In Book Two, the McCulloughs begin their lives in Oregon, as they look for a place to settle. Now, Joshua awaits the promise of spring. As his father gets involved in local politics, Joshua continues to look for adventure and hopes to go to school.

		In Oregon City Pa is in the story buying supplies. We need seed and nails and Ma wants molasses and a packed of needles. I've hitches Hurricane up at a rail. I'm outside, watching. There are three trappers sitting on the hitching rail. One is talking to the others, like he's trying to persuade them of something. I can't understand what he's saying. They talk French with some English words mixed in. Suddenly, they all burst out laughing. And then they all got up and went off together. But before they went, one of the men turned to me. "Pour vous, mon fils!" he called out. "For you! For luck!" And he tossed me a pelt, paws and all attached! A dried and cured rabbit pelt. It is as soft as - as a rabbit! I wonder why he gave it to me. I wonder if it will bring good luck.