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?
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Where did they live and describe their family?
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From where was it rumored that that family once lived?
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In comparison to Billy's age, how old were Rubin and Rainie?
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What did the younger of the two always want to do?
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Why had Billy's mother told him to always be kind to the younger Pritchard?
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What did the older brother buy at the store, and whom did he say it was for?
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What did he do with what he bought?
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What did Grandpa make the brother do when he went to the mill?
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What comment made Grandpa grow angrier at the brothers?
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For how much and about what do they want to bet Billy?
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What did Grandpa promise to do if the brothers jumped on Billy?
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Which dog's attention did Billy get when he tried to explain about the bet?
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In which direction would they move to start the bet?
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For what reason did Billy nearly call off the bet?
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What kept the bet going?
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Which dog started first for the ghost coon?
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What would be a sure sign that this was the ghost coon?
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Which dog nearly caught the ghost coon?
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Which dog bawled 'treed' and why wasn't Billy certain the coon was trapped?
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What happened to the tree that seemed to have the ghost coon?
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Which dog found the ghost coon hidden in the tree?
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What unexpected maneuver did the ghost coon make?
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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.