Which objects made Mattie think they were getting closer to Chaney?

• A. A torn letter from Chaney's gang
• B. Eyewitness testimony of Chaney's location
• C. Copper cartridge cases that could have come from Chaney's Henry rifle
• D. A map to Chaney's hideout

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that physical evidence tied to a suspect’s weapon provides the strongest indication of being close. Copper cartridge cases that could have come from Chaney’s Henry rifle show a recent gunfire in the area and directly link to Chaney’s gear. That means someone using that rifle was nearby not long before, signaling proximity much more clearly than other clues. A torn letter could be old or from someone else; eyewitness testimony can be unreliable and not pinpoint location; a map points to a place but doesn’t confirm current closeness. So the cartridge cases give a concrete, timely cue that Chaney is near.