At first, Atticus thought that Jem had killed Bob Ewell. Atticus started thinking of what the trial would be like. He knew it was the right thing for his son to face a judge for a murder charge. Heck Tate, the sheriff, did not agree with Atticus. Atticus thought that Heck was suggesting a cover-up. Heck assured him that no, Jem did not kill Bob Ewell. Atticus was hesitant, but Heck did not budge:
"Mr. Finch," Mr. Tate said stolidly, "Bob Ewell fell on his knife. He killed himself" (To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 30).
Heck knew that Boo Radley had killed Bob Ewell, and not Jem. Heck and Atticus continued to disagree on the topic. Their discussion continued until Atticus realized what Heck was doing. He was not trying to protect Jem from facing a murder trial. Instead, he was trying to protect Boo Radley from it.
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