Chapter 2 Summary

A huge family in a good wagon is traveling through the wilderness in chapter two. The family once owned a mill and lived in a large house; however, due to misfortune, they have left New Hampshire to claim new land out west.

The family consists of the father, Alvin, a slightly pudgy man, his wife Faith who is pregnant, six boys, one older girl, and five younger female children. Faith asks Alvin to find a place for her to rest and he knows his next child is ready to be born.

Alvin sends his oldest son Vigor ahead to check for a stopping point on their trail. Vigor brings word back of a roadhouse about three miles away across a very small river. Alvin would prefer not to cross the river but knows that his wife is ready to give birth and he...