The Sweetest Gift
How Green Was My Mountain
Thanksgiving is drawing near but the mountains are still green from the late autumn rains. The children rehearse for their Thanksgiving pageant while Christy speaks with Miss Alice, who has just returned from Cataleechee. The rains have hurt the cove's harvest and the mission was hoping for aid from Dr. Ferrand. Miss Alice tells Christy that the man cannot spare any funds for the cove and it appears that they are on their own . . .
Asheville Blues
With Miss Ida in Boston, there are plenty of leftovers at the mission. Christy prepares a basket for Swannie O'Teale, hoping she'll accept the food for her family. When Miss Alice tells Christy that she heard her crying during the night, Christy admits that she is homesick. Miss Alice suggests that she take a trip to Asheville but Christy says that keeping busy will cure her blues . . .
Surprise Visitor
Miss Alice has obtained a turkey caller from the pastor in Cataleechee. She plans to organize a turkey hunt in which all the people of the cove will hunt together and share their findings. The person who shoots the largest turkey will win her father's prize saddle. Christy marvels at the idea - everyone will have food for Thanksgiving and no one will have to accept charity. Christy sees a man in the distance and runs to greet him with an embrace. She introduces her father, William Huddleston, to Miss Alice who welcomes the man to Cutter Gap . . .
Heavy News
Uncle Bogg is substituting for the mailman, Ben Bentland, who is ill with the flu. He delivers a couple of letters to David who is disappointed when a letter from Boston is not included. A congregation in Boston is building a new church and has offered to donate their old bell to the mission. The word bell rings a bell in Bogg's head and he mentions that the item was delivered to El Pano with no address. David wants to go fetch it but Bogg points out that the bell weighs 9000 pounds and would be nearly impossible to move across the mountain. It appears that the bell is stuck in El Pano for good . . .
All About Bells
David substitutes for Christy at school so that she can spend the morning with her father. The students wonder how David is going to get the bell up into the steeple and what it will sound like when it's rung. David tells them that difficulty makes a task worth doing. He rings Christy's hand bell and tells everyone that the new bell is a hundred times larger than the one that he is holding and that its sound will carry throughout the cove . . .
A Fatigued Father
Christy watches her father as he sips a glass of Fairlight's cider and notices that he looks tired . . .
So Happy Together
William and Miss Alice stroll through the schoolyard as Christy and her class are rehearsing for the pageant. William recalls a time in Christy's childhood when the young girl desperately wanted a tree house. When William refused to build it, Christy organized the neighborhood children and built it herself. Miss Alice praises Christy for her ambitious plans for the cove. Christy joins her father and admits that's she's never been so happy . . .
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
David is ready to sit down for dinner but Christy tells him that she's expecting one more. Neil arrives and introduces himself to William. Everyone sits down to enjoy Ruby Mae's possum surprise. Although the dish really consists of squirrel, all are thankful as so many in the cove have even less . . .
Timing Is Everything
After dinner, David manages to grab a moment alone with William on the porch. He starts to mention his intentions toward Christy but is interrupted by Neil who has fetched some slides from his saddlebags to show to Christy. As David remarks upon the precision of his timing, Christy sticks her head out and enquires about the topic of their conversation . . .
Daddy's Little Girl
William finds his daughter in her room trying to catch up on her reading. He notices her upswept hair and points out how grown-up she has become. Christy admits that she isn't too grown-up to miss him and her mother. She reminisces about her room, a teddy bear and magnolia tree back home. Her dad tells her that she'll always be his little miss . . .
Turkey Tracking Trio
Creed Allen, Sam Houston, and Burl Allen decide Turkey Creek is the place to find a turkey. They spot one in the woods and chase after him across the creek . . .
Tracker Wanted
Creed Allen joins Miss Alice in her search for a turkey. As the two stand in the woods, camouflaged with branches on their heads, Creed suggests enlisting the help of a tracker. Miss Alice agrees . . .
Fishin' For a Favor
Neil is fishing to the sounds of a classical record playing on the victrola. Miss Alice pays Neil a social visit, something she hasn't done in a while. She is aware that he knows an excellent tracker and asks Neil to locate the man for her. Neil isn't convinced Billy Long would want to join the hunt but agrees to help his former mother-in-law . . .
Plan of Attack
Creed Allen, Sam Houston, and Zach Holcombe have disguised themselves as corn shucks in their attempt to find a turkey . . .
Turkey Talk
Miss Alice attempts to attract a turkey with her caller. Neil claims that calling the bird won't work. When Bogg gives a blow on a corncob pipe caller that was handed down to him by Creed's great-grand-daddy, Billy Long appears out of the woods. He impresses everyone, especially Creed, when he attracts a turkey by using his fingers as a caller. Billy agrees to help with the hunt but makes no guarantees about finding game . . .
Too Much of A Good Thing
Christy discovers a box of candy at the mission and wonders if Swannie will accept it. Fairlight views the overloaded baskets of food and tells Christy the offering will only shame Ms. O'Teale. Fairlight suggests taking the woman just the cornmeal and beans. Perhaps when the family finishes those, Christy can persuade her to take more . . .
History Lesson
William and some of the children are modeling autos from pine cones. William tells the youngsters that only the very rich can afford them and notes that when Christy was a child she refused to ride in a horseless carriage. Christy wanders by and her father tells her that they are discussing a history lesson . . .
Footful Offering
Swannie accepts Christy's gift of beans and cornbread and tells her that she fully intends to repay the gift. When Christy notices that Mountie isn't wearing shoes, Ms. O'Teale tells her that Mountie's shoes have worn out and she now has to wear a pair of her brother's. The shoes are too big for the little girl and she pulls them off because they hurt her feet. Christy pulls a brand new pair of shoes out of her purse and gives them to Mountie. Swannie tells Christy that she can't accept the gift but Christy explains that Mountie won them in a spelling contest. Ms. O'Teale relents and Christy places the shoes on Mountie's feet, proclaiming them a perfect fit . . .
Plan of Attack, Part Two
The turkey tracking trio is still searching for a feathered fowl. Little Burl is hiding inside a homemade tree while the others are disguised with branches. When a turkey trots by, Sam and Zack go after him, leaving Burl to follow in the tree. Burl decides that it would be quicker to roll than walk . . .
Winter Woes
Miss Alice finds William at the lake repairing the arbor. Miss Alice chats about the springtime and William worries about the upcoming winter. Miss Alice says that with no seed corn, they must concentrate on game for food . . .
Home for The Holidays . . . Not
William drops by the school and notices that his daughter looks pleased with herself. Christy explains about Mountie's shoes and notes how many other little victories there are to be won. William mentions that his wife had contacted him before he left Knoxville and told him that Christy wasn't coming home for Thanksgiving. Christy tells him that she can't possible leave right now when so many of the children are hungry. William isn't sure that his wife will understand and Christy promises to try to come home for Christmas. William doesn't think it's a good idea for Christy to become so involved with the cove as he fears she will become hardened by her experiences. Christy assures him that any hardship she may encounter will lift her up not disappoint her. William suggests that they telephone his wife instead of sending a letter . . .
Phone Phenomenon
Creed Allen, Ruby Mae and the other children wonder how a person on a phone in North Carolina could hear a voice all the way from Cutter Gap. Zach thinks it's magic but Neil explains the scientific process. Christy notices that Fairlight appears worried about her husband's long absence and she assures her that Jeb will return home soon . . .
Hold Up
Jed is returning home with the proceeds from the sale of his honey. He is stopped by two armed men with bandanas across their faces . . .
An Understanding Mother
After her telephone conversation with her mother, Christy tells her dad that her mom seemed to take her decision well to remain in the cove for Thanksgiving. William leaves with David to inspect the church bell in El Pano . . .
A Weighty Matter
The two men examine the bell and William notes that because of its great weight, a block and tackle will be necessary to move it. When David wonders if a sleigh might do the trick, William suggests enlisting the help of some of the men in the cove. David refuses to ask as everyone is struggling to prepare for the upcoming winter . . .
Have a Little Faith
Fairlight arrives for her reading lesson and Christy dismisses the children who are rehearsing once again for the pageant. Although it is cold, Fairlight wants to remain outside for her lesson. As Christy begins, a worried Fairlight watches for Jeb . . .
Ain't Got No Honey Money
On their way home from El Pano, David and William discover Jeb lying beside his overturned wagon. When the two men leave to retrieve Jeb's, horse, Jeb feels his shirt pocket and discovers that his money is gone . . .
Rude Awakening
Creed begins to worship Billy Long, following him wherever he goes. Billy tells the boy that in order to catch a turkey he must think like one. As they arrive at the school, an excited Zach informs Creed that he has found berries to use as war paint for his role as an Indian in the pageant. Creed tells Zach that he doesn't need berries to be a dirty Indian, he only needs a little mud. Miss Alice is shocked at his attitude. Creed tells the woman that Indians are dirty savages who sneak around stealing food. Miss Alice asks Creed if he's ever met an Indian. When Creed says no, Billy informs him that he is a Cherokee. Creed doesn't believe him but after Billy tells him about his heritage the boy runs off, refusing to hunt with a dirty Indian . . .
Tragedy Strikes
Christy and Fairlight are hanging out the wash to dry at the mission when Fairlight sees a movement in the distance and takes off. Christy doesn't understand her agitation until David and William come into view with Jeb in tow. Jeb tells Fairlight about the stolen money but she's just glad that her husband is all right. As Christy walks alongside of her father, she notes that he is out of breath. He tells her that he is just winded from trying to retrieve Jeb's horse but then collapses in her arms . . .
Grave News
Neil adjusts William's covers and heads downstairs to where Christy and the others are waiting. He tells Christy that her father suffered a stroke and is unconscious. When he suggests that Christy send for her mother, she asks him if her father is going to die. Neil tries to reassure her but makes no guarantees. Ruby Mae receives a phone call from El Pano and Neil leaves to attend a sick baby, promising to return as quickly as possible . . .
Dawn of A New Day
Christy is still perched beside her father's bed the next morning. She recalls to her father the words he told her as a little girl about the world renewing its self at dawn. Miss Alice reads a passage from the Bible . . .
Family Reunion
The children are seated on the school steps looking glum. When Ruby Mae reflects that there will probably be no classes today Creed suggests that the children teach themselves. Ruby Mae points out that a prayer for William would be a better idea and David arrives in time to agree with her. Zack spies the arrival of a wagon carrying a fine lady and all agree that the passenger must be Christy's mother . . .
Brandt the Bleak
Miss Alice has taken Christy's place at William's bedside so that she may catch a few hours of sleep. Julia enters the room with William's personal physician from Asheville, Dr. Edward Brandt. Christy, awake from her nap, embraces her mother as Dr. Brandt examines her father. His prognosis isn't good - William is in grave condition and may not regain consciousness. He tells the trio that the man might recover enough to be moved to Asheville where he will have to be nursed or be placed in a convalescent home. Christy tells her mother to wait for Neil's return but Julia dismisses him as just a country doctor . . .
Sister, Can You Spare a Dime
Fairlight delivers some herbs to Miss Alice to brew in a tea for William. Fairlight asks Alice if there is any work available for her or Jeb at the mission. Miss Alice tells Fairlight that although the mission is short of funds at the current time, she would be happy to arrange a loan for the family. When Fairlight refuses the money, Miss Alice offers to pay for the herbs. Fairlight tells Alice that the herbs are a gift and that she and Jeb would somehow manage to get through the winter. Christy storms out onto the porch and tells Miss Alice that she won't stand by and let her father slip away. Miss Alice tells the girl to pray . . .
No Country Doctors Allowed
Miss Alice is outside doing some more inspirational reading. When Neil returns from El Pano, Alice informs him that Christy's mother and family physician have arrived from Asheville. Neil is eager to compare notes with the man but Miss Alice tells the doctor that Julia does not want him to attend to her husband . . .
Flowers for Father
Ruby Mae, Sam Houston and a few others stay after school to tidy the room. When Christy arrives, Ruby Mae hands her a bouquet of flowers to give to her father. Christy thanks the children and they embrace . . .
A Turn for The Better
Christy enters her father's room and is informed by her mother that she and William are leaving on the first train to Asheville as soon as the man is able to travel. When Christy mentions that Neil will be returning soon from El Pano, Julia tells her that the subject is closed. She tells Christy how much good it will do her father to have her at home and how much she needs her daughter by her side. When Julia leaves to wash her face, Christy takes her father's hand and tells him that she's not letting him go for he has too much left to do in life. She urges her father to come back to her and William obliges by squeezing her hand and opening his eyes . . .
From One Mother to Another
Miss Alice is drawing water from the lake while Julia is picking flowers for her husband's room. Julia tells Alice how much her husband is improving and feels it's only a short while until he will be able to travel back to Asheville. She admits, that after reading Christy's letters, she became jealous of Alice's relationship with her daughter. Miss Alice mentions that she, too, has a daughter but is unsure of her whereabouts. Julia apologizes for taking Christy away from Cutter Gap but explains that she has no choice. Miss Alice asks Julia if she's thought about what Christy needs . . .
Once a Child Always a Child
Christy is reading an article to her father about the pending lawsuit in the Titanic case. Her mother enters and disapproves of her daughters choice of reading material. Christy wonders how she can return to Asheville and become the little girl that her mother still believes her to be. She feels guilty about deserting her father yet marvels at how small her problems seem compared to those of the children in Cutter Gap . . .
Plan of Attack, Part Three
Our bird baiting brood is pondering alternative methods to catch a turkey. The suggestion to dress up like a bear is rejected by all . . .
Ministering Man
David informs Miss Alice that he may be late getting back to the mission. Miss Alice asks if he's going to El Pano to check on the bell but David tells her that he's going to help his neighbors get ready for winter. Miss Alice wonders if his urge to keep busy is a ploy to keep his mind off of Christy's departure. David is praying for a miracle to keep her in the cove. Creed runs into Miss Alice as she's leaving for another hunting expedition with Billy Long. Miss Alice asks the boy to join her but he refuses . . .
Fair Trade
After Christy finishes her arithmetic lesson with George O'Teale, she gives the youngster permission to eat his lunch. George tells Christy that he's not hungry. Mountie tries to trade her doll with a fellow student for a sandwich but her proposal is turned down. Christy offers her a piece of cornbread and honey but Mountie will only accept if it is a trade. Christy agrees but tells Mountie to hold on to the doll . . .
Plan of Attack, Part Four
The fearless fowl fetchers are at it again. This time the turkey decides it's his turn to do the chasing . . .
Plan of Attack, Part 5
After Burl calls it quits and heads home, Sam and Zach spy a feathered friend across the stream. They wade across the raging waters and throw every imaginable piece of turkey taming equipment at the ferocious beast. The turkey holds his ground, unafraid of the approaching enemy . . .
Pessimistic Point of View
Dr. Brandt returns from Asheville and tells William that he's doing well. When Christy informs the good doctor that her father can barely move his left arm and leg, the man tells her that the paralysis could remain or improve to the point where her father would be able to use a wheelchair. Everyone retreats to the porch and Neil arrives in time to hear Dr. Brandt tell Julia that Will is not the man he used to be. Neil admonishes the doctor for speaking in that manner and informs him that there are new treatments for stroke victims. Brandt is not interested and tells Neil to keep his opinions to himself. Neil leaves when Julia refuses to listen to his ideas. When David offers his assistance, Julia understands why her daughter is so taken with David. David tells the lady that Christy loves her and would like to help . . .
Hard Sell
Julia tries to sell her daughter on Dr. Brandt's capabilities. Christy admonishes her mother for letting the physician give up on her father. She in turn tries to persuade her mother to let Neil attend her father but Julia sees Neil only as a country doctor. Christy informs her mother that Dr. MacNeill chose to practice in Cutter Gap because of his love for the people. Julia tells Christy that she doesn't want to raise her husband's hopes only to see them dashed. The disappointment would kill him . . .
A Tale of Tears
The children are once again rehearsing for the pageant. Creed is chasing after Indian Zach, calling him a dirty savage. Miss Alice doesn't like what she hears and grabs him by the collar. She tells the boy the story of the Trail of Tears and how many of the survivors hid in the mountains. Creed calls them cowards but Miss Alice tells him to believe his own eyes and ears not those of other people. If he listened to his heart, he would know that Billy Long is a good man . . .
I've Got Two Strong Arms and I Can Help
David is doing chores at Jeb's house while he and Bob Allen are in El Pano selling firewood. Uncle Bogg knows that David's been helping the people of the cove and offers to repay the minister. David tells the man to come to Thanksgiving dinner at the mission. Although there won't be much food, everyone will at least be together . . .
A New Beginning
Creed wants to be pals again with Billy but the man tells him that they can't go back to the way things were. Billy leaves for another hunting session and Creed follows him to a dried-up field of corn. While holding a malformed piece of corn in his hand, Billy tells the boy that when something has died, it can't be brought back to life. He explains that you can't go back so you must go forward. Billy puts his arm around Creed and embraces him . . .
Quality Time
As Christy prepares another batch of baskets for the O'Teale's Julia ponders the hold of the cove on her daughter. She wants to try and understand her daughter's dreams and offers to accompany her daughter to the O'Teale home. Christy tells her that it won't be like an Asheville tea party but Mrs. Huddleston grabs a basket and follows her daughter to the cabin . . .
Change of Heart
As they arrive at the O'Teale cabin, Christy wonders if her mother will be able to tolerate the stench. Swannie, who has been cleaning freshly butchered meat, extends a bloody hand in greeting to Julia. Julia accepts the hand without flinching. Mrs. O'Teale turns down the food even though Christy explains that they are a gift from the mission. When Julia complements Swannie on her elderberry tea, Mrs. O'Teale explains some of the medicinal uses of the brew. She shows Julia her collection of dried herbs and Julia offers to trade the food for her knowledge of the herbs. Christy looks at her mother in amazement. Neil arrives with leftover gingerbread from a patient in Low Gap. Becky gives the doctor a picture that she has drawn as thanks for saving her eyesight. After Christy relates the story of how Neil cured the girl's trachoma, Julia asks Neil if he would examine her husband . . .
Positive Thinking
As he examines William, Neil tells Christy and her mother that physical therapy can be used to help stroke victims. Julia wonders why Dr. Brandt neglected to mention this and Neil informs her that many older doctors don't believe in the treatment. He, however, believes that the brain can be retaught and the paralysis reversed. The quickness of recovery depends on the patient and his strength of will. Dr. MacNeill notes that progress should be made soon as William is much like his daughter. Neil follows Christy outside and she tells him about her imminent departure from Cutter Gap. Neil admits that he will miss Christy and she says the same . . .
Sweet Dreams
As Neil is exercising Williams legs, Christy asks Fairlight if she's seen Miss Alice. Fairlight tells her that the lady goes hunting every morning before dawn. Christy realizes that she has been avoiding Miss Alice. Fairlight tells Christy about a dream that she had last night. In the dream, she was walking through the woods and saw a quail. She followed the bird to a place that she'd never been and all her worries seemed to disappear once she arrived there. Fairlight can't remember where the place is but feels it has something to do with the reading lesson. She asks Christy to accompany her on one last walk . . .
A Fruitful Find
Fairlight and Christy walk through the mountains trying to find Fairlight's dream place. Suddenly, Fairlight stops and announces that this may be the spot. Christy sees a flock of quail and the two women laughingly chase after them. The quail lead them to a grove of persimmons which Fairlight excitedly begins to pick. Fairlight tells Christy that the fruit can be used in many ways and that wealthy people will eagerly pay for the delicacy. The two eagerly head back to the cove to tell the others . . .
Bull's-eye
During Billy and Creed's latest hunting expedition, Creed discovers a turkey feather. He looks up into the trees and sees a large turkey. Billy aims his gun then hands it to Creed for the honors. Creed cautiously takes the gun and shoots the bird. Billy performs a Cherokee ritual by sprinkling powder over the body and thanking the turkey for giving his life . . .
Top Turkey
Miss Alice judges the results of the hunt and pronounces Creed the winner. Creed takes the saddle and asks Billy to keep it for him. Mr. Long offers to teach the boy how to ride bareback and the two ride off. Christy speaks to Miss Alice and begs her not to be angry with her for leaving. Miss Alice tells the girl that she has been the shining light in the mission and that she understands her need to return to Asheville. Christy admits that she doesn't want to leave and feels like a failure. Miss Alice tells her that she has succeeded with the children, having brought much knowledge and joy to their hearts. The two women embrace . . .
Bell Boys
David is patching windows in the school so that Christy will leave with a shining memory of the place. He and Ruby Mae hear a commotion outside and discover that the men of the cove have pulled the bell from El Pano on a sleigh. Bogg tells the minister that this is a way of thanking him for all of the hard work that he's done around the cove. David thanks all of them and the group hoists the bell up into the tower . . .
Pageant Time
Creed introduces his friend Billy to Sam Houston and the children perform their rendition of the landing at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts . . .
Let Us Give Thanks
Thanksgiving Day arrives and everyone comes to the mission to share in the fruits of the harvest. William surprises his daughter when he walks up with the aid of Julia and Neil. Julia tells her daughter that as a Thanksgiving gift, she may stay at the mission. After Hattie McHabe sings a hymn, Neil prepares to carve the turkey. David catches his eye and silently reminds Neil that grace must be said before eating. Christy gives a silent thanks for the mission, for the children, and for her parents to have loved her enough to let her follow her heart. That is the sweetest gift of all.