Holes Power Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

The lizard landed on Kate's bare ankle. Its sharp black teeth bit into her leg. Its white tongue lapped up the droplets of blood that leaked out of the wound.

Kate smiled. There was nothing they could do to her anymore. "Start digging," she said.

"Where is it?" Linda screeched.

"Where'd you bury it?" Trout demanded.

Kate Barlow died laughing. (28.42-46)

Why is Kate laughing as she dies? Does being on the brink of death give her a power she hadn't had before? Do we see this moments-before-death power anywhere else in the book?