Chapter 11: Tall Tales Summary

The Nagys make final preparations for winter. The cousins have become local celebrities, with everyone having heard of their exploits. Kate enjoys the praise and admiration, but wishes her father were there. Jancsi surprises Kate with some good news: Her father will be visiting some time around Christmas. Marton avows that he will do everything he can to convince his brother to stay permanently.

The following week, the herders lead their flocks in. Each evening, in the kitchen, Kate gives a reading lesson. The temperatures drop, until one day the Nagys wake to chilly winds and frost-covered windows. Having the necessary wind power to grind their grain, Marton and the children take a teeth-chattering ride to the windmill.

At the windmill, Kate meets the old miller and his helper Daniel. Daniel remarks on the miller's propensity for telling humorously...