Chapter 4 Summary

After breakfast, Penny announces that it is time to hunt the bear. Jody's mother packs her men a lunch, at the last minute dropping into the knapsack the corn pone she had planned to save for herself. Jody goes to the smokehouse for a piece of 'gator tail. He is reminded there is little meat left after the long winter. Penny shoulders his shotgun, gathers the three dogs, and advises Jody to fetch his shoes, as the going will be rough.

Penny explains to Jody that they have allowed the bear time to relax and believe that he is not being pursued. The two observe Slewfoot's tracks and discuss the probability of being afraid when they finally come face to face with the bear. Jody appreciates his father's good sense in planning the hunt as he has, for he gets game ten times...