Chapter 17 Summary

The sky darkens and a sleet storm begins just as the dogs are heard baying another trail. The ground quickly turns white as the wind picks up. The judge is worried about getting lost, as none of them is familiar with the area, and soon Billy can no longer hear his dogs. When the judge suggests returning to the buggy, Billy pleads to go on, unwilling to leave his dogs alone in the storm. All three men are opposed to moving further toward the dogs, sure they will give up and come in, but Billy knows Old Dan will never leave a treed coon. Finally Papa agrees to go with Billy and the other two join them.

Now the sleet is stinging their faces and the ground is dangerously slippery. The wind carries Old Dan's voice all around, and they are unsure which...