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.