The Glass Village

As he waited, the Judge wiped his ear and the earpiece of the receiver. The foyer was cool, quiet. The sun, still in the eastern sky, streamed in through the screen door. A horsefly crawled and buzzed on the screen, black against the light. The red of Captain Frisbee’s face was so deep it was alarming.

Johnny found his pulse throbbing. He made the discovery with some surprise.

“Governor Ford?” said Judge Shinn. Then he said through his teeth, “No, damn it, I want the Governor himself! Put him on!” He wiped his mouth this time.

There was no sound from outdoors at all. Through the screen door Johnny could see the whole tableau before the church. It had not changed. He had the absurd feeling that it would remain fixed that way in time and space, like a photograph.

“Governor? Judge Lewis Shinn,” said the Judge rapidly. “No, I’m calling from my home in Shinn Corners. Governor, Fanny Adams was murdered here yesterday afternoon — yes, Aunt Fanny Adams. I know — I know you haven’t heard about it, Governor. Governor, listen — Governor, a man has been caught by our constable and a posse of the townspeople. He’s an itinerant of Polish origin and speaks very little English. There is circumstantial evidence that he may have been the murderer. No, wait! Our people have locked him in the cellar of the church and refuse to give him up. That’s right, Governor, they insist on retaining custody of the suspect and trying him themselves — I know they can’t, Governor Ford, but they say they’re going to just the same! At this moment a detail of state police under command of Captain Frisbee of the Petunxit barracks is facing almost the entire male population of Shinn Corners before the church. And they’re all armed. No, I mean the villagers are armed, Governor. In fact, one shot has already been fired... No, no, Governor, how would militia help the situation? It would only aggravate matters. That’s not why I’m calling... Talk to them! Governor, you don’t understand. I tell you if these troopers try to take the prisoner out of that church, blood will run in the streets. I might add that every woman and child in the village is in the direct line of the troopers’ fire and refuses to move. I know — I know, Governor, it is fantastic. But it’s also a fact — That’s exactly the point. There is something you can do, and that’s why I’m calling. First, I suggest you give Captain Frisbee the direct order — he’s standing by — to retire with his men. Sheriff Mothless of Cudbury County is here; he’s to get out, too. Secondly, and this is of vital importance, Governor, I want you to appoint me special judge in this case, authorized to hold a trial in Shinn Corners — Governor... Governor... No, wait. You don’t understand my purpose. Obviously any trial conducted here will be a travesty of justice. Legally speaking, it won’t be a trial at all. But it will pacify these people and get us past the critical period, which is my sole concern at the moment... If they find him guilty and insist—? Of course not, Governor! If it should come to such an extremity, I’ll notify you at once and you can send the state police in force, if necessary call out the National Guard... No, the status of the accused in my opinion wouldn’t change an iota, regardless of what they find. There will be so many errors of legal process — I’ll compound them! — so many statutory safeguards trampled on... That’s it, Governor. For the record you should make it clear that my request and your authorization constitute a ruse of convenience only, to avert bloodshed, and that they’re designed solely to allow tempers to cool down so the prisoner can be got safely away. Then he can be tried in the regular way in a court of proper jurisdiction— No, no, Governor, I don’t want the State’s Attorney of Cudbury County involved! For exactly the reason that he should be!... That’s right, Governor. That’s it — thank you. Oh, one thing more. Will you keep this quiet? The fewer know what’s happened the better. If word gets out and reporters start pouring in here... Yes, yes. Please instruct Captain Frisbee to that effect for himself, his men, and Sheriff Mothless. I’ll take care of the county coroner and the one or two others here who know— Yes, I’ll keep you informed... God bless you, Governor. Captain Frisbee’s right here.”

With the departure of the troopers and the sheriff everything softened into natural shapes and colors. The air lightened as if a gas had blown away and the people changed from stiff figures in a photograph to men and women and children.

Samuel Sheare turned away, his lips moving. His wife went up to him, putting her stout body between him and the danger that had passed.

The women chattered and scolded the children; the big boys elbowed one another, horsing around; the men grounded their weapons and looked sheepish. Only Hube Hemus did not change expression; if he felt a personal triumph, no sign of it appeared on his gaunt features.