"Well, I don't care who knows," cried the minister, recklessly. "I have nothing to be ashamed of. Yes, Mr. Inspector, I loved her, and I asked her to marry me. She refused, declaring she was in love with a man named Jack Finland."
"Oh, here is a fresh element. And who is Finland, may I ask?"
"A sailor--a nephew of Farmer Carwell."
"H'm!" said Chard; "and it was in Farmer Carwell's field the body was found. Strange!"
"I don't think Finland killed her," expostulated Johnson, with some eagerness. "He is not a godly man, and it is true, I believe, that he is a trifle dissipated in his habits; but he is a good-humoured, cheery sailor, and he loved the girl dearly. Indeed, I am certain that he is innocent."
"All men are presumed to be innocent until they are found guilty," said the officer, dryly. "And where is Mr. Finland now?"
"At sea, for all I know. He left Grimleigh three weeks ago, to join his ship in London."
"Do you happen to know the ship's name?"
"No," replied Johnson, coldly; "I was not sufficiently interested in Finland to ask. Farmer Carwell may know."
"I will ask him," said Mr. Inspector, making a note in his book. "And now, Mr. Johnson, tell me when this girl ran away."