in earnest conclave with two men.

Happening to glance up Clymer recognized Kent and beckoned to him to
come inside. "You know Taylor," he said by way of introduction. "And
this is Mr. Harding of New York--Mr. Kent," he turned around in his
swivel chair to face the three men. "Draw up a chair, Kent; we were just
going over to see you.

"Yes?" Kent looked inquiringly at the bank president, the gravity of his
manner betokened serious tidings. "What is it, Mr. Clymer?"

Clymer did not reply at once. "It's this," he said finally, with blunt
directness. "Your partner, Philip Rochester, appears to be a bankrupt.
Harding and Taylor came in here to attach his private bank account to
cover indebtedness to their business firms."

An exclamation broke from Kent. "Impossible!" he gasped.

"I would have said the same this morning," declared Clymer. "But on
investigation I find that Rochester has over-drawn his account here
for a large amount and borrowed heavily. The further I look into his
financial affairs the more involved I find them."

"But"--Kent was white-lipped. "I know for an absolute fact that
Rochester was paid some exceedingly large fees last week, totaling over
fifty thousand dollars."

"He has never deposited such a sum, or anywhere like that amount in this
bank either last week or this," stated Clymer, running his eyes down a
bank statement which, with several pass books, lay on his desk.

"Does he carry accounts at other banks?" inquired Harding.

"Not that I can discover," responded Taylor. "I have been to every
national and private banking house in Washington, but all deny having
him as a depositor. Did Rochester ever bank out of town, Kent?"

"Not to my knowledge." Kent drew out a bank book. "Here is the firm's
balance, Mr. Clymer; we bank here, you know."

"Yes." Clymer's look of anxiety deepened.

"Did you see McDonald as you came in?"

"Yes, he cashed some checks for me."

"Your personal checks?"

"Yes." Kent looked questioningly at Clymer. "What do you mean?"

"Only this; that all moneys deposited here in the firm name of Rochester
and Kent have been drawn out."

"That's not possible!" Kent started up.

"Checks on that account must bear both Rochester's signature and mine."

"Checks bearing both signatures have been presented for the total sum
deposited to your credit," stated Clymer and he picked up four canceled
checks. "See for yourself."

Kent stared at the checks in dumbfounded sil