The men know that Tate won't be arriving to help Atticus because they sent him on a made-up errand. Tate and Atticus are characters in the book, To Kill a Mocking Bird.
The men know Mr. Tate won't be coming to help Atticus because Atticus tells them that the sheriff is out to visit a relative who is seriously ill. This information dissuades the men from causing trouble with Atticus at the jail.
Atticus knows Tom Robinson is coming back to the Maycomb jail because he received a tip from Heck Tate, the sheriff, that a mob might try to harm Tom. Therefore, Atticus decides to sit by Tom in an attempt to protect him.
Mr. Heck Tate calls Atticus "Ol' One-Shot," referring to Atticus's excellent marksmanship and reputation as a skilled shooter.
He is the county sherrifHeck Tate is a friend of Atticus and also the sheriff of Maycomb County
Heck Tate is ready with a shotgun in case the boys trouble Atticus in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Heck Tate is the sheriff of Maycomb and he keeps a vigilant eye on the situation.
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Heck Tate wants Atticus to shoot the dog because he knows that Atticus is the best shooter in Maycomb and he wants the dog to be put down before it harms anyone. Heck Tate knows that Atticus is the most skilled marksman and can take down the dog with one shot to prevent any danger to the community.
Boo Radley killed Bob Ewell because Bob was trying to kill Jem and Scout. At first, Atticus believes Jem did it. Heck Tate insists that they claim Bob Ewell fell on his knife. Atticus thinks Heck is protecting Jem and he does not want to cover up what he thinks happened. When he finally understands that Boo did it he agrees to the lie.
The irony in Atticus's argument with Heck Tate is that Atticus, who is known for upholding justice and truth, is in this case unknowingly protecting his own son by wanting the truth of the situation revealed, while Heck Tate, the sheriff, is willing to sacrifice the truth to protect Jem from the consequences of the event. This situation challenges the typical roles of the characters and their values.
The children hear Heck Tate asking Atticus if the mob is gone. Heck Tate is the Maycomb sheriff who tries to maintain order during the tense situation outside the jail where Atticus is protecting Tom Robinson.
Atticus Finch had the support of his daughter, Scout, and his son, Jem, as well as the support of the town's sheriff, Heck Tate, and his friend, Miss Maudie Atkinson. Despite facing criticism and threats, Atticus also had the backing of his sister, Alexandra, and his fellow lawyer, Heck Tate.