"I could look
through your safe, Mr. Kent, because Rochester was your senior
partner and you shared the office together; I was within the law."
"Perhaps you were," Kent controlled his anger with an effort. "But
I had told you I did not know Rochester's whereabouts before I
showed you the Cleveland telegram, which you claim is bogus."
"It's bogus, all right," insisted the detective. "I thought it just
possible I might find some paper which would give me a clew to
Rochester's hiding place, so I went through the safe."
"How did you get it open?" asked Kent.
"I found it open."
Kent leapt to his feet. "You - found - it open! "- he stammered.
"Why, man, I locked that safe securely just before I left the office
at six o'clock."
Sure?"
Absolutely certain."
"Were you alone?"
"Yes, all alone. Sylvester left at five o'clock"
"Who knew the combination of the safe?"
"Only Rochester and I."
It was Ferguson's turn to spring up "By -!" he exclaimed. "I thought
the electric bulbs in the office felt warm, as if they had recently
been burning - Rochester must have been there just before me.
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