"It might have fallen," suggested Paul.
"No; I looked before I went."
"Why did you return after midnight?"
"Who told you that I returned?" asked Lovel, curiously.
"Iris Link. She thought that her step-father had committed the crime; and, to save him, she went to the spot to look for the pistol she fancied he might have dropped. But we know now that Miss Clyde took away his pistol before the crime was committed."
"I heard that story," said Lovel, thoughtfully; "but, of course, I never thought that Dr. Lester was guilty. Did Iris see me?"
"Yes; and you ran away?"
"I did," said Lovel, flushing. "I went to see if Herne was still there; and hearing footsteps--those of Iris, no doubt--I went away lest I should be implicated in the murder. What else could I do in such a position? Well, Mexton, I have told you all I know. What do you make of my story?"
Paul rose. "You come with me, Lovel, and see Mother Jimboy," said he, putting on his hat, "and we'll see what she knows of the matter."
"She knows nothing; she was not out of her tent."