Answer: Sodapop experiences a conflict regarding the health and well-being of Pony when he skips town and hides from the authorities with Johnny. Soda is worried about his youngest brother and fears for his safety.
Using 1000 plants, each for an individual barrel. The plant that was poisoned will die within thirty days, that way the people will not die. Personally I don't see what's so bad about using 1000 humans as text subjected though ;)