Таинственная история Билли Миллигана

           Theywouldmovethroughzones1to4,Mr.Jonesexplained,bythemeritsystem.Eachofthemstartedoutthemonthwith120meritstohiscredit,buthehadtohave130tomoveontothenextzone.Aboycouldearncreditsbyspecialworkandgoodbehavior,orhecouldlosethembydisobedienceorantisocialbehavior.Meritscouldberemovedbythestafforbyoneofthetrustiesfromzone4.

           Ifanyofthosepeoplesaidtheword"Hey,"thatcostamerit.Ifsomeonesaid,"Hey,coolit,"twomeritswerelost."Hey,coolit,bed,"meantthatinadditiontolosingtwomerits,theoffenderhadtostayinbedfortwohours.Ifhelefthisbedandsomeonesaid,"Hey,coolit,bed!Hey,coolit,"thatwasalossofthreemerits.Butifsomeonesaid,"Hey,coolit,bed!Hey,coolit,county,"thatcostfour.And"county"meanttheboywouldcooloffinthecountyjail.

           Tommyfeltlikethrowingup.

           Therewerelotsofthingstodoaroundthere,CharlieJonessaid.Heexpectedtheboystoputintheirtimeandbehavethemselves."Anyofyouboysthinkyou’retoogoodortoosmartforthisplaceortrytorunoffthestateofOhiohasanotherplaceforyou.TheTrainingInstitutionofCentralOhioiscalledTICOforshort.AndifyougetsenttoTICO,you’llsureashellwishyouwererightbackhere.Allright,nowgetyourbeddinginth&storeroomandthengotothemesshallforchow.