Chapters XVI-XVIII, The Horse-Thieves, At Gavotte's Camp, The Homesteader's Marriage and a Little Funeral Summary and Analysis

In Chapter XVI, there is no date. Elinore indicates that Mrs. Coney will be visiting them. She reports that Clyde discovered that thieves stole thirty-five horses from a ranch around seventy-five miles away. Law enforcement was in pursuit and they would probably succeed in apprehending the culprits. At the same time, Elinore had been feeling isolated at home with the new baby and wanted to go on a trip. The morning ride with Mrs. Louderer was beautiful. They were off to the mouth of Dry Creek and when they reached it they encountered a cattle herd. When they reached camp, they found it empty until Herman, a fat cook, and his ugly horse Hunks appeared...