happened earlier?” “They say there have been some acquittals earlier,” the painter answered, “but it's very hard to be sure about it. The courts don't make their final conclusions public, not even the judges are allowed to know about them, so that all we know about these earlier cases are just legends.

But most of them did involve absolute acquittals, you can believe that, but they can't be proved. On the other hand, you shouldn't forget all about them either, I'm sure there is some truth to them, and they are very beautiful, I've painted a few pictures myself depicting these legends.” “My assessment will not be altered by mere legends,” said K. “I don't suppose it's possible to cite these legends in court, is it?” The painter laughed. “No, you can't cite them in