Chapter 4 Summary

After a short, impatient waiting period, Billy learns that the kennel has responded and Grandpa has ordered his two hounds. He even gets $10 back, as the price of the dogs has gone down. The dogs will be delivered to the depot in Tahlequah where Billy will have to pick them up. At dinner that night, when Billy asks his father how far it is to Kentucky, the family is incredulous. Mama wonders where he gets his ideas and how he spends his time, too busy even for a haircut. He promises to get one next time there is a "cutting."

Two weeks later the notice arrives; the dogs are at the depot. Grandpa arranges a ride into town for Billy in about one week. Unable to bring himself to tell his father the whole story, that night Billy takes some food and matches...