Weasel

Molly and Nathan believe that their father is getting better. They worry about the lack of witch hazel ingredients, but Ezra seems to have the situation under control. He leaves and returns with a wild turkey. The dogs try to reach it, and Ezra dances and laughs. Ezra cooks the meat and the bones, adding berries and squash. He also makes blue biscuits. While the food simmers in a pot, Ezra tends to Pa.

Nathan remembers that he hasn’t fed the animals back at home. Pa said that if animals work productively for a person, the person should be kind to them. A person who neglects or abuses an animal is a beast. The Fowlers have a horse, Job; a mule, Crabapple; chickens; and a pig, Miz Tizz, with piglets. Nathan claims that he can bring back Job and Crabapple, and Ezra draws Nathan a detailed picture that functions as a map.

Molly brings Nathan turkey stew and blue biscuits. The color of the biscuits makes Nathan wary, but he tries them, and they’re delicious. Molly gives him some biscuits for his journey, and Ezra gives Nathan a piece of wood. Ezra demonstrates how the wood serves as a weapon—a hunting stick.