Eben thinks about going to Colorado, but his aunt’s words about their cousin Molly make him wonder if she likes the family. His father explains that Aunt Pretty had her own “sorrows” and never married. When she was young, several men wanted to marry her, but she wanted a man named Holt Nickerson. Holt often sleepwalked; one night while doing so, he mounted his horse and disappeared from Sassafras Springs, which was hard for Aunt Pretty. Eben’s father warns him not to mention this to his aunt. 

Eben goes to Jeb, who tells Eben he must work. Jeb wonders why Eben is so excited about the wonders and tells him he is never going to see those “faraway places.” Eben is certain he will. Jeb tells him it must be lonely to travel and live among strangers, but Eben suggests they could travel together. Jeb notes that his father needs him to work on the farm and says that even if they travel together, he will return to Sassafras Springs. Eben says he has had enough of farming. Disappointed with his friend, he feels that he must continue his search alone and leaves with his dog.