1. George Burton is evil from the beginning. Ben knows it, and so does the reader. List several ways readers are made aware of Burton's nature the first time Burton meets Ben.

2. Each character's appeal to Ben may be measured by the extent to which he communicates with him or her. Which characters does Ben find most appealing? Which does he find least appealing?

Do you agree with his assessments?

3. William MacDonald skins the badger Burton has killed, even though he is reluctant to do so. Why does he do it?

4. There are two major points at which Ben's relationship with his father dominates the story. At one time the relationship becomes worse, and at the other it becomes much better. What are those points, and why do they affect Ben and William so much?

5. William and John continue to search for Ben long after...