Lisbeth is a big help around the home as Travis and Yeller heal from their wounds. Travis is slightly upset that Lisbeth can do most of the jobs that he usually does, and with a good attitude to boot. One morning, the heifer, Spot, arrives to be milked after being gone all night. Spot acts strangely, bawling, staggering, and ignoring her calf, and attacking Mama when she attempts to milk her. Mama and Travis worry Spot has hydrophobia but try to convince themselves otherwise. The roan range bull from the bullfight returns to their clearing, clearly sick and disoriented. Old Yeller growls at the bull, sensing its illness. The bull heads for the creek where Little Arliss and Lisbeth are playing. Mama runs to save the children, and the bull charges her but misses, falling on his weakened legs. Travis shoots the bull.

Travis and Mama try to move the body of the roan bull away from their supply of drinking water, but the bull is too heavy for Jumper to pull. Mama declares they must burn the body where it is, since they do not want other animals to eat the meat and spread the sickness.