Chance had taken Lovel's steps across the common, for in his anger at Gran Jimboy's revelations he had not perceived where he was going. Paul had followed him, and while talking they had unconsciously drawn near to the stile which divided the common from the Winding Lane. Only when they halted at the stile itself did they realise where they were; and in silence they looked at one another. "Shall we return?" said Paul, in a low voice. Lovel shook his head, with a frown on his face, and climbed over the stile. Paul followed, and they walked on towards the scene of the tragedy. On the very spot where Milly's dead body had lain a man was standing with folded arms. He looked up as the young men drew near, and they saw the face of Darcy Herne. It was sad and downcast, and he appeared to have been meditating on the tragic death of his promised wife. "Herne!" cried Paul, halting in his amazement, "I thought you were in London!" "So I was," replied the squire carelessly, "but I came down to-day instead of waiting till to-morrow. My business was finished, so there was no need for me to idle in town. How are you, Lovel?" he added abruptly, turning his eyes towards Lucas. "I am as well as can be expected under the circumstances," replied Lovel gloomily; "but why do you pay me the compliment of asking after my health, Mr. Herne? Do you not regard me as the murderer of Miss Lester?" "No," replied Herne quietly. "I did so once, but I have changed my mind." "Since seeing Catinka?" questioned Paul, sharply. "What do you know about Catinka?" asked Herne, just as sharply. "I know all that she could tell me about the Rainbow Feather, and her visit to Barnstead." "She told you about the Rainbow Feather?" repeated Herne. "And how did you trace her connection with the Rainbow Feather?" "That is too long a story to tell," rejoined Mexton coolly; "but I got the clue on the day you found the Rainbow Feather on this very spot. Catinka placed it on the body." "But Catinka did not commit the murder." "I know that; nor did Lovel here." "H'm!" said Herne, looking at the pair; "perhaps you suspect me of the crime?" "What makes you think that?" asked Lovel. "Because, if Mexton saw Catinka, she no doubt told him of my visit here on the night the murder was committed." "Yes, she did tell me," admitted Paul. "Then, as you know so much, I may as well tell you all," said Herne. "I received a letter by the last post on Saturday night telling me that Mr. Lovel was to meet Milly here on Sunday night. The letter was not signed, but I know who wrote it." "So do I, Herne," said Lovel. "Gran Jimboy, the gipsy, wrote it. She learnt from me at three o'clock about the meeting, and wrote at once, so as to catch the London post." "Why did she trouble to betray you?" "For reasons I'll explain hereafter," replied Lovel. "But what of your secret visit? It was jealousy which made you come down, no doubt?"