The Hamlet, 292 (Event)

In springtime, Ratliff visits the store to catch up on the local gossip. He discovers that I.O.'s first wife came to see him, bringing with her a six-month-old baby and a large boy. Ratliff watches the Varner surrey pass by and proceeds to discuss Mink's upcoming murder trial. One of the men wonders whether Flem will return to help his cousin, but Ratliff assures them that Flem will not return until after the trial. From across the street, Mrs. Littlejohn rings the dinner bell, and the men disperse.