Laura has a heart-to-heart talk with Willie about responsibility and being a good example to younger students. It's a talk Willie takes seriously, particularly after a pregnant Laura – overwhelmed by managing Almanzo's orchard in his absence – collapses from heat stroke. Willie runs to get Doc Baker, and ends up saving Laura's life. Then, after hearing Caroline read "Stone Soup" at school, Willie commissions his classmates to help local farmers deal with the drought (starting with Laura's orchard) until Almanzo returns.