第10章

"Philip Rochester, the well known criminal lawyer, was assigned by the court to defend the prisoner.Upon the evidence submitted Judge Mackall held the prisoner for trial by the grand jury.

"It was just after the Judge's announcement that 'John Smith,' then sitting in the prisoners cage, was seized with the attack of angina pectoris which ended so fatally a few minutes later.

It was not until after he had expired that those rendering him medical assistance became aware that he was James Turnbull in disguise.

"James Turnbull was a native of Washington, his father, the late Hon Josiah Turnbull of Connecticut, having made this city his permanent home in the early '90s.Mr.Turnbull was looked upon as one of the rising young men in banking circles; he was also prominent socially, was a member of the Alibi, Metropolitan, and Country Clubs, and until recently was active in all forms of athletics, when his ill-health precluded active exercise.

"Officer O'Ryan, who was greatly shocked by the fatal termination to Mr.Turnbull's rash wager, stated to the representatives of the press that Mr.Turnbull gave no hint of his identity while being interrogated at the 8th Precinct Station.Friends attribute Mr.Turnbull's disinclination to reveal himself to the court, to his enjoyment of a practical joke, not realizing that the resultant excitement of the scene would react on his weak heart.

"Mr.Turnbull is survived by a great aunt; he had no nearer relatives living.It is a singular coincidence that the lawyer appointed by the court to defend Turnbull was his intimate friend, Philip Rochester, who made his home with the deceased."Kent read the column over and over, then, letting the paper slip to the floor, sat back in his chair, too dumb-founded for words.

Jimmie Turnbull arrested as a burglar in the home of the girl he loved on charges preferred by her, and defended in court by his intimate friend, both of whom were unaware of his identity! Kent rumpled his fair hair until it stood upright.And Jimmie's death had followed almost immediately as the result of over-excitement!

Kent's eyes grew moist; he had been very fond of the eccentric, lovable bank cashier, whose knack of performing many a kindly act, unsolicited, had endeared him to friends and acquaintances alike.

Kent had seen much of him after his return from France, for Jimmie's attention to Helen McIntyre had been only second to Kent's devotion to the latter's sister, Barbara.The two men had one bond in common.

Colonel McIntyre disliked them and discouraged their calling, to the secret fury of both, but love had found a way - Kent's eyes kindled at the recollection of Barbara's half-shy, wholly tender reception of his ardent pleading.

Turnbull's courtship had met with a set-back where he had least expected it - Philip Rochester had fallen deeply in love with Helen and, encouraged by her father, had pressed his suit with ardor.

Frequent quarrels between the two close friends had been the outcome, and Jimmie had confided to Kent, before the latter left on the business trip to Chicago from which he had returned that morning, that the situation had become intolerable and he had notified Rochester that he would no longer share his apartment with him, and to look for other quarters as quickly as possible.

So buried was Kent in his thoughts that he never heard Sylvester's knock, and it was not until the clerk stood at his elbow that he awoke from his absorption.

"A lady to see you, Mr.Kent," he announced."Shall I show her in?""Certainly - her name?"

"She gave none." Sylvester paused on his way back to the door.

"It is one of the Misses McIntyre."

"Good Lord!" Kent was on his feet, straightening his tie and brushing his rumpled hair."Here, wait a minute "- clutching a whisk broom in a frantic endeavor to remove some of the signs of travel which still clung to him.But he had only opportunity for one dab at his left shoulder before Barbara entered the office.

All else forgotten, Kent tossed down the whisk broom and the next instant he had clasped her hand in both of his, his eyes telling more eloquently than his stumbling words, his joy at seeing her again.

"This is a business call," she stated demurely, on you and Mr.

Rochester." Her lovely eyes held a glint of mischief as she mentioned Kent's partner, then her expression grew serious."Iwant legal advice."

"I am afraid you will have to put up with me," Kent moved his chair closer to the one she had selected by the desk."Rochester is out of town.""What!" Barbara sat bolt upright."Where - where's he gone?""I don't know "- Kent pulled Rochester's letter out of his pocket and re-read it."He did not mention where he was going."Barbara stared at him; she had paled.

"When did Philip leave?"

"Last night, I presume." Kent tipped back his chair and pressed a buzzer; a second later Sylvester appeared in the doorway.

"Did Mr.Rochester tell you where he was going?" he asked the clerk.

"No, sir.Mr.Rochester stated that you had his address.

"I?" Kent concealed his growing surprise."Did he leave any message for me, other than the letter?""No, sir.

"At what hour did he leave the office?"

"I can't say, sir; he was still here when I went away at five o'clock.He gave me a key to the office so that I could get in this morning." Kent remained silent, and he added, "Is that all, sir?""Yes, thanks," and the clerk retired.

As the door closed Barbara turned to Kent."Have you heard about Jimmie Turnbull?"Her voice was a bit breathless as she put the question, but Kent, puzzling over his partner's eccentric conduct, hardly noted her agitation.

"Yes.I saw the account just now in the morning paper," he answered.

"A shocking affair.Poor Turnbull! He was a good fellow.""He was!" Barbara spoke with unaccustomed vehemence, and looking at her Kent saw that her eyes were filled with tears.Impulsively he threw his arm about her, holding her close.