Гарри Кемельман: Tuesday The Rabbi Saw Red

"Come to think of it, I guess it is in our Common Law, too." Macomber remarked.

"But there's a difference." said the rabbi. "In Common Law a man cannot be forced to testify against himself. In our law, he can't even if he wants to."

"I see, so if you were sitting in judgment on this case?"

"I would dismiss it." said the rabbi promptly. Macomber smiled. "It's a way out, to be sure, and yet—"

"And yet you are dissatisfied."

"Well, yes I am."

"I am too," the rabbi admitted. "I suppose it's because we're involved not so much with law as with conscience. Yours and mine. I believe I first referred to it as a sin rather than as a crime. This sin of leaking an exam— as a college president you regard it as unpardonable?"

"Well, no sin is unpardonable, I suppose." said Macomber."

"Then how would someone go about getting his sin pardoned?"

"I guess that's more in your province than mine. Rabbi. I suppose by confession— and repentance, and by promising not to repeat the offense."

The rabbi brightened. "Well, isn't that what Fine has done?"

"When? Now?"

"Right here in this paper. 'I admit of my own free will'— that's confession. 'I regret this action'— that's repentance. 'And promise that I will not be guilty of a similar offense'— that's the third element."

Macomber considered, then he smiled. "Yes, I think that will do it, and that will take care of our problem with the English Department at the same time." He sat back in his chair and beamed. "Tell me, Rabbi. I don't suppose you'd like to try your hand at being a dean, would you?"