[THE TRIAL.]
"You see," said Drek, complacently, "that it is quite easy to get up a case against you, Mr. Lovel; yet I feel convinced from your late actions that you are innocent. Therefore you will understand that I am inclined to doubt even the strong evidence you have obtained against Mr. Chaskin. He may be as guiltless as you are. The evidence against Herne is as strong; yet you think his hands are clean of blood. Why, then, should you suspect Chaskin so much?"
"He refused to explain the loss of the pistol."
"So far as that goes, he refused because he did not think either you or Mexton had any right to examine him. But if a person like myself, having authority----"
"Go and see him, Drek, and find out if he will confess to you!" said Paul, eagerly.
"No; I shall take no steps in the matter until this trial of Dr. Lester's is concluded."
"And in the meantime Chaskin will run away," said Lovel, bitterly.
"I don't think so," rejoined the inspector, nettled by the sneering tone of the young man, which cast a reflection on his judgment. "The conduct of Mr. Chaskin does not augur that he intends to fly; and if he did, I would take means to prevent his flight."
"You will have him watched?"
"I will have both him and Herne watched."