Journal #4 - Chapters 10-12 - Perspective: Calpurnia

I can't believe it I saw mad dog today it was old Tom Jhonson he was foaming at the mouth and had a limp in his walk. He was heading straight for our town when I saw him, so I told the whole neighborhood that everyone has to be inside their house. I even went over to the Radley place, but as I expected there was no answer. After a while Atticus and the Sheriff came to get rid of the dog. The do was in front of the Radley place so the Sheriff told Atticus to shoot him. That was the first time the kids ever saw him fire a gun. After he killed the dog they asked Mrs. Maudie how he was such a good shot. She told them that he was the deadliest shot in Maycomb County. They wanted to know why he never was proud enough about it to tell them. She said it was because he thought he had an unfair advantage over them.

Jem and Scout walked down to the town today on their way they ran into Mrs. Dubose. She was being her normal self and saying Scout should dress like a lady in a dress. But today it was a little different she said, to Jem, that Atticus is a nigger-lover. That made him so mad that he cut off the tops of her Camelias and brok Scout's brand new baton. When Atticus got home he made Jem appologize to her. Scout thought Jem was in great peril. Mrs. Dubose told him she wants him to read aloud to her six times a week and take care of her Camelias. Atticus made him do exactly that for a whole month. Jem replied with an inaudible "yes sir." He would go and read to her with Scout. When a month was up, Atticus said just a little longer. Then one day they came back and Mrs. Dubose wanted Atticus to come over. When he got back he didn't look happy. Jem asked what she wanted he told him that she just died a couple minutes ago. He told them that she was addicted to Morphine and that she quit before she died. so that is why she would have her fits.

Atticus had to go out of town for a week so I took care of Jem and Scout. we went to church one night. I took them to my church the First Purchase. When we got there one of the other black women said that they don't belong here, but that is cantankerous and that they have their own church. But we didn't leave, when she left we all went inside the church. Scout and Jem were amazed that we don't have prayer books. In they middle of service the Reverend said that the Finch's are a very great friend to our church, because of what Atticus is doing by defending the black man accused of rape. He wanted to collect ten dollars for his wife Helen to support the children. We couldn't leave until we did. Even Scout and Jem gave their dimes. When we got back to the house Scout said she wants to come and visit my house sometimes. I think we are becoming more of friends.