--"

"It will keep." Kent's mouth was set and determined. "I give you my word
of honor that all Rochester's honest debts will be paid by the firm if
necessary; I will obligate myself to that extent," he paused. "As for
you fellows," turning to Harding and Taylor who had also risen. "Give me
twenty-four hours--"

"What for?" they chorused.

"To locate Philip Rochester," and waiting for no answer Kent bolted out
of the office.

CHAPTER XV. WHEN THE LIGHT FAILED

The city lights were springing up block T after block along Pennsylvania
Avenue as Detective Ferguson left that busy thoroughfare and hurried to
the Saratoga. He stepped inside the lobby of the apartment house a full
minute before his appointment with its manager, and went at once to look
him up. Before he could carry out his purpose he was joined by Harry
Kent.

"Finley had to go out," the latter explained.

"I told him I would go up to Rochester's apartment with you."

Ferguson thoughtfully caressed his clean-shaven jaw for a second, then
came to a rapid decision.

"Lead the way, sir," he said. "I'll follow." Kent found him a silent
companion while in the elevator and when walking down the corridor to
Rochester's apartment, but once inside the living room, with the outer
door tightly closed, Ferguson tossed down his hat and his whole demeanor
changed.

"Sit down, Mr. Kent." He selected a chair near Rochester's desk for
himself, as Kent found another. "Let's thrash this thing out; are you
working with me or against me?"

"Why do you ask?" Kent's surprise at the question was evident.

"Because every time I arrange to examine this apartment or inquire into
Rochester's whereabouts you show up." 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