 As they wait , Jigger and Billy gamble with cards . They stake their shares of the anticipated robbery spoils . Billy loses : his participation is now pointless . Unknown to Billy and Jigger , Mr. Bascombe , the intended victim , has already deposited the mill 's money . The robbery fails : Bascombe pulls a gun on Billy while Jigger escapes . Billy stabs himself with his knife ; Julie arrives just in time for him to say his last words to her and die . Julie strokes his hair , finally able to tell him that she loved him . Carrie and Enoch , reunited by the crisis , attempt to console Julie ; Nettie arrives and gives Julie the resolve to keep going despite her despair ( " You 'll Never Walk Alone " ) . 
