"Then you are certain Mr. Lovel is innocent?"

"Yes, I am."

"And you know who is guilty?"

"I ain't sure of that," replied Brent, after a pause; "but I saw her creeping after Mr. Lovel and the gal, and when I heard the shot, I ses: 'She's done it!'"

"She? Who?" asked Paul, much excited.

"Why, Miss Clyde, o' Clyde's Farm. Who else?" replied Brent, coolly.

CHAPTER XII.

[A STARTLING PIECE OF EVIDENCE.]

"Miss Clyde!" said Paul, staring at his informant; "but what was she doing in the Winding Lane at so late an hour?"

"Watchin' Miss Lester, of course, sir!"