"You can establish the authenticity of this?"
"Both weapons had the same serial number. Both bore the same scars from use. Both weapons produced the same landmarks upon test bullets. Yet at that time only one weapon had been fired; the one tossed in the corner."
"Your Honor, I enter as Exhibit A these weapons, duplicates of one another. They are definite proof that duplication of objects did take place."
"Evidence accepted."
"It will be noted that the serial number on these guns is registered in the name of Harry Foster. I will suggest no indictment at this time for the criminal act of having two weapons with the same serial number but I do suggest that it be remembered."
He turned to Miller and said, "That is all."
Cranshaw arose to cross-question. "Mr. Miller," he asked, "is there any way of telling which of those guns is the original and which is the duplicate. I assume that they are not both duplicates."
"Only the marking on the weapon that was fired after the killing."
"But, Lieutenant Miller, this is not conclusive. Which weapon was used to kill the dead man—the original or the duplicate?"
"I object. That is irrelevant, immaterial, and incompetent!"