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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. How does Billy become mentally challenged?
(a) He suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome.
(b) He was born with Down's Syndrome.
(c) He is rolled on by a horse as a young boy.
(d) He had a brain tumor removed.

2. Who tells a story to support Joe's theory?
(a) Chief Joseph Brown.
(b) Billy Tuve.
(c) Sam Pinto.
(d) Joe Running Brave.

3. What do Cowboy and Jim tell Joanna they want to do?
(a) Take her to the canyon floor.
(b) Take Billy somewhere safe.
(c) Prove Billy's innocence.
(d) Question her about her father.

4. What does the new law enforcement file contain?
(a) A case of blackmail.
(b) A case of embezzlement.
(c) A robbery and homicide of a jeweler in the nearby town of Zuni.
(d) A case of rape and robbery.

5. What does Bernie want to do?
(a) Go with Chee and Cowboy.
(b) Go look for apartments and wants Chee to go with her instead of Cowboy.
(c) Have Billy stay with her for the time being.
(d) Go talk to Joanna woman to woman.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did John Clarke have in his possession on the aircraft?

2. Who tries to get Joanna's mother to abort Joanna and accept money?

3. What kind of cult is someone starting?

4. What do both Jim and Chee question about Joanna's purse?

5. Why is Joe Leaphorn restless?

Short Essay Questions

1. What about the difference between white and Native American culture does Hillerman seem to be again emphasizing. Why do you as a reader respond to this obvious stereotyping?

2. At the beginning of Chapter 1, what is there that would clue the reader in on the possibility that this book will be based upon a flashback to an earlier date?

3. The fact that Sherman survives the shooting by Joanna could have several implications; name one of them.

4. In a mystery, every sentence offers clues, either about the case or about the characters that are part of the case; what does the reader learn early on about Joe Leaphorn from one sentence?

5. What does Joanna say that gains Billy Tuve's attention and why?

6. Why do you think Fred Sherman, an ex-cop, is introduced as another "bad" guy?

7. What does the telephone conversation between Bernie and Chee say about their relationship?

8. When you read that the bail has been suspended for Billy Tuve and why, what is your reaction?

9. What in this chapter may foreshadow a future event?

10. At this point in the story, do you believe it when Joanna says that she seeks only her father's arm to end his pain in the afterlife and is not interested in the diamonds?

(see the answer keys)

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