Watch The Richest Man in Walnut Grove

Hansen's Mill closes when a major customer declares bankruptcy, leaving Lars unable to pay Charles two months' back pay. The Ingalls have a large tab at the Mercantile, forcing the family into a spirit of cooperation and sacrifice to pay off the bill. The whole family pitches in: Mary sews to earn money, Caroline helps with the farm work, and Charles finds work digging a well. On the day Charles presents the funds due, Nels remarks how mightily impressed he is by the family's resolve.