43. Write at least two sentences describing the relationship between the old dog and the cat.
The old terrier had been a friend since the cat was a kitten. They had chased cats together when younger and enjoyed being respected as conquerors.
5
44. With the cat gone, what special problem do the two dogs have?
They struggled to catch food.
5
45. How does the labrador get into a fight with a collie?
The lab snatched a chicken from a farm. The collie came out to chase the dogs away, and the labrador fought back.
5
46. What do you think would have happened if Bodger hadn’t joined the fight with the collie?
46. The collie would have killed the young dog.
5
47. How does the old dog’s attitude change after the fight with the collie?
After the fight, the old dog's morale was restored. He became a more aggressive hunter and was pleased with himself.
5
48. What instinctive behaviors are in evidence as the cat proceeds on his way?
The cat walked very quietly and left no evidence that he had been there. He slept high in a tree.
5
49. How long does it take the cat to locate his friends?
He picked up the dog's trail at the point where they turned away westward from the river. On the fourth day of traveling, the cat caught up with the dogs.
5
50. Why do you think the narrator refers to the lynx as “something evil” and “remorseless”? Do you agree that the predator is “evil”?
I think the author is looking at the lynx from the cat's perspective when he calls the lynx evil. The lynx is just hunting for necessary food.
5
51. Write at least two sentences describing the strategies the lynx uses to get the cat.
The lynx followed the cat up a tree and then swayed the tree, trying to shake off the cat. He chased the cat into a rabbit's burrow, then began to dig at it.
5
52. How are the cat and the lynx alike as hunters? How are they different?
Both are fast and clever and use stealth. The lynx is larger and more ferocious.
5
53. Write at least two sentences describing how the cat is saved from the lynx.
A boy and his father are hunting. When the lynx tries to attach the boy, the boy shot it.
5
54. Write at least two sentences describing the reunion of the animals.
When the cat saw the dogs across the valley he howled to them. Both the dogs and the cat ran toward each other and met at the stream. The old dog licked him.
5
55. How many miles have the animals covered?
200
5
56. How far do you figure they have to go?
50 miles
5
57. Why do you think the author put the timber-cruising forester into the book?
Perhaps to drop a hint about what will happen later. Also, it shows how far from civilization the animals are.
5
58. In the section about the foresters, what clue do you discover about the end of the story? (This clue is an example of foreshadowing)
We learn that the forester will find out for sure that he had really seen 3 domestic pets.
