While Walter Scout" piled food on his plate he and Atticus talked together like two men to the wonderment of Jem me. was expounding upon farm problems when Walter interrupted ask if there any molasses in house. summoned Calpurnia who returned bearing syrup pitcher. She stood waiting for help himself. poured vegetables meat with a generous hand. He would probably have it into milk glass had I not asked what sam hill doing. The silver saucer clattered replaced pitcher quickly put hands lap. Then ducked head. shook head at me again. “But he’s gone drowned dinner syrup” protested. “He’s all over-” It then that Calpurnia requested my presence kitchen. furious she furious Calpurnia’s grammar became erratic. When tranquility her as good anybody’s Maycomb. said more education than most colored folks. squinted down tiny lines around eyes deepened. “There’s some folks don’t eat us” whispered fiercely “but you ain’t called contradict ‘em table they don’t. That boy’s yo’ comp’ny wants up cloth let him hear?” “He company Cal just Cunningham-” “Hush your mouth! Don’t matter are anybody sets foot this house’s yo‘ comp’ny catch remarkin’ their ways so high mighty! Yo‘ might be better’n Cunninghams but count nothin’ way you’re disgracin‘ ’em—if can’t act fit can set here kitchen!” sent through swinging door diningroom stinging smack. retrieved plate finished kitchen thankful though spared humiliation facing them told wait I’d fix her: one these days wasn’t looking go off drown myself Barker’s Eddy she’d sorry. Besides added already gotten trouble once today: taught write fault. fussin‘” said. school ahead me: staying behind advise iniquities worth solitary sprint past Radley Place. “She likes me anyway” concluded suggested lose no time packing off. “Have ever considered doesn’t worry half much?” Atticus’s voice flinty. “I’ve intention getting rid her now or ever. We couldn’t operate single day without thought that? You think about how much Cal does you mind hated steadily until sudden shriek shattered resentments. looked see Miss Caroline standing middle room sheer horror flooding face. Apparently revived enough persevere profession. “It’s alive!” screamed. male population class rushed assistance. Lord thought she’s scared mouse. Little Chuck Little whose patience living things phenomenal said “Which did go Caroline? Tell us where went quick! D.C.-” turned boy him—“D.C. shut we’ll him. Quick ma’am where’d go?” pointed shaking finger floor nor desk hulking individual unknown Chuck’s face contracted gently “You mean ma’am? Yessum alive. Did scare way?” desperately “I walking by crawled out hair… hair-” grinned broadly. “There need fear cootie ma’am. Ain’t seen one? Now afraid back desk teach more.” another member didn’t know next meal coming from born gentleman. hand under elbow led front room. “Now fret ma’am” cootie. I’ll fetch cool water.” cootie’s host showed faintest interest furor wrought. searched scalp above forehead located guest pinched between thumb forefinger. watched process horrid fascination. brought water paper cup drank gratefully. Finally found voice. “What is name son?” softly. blinked. “Who me?” nodded. “Burris Ewell.” inspected roll-book. Ewell here first name… spell name “Don’t how. They call Burris’t home.” “Well Burris” Caroline we’d better excuse rest afternoon. want home wash hair.” From produced thick volume leafed its pages read moment. “A remedy for—Burris hair lye soap. you’ve done that treat kerosene.” fer missus?” “To get the—er cooties. see Burris other children them wouldn’t you?” up. filthiest human seen. His neck dark gray backs were rusty fingernails black deep quick. peered from fist-sized clean space No noticed probably because entertained morning. “And “please bathe yourself before come tomorrow.” laughed rudely. sendin‘ home missus. verge leavin’—I year.” puzzled. do that?” answer. gave short contemptuous snort. One elderly members answered Ewells wondered explanation unsuccessful attempt. But seemed willing listen. “Whole school’s full ‘em. every year leave. truant lady gets ’em ‘cause threatens sheriff give tryin‘ hold ’em. reckons carried law gettin‘ names roll runnin’ day. You’re supposed mark absent year…” parents?” genuine concern. “Ain’t got mother” answer “and paw’s right contentious.” Burris flattered recital. “Been comin‘ o’ grade fer three now” expansively. “Reckon I’m smart they’ll promote second…” “Sit down please moment knew made serious mistake. condescension flashed anger. try make missus.” feet. “Let him one hard-down one. He’s liable start somethin‘ there’s little here.” among diminutive toward went pocket. “Watch step “I’d soon’s kill look you. afraid child height took advantage indecision: “Burris home. If principal” “I’ll report this anyway.” snorted slouched leisurely door. Safely range shouted: “Report damned ye! snot-nosed slut schoolteacher c’n nothin‘! makin’ nowhere remember makin‘ nowhere!” waited sure crying shuffled building. Soon we clustered trying our various comfort her. real one… below belt… that… Maycomb’s ways really… why story? cat thing fine mornin‘… smiled blew nose “Thank darlings” dispersed us opened book mystified long narrative toadfrog lived hall."