Question

I have 2 questions about gerunds. The first question I'm pretty sure I know the answer but I need the most help with the second:
1.Which word or words from the following sentence is used as a gerund:
"By stealing a summerstick, Gluskabe was able to defeat Old Man Winter and bring back summer for a short time."
1.stealing***
2.was able
3.to defeat
4.bring
(second question)
How is the gerund you identified from the previous question used in the sentence?
1.as the subject of the sentence
2.as the direct object of the sentence
3. as a predicate adjective in the sentence
4. as the object of a preposition
(No idea what the answer is for this one)
I was also wondering if someone wouldn't mind explaining to me why the answer is the answer for the second question. Thx!

Answer 1

Your first answer is right.

Here's a hint for the second question.
http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/preposition.htm

Answer 2

So the answer to question 2 would be d, number 4

Answer 3

Right.

Answer 4

Thank you so much! And thank you for taking time out of your day to help us students!

Answer 5

You are very welcome. It's a pleasure.