Chapter 15

After a peaceful week with Dill, a group of Maycomb men visit Atticus at the Finch home, warning that Tom Robinson will be moved to the county jail. Atticus downplays the danger, but Mr. Link Deas and Heck Tate fear the Old Sarum crowd. Jem, Scout, and Dill witness the tense exchange; later, Atticus insists Maycomb has no mobs. Aunt Alexandra and Atticus argue over the case, worrying Jem.

On Sunday, Scout sees Atticus in a knot of men at church and learns Tom has been moved to the Maycomb jail. That evening, Atticus leaves with a lightbulb and extension cord; Jem senses trouble and takes Scout and Dill downtown. They find Atticus seated before the jail door under the hanging bulb.

Four cars arrive carrying men from Old Sarum. They demand access to Tom; Atticus calmly refuses. Learning Heck Tate has been lured away, the men press closer. Scout, Jem, and Dill break cover and approach. Atticus orders the children home; Jem defies him, escalating the standoff when a man grabs Jem and Scout kicks him away.

Seeking a familiar face, Scout speaks to Walter Cunningham about his son and entailments. Her personal appeal humanizes the moment; Walter Cunningham relents and tells the men to leave. The mob disperses. From above, Tom Robinson asks if the men are gone; Mr. Underwood, armed with a shotgun from his office window, says he had Atticus covered all along.

Exhausted, the group heads home. Atticus turns off the jail light and accepts Dill’s help carrying the chair. Under a streetlight, Atticus quietly ruffles Jem’s hair, signaling gratitude and reconciliation after Jem’s defiance.