We still don't know if this is a war but I'm pretty sure it is - Chapter 15 + 16

Chapter 15

What do Ellie and Lee find in the Hermit’s hut that the others don’t know about?

They find a metal box that contains old letters, documents, photos, and a old medal that belonged to the hermit. This box was under a windowsill that was designed to easily be removed.

According to the coroner’s report what are the two possible ways the Hermit’s family died...

1. Both deceased died due to a bush fire consuming their residence that caused them to be terribly burnt. The Hermit (Bertram) believed that their wounds were fatal and not wanting to see them suffer, he shot them with a rifle.
2. That both deceased were shot in a murderous way by Bertram, who then tried to burn the bodies to rid of any evidence.

 Which do you believe? Why?

Well if we review the facts, there was no trouble in their relationship, and the only proposed caused of death that has a testimonial is the first one. But that testimonial is by Bertram himself, the murderer. It also doesn't seem that Bertram had a motive to kill his family and that there were bush fires burning near their property at the time. Personally I want to believe the first one but either one is possible.

Chapter 16

What is the Hermit’s mother in law’s attitude toward him as seen in her letter?

She seems to be extremely welcoming and, even though it was her daughter and grandson that died, she seems to believe that Bertram is innocent and wrongly accused. The line that especially sticks out is at the end when she writes "you will always be welcome under the roof of, Imogen Emma Eakin".

What does this suggest about the way in which the Hermit’s family actually died?

That it's believed they died by being caught in a bush fire and having to be shot by Bertram.

What makes Ellie change her mind about Lee on the way back from the Hermit’s hut?

She states that she's never "known emotion dealt with so coldly[...]" and that she doesn't "want to end up like a coroner's report." This means that she wants to feel emotion and not seem just cold and reasonable.