The Affected---Tale Of Two Brothers
Jun 9, 2019 23:49:59 GMT -6
kaijafon, texican, and 4 more like this
Post by willc453 on Jun 9, 2019 23:49:59 GMT -6
The Affected: Tale of Two Brothers
Chapter 49
Now during my travels, some people remain within me and just gotta satisfy my curiosity on how they did later in life like Big Mac, Sonny, etc. in Colorado. Spent some time with my Laura's, along with seeing how my other enterprises were doing and what other places there were to check out. Once that was done, went 30 years into the future as far as my Colorado time was back then. A lot had changed even in that “brief” bit of time. Started off at that pass where I helped rescue Lizzie, Margaret and others when they got stuck in that snowstorm. Where there were ruts in what used to be the a stagecoach road and access to California or Oregon, it was now pretty much filled with dirt and you could barely see where the ruts were. Then there was the forest growth which was starting to cover it. A few more jumps until I could see the stagecoach station and its barn which was now abandoned, though the stagecoach which had been stored inside was still in good condition considering its age.
I took it with me later on and rented it out for some Hollyweird westerns from time to time and marriages. Yeah, anyone can rent a big, long stretched limo, but how many can brag they were driven to the airport to begin their honeymoon in a genuine stagecoach? As far as Homeland and airport security, I let them deal with the horse apples that got left there from time to time. And yes, a lot of photos and videos were taken by people not only of my stagecoach, but the new bride and groom. As for me, I was dressed up as the driver and unrecognizable. Oh yeah, I also didn't have plates on it either as it would of ruined the authentic look of it. Only ONE of those people got stupid in trying to stand in front of me as if I was going to stop for him? Not in his life time. Thirty feet of bullwhip smacked him on his a$$ and he couldn't jump out of the way fast enough. Of course, I was using my younger horse friends for these honeymoon jaunts, so it was no problem for me to jump us elsewhere when the cops were called on us. And if wondering, they didn't get no apples either. They got time in various parts of the U.S. western desert where there's a lot of female mustangs running free, with more than one mare being brought back to their world.
Another jump or two and could see the outskirts of town below me. Boy, it was so strange seeing basically an empty town. I mean, I saw all of a dozen people or so walking down below me, where before, it was THOUSANDS. Even though “civilization” had crept into west, some people still went around armed with pistols discretely tucked away with no one raising a fuss like they do today. The main drag was still dirt, but it was apparent that many places had long been abandoned, with some of them being torn apart for its milled wood. The Vingt-et-un was gone, having burned to the ground when someone knocked over a oil lamp I was told. The town tried using a bucket brigade to put it out as there was no fire department back in those days. Everyone just got together to help put it out, other wise it could spread with everyone losing their buildings if not the entire town. The jail was still there, though used hardly at all, with some prisoners going to the county jail now via horseless carriage as they were originally called. And yeah, saw a few of those stinky, smelly, noisy things being used while there. Though no sheriff, they had what was now being called a constable. Went into my former store and stock was WAY down from what I had originally in it and yes, telephones were now in more than one business and in some of the more closer farms. Some of the people I had sold my place to, had their kids and even grandkids working the place, though others took off for the lure of the big city lights in Denver. The saloon and my restaurant were still there, though not as busy as it was once was. Thing is, those who bought my place sold it about 10 years after I had left....and it was NOT good and certainly not up to my standards. On a scale of 1 to 10, it was a 2 while my food had been 10's ALL the time once I started running it.
I got everyone's attention when I took that plate, dropped it to the floor where it broke with me saying you can put sugar on a t*rd, but you're still eating sh*t and I am only NOT going to eat it, I'm NOT paying for the food. Tossed a dollar on the table, saying this is for the plate and walked out the door to check the rest of the town out. Stable and blacksmith places were still there and doing business even with those horseless carriages in town. Next thing I know someone's behind me, calling my name but saying Uncle Ben?! Go to turn around, but then I'm grabbed in a kind of bear hug....it was Sonny?! Yeah, the boy had shot up like a rocket and LOOMED over me, being around 6' 3” tall and built more like a timber jack. He let go of me after a bit saying how good it was to see me again and that's when I said you must have me confused with my father as I'm told we bear a remarkable similarity. He apologized for being so familiar with someone he didn't know, but said I was like a pea out of the same pod as my father was. Asked how he was doing and I said he's still a mean and nasty b*stard when he gets riled, but other wise doing very well, with old age not slowing him down a bit. He said yes, he got quite a reputation in the very few years he was here. Then he remembered his manners and introduced himself and I of course, said just call me Ben as that name kind of runs in the family. Thing is, he shook my hand but when he went to put his other hand on top of mine, saying he was that glad to meet “Bens son”. Problem was, he was married, which meant a gold ring, so I jerked my hand out REAL quick, saying I was sorry but my hand is a bit tender right now. That's when he says he's a doctor and if I want, he'd take a look at it.
Next thing I know is someone's shouting get over here you son of a b*tch and pay for the food you ordered and then we're goin' teach you some manners. He had a double barrel 12 gauge shotgun in his hands and behind him were 2 other men with clubs in theirs about 75 to 100 feet away. Didn't even think about it as old habits die hard. Shoved Sonny to the side with me stepping in front of him, drew my .45 and shot that man in the shoulder, quickly followed by the other 2 getting shot in theirs. Then I'm quickly scanning the street for anyone else who “wanted to teach me a lesson”, while pulling my other .45 out and ready to go. Of course, there were a few people who ran away screaming, calling for the constable, but the smart ones? They were the older ones and simply dropped to the ground wherever they were at. The constable came running, wanting to know about the gunshots which gave me enough time to reload my pistol. Thing is, when he saw me putting mine away, he thought he'd control the situation by pulling his out and telling me to disarm myself. It don't work that way with me. Idiot had it in a holster with a flap and he was fumbling to get the flap open when suddenly he realized I had mine out and pointed at him! Told him he had a choice of livin' or dyin'. Keep trying to get your pistol out and you get one between the eyes because I can't miss at this range. He decided to leave his pistol where it was at. Then Sonny and other people started telling him what had happened with the constable having no choice in accepting the fact this was a clear case of defense. And didn't say a word when I walked over to take the shotgun, saying finders, keepers. However, he didn't like the fact that I'd drawn on him and simply didn't roll over and do as he said. After all this was said and done, Sonny got busy working on the 3 I shot and right after that, Belloq shows up to help! I'm in the waiting room as Sonny said I had to while he worked on the 3 men.
When Belloq saw me, he asked is that you Ben? And without thinking, I said how how ya doin' Johnny Reb? He went kind of white face and that's when I realized what I had said, so I explained that's what Dad used to call him from time to time while Belloq had called Dad a blue belly. Once again, been a long time since I talked about myself in the third person, you know, being my own son. He seemed to accept my explanation and went to help Sonny. Sonny had decided to become a doctor, going to what's now known as the Perelman school of medicine, commonly known as Penn Med in the University City section of Philadelphia. It was founded in 1765 and is the oldest medical school in the United States. It was founded by Dr. John Morgan, graduate of the College of Philadelphia (which was the precursor of the University of Pennsylvania) and the University of Edinburgh medical school. After training in Edinburgh and other European cities, he returned to Philadelphia in 1765. With fellow University of Edinburgh medical school graduate, Dr. William Shippen Jr., John persuaded the college trustee to found the first medical school in the original 13 colonies. Wanna guess who was on that board of trustees? Now I'm sure you're wondering what's with the different name? In 2011, the school was bribed, plain and simple for the name change. It was changed when the school received a $225 million “gift” by Raymond and Ruth Perelman. It remains the largest “donation” ever made for naming rights to a medical school. And people call me evil, wicked, etc.? Apparently if the money is there, people do not care. It was there that Sonny met his future wife, Alicia Christian Foster. Her parents were happy she was marrying a doctor, but not at the idea of living out west where “Indians scalped people all the time.” After getting his medical degree, they moved back here and already had 5 children....4 boys and a girl. He and Belloq ended up moving from Belloq's original office to a larger one, sharing the towns practice. Of course, the older people went to Belloq as he'd been treating them for a number of years, while the younger ones went to Sonny.
After treating those 3 I had shot, we escorted them to jail, then off to Belloq's place to meet his wife and their youngest daughter who was all of 17 and pretty as all get out. I caught her looking at me in that way and I looked right back at her the same way. Introduced to them by Belloq as Ben's son, with Margaret (his wife) saying this one doesn't seem to have fallen far from the tree. Think she caught the looks between her daughter and I. They had 2 boys, one back east studying to become a doctor, the other in California studying to be a lawyer. After talking a bit, with the promise of coming back to talk more, off to see Sonny, his wife and their kids. Stayed longer with them and then it was time to see Big Mac with Sonny following me outside. This is when he said he KNEW I was Uncle Ben and NOT his son for several reasons. I said, Sonny, more than one person has mistaken me for my dad and that's when he said no more please. When you shoved me out of the way, you stood in front of me to protect me from possibly getting shot by that shotgun. That's something Uncle Ben would do without hesitation. When you pulled your gun out and shot those 3, it was just like your shooting those 3 in the Vingt-et-un and then pulling out your second pistol, ready to shoot anyone else if need be. Not many people go around armed these days and here you are with not only 2 pistols but with a gun belt for them. Others, if they carry, it's usually tucked to one side of their pants or maybe a shoulder holster. The other is you're wearing clothes 30 years out of style and in the same clothes the last time I saw you when you were leaving town to see dad and make your goodbyes to him. I called out to you, but apparently you didn't hear me and figured I'd see you when I got home that evening.
And let's not forget you're still carrying your cane and that bowler hat that you once sat on and never could get the crease out of. Boy, were you mad when you did that and got even madder while we both laughed at you. And how you jerked your hand away when my GOLD wedding ring would of touched you. So if you're NOT my Uncle Ben, I not only want you to say so, but also tell me you don't love me. Thing is, I didn't see a 37 year old married man with kids in front of me, but a 7 year old boy curled up on some hay in a barn and slowly dying because of his appendix. Worse yet, one who had no family until Big Mac and I took him in. And one who'd be crushed by me lying to him. I said sh*t, yeah boy, it's your Uncle Ben and with that, he really grabbed and started hugging me, crying that he was so glad I had come back. When he finally let go of me, I said let's go see your dad and rent some horses because I don't feel like walking. Well, he had a pair of horses that he and Alicia used with their wagon. I slyly looked at him, asking if he went on picnics with her from time to time with Belloq's wife watching watching their kids and his face turned red. Surprised me when he said he still had that picnic basket that he and dad had made so long ago. I told him to make sure he teaches his kids how to do this, along with the stuff the various Indians had taught him. He said he had, along with other things we had taught him.
Get to the stable and Sonny gets busy saddling their 2 horses and I get to looking at a stallion in a coral. Find looking animal, walked over to it to take a better look at it. I mean, it's been at least 20 years so since being around one. As I got closer to the coral, the hostler tells me to be careful as Tumbleweed was a sneaky son of a b*tch. Acting all nice and calm, coming over to someone like he wants to be petted...then try to bite the h*ll outta ya. But then was told NO ONE'S not only been able to break him, he's crippled 3 men by stomping on them. And that's not counting the others with broken legs, arms, etc. and those he's bit. Asked what was he going to do with Tumbleweed and was told that Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show was coming to Denver, along with a rodeo in just over a month. He'd sell Tumbleweed to the rodeo and should get $1,000 for him, him being so ornery and mean like he is as there's not a man alive who can stay on him. I said oh, really?
I said any horse can be broke, but then it's about as useful as plowing a field or pulling some ladies carriage. How about you and I come to an agreement and of course, he wanted to know what kind. I said I'll give you $2,000 for Tumbleweed right here and now, BUT when I'm done with him and him being docile, not only do I get my $2,000 back, I keep Tumbleweed free and clear. Sucker....the hostler took the bet right off the bat, but insisted on having money in hand before we went any further. Swapped wallets by jumping them while my hand was inside my coat and paid the man. This was when Sonny came walking up, asking if I was ready to see his dad and mom. I said not yet, I'm getting ready to get me a free horse. The hostler laughed and then started calling out to passing people of the wager we had made. With more than one knowing what kind of horse Tumbleweed was, of course they came over. And as for Sonny, he not only never doubted me when I explained everything, but smiled while taking every bet against me!
Go walking up to Tumbleweed and he's looking very quiet and peaceful, but caught some of his thoughts as in goody, another one to bite. That is, until he saw me picking up a saddle, blanket and other gear to ride him with. I could “see” the joy he was going to have in stomping another one of those, those meaning someone who'd be stupid enough to try and ride him. Well, I dropped everything not far from the coral and called out to saying he was such a nice looking horse and I'm sure he' like to go for a ride, while making coaxing sounds to him. One thing he didn't expect was me jumping an apple while my hand was in my coat and tossing it to him. He gobbled it up quickly, but thoughts of biting and stomping me into the ground were still paramount no matter how many apples he might get from me. Then I standing next to the corral when he comes up to me and of course, his thought was REAL basic: BITE! NOW! But I was ready and when he went to bite me, using my martial arts experience from Bruce (Lee), I simply turned a bit so his head and neck were next to and over my left shoulder. What he DIDN'T expect was getting socked on his jaw! Along with this, he also bit his tongue a little bit. Suddenly, he couldn't get away fast enough from me. This is when I put the saddle, etc. on the corral post, removing the lasso from it and climbed into the corral. Tumbleweed was quite happy to see me doing this because he was thinking stomp, stomp, stomp once I got thrown. Roped him with no trouble and after tying the rope to the post in the center of the corral, got the saddle and other gear. Put my coat over his head to cover his eyes and he was quite docile accepting this as he knew what was coming next and quite ready to deal with me once I was in the saddle. Lasso removed, then my jacket which I tossed onto the center pole and we were off and running so to speak. My bowler hat was the first thing to go flying off.
Now Tumbleweed had all sorts of tricks to throw a rider, thing is I'd KNOW what he was going to try next, including smashing the side of his body against the corral with him figurin' on bustin' one of my legs against it. Then it was him actually dropping to the ground like they'd roll in the dirt and dust, once again, figurin' on crushin' me beneath him. When you've ridden a dragon or 2, a horse is A LOT easier to deal with.
He jumped, skipped, hopped, rolled, trying every trick he knew of from previous attempts of riders for about 15 to 20 minutes before finally giving up, all covered in sweat and shaking in defeat. Rode him while still inside the corral where Sonny and the hostler were standing and getting a used feed sack to wipe Tumbleweed down. While doing that, told the hostler to give my boy my $2,000 and he did NOT like this at all. Saying he didn't know I was a professional bronk buster and I said not my fault you didn't ask is it? Well, he wasn't about to give my money back to him until 2 things happened. First was I put my hand on one of my pistols and said I already shot 3 men today....care to be the 4th? Suddenly he realized who he had been dealing with and at this time the constable Vincent Markowski came walking up, with me quickly turning to face him just in case he decided to side with the hostler who went by the name of Joe Marko. Vincent says whoa, whoa, my hands are clear of my pistol and they were. He turned to Joe, saying he saw everything and had asked what was going on. Now Joe, you made a bet and you owe this man his money back. Period. Well, Joe grumbled and I got my money back, giving it to Sonny to hold for me along with the bill of sale for Tumbleweed.
I said Joe, you were such an easy sucker in not only getting a good horse for free, but getting my money back. Now some people can ride, some can break horses, but there are very few people like me because we're called Horse Whisperers who have the natural ability not only to talk to, but with horses. Joe said he'd NEVER heard of such bullsh*t and I asked him if he and any others around here would care to make a friendly wager where I proved what I was saying was true? There were no takers. I walked to the corral where Tumbleweed was standing and then faced Vincent, Joe and Sonny, saying my hands in front of me, so there's no way I can give him any kind of physical commands, correct? Now I had about 3 dozen or so people who had seen me ride Tumbleweed and were shocked when I called out to him to get my jacket which was on the pole in the center of the corral and laid it on my left shoulder. Of course, I had also told him this mentally, then he got and put my hat in my hand. Then I saw it...a bullwhip was close to 40 feet long and with that, got back into the corral with Tumbleweed and back into the saddle. I said folks, if you have the chance to go see Buffalo Bills Wild West Show, it's a hell of a show for a good price and this is some of the things you'll see there. With that, Tumbleweed and I started circling the corral and after gaining some speed, I screamed YEEHAH, goosed his ribs with the heels of my boots, with Tumbleweed and I heading for part of the corral where some people were standing. They suddenly realized we were NOT going in a circle, but headed straight for them, with them scattering like chickens seeing a hawks shadow on the ground. Tumbleweed cleared the corral with ease and was shocked at how easy it could have been for him to escape but being a horse, he'd never thought of it. Called out to Sonny, telling him and everyone else to stand on each side of the road in town and I'd give 'em all a quick show. They started moving.
Well, we're galloping at full speed and some idiot in his car went to pull in front of us...once again, we jumped over it and its 3 passengers who ducked for cover. Down to near the end of the street and I pulled back on the reins while telling Tumbleweed what to do. We came to a skidding stop with his a$$ almost touching the ground, then twirled around and I told him let's show these people what a REAL stallion can do. And off we went full bore once again. The car and passengers saw us coming and couldn't get out of our way fast enough, so we jumped over them again and back to the other side of town to do another quick turn around. By now, we had A LOT of people watching us from both sides of town and as we went down the street, I grabbed the saddle horn, got off the saddle to hit the ground and with the momentum, was back on Tumbleweed, but this time riding backwards. Then before hitting the end of the street, twirled around so I was facing forward, but this time the bullwhip was in my hand. Starting on 1 side of the street, started hitting various wood decorations on the roofs of some of the abandoned buildings, then turned around, doing the other side. Then it was hanging from the side of Tumbleweeds neck, acting like I was shooting a bow and arrow during a buffalo hunt. The last trick was riding on top of the saddle with both feet, reins in my mouth and shooting the last few remaining wood decorations. Headed back to the coral with everyone following after me and I got busy wiping Tumbleweed down after removing all the gear and putting the bullwhip where I had gotten it from. Reminded everyone that this was only PART of what they'd see if they went to Buffalo Bills Wild West show coming to Denver next month. Figured Bill could use the money.
Well, Belloq came up, saying I had put on one h*ll of a show....for a man who should be in his 60's, but appears to be in his 30's. My reply was what can I say...I've doing my best to live a rich and full life like father does. Belloq says oh, really....then why did Sonny call out for you to ride Tumbleweed UNCLE BEN and again, when you did your outstanding equestrian ride thru town?! I turned to Sonny who was a bit white face and started apologizing and trying to cover his mistake up by saying that because I so much looked like Uncle Ben...... That's when Renee said to Sonny that he's never known Sonny to lie and is this where it begins? Sonny looked at me in agony and I said let it slide Sonny. Turned to Belloq and said yes, Renee, it's me. Now go get a horse and while we're going to see Big Mac, school's back in session. Belloq said he couldn't wait for this lesson.
After a bit, the 3 of us headed out of town with Tumbleweed following us, with Sonny and Belloq wondering why he hadn't taken off. Told them that he and I had business elsewhere on our way to Big Macs. Once we were out of town, we came to a fork in the road which was one of the ones I'd take when trading with the Indians. Told them to stay here until I returned and looked at Sonny, saying this should only take 15-20 minutes, just to put your mind at ease. Got off my horse and onto Tumbleweeds bare back and we trotted down this other road until we came to a meadow that was still there. From there, we jumped to a place in Kansas I knew, but about 300 years in the past, when the first of many horses had escaped from exploring Spaniards and had started breeding. It took some minutes for Tumbleweed to come out of what I call the ng, ng, ng stage and when he did, it took him a few more minutes to realize we weren't in that meadow with the surrounding trees, but in wide, open plains which was belly deep in rich, green grass. Gave him a mental image of a herd of mares over the hill but it was being guarded by another stallion. He snorted at that idea of another stallion with those mares with him being around and took off running where that herd was at. I jumped back to Colorado and it's time, then walked back to Sonny and Belloq. Belloq couldn't believe I simply let the horse go like I had and I told him that horse was safe from being captured.
Back on my horse again and that's when I said school's in session. Told them that at one point in my life I was in my late 50's as a teamster, which was true in a way. I was driving a truck at that point in my life and not a team of horses. That I had been caught in a force of nature which was totally unknown at the time and is still unknown how it happened or why it changed me. That as time passed, I became younger as you see me today and simply don't age any more. Belloq couldn't believe this till I showed him my other ability, that of healing so quickly. Borrowed Sonny's knife and with both watching, cut my open palm which bled at first, then the blood simply went back into the wound with the cut healing itself within 2 minutes or less. This when I lied, saying that this is why I wouldn't handle gold with my bare hands as it can actually stop my healing ability. Thing is, I know that gold affects my jumping ability, but so far, haven't found anything that affects my healing ability and believe me, I've handled a lot of things not only on this and other planets, but other planets in other dimensions. They wanted to know how old I was and told them the truth...I simply didn't know. Thing is, there's no way for me to pass my ability onto others such as having children with a woman. I was married once and she died of old age. Imagine being changed like I've been, then watching your wife and children you had before being changed, dying of old age. And your grandchildren, their children, etc., etc. etc. thru the centuries. I said that's why I get upset when I see children and animals being abused and not loved and cared for. That's why I let Tumbleweed go....some can pull a plow, but others must run free or all but physically die.
I said now if you want, I'll just leave or hang around for a day or two and then I'll be on my way once again. But this time, I won't be back as I want to remember you and others as you were, here and now. They wanted me to stay, but told them to make sure they pass the word that I'm Ben's son and NO calling out to me as Uncle Ben for there have been many who don't believe that I haven't found the Fountain of Youth for example and will do ANYTHING to get their hands on me....or on those I care about such as you, including YOUR families. THAT really shook 'em up as they had never considered that angle. Sonny asked if he could tell his dad and said go ahead, he, Lizzie and Margaret will figure it out quick enough, but they also need to be warned about possible future consequences should word get passed around that I'm back in town. They suggested they go ahead of me to let them know to lessen any chance of others, such as their kids, finding out who I actually was and I agreed. So I waited out of sight for 10 minutes while they went to talk to them.
When I walked up to them, both asked the same question: was what they were told, true? I said yes, cut myself again and shocked them when my blood crept back into the wound which quickly healed. They also understood why I really left town. Well, those 2 had 7 kids, 4 boys, 3 girls with me being introduced as Bens son. Of course, Sonny had also told them about my ride thru town, shooting those 3 men and ready to go down on the towns constable. Big Mac said so much for not drawing attention to yourself once you arrived in town.....or is this the way you are in EVERY town? I said no, not EVERY town, okay? They had been making payments to the bank, paying off my former place while also buying or putting claims on abandoned mines for me. His 2 oldest boys were working his other place, while also putting in for homesteads for their own places. When the silver ran out, the town quickly dropped in population. The school was still there, but only had 18 students. The library I had started, was expanded to 3 times its size, with books to read of course, many which I had shipped originally to Lizzie when she was school marm every couple of months. The library was now named after the town which didn't bother me. The Chinese had also left town, though some remained. As for the Indians, many had been moved to reservations, though some (many quite old) refused to go and lived their lives as they had always done.
Spent 6 days total visiting Belloq's, Sonny & Big Macs family. Taught their kids how to make different baskets from reeds, we went fishing with a big fish fry. We talked about some of the places I had seen in the past 20 years, with me telling them about my time in Central and South America, spending time with those formerly known as Aztecs and Incas. They'd never heard of alligators or piranhas, until Belloq mentioned he knew a patient during the War Between The States who had told him about them. Asked about Cortez and his hunt for the city of gold. Really shocked when I told them it was there, but no where near where he thought or was told it was at. And if wondering, it's still there, with I don't know how many tons of gold artifacts that I stashed in secret rooms the original builders had installed. This is not including the SHEETS of gold that adorned more than one wall in that city. Reminded Belloq of the book of roots, herbs, etc. that I had given him many years ago and find out that Sonny went tracking them down and made his own book. I said in that case, I'm glad I made 2 of these, pulling out 2 books with leaves, etc. that I had collected and written about while in South and Central America. Said some of the plants here MAY grow here, but you'd be better off in building a glass hothouse, something I explained to them what I meant. Then pulled some drawings on how to build one.
Sonny and Belloq mentioned the demonstration I'd done in the street so of course, did it again for all 3 families...kids really got a thrill out of it. Helped them make paper kites, along with carving different animals such as giraffes, elephants, alligators, etc. Ended up spending 2 days and nights at each home, gettin' some good home cookin'. I of course, ended up making not only pastries for the ladies, but they got the recipes for them. Eventually it was time for me to say goodbye once and for all, with all of us gathering at Big Macs place for a big lunch. Afterwards, I told the 3 of them let's take a walk and headed for the barn. Once there, I measured out what I was looking for and told them that if they EVER needed money for anything, there were 50, 10 pound gold bars buried 4 feet under the ground. I'd of told you 2 (meaning Belloq and Big Mac) before I left earlier, but I was in a rush to leave town. This should last the 3 of you several generations of going to college if your kids, grandkids, etc. want to or learning a trade. Shook hands with Big Mac and Belloq, but hugged Sonny (who was trying to hold back his tears), telling him I was very happy and proud to be called his uncle. Then walked out the back of the barn as they watched me leave. With no one in sight, I jumped out of there, time wise too.
Chapter 49
Now during my travels, some people remain within me and just gotta satisfy my curiosity on how they did later in life like Big Mac, Sonny, etc. in Colorado. Spent some time with my Laura's, along with seeing how my other enterprises were doing and what other places there were to check out. Once that was done, went 30 years into the future as far as my Colorado time was back then. A lot had changed even in that “brief” bit of time. Started off at that pass where I helped rescue Lizzie, Margaret and others when they got stuck in that snowstorm. Where there were ruts in what used to be the a stagecoach road and access to California or Oregon, it was now pretty much filled with dirt and you could barely see where the ruts were. Then there was the forest growth which was starting to cover it. A few more jumps until I could see the stagecoach station and its barn which was now abandoned, though the stagecoach which had been stored inside was still in good condition considering its age.
I took it with me later on and rented it out for some Hollyweird westerns from time to time and marriages. Yeah, anyone can rent a big, long stretched limo, but how many can brag they were driven to the airport to begin their honeymoon in a genuine stagecoach? As far as Homeland and airport security, I let them deal with the horse apples that got left there from time to time. And yes, a lot of photos and videos were taken by people not only of my stagecoach, but the new bride and groom. As for me, I was dressed up as the driver and unrecognizable. Oh yeah, I also didn't have plates on it either as it would of ruined the authentic look of it. Only ONE of those people got stupid in trying to stand in front of me as if I was going to stop for him? Not in his life time. Thirty feet of bullwhip smacked him on his a$$ and he couldn't jump out of the way fast enough. Of course, I was using my younger horse friends for these honeymoon jaunts, so it was no problem for me to jump us elsewhere when the cops were called on us. And if wondering, they didn't get no apples either. They got time in various parts of the U.S. western desert where there's a lot of female mustangs running free, with more than one mare being brought back to their world.
Another jump or two and could see the outskirts of town below me. Boy, it was so strange seeing basically an empty town. I mean, I saw all of a dozen people or so walking down below me, where before, it was THOUSANDS. Even though “civilization” had crept into west, some people still went around armed with pistols discretely tucked away with no one raising a fuss like they do today. The main drag was still dirt, but it was apparent that many places had long been abandoned, with some of them being torn apart for its milled wood. The Vingt-et-un was gone, having burned to the ground when someone knocked over a oil lamp I was told. The town tried using a bucket brigade to put it out as there was no fire department back in those days. Everyone just got together to help put it out, other wise it could spread with everyone losing their buildings if not the entire town. The jail was still there, though used hardly at all, with some prisoners going to the county jail now via horseless carriage as they were originally called. And yeah, saw a few of those stinky, smelly, noisy things being used while there. Though no sheriff, they had what was now being called a constable. Went into my former store and stock was WAY down from what I had originally in it and yes, telephones were now in more than one business and in some of the more closer farms. Some of the people I had sold my place to, had their kids and even grandkids working the place, though others took off for the lure of the big city lights in Denver. The saloon and my restaurant were still there, though not as busy as it was once was. Thing is, those who bought my place sold it about 10 years after I had left....and it was NOT good and certainly not up to my standards. On a scale of 1 to 10, it was a 2 while my food had been 10's ALL the time once I started running it.
I got everyone's attention when I took that plate, dropped it to the floor where it broke with me saying you can put sugar on a t*rd, but you're still eating sh*t and I am only NOT going to eat it, I'm NOT paying for the food. Tossed a dollar on the table, saying this is for the plate and walked out the door to check the rest of the town out. Stable and blacksmith places were still there and doing business even with those horseless carriages in town. Next thing I know someone's behind me, calling my name but saying Uncle Ben?! Go to turn around, but then I'm grabbed in a kind of bear hug....it was Sonny?! Yeah, the boy had shot up like a rocket and LOOMED over me, being around 6' 3” tall and built more like a timber jack. He let go of me after a bit saying how good it was to see me again and that's when I said you must have me confused with my father as I'm told we bear a remarkable similarity. He apologized for being so familiar with someone he didn't know, but said I was like a pea out of the same pod as my father was. Asked how he was doing and I said he's still a mean and nasty b*stard when he gets riled, but other wise doing very well, with old age not slowing him down a bit. He said yes, he got quite a reputation in the very few years he was here. Then he remembered his manners and introduced himself and I of course, said just call me Ben as that name kind of runs in the family. Thing is, he shook my hand but when he went to put his other hand on top of mine, saying he was that glad to meet “Bens son”. Problem was, he was married, which meant a gold ring, so I jerked my hand out REAL quick, saying I was sorry but my hand is a bit tender right now. That's when he says he's a doctor and if I want, he'd take a look at it.
Next thing I know is someone's shouting get over here you son of a b*tch and pay for the food you ordered and then we're goin' teach you some manners. He had a double barrel 12 gauge shotgun in his hands and behind him were 2 other men with clubs in theirs about 75 to 100 feet away. Didn't even think about it as old habits die hard. Shoved Sonny to the side with me stepping in front of him, drew my .45 and shot that man in the shoulder, quickly followed by the other 2 getting shot in theirs. Then I'm quickly scanning the street for anyone else who “wanted to teach me a lesson”, while pulling my other .45 out and ready to go. Of course, there were a few people who ran away screaming, calling for the constable, but the smart ones? They were the older ones and simply dropped to the ground wherever they were at. The constable came running, wanting to know about the gunshots which gave me enough time to reload my pistol. Thing is, when he saw me putting mine away, he thought he'd control the situation by pulling his out and telling me to disarm myself. It don't work that way with me. Idiot had it in a holster with a flap and he was fumbling to get the flap open when suddenly he realized I had mine out and pointed at him! Told him he had a choice of livin' or dyin'. Keep trying to get your pistol out and you get one between the eyes because I can't miss at this range. He decided to leave his pistol where it was at. Then Sonny and other people started telling him what had happened with the constable having no choice in accepting the fact this was a clear case of defense. And didn't say a word when I walked over to take the shotgun, saying finders, keepers. However, he didn't like the fact that I'd drawn on him and simply didn't roll over and do as he said. After all this was said and done, Sonny got busy working on the 3 I shot and right after that, Belloq shows up to help! I'm in the waiting room as Sonny said I had to while he worked on the 3 men.
When Belloq saw me, he asked is that you Ben? And without thinking, I said how how ya doin' Johnny Reb? He went kind of white face and that's when I realized what I had said, so I explained that's what Dad used to call him from time to time while Belloq had called Dad a blue belly. Once again, been a long time since I talked about myself in the third person, you know, being my own son. He seemed to accept my explanation and went to help Sonny. Sonny had decided to become a doctor, going to what's now known as the Perelman school of medicine, commonly known as Penn Med in the University City section of Philadelphia. It was founded in 1765 and is the oldest medical school in the United States. It was founded by Dr. John Morgan, graduate of the College of Philadelphia (which was the precursor of the University of Pennsylvania) and the University of Edinburgh medical school. After training in Edinburgh and other European cities, he returned to Philadelphia in 1765. With fellow University of Edinburgh medical school graduate, Dr. William Shippen Jr., John persuaded the college trustee to found the first medical school in the original 13 colonies. Wanna guess who was on that board of trustees? Now I'm sure you're wondering what's with the different name? In 2011, the school was bribed, plain and simple for the name change. It was changed when the school received a $225 million “gift” by Raymond and Ruth Perelman. It remains the largest “donation” ever made for naming rights to a medical school. And people call me evil, wicked, etc.? Apparently if the money is there, people do not care. It was there that Sonny met his future wife, Alicia Christian Foster. Her parents were happy she was marrying a doctor, but not at the idea of living out west where “Indians scalped people all the time.” After getting his medical degree, they moved back here and already had 5 children....4 boys and a girl. He and Belloq ended up moving from Belloq's original office to a larger one, sharing the towns practice. Of course, the older people went to Belloq as he'd been treating them for a number of years, while the younger ones went to Sonny.
After treating those 3 I had shot, we escorted them to jail, then off to Belloq's place to meet his wife and their youngest daughter who was all of 17 and pretty as all get out. I caught her looking at me in that way and I looked right back at her the same way. Introduced to them by Belloq as Ben's son, with Margaret (his wife) saying this one doesn't seem to have fallen far from the tree. Think she caught the looks between her daughter and I. They had 2 boys, one back east studying to become a doctor, the other in California studying to be a lawyer. After talking a bit, with the promise of coming back to talk more, off to see Sonny, his wife and their kids. Stayed longer with them and then it was time to see Big Mac with Sonny following me outside. This is when he said he KNEW I was Uncle Ben and NOT his son for several reasons. I said, Sonny, more than one person has mistaken me for my dad and that's when he said no more please. When you shoved me out of the way, you stood in front of me to protect me from possibly getting shot by that shotgun. That's something Uncle Ben would do without hesitation. When you pulled your gun out and shot those 3, it was just like your shooting those 3 in the Vingt-et-un and then pulling out your second pistol, ready to shoot anyone else if need be. Not many people go around armed these days and here you are with not only 2 pistols but with a gun belt for them. Others, if they carry, it's usually tucked to one side of their pants or maybe a shoulder holster. The other is you're wearing clothes 30 years out of style and in the same clothes the last time I saw you when you were leaving town to see dad and make your goodbyes to him. I called out to you, but apparently you didn't hear me and figured I'd see you when I got home that evening.
And let's not forget you're still carrying your cane and that bowler hat that you once sat on and never could get the crease out of. Boy, were you mad when you did that and got even madder while we both laughed at you. And how you jerked your hand away when my GOLD wedding ring would of touched you. So if you're NOT my Uncle Ben, I not only want you to say so, but also tell me you don't love me. Thing is, I didn't see a 37 year old married man with kids in front of me, but a 7 year old boy curled up on some hay in a barn and slowly dying because of his appendix. Worse yet, one who had no family until Big Mac and I took him in. And one who'd be crushed by me lying to him. I said sh*t, yeah boy, it's your Uncle Ben and with that, he really grabbed and started hugging me, crying that he was so glad I had come back. When he finally let go of me, I said let's go see your dad and rent some horses because I don't feel like walking. Well, he had a pair of horses that he and Alicia used with their wagon. I slyly looked at him, asking if he went on picnics with her from time to time with Belloq's wife watching watching their kids and his face turned red. Surprised me when he said he still had that picnic basket that he and dad had made so long ago. I told him to make sure he teaches his kids how to do this, along with the stuff the various Indians had taught him. He said he had, along with other things we had taught him.
Get to the stable and Sonny gets busy saddling their 2 horses and I get to looking at a stallion in a coral. Find looking animal, walked over to it to take a better look at it. I mean, it's been at least 20 years so since being around one. As I got closer to the coral, the hostler tells me to be careful as Tumbleweed was a sneaky son of a b*tch. Acting all nice and calm, coming over to someone like he wants to be petted...then try to bite the h*ll outta ya. But then was told NO ONE'S not only been able to break him, he's crippled 3 men by stomping on them. And that's not counting the others with broken legs, arms, etc. and those he's bit. Asked what was he going to do with Tumbleweed and was told that Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show was coming to Denver, along with a rodeo in just over a month. He'd sell Tumbleweed to the rodeo and should get $1,000 for him, him being so ornery and mean like he is as there's not a man alive who can stay on him. I said oh, really?
I said any horse can be broke, but then it's about as useful as plowing a field or pulling some ladies carriage. How about you and I come to an agreement and of course, he wanted to know what kind. I said I'll give you $2,000 for Tumbleweed right here and now, BUT when I'm done with him and him being docile, not only do I get my $2,000 back, I keep Tumbleweed free and clear. Sucker....the hostler took the bet right off the bat, but insisted on having money in hand before we went any further. Swapped wallets by jumping them while my hand was inside my coat and paid the man. This was when Sonny came walking up, asking if I was ready to see his dad and mom. I said not yet, I'm getting ready to get me a free horse. The hostler laughed and then started calling out to passing people of the wager we had made. With more than one knowing what kind of horse Tumbleweed was, of course they came over. And as for Sonny, he not only never doubted me when I explained everything, but smiled while taking every bet against me!
Go walking up to Tumbleweed and he's looking very quiet and peaceful, but caught some of his thoughts as in goody, another one to bite. That is, until he saw me picking up a saddle, blanket and other gear to ride him with. I could “see” the joy he was going to have in stomping another one of those, those meaning someone who'd be stupid enough to try and ride him. Well, I dropped everything not far from the coral and called out to saying he was such a nice looking horse and I'm sure he' like to go for a ride, while making coaxing sounds to him. One thing he didn't expect was me jumping an apple while my hand was in my coat and tossing it to him. He gobbled it up quickly, but thoughts of biting and stomping me into the ground were still paramount no matter how many apples he might get from me. Then I standing next to the corral when he comes up to me and of course, his thought was REAL basic: BITE! NOW! But I was ready and when he went to bite me, using my martial arts experience from Bruce (Lee), I simply turned a bit so his head and neck were next to and over my left shoulder. What he DIDN'T expect was getting socked on his jaw! Along with this, he also bit his tongue a little bit. Suddenly, he couldn't get away fast enough from me. This is when I put the saddle, etc. on the corral post, removing the lasso from it and climbed into the corral. Tumbleweed was quite happy to see me doing this because he was thinking stomp, stomp, stomp once I got thrown. Roped him with no trouble and after tying the rope to the post in the center of the corral, got the saddle and other gear. Put my coat over his head to cover his eyes and he was quite docile accepting this as he knew what was coming next and quite ready to deal with me once I was in the saddle. Lasso removed, then my jacket which I tossed onto the center pole and we were off and running so to speak. My bowler hat was the first thing to go flying off.
Now Tumbleweed had all sorts of tricks to throw a rider, thing is I'd KNOW what he was going to try next, including smashing the side of his body against the corral with him figurin' on bustin' one of my legs against it. Then it was him actually dropping to the ground like they'd roll in the dirt and dust, once again, figurin' on crushin' me beneath him. When you've ridden a dragon or 2, a horse is A LOT easier to deal with.
He jumped, skipped, hopped, rolled, trying every trick he knew of from previous attempts of riders for about 15 to 20 minutes before finally giving up, all covered in sweat and shaking in defeat. Rode him while still inside the corral where Sonny and the hostler were standing and getting a used feed sack to wipe Tumbleweed down. While doing that, told the hostler to give my boy my $2,000 and he did NOT like this at all. Saying he didn't know I was a professional bronk buster and I said not my fault you didn't ask is it? Well, he wasn't about to give my money back to him until 2 things happened. First was I put my hand on one of my pistols and said I already shot 3 men today....care to be the 4th? Suddenly he realized who he had been dealing with and at this time the constable Vincent Markowski came walking up, with me quickly turning to face him just in case he decided to side with the hostler who went by the name of Joe Marko. Vincent says whoa, whoa, my hands are clear of my pistol and they were. He turned to Joe, saying he saw everything and had asked what was going on. Now Joe, you made a bet and you owe this man his money back. Period. Well, Joe grumbled and I got my money back, giving it to Sonny to hold for me along with the bill of sale for Tumbleweed.
I said Joe, you were such an easy sucker in not only getting a good horse for free, but getting my money back. Now some people can ride, some can break horses, but there are very few people like me because we're called Horse Whisperers who have the natural ability not only to talk to, but with horses. Joe said he'd NEVER heard of such bullsh*t and I asked him if he and any others around here would care to make a friendly wager where I proved what I was saying was true? There were no takers. I walked to the corral where Tumbleweed was standing and then faced Vincent, Joe and Sonny, saying my hands in front of me, so there's no way I can give him any kind of physical commands, correct? Now I had about 3 dozen or so people who had seen me ride Tumbleweed and were shocked when I called out to him to get my jacket which was on the pole in the center of the corral and laid it on my left shoulder. Of course, I had also told him this mentally, then he got and put my hat in my hand. Then I saw it...a bullwhip was close to 40 feet long and with that, got back into the corral with Tumbleweed and back into the saddle. I said folks, if you have the chance to go see Buffalo Bills Wild West Show, it's a hell of a show for a good price and this is some of the things you'll see there. With that, Tumbleweed and I started circling the corral and after gaining some speed, I screamed YEEHAH, goosed his ribs with the heels of my boots, with Tumbleweed and I heading for part of the corral where some people were standing. They suddenly realized we were NOT going in a circle, but headed straight for them, with them scattering like chickens seeing a hawks shadow on the ground. Tumbleweed cleared the corral with ease and was shocked at how easy it could have been for him to escape but being a horse, he'd never thought of it. Called out to Sonny, telling him and everyone else to stand on each side of the road in town and I'd give 'em all a quick show. They started moving.
Well, we're galloping at full speed and some idiot in his car went to pull in front of us...once again, we jumped over it and its 3 passengers who ducked for cover. Down to near the end of the street and I pulled back on the reins while telling Tumbleweed what to do. We came to a skidding stop with his a$$ almost touching the ground, then twirled around and I told him let's show these people what a REAL stallion can do. And off we went full bore once again. The car and passengers saw us coming and couldn't get out of our way fast enough, so we jumped over them again and back to the other side of town to do another quick turn around. By now, we had A LOT of people watching us from both sides of town and as we went down the street, I grabbed the saddle horn, got off the saddle to hit the ground and with the momentum, was back on Tumbleweed, but this time riding backwards. Then before hitting the end of the street, twirled around so I was facing forward, but this time the bullwhip was in my hand. Starting on 1 side of the street, started hitting various wood decorations on the roofs of some of the abandoned buildings, then turned around, doing the other side. Then it was hanging from the side of Tumbleweeds neck, acting like I was shooting a bow and arrow during a buffalo hunt. The last trick was riding on top of the saddle with both feet, reins in my mouth and shooting the last few remaining wood decorations. Headed back to the coral with everyone following after me and I got busy wiping Tumbleweed down after removing all the gear and putting the bullwhip where I had gotten it from. Reminded everyone that this was only PART of what they'd see if they went to Buffalo Bills Wild West show coming to Denver next month. Figured Bill could use the money.
Well, Belloq came up, saying I had put on one h*ll of a show....for a man who should be in his 60's, but appears to be in his 30's. My reply was what can I say...I've doing my best to live a rich and full life like father does. Belloq says oh, really....then why did Sonny call out for you to ride Tumbleweed UNCLE BEN and again, when you did your outstanding equestrian ride thru town?! I turned to Sonny who was a bit white face and started apologizing and trying to cover his mistake up by saying that because I so much looked like Uncle Ben...... That's when Renee said to Sonny that he's never known Sonny to lie and is this where it begins? Sonny looked at me in agony and I said let it slide Sonny. Turned to Belloq and said yes, Renee, it's me. Now go get a horse and while we're going to see Big Mac, school's back in session. Belloq said he couldn't wait for this lesson.
After a bit, the 3 of us headed out of town with Tumbleweed following us, with Sonny and Belloq wondering why he hadn't taken off. Told them that he and I had business elsewhere on our way to Big Macs. Once we were out of town, we came to a fork in the road which was one of the ones I'd take when trading with the Indians. Told them to stay here until I returned and looked at Sonny, saying this should only take 15-20 minutes, just to put your mind at ease. Got off my horse and onto Tumbleweeds bare back and we trotted down this other road until we came to a meadow that was still there. From there, we jumped to a place in Kansas I knew, but about 300 years in the past, when the first of many horses had escaped from exploring Spaniards and had started breeding. It took some minutes for Tumbleweed to come out of what I call the ng, ng, ng stage and when he did, it took him a few more minutes to realize we weren't in that meadow with the surrounding trees, but in wide, open plains which was belly deep in rich, green grass. Gave him a mental image of a herd of mares over the hill but it was being guarded by another stallion. He snorted at that idea of another stallion with those mares with him being around and took off running where that herd was at. I jumped back to Colorado and it's time, then walked back to Sonny and Belloq. Belloq couldn't believe I simply let the horse go like I had and I told him that horse was safe from being captured.
Back on my horse again and that's when I said school's in session. Told them that at one point in my life I was in my late 50's as a teamster, which was true in a way. I was driving a truck at that point in my life and not a team of horses. That I had been caught in a force of nature which was totally unknown at the time and is still unknown how it happened or why it changed me. That as time passed, I became younger as you see me today and simply don't age any more. Belloq couldn't believe this till I showed him my other ability, that of healing so quickly. Borrowed Sonny's knife and with both watching, cut my open palm which bled at first, then the blood simply went back into the wound with the cut healing itself within 2 minutes or less. This when I lied, saying that this is why I wouldn't handle gold with my bare hands as it can actually stop my healing ability. Thing is, I know that gold affects my jumping ability, but so far, haven't found anything that affects my healing ability and believe me, I've handled a lot of things not only on this and other planets, but other planets in other dimensions. They wanted to know how old I was and told them the truth...I simply didn't know. Thing is, there's no way for me to pass my ability onto others such as having children with a woman. I was married once and she died of old age. Imagine being changed like I've been, then watching your wife and children you had before being changed, dying of old age. And your grandchildren, their children, etc., etc. etc. thru the centuries. I said that's why I get upset when I see children and animals being abused and not loved and cared for. That's why I let Tumbleweed go....some can pull a plow, but others must run free or all but physically die.
I said now if you want, I'll just leave or hang around for a day or two and then I'll be on my way once again. But this time, I won't be back as I want to remember you and others as you were, here and now. They wanted me to stay, but told them to make sure they pass the word that I'm Ben's son and NO calling out to me as Uncle Ben for there have been many who don't believe that I haven't found the Fountain of Youth for example and will do ANYTHING to get their hands on me....or on those I care about such as you, including YOUR families. THAT really shook 'em up as they had never considered that angle. Sonny asked if he could tell his dad and said go ahead, he, Lizzie and Margaret will figure it out quick enough, but they also need to be warned about possible future consequences should word get passed around that I'm back in town. They suggested they go ahead of me to let them know to lessen any chance of others, such as their kids, finding out who I actually was and I agreed. So I waited out of sight for 10 minutes while they went to talk to them.
When I walked up to them, both asked the same question: was what they were told, true? I said yes, cut myself again and shocked them when my blood crept back into the wound which quickly healed. They also understood why I really left town. Well, those 2 had 7 kids, 4 boys, 3 girls with me being introduced as Bens son. Of course, Sonny had also told them about my ride thru town, shooting those 3 men and ready to go down on the towns constable. Big Mac said so much for not drawing attention to yourself once you arrived in town.....or is this the way you are in EVERY town? I said no, not EVERY town, okay? They had been making payments to the bank, paying off my former place while also buying or putting claims on abandoned mines for me. His 2 oldest boys were working his other place, while also putting in for homesteads for their own places. When the silver ran out, the town quickly dropped in population. The school was still there, but only had 18 students. The library I had started, was expanded to 3 times its size, with books to read of course, many which I had shipped originally to Lizzie when she was school marm every couple of months. The library was now named after the town which didn't bother me. The Chinese had also left town, though some remained. As for the Indians, many had been moved to reservations, though some (many quite old) refused to go and lived their lives as they had always done.
Spent 6 days total visiting Belloq's, Sonny & Big Macs family. Taught their kids how to make different baskets from reeds, we went fishing with a big fish fry. We talked about some of the places I had seen in the past 20 years, with me telling them about my time in Central and South America, spending time with those formerly known as Aztecs and Incas. They'd never heard of alligators or piranhas, until Belloq mentioned he knew a patient during the War Between The States who had told him about them. Asked about Cortez and his hunt for the city of gold. Really shocked when I told them it was there, but no where near where he thought or was told it was at. And if wondering, it's still there, with I don't know how many tons of gold artifacts that I stashed in secret rooms the original builders had installed. This is not including the SHEETS of gold that adorned more than one wall in that city. Reminded Belloq of the book of roots, herbs, etc. that I had given him many years ago and find out that Sonny went tracking them down and made his own book. I said in that case, I'm glad I made 2 of these, pulling out 2 books with leaves, etc. that I had collected and written about while in South and Central America. Said some of the plants here MAY grow here, but you'd be better off in building a glass hothouse, something I explained to them what I meant. Then pulled some drawings on how to build one.
Sonny and Belloq mentioned the demonstration I'd done in the street so of course, did it again for all 3 families...kids really got a thrill out of it. Helped them make paper kites, along with carving different animals such as giraffes, elephants, alligators, etc. Ended up spending 2 days and nights at each home, gettin' some good home cookin'. I of course, ended up making not only pastries for the ladies, but they got the recipes for them. Eventually it was time for me to say goodbye once and for all, with all of us gathering at Big Macs place for a big lunch. Afterwards, I told the 3 of them let's take a walk and headed for the barn. Once there, I measured out what I was looking for and told them that if they EVER needed money for anything, there were 50, 10 pound gold bars buried 4 feet under the ground. I'd of told you 2 (meaning Belloq and Big Mac) before I left earlier, but I was in a rush to leave town. This should last the 3 of you several generations of going to college if your kids, grandkids, etc. want to or learning a trade. Shook hands with Big Mac and Belloq, but hugged Sonny (who was trying to hold back his tears), telling him I was very happy and proud to be called his uncle. Then walked out the back of the barn as they watched me leave. With no one in sight, I jumped out of there, time wise too.