In September, Rooster Jim tells Hattie that Traft has contested her claim with Mr. Ebgard because of her age. Rooster Jim explains that unless someone is the head of a household, they must be 21 to prove a claim. Rooster Jim says that she needs to go to Wolf Point the next day to hear the case and defend herself.

The next day, Hattie goes to Mr. Ebgard’s office. Traft says that Mr. Ebgard should easily rule in his favor because of Hattie’s age. Mr. Ebgard asks Hattie about where she was born, when her birthday is, and who her parents are. Hattie explains that her parents are dead, and Mr. Ebgard asks if she has a guardian. When Hattie says no, Mr. Ebgard asks her if she thinks that her upbringing was different than other girls her age. Hattie realizes that he is trying to help her, so she says that she had to grow up quickly. Mr. Ebgard tells Traft that the law allows for a single woman to file for a claim as the head of a household. Mr. Ebgard rules that Hattie is the head of her household so she can keep her land.