CATES

You sure picked the long shot this time, Mr. Drummond.

DRUMMOND

Sometimes I think the law is like a horse race. Sometimes it seems to me I ride like fury, just to end up back where I started. Might as well be on a merry-go-round, or a rocking horse…or…(He half-closes his eyes. His voice is far away, his lips barely move) Golden Dancer….

CATES

What did you say?

DRUMMOND

That was the name of my first long shot. Golden Dancer. She was in the big side window of the general store in Wakeman, Ohio. I used to stand out in the street and say to myself, “If I had Golden Dancer I’d have everything in the world that I wanted.” (He cocks an eyebrow) I was seven years old, and a very fine judge of rocking horses. (He looks off again, into the distance) Golden Dancer had a bright red mane, blue eyes, and she was gold all over, with purple spots. When the sun hit her stirrups, she was a dazzling sight to see. But she was a week’s wages for my father. So Golden Dancer and I always had a plate glass window between us. (Reaching back for the memory) But—let’s see, it wasn’t Christmas; must’ve been my birthday—I woke up in the morning and there was Golden Dancer at the foot of my bed! Ma had skimped on the groceries, and my father’d worked nights for a month. (Re-living the moment) I jumped into the saddle and started to rock—(Almost a whisper) And it broke! It split in two! The wood was rotten, the whole thing was put together with spit and sealing wax! All shine, and no substance! (Turning to CATES) Bert, whenever you see something bright, shining, perfect-seeming—all gold, with purple spots—look behind the paint! And if it’s a lie—show it up for what it really is!

(A RADIO MAN comes on, lugging an old-fashioned carbon microphone. The JUDGE, carrying his robe over his arm, comes on and scowls at the microphone.)

RADIO MAN

(To JUDGE)

I think this is the best place to put it—if it’s all right with you, Your Honor.

JUDGE

There’s no precedent for this sort of thing.

RADIO MAN

You understand, sir, we’re making history here today. This is the first time a public event has ever been broadcast.

JUDGE

Well, I’ll allow it—provided you don’t interfere with the business of the court.

(The RADIO MAN starts to string his wires. The MAYOR hurries on, worried, brandishing a telegram.)

MAYOR

(To JUDGE)

Merle, gotta talk to you. Over here. (He draws the JUDGE aside, not wanting to be heard) This wire just came. The boys over at the state capitol are getting worried about how things are going. Newspapers all over are raising such a hullaballoo. After all, November, ain’t too far off, and it don’t do any of us any good to have any of the voters gettin’ all steamed up. Wouldn’t do no harm to just let things simmer down. (The RADIO MAN reappears) Well, go easy, Merle.