# IV: Poor Bowser explained — Green Meadow Stories > Chapter companion for Green Meadow Stories by Thornton W. Burgess. ## What happens Bowser the Hound, having been led onto a frozen river by Old Man Coyote, finds himself lost, cold, bruised, and exhausted. Unable to climb the steep banks, he limps downstream until he finds a place to ascend into a lonely, snowy forest. As night falls, he howls in despair, longing for his warm home and regretting his pursuit of Old Man Coyote, who hears the howl and grins wickedly before continuing home. ## Themes in this chapter ### Deception and Trust Old Man Coyote tricks Bowser into following him onto a frozen river, leaving him lost and helpless. ### Wisdom and Heedlessness Bowser's heedless pursuit of Old Man Coyote leads to his predicament; he regrets not leaving the coyote alone. ## Character check-ins ### Bowser the Hound Lost, cold, bruised, and exhausted after being led onto a frozen river by Old Man Coyote; he limps ashore and howls in despair. ### Old Man Coyote Leads Bowser to the river, then returns home, grinning wickedly as he hears Bowser's howl. ## Key lines > Follow a crooked trail and you will find a scamp at the end. A deceitful path leads to a trickster. _Opening proverb foreshadowing Old Man Coyote's deception._ > Poor Bowser! He stood shivering and shaking on the ice of the strange river to which Old Man Coyote had led him, and he knew not which way to turn. Bowser trembled on the unfamiliar frozen river where Old Man Coyote had brought him, completely disoriented. _Describes Bowser's immediate plight after being tricked._ > How he did wish he had left Old Man Coyote alone! How he did long for his snug, warm, little house in Farmer Brown’s dooryard, and for the good meal he knew was awaiting him there. He deeply regretted chasing Old Man Coyote and yearned for his cozy home and the meal waiting for him. _Bowser's regret and longing for safety and comfort._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/iv-poor-bowser - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters