The Secret Trails

by Charles G. D. Roberts

"The Secret Trails" by Charles G. D. Roberts is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The narratives within the book likely delve into encounters with nature and wildlife, exploring themes of adventure and survival through the eyes of various characters, including a black boar and woodsmen." The opening of this collection introduces "The Black Boar of Lonesome Water," where we meet the inhabitants of a remote village grappling with the realization that their livestock are inferior compared to those in surrounding areas. Morgan Fluellyn, the hog reeve, is tasked with improving the pig breed and ends up purchasing a challenging and rebellious black Berkshire boar. The story unfolds humorously as Fluellyn contends with the obstinate creature, leading to a series of comedic misadventures, including a dramatic tussle between man and beast that leaves Fluellyn injured and the boar escaping into the wilderness. The narrative sets the tone for the collection with its blend of humor, rural life, and interactions with nature.