Summary

In this chapter, spring is about to come. Molly and Josiah discuss the changes about to happen in town. The men of the village are going spring-fur hunting, the boys are making traps to trap small animals. The women are going to the sugar camp where maple syrup will be drained from trees and cooked into sugar. Josiah has been helping Shagbark build a canoe. He has enjoyed learning the skill and is always happy to keep busy.

When Josiah and Molly arrive at Shagbark’s house, he is just finishing the canoe. He puts it in the water and tells Josiah to get in. Shagbark gives the canoe to him. At first he is shocked and asks where he’s allowed to go. Shagbark tells him he can go where the water takes him. He raises his paddle to say goodbye to Shagbark...