‘And God’s truth if I never speak another word. And my lil’ chap was then to home in my house. Right. Now then. Furthermore to that, you says the doctor saw him at that same blessed time, twenty to eight, which statement agrees with the lady.’

‘Yes.’

‘Yes. And you says, don’t rush me, you says the doctor was in his launch at that mortal moment.’

Alleyn glanced at Maine: ‘Agreed?’ he asked.

‘Yes. I saw Wally from the launch.’

Trehern moved over to Dr Maine. ‘That’s a bloody lie, Doctor,’ he said.’ Axcusing the expression. I face you out with it, man to man. I seen you, Doctor, clear as I see you now, moving out in thicky launch of yourn at five to ten bloody minutes past eight and by God, I reckon you’m not telling lies for the fun of it. I reckon as how you got half an hour on your conscience, Doctor Maine, and if the law doesn’t face you out with it I’m the chap to do the law’s job for it.’

‘I have already discussed the point with Superintendent Alleyn,’ Maine said, looking at Trehern with profound distaste. ‘Your story is quite unsupported.’

‘Is it?’ Trehern said. ‘Is it, then? That’s where you’re dead wrong. You mind me. And you t’other ladies and gents and you, mister.’ He turned back to Alleyn. ‘After you shifted off this evening, I took to thinking. And I remembered. I remembered our young Wal come up when I was looking out of my winder and I remembered he said in his por simple fashion: “Thick’s doctor’s launch, be’ant she?” You ax him, mister. You face him up with it and he’ll tell you.’

‘No doubt!’ said Maine. He looked at Alleyn. ‘I imagine you accept my statement,’ he said.

‘I haven’t said so,’ Alleyn replied. ‘I didn’t say so at the time, if you remember.’

‘By God, Alleyn!’ he said angrily and controlled himself. ‘This fellow’s as shifty as they come. You must see it. And the boy! Of what value is the boy’s statement if you get one from him. He’s probably been thrashed into learning what he’s got to say.’

‘I never raised a hand – ’ Trehern began but Alleyn stopped him.

‘I was coming to this point,’ he said, ‘when we were interrupted. It may as well be brought out by this means as any other. There are factors, apart from those I’ve already discussed, of which Trehern knows nothing. They may be said to support his story.’ He glanced at Miss Emily. ‘I shall put them to you presently but I assure you they are cogent. In the meantime, Dr Maine, if you have any independent support for your own version of your movements, you might like to say what it is. I must warn you – ’

‘Stop.’