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1. In the opening chapter, Midwinter's Eve, how does the author use Mr. Dawson to foreshadow events that happen to Will later that night?

The author uses Mr. Dawson's character to warn Will about The Walker and about the difficult night Will experiences later on. He warns Will in a sense and also makes more of tramp than James. Mr. Dawson's character is also the first to give Will protection of sorts: the iron ornament. Mr. Dawson's actions and statements are foreshadowing of things to come.

2. In what ways does Mr. Dawson provide clues to both Will and the reader that Will is more than he seems and that things are going to be different for Will?

Mr. Dawson treats Will differently on this visit than on others. Mr. Dawson is the first character to acknowledge that something odd is going on to both the reader and to Will. He warns Will that the tramp is more than he seems, that the night and the next day will be difficult and bad, and he also arms Will with an ornament of protection. Although he doesn't say it, he does encourage Will not to talk about the ornament, and he encourages Will to keep the ornament with him at all times, including telling him to loop it on his belt.

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