M. Labori.--“M. Bertillon tells us that there is only one man who can
have written it. Well, if he succeeds in proving that, it will have
to be admitted that the defence finds itself in a very embarrassing
situation. So I ask M. Bertillon to tell us why the _bordereau_ can not
be the work of Major Esterhazy, but is necessarily the work of another.”
The Judge.--“Have you Major Esterhazy’s handwriting?”
M. Bertillon.--“No, I have proofs that are not exactly calligraphic
proofs. I have no confidence in expert opinion in the matter of
handwriting. I believe that it is good for something as an eliminating
process, but that beyond that it is necessary to make a _tabula rasa_.
But I have convincing proofs; they are not simply proofs that put one
on the scent; they constitute a demonstration that the _bordereau_ was
written by the man originally condemned.”
The Judge.--“And that it could not have been written by anybody else?”
M. Bertillon.--“No. The _bordereau_, whatever they may say, is not in
a running hand. It follows a geometric rhythm, the equation of which
was found in the blotting-pad of the man originally condemned, and with
this blotting-pad it is possible to re-establish his handwriting. I
will do it, if it is desired.”
M. Labori.--“That is precisely what we ask. It is very important. It
is absolutely necessary that the witness who now addresses us should
make the requisite demonstration, and that is the point at which I was
coming. We have a blackboard here. If M. Bertillon wishes to make use
of it, it is at his disposition.”
M. Bertillon.--“Produce the documents that were seized at the house of
the condemned man, and I will make my demonstration. But let me add,
that you may not take me for a trifler, that this demonstration is
long and difficult. Nevertheless the practice is easy. Some day I will
explain myself on this subject. I can reconstitute the _bordereau_ for
you out of independent elements. But you must give me these elements; I
cannot speak in the dark.”
M. Labori.--“Well, M. Bertillon, we will do all that we possibly can
for you. I promise you that, if we do not get these elements, it will
not be my fault. Will _Monsieur le Président_ ask M. Bertillon if he
recognizes this little paper, which I pass first to the court?”
The Judge [stupefied].--“What is this?”
M. Labori--“That is a plan drawn by M. Bertillon in his expert
testimony. I should like to know if he recognizes it. Notice of its
production was made to the attorney-general, and the plan has been
published in ‘L’Aurore’.”
[Illustration: M. BERTILLON’S PLAN OF EXPERT PROOF.]
M. Bertillon.--“That is not at all the plan of my deposition; it is
a scheme for a special point in my deposition. I do not deny it at
all; I accept it; only I am astonished that you have not reproduced it
entire, because there was a very important point that is not indicated
in it, and that should have been indicated,--namely, the matter of the
blotting-pad.”