How does the family react to Dale Hawthorne's frequent disappearances? How does Jack react to his father's disappearances?

The family does not discuss Dale Hawthorne's disappearances. The extended family pitches in to get the chores done, Jack takes on a major part of the work on the farm, milking and plowing. Jack takes on more work on the farm when his father leaves, but like the rest of his family, makes allowances for his father.