"No," replied the Vicar decidedly, "because when Herne saw the pair he was thrown into such a state of emotion that he fell into a trance. When he recovered the girl was dead, and the pistol was gone."
"Lovel told me about the trance," said Drek thoughtfully. "But about this pistol. It is yours, I believe?"
"Yes. And on that assumption Mr. Lovel accused me of the crime. I said nothing in order to screen my friend; but I can tell you now, Mr. Drek. Herne took that pistol out of the case in my study three months ago."
"For what reason?"
"Well, you know Herne is philanthropic, and has many acquaintances amid humble people; also amid Socialistic societies. One of these societies asked him for money, which he refused to give, as he did not approve of the purposes for which the society had been founded. In a rage--for the members had revealed their secrets to Herne--they threatened to kill him. He told me of this, and laughed at their threats; but I, knowing the class of reckless men he had to deal with, advised him to go armed. I gave him that pistol myself."
"And he had it with him on the night of the murder?"
"Yes, Mr. Drek," added the Vicar after a pause. "I do not mind telling you that the mind of my friend is not properly balanced. He had an idea that Milly Lester was lost if she did not marry him; and hearing of her entanglement with Lovel, he came down here with the firm intention of killing them both. This he confessed to me; he wished to save Miss Lester's soul at the expense of her body, and kill Lovel for tempting her away from him. With the pistol he went to the Winding Lane to kill the pair, and he would have done so but for his trance."
"H'm! you are rather a Devil's Advocate, Mr. Chaskin!" said Drek, doubtfully; "your testimony, so far as I can see, is rather calculated to harm your friend than to do him good."
"I must tell the truth at all costs," said Chaskin sadly; "my only hope of saving my poor, foolish friend is to be honest and outspoken. Catinka lies, because she wishes to terrorise Herne into giving her money. But she does not know his nature. As soon as he heard from her that he had fired the pistol, he resolved to denounce himself before the court at the trial of Dr. Lester. Catinka came down to see if he would carry out his intention, for I saw her in the court, standing by Lucas Lovel. Well, he accused himself, as you know, but he is guiltless, I am certain."
"But if he went there to kill the girl, and took the pistol to commit the crime, he must have carried out his intention."