Summary

In Chapter Eighteen, Phineas tries to convince Peter that oil really is the answer to the family’s financial troubles, as the Colonel says. Once the McCullough family takes over the Garcia land, many of the people in town are hired to clean up the neglected land, a move that Peter believes makes the family look like benevolent kings. He is depressed because the family appears to have clean hands despite Peter’s recollection of what happened. Additionally, Sally is angry with Peter because he goes to the Garcia property so often, seeming to be more interested in that family than his own sons.

In Chapter Nineteen, a small pox and cholera epidemic is wiping out the Indian tribes. The plains are crowded with displaced Indians and buffalo are scarce. Eli’s band plans a raid in Mexico. Although Hates Work never returns...