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SURPRISE FOR THE BOYS
me 20 years to wangle. You remember, Stew, I showed it to you the time you was up here . . . the seat by the glass window that looks into the execution chamber.
Stewart. — Sure ... I remember.
Fallow. — On big executions Warden Roth shuts the window and don’t let me use the phone at my elbow, on account of some of the other boys might claim special privileges. But on small burnings like this he don’t give a damn. The window’s open a little, and I can look right in and down on the oak electric chair fitted with that screwy plush headrest . . . but on account of the window is heavily glazed none of the bigwig politicians in the witness stand can see me. In fact, nobody except the warden knows I’m up here lookin’ down on what’s goin’ on.
Stewart. — Who’s viewin’ the festivities?
Fallow. — Oh, the warden didn’t have no trouble roundin’ up lo witnesses for this burning, as small as it is. Steve Blathery, the biggest and crookedest politician in Anatomic County is among those present, as usual, with a bunch of his ward heelers. Blathery likes watchin’ ’em bum. Father McCauley is standin’ on the rubber mat in the center o’ the concrete floor. The warden’s standin’ in the corner lookin’ tired. Burnings always make him sick. Dr. Sugar and Dr. Blint are in the other comer with their deathoscopes. Four or five guards are scattered around the room.
Stewart. — Just a nice, happy, domestic scene. And what about the honored guest ?
Fallow. — Here he comes. . . . Here comes Kosky now. This is hot. He’s cornin’ through the death house door, and do you know what the sign on that door says ?
Stewart. — All right . . . I’ll bite again.
Fallow. — It says . . . silence. Ain’t that a pay-off? As if you need a sign to keep Kosky quiet. Two guards are escortin’ him in . . . one in front and one in back . . . and he’s cornin’ very quiet. There won’t be no trouble with Kosky at all, Stew. Take my word for it. Say, are you still listenin’ ?
Stewart. — Sure, I’m listenin’ . . . but I ain’t heard nothin’ startlin’ yet.
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