“I didn’t make him out; I thought it might be him.”
“Did Vidal have any money on his person?”
“I don’t know.”
“How long did the struggle last?”
“A moment.”
“Didn’t you men have time to run to his assistance?”
“No, sir. Very soon after we ran to the balcony, Vidal fell to the ground, and the other fellow made for the river and disappeared.”
“Very well. What happened after that?”
“The Cripple and myself hurdled the balustrade, jumped into the river and ran over to the island. The Cripple grabbed Vidal’s hand and said, ‘He’s dead.’ Then we both went back to the restaurant and left.”