In the court house, Covington points out that the hill people from Scottsboro stand out in their appearance amongst the crowd for their rangy, impoverished manner. He goes into great detail about the trial of Glenn Summerford, choosing to focus on Darlene Summerford eyewitness testimony from the night he allegedly attempted to kill her. Chapter 2 Summary (The Trial) Covington's interest in the Summerfords' case stems from a piece he is writing for The New York Times. Dennis attends several services and meets Brother Carl Porter a man with whom he foreshadows future conflicts. Dennis is intrigued greatly by the peculiarities of the church and is almost drawn to it. After doing several interviews with members of the church, Dennis is invited to a service. This preacher's name is Glenn Summerford, he is the preacher of the Church of Jesus With Signs.

He stumbles onto the case of a snake-handling preacher's attempted murder trial. Chapter 1 Summary (Following Signs) Dennis Covington is a writer in search of an intriguing eye-catching story. Tries to take Elvis Presley Saylors wife. He is being outcast by the church because of conflicts between him and Punkin Brown. Elvis Presley Saylor Is referred to as the 'wicked one' in one of Brother Bills sermons. Brother Bill Believed those who did not handle snakes were destined for hell. Gracie Mcallister Would handle things like fire, but was often ridiculed for being to 'worldly' because she would go to the doctor. Sister Barbra Last person alive who handled with George Hensley George Hensley Started practice of serpent handling in church The McGlocklins Become very close friends with Dennis and Viki.

Salvation on sand mountain