In kill a mockingbird and I was wondering if someone could clarify for me the mob scene at the jail...?

It's late at night and Scout, out of nowhere, runs to Atticus who is surrounded by many mysterious men with guns whose mission is to come and harm Tom. Usually a little girl in Scout's position would be afraid, but Scout comes along and asks Mr. Cunningham questions about how his son, Walter, is and about how his entailment is coming along. Mr. Cunningham becomes ashamed because he was just threatening her father.