Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in heaven
The Trial of Thomas Builds a Fire

1. When did Thomas go to end up arrested?

2. What is Thomas accused of doing?

3. Who did Thomas confess to killing?

4. How did Thomas say he felt after he killed them?

5. What “trail” does Thomas talk about?

6. What were the backgrounds of the guys that Thomas says he was in jail with?

7. How does Thomas kill?

8. How does Thomas feel about going to prison?

9. What was Thomas do while he’s in his jail cell?

10. Why do they refer to Thomas as “Mr. Builds a Fire.”

11. Who had a golf course named after him?

12. How many decades have passed since the crime Thomas confesses to?

13. Why did Esther leave her husband?

14. Do the stories help or hurt Thomas’ case? Explain.

15. What is the judge’s attitude toward Thomas?

16. Who does Thomas hold hostage? Why?

17. How many captives did Colonel George Wright have?

18. Where was Mr. Build’s a Fire on May 16, 1858? How is this possible?

19. Do you think that a horse can be aware of its surroundings the way that Thomas describes it? Why or why not?

20. Do you believe that the judge and lawyers agree that justice has been served? Why or why not?