Who is Judge Charles Cool from The Grass Harp and what is their importance?

Judge Cool is a highly respected member of the community, though, he is often seen as an outsider for marrying a woman from outside the area. After the death of his wife, the Judge unhappily lives with his children, who make him feel as if he is imprisoned in his own home. When Riley and the others move into the tree house..... the Judge supports their move so much that he joins them. He later proposes to Dolly.