In chapter 16 in To Kill a Mockingbird, the trial of Tom Robinson is starting. Jem, Scout and Dill race to the courthouse and realize what a big deal this trial is. The courtroom is packed and it seems everyone in town has come. The children are worried about Atticus seeing them, so they wait to go in. In the rush of people they see Reverend Sykes, and he offers to go and see if he can find the children a seat.
Reverend Sykes edged his way upstairs. In a few moments he was back. "There's not a seat downstairs. Do you all reckon it'll be all right of you all came to the balcony with me?"
"Gosh, yes," said Jem. Happily, we sped ahead of Reverend Sykes to the courtroom floor. There, we went up a covered staircase and waited at the door. Reverend Sykes came puffing behind us, and steered us gently through the black people in the balcony. Four Negroes rose and gave us their front-row seats."
This is a beautiful gesture that Reverend Sykes gives to the children. All the black people in the balcony welcome the children because they know that their father is Atticus, and Atticus is defending Tom. They have the utmost respect for Atticus and treat his children with that same respect.
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