021 - The Exit of the Pretender

After a mysterious accident leaves Ward incapacitated, rival cattleman Woodford seizes the opportunity, demanding the delivery of 600 head of cattle within three days under a now-volatile contract. With prices plummeting, Woodford hopes to escape a loss by banking on Wards inability to deliver. The cattle are far across the Valley River, and Ward has no choice but to send his brother, Quiller, on a perilous journey to retrieve them. As Quiller embarks on this long trek, he leaves his childhood behind and learns invaluable lessons about the harsh realities of life. Melville Davisson Post, a West Virginian author, masterfully weaves the beauty of his homelands mountains and valleys into this tale, showcasing his love for nature, horses, and the intricacies of human nature through over 200 novels and short stories. (Summary by MaryAnn)