Dr. Jim laughed. The accusation was so absurd that he could not help laughing. "Of course the man is mad," he said briefly.
"I did _not_ say that you had murdered Colonel Carr," cried Robin. "I only said that you were near the house at the time of the murder."
"Ah!" cried Herrick turning on the little wretch, "and how do you know that Mr. Joyce? Come. Out with it."
"He said he saw me," put in Bess.
"I did see you," said Robin making a clean breast of it. "You were near the house and for all I know----"
"So you _did_ come to Saxham on that night," interrupted Herrick. "Oh, you liar! You went to see Frith and Frith; you slept at the Hull Hotel, did you? And all the time you were down here! I believe you killed Colonel Carr yourself."
"I swear I did not," shrieked Robin, "she did if anyone."
"Don't you dare to say that again," cried Bess, "you are telling a lie."
"Were you not on the lawn in front of the house?" asked Robin.
"Yes, I was, and I can account for my presence to Dr. Herrick--not to you--little toad that you are," cried the angry girl. "Send him away," she added turning to Jim, "and I'll tell you all."