In the novel Holes, Kissin' Kate Barlow was killed by a yellow-spotted lizard bite.
The Demise of Kissin' Kate Barlow
Kissin' Kate Barlow, after spending twenty years living as an outlaw, eventually returned to the vicinity of Green Lake. Her life as a notorious bandit came to an end under tragic circumstances involving two persistent pursuers and one of the desert's most dangerous creatures.
The Confrontation
A few months after her return, Kate was discovered by Trout Walker and his wife, Linda Miller. Trout Walker, a character with a long-standing grievance against Kate and an interest in her supposed hidden fortune, confronted her along with his wife. They demanded that Kate reveal the location of her accumulated loot.
Kate steadfastly refused to disclose any information regarding her treasures, even as they pressed her. During this confrontation, a deadly yellow-spotted lizard appeared. These highly venomous creatures are a significant threat in the Green Lake area, known for their fatal bites.
The Fatal Bite
While Trout Walker and Linda Miller were present, demanding her riches, Kissin' Kate Barlow was bitten by a yellow-spotted lizard. This bite proved fatal, leading to her death. She perished without ever revealing the whereabouts of her loot to her tormentors.
Key Figures and Their Role in Kate's Demise:
| Figure | Role in Kate's Death |
|---|---|
| Kissin' Kate Barlow | The victim; a former schoolteacher turned outlaw who refused to share her loot. |
| Yellow-spotted lizard | The direct cause of death; its venomous bite killed Kate. |
| Trout Walker | Present at the scene, actively demanding Kate's loot and harassing her. |
| Linda Miller | Present with her husband, Trout Walker, also seeking Kate's fortune. |
Kate Barlow's death is a pivotal moment in the Holes narrative, closing the chapter on one of its most memorable historical characters and leaving her secrets buried, literally and figuratively, in the desolate landscape of Green Lake.
