Intruder In The Dust

The grave becomes an important symbol for the search for truth, and the relationship between truth and justice. On two occasions, Charles and others visit the grave of Vinson Gowrie. The funeral for Vinson was arranged shortly after his death and was held when Lucas Beauchamp was already locked up in the town jail. Vinson was buried quickly, but Lucas insists that this grave holds important information. Though Lucas only wants to know the caliber of bullet that killed Vinson, the actual contents of the grave are far more damning. Jake Montgomery, rather than Vinson Gowrie, is buried there. This first visit highlights the failings of the legal system, because in digging up a grave without a warrant they are committing a crime to prevent an even greater crime from taking place. Ironically, those operating on the side of justice are forced to break the letter of the law to preserve the spirit of the law. That the grave contains the wrong man exacerbates this sense of injustice, as not even the identity of a dead man can be depended upon.

After the rush to dig up the grave the first time, Charles and the other characters return to the town with the information they have discovered.