1. Very early in the novel Heather says, "I hate tourists!" What reasons does she have, and what do they reveal about her outlook before Robert comes along?

2. Robert emerges into daylight from a mound. What convinces Heather to walk about the grounds with him?

3. Mr. McManus is rude to Heather and then to Robert. When Robert changes Mr. McManus into an ugly spotted dog, why is Heather "not quite as amused or as pleased as she expected to be"?

4. What part do the Franceys play in Robert's past? The Tollers? What part did Robert play in their feud, and how does it relate to themes in the novel?

5. Heather continually tries to keep Robert away from her Dad. Why?

6. Jones does not reveal at the novel's beginning the full details of the legend surrounding Robert. Why? What effect does this have on the unfolding...