The rising action of the plot builds a clear sense of threat to the well-being of the Logan family. Only in the last two chapters is the tension released in the frenzy of violence and fear at the Avery house, where all the disparate forces in the community confront one another. The sharecroppers are torn from their home and subjected to the blows of the night riders. The attack is led by the actual murderers of Mr. Barnett, now intent on destroying Avery.