"H'm!" said Herne, looking at the pair; "perhaps you suspect me of the crime?"
"What makes you think that?" asked Lovel.
"Because, if Mexton saw Catinka, she no doubt told him of my visit here on the night the murder was committed."
"Yes, she did tell me," admitted Paul.
"Then, as you know so much, I may as well tell you all," said Herne. "I received a letter by the last post on Saturday night telling me that Mr. Lovel was to meet Milly here on Sunday night. The letter was not signed, but I know who wrote it."
"So do I, Herne," said Lovel. "Gran Jimboy, the gipsy, wrote it. She learnt from me at three o'clock about the meeting, and wrote at once, so as to catch the London post."
"Why did she trouble to betray you?"
"For reasons I'll explain hereafter," replied Lovel. "But what of your secret visit? It was jealousy which made you come down, no doubt?"
"No," replied Herne, coldly, a light coming into his eyes; "it was a desire to save Milly from the snare set by you."
"Thank you for your good opinion."