In the beginning of Chapter 15, Heck Tate and some community members drive to the Finch household to speak with Atticus. They begin discussing whether or not the Tom Robinson trial should get a change of venue, when Mr. Link Deas makes the comment to Atticus, "You've got everything to lose from this, Atticus, I mean everything." (Lee 195) Atticus responds with the significant quote,
"Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he's not going till the truth's told." (Lee 195)
This quote explains Atticus' reasoning for defending Tom Robinson. Atticus is aware of the fact that he will lose this case because of the overwhelming prejudice of the Maycomb community, but he must preserve justice by exposing the truth. Atticus' goal in the Tom Robinson case is simply to reveal the truth to the community.
Towards the end of Chapter 15, the Old Sarum bunch has Atticus surrounded in front of Tom Robinson's jail cell. Scout surprises everyone when she runs into the middle of the mob, unaware of the precarious situation at hand. Scout seeks out a familiar face in Mr. Cunningham and attempts to make friendly conversation with him. Mr. Cunningham tries to ignore Scout after she tells him to say "hey" to his son Walter, and goes into detail about his entailment. He eventually gives Scout his attention and says,
"I'll tell him you said hey, little lady." (Lee 206)
After Mr. Cunningham acknowledges Scout, he tells the group of men to head out. This significant quote is the "ice-breaker" which ends the intense scene. Scout's innocent conversation makes Mr. Cunningham reflect on his actions, and his comment to Scout confirms that he made a noble decision.
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