The twelfth Day of July (Joan Lingard).
The first chapter takes place in a Protestant street. Tommy and Sadie Jackson are already looking forward to the 12th day of July which is a Protestant celebration day. Before dinner Mr Jackson asks his children why they are celebrating this day. After her mother tried to hit her Sadie flees from the kitchen into the street. The Jackson's house doesn't look like the other houses in the street. That's because of a painting on the front side. It shows a mural of William of Orange. On the street Tommy and Sadie meet Steve and Linda who want to go to Mrs McConkey's shop to get some decorations. While they are buying the bunting a red-haired boy says that his street will look the best. So he and the four friends from the other street make a bet that their street will look the best.
Down with King Billy.
The McCoys are in their house and talk about the Protestants. Later Brede leaves the house and meets Kate. Together they go to buy some chips. Leaving the shop they meet a group of boys. Kevin, one of these boys, talks with Brede and Kate about their intention. They want to paint "Down with King Billy" on one house of the Protestants to provoke them.
Act of Provocation.
Evening, Sadie is upstairs in her room when she hears two boys talking about the mural on the gable wall of their house. She runs downstairs and sees that DOWN WITH KING BILLY has been painted on the mural. Running after them she catches one of the boys but has to let him go again. Meanwhile a crowd of angry neighbours has gathered in front of the mural and Sadie swears revenge.
A Summons to Tyrone.
Kevin arrives at home from his adventures in the Protestant area- saying to his father that nothing has happened. .
The next morning everybody knows what Kevin and Brian did the night before. .
Mr. McCoy is a bit proud of his son but Mrs. McCoy in annoyed about what her son has done. .
The McCoys get a telegram from Kevin's aunt that Bede's and Kevin's grandmother is ill.