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           Ewellkilledhim,besidesberaisedexclusivelybyAuntAlexandra,andweallknewthefirstthingshe’ddobeforeAtticuswasunderthegroundgoodwouldbetofireCalpurnia.JemsaiditmightworkifIcriedandflungafit,beingyoungandagirl.Thatdidn’tworkeither.

           Butwhenhenoticedusdraggingaroundtheneighborhood,noteating,takinglittleinterestinournormalpursuits,Atticusdiscoveredhowdeeplyfrightenedwewere.HetemptedJemwithanewfootballmagazineonenight;whenhesawJemflipthepagesandtossitaside,hesaid,"What’sbotheringyou,son?"

           Jemcametothepoint:"Mr.Ewell."

           "Whathashappened?"

           "Nothing’shappened.We’rescaredforyou,andwethinkyououghtadosomethingabouthim."

           Atticussmiledwryly."Dowhat?Puthimunderapeacebond?"

           "Whenamansayshe’sgonnagetyou,lookslikehemeansit."

           "Hemeantitwhenhesaidit,"saidAtticus."Jem,seeifyoucanstandinBobEwell’sshoesaminute.Idestroyedhislastshredofcredibilityatthattrial,ifhehadanytobeginwith.Themanhadtohavesomekindofcomeback,hiskindalwaysdoes.SoifspittinginmyfaceandthreateningmesavedMayellaEwelloneextrabeating,that’ssomethingI’llgladlytake.HehadtotakeitoutonsomebodyandI’dratheritbemethanthathousefulofchildrenoutthere.Youunderstand?"

           Jemnodded.

           AuntAlexandraenteredtheroomasAtticuswassaying,"Wedon’thaveanythingtofearfromBobEwell,hegotitalloutofhissystemthatmorning."