" Ferguson's small eyes
were trying to out-stare Kent, but the latter's clear gaze did not
drop before his. "Are you aiding Philip Rochester in his efforts
to elude arrest?"
"I am not," declared Kent emphatically. "What prompts the question?"
"The fact that you are Rochester's partner," Ferguson pointed out;
his manner was still stiff. "It would be only natural for you to
help him disappear out of friendship, or" - with a sidelong glance
- "from a desire to hush up a scandal."
"On the contrary I want Rochester found and every bit of evidence
against him sifted out and aired," retorted Kent. "Two heads are
better than one, Ferguson; let us work together. Rochester must be
located within the next twenty-four hours."
Ferguson debated a moment, but Kent's speech as well as his manner
indicated his sincerity, and the detective shook off his suspicions.
"Have you had any further news of your partner?" he asked.
"No; that is" - recalling the scene in the bank early that afternoon
-" nothing that relates to Rochester's present whereabouts.
Pages:
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217