Why did Rooster go to the abandoned dugout?

• A. They could not reach McAlester's store before dark.
• B. They were seeking shelter from a storm.
• C. They planned to hide from the Pepper gang.
• D. They hoped to rest and eat.

Answer: (A)

Time and safety shape frontier travel choices—moving by daylight helps them navigate and stay on course toward a familiar waypoint. Rooster and Mattie are aiming for McAllester’s store as a key destination for supplies and safety. When night falls before they can reach it, their best move is to take shelter in an abandoned dugout rather than press on in darkness. The dugout offers a dry, protected place to rest and wait until daylight, so they can continue toward the store with better visibility and caution. This explains why the dugout was chosen: it preserves their plan to reach the store by daylight rather than risking travel after dark.