Chapter 9 Summary

The next morning the ground is covered with a beautiful blanket of snow, which means a cold and wet journey for the Meekers. Tim and Father say goodbye to the Platts and begin the trip home. Father rides ahead to look for the cow-boys, while Tim stays with the wagon. If Father sees the cow-boys, he will ride back or shout, and he and Tim will hide. Tim is wary as he travels. He does not like being alone so much, and he is constantly looking for places to hide or checking to make sure that the cow-boys are not sneaking up behind him.

After lunch, Father and Tim travel through Ridgebury. Many people see them as they pass through town, so Father begins to scout again on the other side. Tim distracts himself from the cold and boredom by naming all the...