Scout relates her version of the evening’s events, describing what she heard and witnessed through the confusion of her mangled ham costume. When they examine the costume, Tate remarks that it probably saved her life, noting the deep slash marks along the wire.

Scout tells them that a man carried Jem to safety. She then sees their rescuer in the corner of the room. She realizes that the man is none other than Boo Radley. 

Boo sits with Scout on the porch swing while Heck Tate and Atticus discuss who should be charged with the murder of Bob Ewell. Atticus seems to think Jem committed the murder; Tate seems to understand immediately that Bob Ewell was killed by Boo Radley.

Tate decides to declare the death an accident, claiming that Bob Ewell fell on his knife. He says it would be a sin to spread the word about what Boo did. Atticus thanks Boo for saving the lives of his children.

Scout leads Boo to Jem’s room, where Boo strokes Jem’s hair to bid him goodnight. She then walks Boo Radley back to his house and remarks, “Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them.