Chapter 32 Summary

On the day before the trial opens, Sunday, Jake awakens on the couch in his office at 5:00 a.m. Strange sounds draw him to the balcony. From there, he watches the National Guard take control of Clanton Square. He estimates that about two hundred troops are setting up command posts and barricades. Jake takes Nesbit a cup of coffee and dismisses him for the day just as Ozzie and a deputy arrive on the scene. Jake knows that Judge Noose will be furious that he was not consulted, but both Jake and Ozzie advised the mayor that it was the mayor's job, not the judge's, to keep Clanton safe. Within an hour the "vultures" (reporters) arrive on the scene and begin conducting mindless interviews. After church, local citizens come to see the display of force as Jake sits on the balcony, memorizing his...