The McCormicks
The biggest reveal about the McCormick family comes when Mason tells Tex this, much to Pop's disliking.
What is that Pop is not his real father?
The Collins family is notable because when it comes to their parents, the kids do this.
What is call them by their first name?
During a ride home, Tex and Mason end up being held at gunpoint by a hitchhiker, only to do this to get out of it.
What is roll the car into the ditch/off the road?
A payment made to support a student’s education
What is scholarship?
Although Tex loses them, this is a symbol in his life of freedom and tradition.
Who is Negrito/his horse?
Mason McCormick's biggest dream is to go to college and do this, something he is unable to do because he needs to watch over Tex.
What is be a basketball star?
When we are first introduced to Jamie Collins, Tex spooks her awake in the middle of the night, causing her to do this.
What is shoot him with a water gun?
After a drug deal gone wrong, Tex gets a gun pulled on him with this phrase repeated at him to indicate the belief he will snitch on them.
What is narc?
To read something quickly
What is skim?
In Tex's life, this person represents happiness and a life beyond what he has currently.
Who is Jamie Collins?
Tex and Mason live without their father for most of their lives because he tours the world doing this instead of checking in on them.
What is rodeo riding?
The Collins family consists of five primary siblings: Bob, Jamie, Johnny, Blackie, and this person who gets Tex drunk.
Who is Charlie/Charles Collins?
While Mason is in the hospital, Tex goes around and looks at different items, being suddenly accused of this while looking at fishing gear.
What is stealing/shoplifting?
A great victory, success, or achievement
What is triumph?
In contrast to Tex's horses, this item owned by Johnny represents modern life and the temptation to move forward.
What is Johnny's motorcycle?
After telling the reader about Negrito, Tex mentions that Mason's horse is named this, though he never really seems to show attention to him.
What is Red?
Cole Collins' job is this, and is the reason why the family is wealthy.
What is being the vice president of a company?
Though not technically a crime, Tex and Johnny do this to cause a disruption during a school test, resulting in a meeting with the principal and their family.
What is glue caps (firecrackers) onto the keys of the typewriters?
The act of something bouncing or skipping off of a surface
What is ricochet?
To Tex, this person symbolizes hatred and what will happen to him if he lets it take him over.
Who is the hitchhiker?
Early on in the story, Mason tells Tex that he broke up with his girlfriend Laurie for this reason.
What is she was getting too serious/talking about being married?
Tex tells the reader that this is the trademark physical feature of the Collins family, with every member possessing it.
What are dark blue eyes?
Lem Peters tells Tex that he has been selling grass (marijuana) and "a little bit" of this drug.
What is speed (methamphetamine)?
Based in logic and reasoning instead of feelings
What is rational?
Mason gets diagnosed with these in the hospital, a symbol of his constant stress and pain because of his missing father.
What are ulcers?