In the bottom of the wagon lay a disregarded sack with a half-dozen fowl, their heads protruding through holes cut for that purpose.

Sim never knew how or when they got into the wagon.
At the next gate, that of Nels Jensen's homestead, Sim's neighbor below, the woman of the place came running.

"You heard about it ?--You're all burned out, both of you." "Yes, we know," said Wid, nodding.

"Tell Nels to come on up to Sim's place early in the morning.

We're going to get the neighbors together." Again the tired team was forced into a dull gallop.
They had not far to go.