One hot night in July, Teddy shouts that he sees Dan outside the window, believing the runaway has returned to Plumfield. Mrs. Jo goes outside to look and discovers Dan asleep in a haystack. He appears bedraggled and has an injured foot. Mrs. Jo invites him inside, which Dan accepts, despite his fear that Mr. Bhaer will turn him away as punishment for having run away from his friend Mr. Page. However, Mr. Bhaer is happy to hear that Dan has returned, and the Bhaers decide to keep him at Plumfield and help raise him into the good man they believe he can be. Mrs. Jo praises Dan’s fortitude, which reminds her of her own fighting spirit as a young girl. Dan, softened by the Bhaers’ kindness, is grateful for their hospitality and promises to try to reform his troublesome behaviors.

Dan explains that he broke his foot hopping over a stone fence, and the next morning a doctor comes to set the broken bones, stating that Dan will need to stay in bed for at least a week. To entertain him while he recuperates, Mrs. Jo lets Nat and Demi visit him. Dan shares with them a collection of natural treasures he’s collected, including live crabs.