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Testbank
to accompany
Financial Accounting
9th Edition
by
John Hoggett, Lew Edwards,
John Medlin, Keryn Chalmers, Andreas
Hellmann & Claire Beattie
Prepared by
Peter Hall
Multiple-choice questions
1. The relationship that exists between persons carrying on a business in common with a
view to profit is referred to as a:
a. company.
b. proprietorship.
*c. partnership.
d. retailer.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.1 ~ define a partnership and the major attributes of a partnership.
2. The legislation in Australia that is concerned with the formation, operation and
dissolution of partnerships is the:
a. Corporations Legislation.
*b. Partnership Act.
c. Bankruptcy Act.
d. Business law Act.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.1 ~ define a partnership and the major attributes of a partnership.
3. The legislation with the most significant influence on the formation, operation and
dissolution of partnerships is the:
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.1 ~ define a partnership and the major attributes of a partnership.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.2 Few disclosure requirements for a partnership is an advantage over
the company structure, not a disadvantage.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
7. The characteristic of a partnership whereby each partner is liable for partnership debts
to the full extent of his or her private assets is known as:
a. limited life.
*b. unlimited liability.
c. limited liability.
d. mutual agency.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
a. unlimited liability.
b. mutual agency.
c. pooling of resources.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
10. Which event would not result in the automatic dissolution of a partnership?
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
12. Michael and Brian each invested $65 000 in a partnership where they agreed to share
profits 40% Michael, 60% Brian. The partnership business was not successful and
now has no assets. In addition they are being sued for $70 000 by a supplier for non-
payment of invoices. What is the amount for which Michael could be held personally
responsible if the lawsuit is successful? (Ignore any possible legal costs.)
a. Zero
b. $28 000
c. $65 000
*d. $75 000
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.3 ~ explain the purpose of a partnership agreement and describe its
typical contents.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.3 ~ explain the purpose of a partnership agreement and describe its
typical contents.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.3 ~ explain the purpose of a partnership agreement and describe its
typical contents.
16. If the variable capital balances method (method 1) is used, the profit or loss and
partner’s drawings are closed to the:
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
17. There are two methods of accounting for equity in a partnership referred to in the text,
method 1 and method 2; these are:
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
18. Which of the following is not a feature of the variable capital balances method
(method 1) of accounting for partnership equity?
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
19. Accounting for a partnership is similar to accounting for a sole trader, except that:
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
20. Which of these is not a feature of the fixed capital balances method (method 2) of
accounting for partnership equity?
a. Each partner has two permanent equity accounts, a capital account and a
retained earnings account.
b. Apart from the initial investment very few adjustments are made to the capital
account.
*c. Partner’s drawings are closed to their capital accounts.
d. The profit or loss distribution account is closed to the partner’s retained
earnings accounts.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
a. ii and iii
*b. ii and iv
c. i and ii
d. i, ii and iii
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
22. Goodwill represents the future benefits of unidentifiable assets. How many of the
factors listed below contribute to the value of goodwill?
• Favourable location
• Efficient management
• Good customer relations
• Staff skills and experience
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
*d. 4
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
a. equity.
b. a current asset.
*c. a non-current asset.
d. a liability.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
25. If accounts receivable are contributed when a partnership is established its fair value
is recorded as the:
a. gross amount.
*b. gross amount less a separate credit entry for allowance for doubtful debts.
c. historical cost.
d. disposal value.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
26. Sole proprietors X and Y decide to form a partnership. X contributes inventory with a
fair value of $30 000, equipment with a fair value of $100 000 and it is agreed that the
partnership will take over X’s bank loan of $20 000. What is X’s capital balance
assuming that the partners have agreed that his capital balance will be equal to the fair
value of the net assets he contributes?
Correct answer: a
Feedback: $110 000 = $30 000 + $100 000 – $20 000.
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
27. When assets are contributed to a partnership they should be recorded in the books of the
new entity at:
a. historic cost.
b. book value.
c. carrying value.
*d. fair value.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
a. vendor value.
*b. the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable
willing parties in an arm’s-length transaction.
c. trade value.
d. retail value.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
30. Ben and Jerry, two sole traders form a partnership by combining their net assets.
Jerry contributes:
Cost value Fair value
Cash $20 000
Accounts receivable $14 000 $12 500
Ben contributes:
Plant $30 000 $25 000
Accumulated depreciation $7 000
Bank overdraft $6 000
What will be the amount shown in the allowance for doubtful debts account in the
balance sheet prepared after the formation of the partnership of Ben and Jerry?
a. Nil
*b. $1500
c. $1000
d. $500
Correct answer: b
Feedback: The difference between the $14 000 gross book value of the accounts receivable and
the $12 500 fair value.
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
31. Ben and Jerry, two sole traders, form a partnership by combining their net assets.
Jerry contributes:
Cost value Fair value
Cash $20 000Accounts receivable $14 000 $12 500
Ben contributes:
Plant $30 000 $25 000
Accumulated depreciation $7 000
Bank overdraft $6 000
What will be the amount shown in the accumulated depreciation account on formation
of the partnership of Ben and Jerry?
a. $7000
b. $5000
c. $1000
*d. $Nil
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
32. Ben and Jerry, two sole traders form a partnership by combining their net assets.
Jerry contributes:
Cost value Fair value
Cash $20 000Accounts receivable $14 000 $12
500
Ben contributes:
Plant $30 000 $25 000
Accumulated depreciation $7000
Bank overdraft $6000
The amount credited to Jerry’s capital account is:
Correct answer: a
33. In a partnership, the profit and loss sharing ratio will be based on:
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
34. After the closing entries have been completed the profit distribution account in a
partnership always has a:
a. debit balance.
*b. nil balance.
c. credit balance.
d. negative balance.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
35. Unless otherwise agreed amongst the partners, partners salaries, interest on capital and
interest on drawings are assumed in partnership accounting to be settled by means of:
a. a cash payment.
*b. an adjusting entry in the accounting records (book entry).
c. by private arrangement by the partners.
d. by offsetting entries.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
37. Allocation of the partnership’s profit or loss to the partners is recorded in the:
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
38. L and B agree to share profits and losses in the ratios 8:2. If the net loss is $25 000, how
much loss is allocated to each partner?
Correct answer: a
Feedback: L $20 000; B $5 000. (L = 8/10 x $25 000), (B = 2/10 x $25 000).
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
39. The objective of allocating profits and losses is to reward each partner fairly for the
resources and services contributed to the partnership. Which factors would not be
directly relevant in negotiating a profit and loss sharing agreement for a partnership?
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
40. With the fixed capital balances method (method 2) of accounting for partnership
equity, the general journal entry to record interest on capital is:
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
41. If the fixed capital balances method (method 2) is used to account for partnership
equity, both the profit or loss and the partner’s drawings are closed to the:
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
42. Fatima and Jaddon have capital balances of $50 000 and $80 000, respectively and use
the variable capital balances method. If their profit/loss sharing ratios are Fatima 40%
and Jaddon 60%, calculate Fatima’s capital balance after the net loss of $60 000 is
distributed.
a. $74 000
*b. $26 000
c. $50 000
d. $20 000
Correct answer: b
Feedback: $26 000 = $50 000 – 40% of $60 000.
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
43. It is agreed in the partnership agreement of R and B that profit and loss sharing
arrangements will be based on the ratio of the partner’s capital balances. R and B have
capital balances of $75 000 and $50 000 respectively at the end of the accounting
period. If profit is $38 000 the profit allocations of each of the partners is:
Correct answer: b
Feedback: R $22 800; B $15 200. (R=$75 000/$125 000 x $38 000). (B=$50 000/$125 000 x
$38 000.
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
44. With the variable capital balances method (method 1) of accounting for partnership
equity, the general journal entry to record interest on capital is:
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
45. Sally and Amanda have capital balances of $60 000 and $75 000, respectively and use
the variable capital balances method. If their profit/loss sharing ratios are Sally 40% and
Amanda 60% calculate Amanda’s capital balance after a net loss of $40 000 is
distributed.
a. $35 000
*b. $51 000
c. $75 000
d. $99 000
Correct answer: b
Feedback: $51 000 = $75 000 – 60% of $40 000.
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
46. Mary and Paul have capital account balances at the end of the year of
$100 000 and $80 000 respectively. Profit of the partnership is $90 000. The profit and
loss sharing agreement calls for (1) a salary of $25 000 to Mary and $15 000 to Paul, (2)
10 % p.a. interest on capital balances, (3) the residual profit to be split 60:40 in favour
of Mary. What is Mary’s share of the distribution?
a. $51 000
b. $29 200
c. $65 000
*d. $54 200
Correct answer: d
Feedback: $54 200 = $25 000 + $1000 + ($32 000 x 60%)
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
47. Connie and Carole have a profit and loss sharing agreement where: (1) salaries of $10
000 each are credited, (2) 12% interest is allowed on capital balances (3) the remaining
profit or loss is split 60-40 in favour of Connie. At the end of the year, before the
distribution of profits or losses, capital account balances were $20 000 and $40 000 for
Connie and Carole, respectively. Profit was $36 000 before distributions to partners.
What is Connie’s ending capital account balance assuming capital balances are adjusted
to reflect profits and losses?
a. $58 320
b. $57 680
*c. $37 680
d. $38 320
Correct answer: c
Feedback: $20 000 + $10 000 + $2400 + [$8800 residual profit × 60%]
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
48. Simon and Keith have a profit and loss sharing agreement where: (1) salaries of $25 000
each are credited, (2) 8% interest is allowed on capital balances (3) the remaining profit
or loss is split 60-40, respectively. At the end of the year, before the distribution of
profits or losses, capital account balances were $40 000 for Simon and $20 000 for
Keith. There was a profit of $50 000 before distributions to the partners. What is Keith’s
year-end capital account balance assuming capital balances are adjusted to reflect profits
and losses?
a. $43 080
*b. $44 680
c. $46 600
d. $24 680
Correct answer: b
Feedback: $20 000 + $25 000 + $1600 – [$4800 residual loss × 40%]
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
49. Hodges and Burton formed a partnership with capital of $30 000 and $45 000
respectively. The partnership agreement provides for the crediting of annual salaries of
$45 000 to Hodges and $75 000 to Burton. Each partner is entitled to 20% interest on
capital. The remaining profit or loss is divided equally. How much, in total, will be
credited to Hodges’ capital account if profit for the year is $240 000 assuming capital
balances are adjusted to reflect profits and losses?
a. $120 000
*b. $103 500
c. $118 500
d. $105 000
Correct answer: b
Feedback: $45 000 + $6000 + $52 500
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
50. Louise and Billy are in partnership sharing residual profits and losses 50:50. The
profit for the year is $120 000. Louise is entitled to a salary of $50 000 per annum (to
be paid by means of a book entry). Calculate the amount credited to Louise’s retained
earnings account after the final distribution of profits.
a. $170 000
b. $50 000
*c. $85 000
d. $60 000
Correct answer: c
Feedback: $85 000 = $50 000 + 50% of $70 000
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
51. When preparing the closing entries for a partnership at the end of the accounting period
which of these statements is true? Assume that capital account balances are not fixed.
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
52. The partnership agreement of X and Y provides that interest at 5% per annum is to be
charged on partners’ drawings. During year ended 31 December 2011 drawings by X
were:
$
1 February 2011 2400
1 June 2011 4800
1 August 2011 960
What is the total amount of interest on drawings chargeable to X’s current account for
the year?
a. $300
*b. $270
c. $100
d. $200
Correct answer: b
Feedback: ($2400 × 11/12 × 5%) + ($4800 × 7/12 × 5%) + ($960 × 5/12 × 5%)
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
*a. cash amounts withdrawn or private expenses paid by the partnership on behalf
of a partner, in anticipation of profits.
b. amounts credited for working in the partnership.
c. partner’s artwork.
d. money borrowed from the partnership.
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
55. If a partner makes a cash advance to a partnership to be repaid in five years time and
does not wish it to be included as a capital contribution, how will it be classified in the
balance sheet?
a. Current liability
b. Non-current asset
*c. Non-current liability
d. Current asset
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
56. Jemma and Sally are in partnership. Their capital balances at the end of the
accounting period are $200 000 and $150 000 respectively. Jemma decides to make a
permanent cash withdrawal from her capital account of $50 000. If it is assumed that
they use the variable capital balances method (method 1), which of the following is
the accounting entry torecord this transaction?
a. Debit Jemma capital account $50 000; credit profit distribution account $50
000
b. Debit Jemma retained earnings account $50 000; credit profit distribution
account $50 000
*c. Debit Jemma capital account $50 000; credit bank account $50 000
d. Debit Jemma retained earnings account $50 000; credit bank account $50 000
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
57. A partner’s loan is a liability and any interest paid on the loan by the partnership
should be treated as:
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
58. Sometimes the partnership agreement may specify that interest is to be charged on
partner’s drawings. Which of the following is the main reason for such a charge?
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
d. Drawings are taken into account when calculating the final distribution of profit
between the partners.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
60. When a partner makes an advance or loan to the partnership, how many of these
statements are true?
• He/she is entitled to interest at the rate of 7% p.a. unless there is an agreement to the
contrary.
• The amount loaned is added to the partners equity account balance.
• Interest on the loan is regarded as an expense of the partnership and appears in the
income statement.
a. 0
b. 1
*c. 2
d. 3
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
61. Jemma and Sally are in partnership. Their capital balances at the end of the
accounting period are $200 000 and $150 000 respectively. Jemma decides to make a
permanent cash withdrawal from her capital account of $50 000. If it is assumed that
they use the fixed capital balances method (method 2), what is the accounting entry to
record this transaction?
a. Debit Jemma capital account $50 000; credit profit distribution account $50
000
b. Debit Jemma retained earnings account $50 000; credit profit distribution
account $50 000
*c. Debit Jemma capital account $50 000; credit bank account $50 000
d. Debit Jemma retained earnings account $50 000; credit bank account $50 000
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
62. Which statement relating to financial reports for a partnership is not true?
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.8 ~ describe the content of the financial statements of a partnership.
63. A partnership that is a reporting entity must produce which of these financial statements?
i. Income statement
ii. Statement of changes in partners’ equity
iii. Balance sheet
iv. Statement of cash flows
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.8 ~ describe the content of the financial statements of a partnership.
64. The part of the financial statements of a partnership that differs most from that of a sole
trader is the:
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.8 ~ describe the content of the financial statements of a partnership.
65. When the final financial statements are prepared the profit or loss allocation for a
partnership is normally shown in the:
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.8 ~ describe the content of the financial statements of a partnership.
Carter conducted Peter Wright upstairs to the attic room in which the
body of the victim lay.
The coroner was making an examination, but he stepped aside, so
as to allow Mr. Wright to see the face of the murdered man.
The former proprietor of the Red Dragon Inn looked at the ghastly
white countenance long and intently.
All of the persons in the room watched him in silence.
Several times the old man shook his head back and forth and his
brow became contracted.
Finally he looked at Carter and shook his head dolefully.
“There is a certain familiar expression about that man’s features,” he
said, in a tone of awe, “but for the life of me I cannot recall who he is.
If he were a patron of the Red Dragon Inn while I was proprietor, he
has changed so that I cannot remember him.”
“I am very sorry that you are not able to identify the body, Mr.
Wright,” the detective said. “Will you kindly accompany me
downstairs. I want to have a private talk with you.”
“Lead on, and I will follow.”
The detective led the way down to the parlor.
As soon as they were inside the room he closed the door. Presently
he and Mr. Wright were ensconced in easy-chairs.
“Permit your memory to wander back ten or twelve years to the time
when you owned this place, and see if you can recall the name of
any one of your patrons who was sent to State’s prison.”
Mr. Wright started.
“By Jove!” he exclaimed.
Carter smiled and his eyes sparkled.
“What startles you?” the detective asked, with an assumed air of
surprise.
“Nothing startles me,” Mr. Wright rejoined.
“Then what is it?”
“That man is Alfred Lawrence—he has changed mightily—it is no
wonder I did not recognize him. But I know him now.”
“Who was Alfred Lawrence?”
“He was one of my old customers. He was sent to Sing Sing for
fifteen years for forgery. Don’t you remember the famous Lawrence
will case?”
“I have a slight recollection of it. The trial took place while I was away
in Europe, and I read very little about it.”
“I will tell you about it.”
“Do so.”
“Alfred Lawrence was a well-to-do produce merchant, who had an
office on West Street and lived on Beach Street.
“His uncle, after whom he was named, was the senior member of the
firm. Old Alfred Lawrence was a bachelor.
“When he died a will was found, and in it he left all his estate to his
nephew.
“Simeon Rich, another nephew, and his sister contested the will.
They claimed that it was a forgery and that Alfred Lawrence had
forged his uncle’s signature.
“The case came up before the surrogate and the fight was a bitter
one on both sides.
“Lawrence’s wife, with whom he had lived unhappily, went before the
referee and swore that she had seen her husband forge the will. Her
testimony was corroborated by Blanchard, the chief witness, who
was Lawrence’s butler.
“It was hinted at, at the time, that Mrs. Lawrence and Simeon Rich
were very intimate.
“The will was broken. Lawrence was arrested, tried, convicted, and
sent to State’s prison.
“Then people forgot all about him.”
“What became of Mrs. Lawrence?” asked Carter.
“She lived for a time in the Beach Street house. A year after her
husband’s conviction the house was closed up and Mrs. Lawrence
and her child disappeared. The house has remained closed ever
since.”
“Then there was a child?”
“Yes—a girl—she was about twelve years old at the time.”
“What became of Simeon Rich?”
“I do not know.”
“How was the estate divided?”
“That I do not remember.”
“Lawrence, you say, was a customer of yours?”
“He was, and he was a mighty fine fellow. I always believed he was
innocent, notwithstanding the fact that all the evidence was strong
against him.”
“And you believe that the murdered man is this same Alfred
Lawrence?”
“I do.”
“Is this all the information you can give me, Mr. Wright?”
“It is.”
“What was the number of the old house on Beach Street in which
Lawrence resided?”
“I don’t remember, but you can find it easily. It is near Varick Street,
and it is the only house on the block that is closed.”
“Ah!”
“Some one is at the door,” said Peter Wright.
Carter arose from his chair and opened the door.
The police captain entered the room, followed by a policeman.
“Mr. Carter,” he said, “here is one of my men, Officer Pat Maguire; he
saw the murdered man last night.”
“Did he?” Carter queried, casting a searching glance at Maguire,
who replied:
“That I did, sir.”
“Sit down and tell me all about it.”
Pat Maguire took a seat.
“This morning,” he said, “I reported at the station house and I heard
about the murder. The instant I heard a description of the man read I
concluded it was the poor, forlorn, down-and-out old chap with whom
I had talked last night while on my beat.
“I came around here, took a look at the body, and I saw that it was
the old man. Then I instantly told the captain about the conversation
I had with him, and he brought me here to see you.”
“Tell me about that conversation, Maguire.”
Policeman Maguire gave Carter a clear account of the conversation
which he had held with the old man and described how he had
acted.
When he concluded, Mr. Wright ejaculated:
“You see, Mr. Carter, that corroborates what I told you. There are no
reasonable doubts now about the man being Alfred Lawrence.”
“Why did he try to enter that house on Beach Street?”
“I cannot tell.”
“There is a deep mystery here,” remarked Carter, “one which I intend
to solve. Gentlemen, I must leave you. Please keep silent about
what you have told me.”
Before any one could utter a word, he had slipped out of the room.
“A strange man,” the police captain remarked, as soon as Carter was
gone. “Why has he left the room without giving any intimation of what
he was going to do?”
The information which had been imparted to Carter by Mr. Wright
and the policeman was important. He was certain now that the
murdered man was the ex-convict, Alfred Lawrence.
It was his intention to probe into that man’s history and learn more of
the details of the will case and the trial.
In doing this, would he be able to discover the motive of the murder?
After leaving the Red Dragon Inn the detective at once—without
waiting to go home—went to a near-by telephone exchange and
called up the keeper of Sing Sing Prison.
From this man he learned that Lawrence had been released early
the day before, that he had been furnished with clothing and a small
sum of money, and that he started for New York.
“What train did he leave on?” Carter asked of the keeper.
“The eleven-ten,” the keeper replied.
“Was he an exemplary prisoner?”
“Yes.”
“Did he have any visitors call on him?”
“None.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“During his imprisonment, did he receive many letters?”
“None.”
“Did he ever talk to you about himself?”
“No, he was always a taciturn man and he never talked to me or to
others about himself. When he left here yesterday he said that he
intended to be revenged on the persons who had wronged him, for,
he said, he had suffered for a crime of which he was not guilty.”
“Did he mention any names?”
“No.”
“How much money did you give him?”
“Ten dollars.”
From the telephone office the detective went in his automobile to the
old house on Beach Street. He stood on the sidewalk and inspected
it. There was no sign on the house to indicate that the formerly
handsome residence was for rent or for sale. All the windows were
boarded up tight.
A man, who lived next door, noticed Carter, and coming up to his
side, coughed nervously, to attract his attention.
“Are you thinking of buying or renting this place?”
“Is it for sale?” the detective asked, without answering the man’s
question.
“I do not know. I thought from the manner in which you were looking
at it that you thought about renting or buying it. No sign has ever
been up on the house.”
“How long have you lived in this neighborhood?”
“About twenty years.”
“Then you are pretty well acquainted with it?”
“That I am.”
“How long has this house been uninhabited?”
“About ten years, I think.”
“Were you acquainted with the last tenant?”
“I was. Alfred Lawrence and his family lived there. Lawrence was
sent to State’s prison on a charge of forgery. His wife and child
moved away, and from that day to this I never heard what became of
them.”
“Have you ever seen any one visit the house?”
“No one has ever come here.”
“Was the furniture taken away?”
“Yes.”
“Then the house is evidently empty?”
“It is.”
“Were you acquainted with Lawrence enough to know anything
about his affairs?”
“I was not.”
“All I know is what I read in the newspapers at the time.”
“Was he a man of considerable means?”
“I always thought so.”
“Did you know Simeon Rich?”
“No.”
Not being able to secure any further information from the man, the
detective walked away.
Many thoughts crowded his mind and he asked himself innumerable
questions in regard to the case.
The prison keeper had told him over the telephone that Lawrence
had only ten dollars in his possession when he left Sing Sing, and
the bartender at the Red Dragon Inn had informed him that the man
who had been murdered had displayed a large sum of money when
he paid for the night’s lodging.
“From whom had Lawrence received money?” the detective asked
himself as he pondered over this. “He must have got money from
some one.”
That was clear.
But the bartender might have been mistaken.
Nick told Danny to drive to a restaurant, where he procured an
excellent breakfast; then he directed the chauffeur to make a dash
up to the Grand Central Station, where he hoped to find some one
who had seen Lawrence leave the train and had noted the direction
in which he went.
What had Lawrence done from the time he left the depot until Pat
Maguire saw him standing in front of St. John’s Church looking into
the churchyard?
Would the detective be able to follow his footsteps?
Many would have looked upon such a task as Carter had set out to
perform as hopeless.
The railroad detective who was stationed at the depot was unable to
furnish Nick with any information.
Carter made inquiries of the porters and others, but none of them
remembered seeing any man who answered to Lawrence’s
description.
Finally, he left the depot and went outside to the cab stand.
Here he commenced to question the drivers.
At last he found a man who, in reply to his question, said:
“I drove the old chap downtown in my cab.”
“Do you think you would be able to identify him if you should see him
again?” Carter asked.
“I do,” the cabman answered.
“Will you come with me?”
“What for?”
“I want you to take a look at a man and see if he is the same person
whom you drove downtown.”
“I can’t leave my cab.”
“Drive me down to the Cosmopolitan Hotel.”
“I’ll do that.”
Nick sent Danny home, got into the cab, and was driven away.
He had his reasons for not telling the cabman anything about the
case.
Before he questioned him further he wanted to see if the murdered
man was the same person whom the man had had for a fare the
previous day.
The cab stopped in front of the Cosmopolitan Hotel and the detective
alighted. He and the driver crossed the street and entered the Red
Dragon Inn.
To the chamber of death the detective conducted his surprised
companion.
When they entered the room Carter pointed to the corpse and asked:
“Is that the man?”
“Dead!” the cabman ejaculated, as he started back, after having
glanced at the face of the murdered man. “Yes, sir, it is the man, all
right. He has been murdered!”
“Yes.”
“Did you fetch me down here to place me under arrest?”
“No.”
“I know nothing about this.”
“Come with me.”
“I’ll go with you, but I swear——”
“There, there, my man, don’t get excited. You will not be arrested—
rest easy on that score.”
“But——”
“Wait until we get outside, and then I will tell you what I want you to
do.”
They returned to the cab and stood on the sidewalk near it.
Carter was silent for a short time.
Suddenly he looked up into the pale face of the cabman and asked:
“Where did you drive him?”
“You mean——” the man stammered. The question had been asked
so suddenly that he was slightly confused.
“I mean the man whose body lies over there in the Red Dragon Inn.”
“I drove him down to the Manhattan Safe Deposit Company. He got
out of the cab, told me to wait for him, and then he went into the
building, where he remained for nearly half an hour. When he came
out he paid and dismissed me.”
“When he paid you did he display any large amount of money?”
“He had quite a large-sized roll of bills in his hand.”
“Did you drive away immediately after you received the money for
your services?”
“I did.”
“And you did not notice in which direction the old man went?”
“He went back into the building.”
CHAPTER IV.
A PECULIAR INTERVIEW.
Carter lapsed into silence after the cabman had answered his last
question.
It was clear to him now that Lawrence had secured money at the
Manhattan Safe Deposit Company.
Did he get the money out of a box, which he owned, or from some
one connected with the company?
The detective proposed to find out. He happened to be acquainted
with the cashier of the safe deposit company, so he ordered the
cabman to drive him to the gentleman’s house.
Fortunately, Carter found the cashier at home, and he was received
by him in his library.
“Were you acquainted with an Alfred Lawrence?” the detective
inquired of the cashier as soon as he was seated.
The gentleman started in surprise, and asked:
“Why do you ask that question?”
“I want information,” Carter replied, with a smile. He paused for a
moment, and then he continued: “I can see from the manner in which
you started that you knew Alfred Lawrence.”
“Yes, I did know Alfred Lawrence, and I always regarded him as an
honest man. In spite of the fact that he was tried and found guilty of
forgery, I have always believed he was innocent. But why do you
come here asking about Lawrence?”
“Lawrence was murdered at the Red Dragon Inn early this morning.”
“No! It can’t be true!”
The gentleman bounded out of his chair and, standing in the center
of the room, gazed at Carter with an expression of astonishment
upon his face.
“It is true, nevertheless,” the detective replied.
“I saw him yesterday. He had just been released from Sing Sing
Prison.”
“Please be seated and try to be calm. I want you to recall to your
mind all that occurred yesterday between you and Lawrence. It is
important that you should remember everything.”
“I will try and do as you request.”
The gentleman resumed his seat, and for some time he bowed his
head, resting it upon his hand.
The detective remained quiet.
Patiently he waited for the cashier of the safe deposit company to
speak. He desired to let him have plenty of time in which to recall to
his mind all that had happened between him and the murdered man
on the previous day.
Finally the gentleman raised his head and gazed intently into
Carter’s face.
“This is a great shock to me,” he remarked, as he passed his hand
over his forehead. “Lawrence came into my office about two o’clock.
“At first I did not recognize him on account of the great change that
had been wrought in him.
“When I learned who he was I was glad to see him.
“He sat down and told me about his prison experience.
“In years gone by we had been friends.
“When he was tried I did what I could to help him.
“The evidence was too strong against him, and he was convicted.
“When he was sent to prison he left in my care some securities to
dispose of. I sold them and placed the money on deposit with the