"Yes, I do," replied Johnson, promptly. "I cannot think a woman who could act as you have done to-night would murder a defenceless girl." "After our quarrel I never saw her. I hated her--why? Because she was the one you loved. I was jealous and unjust. But I would not have killed her." "I am sure of that," said Johnson, kindly. "But tell me--where did you get that ear-ring?" "From a gipsy girl named Zara Lovell. She had a pair I admired very much--they were of gipsy workmanship--and I paid her well to get me a similar pair." "Then she still kept her own?" "Yes--at least, I suppose so. She had them on when I saw her last, about a year ago. But why do you ask?" "Slade suspects that Zara killed Bithiah out of jealousy on Finland's account. Your story of the ear-ring would seem to confirm his belief. After all, the ear-ring found by Slade may not be yours!" "I can't say," replied Miss Arnott, drawing her shawl round her. "She might have killed Bithiah, as you say, and lost her own ear-ring in the struggle. If it is mine, Bithiah herself must have taken it with her." She touched the minister timidly. "You believe in my innocence?" "Yes; I am sure of it." "Thank God for that. I could stand any one doubting me but you;" and before Johnson could stop her, the excited woman had bent down and kissed his hand. The next moment she was gone. With a thoughtful face, Johnson walked inside, pondering on the great love she bore him. His feelings were touched. He thought more about her than he had done since the death of Bithiah. Was it possible that the void in his heart, great as it was, could ever be filled up? The very thought of such a thing seemed treason against the dead. The next day he received a letter from Slade, which caused him considerable surprise. It contained certain instructions, which for his own safety it was necessary for him to carry out. Amongst other things, Slade stated that by threatening to denounce the Jew as a receiver of stolen goods, he had induced him to return with him to Grimleigh. He hoped to bring him to the minister's house at about four o'clock that day. Johnson was delighted with the intelligence. It promised more completely to vindicate him. Meanwhile, having implicit faith in Slade, he duly carried out his instructions. All that day he was much agitated. He kept within doors and refused to see any one, for he was determined not to go amongst his people until his character was clear. He admitted Chard only. For him he had sent, in accordance with Slade's instructions. The inspector was every bit as curious as Johnson himself, and it was with great impatience they awaited the arrival of the Jew and the policeman. In the interim, he told Chard of Shackel's accusation. "Now you will see if these accusations are true," said Johnson, emphatically. "If I sold the pearls, this man will recognize me at once." "And if he does not recognize you, what then?"