
+arrived at South Norwalk. On leaving the train, they separated, and
+Sommers, being acquainted with the road, walked on in advance. In
+order to avoid attracting attention, they walked up the main street
+of the town a short distance, and then, changing their course, they
+reached the railroad, along which they traveled until they arrived at
+the strip of woods in which Henry Schulte had met his death. They
+traveled along the narrow pathway and reached the stone wall, from
+which the house and barn stood in full view.
+
+The evening was beautiful indeed--a bright moon illuminated the
+landscape almost with the luminous light of day. The air was still,
+and not a breath rustled among the leaves of the trees overhead. A
+silence profound and impressive reigned over all. From afar the
+rumbling of the train which they had left was borne upon the air.
+Involuntarily the three men who had come to this place upon a far
+different errand stood in silent admiration of the natural beauty
+that was spread before them.
+
+Fearing that Henry Waring might have remained away from home later
+than was his wont, they waited until they felt reasonably sure of a
+freedom from interruption in their labor, and then, having finally
+concluded that all was safe, they proceeded quietly to the barn,
+whose doors were wide open, and offered no bar to their entrance.
+
+Lighting their lantern, they thoroughly searched the interior, in
+order to discover if any tramps had taken refuge under its roof. All
+was quiet as the grave. The moonbeams shone through the open door,
+lighting up the barn with its rays, and almost revealing the figures
+of the men who were within. They were afraid to close the doors,
+which they had found open, lest some one looking from the windows of
+the farm-house should suspect its being occupied and be tempted to
+make an examination.
+
+The spot designated by Bucholz was easily discovered, but, to the
+dismay of the visitors, they found that a large quantity of bark had
+been piled upon that particular corner of the barn, and that upon the
+top of this were thrown several sheets of tin, which had evidently
+been taken from the roof of some building.
+
+There was no help for it, however; the bark and tin must be removed,
+and Edward Sommers, throwing off his coat and vest, went to work with
+a will. Robert held the lantern, while Paul Schmoeck stood by, with
+his hands in his pockets, eagerly awaiting developments.
+
+The rattling of the tin, as it was being removed, was so loud that it
+was feared the sleepers in the farm-house would be awakened by the
+noise. They stopped and listened. Evidently their slumbers were
+profound, for not a sound came from its enclosing walls.
+
+The bark was soon disposed of, and then Edward Sommers grasped the
+spade and struck it into the ground. The clock in the distant town
+struck midnight as he commenced the task. Eagerly he worked and
+eagerly watched the two men beside him. Their eyes seemed to pierce
+through the damp mold, and every spadeful of dirt, as it was thrown
+up, seemed to increase their anxiety. Steadily worked the detective,
+and the new earth lay piled around him, but as yet no indication of
+the treasure they sought. The perspiration rolled from the face of
+the anxious Sommers, and a doubt began to creep slowly into his mind.
+Robert, too, partook of the anxiety of his companion, while Paul
+Schmoeck, who scarcely understood the object of their visit, looked
+doubtfully upon the proceedings and indulged in frequent mutterings
+of disappointment.
+
+Could it be possible that they had been deceived--that they were
+seeking for something which had no existence? Could Bucholz have
+imposed upon the credulity of Sommers and sent him upon this fool's
+errand? Or could the detective have made a mistake in the location
+designated? One or the other seemed to be the case. But hark! the
+spade strikes a hard substance; it must be the stone mentioned by
+Bucholz. With redoubled energy the detective wields his implement,
+and, at last, as he withdraws it from the ground, something glitters
+in the ray of the lantern. A closer examination disclosed several
+bright gold pieces, mingled with the dark lumps of dirt which had
+been lifted by the spade.
+
+[Illustration: "_With a joyful cry he exultingly held up a large
+wallet before his excited companions._"]
+
+An audible sigh of relief escaped them all as they looked. Robert
+took out his pocket-handkerchief, and the coins, dirt and all, were
+deposited within it. Surely success was certain now--and soon, by
+carefully digging away the surrounding earth, the detective was
+enabled to place his hands beneath the stone. Then, with a joyful
+cry, he withdrew a large wallet, and held it up exultingly before his
+excited companions.
+
+Ah, yes, victory was assured now, and, after carefully searching
+around the stone to discover if anything else had been hidden there,
+the wallet was placed in the handkerchief along with the coins, and
+they prepared to leave the place.
+
+The earth was replaced, the bark and tin were piled upon the top of
+it, and after they had finished, nothing in the appearance of things
+would indicate that midnight workers had been there, or that the
+murdered man's treasure had been discovered and removed.
+
+The overwrought nerves of the worker and watchers were strengthened
+by a long draught of prime "Eau de vie," which had been brought along
+by the considerate Paul, and after making sure that everything was as
+they had found it, they left the barn and proceeded toward the
+railroad.
+
+It was necessary now to get rid of the lantern and the spade. To
+retain them would be hazardous--they might be stopped upon the road,
+and the possession of a dark lantern and a wallet of money would be
+strong evidences of something else than a detective operation, and
+besides this, secrecy was all-important at the present time.
+
+Passing a ravine some distance from the scene of their operations,
+Robert threw the lantern away, and it dropped to the bottom with a
+noise that was echoed upon the quiet air; further on, the spade was
+disposed of, and then, disencumbered, the trio walked to Stamford,
+about eight miles distant, where they boarded a train and returned to
+New York, well pleased with the result of their night's work.
+
+It was six o'clock when they arrived. They proceeded at once to the
+Windsor Hotel, where the German Consul resided, and, awakening that
+gentleman, Robert sent up his card, when they were admitted to his
+parlor and the package was exhibited to his astonished gaze.
+
+To count the contents of this enclosure was now the next duty to be
+performed, and in the presence of all the parties the labor was at
+once commenced. The gold pieces were found to amount to one hundred
+marks--consisting of three twenty-mark and four ten-mark pieces--and
+it was noticed that one of them had a hole drilled through it. The
+wallet next received attention. It was discovered to be a pocket-book
+enclosed in a canvas wrapper, securely sewed together and fastened
+with sealing-wax.
+
+The German Consul removed this outer covering and the black leather
+book was disclosed to view, which gave evidence of containing no
+small amount of money.
+
+The contents were removed, and upon counting it, were found to amount
+to two hundred and four thousand marks, in one-thousand-mark
+bills--or nearly fifty thousand dollars. Verily a good night's work,
+and one to be proud of.
+
+The murdered man's money had been found, and the man who had stained
+his hands with blood would never reap the benefit of his crime.
+
+The notes, from their long continuance in the damp ground, were quite
+moist and adhered closely together, and the German Consul was
+therefore required to lift them carefully with his knife, and great
+care was necessary in handling them. Each of these notes was found to
+be numbered in the same manner as those recovered upon the first
+visit, and a complete list was made by which they could afterwards be
+identified.
+
+Besides the money, the package contained some cards, and a foreign
+passport in the name of John Henry Schulte, dated in April, 1878.
+
+After counting the money, it was, together with the articles found,
+wrapped in stout brown paper and duly labeled. All present then
+affixed their signatures to the wrapper, after which the German
+Consul wrote out a receipt for them, which was taken charge of by
+Robert.
+
+They then partook of some 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 arrival. He was nervous and excited,
+and his mind was troubled about the success of the enterprise upon
+which Sommers had gone.
+
+The news which the detective brought reassured him, however, and he
+laughed gayly as he thought that his money was now safe from the
+reach of any one but himself and his friend.
+
+There was something so cold and brutal about this laugh of Bucholz
+that caused the detective involuntarily to shudder as he gazed upon
+him. Here between the narrow walls of a prison cell he stood face to
+face with a man who had taken a human life, and who stood almost in
+the awful presence of retributive justice, yet his laugh was as clear
+and ringing, and his face as genial as though no trial awaited him
+and no judgment was in store.
+
+The sensitive nature of the detective recoiled from such close
+contact with this crime-stained man, but his duty required it and he
+performed it manfully and well.
+
+He related to Bucholz his visit to the barn (omitting, of course, to
+state who his companions were) and the finding of the money. As he
+mentioned the discovery of the gold pieces, Bucholz exclaimed:
+
+"Gold pieces! I cannot tell for the world how they got there. I don't
+know anything about them."
+
+It was evident that he had not examined this package prior to burying
+it in the ground, and Sommers suggested the possibility of their
+having been wrapped in the paper which enclosed the canvas-covered
+book.
+
+"You were very careless to put the money in such a place," continued
+Sommers; "the notes were so rotten, I was almost afraid to handle
+them."
+
+"You mean," said Bucholz, with a laugh, "that Schulte was careless,
+not me;" then starting up he walked backward and forward, exclaiming:
+"My God, how careless I was!"
+
+"Yes," replied Sommers, "after risking so much, you should have taken
+better care of it."
+
+Bucholz stopped in his walk, and facing his companion asked in a
+manner that gave every evidence of insincerity,
+
+"Do you think that I killed him?"
+
+"I think you know something about it," replied Sommers, gazing
+steadily into the eyes of his questioner. "Do you think if tramps had
+killed him, they would have left twenty thousand dollars upon his
+person?"
+
+"Well," said Bucholz, laughing in a bewildered manner, and then, as
+if taking comfort from the reflection and anxious to change the
+conversation, "the money is all right, anyhow."
+
+Yes, the money was, indeed, all right, but not in the sense he
+deluded himself by believing.
+
+They then discussed the various measures that were to be adopted in
+order to deceive the officers of the State.
+
+It was arranged that the two pocket-books should be thrown behind a
+large rock that stood by the railroad track, directly opposite the
+path which led through the woods and along which the old man and
+himself were in the habit of traveling. Bucholz seemed over joyed at
+this proposition, and with many flattering expressions complimented
+his companion upon the wisdom of his suggestions. They would have
+continued further, but the time had arrived for closing the jail, and
+Sommers was compelled to take his departure.
+
+Upon the occasion of his next visit he found a marked change in
+William Bucholz. He appeared to be silent and depressed in spirits.
+Horrible dreams had visited his fitful slumbers, and the accusing
+voice of the murdered man had rung in his ears during the solemn
+watches of the night. The pallid, blood-stained face of Henry Schulte
+had appeared to him, and his conscience had been an active producer
+of unrest and terror. Try as he would, that awful presence followed
+him, and he found sleep to be an impossibility. Hollow-eyed and sad,
+he greeted the detective, and as he cordially shook him by the hand,
+he noticed that a spasm of pain crossed the face of the prisoner.
+
+"What is the matter, William?" he anxiously inquired. "Have you seen
+a ghost?"
+
+"Oh, no," replied the other, with a shiver--"it is nothing, only a
+little cold, I guess."
+
+The quick eye of the detective could not be deceived--something had
+occurred of more than usual import, and he was determined to
+ascertain what it was. Pressing him closely, Bucholz admitted, with a
+forced smile, that on the day before, he had been reading Schiller's
+play of "The Robbers," and that becoming excited by the heroic action
+of "Carl von Moor," he had thoughtlessly plunged his penknife, which
+he had in his hand at the time, into his own side. The blade had
+touched a rib, however, and that prevented the wound from being very
+serious. The blood had flowed copiously from the incision thus made,
+and the wound was even now very painful.
+
+Sommers, at a glance, saw through this flimsy pretext, and realized
+at once what had happened. The miserable man, nervous and excited,
+had, in the excess of fear, attempted to take his own life. The grim
+specters of the night were too horrible to endure, and he had sought
+to escape their torments by the act which he had attempted.
+
+His shirt had been saturated with blood, and he had been compelled to
+destroy it to prevent detection.
+
+Sommers lectured him roundly upon this exhibition of weakness, and,
+after a time spent in friendly advice, he succeeded in reassuring
+him.
+
+Bucholz related to him at this interview a dream which he said he had
+the evening before. He had seen the court assembled--the room was
+filled with people and his trial was going on. Then, stopping
+suddenly in his narration, he gazed wildly at his companion, and
+exclaimed:
+
+"If you are a detective, you have made a nice catch this time. But,
+you see I have a steady hand yet, and if you were to take the stand
+against me, I would rise in my place and denounce you to the court.
+Then I would plunge a knife into my heart."
+
+The detective looked unflinchingly and scornfully into the glaring
+eyes of the man before him, and laughed lightly at his ravings. He
+resolved, however, in order to prevent accidents, that every
+precaution should be taken against the occurrence of such a scene.
+
+He had no fear that Bucholz would do what he threatened. At heart he
+knew the man to be a coward. No one who could stealthily creep behind
+his unsuspecting victim and deal the deadly blow of an assassin
+could, in his opinion, possess the moral courage to face a death by
+his own hands, and particularly after the failure of this first
+attempt.
+
+He did not communicate this opinion to the prisoner, but he treated
+the subject in a jesting manner, and told him that if he heard any
+more of such nonsense he would inform the prison authorities and his
+liberty would be curtailed.
+
+He then proceeded to unfold a plan which he had concocted for the
+relief of his friend, and to manufacture evidence that would bear an
+important part in the coming trial.
+
+He would procure an old shirt and a pair of pantaloons, which he
+would first stain with blood, and would then bury them in the ground
+near to the scene of the murder, and would then write an anonymous
+letter to the State's attorney and to the counsel for Bucholz,
+informing them of the place where they could be found.
+
+The prisoner eagerly accepted this suggestion. He seemed to forget
+his pain, his fears and his suspicions as he listened, and when
+Sommers had concluded he laughed heartily, then he added, hurriedly:
+
+"You must get an axe also, and bury that with the clothes; that
+was----"
+
+He stopped abruptly, as though afraid of saying too much, and Sommers
+looked inquiringly into his face.
+
+"How would it do to get the axe from the barn?" he asked; "the one
+that had blood on it when it was found."
+
+"That was chickens' blood," quickly replied Bucholz, "and it will not
+do. No, you must get an old axe from some other place and bury it
+with the clothes."
+
+Sommers promised to comply with all these things, and on leaving the
+prisoner for that day his frame of mind had considerably improved,
+and thoughts of a suspicious character were entirely dissipated.
+
+The anonymous letters were soon prepared, and it was arranged that
+they should be sent to San Francisco, Cal., and be remailed from
+there to Mr. Olmstead and to the counsel for William Bucholz.
+
+I experienced no difficulty in arranging this, as I have
+correspondents in almost every town and city in the United States;
+and the letters were upon the way to that distant Western city in a
+few days.
+
+The letter was as follows:
+
+    "FRISCO, AUG., '79.
+
+    "I AM NOW OUT OF REACH OF JUSTICE, AND WILL NOT SUFFER THAT A
+    INNOCENT MAN IS HELT FOR THE MURTER OF SCHULTE, AND VILL NOW
+    STADE WERE THE CLOTHES AND BOCKET BOOKS WERE TROWN. U MAY FIND
+    MORE BY SEARGEN THE GROUND, ABOUT TWO HUNDRED YARDS FROM WHERE
+    SCHULTE WAS KILLED THERE IS A STONE FENCE RUNNING N. AND S. AND
+    ONE RUNNING W., WERE THESE FENCES JOIN THERE IS A TREE CUT DOWN,
+    AND U FIND BETWEEN THE STONES, AND IN THE GROUND SOMETHING THAT
+    WILL SURPRISE U. I HOPE THIS WILL SAVE THE LIFE OF A INNOCENT
+    MAN.
+
+    "NAMELESS."
+
+It was printed in capitals and purposely misspelled, in order to
+convey the impression that the writer was a foreigner, and perhaps a
+tramp--many of which had infested that neighborhood.
+
+This letter pleased Bucholz immensely. It was, in his opinion, a
+wonderful production, and must certainly result in deceiving the
+State's attorney.
+
+Mr. Bollman had now returned from Germany, and his errand had been
+entirely successful. He had seen the relatives of Bucholz, and they
+had promised to aid him financially in his trouble. Further than
+this, they seemed to take no great interest in his welfare. Shortly
+after his arrival a draft was received, which, upon being cashed,
+placed in the hands of the prisoner sufficient moneys to enable him
+to secure the services of the additional counsel who had been loath
+to act energetically in the matter, until the question of
+remuneration had been definitely and satisfactorily settled.
+
+In order to recover the amount loaned to Bucholz for Mr. Bollman's
+expenses, Sommers suggested that in order to avoid any suspicion, he
+would demand of him the return of the same, and which he would inform
+Mr. Bollman his friend was greatly in need of.
+
+Mr. Bollman thereupon repaid two hundred and fifty dollars of the
+amount loaned, and Bucholz executed another due-bill for the sum of
+one hundred dollars, payable to Edward Sommers.
+
+Shortly after this occurrence Bucholz informed Sommers on the
+occasion of one of his visits that on the day previous he had been
+visited by two of his attorneys.
+
+They had labored assiduously to induce him to confess as to the
+relations existing between himself and Sommers. They told him that if
+he had made any revelations to him it might not yet be too late to
+counteract it, but if he refused to tell them the truth in regard to
+the matter they could not and would not be answerable for the
+consequences. General Smith graphically portrayed to him the effects
+which would follow a failure to confide entirely in his counsel, and
+Bucholz's frame shook perceptibly as he pictured the doom which would
+certainly follow if his attorneys had been deceived.
+
+But all their arguments were of no avail. He remained firm, and
+protested to the last that Sommers knew nothing about his case. The
+iron will upheld him during this ordeal, and the influence which the
+detective had gained over him had been of such a character as to
+outweigh the solicitations of those to whom he ought to look for
+relief on the trial that was now fast approaching.
+
+How far again the question of self-interest may have induced this
+action cannot be ascertained. Bucholz had been led to believe that if
+he communicated the existence of the money which he had secured, to
+his lawyers, and if they should succeed in obtaining control of it,
+his portion would be very small indeed, after they had paid
+themselves therefrom.
+
+This idea may have been of sufficient weight to compel his silence,
+but the result--whatever the cause--proved that the detective had
+achieved a victory over the attorneys, and that he wielded an
+influence over their guilty client which they could never hope to
+possess.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+_Bucholz grows Skeptical and Doubtful._--_A Fruitless Search._--_The
+Murderer Involuntarily Reveals Himself._
+
+
+The days sped on, and the trial of William Bucholz, for the murder of
+Henry Schulte, his employer, was fast approaching. Regularly Edward
+Sommers had visited the imprisoned man, and upon the occasion of each
+visit had endeavored to assure him of the possibility of escaping
+from the charge against him.
+
+The mind of Bucholz was in a chaotic state of worriment and unrest.
+Between his confidences to Edward Sommers and the repeated warnings
+of his counsel he scarcely knew what to do or what to say. At times
+he would bitterly regret having informed Sommers of anything about
+himself, and at others he would hug him to his breast as the only
+human being upon whom he could rely.
+
+To Sommers this experience had been a trying one indeed. He had been
+compelled to endure the various moods of Bucholz with patience and
+equanimity and to endeavor to disabuse his mind of frequent-recurring
+doubts. Many times during his visits he would be vexed beyond
+endurance at the doubtful questionings of his companion, which he
+frequently found very difficult to parry or explain. Then, too, he
+became extravagant in his demands, and required the choicest
+delicacies that could be procured. He wanted new clothing, and even
+expressed a desire that Sommers should procure for him a uniform
+dress of the regiment of hussars of which he was formerly a
+member--in fact, became so importunate in his demands and so
+ridiculous in his fancied wants, that Sommers, fearful of affording
+grounds for suspicion in the minds both of the inmates of the prison
+and of the counsel for Bucholz, was compelled to emphatically refuse
+to gratify his wishes.
+
+These denials of course were productive of differences of opinion and
+angry altercations. Fresh doubts would be engendered, which would
+require the exercise of all the ingenuity of the detective to allay.
+Bucholz seemed to have no idea that a liberal expenditure of money at
+this time would be very injurious to his case, and that as Mr.
+Bollman had sole charge of the money received from Germany, he would
+naturally become suspicious of his client should he discover that
+Sommers was supplying his wants from a source which his counsel was
+ignorant of.
+
+He thirsted also for a glance at the money which had been found,
+especially the gold-piece with a hole in it, and besought Sommers to
+bring it with him, so that he might feast his eyes upon the wealth
+that was soon to be his. So frequent and imperious became these
+demands that Sommers had the greatest difficulty in convincing him of
+the danger to both of them which would be attendant upon any such
+proceeding.
+
+He had informed Bucholz that the money had been securely placed in
+the vaults of a safe deposit company in New York City, but he did not
+tell him that the German Consul carried the key.
+
+Upon the occasion of almost every visit he would be compelled to
+wrestle with this doubtfulness of his companion before he could
+induce him to converse upon the matters that would naturally be
+considered of the utmost importance to him, but after long and
+arduous labor, he usually left him more cheerful and hopeful than he
+found him.
+
+The time drew near for the anonymous letters to arrive from San
+Francisco, and Sommers went to South Norwalk, and, locating the spot
+mentioned in the letter, he dug up the solid earth in such a manner
+as to convince whoever came to look for the hidden articles mentioned
+in the communication, that some one else had anticipated them, and
+that the articles had been removed.
+
+The letters were duly received, and Mr. Olmstead, who, of course, had
+been informed of their manufacture, upon receiving his paid no
+attention to the important information it was supposed to convey. The
+attorneys for Bucholz, however, visited the spot, and to their dismay
+and disappointment they found the earth broken, and every indication
+that the articles, if any existed, had been removed in advance of
+their arrival.
+
+When Bucholz heard of the disappointment of his counsel, he was much
+chagrined, and accused Sommers of having arranged it so that Mr.
+Olmstead received his before the other was delivered. This, however,
+was proven to the contrary, and the fact was that even had there been
+anything hidden under the ground, Bucholz's defenders were too
+dilatory in going in search of them.
+
+It was at the visit after the information had reached them of this
+fruitless search for important testimony, that Bucholz related to
+Sommers another dream, in which his former prison companion was said
+to have appeared to him as a detective, and as he finished the
+recital, he turned to his companion, and said:
+
+"If you are a detective, and if you do take the stand against me, it
+is all over. I will tell my lawyers to stop the trial--that will be
+the end of it--and me."
+
+Sommers laughed at this and turned the drift of the conversation to
+the question of the approaching trial and the evidence that would
+soon be produced against him.
+
+He asked him in a quiet manner, if he had thrown the two old pistols
+where they had been found on the night of the murder, and Bucholz,
+with a smile, answered him:
+
+"Oh, my dear fellow, you make a mistake; the murderers threw them
+there."
+
+Sommers looked incredulously at him for a moment, and then replied:
+
+"I did not ask you whether you killed the old man or not; but you
+must not think me such a fool as not to know it."
+
+Bucholz laughed, a hard, bitter laugh, and the glitter of the
+serpent's came into the wicked blue eyes, but he made no denial.
+
+"I never thought when I first became acquainted with you," continued
+Sommers, "that you knew anything about this murder, but rather
+thought you an innocent, harmless-looking fellow. Indeed I never
+imagined that you had nerve enough to do anything like that."
+
+Again that diabolical laugh, and Bucholz, holding out his right arm
+without a tremor of the muscles, replied, ironically:
+
+"Oh, no; I have got no nerve at all."
+
+The next day they referred again to the finding of the articles
+hidden in the ground, and Sommers informed his companion that Mr.
+Olmstead had secured the axe that was in the barn, and regretted very
+much that he had not taken it when he was there.
+
+Bucholz looked troubled at this information, but, rousing himself, he
+inquired:
+
+"What kind of an axe did you get?"
+
+"Why, I got one as nearly like that in the barn as I could--about as
+thick as the iron bars on the door of the cell there."
+
+"Yes, that is right," said Bucholz, eagerly, while a glow of
+satisfaction dashed across his face.
+
+"I don't know about that," replied Sommers. "How large were the
+wounds upon the head of Mr. Schulte?"
+
+"One was about three inches long."
+
+"Was that the wound that was made by the sharp edge of the axe?"
+
+"Yes! yes!" replied Bucholz, eagerly.
+
+"Well, how large was the other wound?"
+
+"Well," said Bucholz, musingly, and making a circle of his thumb and
+forefinger, he held it up before the detective; "I should think it
+was a hole about this large."
+
+No tremor of the voice, no shaking of the hand, as he held it up,
+but, with a cold, unfeeling look, he made this explanation.
+
+"I am afraid that the axe I bought was too large, because the back of
+it was as broad as the bar upon this door--about two inches."
+
+"That is right enough," quickly replied Bucholz, "because if you
+would take the axe and strike the blow upwards behind the ear, where
+that wound was, you would strike the head with the edge of the back,
+and that would crush in the bones of the skull and produce just such
+a hole as that was in Schulte's head."
+
+He illustrated this by starting to his feet and raising his hands as
+if he was about to strike the blow himself. The murderous glitter
+came again into those flashing eyes. His words came thick and
+fast--the demon smile was upon his lips. He was acting again the
+scene of that dreadful night, and, oblivious of his listener, or the
+impressions he was creating, he lived again that frightful moment
+when he had inflicted the blows that laid the old man dead at his
+feet.
+
+There was a realism about his manner that was awfully impressive, and
+the detective involuntarily shuddered as he looked into those
+gleaming eyes, in which murder was clearly reflected. All doubts were
+removed from his mind--the murderer of Henry Schulte stood before
+him--and if the judges and the jury that were to hear his case in a
+few days could have witnessed this scene, conviction would have been
+carried to the minds of the most skeptical.
+
+No confession seemed necessary now. If ever murder was depicted upon
+a human face it was expressed in every lineament of the face of the
+man who stood before the detective in that prison cell.
+
+The wicked gleam had not died out from his eyes, as, unconscious of
+the effect his manner had produced, he resumed his position, and
+added, in a tone of entire satisfaction:
+
+"Yes, yes, that axe is all right!"
+
+Edward Sommers shuddered as he gazed at the man before him--the man
+who had become as putty in his hands, and yet who possessed a heart
+so black as to be capable of the damning deed for which he was so
+soon to be tried for committing.
+
+He thought of the tears this man had shed in the darkness of the
+lonely nights; of the accusing voices that had rung in his ears
+during his uneasy slumbers; of the conscience that would not down at
+the command of the resolute will--and then of the incidents of this
+afternoon, when the murderer stood revealed before him in all the
+hideous deformity of his brutal passion and his self confessed crime.
+
+Of a truth events and not men are alone worthy of consideration in
+the life of a detective.
+
+
+
+
+THE JUDGMENT.
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+_The Trial._--_An unexpected Witness._--_A convincing Story._--_An
+able, but fruitless Defense._--_A verdict of Guilty._--_The triumph
+of Justice._
+
+
+The trial of William Bucholz for the murder of Henry Schulte began in
+the old Court House at Bridgeport on the ninth day of September, and
+a ripple of excitement pervaded the city. The interest attaching to
+this case had extended beyond the locality in which it had occurred,
+and the reporter's table was crowded with representatives of the
+various metropolitan journals who designed giving publicity to the
+proceedings of the trial.
+
+The judges, solemn and dignified, were upon the bench. The lawyers,
+bustling among their books and papers, were actively engaged in
+preparing for the scenes that were to follow, while the State's
+attorney, quiet and calm, but with a confident look of determination
+upon his face, awaited the production of the prisoner and the formal
+opening of the case.
+
+Bucholz had engaged the services of three lawyers--General Smith, who
+had acquired considerable fame as an attorney; Mr. Bollman, who had
+been connected with the case from its inception, and Mr. Alfred E.
+Austin, a young member of the bar, who resided at Norwalk.
+
+The sheriff entered with his prisoner, and placed him in the dock, to
+plead to the indictment that was to be read to him, and upon which he
+was to be placed upon trial for his life.
+
+He entered with the same careless, jaunty air which had marked his
+first appearance at South Norwalk, and except for a certain
+nervousness in his manner and a restless wandering of the eager
+glance which he cast around him, no one would have imagined that he
+stood upon the eve of a trying ordeal that was to result either in
+sending him to the gallows or in striking from his wrists the
+shackles that encircled them, and sending him out into the world a
+free man.
+
+He was dressed with scrupulous neatness, and had evidently taken
+great care in preparing himself for the trial. He wore a new suit of
+clothes, of neat pattern and of modern style, and his linen was of
+spotless whiteness and carefully arranged. As he entered and took his
+seat a suppressed murmur of surprise, not unmixed with sympathy,
+pervaded the court-room.
+
+The hall was crowded, and a large number of ladies, attracted,
+perhaps, by that element of curiosity which is inherent in the sex,
+and perhaps by that quality of sympathy for which they are
+remarkable, were present, and Bucholz at once became the focus of all
+eyes and the subject of universal comment and conversation.
+
+From the nature of the charge against him many had expected to see
+some ferocious-looking ruffian, whose countenance would portray the
+evidence of his crime, and whose appearance would indicate the
+certainty of his guilt. Their surprise was therefore unbounded, when,
+instead of the monster their imaginations had conjured up, they
+beheld the young, well-dressed and good-looking German who appeared
+before them, and a strong feeling of sympathy for the unfortunate man
+was manifested by a majority of those present.
+
+Considerable difficulty was experienced in securing a jury, but at
+length the requisite number were obtained, and Bucholz was directed
+to stand up and listen to the charge that had been preferred against
+him.
+
+A profound silence pervaded the court-room as the indictment was
+being read. The prisoner paid the strictest attention as the words
+were pronounced:--
+
+"How say you, prisoner at the bar; are you guilty or not guilty?" and
+he answered in a firm voice: "Not guilty!"
+
+The attorneys eagerly scanned the faces of the "twelve good men and
+true," into whose hands was soon to be confided the fate of the man
+who stood before them; but their impassive countenances gave no
+indication of the thoughts which occupied their minds. They had been
+chosen for the performance of a solemn duty, and were evidently
+prepared to perform it without fear or favor.
+
+Who can fathom the mind of the prisoner or conceive the myriad of
+vexing thoughts with which his brain is teeming? He exhibits no
+fear--he displays no excitement--but calmly and quietly and with
+watchful eyes he gazes around upon the scene before him--a scene in
+which he is an important actor, and in which his fate is being
+determined.
+
+Without the formality of an opening address, the State's attorney
+calls the first witness--Mrs. Waring. This lady details the
+occurrences of the afternoon and evening of the murder--the facts of
+which are already known to the reader. She also testified to the
+friendly relations existing between the murdered man and the
+prisoner, except upon one occasion, when, shortly before the death of
+Mr. Schulte, she had heard angry words in their apartments. No
+importance was attached to this, as the disagreement was of short
+duration, and their pleasant intercourse was speedily resumed.
+
+The evidence of the two daughters and the son of Mrs. Waring was
+taken, but they simply confirmed the story as related by the mother.
+The various persons who were present at the finding of the body--the
+physicians who had made the post mortem examination, were examined as
+to their knowledge of the murder, and the circumstances incident
+thereto.
+
+The officers who had charge of Bucholz testified to his extravagances
+during the time that intervened between the murder and the formal
+arrest of the prisoner, and to the fact of the money which he had
+expended bearing the peculiar marks which had been noticed upon it.
+
+Frank Bruner had been found by my operatives, and he identified the
+watch that had been found as belonging to Henry Schulte. He also
+testified to the conversations which took place between himself and
+Bucholz before he had left the service of Mr. Schulte, and also that
+the old gentleman had called upon him on the morning of that fatal
+day, and had informed him of his intention to dispense with the
+services of Bucholz on the 15th day of the succeeding month, and
+requested Frank to again enter his service; which he had promised to
+consider before deciding finally upon.
+
+The examination of these various witnesses had occupied two days, and
+nothing very serious or convincing, except of a circumstantial
+nature, had been proven. Bucholz appeared jubilant and hopeful--his
+counsel were sanguine of acquittal, and even the jurors looked less
+sternly as their eyes fell upon the prisoner.
+
+The countenance of the State's attorney was an enigma to the lawyers
+for the defense. Confident and self-reliant, he had marshaled his
+array of witnesses, and their testimony was a consistent recital of
+the events relating to the murder and the various circumstances
+relating thereto. Nothing definite or convincing had as yet been
+proven, and the attorneys wondered at the undismayed demeanor of the
+prosecuting officer.
+
+On the afternoon of the third day, after the examination of two
+unimportant witnesses, Mr. Olmstead arose, and, addressing the
+sheriff, said:
+
+"Call Ernest Stark."
+
+There was nothing unusual in the name, and but little attention was
+paid to the order thus given. The prisoner and the attorneys had
+never heard the name before, and no uneasiness was manifested upon
+their faces, but when, in answer to that call, Edward Sommers entered
+from the ante-room, and stepping upon the witness stand, confronted
+the court, a change came over the faces of the accused and his
+counsel, wonderful to behold.
+
+Bucholz staggered to his feet with a smothered expression of physical
+agony and stood for an instant pressing his hand convulsively upon
+his brow, his eyes, full of savage but impotent fury, were fixed upon
+the detective; but this emotion soon passed away and yielded to a
+vague, bewildered expression, as he sank back into his seat, overcome
+by the feelings which oppressed him.
+
+[Illustration: "_His eyes full of savage but impotent fury were fixed
+upon the detective._"]
+
+The attorneys, stolid and immovable, gazed at this unexpected
+apparition, but long practice in their profession had enabled them to
+conceal their emotions, however powerful the influence, and, except
+the first start of surprise, no outward indication was given of their
+astonishment at the appearance of the detective or their chagrin at
+the duplicity of their client.
+
+The detective, calm and imperturbable, and apparently unconscious of
+the important part he was playing in this sad drama, stood there
+immovable, the perfect immobility of his face undisturbed by the
+consternation of counsel or the confusion of the prisoner.
+
+Under the examination of the State's attorney, he told his story in a
+firm, deliberate manner, that carried conviction to the minds of all.
+He detailed the various experiences of his prison life and of his
+intercourse with the prisoner. He related the admissions which
+Bucholz had made to him, and testified to the influence which he had
+gradually acquired over the mind of the accused man.
+
+He graphically described their several interviews, and finally he
+detailed at length the finding of the money of the murdered man,
+hidden in the places to which Bucholz had directed him.
+
+The silence in the court-room was most impressive. The crowded
+audience who had at first been amazed at the appearance of the
+detective, now leaned eagerly forward in their intense desire to hear
+each word that was spoken. The judges listened intently as the
+well-chosen sentences, fraught with so much importance to the cause
+of justice, fell from his lips.
+
+The eager, exulting ring of the voice of the State's attorney as he
+conducted the examination, and the low, modulated tones of the
+witness as he gave the damaging answers, seemed to affect all
+present, and, with their eyes riveted alternately upon the witness
+and the prisoner, they listened breathlessly as he related his
+convincing story.
+
+William Bucholz, after the first exhibition of his emotions, sat
+silent and apparently stunned during the whole of the rendering of
+this testimony. His eyes were fastened upon the detective witness,
+but no movement of the muscles of his face betrayed the despairing
+thoughts within. Silently he sat there--his arms folded across his
+chest, with cheeks blanched and eyes staring straight forward toward
+the witness-stand.
+
+Already he sees the hand of impending fate, and as this unexpected
+web of circumstantial and positive evidence is being slowly and
+systematically woven about him, the shadow of the gallows falls upon
+him, and yet he makes no sign. The resolute will and inflexible
+nature sustain him firmly under this trying ordeal.
+
+As Ernest Stark related the finding of the hidden wealth of the
+murdered man which he had secured, an involuntary exclamation of
+surprise burst from the assembled listeners, and when he had finished
+his story a sigh of apparent relief escaped them.
+
+The testimony of the detective had occupied a day and a half in its
+rendition, and upon the opening of the court upon the succeeding day,
+the haggard look of the prisoner told unmistakably of the sleepless
+vigil of the night before. His lips remained sealed, however, and no
+one knew of the agony of his mind.
+
+Upon the conclusion of the detective's testimony, the money which had
+been found in the old barn was exhibited in evidence, and, as the
+earth-soiled pocket-books and the great roll of notes were displayed,
+eager eyes watched their production. It was the price of a human
+life, and another life hung trembling in the balance because of it.
+
+Robert A. Pinkerton was called, and confirmed the statement of Ernest
+Stark with regard to the midnight visit to the barn and the finding
+of the money.
+
+Paul Schmoeck and another attache of the German Consulate identified
+the notes produced, and also testified as to its safe-keeping since
+it had been so miraculously unearthed.
+
+Two important witnesses were now introduced, who proved beyond a
+doubt that this money was upon the person of Henry Schulte upon the
+night of the murder. This evidence was necessary, because the
+sagacious attorneys for the prisoner had already invented a plan of
+defense, at once ingenious and able. There had existed hitherto no
+proof that this money which had been found in the barn was in the
+possession of the murdered man at the time of the tragedy, and
+Bucholz might only be the thief who had robbed his master during his
+absence, and not the criminal who had imbrued his hands in his blood.
+
+Henry Bischoff and his son, prominent German bankers, and dealers in
+foreign exchange, distinctly remembered the visit of Henry Schulte to
+their banking house upon the day on which the murder was committed.
+The father identified some of the notes which had been found in the
+first package as those which had been given him in exchange for mark
+bills, and the son identified the gold pieces which had been
+unearthed with the second package as those which he had given to Mr.
+Schulte upon that day. Both pocket-books must therefore have been
+upon the person of Henry Schulte as he walked home upon that winter's
+night accompanied by his trusted servant who had robbed and murdered
+him.
+
+The clothing of the accused man, which he had worn upon that night,
+and which had been secured immediately after the occurrence of the
+tragedy and legally retained, were also introduced and identified.
+The shirt contained spots of blood, and the pantaloons also displayed
+evidences of the same crimson fluid.
+
+The prosecution then closed their case, and the defense began.
+
+Undismayed by the convincing character of the testimony which had
+been given, the attorneys for Bucholz labored diligently and ably to
+explain away the damaging proofs which had been adduced.
+
+Their cross-examination of the witness who had been known to them as
+Edward Sommers had been very light; they had not attempted to impeach
+his veracity or to question the truthfulness of his relations, and
+while this was a matter of surprise to many at the time, the wisdom
+of such a course soon became evident.
+
+The principal witness for the State was to be used as a reliable
+instrument in the hands of the defense, and the testimony of Edward
+Sommers was to be relied upon to substantiate the theory by which the
+attorneys for Bucholz hoped to delude the jury and to save their
+client.
+
+The finding of the money was admitted as the result of revelations
+made by Bucholz to the detective, but they endeavored to prove that
+though he might have robbed the old man, it was impossible for him to
+have killed him.
+
+It was contended upon the part of Bucholz, that the money was taken
+from the pockets of the murdered man while Bucholz was assisting in
+carrying the body to the house, and that he was enabled to do this
+the more easily, because he alone knew where the old gentleman placed
+the money which he carried about his person.
+
+This theory was ingeniously suggested and ably argued, and several
+minor points of evidence were adduced in support of it. The
+blood-stains upon the clothing were also sought to be explained.
+Those upon the shirt were alleged to have been produced from the
+bleeding of the face of the prisoner who was wounded upon the same
+evening, and the pantaloons, it was claimed, had received the stains
+upon them from the blood which had dropped while Bucholz was
+assisting the bearers to carry the corpse to the house after the
+preliminary investigation by the coroner.
+
+With rare skill were these theories presented, and with desperate
+energy these able attorneys led the forlorn hope against the strong
+fortress of conviction which seemed to enclose their unfortunate
+client. The audience, the judges and the jury were profoundly
+impressed, but they were not convinced.
+
+The judge charged the jury, and before the force of his sound, legal
+utterances, the airy castles which had been so ingeniously builded
+fell to the ground, and the hopes of the prisoner and his friends
+were buried in their ruins.
+
+The case was handed to the twelve men, and many scrutinizing glances
+were directed toward them as they slowly retired to deliberate upon
+their verdict. Faint hopes were entertained of a disagreement, but
+all felt that conviction would be but a natural result.
+
+Slowly the crowd of spectators dispersed, as it became apparent that
+no report would be received that evening, and many ladies, moved by
+that latent sympathy which is usually manifested for great criminals,
+approached the prisoner, and, together with their condolences,
+bestowed upon him their offerings of flowers and fruits.
+
+At twelve o'clock the next day--during a recess of the court--a loud
+knock was heard upon the door which led to the jury-room. Instantly
+every voice was hushed and every eye was strained to watch the
+countenances of these arbiters of fate who slowly entered and took
+their seats.
+
+Bucholz was laughing gayly with some acquaintances, but he became
+instantly serious--the smile died away from his lips, and he
+anxiously awaited the announcement that was to convey to him the
+blessing of life or the doom of death.
+
+Slowly the jurors arose and faced the court.
+
+"Gentlemen of the jury, have you determined upon your verdict?"
+
+Breathlessly they all listened.
+
+"We have."
+
+These words fell like a thunderbolt upon the assembly. The prisoner's
+face grew pale; he grasped the railing in front of him and gazed
+wistfully at the jurors who stood beside him.
+
+"Prisoner at the bar, stand up," said the clerk; and Bucholz arose
+immediately, turning his pallid face toward the jury-box.
+
+The gray-haired foreman, whose elbow almost touched the prisoner,
+looked at him with a glance in which was depicted a sympathy, which,
+while it was heartfelt and sincere, was not of sufficient force to
+outweigh a conscientious discharge of duty.
+
+"Gentlemen of the jury, how say you? Is the prisoner at the bar
+guilty or not guilty?"
+
+With trembling voice the venerable foreman said, slowly:
+
+"Guilty of murder in the first degree!"
+
+The guilty man fell back in his seat, as though he had been struck a
+heavy blow, and bowing his head upon the railing, he sobbed wildly.
+
+The trial was over. Justice had triumphed, and this crime-stained
+man, who was now the object of so much attention, was decreed to pay
+the penalty of his misdeeds.
+
+The mystery of the murder of Henry Schulte had been judiciously
+solved, and the detective had triumphed over the assassin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+_Another Chance for Life._--_A Third Trial._--_A Final Verdict._--_and
+a Just Punishment._
+
+
+Immediately upon the rendering of the verdict, the attorneys for
+Bucholz moved for an arrest of judgment and filed their reasons for a
+new trial.
+
+After a delay of some weeks, an argument was had thereon. It was
+contended among other things that one of the jurymen, during the
+trial, and while they had not been confined, had spoken of the case
+upon which he was engaged, and had expressed an opinion in regard to
+the matter which he had been selected to determine.
+
+Upon this fact being shown to the satisfaction of the judges, a new
+trial was ordered, and the month of the succeeding February was fixed
+as the time for the hearing of the same.
+
+The second trial was had, and although the evidence adduced was the
+same as upon the preceding occasion, or if anything stronger and more
+convincing, the jury disagreed and were finally discharged.
+
+A remarkable feature of this disagreement was the fact that upon the
+final polling of the jury that was taken, the vote given was: For
+murder in the first degree, nine; for murder in the second degree,
+two; and for _absolute acquittal_, one.
+
+Grave doubts were entertained of the influence which induced that
+single vote, but in the absence of any proof to the contrary it must
+be regarded as an honest opinion conscientiously given.
+
+Another respite was thus afforded the unhappy prisoner, and the third
+trial--now just completed--was fixed for the thirteenth day of April
+in the present year.
+
+Again the court has been convened, and the formality of a trial has
+been gone through with. The jury have been sworn, the witnesses have
+been examined and arguments have been made. Still, despite the
+vigorous and persistent attacks that have been attempted, truth
+prevails in the courts of law, and justice is triumphant.
+
+After a laborious trial, lasting over three weeks, the jury have
+rendered a verdict of "Guilty of murder in the second degree," and
+the prisoner, standing tremblingly before the bar of justice, has
+been condemned to "_imprisonment for life_."
+
+After exhausting all the technicalities that could be devised, the
+murderer of Henry Schulte will suffer the penalties of the law.
+
+                    *      *      *      *      *
+
+Again we will visit the prison and look within the narrow cell where
+William Bucholz is confined. After a long struggle, fate has overtaken
+him. The dark shadows of night have gathered over the gloomy walls of
+the structure, and William Bucholz is now alone--the pale, thin face
+and the sunken eyes tell the agonizing story of unending anxiety and
+those sleepless vigils attendant upon the terrible state of uncertainty
+through which he has passed, and the doom which he is now to suffer.
+
+His hair is disordered and he wildly pushes it away from his temples,
+as though its trifling weight added to the burden already resting
+upon his brain. The veins stand out upon his temples--now almost
+bursting with the intensity of the thoughts that have been crowding
+upon him--and still they come, vivid and terrible.
+
+Vainly he tries to seek that rest that will bring Nepenthe to his
+dreams, but the specter of that murdered old man will arise before
+his vision, and rest is impossible. Ah, how many long, weary days and
+nights, fraught with terror and remorse, will come to this
+unfortunate man ere he finds a final release and a bed of earth!
+
+The miser of Hagen is avenged--and the murderer will suffer for his
+crime.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+                    *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+1882.           1882.
+
+G. W. CARLETON & CO.
+
+NEW BOOKS
+
+AND NEW EDITIONS,
+
+RECENTLY ISSUED BY
+
+G. W. CARLETON & CO., Publishers,
+Madison Square, New York.
+
+The Publishers, on receipt of price, send any book on this Catalogue
+by mail, _postage free_.
+
+All handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt backs suitable for libraries.
+
+
+Mary J. Holmes' Works.
+
+Tempest and Sunshine                   $1 50
+English Orphans                         1 50
+Homestead on the Hillside               1 50
+'Lena Rivers                            1 50
+Meadow Brook                            1 50
+Dora Deane                              1 50
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+Marian Grey                             1 50
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+Ethelyn's Mistake                       1 50
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+
+
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+Charles Dickens--15 Vols.--"Carleton's Edition."
+
+Pickwick, and Catalogue                $1 50
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+Martin Chuzzlewit                       1 50
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+MRS. MARY J. HOLMES' WORKS.
+
+TEMPEST AND SUNSHINE.
+ENGLISH ORPHANS.
+HOMESTEAD ON HILLSIDE.
+'LENA RIVERS.
+MEADOW BROOK.
+DORA DEANE.
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+OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
+
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+She is in many respects without a rival in the world of fiction. Her
+characters are always life-like, and she makes them talk and act like
+human beings, subject to the same emotions, swayed by the same
+passions, and actuated by the same motives which are common among men
+and women of every day existence. Mrs. Holmes is very happy in
+portraying domestic life. Old and young peruse her stories with great
+delight, for she writes in a style that all can comprehend."--_New
+York Weekly._
+
+The North American Review, vol. 81, page 557, says of Mrs. Mary J.
+Holmes' novel, "English Orphans":--"With this novel of Mrs. Holmes'
+we have been charmed, and so have a pretty numerous circle of
+discriminating readers to whom we have lent it. The characterization
+is exquisite, especially so far as concerns rural and village life,
+of which there are some pictures that deserve to be hung up in
+perpetual memory of types of humanity fast becoming extinct. The
+dialogues are generally brief, pointed, and appropriate. The plot
+seems simple, so easily and naturally is it developed and
+consummated. Moreover, the story thus gracefully constructed and
+written, inculcates without obtruding, not only pure Christian
+morality in general, but, with especial point and power, the
+dependence of true success on character, and of true respectability
+on merit."
+
+"Mrs. Holmes' stories are all of a domestic character, and their
+interest, therefore, is not so intense as if they were more highly
+seasoned with sensationalism, but it is of a healthy and abiding
+character. Almost any new book which her publisher might choose to
+announce from her pen would get an immediate and general reading. The
+interest in her tales begins at once, and is maintained to the close.
+Her sentiments are so sound, her sympathies so warm and ready, and
+her knowledge of manners, character, and the varied incidents of
+ordinary life is so thorough, that she would find it difficult to
+write any other than an excellent tale if she were to try
+it."--_Boston Banner._
+
+The volumes are all handsomely printed and bound in cloth, sold
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+G. W. CARLETON & CO., Publishers,
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+
+CHARLES DICKENS' WORKS.
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+A NEW EDITION.
+
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+Among the many editions of the works of this greatest of English
+Novelists, there has not been until _now_ one that entirely satisfies
+the public demand.--Without exception, they each have some strong
+distinctive objection,--either the form and dimensions of the volumes
+are unhandy--or, the type is small and indistinct--or, the illustrations
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+
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+COMPLETE IN 15 VOLUMES.
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+The illustrations are by the original artists chosen by Charles
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+attractive and substantial character.
+
+This beautiful new edition is complete in 15 volumes--at the
+extremely reasonable price of $1.50 per volume, as follows:--
+
+ 1.--PICKWICK PAPERS AND CATALOGUE.
+ 2.--OLIVER TWIST.--UNCOMMERCIAL TRAVELLER.
+ 3.--DAVID COPPERFIELD.
+ 4.--GREAT EXPECTATIONS.--ITALY AND AMERICA.
+ 5.--DOMBEY AND SON.
+ 6.--BARNABY RUDGE AND EDWIN DROOD.
+ 7.--NICHOLAS NICKLEBY.
+ 8.--CURIOSITY SHOP AND MISCELLANEOUS.
+ 9.--BLEAK HOUSE.
+10.--LITTLE DORRIT.
+11.--MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT.
+12.--OUR MUTUAL FRIEND.
+13.--CHRISTMAS BOOKS.--TALE OF TWO CITIES.
+14.--SKETCHES BY BOZ AND HARD TIMES.
+15.--CHILD'S ENGLAND AND MISCELLANEOUS.
+
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+
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+End of Project Gutenberg's Bucholz and the Detectives, by Allan Pinkerton
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