Nearly Five to One Summary

Bertha is buried in the orchard, along with all the rest of Big Joe's pets. They sing no songs over Bertha, however. Perhaps they are just too angry or perhaps they are just too tired. Either way, Bertha has a silent funeral. On the way home, Big Joe asks their mother if they will all go up to Heaven when they die. She says that they will all go to Heaven to be with Father and Bertha. Later that day, Big Joe wanders off. No one feels worried about it, as he generally does wander. However, when night falls, and Big Joe has not yet returned, everyone gets worried. Everyone knows that Big Joe is terrified of the dark. Charlie, Thomas, and their mother go looking for Big Joe, but none of them find him. Eventually, the...