Why did Frank Ross go to Fort Smith?

• A. He went to buy supplies for his ranch.
• B. He went to buy cowponies that he planned to train as deer hunting ponies.
• C. He went to attend a court hearing.
• D. He went to visit a relative.

Answer: (B)

Understanding a character’s motive through concrete action is what this item tests. Frank Ross goes to Fort Smith specifically to buy cowponies that he plans to train as deer hunting ponies, not just to run a general errand. This shows a deliberate plan: he needs horses capable of navigating rough terrain and supporting hunting efforts, and cowponies are the right kind of stock for that job. Fort Smith is portrayed as a practical market hub where horses are bought and sold, making it the logical place for him to find and purchase the ponies he intends to train. The other activities—simply buying ranch supplies, attending a court hearing, or visiting a relative—do not align with the explicit aim described in the text, which centers on obtaining animals for a hunting purpose.