Chapter 41 Summary

Back on Lucien's front porch, Jake and Lucien drink silently, refusing Sallie's offer of dinner. Even Nesbit helps himself to a beer. Lucien broaches the subject of buying Sisco. It will cost $25,000 for a hung jury or $50,000 for an acquittal. When Jake objects, Lucien responds that he, personally, has more money than he cares for and absolutely no morals or ethics. Then he reveals his plan to bring in 10,000 screaming blacks tomorrow, thronging the courthouse and chanting "Free Carl Lee" to intimidate the jury.

At the Temple Inn, Barry Acker, Clyde Sisco's roommate, goes down the hall for a Coke. Two thugs jump him and tell him at knifepoint that they know where his family is. "If that nigger walks free, you'll be sorry," they caution him, and then they vanish.

Chapter 41 Analysis

This chapter is a short roller coaster ride with tremendously...