Chapter 12
Everyone in the courtroom stood as the Judge entered the room. The prisoner, Number 107, stood also, her long brown hair sweeping majestically over her shoulders. She showed no sign of anxiety although the careful observer could see that there was a vein in her neck which continually trembled.
The Judge spoke:
"There is no doubt that you are guilty of one of the most heinous crimes against the universal order-the desire to use public property for your own self-interest. You were caught cutting down a White Spruce sapling in order to make something of wood;
'If there was a punishment of death, I would gladly give it out since what you have done is even horrifying to think of.
"But alas the death penalty has been long since abolished. Please hear me, 107. It is my judgment th
