The Hanging Gale

After vigilantes murder his predecessor, Captain Townsend arrives to take over as the English landlord's agent of Lord Hawksborough's estate. He is immediately besieged by an angry mob of tenants and escapes only through the intervention of Sean and Conor Phelan.

Already desperate, the tenants' fate only worsens with the harvest, which is almost completely lost to blight. Townsend informs Lord Hawksborough of the situation and suggests that he forego rents until the blight subsides. The Phelans despair of being able to pay their rent until Conor discovers a way to channel his rage into a money-making venture.

Led by schoolmaster Daniel Phelan, the United Sons of Freedom condemn Townsend in an anonymous letter. Meanwhile, Father Liam preaches against vengeance and tries to persuade his brother Daniel that peaceful supplication and prayer are the answer, not violence. But Daniel follows through with his plan, with disastrous consequences for the rest of the Phelans.

Because it is cheaper than keeping them in the poor house, Lord Hawksborough offers his homeless tenants free passage to America. Maeve refuses to go to America without Sean and takes a job on the road crew while she waits for him. Mary discovers the dark side of Daniel and the humanity of the enemy.