Chapter 10

Scout and Jem judge Atticus as old and incapable compared to other fathers. He reads instead of hunting or playing sports, and even refuses to teach them to shoot after giving them air rifles. Atticus urges Jem to avoid shooting birds except to remember it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, which Miss Maudie explains as harming something that only brings beauty.

Despite neighborhood chatter about Atticus defending Tom Robinson, Scout still feels ashamed that Atticus seems to “do nothing.” Miss Maudie hints there is more to him, but Scout remains unconvinced. At a church-benefit football game, Atticus declines to play, reinforcing the children’s impression of his frailty.

While out with their rifles, Jem and Scout spot Tim Johnson, a beloved town dog, staggering oddly in February. Recognizing the danger, Calpurnia rushes the children home, alerts Atticus and the neighbors, and even warns the unresponsive Radleys. The street empties as Sheriff Heck Tate arrives with a rifle.

As the dog nears the Radley place, Heck Tate hands the rifle to Atticus, insisting only Atticus can make the precise “one-shot” without endangering the Radley house. Reluctant, Atticus steps into the street and, after dropping and crushing his glasses, calmly shoots once, killing Tim Johnson instantly.

Neighbors emerge, astonished. Heck Tate praises Atticus’s undiminished skill. Miss Maudie reveals Atticus was once “Ol’ One-Shot,” the best shot in Maycomb, who quit hunting because he considered his talent an unfair advantage. Zeebo removes the carcass and disinfects the spot.

Scout wants to boast at school, but Jem stops her, realizing Atticus chose not to publicize his gift. He decides they should honor Atticus’s quiet integrity, calling him a gentleman.