"Why?" asked Mayne, suddenly.
"Because I believe he knows something about this murder."
"Oh, Tera!" cried Rachel, flushing, "you don't think her husband killed her. Poor thing!"
"No, I should be sorry to think that. But I dare say he knows who did."
"I wonder who she married?" said Herbert, reflectively. "Slade, the policeman, was very sweet on her."
"Oh, he can't be her husband!" cried Rachel, vigorously; "why, he has been married almost a year. Herbert, surely you don't think Slade has committed bigamy?"
"I hope not, Rachel. As a policeman he should know the danger of it. Well, interesting as this conversation is, I must be off." And Herbert rose to his feet with a yawn.
"Won't you stay to supper, Herbert?" asked Rachel, with a blush.
"No. You have the house full already. But I may look in after and smoke a pipe with the farmer."
Mayne glanced so significantly at Rachel as he made this remark that Tera felt sure he spoke in the character of an accepted lover. Her belief was strengthened when she saw Rachel go to the door with the young man and return with a heightened colour. Tera drew her dark brows together and seemed displeased. While Rachel set out the supper-table she talked to Jack and Tolai in the most unconcerned manner, but when Rachel was about to go to her bedroom to smarten herself up for the meal, she stopped her.