The Master of Ballantrae — Questions and answers

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In 1745, what was the primary reason one of the Durie sons had to join Prince Charlie's rebellion while the other remained loyal to King George?

Choices

  1. To fulfill a prophecy made by the family steward, Mackellar
  2. To ensure the family estate would be preserved regardless of the rebellion's outcome ✓
  3. To demonstrate the family's divided loyalties to both sides of the conflict
  4. To allow James, the Master of Ballantrae, to pursue his love of adventure

Answer: To ensure the family estate would be preserved regardless of the rebellion's outcome

From page 1

What was Alison's reaction when James, the Master of Ballantrae, returned to Durrisdeer after being presumed dead?

Choices

  1. She laughed at his mocking smile.
  2. She greeted him with a cold voice.
  3. She fainted into Henry's arms. ✓
  4. She stood her ground with a face like stone.

Answer: She fainted into Henry's arms.

From page 2

What was the immediate consequence of Henry's sword striking the Master during their duel by the sea?

Choices

  1. Henry dropped his sword and ran away in fear.
  2. Mackellar intervened to stop the fight.
  3. The Master laughed, showing no warmth at all.
  4. The Master cried out and fell, lying still on the frozen ground. ✓

Answer: The Master cried out and fell, lying still on the frozen ground.

From page 3

Who was Colonel Burke, the person who sent letters to Mackellar detailing the Master's adventures?

Choices

  1. An Irish rogue and the Master's companion ✓
  2. A fur-trapper in the American wilderness
  3. A lawyer who handled the Durrisdeer estate
  4. A smuggler who carried the Master away

Answer: An Irish rogue and the Master's companion

From page 4

When the Master returned to Edinburgh, what was his appearance and claim regarding his fortune?

Choices

  1. He came with Colonel Burke, seeking to reclaim his title.
  2. He was dressed in fine silks, accompanied by Secundra Dass, and claimed immense wealth. ✓
  3. He was thin and ragged, with a mocking smile, and claimed to be penniless.
  4. He arrived as a beggar, seeking refuge at Durrisdeer.

Answer: He was dressed in fine silks, accompanied by Secundra Dass, and claimed immense wealth.

From page 5

What was the Master's proposal to Henry after the Durrisdeer estate was nearly ruined by debts?

Choices

  1. Mackellar should find a way to restore the family's honor.
  2. Henry should sell the remaining lands to pay off the Master's debts.
  3. They should travel to America to retrieve a buried treasure of silver and gold. ✓
  4. They should return to Scotland and live quietly at Durrisdeer.

Answer: They should travel to America to retrieve a buried treasure of silver and gold.

From page 6

During the journey into the American wilderness, what was the Master's physical condition?

Choices

  1. He was strong and healthy, leading the party.
  2. He was constantly arguing with Secundra Dass.
  3. He was fearful of the cursed treasure.
  4. He had fallen gravely ill and was carried on a litter. ✓

Answer: He had fallen gravely ill and was carried on a litter.

From page 7

What did Secundra Dass claim about the Master's apparent death in the snowy clearing?

Choices

  1. He was not dead but in a trance, and Secundra had the art to bring him back. ✓
  2. He had faked his death to escape Henry and Mackellar.
  3. He was cursed by the treasure and could not be revived.
  4. He had finally succumbed to his illness and was truly gone.

Answer: He was not dead but in a trance, and Secundra had the art to bring him back.

From page 8

What caused Henry's death after waiting by the Master's grave?

Choices

  1. Secundra Dass attacked him to prevent him from digging up the Master.
  2. He succumbed to the cold and exhaustion of the journey.
  3. His heart, worn out by a lifetime of hatred, failed when he saw the Master's eyelid flicker. ✓
  4. He was killed by one of the hostile guides in the wilderness.

Answer: His heart, worn out by a lifetime of hatred, failed when he saw the Master's eyelid flicker.

From page 9

After the deaths of James Durie, the Master of Ballantrae, and Henry Durie, who was left to tell their story and return to Scotland?

Choices

  1. Mackellar, the faithful steward ✓
  2. Secundra Dass, the Indian companion
  3. Colonel Burke, the Irish rogue
  4. Alison, Henry's wife

Answer: Mackellar, the faithful steward

From page 10