After Mr. Gilmer, the prosecutor, cross-examined Tom Robinson for a few minutes, Dill began to sob in the balcony of the courthouse. It was "quietly at first, [but] then his sobs were heard by several people." His crying became so loud that both Jem and Reverend Sykes insisted that Scout take him outside. Scout asked Dill if he was feeling okay and she thought that he was crying because he was sick. After they found seats under the shade of an oak tree, Dill explained to Scout why he was upset.
Dill could not stand how Mr. Gilmer was "talking so hateful to" Tom Robinson. Scout reassured him that Mr. Gilmer's job as the prosecutor was to behave that way. Dill pointed out to Scout that Mr. Gilmer did not speak too harshly to his own witnesses. He also observed that Mr. Finch treated all the witnesses with respect.
Then Dill mentioned how Mr. Gilmer called Tom Robinson "boy," even though he was a grown man. Scout responded, saying "'Well, Dill, after all he’s just a Negro.'" Dill disagreed with her response. He believed that Tom Robinson should be treated with respect and dignity, and it made him sick that he was being spoken to in that manner. He reminded her again that her father treated everyone in a respectful way.
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