Two weeks before Elly’s death, Sydney hears she’s sick. He gives his notice. He’s learned French form his fellow workers and writes home that he plans to get his Bachelor of Education and become a teacher. John Delano comes to see him and tells Sydney that he would not only be exonerated but might be rewarded with as much a million dollars.

Connie Devlin turns up at the camp where Sydney works, and Sydney protects him from the other men, who seek retribution after Connie steals from them. When Sydney leaves, Connie begs to come with him and confesses everything to Sydney. As they leave the camp, snow is falling. Unbeknownst to Sydney, this is the day that Elly dies.

Sydney disappears in a storm on his way home, and Lyle and the Forestry Commission search for him for months. Lyle returns home and tells Autumn and Percy that their parents were great, and Autumn tells Percy they will take him to Saint John for his birthday.

Connie Devlin returns home wearing a new jacket and boots and quickly confesses everything. Mat Pit complains to Lyle, telling him Cynthia is engaged to Leo McVicer and Gladys has returned home to live with her father.