The Biscuit Eater

Lonnie forms a deep bond with Moreover, a German Wirehaired Pointer raised on Harvey McNeil's farm. He treats the dog as a close friend and companion, not just a hunting animal. Moreover's presence anchors Lonnie's childhood and sense of home.

Harvey, a respected trainer, decides Moreover would be better off with Willie Dorsey, a gas station clerk who wants a companion. Lonnie is heartbroken to see his pet leave, while Willie reluctantly accepts the energetic dog. This marks the start of a complicated chain of events.

Lonnie and Text hatch a plan to regain the dog by bartering labor for its ownership. They bluff their way into convincing Willie that they can help with his chores, hoping he will trade back. The scheme marks the start of their campaign to reunite with Moreover.

Text sneaks eggs from his family's coop and feeds them to Moreover. Willie becomes furious when he discovers the dog is eating eggs, which he mistakenly thinks are his personal supply. The incident cools Willie's warmth and solidifies his control over the dog.

Seeing an opportunity, Willie agrees to trade Moreover for help with carrying firewood to his home. The trade transfers ownership, giving Lonnie and Text access to train the dog more freely. The arrangement shifts the dog's future toward competition rather than companionship.

Lonnie and Text begin secretly training Moreover to become a prize-winning bird dog. They practice commands, tracking, and field techniques around the farm and nearby fields, building a capable hunter. Willie starts to respect their dedication, though he remains wary.

Harvey, Lonnie's father, disapproves of training the dog for field work, fearing it could impact the other hunting dogs on the farm. He allows the transfer but never fully accepts the boys' deception. The tension between father and sons intensifies as the field trial approaches.

Despite the tensions, Lonnie and Text decide to enter Moreover in the state championship field trial. They keep their plan secret while preparing for a meaningful test of skill. The upcoming competition becomes a pivotal moment for everyone involved.

Moreover performs well during the field trial, impressing onlookers with his training and natural ability. The boys cheer as the dog excels, validating their efforts and the idea that a well-trained dog can triumph against tougher rivals. The moment marks a significant achievement for the makeshift team.

An incident during the event makes the boys fear that Harvey could lose his job if last year's champion SilverBelle is defeated by their dark horse. The stakes extend beyond personal pride to the livelihood and reputation of Lonnie's father. The pressure casts a shadow over the celebration of Moreover's success.

SilverBelle, the reigning champion, faces off against the boys' dark horse in a tense showdown. The result could determine whether the new entrant can unseat the long-standing winner. The outcome threatens to upend the trainer's status regardless of the dog's performance.

As the event concludes, the relationships among Lonnie, Text, Willie, and Harvey shift in response to the competition's outcome. Moreover's success creates a new dynamic on the farm and in their friendship, while the fear about Harvey's job lingers in the background. The story ends with a changed sense of loyalty and accomplishment.