- Christmastime comes again. In some ways, it's just like old times.
- But there's new stuff, too. There are more presents, and the girls wear new dresses. Polly Ann prepares a turkey for the holiday, and she insists that Tom take his place at the head of the table and carve it, despite his hesitation.
- After dinner when Birdy has left, Mr. Hook says that pretty much everyone knows Tom has come into money. The cat's out of the bag!
- But Mr. Hook is very polite as he inquires about Tom's plans for it.
- Tom wants to be honest with Mr. Hook, so he tells him where the money came from. He also tells him that he wants to put in a concrete floor like Mr. Massey's, and get better cows, a team of horses, a lumber wagon, and machinery.
- Mr. Hook says that he will need more land for more cows. Tom has considered that. He plans to make an offer to Walt Sweeney for eighteen acres along the river near the Dolan property.
- Mr. Hook asks if Tom is sure about pursuing farming because that would mean eventually giving up work at the mill. Tom says he is. He wants to change people's perception of the Dolans and Hannaberrys by building up a successful, paying farm.
- Hearing that Tom's mind is set, Mr. Hook offers to take him to see a team of horses just about to go on sale.