human
Why, one would say you were a novice at this sort of thing, Tomosarchi, you seem so much affected by it, said the lawyer;
gpt
Ah! not that exactly. No, but it is a very singular thing. One would say that this death must have been caused by some one who had some little knowledge of anatomy, or, at least, had been put up to the trick by some one else who possessed such knowledge,
human
And that is what our friend the Marchesino Ludovico is most assuredly innocent of. I take note of your remark, Signor Professore,
gpt
But one would think, that all the other persons on whom it is possible that suspicion might rest, must be equally void of any such knowledge,
human
How do we know that? How can I tell what strange odds and ends of knowledge this Venetian artist may have picked up. Artists,--they have constantly more or less acquaintance with medical students, and such like. Some knowledge of anatomy is needful to them in their business. For my part, it seems to me very likely that this girl might have such knowledge as would teach her so easy a way of getting rid of her rival. Then you will observe that very little physical strength was needed for the infliction of such a wound. It might have been done perfectly easily by the hand of a young girl. I declare it seems to me that the result of your examinations tends to make it more probable than ever that the Venetian is the criminal.
gpt
Well, it may be so. Certain it is, that no degree of strength beyond what she, or any other such person could have exerted, was needed for giving that death to a sleepy person. But it is equally clear that a certain amount of special knowledge was required for the purpose, rejoined the anatomist.
human
And now, added he;
gpt
I must draw up my report. A rivederci, Signor Fortini! A rivederci, Signori!
human
One word more, Signor Professore, before I leave you, said the lawyer;
gpt
Well, I should not say that it was likely such a method of concealing a crime would have suggested itself to such an one, more than to another. It is the clever invention of one who meditated murder. But, I may say at once to you, what I shall have to say in due season to the magistrates, that the trick is not a new one. I have heard of such a thing before now.
human
But not as a common thing,
gpt
Quite the reverse--as a very strange and peculiar thing,
human
And when did you hear of a case of murder committed in this strange and peculiar manner?
gpt
Ay--if I could remember that--but it is a reported case; anybody may have read it. A murder was committed by similar means in the Island of Sardinia, not very long ago!
human
Not very long ago,
gpt
No, not very long ago; but the case has been reported, I tell you. Anybody may have read it.
human
Humph,