# The Opening of the Defence explained — Hand and Ring

> Chapter companion for Hand and Ring by Anna Katharine Green.

## What happens

The prosecution rests its case, and Mr. Orcutt opens the defense for Craik Mansell. He argues that despite the evidence of motive and opportunity, a physical impossibility prevents Mansell from having committed the murder. He plans to introduce expert witnesses to prove that the path from Mrs. Clemmens' house to the Quarry Station takes longer than the time between the murder and Mansell's train departure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

The defence challenges the prosecution's case, arguing that circumstantial evidence is insufficient to convict.

### Deception and Truth

Orcutt's defence hinges on the truth of the timeline and the physical impossibility of Mansell's guilt.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Byrd

Watching the proceedings with eagerness, feeling that Orcutt will win the case.

### Mr. Orcutt

Rises to open the defence, displaying confidence and brilliance.

### Craik Mansell

The prisoner, who lifts his head as his counsel speaks.

### Mr. Hickory

Holds his breath during Orcutt's opening statement.

### Imogene Dare

Shows feeling through her icy restraint during the defence's opening.

## Key lines

> Excellent! I smell a device.

The chapter title hints at a clever strategy being employed.

_Opening epigraph from Twelfth Night._

> Orcutt will have to wake up if he is going to clear his man in face of facts like these.

A courtroom observer doubts Orcutt's ability to overcome the strong evidence against the prisoner.

_Public opinion before the defence opens._

> To save his client seemed the one predominating impulse of his soul

Orcutt's primary motivation is to secure an acquittal for Mansell.

_Byrd's observation of Orcutt's demeanor._

> a physical impossibility stands in the way of his being the assailant of the Widow Clemmens

Orcutt argues that Mansell could not have committed the murder due to timing constraints.

_Core of the defence's argument._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xxix-the-opening-of-the-defence
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hand_and_ring_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters