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In the deepest part of the night an idea takes shape, and first thing in the oing to go around the mountain by road to the vet’s and call the MacIntoshes’ If Mary answers, I’ll ask if it’s safe to bring Katherine home

"If William answersI don’t knohat I’ll do; see if he’s concerned about Katherine or is still in a rage If he’s drunk or angrywell, s have cal Katherine home to the baby"

"After we return the Olds to Liberty hoe get home?" Bitsy wonders aloud

"Good point Maybe Mr MacIntosh will be so ashaer, the pharmacist Or iveshome in the cold, and I don’t blame her

"You want me to drive you to the vet’s?" she offers

"No, I can drive My late husband taught me" I realize I’ve never talked to Bitsy about Ruben "Anyway, someone has to stay with Katherine If Willias on him and keep the door locked I’ll be back as quick as I can"

The ride around Hope Mountain turns out to be harrowing On the slick part, co down the hill past Maddock’s, I skid into a ditch but a and the snow is slush, which actually makes the conditions worse How Bitsy and Katherine ine

As I approach the vet’s drive, I begin to wonder what I’ll do if he’s not home As usual, that hadn’t occurred to me He could be out on a visit or in his office in town I’m relieved when I see his Ford in the drive

I bue and park next to it Both cars no the weather William MacIntosh’s pride and joy, the once shiny black Oldsrime I notice that Hester’s vehicle has chains on the tires, probably a good idea

I sla to say, Daniel Hester sticks his head out the kitchen door He’s wearing a flowered apron and wiping his hands on a dish towel

"What are you doing here?" he asks by way of a greeting It’s the first time we’ve seen each other since Christmas Eve He nods at the vehicle "Your car?" He knows it’s not; he’s just being funny

I tilt my chin "No It’s my friend Katherine’s I wonder if I could use your phone? I need to call the MacIntosh residence in town It’s sort of an eency" I don’t want his "Sure"

At the stone threshold of the back door, I stoht kitchen that’s seen better days Dirty dishes are piled on every surface The vet points out a wooden telephone box on the wall, but lasses have steamed and it takes me a minute before I can see

"Where’s your housekeeper?" I ask, indicating the condition of the rooot work down near Beckley King Coal closed last week and MacIntosh Number Three, near Delmont, too It’s just as well I couldn’t afford her anyht, people only call a vet if they’re desperate"

He takes down the black receiver and cranks the phone for me, unembarrassed about the feminine apron The brass bells on the front seem especially loud, but it’s been a while since I’ve used a telephone

"Susie," the vet says, speaking louder than normal into the metal horn on the front of the oak box He motions me forward "Yeah, this is Dan Hester out on Salt LickI’ive me the MacIntosh residence in Liberty? That’s--" He snaps his fingers, and I hand hiave s once, twice, then three times Finally there’s a click, and a low female voice comes on He hands me the receiver