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.
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