- Matt and the pooch do as much hunting as they can, but they're still hungry since most of the animals are holing up for winter. At least there are always plenty of fish to catch.
- Matt's biggest issue is the cold—his clothes are falling apart—but then he has an inspired idea and realizes he can make pants from an old blanket. So he does. He also makes mittens from rabbit skins, and stuffs his shoes with moss to keep them warmer. Good thinking all around, Matty boy.
- Next Matt decides to make a fur hat. He constructs a deadfall trap, catches a fisher, and slowly works on the hat. In the end, it's a real beaut'; he often thinks of his mother as he works.
- Matt begins making gifts for his family: wooden dishes for Mom, a cradle for the baby, and a cornhusk doll for Sarah.
- He gets to thinking about Sarah, and he feels sad that she won't get to meet Attean's sister. He realizes they are a lot alike.