Chapter 10 Summary

Throughout the second night, Ben sleeps shivering in the badger's den. The badger can see Ben clearly, even in the darkness. She licks the boy, and snuggles next to him for warmth. Shortly before dawn, she leaves the den. When she returns she brings a prairie chicken egg to share with Ben. Famished, Ben drinks it raw.

Ben goes outside to drink from the hollow in the rock and use the bathroom among the rocks. From the rock pile, he spies three men on horses riding across the prairie. Quickly, Ben rushes to the burrow to hide again. He is also terrified that the riders will kill the badger, but she is cautious. The badger returns repeatedly, bringing one egg each time. Finally, she returns with a large garter snake. When the badger realizes that Ben won't eat the snake, she consumes it...