The Hidden Staircase, Chapter IV. A Second Call quiz

Questions and answers

1. 1

   Question 1. Why was Gombet's land taken from him in the first place?

   • He owed the city a large sum in unpaid taxes for years
   • Correct answer: It was condemned for the railroad right of way
   • Carson Drew won it from him in a court case
   • A flood had washed most of it into the river

   Carson Drew explains that some time ago Gombet's land was condemned for the railroad right of way, and Gombet was well paid for it.

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2. 2

   Question 2. What part did Carson Drew play in the sale of Gombet's land?

   • He was Gombet's own lawyer during the whole sale
   • He bought the land for himself and later sold it
   • He was the judge who decided Gombet's case in court
   • Correct answer: He was on the land commission that paid Gombet

   Carson Drew was on the land commission and saw to it that Gombet was well paid. He says he was only acting as an agent.

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3. 3

   Question 3. What does Nancy see that makes her gasp in horror?

   • Correct answer: Nathan Gombet's face looking in at the window
   • A light moving about in her father's dark study
   • A letter pushed under the front door by someone
   • Smoke rising from the direction of the river

   Nancy sees a face at the window and is sure it is Nathan Gombet. Moments later there is a sharp rap on the door.

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4. 4

   Question 4. Why does Carson Drew say the deed would do Gombet no good?

   • It was burned by accident in a fire at his office
   • It is locked away in a bank in another city
   • Correct answer: Because it has already been recorded by law
   • It was never signed by anyone on the commission

   Carson Drew tells him, "It has been recorded," so having the paper back would not change who owns the land.

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5. 5

   Question 5. What does Gombet say the trains do to the rest of his land?

   • They shake loose the stones of his old stone wall
   • Correct answer: They scare his horses, though he admits he has one
   • They set his dry fields on fire with flying sparks
   • They cover his garden with thick black smoke daily

   Gombet claims the trains scare his horses, but when Carson Drew asks how many he has, he admits he has only one.

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6. 6

   Question 6. According to Carson Drew, who is Gombet's quarrel really with?

   • The newspaper that printed a story about him
   • The bank in town that holds the money for his farm
   • The neighbors who bought the rest of his property
   • Correct answer: The railroad that built the new bridge

   Carson Drew says, "your fight is with the railroad and not with me," since he was merely acting as an agent.

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7. 7

   Question 7. What does Gombet warn Carson Drew just before he leaves?

   • Correct answer: That he will do something desperate if he is not paid
   • That he will tell the newspapers lies about Nancy
   • That he will hire a lawyer from another city to sue
   • That he will move into the Drews' house until paid

   Gombet mutters, "If I don’t get my money, I’ll do something desperate!" and slams the door.

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8. 8

   Question 8. What does 'involuntarily' mean in: 'Involuntarily, he lowered his eyes.'?

   • On purpose
   • Angrily
   • Correct answer: Without meaning to
   • Very slowly

   Gombet cannot meet Carson Drew's straight gaze, so his eyes drop without his choosing to.

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9. 9

   Question 9. What does 'mania' mean in: 'An idea! I’d call it a mania!'?

   • A clever plan to make money
   • A happy memory from long ago
   • Correct answer: A wild, unreasonable craze
   • A small worry that soon passes

   Nancy thinks Gombet's idea that everyone is cheating him is so strong and unreasonable that it is a mania, not just an idea.

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10. 10

    Question 10. Which of these events happen in Chapter 4?

    • Carson Drew tells Gombet that the deed has been recorded.

      Happened

    • Carson Drew telephones the police while Gombet is still inside.

      Didn't happen

    • Gombet admits that he owns only one horse.

      Happened

    • Gombet throws a rock through the Drews' front window.

      Didn't happen

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