Chapter 9 Summary

By evening Billy has despaired of ever managing to cut down the giant sycamore. As he tearfully tries to explain this to his dogs, Grandpa arrives in his buggy with news that he knows how to keep the coon up in the tree long enough for Billy to get the food and rest he needs to finish the job. Grandpa helps Billy construct a scarecrow at the base of the tree, and they both get a good laugh at their clever trick. When they get in Grandpa's buggy to ride home for dinner, Little Ann joins them but Old Dan refuses to leave, hiding behind the sycamore. Grandpa puts Dan on the truck and Billy holds his collar all the way home. On the way, Grandpa talks to Billy about the determination and will power this project is going to require, but he...