View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Lassiter not want to push Balancing Rock?
(a) Because it is ancient.
(b) Because it is a thing of beauty.
(c) Because it will close them in forever.
(d) Because he may hurt himself.

2. After his conversation with Jane, Venters is going to tell someone that they have broken their vow. Who?
(a) Lassiter.
(b) Oldring.
(c) Dyer.
(d) Tull.

3. Venters arrives from Surprise Valley to tell Jane what?
(a) Venters stole cattle from the red herd.
(b) Venters is jealous of Lassiter.
(c) Venters knows a deal was made between Tull and Oldring.
(d) Venters is living in Surprise Valley with a girl.

4. When Bess and Venters stop to rest the horses after they flee, what does Bess say about Black Star?
(a) That she likes his color.
(b) That she loves him.
(c) That he is cute.
(d) That he is not all that fast.

5. Who tells Bess about the fate of her father?
(a) Lassiter.
(b) Jane.
(c) Venters.
(d) Dyer.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Jane and Lassiter flee Withersteen house, what does Jane take with her?

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

3. When Jane tells Lassiter she wants to go away with him, what does she say to try to convince him?

4. What did Frank Erne do to the new preacher in town?

5. In the final pursuit of Bess and Venters, who is on the white horse?

Short Essay Questions

1. When running from Tull and his riders, Venters is amazed at Bess. Why? What does he remember as he rides. What are some of her exploits?

2. When Venters tells Bess he must return to Cottonwoods for supplies, what does she think? Why does Bess not feel worthy of Venters attention? What has changed Venters since he came to the valley?

3. After Fay is abducted, Jane says that she gives up. Gives up what? What is her state of mind? How will she survive?

4. 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?

5. 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?

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

7. Why is Jane angered when she meets Bess? What else does Jane discover when she and Lassiter meet with Bess and Venters?

8. Why is Bess afraid to tell Venters about the gold? What does she think he will do? Why?

9. What is Venter's reaction to Bess finding gold? Why does he feel this way? What freedom can this buy for the couple?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,088 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample