'Dwellers in the Hills' Summary

Melville Davisson Post's 'Dwellers in the Hills' tells the story of Quiller, a young man forced to confront the harsh realities of life after his brother, Ward, is incapacitated following a mysterious accident. Ward and Woodford, rival cattlemen, are bound by a contract that demands the delivery of 600 head of cattle within three days. Woodford, taking advantage of Ward's misfortune, aims to exploit the contract and profit from the recent drop in cattle prices. Desperate to fulfill his brother's obligation, Quiller embarks on a challenging journey to the south, across the Valley River, to retrieve the cattle. The arduous journey, filled with unpredictable dangers and encounters with the unforgiving wilderness, forces Quiller to grow up quickly. He faces the challenges of a treacherous landscape and learns valuable lessons about the world of men, navigating the complexities of loyalty, responsibility, and survival. 'Dwellers in the Hills' captures the essence of the rugged, yet alluring, West Virginia landscape and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.