As daylight approaches, the blizzard subsides and a more peaceful snowfall settles on the area. Billy’s dogs have been outside all night long, and he had no idea where they are. As he listens for them, he hears the sounds of a rescue team that has been combing the woods in search of his team of hunters. Evidently, the horses had broken loose from the wagon during the night and wandered back into camp. Those in the camp realized the hunting team was stranded and organized a search party; the hunters had spent the entire night looking for Billy and his team.

When Billy explains that his hounds are somewhere in the forest stalking a treed raccoon, the hunters are amazed at their tenacity. Then one of them reports that one of the other teams turned in three hides and that Billy will need at least one more to win. While they are talking, another hunter arrives and reports that he has seen Billy’s hounds and that they are “frozen solid.” Upon hearing this startling news, Billy swoons and collapses.

Billy regains consciousness and overhears some of the hunters reprimanding the man who said his dogs were frozen. The man was emphatically trying to explain that he had not meant to suggest that the dogs were dead. He just meant that they were covered with snow and ice from head to foot. Billy is relieved but wants to find his dogs. While some of the hunters create a makeshift gurney on which to carry his grandfather back to camp, Billy and a few other hunters accompany the man to Billy’s dogs.

Billy’s dogs are indeed covered with ice, so the hunters build a fire. They all volunteer to massage the dogs to restore circulation to their bodies. They note that the dogs walked in a continuous circle around the tree so they would not freeze to death during the night. Once the dogs are thawed, one of the hunters fires a shot, and the raccoon jumps from the tree. Billy’s dogs are alert; they attack the raccoon and kill it. This capture gives Billy four hides from this round of the competition and secures his win.

The hunters return to camp and report that Billy has won the competition. Billy’s grandfather refuses to be transported home until he sees Billy receive the golden cup, so the head judge presents Billy with the award. The hunters also give him more than three hundred dollars in prize money, amassed through contributions from all the participating hunters. Billy gives the cash box to his father. Then the hunters carefully place Billy’s grandfather in a car so the doctor can drive him back to town and treat his swollen and injured foot.

Billy and his father pack their supplies and hunting gear onto the wagon and drive home. Upon arriving in the yard, his sisters rush to greet him, having heard of his success. He gives the silver cup to two of his sisters, but he keeps the golden one for the youngest sister. His youngest sister, who has fallen in her rush to greet him, is overjoyed with the gift.

Billy’s mother is moved to tears by his win. She informs his father that his grandfather’s foot is only sprained and that it is expected to heal quickly. Relieved to hear this news, Billy’s father gives her the box of money. She sees the gift as an answer to her prayers, and she prepares a special celebratory meal for her family, which they enjoy together. Later that night, Billy watches as his mother goes into the yard, feeds his dogs, and kneels to pray in front of their little dog house.