Sam was walking behind his mother when they came up. Dill said Helen said, “’Evenin’, Mr. Finch, won’t you have a seat?” But she didn’t say anymore. Neither did Atticus.
“Scout,” said Dill, “she just fell down in the dirt. Just fell down in the dirt, like a giant with a big foot just came along and stepped on her. Just ump—“ Dill’s fat foot hit the ground. “Like you’d step on an ant.”
Dill said Calpurnia and Atticus lifted Helen to her feet and half carried, half walked her to the cabin. They stayed inside a long time, and Atticus came out alone. When they drove back by the dump, some of the Ewells hollered at them, but Dill didn’t catch what they said.
Maycomb was interested by the news of Tom’s death for perhaps two days. To Maycomb, Tom’s death was typical. Typical for a n****r to cut and run. Typical of a n****’s mentality to have no plan, no thought for the future, just run blind first chance he saw.
Funny thing, Atticus Finch might’ve got him off scot free, but wait --? Hell no. You know how they are. Easy come, easy go. Just shows you that Robinson was legally married, they say he kept himself clean, went to church and all that, but when it comes down to the line, the n****r always comes out in ‘em.
The Maycomb Tribune appeared the following Thursday. There was a briefobituary , but there was also an editorial .
