On the train down to Mississippi, Ben decides to do a little reading.
His pick? The Memphis newspapers from the past couple of weeks.
In them he finds many reports of lynchings that have taken place.
One man was hanged from a tree and shot so many times that a bullet hit the rope holding him; another was killed right in front of his kids so they could learn a lesson.
There are quotes from witnesses, and even critiques of the quality of lynching.
It seems the people view lynching as more entertainment than anything else, which sickens Ben.
He decides to open a window, and another passenger on the train helps him do it.