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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. When Venters returns with the horses after the race, what news does he hear from his friend?
(a) That Lassiter left town.
(b) That Lassiter is in love with Jane.
(c) That Lassiter stole from Jane.
(d) That Lassiter killed Tull.

2. Before Venters leaves for Cottonwoods, Beth asks him if there is another woman. What is his answer?
(a) There never was another woman.
(b) No.
(c) Yes, but he's over her now.
(d) Yes.

3. How did Oldring feel about Bess?
(a) He was cruel to her.
(b) Like a slave.
(c) He resented her.
(d) He loved her as a daughter.

4. On his way back to town a second time, who does Venters encounter?
(a) Dyer.
(b) Lassiter.
(c) A group of rustlers.
(d) Tull.

5. Bess and Venters return to the cliff dwellings and find something more. What?
(a) Metal instruments for farming.
(b) Stored food.
(c) A secret hiding place inside the caves.
(d) Human bone.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Lassiter losing on his climb up the cliff to Surprise Valley?

2. After the race with Jerry Card, what does Venters do next?

3. Lassiter leaves Jane for a while after they flee Cottonwood. What does he return with?

4. The morning after the storm, what does Bess ask Venters?

5. After Lassiter visits Surprise Valley, what is the plan Venters comes up with?

Short Essay Questions

1. Judkins comes to tell Jane the white herd is missing. What happened to them? Who was lost? How does this compare to Lassiter's work earlier in the novel with the white herd?

2. What does Lassiter bring back to Jane after he pursues the men? What does this do to Jane? How does her will to live change?

3. When Venters shoots Oldring, Oldring tries to say something before he dies. What do you think he was trying to say? Why is Venters so upset when he talks to Bess on his return to Surprise Valley? What does he decide not to tell her at this point?

4. Why does Lassiter lose his resolve when it is time to roll the stone? What does he realize the end will be?

5. What is the symbolism of Jane giving her horses to Venters and Bess? How does this show forgiveness?

6. What is the bet between Venters and Jane about the speed of the horses? Who is right in the end?

7. In the race with Jerry Card, Venters appreciates Jerry's riding skill. What does Jerry Card do that is so impressive to Venters? Why is Venters proud of Jerry in that moment? What does he admire about Jerry during the race?

8. As Chapter 22 ends, Bess and Venters hear a low thundering sound. What is the sound? What does it mean?

9. Why is Jane packing a special package for Venters? What is this a symbol of? What do you think it means.?

10. Describe the trial of Jane's men. Who is the judge? Do you think this is a fair trial? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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