Chapter 29 Summary

A convoy of thirty-one church buses carrying elderly blacks converges on the courthouse lawn where Reverend Agee is preparing a rally. Soon the square is congested as throngs come to participate. In the hundred-degree heat, the chant begins, "Free Carl Lee." Stores empty as gawkers come to see the sight, and the press follows as Agee and the other ministers approach the podium. For fifteen minutes, the pastor whips the crowd into a frenzy. Then he invites Rev. Roosevelt in front of the cameras to say a prayer, after which the crowd sings, chants some more and finally falls silent for Rev. Agee's "sermon."

Jake's jury strategy team meets in his office while the black citizens maintain a candlelight vigil around the courthouse. Lucien arrives late and half-drunk, carrying an open bottle. He lectures Jake and sends Ellen for beer. Harry Rex gives...