"You were splitting a hair," suggested Coryndon.
Joicey drew his heavy eyebrows together in an angry frown.
"Let that question rest," he said, conquering his desire to break loose in a passion of rage.
"You went down Paradise Street some time after sunset. Will you tell me exactly whom you saw on your way to the river house?"
Craven Joicey steadied his voice and thought carefully.
"I passed Heath, the Parson, he was coming from the direction of the lower wharves, and was going towards Rydal's bungalow. I remember that, because Rydal was in, my mind at the time; I had heard that his wife was ill, probably dying, and just after I saw Absalom."
He paused for a moment and moistened his lips.
"Was he with anyone when you saw him?"
"No, he was alone, and he was carrying a parcel. Anyhow, that is all I can tell you about him that night."
Joicey looked up as though he considered that he had said enough.