"Yes; you were as still as stone. When did you wake up?"
Herne passed his hand over his forehead. "I don't know," he said in a faltering voice. "When I came to myself I found Milly's dead body; and then, recognising my own danger, I fled also, and got my horse. I rode back to Marborough, and returned to London; but I swear that I did not think I killed the girl, else I would have given myself up. I did not know until Catinka told me of my sin."
"She told a lie, Mr. Herne," said Drek with a nod. "I told you her reason before: blackmail."
The squire, still convinced of his guilt, was about to begin his protestations anew, when the door opened and Paul Mexton, breathless with haste, rushed in, waving a paper.
"Chaskin, Herne! I beg your pardon," he cried, "but I was told at the police office that Drek was here, and I couldn't wait there to see him. I had to come on at once."
"What is the matter?" asked the inspector, rising.
"Mother Jimboy is dead!"
"Dead!" echoed Chaskin, starting. "And her confession?"
"Here it is, written down by me, signed by her, and attested with due legality by two witnesses of full age and intelligence."
"Does she say who killed Miss Lester?" asked Drek, with a glance at Chaskin.