Chapter 8 Summary

The next morning, Sarah puts on Papa's overalls and goes to confront him in the barn. Caleb tags along, explaining to Sarah that women don't wear overalls. "'This woman does,' said Sarah crisply" (pg. 44). In the barn, she firmly announces her intention to learn to ride a horse, and to drive the wagon by herself. She feeds the horses as she speaks. Papa tells Sarah she can learn to ride on Old Bess, but that Jack is too sly. To her request to learn to drive the wagon, he also accedes. She asks if they can start today, but Papa explains that he must fix the roof on the house, because a storm is coming. Tomorrow, he will begin teaching her to ride. Sarah makes one more firm decision. They will fix the roof together. Sarah reminds him that she is a...