Chapters 22 and 23 Summary

Hattie goes over her ledger again and again, but can still see no way of completing the necessary requirements for proving up Uncle Chester's claim. It was so much more than being unable to pay the final $37.75 for filing fees — it was debt to friends and neighbors. When Jim rides up on his new Indian motorcycle and announces the end of the war, Hattie is less than excited, although she tries to fake her way through. She shows Jim the ledger and admits her failure. He tells her things have a way of working out, and leaves to spread the good news to others. Hattie decides to talk to Mr. Ebgard one more time and rides to Wolf Point to ask him for an extension, but he is unable to give her one. Even Traft no longer wants to buy...