STAMPLER: Means forgetting things for a while.
VAIL: Do you have a term for it?
STAMPLER: Yes, sir. Call it losing time.
VAIL: And did you ever lose time?
STAMPLEK Yes, sir.
VAIL: Often?
STAMPLER: Yes, sir.
VAIL: When?
STAMPLER: Well, I'm not perfectly sure. At first you don't know it's happening. Then after a while, you know when you lose time.
VAIL: How do you know?
STAMPLER: Well, one minute I'd be sitting here, a second later - just a snap of a finger - I'd be sitting over there, or walking outside. Once I was in the movies with a girl and just an instant later we were walking outside the movie. I don't know how the picture ended, I was just outside on the street.
VAIL: Did you tell anyone about this?
STAMPLER: No, sir.
VAIL: Why not?
STAMPLER: I didn't think they'd believe me. Thought they'd make fun of me or maybe put me away.
It was the question of Stampler's blackout and the 'fugue state' that stirred the liveliest cross-examination of the trial, ironically between Vail and Stenner, who was then city detective in charge of the investigation.
VAIL: Are you familiar with the medical term 'fugue state' or hysterical amnesia?
STENNER: Yes, I discussed it with Dr Bascott.
VAIL: As a matter of fact, you don't believe in the fugue theory, do you, Lieutenant Stenner?
STENNER: I have no firm opinion.
VAIL: It is a scientific fact, Lieutenant.
STENNER: As I said, I have no firm opinion.
VAIL: Do you believe that two plus two equals four?
STENNER: Of course.
VAIL: Do you believe the earth revolves around the sun?
STENNER: Yes.
VAIL: Are you a Christian, Lieutenant?
STENNER: Yes.
VAIL: Do you believe in the Resurrection?
STENNER: Yes, I do.
VAIL: Is the Resurrection a matter of fact or a theory?
VENABLE: Objection, Your Honour. Lieutenant Stenner's religious beliefs have nothing to do with this case.
VAIL: On the contrary, Your Honour. If I may proceed, I think I can show the relevance.
JUDGE SHOAT. Overruled. Read the last question, please, Ms Blanchard.
BLANCHARD: 'Is the Resurrection a matter of fact or theory?'
VAIL: Lieutenant?
STENNER: It is a matter of faith, sir.
VAIL: So you believe in scientific fact and you believe in religious faith, but you question the scientific reality of a psychiatric
