A Gathering of Old Men weaves a complex tale of solidarity, courage, and racial tensions in the American South. As the story unfolds, a web of characters, each with their own motivations and histories, converge on a single event: the murder of Beau Boutan. Through this narrative, the reader is drawn into a powerful narrative of community, resistance, and change.

Snookum's Urgent Task

In the opening scene, a young black boy known as Snookum receives a hasty directive from Candy, a white woman with significant influence in the community. Snookum is to deliver an urgent message to gather people at Mathu's house. Witnessing Beau's body lying lifeless in the yard, Snookum is dismissed by Mathu and sets off on his mission. His task is simple yet pivotal, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

An Unlikely Assembly

At the Marshall House, chaos brews beneath the surface. Jack Marshall lies in a drunken stupor on the porch while his wife, Bea, occupies herself in the fields. Snookum's message reaches Janey, the housekeeper, who promptly alerts Lou Dimes and Miss Merle. Upon Miss Merle's arrival, Janey conveys the grim news of a murder, prompting Miss Merle to rush to Mathu's where a group is already gathering, armed with shotguns. Candy, assertively, confesses to killing Beau, but Miss Merle is skeptical. Mathu, along with other elderly men, also claims responsibility, prompting Candy to ask for more reinforcements, each armed similarly, to share in the blame.

Fear and Determination

Meanwhile, Chimley and his friend Mat are fishing when they receive the call to gather at Mathu's. Despite their fear of white retribution, they feel compelled to support Mathu, a man known for his defiance against racial injustices. They decide to join Clatoo, who offers them a ride.

The Journey to Mathu's

As Mat prepares to depart, he confronts his wife, Ella, urging her not to hinder him. Clatoo arrives accompanied by Billy Washington, Jacob Aguillard, Chimley, and Cherry Bello. Their collective anxiety does not deter them from making their way to Mathu's armed and resolute. They gather more allies, including Yank and Dirty Red, as they draw closer to their destination. Pausing at a graveyard, each man takes a moment with family memorials, reflective of their personal stakes in the day's events. Clatoo returns with additional men, swelling their numbers.

A Collective Stand

The congregation at Mathu's home has grown to eighteen old men, each ready to face the sheriff with a shared confession. Mathu intends to take responsibility, yet the others refuse to let him stand alone. Reverend Jameson pleads with Mathu to surrender and urges the others to disperse, but his words fall on deaf ears.

Facing the Law

Lou Dimes arrives from Baton Rouge, immediately doubting Candy's confession of guilt. He forewarns her of Fix, Beau's father, and the inevitable quest for vengeance. Sheriff Mapes arrives, skeptical of Candy's claim, and resorts to intimidation to uncover the truth. Despite his tactics, each man insists on his involvement in Beau's death. Even when Mapes strikes Reverend Jameson, the men stand firm in their narrative. Specific grievances surface as Billy cites past violence against his son, and others recount personal injustices and losses inflicted by racial oppression.

Family Ties and Decisions

Gil Boutan, Beau's brother, receives news of the murder on the eve of a major football game, a pivotal moment for his collegiate career. Sully drives Gil to the scene, but Mapes sends him away. Back at home, Gil pleads with his father, Fix, to refrain from violence that could jeopardize his future. Amid familial discord, Fix ultimately decides against forming a...