"And you think I am the man?" questioned Lovel, looking fixedly at his visitor.
"No; I do not think you killed the poor girl. I will give you the credit that you loved her too well to take her young life. But I think also," said Paul with energy, "that you know who fired the shot."
"No; I am as doubtful of that as you are."
"I decline to believe that. Herne killed the girl, and you know it."
"So far as I do know, Herne did not kill the girl," replied Lovel emphatically.
"Then, if he is innocent, and you also, who is the murderer?"
"I don't know, I cannot say," said Lucas wearily. "I have asked myself that question fifty times a day, but to it I can find no answer."
"The police might find an answer."
Lovel laughed. "The police might arrest me, and find their answer by getting me hanged," he said coolly.
"Well, Drek may arrest you yet," said Paul, raising his eyebrows. "You must be aware, Mr. Lovel, that your actions are very suspicious."