court as irrefutable evidence. For, when everything else fails, a
picture made through the photographic lens almost invariably turns
the tide. However, such a picture upon which the fate of an
important case may rest should be subjected to critical
examination, for it is an established fact that a photograph may
be made as untruthful as it may be reliable."

He paused. Dorgan was regarding him keenly, but saying nothing.
Kennedy did not mind, as he resumed.

"Combination photographs change entirely the character of the
initial negative and have been made for the past fifty years. The
earliest, simplest, and most harmless photographic deception is
the printing of clouds in a bare sky. But the retoucher with his
pencil and etching tool to-day is very skilful. A workman of
ordinary ability can introduce a person taken in a studio into an
open-air scene well blended and in complete harmony without a
visible trace of falsity."

Dorgan was growing interested.

"I need say nothing of how one head can be put on another body in
a picture," pursued Craig, "nor need I say what a double exposure
will do. There is almost no limit to the changes that may be
wrought in form and feature. It is possible to represent a person
crossing Broadway or walking on Riverside Drive, places he may
never have visited. Thus a person charged with an offence may be
able to prove an alibi by the aid of a skilfully prepared
combination photograph.