"Well," said Lovel, dismissing the subject with a shrug, "let us see how the Rev. Mr. Chaskin intends to clear himself. He will find it hard to deny the evidence of that pistol."
Paul thought so also, but as his companion seemed indisposed for further conversation he held his peace. The two young men walked slowly through the Winding Lane, each intent on his own thoughts. Mexton wondered on how many more people the blame of this tragic death was likely to fall. Lester, Miss Clyde, Lovel, Catinka, and Herne all had been suspected on sufficiently strong evidence; but on evidence equally strong the innocence of one and all had been clearly proved. Now the circumstantial evidence of the pistol was against Chaskin, and it would appear that he had killed the girl; but for all that Paul was not inclined to be certain of his guilt. Others had cleared themselves by reasonable explanation; so why should not Chaskin do the same? Mexton quite expected that the Vicar would be able to explain the loss of his pistol, and account in some plausible way for his meeting on the common with Mother Jimboy. And if he proved himself to be guiltless, it would be quite impossible--so far as Paul saw--to discover the assassin of Milly. Her fate would remain a tragic mystery; and the person who had wrought such ill would live on in defiance of the law. But though he--or she, for it might be a woman, thought Paul--escape the law of man, there was yet the law of God to be reckoned with. Come what might, the dastard who had fired the fatal shot would not escape punishment in the next world.
On their way to the square of St. Dunstan, where the Vicarage was situated, the young men met with Dr. Lester, who at once stopped to give them some news.
"I have just heard from Drek that my trial takes place next week," he said eagerly, "and I must surrender to my bail. I shall be glad to get the thing over, as, notwithstanding my innocence, I feel uneasy until I am pronounced guiltless."
"That need not trouble you," said Paul; "you assuredly will go free. We know now who committed the murder."
"Who was it? Who is the assassin?"
"I'll tell you that later on. Is Drek here?"
"Yes, he is at The Herne Arms."
"Then tell him to meet Lovel and myself there in an hour. We have something to tell him which is of the greatest importance."
"Is it the name of the assassin?"