The Great Turkey Walk

Before dawn, Simon wakes Jabeth and Mr. Peece, warning them about the possibility that his father will show up to try to steal the turkeys. He thinks this because the night before, Peece warned Simon that his father is likely interested only in money. Peece also recounted his own tragic past when his wife and three children—two boys and a girl—died of cholera when he was away working as a drover, which led to his addiction to alcohol.

After they cross a bridge over Moreau Creek, Samson and Cleaver appear on stolen horses. While Jabeth escapes, Samson and Cleaver capture Simon and Mr. Peece, admitting that they plan to steal the turkeys. As rain begins, Jabeth returns to free Simon. Simon offers Jabeth a share in the turkey drive, and together, they free Peece.

The trio plans their pursuit, knowing that the thieves are inept with turkeys. The next morning, they find a cow for milk and begin recovering turkeys that have strayed from the stolen flock.

In the town of Russellville, they learn that the thieves lost more turkeys to the unscrupulous townspeople. They track Samson and Cleaver to their camp and watch them struggle to light a fire.