A funeral is held for Allen, who perished in a mining accident that nearly claimed Ned's life as well. Ned wants the mine shut down completely for repairs, but Mr. Crowe is only willing to close a small section.
After tensions come to a head between Ned and Mr. Frawley, Ned is fired and Aunt Rose offers to take the children back to Halifax. However Nellie and Willie refuse to leave town, and Willie tries to get Ned rehired.