Summary

As Chapter 5 begins, Ellen has a headache. While dependent on coffee, she nevertheless considers it to be a luxury during these tough times. When she finds the lack of coffee unbearable, Jethro is sent to borrow some coffee from Nancy, who is married to Jethro’s brother, John.

Ellen feels better once she has her coffee, and Jethro is asked to drive a team of horses to Newton, the nearest town, yet fifteen miles away.

Proud to be given the responsibility, Jethro leaves early the following morning. Along the way, he is stopped by a man who wants him to pick up a newspaper. He also asks about his brother, Bill, and whether he had joined the “rebs.”

In Newton, Jethro goes about buying the supplies he was sent for. In one of the stores, he is confronted by a group of men who are angry because his brother joined the Confederate army. Jethro sticks up for his brother.

Ross Milton, the editor of the local newspaper, apologizes for the threatening nature of the men, and invites Jethro to dinner at the restaurant. They talk about the war and Jethro’s fondness for reading. Milton lends Jethro a book on grammar, and advises him to be careful on the way home.

With his supplies loaded, Jethro starts off for home.

Along the way, he meets Dave Burdow, the father of the man responsible for his sister’s death. Mr. Burdow says that he wants to ride with Jethro for awhile. Although frightened, Jethro agrees.

Along the way, Jethro learns that Mr. Burdow intended him no harm. On the contrary, suspecting that one or more of the men from the restaurant might be waiting for him, he intends to guard against harm coming to Jethro.

With Mr. Burdow’s help, Jethro arrives home safely.