Chapter 12 Summary

Jody is awakened at daylight to the sound of the steamer stopping at the landing. Oliver has come home from the sea! Jody and Grandma shoot questions at Oliver, who comes home only twice each year. He has brought gifts for everyone, including a wonderful hunting knife for Jody, better than any other in scrub country. When Jody bursts out with the news that Lem Forrester has claimed Twink Weatherby for his own, Oliver just laughs and Jody relaxes.

They all enjoy the splendid breakfast Grandma has just cooked, and Jody takes notice of Oliver's good looks, his deep tan, gray-blue eyes, and red-tinged hair. He considers his own poor features and asks whether Oliver was "borned good-lookin'." The subject turns to courting, and Oliver asks whether Jody has a sweetheart. Penny again mentions Eulalie, teasing, and Jody is in a fury, telling...