Act 3 Summary

The act begins in the courtroom, where the lawyers and the defendant are waiting for the jury to return a verdict. The stage directions indicate that Drummond is calm and "meditative," while Brady "escapes from reality" by eating a box lunch like an alcoholic taking a drink. Hornbeck enters and asks Brady about the jury. He then moves to Drummond and notes that he will be sad when the trial ends and they have to leave Hillsboro.

Cates then asks Drummond whether he will be going to prison. Drummond says that "They could," and Cates worries that he will not be allowed visitors. Drummond replies cryptically that the conflict ("fire") over Cates' case has spread far and wide, and that "a lot of people's shoes are getting hot." This is a clear reference to Brady, who leaves the courtroom. Cates then says that...