"Precisely," assented Paul--"and with a five-pound note."
"Then I tell you what," said Iris, coolly--"Mr. Lovel paid Brent also to accuse Miss Clyde!"
"H'm! It's not improbable," said Mexton, pulling his moustache. "I am more inclined to believe in the guilt of Lovel than in that of Miss Clyde. But I'll see her to-morrow and ask her for an explanation."
"She won't give it."
"In that case I'll tell Drek, and he'll force her to speak."
"Oh, dear! oh, dear!" sighed Mrs. Mexton. "It is truly terrible to think of the way in which we have been brought into contact with crime! And poor Dr. Lester in gaol!"
"He won't be in goal long," said Paul, with a satisfied nod.
"You are going to prove his innocence?" cried Iris, anxiously.
"I am; but I don't intend to leave him in prison until I do so. To-morrow I'll get bail for him, and he will be a free man--at all events till his trial."
"It is very good of you, Paul," said Iris, gratefully; and Mrs. Mexton endorsed the statement with a nod of her head. She was a simple and pious old woman, but not quite the company for two young and ardent people. Her views on the matter of the murder were singularly crude; and the point she dwelt on most was that Lester's loss and arrest were a judgment on him for his long indulgence in the drinking vice. But, knowing him as she had done, the most part of his life, she did not believe he was guilty, and stated this opinion to Iris, who was much comforted thereby.