Page 109 of The Armor of Light
The spectators laughed.
Joanie added: ‘And I gave the money to Mr Child.’
‘But it was a lot less than he paid for it.’
‘And who sold him grain at such a high price? Was it you, AldermanHornbeam? How much profit did you take?’ Hornbeam was trying to interrupt her but she raised her voice above his. ‘Perhaps you should give that money back to Mr Child now. That would be justice, wouldn’t it?’
Hornbeam flushed with anger. ‘You be careful what you say.’
‘I beg your pardon, your worship.’
‘There’s not much difference between what you did and stealing.’
‘There is. I didn’t profit. But that doesn’t matter, does it?’
‘Why on earth not?’
‘Because I’m not charged with stealing. I’m charged with riot.’
That was clever, Sal thought. But would it do any good? The masters didn’t like hands to be too smart. I’m not paying you to think, they liked to say; I’m paying you to do as you’re told.
Joanie said: ‘I expect Luke McCullough will confirm what I say.’
McCullough, the clerk, said sourly: ‘I don’t answer questions from the accused.’
All the same, Hornbeam was flustered. He had taken the questioning in the wrong direction. He said: ‘You started a riot, you stole Mr Child’s grain, and then you sold it.’
‘And gave the money to Mr Child.’
‘Do you want to call any witnesses?’
‘I certainly do.’
Sal testified, then Jarge, then Mrs Dodds and several others. They all said that Joanie had not told people to follow her, had not attacked anyone, and had prevented the grain from being stolen.
The jury retired to a side room.
Sal, Jarge and Spade huddled with Joanie. She had the same worry as Sal. ‘Do you think I was too clever?’
‘I don’t know,’ said Spade. ‘You can’t be meek and mild – that just makes them think you’re guilty and remorseful. You’ve got to show some spirit.’
Jarge said: ‘The jury are all Kingsbridge men – they ought to knowit was wrong, selling the grain out of our town when we’ve got people who can’t feed themselves.’
Spade said: ‘One thing they’re all agreed on is their right to make a profit, regardless of who suffers.’
‘That’s the bloody truth,’ said Jarge.
The jury came back in.
Sal spoke in a low voice. ‘Don’t get yourself flogged, now, Jarge.’
‘What are you talking about?’
‘If it goes against Joanie, don’t shout out or threaten the jury or the justices. You’ll only get punished. That pig Riddick would love to see you whipped. Keep your mouth shut, whatever happens. Can you do that?’
‘Course I can.’
The jury stood in front of the justices.
