"It is my opinion that you will discover nothing," said Miss Clyde, as they left the police office; "the mystery of Milly's death will remain one." There was no difficulty about the release of Lester. The inspector took his visitors before the magistrate, and repeated--with corrections from Miss Clyde--the tale about the pistol. Much impressed by the story, the magistrate accepted bail for Lester at a thousand pounds on the bonds of Miss Clyde and Mexton. At the same time he reproved Miss Clyde for not having told her story at the inquest. "Dr. Lester is innocent," he said, "and should not have been put in gaol." "Dr. Lester is a drunkard," retorted Miss Clyde, "and the fright of being a prisoner on the charge of murder may reform him." "I doubt it; I doubt it greatly." That was all the magistrate said; but he granted the order of release, and the three went off to the gaol, where they saw Lester, and speedily brought him out of his cell. The man was haggard and worn with anxiety and remorse--for he was not quite clear in his mind as to his innocence--so Paul took him to his mother's house, and gave him a meal. He even insisted that he should have a whisky-and-soda, though Lester protested he did not want it. "I shall never touch alcohol again," he said, piteously; "it made me mad on that night. For all I know I may have killed Milly." "That you did not," rejoined Miss Clyde; and told her story for the third time. Lester listened in silence, and the tears rolled down his cheeks when he heard how mercifully he had been preserved from committing a terrible crime. "I am thankful to God for having preserved me by your hand," he said, when she finished; "and I am grateful to you for having given me a lesson sadly needed." "I hope the lesson is learnt," said Miss Clyde, drily. "You may be sure it is," replied Dr. Lester, eagerly. "I shall never touch strong drink again; I shall go back to Barnstead, and work hard to redeem my character. Iris, will you come with me?" "Of course, father!" said Iris, who was present; "we will return this evening, and begin a new life." "Poor Milly! poor child!" sighed Lester. "Could it be that Lovel killed her?" "No; he did not!" replied Miss Clyde, sharply. "Mr. Lovel is quite innocent! If I have done you a service, Dr. Lester, don't repay me by accusing the man I love of a crime." "I shall say nothing--nothing," answered Lester, who was quite broken down; and then Paul led him away into his own particular den for a confidential talk. He wished to learn what he could about the relations of Herne with Catinka, and thought that Lester might inform him. It was the merest chance that anything might come of the conversation, yet Paul determined to try. In his present perplexity he was like a drowning man, and clutched at a straw. "I wish to put a few questions to you, doctor," said he, when Lester was comfortably established with a full pipe, "and you must answer them honestly."