There is an alchemy of quiet malice by which women can concoct a subtle poison from ordinary trifles. Hawthorne.
[15. A Yachtsman’s Alibi]
As Picus said there was no breeze, the distress flag would have hung limp against the mast, and the Captain could not have seen, at that distance, whether or not the flag was upside down.
That’s all the Professor needed to determine the falsity of his alibi. However, Picus was a poor sailor. While the International Distress Signal is a flag flown upside down, it is by custom and regulation always flown at half-mast.
... And the sea charm’d into a calm so still
That not a wrinkle ruffles her smooth face.
Dryden.
[16. Murder at Coney Island]
Jasper said he found the woman sitting up in the middle of the chariot. The motion of the merry-go-round would have made it impossible for a dead body to remain upright in the middle of the chariot.
Sir, you are giving a reason for it; but that will not make it right.... Johnson.