Summary

In Chapter 29, the scene shifts to the new Death House at Auburn. There, the condemned occupy themselves with games and are allowed to receive visitors. Knowing death is inevitable there is a general atmosphere of gloom hanging over the prisoners as their spirits deteriorate. Clyde’s mother breaks down when she comes to visit, but assures her son he will likely see his verdict overturned and an order passed down for a new trial.

In Chapter 30, Clyde’s mother launches a campaign among Christian congregations to collect funds for Clyde’s defense. The response is mostly cold, except for the help she receives after being allowed to speak at the theater of a Jewish man. When her husband gets sick, Clyde’s mother departs for Denver. Because he realizes the duration of the legal process may take a couple of years, Clyde uses...