The Walls of Jericho · Chapter
III explained
Shine, a mover, is approached by Patmore, who holds a grudge against Fred Merrit for a past legal settlement.
What happens
Shine, a mover, is approached by Patmore, who holds a grudge against Fred Merrit for a past legal settlement. Patmore tries to recruit Shine as a secret agent to sell his liquor to Merrit, but Shine declines, revealing he already has his own bootlegging operation. Later, Shine discusses the upcoming move to Court Avenue with his friends Jinx and Bubber, warning them of potential danger and the need for vigilance. Patmore returns with another scheme, but Shine remains wary.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Control
Patmore attempts to manipulate Shine into doing his bidding, while Shine asserts his independence by refusing and revealing his own enterprise.
Resilience and Survival
Shine and his friends face the dangers of their job with humor and bravado, showing their resilience in a hostile environment.
Secrets and Revelation
Patmore's hidden grudge and scheme are revealed, while Shine keeps his own bootlegging secret, highlighting the theme of hidden motives.
Characters to notice
- Pat
Shine's alias, he is the protagonist and a mover. He is cautious and independent, refusing Patmore's schemes.
- Henry Patmore
The bar owner who holds a grudge against Merrit and tries to use Shine to get revenge by selling liquor to him.
- Bubber Brown
One of Shine's friends and fellow movers, who jokes about the dangers of the job but shows loyalty.
- Jinx Jenkins
Another friend and mover, who also jokes about the risks but is ready to support Shine.
- Fred Merrit
The wealthy client whose move is planned; he is the target of Patmore's resentment.
Key passages
“He put me in some time back, see? Damage suit—ten thousand berries. Hit a guy crossin’ the speedway—knocked him f’ a gool, the dumbbell. Well—it was pay off or see jail, and naturally I wasn’ go’n’ see jail.”
Patmore explains that Merrit sued him for a car accident, and he had to pay a large settlement to avoid jail.
Patmore reveals his resentment toward Merrit, which motivates his scheme.
“I could ’a’ bought in a fay neighborhood and held on for a price. I could ’a’ made fifteen thousand on that ten. Same as he’s doin’ now.”
Patmore laments that he could have invested the money he paid to Merrit and made a profit, just as Merrit is doing now.
This shows Patmore's bitterness and his view of Merrit as an opportunist.
“Agent yo’ hiney,” said Shine. “Listen. Ain’t you heard ’bout me?” “ ’Bout you?” “Sho’, man. I done started already.” “Bootleggin’?” “No lie. I got a regular business. Ain’ but two people in it, though, the bootlegger and the customer. I’m both of ’em.”
Shine refuses Patmore's offer, revealing that he already runs his own bootlegging business, where he is both the supplier and the customer.
Shine asserts his independence and rejects Patmore's manipulation.
“Wise guy. Aimin’ to choke Merrit and throw the blame on me. Jes’ ’cause I bring my own licker in and pass up his kerosene. Can y’ beat it—? Wonder how many kinds of a jackass that bozo thinks I am?”
Shine sees through Patmore's scheme, realizing that Patmore wants to hurt Merrit and blame him, just because Shine brings his own liquor.
Shine's internal monologue shows his shrewdness and distrust of Patmore.