- Erlo and Mrs. Ackerman arrive. Tom greets Mr. Ackerman, who tells Tom: "You got things going good […] I'm sorry we're late, but don't pay attention to us. The barn's what's important, Tom."
- After the second and third bents go up, they all break for the lunch Polly Ann has worked so hard on. Sandwiches, cheese, pies, cakes, coffee, switchel…whatever switchel is. Where can we get a plate?
- Tom feels shy, but he still tries to circulate as the host.
- Mr. Massey and Mr. Hook compliment Tom on the barn, and each man offers additional help: Mr. Massey says he'd be glad to come another Sunday to help with the roof, and Mr. Hook says that he and Erlo would have no problem with Tom taking a week or two off to work on the barn after the frame is raised.
- Sure, those weeks would be unpaid, but Mr. Hook also offers to give Tom a loan if he would need it. What a nice boss. Tom says he'll think about it.
- Tom sees Yantis Flancher talking to Ox. Ox and Mr. Massey say that Yantis was asking why Tom hadn't put his cattle floor down yet. It seems he's still nosing around about the Breen money.
- What a moocher.