Coryndon's eyes narrowed and he moved his hands slightly.

"Next there is the very trifling evidence of Mrs. Wilder. It doesn't
count for much, but it goes to prove that she knows something of Heath
which she won't give away. She knows something, or she wouldn't screen
him. That is simple deduction."

"Quite simple."

"Now, with reference to Joicey," went on Hartley, with a frown. "I don't
personally think that Joicey knows or remembers whether he did see
Heath. My Superintendent swears that he did go down Paradise Street on
the night of the twenty-ninth, but Joicey is ill, and he said he wasn't
in Mangadone then. He has been seedy for some time and may have mixed up
dates."

"You attach no importance to him?"

"Practically none." Hartley leaned back in his chair and lighted a
cheroot.

Coryndon touched the piece of silk rag with his hand.

"This rag business is out of place, taken in connection with Heath."

"I don't accuse Heath, Coryndon, but I believe that he _knows_ where the
boy went. The last thing that was told me by Mhtoon Pah was that the
gold lacquer bowl that was ordered by Mrs. Wilder was found on the steps
of the shop. Though what that means, the devil only knows. Mhtoon Pah
considers it likely that the Chinaman, Leh Shin, put it there, but I