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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In addition to warmth, why does Bessie Black Bull give her son a red blanket?
(a) Red is the color for protection.
(b) Red is the color for trust.
(c) Red is the color for courage.
(d) Red is the color for honor.

2. Tom Black Bull is left with the horses when his instructor buys a pickup and trailer, then goes to do what?
(a) Sell the horses.
(b) Buy beer.
(c) Sell his ranch.
(d) Attempt to collect bets.

3. When Tom Black Bull is entered in the first rodeo in Aztec, what is he instructed to do?
(a) Ride without getting hurt.
(b) Win each ride.
(c) Ride in a betting scam.
(d) Ride hard, but honestly.

4. What do Bessie and Tom Black Bull gather willow shoots and other plants for?
(a) Lodge mats.
(b) Winter fires.
(c) Winter basketry.
(d) Lodge insulation.

5. Tom Black Bull tells the Mexican ex-bronco rider that he feels powerless at this point in his life, except for when?
(a) When riding horses.
(b) When making money.
(c) When alone in the mountains.
(d) When alone in the sagebrush.

6. How does Tom Black Bull share part of his deer kill?
(a) With Jim Thatcher.
(b) With the sheriff.
(c) With a bear.
(d) With Blue Elk.

7. What is Blue Elk impressed to learn about Tom Black Bull?
(a) He knows the 'old ways' have no end.
(b) He has lived alone in the 'old ways' for two years.
(c) He brings the 'old way' out of Blue Elk by singing.
(d) He knows how to sing in the 'old ways' alone.

8. What does Frank No Deer buy with the $15 he steals?
(a) Traps.
(b) A plow.
(c) Sheep.
(d) A new suit.

9. Why do Tom Black Bull and his teacher bother to make the four-day ride just for the rodeo at Bernalillo?
(a) So they will not be recognized and can pull a con.
(b) Tom stands a better chance of winning, as the rodeo is very small.
(c) The rodeo there pays more than at other places.
(d) For the experience of riding Mexican horses.

10. Who does Tom Black Bull join with to become a bronco rider?
(a) Marty Redmond.
(b) Bill Edwards.
(c) Red Dillon.
(d) Ed Porter.

11. When Tom Black Bull escapes from the school, what happens?
(a) He goes to his mountain and the song remains in his soul.
(b) He returns to his mountain and finds his lodge burned down.
(c) He encounters the jays and chipmunks that remain his friends.
(d) He takes up residence in his lodge as though he never left.

12. What happens with George Black Bull's body?
(a) Animals eat it.
(b) The sheriff has it buried in the commoner's cemetery.
(c) Bessie and Tom bury it in the 'old way'.
(d) It is never found.

13. After Tom Black Bull escapes the school, what old Indian tracker is sent with Benny Grayback to find him?
(a) Eagle Eye.
(b) Raven.
(c) Night Owl.
(d) Fish.

14. Who recognizes that Tom Black Bull and his pet bear are no threat when they arrive in town one July, and manages to calm the townsfolk?
(a) The preacher.
(b) Jim Thatcher.
(c) Benny Grayback.
(d) Blue Elk.

15. Tom Black Bull emerges a new man after purchasing new clothing and going to the barber, and draws the attention of whom?
(a) A waitress.
(b) A new instructor.
(c) A store clerk.
(d) A cafe cook.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the bear cub that Tom Black Bull takes care of represent?

2. What method does the Mexican ex-bronco rider use to quiet Tom Black Bull's life for a few hours?

3. What does Tom Black Bull do when Benny Grayback locks him in a room?

4. What is the powerful, violent force directing Tom Black Bull's life while he is in training on the San Juan ranch?

5. What does Tom Black Bull do to relieve his anger when Red Dillon enters him into rodeo bronco riding competitions to cheat?

(see the answer keys)

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