Atticus Shoots the Mad Dog

A rabid dog, Tim Johnson, staggers down the street toward the Finch house. Calpurnia spots him and alerts the neighborhood. Sheriff Heck Tate arrives but insists that Atticus, known in his youth as 'One-Shot Finch,' take the shot because the dog is near the Radley house and a miss could be disastrous. Atticus reluctantly takes the rifle and, with a single, precise shot, kills the dog. Jem and Scout are stunned to discover their father's hidden talent. Miss Maudie explains that Atticus is civilized and never takes pride in his God-given gift, only using it when absolutely necessary. Jem realizes his father is a gentleman and a man of quiet courage.