Where the Red Fern Grows - Chapter 12 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What coon hunter brought in the most pelts/hides to Billy's grandfather's store?

Billy

Did Grandpa usually tell the exact number of coons Billy caught?

False

Why did Billy have to shell corn and take a sack-full to the mill?

His mother was nearly out of corn meal, and his father had to butcher a pig because they were almost out of meat.

Who came to the store that made Billy feel uneasy?

Rubin and Rainie Pritchard Signup and view all the answers

Where did they live and describe their family?

They lived five miles up river, and they were considered bootleggers and thieves and no-accounts. Signup and view all the answers

From where was it rumored that that family once lived?

Missouri Signup and view all the answers

In comparison to Billy's age, how old were Rubin and Rainie?

Rubin - 2 years older; Rainie - same age Signup and view all the answers

What did the younger of the two always want to do?

Bet Signup and view all the answers

Why had Billy's mother told him to always be kind to the younger Pritchard?

Because that boy's older brothers always picked and beat up on him. Signup and view all the answers

What did the older brother buy at the store, and whom did he say it was for?

Some chewing tobacco that he said was for his dad. Signup and view all the answers

What did he do with what he bought?

Bit off some to chew and gave some to his brother. Signup and view all the answers

What did Grandpa make the brother do when he went to the mill?

Leave the store so he could lock the place. Signup and view all the answers

What comment made Grandpa grow angrier at the brothers?

They said he's crooked because he was a storekeeper, which meant they accused him of cheating people. Signup and view all the answers

For how much and about what do they want to bet Billy?

They wanted to bet Billy two dollars that Billy's dogs couldn't tree the ghost coon. Signup and view all the answers

What did Grandpa promise to do if the brothers jumped on Billy?

He would have them put in the Tallequah jail. Signup and view all the answers

Which dog's attention did Billy get when he tried to explain about the bet?

Little Ann Signup and view all the answers

In which direction would they move to start the bet?

Downriver Signup and view all the answers

For what reason did Billy nearly call off the bet?

If Rainie just wanted to cause trouble, Billy would just go home. Signup and view all the answers

What kept the bet going?

Rubin threatened to bloody Rainie's nose. Signup and view all the answers

Which dog started first for the ghost coon?

Old Dan Signup and view all the answers

What would be a sure sign that this was the ghost coon?

If the coon crossed the river at Buck's Ford, that would be the coon. Signup and view all the answers

Which dog nearly caught the ghost coon?

Old Dan Signup and view all the answers

Which dog bawled 'treed' and why wasn't Billy certain the coon was trapped?

Old Dan did, but Billy waited to hear Little Ann, who hadn't bawled yet. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the tree that seemed to have the ghost coon?

It had fallen into the river. Signup and view all the answers

Which dog found the ghost coon hidden in the tree?

Little Ann Signup and view all the answers

What unexpected maneuver did the ghost coon make?

He turned and ran straight toward Billy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 12 Overview

Billy is recognized as the most successful coon hunter at his grandfather's store, bringing in a significant number of pelts.
Grandpa tends to exaggerate the number of raccoons Billy catches, not providing an exact count.

Family and Environment

Billy's family faces food scarcity, prompting him to shell corn and take it to the mill for cornmeal and meat supplies after butchering a pig.
Rubin and Rainie Pritchard, known for their unsavory reputation as bootleggers and thieves, visit the store, making Billy uneasy.

Pritchard Family Background

The Pritchard family resides five miles upriver and is rumored to have origins in Missouri.
Rubin is two years older than Billy, while Rainie is the same age; Rainie enjoys gambling.

Family Dynamics

Billy's mother advises kindness towards Rainie, who is bullied by his older brothers.
Rubin acquires chewing tobacco at the store, claiming it’s for their father, but uses it for himself and Rainie.

Confrontation at the Store

Grandpa requires the Pritchard brothers to leave in order to lock the store and grows angry when they accuse him of cheating customers due to his role as a storekeeper.
Rubin challenges Billy to a $2 bet regarding his dogs’ ability to tree the elusive ghost coon.

Decision-Making and Bet Dynamics

Despite reservations about the Pritchard brothers, Billy keeps the bet to himself, anticipating his mother's disapproval.
Billy tries to explain the bet to his dog Little Ann as they prepare to move downriver.

Bet Progression

Billy considers calling off the bet, suspecting Rainie may be provoking trouble.
Rubin threatens violence towards Rainie, which compels Billy to proceed with the wager.

The Ghost Coon Chase

Old Dan is the first to start the pursuit of the ghost coon; success hinges on whether the coon crosses at Buck's Ford.
Old Dan almost catches the ghost coon, highlighting his instincts and hunting skills.

Tension and Uncertainty

Old Dan barks "treed," but Billy hesitates because Little Ann hasn’t barked yet, signaling uncertainty about the coon being caught.
The tree suspected to have the ghost coon falls into the river, complicating the chase.

Resolution

Little Ann ultimately discovers the ghost coon hidden in a tree, showcasing her keen tracking ability.
The ghost coon surprises everyone by running straight toward Billy, indicating its cunning nature.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 12 of 'Where the Red Fern Grows' with these flashcards. This quiz covers key characters, events, and important details from Billy's adventures as a coon hunter. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of the material.