Dill grabbed the clapper; in the silence that followed, I wished he’d start ringing it again. Atticus pushed his hat to the back of his head and put his hands on his hips. “Jem,” he said, “what were you doing?” “Nothin’, sir.” “I don’t want any of that. Tell me.” “I was—we were just tryin’ to give somethin’ to Mr. Radley.” “What were you trying to give him?” “Just a letter.” “Let me see it.” Jem held out a filthy piece of paper. Atticus took it and tried to read it. “Why do you want Mr. Radley to come out?” Dill said, “We thought he might enjoy us . . .” and dried up when Atticus looked at
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