"You did nothing of the sort!" insisted Chaskin. "Before you could raise the pistol you fell into one of your trances. God forgive you, my poor friend, for on that night I know that murder was in your heart. Still, in His mercy He took away your power of action, and you did not commit the crime."
"Catinka says that I did."
"Blackmail!" said Drek contemptuously. "She thought you would be frightened into parting with money to her society; but by a public confession you have taken the game out of her hands. Don't you believe that young woman, Mr. Herne; she's a liar."
"I can't believe it!" exclaimed the unhappy man, clasping his hands. "When I fell into my trance, Milly was alive; when I came out of it she was dead. Also, you found my handkerchief stained with blood; I dropped that while bending over her. I was there on the spot----"
"And the pistol was gone!" said Chaskin--"don't forget that."
"So I say," cried Herne; "and I say also that I was in a trance. But how do you know that I am not lying?"
"For the very good reason that Lovel saw you in the trance," said Drek.
"Did he see me fire the shot?"
"No; he saw no one fire the shot, but he heard it. When the girl fell dead he rushed round to see who was the assassin, but the dastard had fled. Then, afraid lest he should be arrested for the murder, he went away to Gran Jimboy's tent, and persuaded her to swear that he had been there all the evening."
"Did he leave me still in the trance?"