(MEEKER crosses to SILLERS and takes a slip of paper from him. Silently, he crosses to the JUDGE’S bench again, all eyes following the slip of paper. The JUDGE takes it, opens it, raps his gavel.)

JUDGE

The jury’s decision is unanimous. Bertram Cates is found guilty as charged!

(There is tremendous reaction in the courtroom. Some cheers, applause, “Amens.” Some boos. BRADY is pleased. But it is not the beaming, powerful, assured BRADY of the Chautauqua tent. It is a spiteful, bitter victory for him, not a conquest with a cavalcade of angels. CATES stares at his lap. DRUMMOND taps a pencil. The RADIO MAN talks rapidly, softly into his microphone. The JUDGE does not attempt to control the reaction.)

HORNBECK

(In the manner of a hawker or pitchman)

Step right up, and get your tickets for the Middle Ages!

You only thought you missed the Coronation of Charlemagne!

JUDGE

(Rapping his gavel, shouting over the noise)

Quiet, please! Order! This court is still in session. (The noise quiets down) The prisoner will rise, to hear the sentence of this court. (DRUMMOND looks up quizzically, alert) Bertram Cates, I hereby sentence you to—

DRUMMOND

(Sharply)

Your Honor! A question of procedure!

JUDGE

(Nettled)

Well, sir?

DRUMMOND

Is it not customary in this state to allow the defendant to make a statement before sentence is passed?

(The JUDGE is red-faced.)

JUDGE

Colonel Drummond, I regret this omission. In the confusion, and the—I neglected—(Up, to CATES) Uh, Mr. Cates, if you wish to make any statement before sentence is passed on you, why, you may proceed.

(Clears throat again. CATES rises. The courtroom quickly grows silent again.)

CATES

Your Honor, I am not a public speaker. I do not have the eloquence of some of the people you have heard in the last few days. I’m just a schoolteacher.

MRS. BLAIR

Not any more you ain’t!

CATES

(Pause. Quietly)

I was a schoolteacher. (With difficulty) I feel I am…I have been convicted of violating an unjust law. I will continue in the future, as I have in the past, to oppose this law in any way I can. I—

(CATES isn’t sure exactly what to say next. He hesitates, then sits down. There is a crack of applause. Not from everybody, but from many of the spectators. BRADY is fretful and disturbed. He’s won the case. The prize is his, but he can’t reach for the candy. In his hour of triumph, BRADY expected to be swept from the courtroom on the shoulders of his exultant followers. But the drama isn’t proceeding according to plan. The gavel again. The court quiets down.)

JUDGE

Bertram Cates, this court has found you guilty of violating Public Act Volume 37, Statute Number 31428, as charged. This violation is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. (He coughs) But since there has been no previous violation of this statute, there is no precedent to guide the bench in passing sentence. (He flashes the automatic smile) The court deems it proper—(He glances at the MAYOR)—to sentence Bertram Cates to pay a fine of—(He coughs) one hundred dollars.