“Well,” the judge answered slowly, “again unofficially, I know that such a demand will be made. It has come to my attention privately that our chief of police intends to ask the court to order the animal’s destruction as a public safety measure. I anticipate prayers from private sources as well.”
Mr. Greenberg looked worried. “As bad as that? Well, Judge, what is your attitude? If you try the case, are you going to let the animal be destroyed?”
Judge O’Farrell retorted, “Sir, that is an improper question.”
Greenberg turned red. “I beg your pardon. But I must get at it in some fashion. You realize that this specimen is unique? Regardless of what it has done, or how dangerous it may be (though I’m switched if I’m convinced of that), nevertheless its interest to science is such that it should be preserved. Can’t you assure me that you will not order it destroyed?”
“Young man, you are urging me to prejudge a case, or a portion of a case. Your attitude is most improper!”
Chief Dreiser chose this bad time to come hurrying up. “Judge, rye been looking all over for you. Is this hearing going to take place? I’ve got seven men who. . .”
O’Farrell interrupted him. “Chief, this is Mr. Commissioner Greenberg. Mr. Commissioner, our Chief of Safety.”
“Honored, Chief.”
“Howdy, Mr. Commissioner. Gentlemen, about this hearing. I’d like to know. . .”
“Chief,” the judge interrupted brusquely, “just tell my bailiff to hold things in readiness. Now leave us in private, if you please.”
“But. . .” The chief shut up and backed away, while muttering something excusable in a harassed policeman. O’Farrell turned back to Greenberg.
The Commissioner had had time during the interruption to recall that he was supposed to be without personal emotions. He said smoothly, “I withdraw the question, Judge. I had no intention of committing an impropriety.” He grinned. “Under other circumstances I might have found myself slapped for contempt, eh?”
O’Farrell grudged a smile. “It is possible.”
“Do you have a nice jail? I have over seven months leave saved up and no chance to take it.”
“You shouldn’t overwork, young man. I always find time to fish, no matter how full the docket. ‘Allah does not subtract from man’s allotted time those hours spent in fishing.'”
“That’s a good sentiment. But I still have a problem. You know that I could insist on postponement while I consult the department?”
“Certainly. Perhaps you should. Your decision should not be affected by my opinions.”
“No. But I agree with you; last-minute postponements are vexations.” He was thinking that to refer to the department, in this odd case, meant to consult Mr. Kiku and he could hear the Under Secretary making disgusted remarks about “initiative” and ‘responsibility” and “for heaven’s sake, couldn’t anyone else around this madhouse make a simple decision?” Greenberg made up his mind. “I think it is best for the department to continue intervention. I’ll take it, at least through a preliminary hearing.”
O’Farrell smiled broadly. “I had hoped that you would. I’m looking forward to hearing you. I understand that you gentlemen from the Department of Spatial Affairs sometimes hand out an unusual brand of law.”
“Really? I hope not. I mean to be a credit to Harvard Law.”
“Harvard? Why, so am I! Do they still shout for Reinhardt?”
“They did when I was there.”
“Well, well, it’s a small world! I hate to wish this case on a schoolmate; I’m afraid it is going to be a hot potato.”
“Aren’t they all? Well, let’s start the fireworks. Why don’t we sit en banc? You’ll probably have to finish.”
They started back to the courthouse. Chief Dreiser, who had been fuming some distance away, saw that Judge O’Farrell had forgotten him. He started to follow, then noted that the Stuart boy and Betty Sorenson were still on the other side of Lummox’s cage. They had their heads together and did not notice that the two magistrates were leaving. Dreiser strode over to them.
“Hey! Inside with you, Johnnie Stuart! You were supposed to be in court twenty minutes ago.”
John Thomas looked startled. “But I thought. . . he began, then noticed that the judge and Mr. Greenberg had gone. “Oh! Just a minute, Mr. Dreiser. . . I’ve got something to say to Lummox.”