Answer:

1. Straker carried a long ivory-handled knife because he was a poacher. Poachers often carry knives to kill animals, and Straker was no exception. He was known to be a violent man, and the knife was a way for him to protect himself and to intimidate others.

2. Ned Hunter was found in an unconscious state because he had been attacked by Straker. Straker had lamed the sheep, and Hunter had seen him do it. Straker attacked Hunter to silence him, and he hit him on the head with the butt of the knife.

3. Straker lamed the sheep because he was a poacher. Poachers often lame sheep so that they cannot run away when they are being hunted. This makes it easier for the poachers to catch the sheep and kill them.