Question

What surprise befalls the man after he has eaten his lunch?

1) An avalanche courses down the hillside, trapping him underneath.
2) He falls into a hidden spring and gets his feet and legs wet.
3) An unpredicted blizzard blows in from the north creating a whiteout.
4) The wind blows out the fire he had built while having lunch.

Answer 1

The surprise that befalls the man is that the wind extinguishes his fire, putting him in a potentially fatal situation given the severe cold.

Step-by-step explanation:

The surprise that befalls the man after he has eaten his lunch is that the wind blows out the fire he had built while having lunch. Facing extreme cold, the man understands the peril he's in, as emphasized by the old-timer from Sulphur Creek's advice on fire-building and having a travel companion. The harsh conditions meant that not being able to start a fire quickly could lead to severe consequences like frostbite or even death.

Understanding the significance of a successful fire under these life-threatening circumstances, the man takes action to build another fire. It's an act of survival where he is conscious not only of the process but also of the dire consequences of failure. This tense situation underscores the themes of human versus nature, survival, and the importance of heeding wisdom.