The attentive audience, heads down, stared at the piece of paper as the professor lifted one side of the bronze plate, before sprinkling the page with minute, pepper-like black filings that ran down its surface and disappeared into a narrow trough at the bottom of the plate. Once he was satisfied the paper had been completely covered with filings, he lowered the bronze plate back in place, and peered down at his handiwork.
‘Look at Arthur,’ whispered Grace.
Sir Julian glanced up at the defendant, who was still standing in the dock. Arthur didn’t seem to be in any doubt about what the result would be, whereas Lord Justice Arnott and his two colleagues still appeared sceptical, and Mr Llewellyn downright unconvinced.
Professor Abrahams bent over the machine and placed a sheet of sticky-backed plastic carefully on top of the Mylar film, then deftly peeled the film from the plate. Finally, he separated the sticky-backed plastic sheet from the film, and placing a blank sheet of white paper behind it, held it up for everyone to see.
No one could have failed to observe the unmistakable impressions on the missing page.
Mr Llewellyn still looked unimpressed when Lord Justice Arnott said, ‘Perhaps you would be kind enough, professor, to read out the words that are indented on the page, as I have a feeling you may have done this before.’
‘On several occasions, Your Honour. But I should warn you that there are bound to be some gaps. But first may I remind you of the final sentence on the first page, before I move on to the disputed second page.’ The judge nodded. ‘I later regretted that I had lost my temper with him, and I should never have . . .’ The Professor took a large magnifying glass from his bag and studied the indented page closely before he continued.
‘done so before I heard side story. On arrival back Euston S I took taxi to our,’ he hesitated, ‘office in Marylebone. When I open the door I saw heavily built ma rush wards me. I held op the doo for him, but barged past me and to street. I didn’t think about at tim but ater realiz he co have be the mur erer. I went s up to Gary’ offi on the loor, and fo im pread on t floor by the mant piec. I rush across bu it was ready late. Someon must ave
The professor turned to the third page of the statement and continued, ‘struck him.’ One or two of those standing around the machine burst into applause, while the others remained stony silent.
‘Thank you, professor,’ said Lord Justice Arnott, before adding, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, would you please return to your seats.’
Grace waited until everyone had settled before she rose from her place and said, ‘No more questions, My Lords,’ and collapsed onto the bench.
‘Chapeau,’ her father whispered, touching his forehead with the fingers of his right hand.
‘Mr Llewellyn, do you wish to cross-examine this witness?’ asked Lord Justice Arnott.
Professor Abrahams braced himself for the Crown’s rebuttal.
‘No, My Lords,’ said the Crown’s chief advocate, barely moving from his place.
‘We are in your debt, Professor Abrahams,’ said Lord Justice Arnott. ‘I’m only glad that your mother lives in Warsaw, and that you dropped by to see us on your way to visit her. You may step down.’
‘Thank you, Your Honour,’ said the professor, before leaving the stand and gathering up his box of tricks.
Grace wanted to hug him as he walked across the room and winked at Arthur, before leaving the court.
‘Do you have any more witnesses, Sir Julian?’ asked Lord Justice Arnott.
‘Just one, My Lords. Detective Sergeant Clarkson, the other signatory to Mr Rainsford’s original statement. He has been subpoenaed to appear before your lordships at ten o’clock tomorrow morning.’
‘Then we will adjourn until then.’
Sir Julian bowed, and remained standing until the three judges had gathered up their copious notes and departed.
‘Do you think Clarkson will actually turn up tomorrow?’ asked Grace.
‘I wouldn’t bet on it,’ replied her father.
31
THE CROWN V. FAULKNER
‘PLEASE STATE YOUR name and occupation, for the record,’ said Mr Booth Watson.
‘Miles Adam Faulkner. I’m a farmer.’
‘Mr Faulkner, the court has heard that you own an impressive art collection, as well as homes in New York and Monte Carlo, an estate in Hampshire, a yacht and a private jet. How can that be possible if you’re a farmer?’
‘My dear father left me the farm in Limpton, along with three thousand acres.’