Chapter 10 begins by explaining how Mary and Dick Turner became the gossip of “the district,” the white community they are part of but never take part in. Mr. and Mrs. Slatter incite most of the gossip as people wonder what the Turners do all day. Others wonder how they make a living as Dick has constant bad luck. Though the Slatters also tell everyone about Mary’s attempt at running away, when people begin rumors that Charlie Slatter whipped Dick Turner for his treatment of Mary, Charlie informs everyone that the fault in the relationship is all Mary’s. This is how most everyone came to despise Mary Turner. Eventually, Charlie pays Dick a visit as he has not seen the Turners in some time. As he drives to the house, he sees how ramshackle the land is and makes up his mind to urge Dick to sell him the property for grazing. He finds Dick looking extremely unhealthy, and though he tries to get Dick to sell the land, Dick refuses out of wounded pride, all the while ranting about how ill Mary is.

When the two approach the house, Mary appears, and Charlie notes how thin she is.