(The mighty Evolution Law explodes with the pale puff of a wet firecracker. There is a murmur of surprise through the courtroom. BRADY is indignant. He rises, incredulous.)

BRADY

Did Your Honor say one hundred dollars?

JUDGE

That is correct. (Trying to get it over with) This seems to conclude the business of the trial—

BRADY

(Thundering)

Your Honor, the prosecution takes exception! Where the issues are so titanic, the court must mete out more drastic punishment—

DRUMMOND

(Biting in)

I object!

BRADY

To make an example of this transgressor! To show the world—

DRUMMOND

Just a minute. Just a minute. The amount of the fine is of no concern to me. Bertram Cates has no intention whatsoever of paying this or any other fine. He would not pay it if it were one single dollar. We will appeal this decision to the Supreme Court of this state. Will the court grant thirty days to prepare our appeal?

JUDGE

Granted. The court fixes bond at…five hundred dollars. I believe this concludes the business of this trial. Therefore, I declare this court is adjour—

BRADY

(Hastily)

Your Honor! (He reaches for a thick manuscript) Your Honor, with the court’s permission, I should like to read into the record a few short remarks which I have prepared—

DRUMMOND

I object to that. Mr. Brady may make any remarks he likes—long, short or otherwise. In a Chautauqua tent or in a political campaign. Our business in Hillsboro is completed. The defense holds that the court shall be adjourned.

BRADY

(Frustrated)

But I have a few remarks—

JUDGE

And we are all anxious to hear them, sir. But Colonel Drummond’s point of procedure is well taken. I am sure that everyone here will wish to remain after the court is adjourned to hear your address. (BRADY lowers his head slightly, in gracious deference to procedure. The JUDGE raps the gavel) I hereby declare this court is adjourned, sine die.

(There is a babble of confusion and reaction. HORNBECK promptly crosses to MEEKER and confers with him in whispers. Spectators, relieved of the court’s formality, take a seventh-inning stretch. Fans pump, sticky clothes are plucked away from the skin.)

MELINDA

(Calling to HOWARD, across the courtroom)

Which side won?

HOWARD

(Calling back)

I ain’t sure. But the whole thing’s over!

(A couple of HAWKERS slip in the courtroom with Eskimo Pies and buckets of lemonade.)

HAWKER

Eskimo Pies. Get your Eskimo Pies!

(JUDGE raps with his gavel)

JUDGE

(Projecting)

Quiet! Order in the—I mean, your attention, please. (The spectators quiet down some, but not completely) We are honored to hear a few words from Colonel Brady, who wishes to address you—

(The JUDGE is interrupted in his introduction by MEEKER and HORNBECK. They confer sotto voce. The babble of voices crescendos.)

HAWKER

Get your Eskimo Pies! Cool off with an Eskimo Pie!

(Spectators flock to get ice cream and lemonade. BRADY preens himself for the speech, but is annoyed by the confusion. HORNBECK hands the JUDGE several bills from his wallet, and MEEKER pencils a receipt. The JUDGE bangs the gavel again.)