human
And what is your conclusion from these findings?
gpt
The thing is just a box, that's all. It has no special properties.
human
Would you say that it could be responsible for the phenomena we have just seen? By that, I mean the peculiar action of the roulette wheel, demonstrated here by the prosecution.
gpt
Definitely not, he stated flatly.
human
The box could not possibly have any effect on either the wheel or the ball.
gpt
I see. Thank you, doctor; that's all. Cross-examine.
human
Dr. Pettigrew, you say that the box couldn't possibly have had any effect on the wheel. And yet, we have demonstrated that there _is_ an effect. Don't you believe the testimony of your own senses?
gpt
Certainly I do!
human
Then how do you account for the behavior of the roulette wheel as you have just seen it demonstrated in this court?
gpt
In several ways! Pettigrew said sharply.
human
In the first place, that wheel could be rigged.
gpt
Now, just a minute! I--
human
Are you objecting to the answer, Mr. District Attorney?
gpt
The witness is insinuating that I falsified evidence!
human
I am not! said Pettigrew, visibly angry.
gpt
You asked me how I could account for its behavior, and I told you one way! There are others!
human
The wheel will be examined, said Judge Lapworth darkly.
gpt
Tell us the other ways, Dr. Pettigrew.
human
Pure chance, said Pettigrew.
gpt
Pure chance, Your Honor. I'm sure that everyone in this courtroom has seen runs of luck on a roulette wheel. According to the laws of probability, such runs must inevitably happen. Frankly, I believe that just such a run has occurred here. I do not think for a minute that Mr. Thursby or anyone else rigged that wheel.
human
I see; thank you, Dr. Pettigrew, said the judge.
gpt
Any further questions, Mr. District Attorney?
human
No further questions,
gpt
Call your next witness,
human
I call Mr. Jason Howley to the stand.
gpt
Mr. Howley, you have seen People's Exhibit A?
human
I have.
gpt
To whom does it belong?
human
It is mine. It was taken from me by--
gpt
Just answer the question, please, I admonished him. He knew his script, but he was jumping the gun.
human
The device is yours, then?
gpt
That's right.
human
Under what circumstances did this device come into the hands of the police?
gpt
Would you explain to us just what this device is?
human
Certainly, he said.
gpt
It's a good luck charm.
human
A good luck charm. I see. Then it has no effect on the wheel at all?
gpt
Oh, I wouldn't say that, Howley said disarmingly. He smiled and looked at the jury.
human
It certainly has _some_ effect. It's the only good luck charm I ever had that worked.