Chapter 6 Summary

Jody continues to enjoy the baby coon's gentle and curious personality when, from the shadows, Pa Forrester speaks up to remind the boys that the coon will grow to be less friendly, as is its nature. Ma Forrester enters, followed by her six sons. Penny enters, still cradling the little dog in his arms.

Now Penny begins his careful baiting of the Forresters, holding the dog gently but insisting it is a worthless, sorry dog, good for nothing. He adds the fact that his old gun is also good for nothing, telling of his hunting fiasco yesterday. The Forresters' eyes dance between the feist and their gun collection, and then Penny mentions he has been hunting Old Slewfoot. The boys are hungry for news of the bear, but Ma interrupts to announce the noon meal. The moonshine jug is brought out and passed...