Where the Red Fern Grows

One day, Grandpa sends for Billy. He comes to the store, letting Old Dan and Little Ann tag along. Grandpa has Billy rehash the entire story of Rubin’s death, then advises Billy to forget about it as much as he can and not feel guilty. Grandpa laments pushing Billy to take the bet.

There is a championship raccoon hunt competition occurring in a few days. Grandpa tells Billy he’s been keeping track of the hides Billy and the hounds have caught, filed the necessary paperwork, and paid the entrance fee. All Billy has to do is compete. The winner will receive a gold cup, Grandpa tells him.

Billy excitedly agrees. He will invite Papa, but suspects he’ll be too busy with the farm to come along. The competition begins in six days. Grandpa will drive Billy there in his buggy.

Billy heads home, giving his sisters a big bag of candy, courtesy of Grandpa. He tells the family about the big hunting competition and asks Papa to come. As he hesitates, Mama pipes in, saying she can finish up Papa’s work. Billy notices for the first time that she’s pregnant.