Chapter 8: The Fair Summary

The big day has arrived. Remembering that her uncle wanted to get an early start, Kate wakes Jancsi and proposes that they surprise Marton by doing all the chores before he wakes. The sun not yet risen, the children work by lantern-light, finishing moments before the first sunrise that Kate has ever seen. She is spellbound by the sight.

Seeing that smoke now rises from the chimney, the two children go inside to announce that there is nothing left to do. Marton, who is greatly impressed, declares Kate and Jancsi to be his farmhands. He pays them each a silver piece. Marton and his wife discuss how much Kate has changed since her arrival. She's grown strong and conscientious.

Soon after their arrival at the fair, a short, fat man buys out Marton's entire selection of horses. With the...