Problem in solid

by George O. Smith

"Mr. Foster," said Jones quietly, "upon the night of May 18th, was there a duplicate human being made?"

Foster nodded in a superior fashion.

"And are you the duplicate or the—"

"Objection!"

"Sustained!"

"That is all, Mr. Foster," replied Jones angrily. He turned to the jury and smiled. "My points are simple but clear," he said. "Circumstantial evidence it may be, but a more profound interlock of such evidence is seldom found. One: There was a duplicate made. Two, a man was killed by a weapon belonging to Harry Foster, in Harry Foster's apartment, and all evidence fails to show the occupancy of any other human being. Three, the defendant admits that there was duplication made but makes attempt to confuse the Court by denying to answer whether he is original or duplicate! This is an admission that he was the duplicate made—or that he was the original. No denial is made of this. Since it is impossible by any ordinary means to distinguish one Harry Foster—defendant—from the other Harry Foster—victim—a sentence of death is indicated for Harry Foster, the defendant, since the killing conveniently made the only distinction."

Cranshaw arose with a stretch and a smile. "First," he said sincerely, "I want to clear my client of other charges against him. Your Honor, and Counsel for the Prosecution, will you admit as evidence the statements made by relatives, and other competent authorities to the effect that the dead man was the Harry Foster who was wanted for crimes of various nature?"

"I object!" exploded Jones. "If any duplication was made, then the duplicate is equally guilty!"

"All right," said Cranshaw. "Let it pass." He faced the jury with a persecuted air. "Anything to make life difficult," he laughed.

"Now," he said, "may I enter as evidence the suit that the slain man was wearing? It is—or was—identical to that which my client is wearing now. At the present time," he said with a smile, "the client's suit is a little more worn, though in better condition due to the holes in this one. Now, for my first witness I call Dr. Lewis."