"This pistol," said Paul, producing the weapon and handing it to Herne. "It was found by Mother Jimboy on this spot, on the night of the murder, and shortly after the committal of the crime. You will see that the Vicar's name is engraved on the butt." Herne glanced carelessly at the pistol, and returned it to Mexton. "I have no need to see," he said sternly. "I recognise the pistol well enough. It is one of a pair which Chaskin had when he was in the army. It was found on this spot, you say. What of that?" "Simply this," broke in Lovel, "that Chaskin must have dropped it after killing Milly." "It does not argue that Chaskin was here at all," retorted Herne. "This pistol was no doubt stolen from his study, where he kept it. Mother Jimboy, you say--a gipsy, a thief. Why," he added, struck by a sudden thought, "she was in Chaskin's study a week before the murder! I remember quite well. No doubt she stole the pistol." "And killed Milly, why don't you add?" sneered Lovel. "Because I don't accuse her of so purposeless a crime. No doubt she gave the pistol to the murderer." "Admitting that she did," cried Paul, "whom do you suspect?" "No one," replied Herne. "Though I might suspect Lovel." "Oh," said Lucas, shrugging his shoulders, "are you going over the old ground again?" "No, I am not," replied Herne. "I say again that I do not suspect you." "And I ask again why have you changed your mind?" said Lovel. "I was with Milly when you fell into your trance, and I was absent when you came out of it. So far as you knew, no one else was in the lane, and you awoke from your senseless state to see Milly's dead body. On these grounds you can suspect me only." "You state a very good case against yourself," sneered Herne. "Evidently you wish to be hanged!" "No, but I wish to hang the villain who killed Milly. I can defend myself if needful. But can you defend Chaskin?" "I would do so with my life! He is innocent." "I'll have to hear that from his own lips," replied Lovel. "Myself and Mexton are on our way to see him. Will you come also?" "No; Chaskin can defend himself. I have just left him, and he said nothing which leads me to doubt him." "The pistol----" "No doubt he can explain the pistol. But go and ask him. For myself, I must bid you good-day. I have an engagement." "One moment," cried Paul, catching him by the arm as he was moving off, "do you intend to abandon the search for Miss Lester's assassin?" "No," replied Herne coldly. "I will find the assassin without your help." "Because you know he is Chaskin!" cried Lovel scornfully. "I do not know he is Chaskin!" retorted Herne disdainfully. "The person whom I suspect--whom I know--killed Milly is one you would never dream of accusing. Mine shall be the hand to bring this person to justice. Till then"--he waved his hand--"I have nothing to say," and with these final words he moved away.