Criminal Negligence, page 19 by Jesse Francis McComas
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d be easy enough for you. You've got your own farms, your livestock, laundry, hospital, shops--everything a man can need. So, take over and run things to suit yourselves."
A unanimous gasp whistled over the speaker. Then, they all cried just one word.
"Us?"
"Why not? Don't you think you can?"
Silence, broken by strange, wistful mutterings.
"I'd suggest this," Halloran said. "Let's follow our normal routine tonight--no lock-ups, of course--and tomorrow, you fellows take over. I'll help you in any way I can. But it will be your job. Perhaps after breakfast tomorrow, you ought to have a mass meeting. Under the supervision of your council, I'd say. You can't keep going without some kind of order, you know."
Again silence.
"My God," whispered Lansing, "he makes it all sound so real."
"Any questions?" Halloran asked.
"Hey, warden! How about the dames?"
"The ladies will join you tomorrow morning." He chuckled. "I imagine they'll be able to handle you all right!"
A joyous roar.
"However," Halloran raised his voice, "I'd like to remind you fellows that a successful community needs ... families!"
There was a long quiet, then, broken finally by an inmate who asked, "Warden, how about the guys up on the Row?"
"Well," Halloran's voice lost all humor, "you can start ripping out the gas chamber whenever you're ready to. I'll see that you get the tools."
The swell of applause was so loud in the office that Court hastily turned down the speaker's volume.
"All right," Halloran said when they had quieted down, "that's about it. You're free now, till supper-time. I'd suggest all of you start right now, thinking about your future--"
* * * * *
Outside the main gate, first Knox, then Lansing shook hands with the gray-faced warden.
"Trucks'll be in town at seven for your people," Knox muttered. He gave a windy sigh. "It's all fouled up. As usual. Damn it, we need people