First Snow

Cookie decides to milk the cow because he sees an opportunity to use the milk for his culinary creations. When he overhears gossip about the first milk cow arriving in the region, he recognizes that the cow's mate died during the journey, leaving her alone. Cookie's dream is to open a bakery or hotel in San Francisco, and he believes the milk will allow him to create his oily cakes, which he successfully does, leading to a popular business venture.

Earlier in the bar, Cookie hears about the cow's arrival and its lost mate, which directly leads him to seek out the animal.

When Lu signals too hastily during their nighttime attempt to get more milk, it causes a devastating fall that alerts Chief Factor's men to their presence. This accident sets off a chain of events that destroys their business and leaves Cookie with a serious head injury. The noise from the accident exposes their illegal milking operation, forcing them to flee.

The story builds tension as Cookie and Lu know their enterprise could spiral out of control, and they decide to venture out under cover of night despite the risks.

Lu grows concerned about the ethical implications of secretly milking Chief Factor's cow while the animal is supposed to be protected. He worries that Factor may recognize the unique flavor of the cow's milk in their pastries, which could expose their scheme. His pragmatism clashes with his growing conscience about stealing from a powerful figure in the community.

Lu's worries are confirmed when Factor notes the cow's dwindling milk production during their meeting at his estate.

Cookie's head injury occurs during the fateful night when Lu's hasty signaling causes an accident that alerts Chief Factor's men. The exact mechanism is a fall triggered by Lu's actions, which leaves Cookie unconscious and injured. He is later cared for by a kindly couple during his recovery period.

The story establishes that their nighttime milk operation is dangerous and could lead to discovery and consequences.

At the end of the story, Lu faces an impossible decision as a fierce storm approaches: stay and help his vulnerable, injured friend Cookie, or flee from the encroaching danger represented by Chief Factor's men. Cookie's injury has left him exhausted and dazed, requiring rest, while the threat of capture or worse looms as the storm arrives.

Their business had already begun to crumble after the accident, and they are now vulnerable with Cookie's injury limiting their mobility.

King-Lu is a fugitive running from Russian pursuers after he was forced to kill one of their members. When Cookie encounters him in the wilderness while searching for food, Lu is desperately seeking shelter and safety. Cookie offers him refuge in his tent, saving him from potential danger from the Russian pursuers.

Thomas, a young boy, arrives to safeguard the cow after discovering their secret operation. His anger at being denied a cake from Cookie and Lu leads him to complicate their situation further. Thomas becomes an obstacle to their business and represents the growing risk of exposure for their illegal milking scheme.

After the accident, their paths diverge temporarily. Cookie sustains a head injury and is cared for by a kindly couple who help him recover. Meanwhile, Lu evades danger by hiding and navigates the wilderness alone. He eventually reaches their old shack and finds a stash of cash left behind. Cookie, worried about Lu's safety, searches for him and eventually reunites with him at the shack, though Cookie's injury continues to weigh on them both.

Their business had already begun to crumble following the incident, and the separation reflects the consequences of their dangerous choices.

Cookie and Lu decide to steal milk because they see an opportunity to turn a solitary, grieving cow into a profitable business. Cookie's empathy for the animal, combined with his culinary ambitions, leads them to devise a plan. They use the milk to create oily cakes, which become so popular that customers eagerly pay for them. Their profits grow as they introduce new flavors, though the ethical concerns about stealing eventually emerge.