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Coventry
'Have you anything to say before sentence is pronounced on you?' The mild eyes of the Senior Judge studied the face of the accused. His question was answered by a sullen silence. 'Very well-the jury has determined that you have violated a basic custom agreed to under the Covenant, and that through this act did damage another free citizen. It is the opinion of the jury and of the court that you did so knowingly, and aware of the probability of damage to a free citizen. Therefore, you are sentenced to choose between the Two Alternatives.' A trained observer might have detected a trace of dismay breaking through the mask of indifference with which the young man had faced his trial. Dismay was unreasonable; in view of his offence, the sentence was inevitable-but reasonable men do not receive the sentence. After waiting a decent interval, the judge turned to the bailiff. 'Take him away.' The prisoner stood up suddenly, knocking over his chair. He glared wildly around at the company assembled and burst into speech. 'Hold on!' he yelled. 'I've got something to say first!' In spite of his rough ma
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