The Note and the Cement

Jem and Scout decide to write a thank-you note to the anonymous gift-giver and place it in the knot-hole. The next morning, however, they find the hole filled with cement. Mr. Nathan Radley, when questioned by Jem, claims he filled it because the tree is dying. Atticus later confirms the tree is healthy, revealing Nathan's lie. Jem is deeply upset, realizing that Nathan has deliberately cut off the communication from Boo. He stands on the porch until nightfall, crying silently, mourning the loss of this secret connection.