Janet Lewis, the city clerk of Crystal, spoke into the microphone about the results of the recount in Ward 4, Precinct 2. 453 votes for Sen. Norm Coleman. 629 for Al Franken. 265 additional ballots.

“And there are two missing ballots,” she said.

The announcement brought shouts from the observers. “Lock the doors!” “Strip search!”

Lewis speculated that the mystery might actually be the result of election judges running one or both ballots through the machines twice, presumably because they jammed the first time. They’re not supposed to do that, but it happens, Lewis told me.

Nevertheless, the revelation prompted a prolonged huddle by Franken’s representatives and legal team.

The occasional hoots weren’t a sign of serious tension between the squads of Franken and Coleman supporters, even at this relatively small recount site. “We’re all being cordial to one another,” said Robert Brandtjen of St. Paul, who came to Crystal on behalf of Coleman. “I really think the more people who witness this, the better off we’ll be.”

After the unscheduled break, Lewis started the process once more. “We’re just going to be one lovely team,” she said.

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