CHAPTER XXV.
[THE TRUTH AT LAST.]
After this extraordinary outbreak of Herne's, in which he accused himself of Milly's murder, Chaskin led him away, and the court was adjourned till next day. The situation of a man accusing himself thus was so utterly without precedent that the presiding judge did not know how to act. Without sifting the matter and finding why Herne accused himself so publicly, he did not want to take upon himself the responsibility of ordering his arrest. Moreover, the judge, who knew somewhat of Herne's eccentricities, was privately of the opinion that the man was not quite right in his mind. The tragic death of his future wife had evidently disturbed the balance of his brain, and had led him in a frenzy of horror and self-humiliation to accuse himself publicly of a crime he had not committed. On these grounds, reasonable enough, Herne was permitted to go free, until the truth of his extraordinary confession could be proved.
Nevertheless, the judge, while thus cautious and lenient, intimated that it was his opinion that the police should personally see after Herne. If he were guilty, he should be arrested forthwith, if insane, he was not fit to be at large. Acting upon this advice, Inspector Drek followed Herne and Chaskin to their hotel, and requested an interview. In response to his inquiry the Vicar presented himself.
"You cannot see Mr. Herne at present," he said gravely; "he is much excited; but I have persuaded him to lie down. Is it your intention to arrest him, Mr. Drek?"
"If I see reason to adopt so extreme a course," replied Drek. "What is your opinion of this confession, sir?"
"I don't believe one word of it."
"You think, then, that Mr. Herne is innocent?"
"Most decidedly," returned Chaskin. "He is as guiltless as I am."
"Is that a good example?" said Drek with some dryness. "You know that Mrs. Jimboy accuses you as the author of the crime, on the evidence of the pistol."