Chapter 2

           "Noyoufool!"Brutalyelled,butPercypaidnoattention.JustasMr.Jinglesreachedthespool—toointentonittorealizehisoldenemywasathand—Percybroughtthesoleofonehardblackworkshoedownonhim.TherewasanaudiblesnapasMr.Jingles’sbackbroke,andbloodgushedfromhismouth.Histinyblackeyesbulgedintheirsockets,andinthemIreadanexpressionofsurprisedagonythatwasalltoohuman.

           Delacroixscreamedwithhorrorandgrief.Hethrewhimselfatthedoorofhiscellandthrusthisarmsoutthroughthebars,reachingasfarashecould,cryingthemouse’snameoverandover.

           Percyturnedtowardhim,smiling.TowardmeandBrutal,aswell."There,"hesaid."IknewI’dgethim,soonerorlater.justamatteroftime,really."HeturnedandwalkedbackuptheGreenMile,leavingMr.Jingleslyingonthelinoleum,hisspreadingbloodredovergreen.

           Deangotupfromthedutydesk,hittingthesideofitwithhiskneeandknockingthecribbageboardtothefloor.Thepegsspilledoutoftheirholesandrolledinalldirections.NeitherDeannorHarry,whohadbeenjustabouttogoout,paidtheslightestattentiontotheoverturnofthegame."What’dyoudothistime?"DeanshoutedatPercy."Whatthehell’dyoudothistime,youstoopnagel?"

           Percydidn’tanswer.Hestrodepastthedeskwithoutsayingaword,pattinghishairwithhisfingers.Hewentthroughmyofficeandintothestorageshed.WilliamWhartonansweredforhim.