"The fact that aconitine was used convinces me of that," answered
Kent.
Ferguson thought a moment. "If that is the case," he said,
grudgingly, "it sort of squashes the charge against Philip
Rochester."
"It would seem to," agreed Kent. "But every shred of evidence I
find points to Rochester as the guilty man."
Ferguson edged his chair forward. "What have you discovered?" he
demanded eagerly.
"This," Kent spoke with increased earnestness. "That Philip
Rochester is apparently a bankrupt, that he has over-drawn his
private account at the Metropolis Trust Company, and withdrawn our
partnership funds from the same bank."
"Your partnership funds!" echoed the detective, eyeing Kent sharply.
"How did you come to let him do that?"
"I was not aware that he had done so until Mr. Clymer told me of
the transaction this afternoon," answered Kent.
"You did not know" - Ferguson looked at him in dawning comprehension.
"You mean Rochester absconded with the funds?"
"Some one forged my name to checks drawn on the firm's account,"
Kent continued.
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