Summary

In Chapter 12, Rumpus is struggling because there is no one to feed him. He had watched the girl but did not smell any meatballs. He finds deer droppings that smell disgusting and rolls in it. He feels no one can smell him now. His belly rumbles. He chases a pheasant but does not catch it. He hides in the hope of another chance. He has a close encounter with two men in a truck, prompting him to return to the forest. He is so desperate that he eats a beetle. He hears the girl's excited screams. He cannot tell if she is in danger or is happy. He is so interested that he does not look where he is walking. A trap slams closed on his foot. He growls and bites the trap, but cannot get free. The pain is excruciating. He finally...