Chapter 14, Civilization, Chapter 15, In Achilles' Tent, and Chapter 16, The Endless Road Summary

In chapter 14, sixteen months have passed and many improvements have taken place in Cowpertown, including a newer, stronger wall, a farm, and an iron works. Bruce McGowan has returned, having come to Rod begging to be taken in after his brother was killed. However, Bruce has continued to be lazy and defiant. Rod arranges for Bruce to go to work at the iron works with the hope that he will have little time on his hands to be so defiant. The settlement has begun throwing square dances once a week. At one dance, the question of what each person would do should rescue finally come arises. Most everyone decides they would rather stay, except Bob Baxter who continues to want to go to...