In advance of his trial, Tom Robinson is going to be transferred to Maycomb County Jail. This could mean trouble, and lots of it. As Tom will soon be on his way, that gives only a brief window of opportunity for a lynch mob to form and dispense the timeworn Southern brand of summary justice. This is why Sheriff Heck Tate and some other men have come over to the Finch residence. They're warning Atticus of the possible danger of a lynching and that there are already rumors that the Cunninghams are involved. The situation could get ugly pretty quickly, so it's important to be prepared for what's likely to happen.
Watching from the window of the house, Scout and Jem instantly sense that something's not right. Although at first, they think—wrongly—that the men talking to Atticus are ganging up on him. But Atticus and the other men start to...
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laugh and the little meeting breaks up, then they both realize that Atticus was in no real danger. That will come later outside the jailhouse.
At the beginning of chapter 15, Link Deas, Sheriff Tate, and several other citizens visit Atticus's home before the trial to discuss their concerns about keeping Tom Robinson safe in the county jailhouse before the trial begins. Sheriff Tate tells Atticus that he cannot guarantee there will not be any trouble housing Tom Robinson in the Maycomb jailhouse, but Atticus dismisses his concerns. Link Deas then interrupts by saying that he is concerned about the Old Sarum bunch, who are a group of racist farmers that are known to drink in excess and cause trouble. Atticus once again dismisses their concerns by mentioning that the Old Sarum bunch is less likely to get drunk on a Sunday. Essentially, both Sheriff Tate and Link Deas are concerned that a racist mob will attempt to lynch Tom Robinson before the trial. Link Deas then asks Atticus why he even agreed to defend Tom and Atticus responds by saying,
Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till the truth’s told . . . And you know what the truth is (Lee, 147).
The telephone then rings, and the concerned neighbors leave Atticus's yard. On Sunday night, Atticus takes precaution and visits the Maycomb jailhouse, where Tom Robinson is incarcerated. The children end up following their father and watch as the Old Sarum bunch arrives outside of the jailhouse. Fortunately, Atticus and the children prevent the Old Sarum bunch from lynching Tom Robinson, and the mob disperses without harming anyone.