"Impossible!" said Chaskin and Mexton together.
"I don't think so," persisted Herne. "Lucas Lovel wanted to marry Milly--to ween her from me; and frequently met her on the common and in the Winding Lane. I was told about these meetings by a certain person who shall be nameless; but I said nothing, trusting to Milly's true heart. I believed that she was true to me; and that for such a reason Lovel killed her."
"But Lovel was not with her on Sunday night."
"I believe he was," said Darcy, "although I have no means of proving it. I intend to see Mr. Lovel and force him into confession; but before doing so I wish to examine the spot where the murder took place."
"For what reason?" asked Chaskin, hurriedly.
"To search for evidence. Let us go now, while the daylight lasts. Mr. Mexton, you will come also?"
"Willingly," said Paul, rising. "I wish to see the spot, too; indeed, I came here to ask Mr. Chaskin for all particulars regarding the finding of the body."
"Why?" asked the clergyman, quickly.
"Because I wish to prove the innocence of Dr. Lester. Black as is the evidence against him, I cannot think that he killed his own daughter. The murder may have been committed by a tramp for robbery."
"No," said Herne, doggedly. "Lovel killed her."