Chapter 4, and its Aftermath, sections 3-6 Summary and Analysis

The snow comes down heavily. On Thanksgiving, there comes a knock at the door. Jacques Plessis, a local trapper, needs shelter against the cold. The Hoovers oblige him, offering food and rest. The trapper relates the story of how he came to be stranded out in the snow. He broke camp, but upon hiking back to his vehicle, was unable to locate the car keys that he hid nearby. Walking back to civilization, and nearing exhaustion, Jacques was pleased to see the Hoovers' homestead.

Next morning, just after breakfast, Jacques gives the Hoovers a tip on where to purchase inexpensive firewood. If the tip does not pan out, he adds, Jacques would be happy to get some wood for the Hoovers. Jacques bids them farewell. Helen is inspired by the trapper's...