"Mr. Chaskin," said Paul, taking no notice of his interruption, "were the earrings and rings and bracelets of Milly on the body when you found it?"
"Yes," replied Chaskin, promptly, "they were; and her purse was in her pocket also. I thought the murder might be due to robbery, and I examined the body carefully; but nothing had been touched. It was lying with outspread hands face downwards. Apparently the poor girl had been shot from behind and fell prone on her face stone dead."
"Nothing was touched," murmured Paul to himself. "Then that disposes of my tramp theory. Whatever the motive of the crime, it was not robbery."
"Of course not," said Darcy, quickly; "it was jealousy."
"Of the dead girl?"
"Of me--on the part of Lovel. I believe he killed her."
"He would not commit a crime for so slight a cause," protested Chaskin.
"Why not? Lovel has gipsy blood in his veins; he told me so himself, and his passions once roused he does not care what he says or does. Face to face with him, I'll force him into a confession."
"Then you believe that Dr. Lester is innocent?"
"As innocent as I believe Lovel is guilty!" replied Herne, with emphasis.