Page 108 of In These Hills

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A SECOND RIFLE SHOT EXPLODED, and Josephine looked down to see the boar jolt then stumble. Its front legs buckled, and its massive body skidded toward the base of the tree in a spray of dirt and dried leaves. Right where Bethie had fallen.

One last defeated grunt, and the animal lay still. Same as the one crumpled near the wagon, Jessie standing over it barking, the dog’s side smeared with blood.

“Jessie!” Bethie screamed, hopping down and clutching her arm.

Josephine climbed down and grabbed the .22, never taking her eyes off the bristled mass and tusks. She backed away, then ran for the wagon, where Bethie knelt by Jessie.

“Uncle Dodge, is she—”

“She’s all right. Or will be once we wash the boar’s blood off of her. Are you both okay?”

Bethie rubbed Jessie’s ears. “I hurt my arm a little, but it’s not bad.”

Dodge turned to Josephine, question in his eyes.

“I’m fine. But are you?” She pointed to the blood darkening his torn pant leg.

“It’s nothing. Must’ve caught it grabbing the Remington. Didn’t even notice till it was over.”

“But you’re okay?” Bethie asked, looking up.

“Absolutely. But that was closer than I’d like.” He looked at Josephine. “Thank you,” he whispered, glancing at Bethie hugging Jessie again. “For getting to her. I don’t know what I would’ve done if—”

“You would’ve shot the boar just like you did,” Josephine said gently. “And she would have been fine.”

He looked down. “Right,” he finally said, his voice not convincing.

“Uncle Dodge, I thought you said you weren’t bringing the Remington!” Bethie’s eyes flashed.

He sighed. “Bethie, what I said was—”

Then her expression softened, and she ran to him.

Dodge caught her up and held her close. “Careful of that arm. Doesn’t look broken.”

“It’s not. I just fell on it wrong, is all.”

He looked at Bethie then Josephine, and Josephine sensed what was coming and wished he wouldn’t.

“Thank you, Mrs. Dunham,” Bethie said, barely meeting her gaze. “For jumping down and getting me. Turns out you’re pretty brave. And strong, too. For a citified woman.”

Josephine laughed. “Is that what I am? A citified woman?”

Bethie smiled. “Well, you’re sure not from around these parts.”

Dodge set her down and kissed the top of her head. “I’m going to field dress the boars, starting with the one by the tree, then we’ll head on back.”

Too late, Josephine realized her expression must have given her away.

“What?” he said, pulling a leather-wrapped bundle from the wagon. “Did you think we’d leave them behind? Those are good eatin’!” He winked. “You ever tasted boar?”

“No, but I’ve had dinner with a few.”

He laughed, and to her surprise, Bethie did, too.

He shook his head. “A citified woman who tells jokes. Not sure we’re ready for that.” He whistled, and Jessie jumped into the wagon. “You three stay here. This won’t take long.”