The Muirs can no longer make due with their crumbling utilities. Repairs must be made, but workmen fear the ghost. Rather than be blamed for every bump and rattle the skittish workmen hear, Daniel vacates the premises to stay with Claymore (who has gouged Mrs. Muir for the cost of the repairs); but, the longer the repairs, the longer Daniel stays with Claymore and molds him into the hardy man he thinks his only living relative should be.
—statmanjeff