Chapters 13, 14, 15 and 16 Summary

By the spring of 1867, Tobias has one hundred forty-eight branded cows that he, Zech, Emma and Skillit drive southward toward the prairie for summer grazing. During the days, the men drive the cattle while Emma cooks the meals. At night Tobias and Skillit take turns watching the herd while Zech and Emma sleep. After a month on the cattle drive, Tobias finds a trading post where Tobias learns that people make money selling oranges, an intriguing idea for Tobias. Tobias also learns that cattle are being purchased for twelve dollars a head for shipment to Cuba at a place called Punta Rassa south of Fort Myers on the west coast of Florida.

On the way to Punta Rassa, the MacIveys encounter a terrific storm which rages all through the night. All the food and supplies in the MacIvey's wagon are ruined...