Chapter 4 Summary

The next day, all the men on the farm start out early to round up all the cattle. It takes them all day, and at sunset they have finally gathered the entire herd. Lonzo suggests that they may have to fight the government off to save the cattle, but Granddad says that first he wants to know what the problem really is. The vet wants to try infecting a few sheep and horses from the first dead heifer, to find out what strain of hoof-and-mouth it is. If the disease is contagious across species, then it is not so dangerous, but if it can only infect cows, then it is the worst possible strain. After they are done with their work, Lonnie gets permission to go into Thalia for the evening, ostensibly so he can pick up some groceries.

In Thalia, Lonnie meets...