"So I was," replied the squire carelessly, "but I came down to-day instead of waiting till to-morrow. My business was finished, so there was no need for me to idle in town. How are you, Lovel?" he added abruptly, turning his eyes towards Lucas.
"I am as well as can be expected under the circumstances," replied Lovel gloomily; "but why do you pay me the compliment of asking after my health, Mr. Herne? Do you not regard me as the murderer of Miss Lester?"
"No," replied Herne quietly. "I did so once, but I have changed my mind."
"Since seeing Catinka?" questioned Paul, sharply.
"What do you know about Catinka?" asked Herne, just as sharply.
"I know all that she could tell me about the Rainbow Feather, and her visit to Barnstead."
"She told you about the Rainbow Feather?" repeated Herne. "And how did you trace her connection with the Rainbow Feather?"
"That is too long a story to tell," rejoined Mexton coolly; "but I got the clue on the day you found the Rainbow Feather on this very spot. Catinka placed it on the body."
"But Catinka did not commit the murder."
"I know that; nor did Lovel here."