The foreman.  He’s shammin mad:  thats what he is.  Aint it about time to give a verdict and have a bit of fun, Sheriff?

The boys.  Yes, lets have a verdict.  We’re wasting the whole afternoon.  Cut it short.

The Sheriff [making up his mind] Swear Feemy Evans, Elder.  She don’t need to touch the Book.  Let her say the words.

Feemy.  Worse people than me has kissed that Book.  What wrong Ive done, most of you went shares in.  Ive to live, havnt I? same as the rest of you.  However, it makes no odds to me.  I guess the truth is the truth and a lie is a lie, on the Book or off it.

Babsy.  Do as youre told.  Who are you, to be let talk about it?

The Sheriff.  Silence there, I tell you.  Sail ahead, Elder.

Elder Daniels.  Feemy Evans:  do you swear to tell the truth and the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

Feemy.  I do, so help me—­

Sheriff.  Thats enough.  Now, on your oath, did you see the prisoner on my horse this morning on the road to Pony Harbor?

Feemy.  On my oath—­[Disturbance and crowding at the door].

At the door.  Now then, now then!  Where are you shovin to?  Whats up?  Order in court.  Chuck him out.  Silence.  You cant come in here.  Keep back.

(Strapper rushes to the door and forces his way out.)

Sheriff [savagely] Whats this noise?  Cant you keep quiet there?  Is this a Sheriff’s court or is it a saloon?

Blanco.  Dont interrupt a lady in the act of hanging a gentleman.  Wheres your manners?

Feemy.  I’ll hang you, Blanco Posnet.  I will.  I wouldn’t for fifty dollars hadnt seen you this morning.  I’ll teach you to be civil to me next time, for all I’m not good enough to kiss the Book.

Blanco.  Lord keep me wicked till I die!  I’m game for anything while youre spitting dirt at me, Feemy.

Renewed tumult at the door.  Here, whats this?  Fire them out.  Not me.  Who are you that I should get out of your way?  Oh, stow it.  Well, she cant come in.  What woman?  What horse?  Whats the good of shoving like that?  Who says?  No! you don’t say!

The Sheriff.  Gentlemen of the Vigilance Committee:  clear that doorway.  Out with them in the name of the law.

Strapper [without] Hold hard, George. [At the door] Theyve got the horse. [He comes in, followed by Waggoner Jo, an elderly carter, who crosses the court to the jury side.  Strapper pushes his way to the Sheriff and speaks privately to him].

The boys.  What!  No!  Got the horse!  Sheriff’s horse?  Who took it, then?  Where?  Get out.  Yes it is, sure.  I tell you it is.  It’s the horse all right enough.  Rot.  Go and look.  By Gum!