Capter 14/15: In chapter 15, Atticus is visited by two groups of men. Explain the situations and the intentions of each group. (Eve)

The first group of men, including Sheriff Tate, come to speak with Atticus in the front yard of the house after Saturday dinner. Although the white citizens of Maycomb are not happy that Atticus will be defending Tom, this visit was not threatening to Atticus.  They just wanted to tell him that Tom Robinson was being moved to the jail and the danger Atticus would face if he took this case. Mr. Link Deas tells him "you've got everything to lose from this, Atticus. I mean everything" (Lee 195).  They feared that harm might come to Tom.  Atticus was not happy that Tom was being moved to jail, but couldn't do anything about it.  Jem was worried about his Father's safety but  Atticus said he would be fine.  The second group of men came to the Maycome Jail in the middle of the night.  One man says "you know what we want...get aside from the door Mr. Finch" (Lee 202), which implies they want to take Tom and possibly kill him.  Atticus refuses and Scout, realizing something is wrong, interrupts them and beings to talk to Mr. Cunningham (the only man she recognizes) about his son, Walter.  Because of this, Scout had appealed to Mr. Cunningham's better side. She had made a connection with him; and in doing so, she had made him act kindly and leave Atticus and Tom alone.  Scout is beginning to understand the danger Atticus faces for helping a defenseless person and doing the right thing.