Jurgis reports for work but does not know how to enter the plant. Hours later, once inside, he sweeps waste parts into the vat below the killing floors. The work is hard but Jurgis is glad to be working. Jonas is granted an interview, and Marija finds a job; Jurgis decides Ona and Elzbieta will not have to work. Things are tough but will seemingly be all right.
Then Jurgis receives a flyer advertising a house for sale. The family is lured by the flyer's claim that paying rent is a waste of money, and they desire a house of their own. Although the house they see is not exactly what they expected, the agent soon convinces them of its merits, and a lengthy debate ensues. Eventually, Jurgis makes the decision to buy it.
Jurgis is unable to complete the transaction because he cannot leave his job at the killing floor, so Ona and Teta Elzbieta must meet with the sales agent instead. Szedvilas offers what little assistance he can. Some confusion about the wording of the contract exists, but Elzbieta proceeds with the transaction. Afterwards, when Jurgis hears of the potential complication, he becomes enraged and storms out, threatening to kill the agent. Only after consulting another lawyer is Jurgis somewhat appeased.
