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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is being entertained at the Brandt house?
(a) Oldring.
(b) Lassiter.
(c) Bishop Dyer.
(d) Tull.

2. What happened in this area of Southern Utah in 1871?
(a) A prairie storm.
(b) Mormons moved to the area.
(c) Villages to the north of Cottonwood rose up against Gentile settlers.
(d) Religous revivals came to the area.

3. What relationship does Venters assume that Bess had with Oldring?
(a) She was his sister.
(b) She was one of his rustlers.
(c) She was his lover.
(d) She was never around Oldring.

4. When Venters tells Bess of his nightime trips to find beef, how does Bess react?
(a) She starts yelling.
(b) She is thrilled to get some meat.
(c) She almost faints from fear.
(d) She laughs.

5. How many cattle are in the red herd?
(a) 3.
(b) 2,500.
(c) 15.
(d) 250.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Venters go to Deception Pass every day?

2. After dinner with Lassiter and Jane, Venters says he must leave. Why?

3. When Lassiter appears, what does Jane offer that enrages Tull?

4. What does Jane want more than anything else for Lassiter?

5. Where did Jane get her horses?

Short Essay Questions

1. The first appearance of Judkins, the Gentile rider "means hell." Why do you think this is true?

2. Bess tells Venters that she has memories of women and children. Who do you think these people were? What do you think their relationship was with Bess?

3. Describe Jane's relationship with Bishop Dyer. How does Jane view Bishop Dyer's connection to God? How was he helpful to her father? Why is Jane torn between the man Dyer and the bishop Dyer?

4. What is Jane's main goal with Lassiter? What is she trying to get him to do? How is she using Fay to get what she wants from Lassiter? How is she using Lassiter's attraction to her to get what she wants?

5. When Bess learns of Venters stealing the calves from Oldring, what is she afraid of? Who is she afraid for? What does she think will happen if Venters continues to act so carelessly?

6. Venters wonders if Oldring is Mormon. What effect would that have on the story?

7. Would you describe Tull's handiwork as a conspiracy? What makes it a conspiracy? Give examples.

8. How did Jane's father make his wealth? What did he own that others needed? How has Jane changed that legacy and what effect has the change had on the people of Cottonwoods?

9. Describe Balancing Rock and how it was made to balance. What would happen if the rock is dislodged? How can this protect Venters and Bess now that he knows how to use the rock as a defense? Do you think this is foreshadowing an event?

10. When Venters returns from hunting, Bess is sitting up in bed and wants to be lifted down. What does this moment signify in their relationship? How are they judging each other at this point in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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