"Wait." Iris left the room, and while Paul was still wondering at her emotion she returned with a handkerchief spotted with blood. This she handed to Paul. "Mr. Herne's handkerchief," she said. "I found it on the spot where Milly's body was discovered."
CHAPTER XIX.
[WHO MR. LOVEL WAS.]
"Then Herne must be guilty!" cried Paul, looking at the name on the handkerchief.
"I am not sure," replied Iris. "If he were guilty, he would not accuse Mr. Lovel."
"He was forced into that position," rejoined the journalist quickly. "He accused Lovel until the discovery of the rainbow feather led him to believe that Catinka had been on the spot, and might have seen him commit the crime. Then he changed his tune, and asked me to seek no further evidence against Lovel until he returned from seeing Catinka. I know now that the violinist saw nothing, and, reassured on that point, I am certain that Herne will return here tomorrow, and go on accusing Lovel."
"But, Paul," urged Iris, "he might have seen Lovel kill Milly?"
"No; if he had done so, he would have had Lovel arrested. Iris, this handkerchief shows that Herne was in the Winding Lane on the night and at the time of the murder. He came to Barnstead in disguise; and, see, this handkerchief is spotted with blood--with Milly's blood. I feel sure that Herne is the guilty man."
Iris covered her face with her hands and shuddered. "Oh!" she moaned, "I have tried to put this frightful suspicion out of my mind, because I loved the man. I fancied that he might have killed Milly in a fit of rage, and it was because I was sorry for him that I asked you not to search for the assassin."
"You thought I should find Herne?"