June 10, 2025 • 9 mins
Dive into a world where nothing is as it seems, as the thrilling mystery of Red Seal, penned by Natalie Sumner Lincoln, unfolds. Overflowing with red seals and red herrings, this enthralling narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing and second-guessing until the very last chapter! (summary by J. M. Smallheer)
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter fourteen of The Red Seal by Natalie Sumner Lincoln.
This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Pay Cash.
It was the rush hour at the Metropolis Trust Company,
and the busy paying teller counted out silver and gold
and treasury notes of varying denominations, with the mechanical precision
(00:20):
and exactness which experience gives. Suddenly his hand stopped midway
toward the money drawer, his attention arrested by the signature
on a check. A swift glance upward showed him a
girl's face at the grille of the window. There was
an instant's pause, then she addressed him, do hurry, mister
mc donnell, father is waiting for me. Pardon me, miss McIntyre.
(00:43):
He stamped the check and laid it to one side.
How do you want the money? Oh? I forgot. She
glanced at a memorandum on the back of an envelope,
Missus Brewster wishes ten tens, five twenties and ten ones,
thank you good afternoon. And counting over the money, she
thrust it inside her bag and hurried away. She had
(01:04):
been gone a bare five minutes when Kent reached the
window and pushed several checks toward the teller. Is mister
Clymer in his office mac Donald, he asked, placing the
bank notes given him in his wallet. I'm not sure.
The teller glanced around at the clock. The hands stood
at ten minutes of three. It's pretty near closing time,
Kent still, he may be there. I'll go and see,
(01:27):
and with a nod of farewell, Kent turned on his
heel and walked off in the direction of the office
of the Bank President. On reaching there, he saw through
the glass partition of the door Climber seated in earnest
conclave with two men happening to glance up. Climber recognized
Kent and beckoned him to come inside. You know Taylor,
(01:47):
he said, by way of introduction, And this is mister
Harding of New York. Mister Kent. He turned around in
his silvil chair to face the three men. Draw up
a chair. Count. 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, mister Clymer.
(02:08):
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
(02:29):
have said the same thing this morning, declared Clymber. But
on investigation, I find that Rochester has overdrawn 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
(02:50):
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 Clymber,
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,
(03:12):
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, mister Clymer, we bank here,
you know, yes. Climber's look of anxiety deepened. Did you
(03:34):
see mc donald as you came in? Yes? He catched
some checks for me, your personal checks. Yes. Kent looked
questioningly at Climber. What do you mean only this that
all money is 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
(03:56):
Rochester's signature and mine. Checks bearing both signatures have been
presented for the total sum deposited to your credit, stated Climber,
and he picked up four canceled checks. See for yourself.
Kent stared at the checks in dumbfounded silence, Then carrying
them to the light, he examined them with minute care
before bringing them back to the bank president. This is
(04:19):
the first I have heard of these transactions, he said,
You mean that the signatures are clever forgeries. His statement
was heard with gravity. Taylor exchanged a meaning look with
the New Yorker. You mean your signature is a forgery?
He suggested. Rochester had a peculiar gift of penmanship, Kent
sprang up. Do you accuse Philip Rochester of signing these
(04:42):
checks and inserting my name to them? I do, calmly.
I am not familiar with your signature, Kent, but that
Rochester wrote the body of those four checks and put
his own signature at the bottom, I will swear to
in any court of law to make them valid. He
had to add your name, But damn it, man, Kent
stared in bewilderment at his three companions. Rochester was honorable
(05:04):
and straightforward and addicted to drink. Put in Harding, but
not a forger, retorted Kent firmly. Harding's only rejoinder was
a skeptical smile as he turned to address Climber. Sir,
Rochester not only has taken his own money, but withdrawn
that belonging to the firm of Rochester and Kent without
the knowledge of his junior partner. It looks black, mister Clymer,
(05:26):
he remarked, especially when taken in consideration with his other
involved financial transactions. Where will we find Rochester, Kent asked Taylor.
Before the bank president could answer, the New Yorker Kent
paused an indecision. What reply could he make without further
involving Rochester in trouble. He had not the faintest idea
(05:47):
where Rochester was, but to state that he was missing
could not but add to the belief that he had
made away with all the money he could lay his
hands on. The noon edition of The Times had hinted
at Rochester's disappearance, but had stated they could not get
the statement confirmed from police headquarters. Obviously, Harding and Taylor
had not seen the newspaper. Was it just to the
(06:08):
men before him to keep them in the dark? If
their claims were true, and Kent never doubted that they were,
they had already lost money through Rochester's extraordinary behavior. Kent
turned sick at the thought of his own loss, his
savings swept away. Would Barbara wait for him? Was it
fair to ask her? Taylor broke the prolonged silence. I
(06:30):
met Detective Ferguson on my way here. He stated, he
told me that the police were looking for Rochester. What
Harding looked up startled. Why didn't you inform me of that? Well?
I thought we'd better hear from mister Clymer. The true
state of Rochester's finances, responded Taylor, I never anticipated such
facts as he has given us, But if you knew
(06:50):
the police were after Rochester objected Harding, Clymer broke into
the conversation. There was a heavy frown on his usually
placid countenance. Ay Jode from Detective Ferguson's confidence to us
Kent at the club devaint that he was wanted by
the police in connection with the Turnbull tragedy. But the
facts brought out through Harding's action to attach Rochester's bank
(07:12):
account puts a different construction on Rochester's disappearance. What at
Rochester to do with Jimmy Turnbull, questioned Harding. Before Kent
could answer, climber they lived together, he replied shortly, and
one dies and the other disappears. Harding whistled dolefully. Was
it mister Turnbull an official of this bank? Mister Clymer, yes,
(07:35):
our cashier. Were his affairs involved? Not in the least?
Clymer spoke with emphasis, A most honorable fellow, Jimmy Turnbull.
His murder was a shocking affair. Have the police found
any motive for the crime, Kent asked Taylor. I believe not. Harding,
who had been ruminating in silence, leaned forward, his expression
(07:57):
alight with a sudden idea. Could it be that Turnbull
found out that Rochester was passing forged checks, and Rochester
insured his silence by poisoning him? He asked. Climber and
Kent exchanged glances as Kent's thoughts reverted to the forged
letter presented by Turnbull to the bank's treasurer, whereby he
had been given McIntyre's valuable negotiable securities. Could it be
(08:20):
that Rochester had written the letter, given it to his
room mate Turnbull, and the latter, thinking it genuine, had
secured the McIntyre securities and handed them over to Rochester.
The idea took Kent's breath away, and yet the more
he contemplated it, the more feasible it appeared. What's the
date on those checks, demanded Kent. Tuesday of this week,
(08:41):
the day Jimmy Turnbull died. Climber turned them over. They
are drawn, payable to cash, and bear no endorsement, which
shows Rochester must have presented them himself. Harding and Taylor
glanced significantly at each other, but neither spoke. Suddenly, Kent
pushed back his chair and rose without ceremony. Don't go, Kent.
(09:02):
Climber took up some papers. There's a matter 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
(09:24):
twenty four hours. What for dey chorused to locate Philip Rochester,
And waiting for no answer, Kent bolted out of the office.
End of Chapter fourteen.
Chapter fourteen of The Red Seal by Natalie Sumner Lincoln.
This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Pay Cash.
It was the rush hour at the Metropolis Trust Company,
and the busy paying teller counted out silver and gold
and treasury notes of varying denominations, with the mechanical precision
(00:20):
and exactness which experience gives. Suddenly his hand stopped midway
toward the money drawer, his attention arrested by the signature
on a check. A swift glance upward showed him a
girl's face at the grille of the window. There was
an instant's pause, then she addressed him, do hurry, mister
mc donnell, father is waiting for me. Pardon me, miss McIntyre.
(00:43):
He stamped the check and laid it to one side.
How do you want the money? Oh? I forgot. She
glanced at a memorandum on the back of an envelope,
Missus Brewster wishes ten tens, five twenties and ten ones,
thank you good afternoon. And counting over the money, she
thrust it inside her bag and hurried away. She had
(01:04):
been gone a bare five minutes when Kent reached the
window and pushed several checks toward the teller. Is mister
Clymer in his office mac Donald, he asked, placing the
bank notes given him in his wallet. I'm not sure.
The teller glanced around at the clock. The hands stood
at ten minutes of three. It's pretty near closing time,
Kent still, he may be there. I'll go and see,
(01:27):
and with a nod of farewell, Kent turned on his
heel and walked off in the direction of the office
of the Bank President. On reaching there, he saw through
the glass partition of the door Climber seated in earnest
conclave with two men happening to glance up. Climber recognized
Kent and beckoned him to come inside. You know Taylor,
(01:47):
he said, by way of introduction, And this is mister
Harding of New York. Mister Kent. He turned around in
his silvil chair to face the three men. Draw up
a chair. Count. 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, mister Clymer.
(02:08):
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
(02:29):
have said the same thing this morning, declared Clymber. But
on investigation, I find that Rochester has overdrawn 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
(02:50):
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 Clymber,
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,
(03:12):
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, mister Clymer, we bank here,
you know, yes. Climber's look of anxiety deepened. Did you
(03:34):
see mc donald as you came in? Yes? He catched
some checks for me, your personal checks. Yes. Kent looked
questioningly at Climber. What do you mean only this that
all money is 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
(03:56):
Rochester's signature and mine. Checks bearing both signatures have been
presented for the total sum deposited to your credit, stated Climber,
and he picked up four canceled checks. See for yourself.
Kent stared at the checks in dumbfounded silence, Then carrying
them to the light, he examined them with minute care
before bringing them back to the bank president. This is
(04:19):
the first I have heard of these transactions, he said,
You mean that the signatures are clever forgeries. His statement
was heard with gravity. Taylor exchanged a meaning look with
the New Yorker. You mean your signature is a forgery?
He suggested. Rochester had a peculiar gift of penmanship, Kent
sprang up. Do you accuse Philip Rochester of signing these
(04:42):
checks and inserting my name to them? I do, calmly.
I am not familiar with your signature, Kent, but that
Rochester wrote the body of those four checks and put
his own signature at the bottom, I will swear to
in any court of law to make them valid. He
had to add your name, But damn it, man, Kent
stared in bewilderment at his three companions. Rochester was honorable
(05:04):
and straightforward and addicted to drink. Put in Harding, but
not a forger, retorted Kent firmly. Harding's only rejoinder was
a skeptical smile as he turned to address Climber. Sir,
Rochester not only has taken his own money, but withdrawn
that belonging to the firm of Rochester and Kent without
the knowledge of his junior partner. It looks black, mister Clymer,
(05:26):
he remarked, especially when taken in consideration with his other
involved financial transactions. Where will we find Rochester, Kent asked Taylor.
Before the bank president could answer, the New Yorker Kent
paused an indecision. What reply could he make without further
involving Rochester in trouble. He had not the faintest idea
(05:47):
where Rochester was, but to state that he was missing
could not but add to the belief that he had
made away with all the money he could lay his
hands on. The noon edition of The Times had hinted
at Rochester's disappearance, but had stated they could not get
the statement confirmed from police headquarters. Obviously, Harding and Taylor
had not seen the newspaper. Was it just to the
(06:08):
men before him to keep them in the dark? If
their claims were true, and Kent never doubted that they were,
they had already lost money through Rochester's extraordinary behavior. Kent
turned sick at the thought of his own loss, his
savings swept away. Would Barbara wait for him? Was it
fair to ask her? Taylor broke the prolonged silence. I
(06:30):
met Detective Ferguson on my way here. He stated, he
told me that the police were looking for Rochester. What
Harding looked up startled. Why didn't you inform me of that? Well?
I thought we'd better hear from mister Clymer. The true
state of Rochester's finances, responded Taylor, I never anticipated such
facts as he has given us, But if you knew
(06:50):
the police were after Rochester objected Harding, Clymer broke into
the conversation. There was a heavy frown on his usually
placid countenance. Ay Jode from Detective Ferguson's confidence to us
Kent at the club devaint that he was wanted by
the police in connection with the Turnbull tragedy. But the
facts brought out through Harding's action to attach Rochester's bank
(07:12):
account puts a different construction on Rochester's disappearance. What at
Rochester to do with Jimmy Turnbull, questioned Harding. Before Kent
could answer, climber they lived together, he replied shortly, and
one dies and the other disappears. Harding whistled dolefully. Was
it mister Turnbull an official of this bank? Mister Clymer, yes,
(07:35):
our cashier. Were his affairs involved? Not in the least?
Clymer spoke with emphasis, A most honorable fellow, Jimmy Turnbull.
His murder was a shocking affair. Have the police found
any motive for the crime, Kent asked Taylor. I believe not. Harding,
who had been ruminating in silence, leaned forward, his expression
(07:57):
alight with a sudden idea. Could it be that Turnbull
found out that Rochester was passing forged checks, and Rochester
insured his silence by poisoning him? He asked. Climber and
Kent exchanged glances as Kent's thoughts reverted to the forged
letter presented by Turnbull to the bank's treasurer, whereby he
had been given McIntyre's valuable negotiable securities. Could it be
(08:20):
that Rochester had written the letter, given it to his
room mate Turnbull, and the latter, thinking it genuine, had
secured the McIntyre securities and handed them over to Rochester.
The idea took Kent's breath away, and yet the more
he contemplated it, the more feasible it appeared. What's the
date on those checks, demanded Kent. Tuesday of this week,
(08:41):
the day Jimmy Turnbull died. Climber turned them over. They
are drawn, payable to cash, and bear no endorsement, which
shows Rochester must have presented them himself. Harding and Taylor
glanced significantly at each other, but neither spoke. Suddenly, Kent
pushed back his chair and rose without ceremony. Don't go, Kent.
(09:02):
Climber took up some papers. There's a matter 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
(09:24):
twenty four hours. What for dey chorused to locate Philip Rochester,
And waiting for no answer, Kent bolted out of the office.
End of Chapter fourteen.
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