(Tipping his hat to DRUMMOND, the MAYOR hurries off.)

RADIO MAN

(Crisply, into the mike)

Testing. Testing.

(DRUMMOND crosses to the microphone.)

DRUMMOND

(To the RADIO MAN)

What’s that?

RADIO MAN

An enunciator.

DRUMMOND

You going to broadcast?

RADIO MAN

We have a direct wire to WGN, Chicago. As soon as the jury comes in, we’ll announce the verdict.

(DRUMMOND takes a good look at the microphone, fingers the base.)

DRUMMOND

Radio! God, this is going to break down a lot of walls.

RADIO MAN

(Hastily)

You’re—you’re not supposed to say “God” on the radio!

DRUMMOND

Why the hell not?

(The RADIO MAN looks at the microphone, as if it were a toddler that had just been told the facts of life.)

RADIO MAN

You’re not supposed to say “Hell,” either.

DRUMMOND

(Sauntering away)

This is going to be a barren source of amusement!

(BRADY re-enters and crosses ponderously to the RADIO MAN.)

BRADY

Can one speak into either side of this machine?

(The RADIO MAN starts at this rumbling thunder, so close to the ear of his delicate child.)

RADIO MAN

(In an exaggerated whisper)

Yes, sir. Either side.

(BRADY attempts to lower his voice, but it is like putting a leash on an elephant.)

BRADY

Kindly signal me while I am speaking, if my voice does not have sufficient projection for your radio apparatus.

(RADIO MAN nods, a little annoyed. HORNBECK smirks, amused. Suddenly the air in the courtroom is charged with excitement. MEEKER hurries on—and the spectators begin to scurry expectantly back into the courtroom. Voices mutter: “They’re comin’ in now. Verdict’s been reached. Jury’s comin’ back in.” MEEKER crosses to the JUDGE’S bench, reaches up for the gavel and raps it several times.)

MEEKER

Everybody rise. (The spectators come to attention) Hear ye, hear ye. Court will reconvene in the case of the State versus Bertram Cates.

(MEEKER crosses to lead in the jury. They enter, faces fixed and stern.)

CATES

(Whispers to DRUMMOND)

What do you think? Can you tell from their faces?

(DRUMMOND is nervous, too. He squints at the returning jurors, drumming his fingers on the table top. CATES looks around, as if hoping to see RACHEL—but she is not there. His disappointment is evident. The RADIO MAN has received his signal from off-stage, and he begins to speak into the microphone.)

RADIO MAN

(Low, with dramatic intensity)

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Harry Esterbrook, speaking to you from the courthouse in Hillsboro, where the jury is just returning to the courtroom to render its verdict in the famous Hillsboro Monkey Trial case. The Judge has just taken the bench. And in the next few minutes we shall know whether Bertram Cates will be found innocent or guilty.

(The JUDGE looks at him with annoyance. Gingerly, the RADIO MAN aims his microphone at the JUDGE and steps back. There is hushed tension all through the courtroom.)

JUDGE

(Clears his throat)

Gentlemen of the Jury, have you reached a decision?

SILLERS

(Rising)

Yeah. Yes, sir, we have, Your Honor.