Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 32 – Ripley · Verses Across
Literature · Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 32Chapter 31
18
Literature · Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 32
Chapter 31
RipleyEnglish
The Wrong Foot Forward
‘The witness says,’ explained the interpreter, ‘that as the car came to a sudden stop the conductor ran to the front and yelled to the motorman, “You’ve done it again."’
The little foreigner on the witness stand looked bewildered and frightened.
‘He further says that there were two sailors on the car and that they jumped off and ran.’
‘Have they been located yet?’ inquired the Judge.
‘No, Your Honor; we’ve been unable to trace them, although the conductor gave a good description,’ replied counsel.
‘Proceed.’
The interpreter continued.
‘Paslovsky, the witness, declares he had a clear view of the plaintiff when he got off. He states that just as the plaintiff put his foot on the ground, with his back to the front of the car, it gave a sudden start and he was thrown to the road.’
‘Can’t the witness understand or speak enough English to tell the court about that?’ asked the Judge.
‘No, Your Honor; he’s been in this country only two weeks.’
‘How can he get about at that hour of night alone, then?’
‘Some friends put him on the car and telephoned the people with whom he lives to meet him at the end of the line,’ replied counsel for the plaintiff.
‘Continue.’
‘Paslovsky,’ declared the interpreter, ‘says he picked up this picture from the floor of the car—a snapshot of a sailor and a girl.’
‘Case dismissed,’ thundered the Judge, ‘and don’t ever bring another like that into this court.’
‘Why was His Honor justified in so abruptly dismissing the suit for damages?’
asked Professor Fordney of his class in criminology.
