"I have found out that he was with Milly twenty minutes before the murder."
"He was not!" cried Mrs. Drass eagerly; "he was in Mother Jimboy's tent. She swore that he was!"
"I know," replied Paul quietly; "and she swore a lie. Miss Clyde knows."
"I know that Lucas went into the Winding Lane with Milly," said Miss Clyde in rather a troubled voice; "but no doubt he left her at the stile and went straight on to the gypsy tent."
"But he swore at the inquest that he was not in the lane on that night!" said Iris.
"I know; I know, my dear," was Miss Clyde's reply. "But he did that to save himself from being unjustly suspected. I don't believe he killed Milly; and you hear what Mr. Mexton says: that Mr. Herne is of the same opinion."
"His opinion has changed then!" remarked Iris, "and I should like to ask him why."
"You can't at present, Iris. Mr. Herne has just gone to London."
"To London!" echoed Miss Clyde, in surprise. "What bad taste to go away so soon after the funeral. Why has he gone?"
"I don't know, Miss Clyde."