"Ees, for sure. I was at the stile when mun fired wi' pistol."
"Who fired the pistol?" asked Paul, much excited. "Herne?"
"No; nor Miss Clyde, nor Brent, nor my grandson here. Bend, dearie, and I'll whisper who killed the good maid."
Both men bent forward and held their breath.
"It was t'passon," said Gran Jimboy. "Master Chaskin--'e killed t' lass!"
CHAPTER XXI.
[THE RETURN OF HERNE.]
When Gran Jimboy revealed her secret, she finished with a croaking laugh of triumph, and lay back breathless on her pillow. Her hearers remained silent, in sheer astonishment at the astounding statement which she had made, and which neither could believe. The old gipsy was irritated by this unspoken scepticism, and reiterated her charge.
"I ses that t'passon killed that gude maid!" she declared; upon which Paul found his tongue.
"It is impossible!" cried he indignantly. "How dare you bring a charge like that against Mr. Chaskin! What motive had he for killing an innocent girl?"