"
"Whereas Philip Rochester was on the point of bankruptcy," remarked
Ferguson. "Do you suppose he forged Colonel McIntyre's letter and
gave it to Turnbull, and the latter got the securities from the bank
treasurer and handed them over to Rochester in good faith, supposing
his room-mate would give the papers to Colonel McIntyre?"
Kent nodded in agreement. "It looks that way to me," he said
gloomily. "Philip Rochester stood well in the community, his law
practice is large and lucrative, and if it had not been for his
periods of idleness and - and" - hesitating - "passion for good
living, he would never have run into debt."
"But he got there." Ferguson's laugh was contemptuous. "A
desperate man will do anything, Mr. Kent."
"I know," Kent looked dubious. "I would believe him guilty if it
were not for the use of aconitine - that shows premeditation on the
part of the murderer."
"And why shouldn't Rochester plan Turnbull's murder ahead of the
scene in the police court?" argued Ferguson. "Wasn't he living in
deadly fear of exposure? If he did not commit the murder, why did
he run away? And if he is innocent, why doesn't he come forward and
prove it?"
"He may not know that he is suspected of the crime," retorted Kent,
rising.
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