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Posted on September 21, 2019 by Stephen James - Author
Isn't it unusual how human beings congregate together through habit and in different social environments, chattering and listening at the same time? They share their stories, both brief and epic in differing layers of intimacy, all dependent upon how well they know the individual in question. The surroundings have little impact on the quantity of divulgence. Sure as sunset, our mood can influence it. At work, it can become quite deep if the acquaintance has been elevated to friend status. Exaggerations have to be filtered or diluted down. Facts are sometimes difficult little creatures for individuals to keep aligned in their mind's drawer. Occasions when these tend to elevate are when one person is trying to impress a member of the opposite sex. Yes, it is a world of listening, speaking, sharing, believing and disbelieving, which can be at anytime, anywhere and anybody.
Such as this place…
An icy chill had lowered its unwelcome presence at Unwark, Newhaven, on the eastern coastline of the United States. The suburb, nestled about eleven miles out of town, was connected via a splendid grid of bus routes dotted with stops. The vehicles, which ferried the commuters with magnificent punctuality into downtown Newhaven, ran practically non-stop. Newhaven's substantial population boom, after the discovery of copper at nearby Old Soak Town, had forced its urban sprawl back in the 1940s. Unwark was one of these newer regions, the rest of the city dates back to the 1600s. On this particular day, it was 7:35 am and it was the end of January, therefore, the tail-end of winter was still wagging. The year was 1989. At bus stop number 19, on the corner of Cypress Street and Anglerfish Road, Mrs Alton, a rather large woman of fifty well-worn years, was in full flight with Mrs Dingleworth. Agnes Alton had a mouth on her like a conveyer-belt. It just never stopped. Finally, she paused for some air…
"Oh, I couldn't agree more," said Mrs Dingleworth in false agreement, having only been able to process about thirty per cent of Agnes's Gatling-gun onslaught. She needed to change the subject. "Did I mention my next-door neighbour's oddity to you?"
"No. Oh, do go on!"
"Well, they don't usually argue as a rule. Not audibly anyway I mean. But the other day I heard him say quite loudly, that if she didn't stop visiting the Witch's Society; a club of silly girls who dress up and sit around casting spells on each other, then he would…"
"Would, would, would… what?"
"He said he would kill her!" She grabbed Agnes for dramatic effect, then giggled to defuse her acquaintance's startle. "I think he suspects she's up to no good and he is just laying down the law. I think they are actually a very loving couple."
Several other passengers were nearby. Some listening, others oblivious to anything outside of their newspapers. Two children were bouncing a basketball non-stop from 7:03 am, which was when they arrived. A hiss of brakes interrupted their conversation. This was Joan Dingleworth's ticket to peace and quiet. A latecomer dashed through the melting snow. It was as if the hurry-music in his head had suddenly started. Agnes waved goodbye, unfulfilled by only the story's bait, and wanting the meaty details; hers was the next bus to Lilydale. The two children did not board either, ergo Agnes would have to endure the confounded thumping of the ball a while longer. Before her bus arrived, a gaggle of four teenage girls wearing school uniforms converged under the roof of stop 19. They were all chewing gum and speaking three at a time in very high-pitched tones, with one alternating listener. Agnes grew even more impatient, deciding to take on the chilly air outside as a way to avoid the ruckus. She only appreciated the sound of her own vocal cords. Her friend, Vera Kennedy, whose closest companion was a small Yorkshire Terrier called Bunty, approached with a wind-assisted walk. Bunty, as usual, was scampering out front at the end of his retractable leash. Boston born Vera resplendently rounded her vowels with Royal Family aplomb and was always overdressed for any occasion. She held her hand out ready to shake way before her arrival.
"Hello Agnes, honey," she said on the hover, observing Mrs Alton's lips on the verge of opening. "I can't stop this morning. Meeting my new man for breakfast at Clarissa's Pop 'n' Stop. He's devilishly handsome and thinks I am wonderful. Can't believe my luck." She withdrew her leather glove and blew a kiss at her friend. "Ta-ta!"
"Have fun now," replied Agnes, flicking an unimaginative wave out of jealousy.
At last the bus arrived and the bouncing ceased its monotonous rhythm.
The following Monday morning at the bus shelter, the 8:00 am commuting crowd was building toward double figures. Mrs Alton, who was busily fussing with her umbrella in expectancy of drizzle, overheard Mr Ballinger saying something to Mr Czernovski. It went like this. "Tell you what, Czernovski, did you see on the Sunday night news? That bloke from the east side of the city did his wife in with a carving knife. Tried to tell the cops it was an accident! Yeah, six accidents in a row… all around her heart!"
"Wow! that is stifling. It reminds me," interrupted Agnes Alton, who was catching the later bus this morning, "you should have been here last week. I was speaking to a woman who had just heard her next-door neighbour threaten to kill his wife because she's a witch."
"A witch did you say? I don't believe we've met," said Ballinger offering his hand, "Carl is my name, Carl Ballinger and this is Jake Czernovski."
"Yes indeed. "Death will soon be upon you!" he'd threatened. I got it straight from the horse's mouth. An honest woman that Joan Dingleworth — straight as an arrow! My name is Agnes, but you can call me Mrs Alton. We are not on first names yet young man!"
Rotund Jake rubbed his red beard. "Oh, good golly, you can't go around believing everything you hear Mrs Alton. People do tend to exaggerate things at times. Ballinger here is a policeman. Just ask him about some of the mountains he's seen made out of molehills—"
She turned on him like a thunder cloud…
"Well, how rude! If you don't mind," cutting Czernovski short, and withdrawing her hand with a huff, "we have only just met and already you have rubbed me up the wrong way. Excuse me!" Agnes stepped forward, relieving herself of their company.
Ballinger hunkered in alongside the busybody, politely coughing her attention. "Please accept an apology on behalf of my friend and I. All Jake meant was that the Newhaven PD cannot go around investigating every single rumour that gets tossed around." He was a fraction behind her peripheral vision and giving his friend a wink. "I do believe your friend's concern is possibly a correct one. Say, why don't you take my card and keep in touch if anything else arises from this? There are two numbers, one is my private home number and the other will get me at the station." Carl offered Agnes the plain but clear piece of cardboard.
"Alright, I shall accept your apology Officer Ballinger, and your card."
At that precise moment the bus skidded to a halt and the bifold doors opened with a hiss, but nobody alighted. A small group, including the three, squeezed onboard. It was standing room only. Czernovski and Ballinger had the displeasure of listening to Mrs Alton's complaints about the rudeness of the younger generation of today, as well as a laboriously detailed account of her version of Mrs Dingleworth's little tale, all the way into Lilydale. Beside them, another middle-aged woman with bright purple hair was challenging her for the airwaves with her longwinded account of her husband's wicked ways. Her booming voice drowned Agnes's. Finally, before she parted at the mall, the purple-haired lady's last few words went…
"This is an amazing admission of mine, but please, don't whatever you do, tell so and so…"
An excited Mrs Alton hurried to the bus stop early the next morning. Her nosey head bobbing about, filtering the passing crowd, in search of the remotest acquaintance who may be catching the same bus as she. One by one, the murmuring crowd began to swell. Agnes burst into full verbal action with Eric Standwater whose three, of four, pet goldfish had mysteriously passed away in the night. She had a remedy for the prevention of a similar fate for the sole remaining one. In a blink, the crowd thinned when the bus to the bay pulled up, delivering four African American college students, and whisking away most of the gathered commuters. Eric, being one of them. Agnes grew impatient in the brisk wind that had begun to swirl the gently dropping snow. She was hoping to receive an update from her bus-shelter friend, but Mrs Dingleworth was nowhere to be seen. The busybody's head flick-flacked back and forth like a sideshow alley clown, checking the pavement. What if the brute next door had gone on a rampage and killed her?
Minutes later, those four annoying teenage schoolgirls, who cared precious little for peace and quiet, engulfed the little building in their daily squawking. Mrs Alton hated their routine hair twirling and gum chewing, not to mention how sick her ears were of listening to their boy problems. She took refuge on the other side where, at last, the familiar figure of Joan Dingleworth was approaching in full stride. Before Joan was even in earshot, Agnes began her broadside of questions about the killer. Joan knew they would be coming, she waved excitedly with her free hand, clasping a raincoat with the other. Both women's voices met within metres — soon entwining in a venturous hen hackle. As it thinned to a respectable alternating Spanish Inquisition, stimulated by the very mention of the words "murder" and "close-by", the accumulating crowd encircled both women.
"So, has it gotten worse since we last met?" asked Agnes, making sure they could all hear.
"Let me simply put it this way for you to decide. There I was, nonchalantly pruning my border gardens, as one does at this time of year, when I heard his voice as clear as the Liberty Bell, roughly saying; "Your shenanigans and crafty witchcraft ways do not fool me. We have a serious problem here and I need you to make up your mind how we deal with it. Without attention, unfortunately Evanora, a hasty death seems imminent!" That is her name. Evanora then replied; "Tomorrow I am visiting Jadis, Locasta, Theodora and Medea. I have to, Seth…" those are her crazy friends with witch's names. Her husband is Seth. Then she said; "…because it is our one and only shot at a full moon." He cut her off with a raised voice and said; "Make up your mind what is more important, but let me warn you, the days are numbered!" I was right next to the fence. It was loud and clear, Agnes."
"Oh my gosh! What should we do?"
"Well, I for one am not going to personally interfere."
"Have you called the police?"
"No. I wasn't quite sure if I should. Nothing's happened yet. Only talk. Do you think they would do something?"
Agnes assumed control. "Well, I have already informed an officer. He took me very seriously, even gave me a card with his personal home phone number on it!"
Joan grinned. "Perhaps he's interested in a liaison. You know, of the personal kind."
Agnes needed more sizzle on her plate. "Nonsense, but either way, we should get together socially. We have so much in common. I too like to garden in my spare time. Let me offer you my phone number and address. I can take yours down as well." Mrs Alton rummaged around in her handbag for a pen and paper. "I am in Cypress Street at number 41."
"Really, well my house is in Anglerfish Road at number 668. I am surrounded by trees. Evanora, the witch, lives at number 666. Kind of spooky. Don't you think?"
Right at that very moment, Vera Kennedy was making a beeline for the packed pavement. Yorkshire Terrier Bunty's fully extended lead had her in a water-skier tow. Mrs Kennedy had decided it was 'sable day' today, therefore, at this precise second she had the chance to flaunt her fur. Bunty found the centre of the group, pulling Vera shoulder to shoulder with Agnes. "Good morning fellow Unwarkians!" she trumpeted, ceasing the conversation in a twirl. "What's the skulduggery today then?" The sable stole slipped a fraction.
"Off for another date are we, Vera?" snapped Mrs Alton, hating to be upstaged.
"Yes, but not till five past eight. He's scrumptious — like melting chocolate, and simply can't get enough of me!" She flicked the stole's end back over her shoulder. "Oh, c'mon girls, I'm early… do fill me in on the latest goss."
Another bus arrived, whisking away the satisfied crowd, and leaving the three extroverts to their exchanges. Agnes allowed Joan the privilege of divulging the story while she patted Bunty. This was rewarded with a detailed exchange of her latest conquest's generosity, which more than made up for his awkward habit of displaying affection in public places. Vera rolled back her sleeve, revealing a stunning heart-shaped Omega.
"Latest present! Goodness me, see how it flies when you're with good company. Must get a wiggle on, Roger will be as antsy as a blindfolded tightrope walker. One mustn't keep a love-hungry pet unfed! Ta-ta." She tugged Bunty from his pat and pranced toward Clarissa's Pop 'n' Stop.
Joan Dingleworth watched her disappear around the street corner, envious of her trim figure and ignoring Agnes's rude remarks. At last, their bus arrived just as a light blanket of snow began to settle. An uncharacteristically late Jake Czernovski had to grasp the top of his hat as he ran to catch the city-bound bus. His belly wobbling with each stride. His red beard held stiff in the breeze.
After a long day's work for the law firm she had been with for sixteen years, Mrs Alton eventually put her feet up at her home in Cypress Street. In her hand was a well-earned cup of tea. On her knee was her favourite women's magazine. Beside her lay her Persian cat, Bartholomew. She had all but forgotten about the morning's dramatics.
Until the telephone rang…
The bumptious know-all seized the handset from its rotary dialling cradle. "Yes hello, Agnes Alton here. Who may I ask is speaking?"
The voice from the other end came, "Agnes, it is me, Joan Dingleworth!"
"This is earlier than I expected, Joan. I am a little tired this evening—"
Joan interjected, "I had to call you. Moments ago, I was watering over by the fence and I heard him on the telephone. It's happened!"
"The murder! I distinctly heard Seth saying; "I've got her body in a bag. Hurry up and get home, will you? I want to make sure we dispose of it properly!" Joan was overwhelmed with excitement. "I don't know who he was talking to or who has been killed but I heard it as clear as crystal."
"Stay put Joan and don't panic. I shall call Officer Ballinger immediately. He told me he lives close by. Do not go over there. Do you hear me!"
"No, of course not. I'm not that silly. Please hurry!"
Agnes practically dialled the numbers off her old-fashioned phone. She heard Carl Ballinger's voice. He was in his pyjamas watching television.
"I told you, Officer Ballinger!" she squawked, offering a highlighted rendition of her friend's eavesdropping. It finished, "… now you must come at once, Joan is very concerned for her own safety. I must be there to comfort her. Can you pick me up on the way through?" She gave him her address and no alternative. "I'll be waiting out front."
"Call that other number on my card, Mrs Alton, it will get straight through to my colleagues," he stressed. "Relay your message and tell them we've spoken. I must have some backup. I'm on my way!" Carl pulled on a pair of trousers straight over the top of his pyjamas and wrestled on a shirt, boots without socks, and a departmental storm jacket. He had no time to lose. Being a beat walker, the concerned policeman had to use his own car.
Feeling as though she was a very important link in the chain of events, meddler Agnes Alton made the two calls. One telling the police to hurry along to 666 Anglerfish Road, the other to Mrs Dingleworth, letting her know she'd taken care of matters. Minutes later, after locking Bartholomew safely in her orchid house next to the garage, she stood freezing outside under the streetlight. Hurrying to the epoch-making event, off-duty Ballinger whisked her away; the gloomy chill-filled darkness of nightfall seemed to be following them to the crime scene. They pulled up in front of number 668 Anglerfish, shrouded by a row of kerbside hedge maples. Observant Carl saw Joan behind the front door — security chain in place. He tiptoed in front of her, close by the porch. Her fingers were protruding between the gap, and wiggling about, pointing to her neighbour. She began to utter a few words, but he hushed her with his forefinger to his lips as his footprints marked her snowy front lawn. Ballinger's senses heightened with each step, eyes scanning — ears pricked — nose drawing deep smooth breaths. The neighbourhood lay in silent wait. With identity badge firmly clasped, he climbed the five wooden steps completely mindful of the horrific danger that may be lying behind that front door. He knocked firmly. "Anyone home? Hello, is there anybody inside?"
Nothing but the wind in the trees. Carl looked to the street which fed from the main road for his backup patrol car. There were no saving headlights, he had to go alone. He knocked stridently once more. "Open up, this is the police!"
But again, there was no answer. He increased the strike. Still no answer…
Was he too late?
Suddenly, his peripheral vision noticed a pair of headlights turning into the street at the same time as the door slowly opened a fraction. There was no wailing siren.
"Yes," muttered a young man, holding firmly onto the timber casing. His eyes, with episodic blinks, looked to be hiding some strange emotions. "What can I do for you, officer?"
Carl was feeling the tension, but he didn't show it. Every nerve in his body seemed like a strained harp-string ready to snap at a touch. "You must permit me to enter. I have a well-informed reason to believe—"
His announcement was interrupted by the car swerving into the driveway. Behind the steering wheel sat a woman. She hastily opened her car door. Evanora climbed out still wearing her witch's outfit, tall pointed hat in her hand. "What is going on, Seth? Why is this man here?"
"Hold your position miss!" ordered Ballinger, bewildered by her ridiculous attire and forcing his way past. "I am the police and it is imperative that I search your residence!" Seth allowed entry.
Once inside, he immediately threw a comprehensive search around the entire space — lips pressed firmly together assisting his concentration. Each detail of the room's characteristics was being mentally recorded. When Seth attempted to speak, the edgy policeman held up his palm to hush his words. It didn't take very long for the seasoned beat cop's keen eyes to spot the large, well-stuffed, black, plastic bag that was partially screened behind the couch. Evanora had ignored his warning and followed him into the poorly lit lounge room. A nasty odour permeated throughout the smallish house. The pressure-cooker situation pressed heavily on the shoulders of the witch and the killer. Carl approached the motionless lump as a lion stalks its prey. The young couple fell silent, hands squeezing from uncertainty and not quite knowing how to deal with the situation, as the drama unfolded. They looked at one another with a lugubrious wash across both of their faces. He knelt beside the smooth curvy mound. Then placed his hand on its cold outline…
Ballinger's steely glare burned its way towards the nervous couple's embrace. "I suppose you are going to tell me that this is your laundry?"
Evanora burst into tears, but it was Seth's sullen voice that answered his question. "Not at all officer. This was our beloved pet St Bernard, Maggie. She has been sick for some time now. I knew it would happen soon. She died earlier this morning and I wanted Evanora to hurry home so we could take her to the pet mortuary. We couldn't afford to have her collected." He held her tight. "Silly girl thought her crazy friends could cast a spell to save her from the inevitable."
Carl pulled back the bag opening to be confronted by the huge, brown-and-white, furry head. He felt rather foolish. "I'd better give you a hand then," he said with a wry smile.
The sound of a whirring siren, drawing closer by the second, filled their ears. Carl was not looking forward to explaining how he managed to get caught up in this exaggerated molehill to his approaching colleagues. No doubt, it will take a while to live this one down at the station.
The following morning before the dawn broke, at bus stop number 19, a small chattery crowd began to muster.
"I got it straight from Mrs Alton. She was there you know!" yapped Mrs Worthington. "She phoned me last night to let me know that she wouldn't be catching her usual bus. It was the drama you know."
"Drama… What drama?" asked Mr Ziebell-Doerff.
Sensing the spotlight's circle, Mrs Worthington plunged into a full explanation. "Oh yes there were three, or was it four, police cars in total outside the witch's house at 666 Anglerfish. The dead body was in a bag! Dreadful set of circumstances!"
Mr Ziebell-Doerff leaned in, eagerly replying, "Was it cold-blooded murder?"
"I'm sure it had to be. They caught them red-handed you know, Friedrich. This sort of thing never normally happens in our neighbourhood."
The crowd began to swell, as another dramatic rumour mountain began emerging…
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"A Seven-Mile Stare in Her Eyes"
By Stephen James: see at Xlntreads.com
Back in 1865, the natural world knew little of mankind's unexplainable quest for greed, domination, exploitation and cruelty. Here, the mountains — withered by the weather of time, stood still and watched in a tiny remote corner of the Americas. The mighty Rio Grande drifted past yonder delicate crescent, bent like an archer's bow above a distant summit. Dawn was breaking. The cool of night had long since passed, but the smell of death and gunpowder hung heavy, fetched by a gentle breeze. The rolling river shouted, as ever, its cry of joyous conquest over the vitality of life, like a solitary spirited soldier before the face of inscrutable nature. Determined to defend their rights to suppress the African-American slaves, leaders of the southern states dug in their heels. For a gruelling four years, this country had battered itself to pieces with widespread bloodthirsty conflict, in an attempt to liberate the enslaved. As yet another day fled, the weary soldiers grew homesick and felt sorrow for their slain brother's un-beating hearts…
A brief synopsis recalls; The eventual surrender of General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, once regarded as the most celebrated Confederate army, followed a defeat in the final official battle of the war in Virginia. Over 2,000 military events took place here during the four years — more than any other state. In early April 1865, the battle of The High Bridge raged. Confederates were able to burn much of the railroad bridge, attempting to prevent Union forces from crossing this vital bridge over the Appomattox River. The rebels were unable to destroy another lower bridge, however, enabling Federal forces to pursue General Lee's army. Within the same month, Richmond fell to the Union Army. The Battle of Appomattox Court House was the climax of a campaign that began eleven days earlier at the Battle of Lewis' Farm. Lee surrendered soon after.
The Battle of Palmito Ranch is considered by some criteria to be the final battle of the American Civil War. It was fought on May 12th and 13th 1865, on the banks of the Rio Grande east of Brownsville, Texas, just a few miles from the seaport of Los Brazos de Santiago. It was recorded as a Confederate victory. However, since the Confederacy had ceased to exist, it is also argued that this battle should be classified as a post-war action. Yet to be assassinated, President Abraham Lincoln, was all but celebrating the peace. Union and Confederate forces sharing territory in southern Texas had been observing an unofficial truce since the beginning of 1865. A brigade of 1,900 Union troops commanded by Col. Robert B. Jones of the 34th Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry, was on blockade duty at the Port of Brazos Santiago, near the mouth of the shipping channel of the Port of Brownsville. Brownsville rests beside the Rio Grande on the Gulf of Mexico. Strangely, a newly assigned Union Colonel, Theodore H. Barrett who had never experienced combat, ordered an attack on a Confederate camp near Fort Brown for unknown reasons. This Colonel, in his early thirties, was anxious to achieve status and higher rank. Several years prior he had volunteered for the newly formed "coloured" regiments and was appointed in 1863 as Colonel of the 1st Missouri Coloured Infantry. These enlisted men were keen to support Lincoln's unprejudiced policies. In March 1864, the regiment became the 62nd U.S.C.T. (United States Coloured Troops). Barrett contracted malaria in Louisiana that summer, and while he was convalescing, his enthusiastic 62nd was posted to Brazos Santiago. He'd re-joined it there in February 1865. Barrett attacked the garrison a month after the official ceasefire. The Union attackers captured a few prisoners, but the following day the attack was repulsed near Palmito Ranch by Confederate Colonel, John Salmon Ford, and the battle resulted in a Union defeat. Union forces were surprised by artillery, said to have been supplied by the French Army occupying the nearby Mexican town of Matamoros. The Confederates were determined to protect their remaining ports, essential for cotton sales to Europe and the importation of supplies. The cunning Mexicans, residing across the border, tended to side with the Confederate forces because of the lucrative smuggling trade.
Based on the truth, but dramatized for entertainment purposes, the fictional story you are about to enjoy revolves around this particular incident.
Just prior to the heat of this skirmish, on a warmish May 11th morning, Confederate Captain, Curtis Jennings, sat down to pen a letter to his beloved wife, Henrietta. He was alone in this patch of wilderness for some moments of solitude. The previous day, he had carved both their names side-by-side along with the date in an old leafless tree, dead from relentless waterless summers. He'd said a prayer and forgiven the enemy — reminiscing internally about the antebellum period of 1860, then retired to a cave to sleep. Jennings had returned to the tree on his horse to commence the script beside her name. He wrote about the sorrow in his heart for his sick, maimed, mentally scarred and, of course, slain members of his company. Of the original 100-strong, it had dwindled to fewer than thirty-five at one stage, with replacements currently bolstering it back to seventy-three. He finished the letter informing her that the bloodbath was finally over. He told her to take care of their three children because soon he hoped he would be returning to their ranch in Mississippi. Curtis signed the letter in his usual military manner which included his rank. He knew Henrietta found this old trait amusing, but deep-rooted habits were hard to break, weren't they? He tucked it into an envelope and prepared to return to the garrison. The weary captain patted the cumbersome LeMat 9-shot revolver which was always by his side, he looked forward to the day it could be unbuckled permanently. Curtis stroked his moustache and replaced his battle-worn hat, then pricked his ears to the haunt of movement. He stared across the dust and saw a river of men, much like the Rio Grande — their blue uniforms marching like an unstoppable tide. These were coloured Union soldiers on a mission of purpose. Knowing he had to alert Colonel Ford, the courageous officer leapt off the barrel-like rock serving as his writing platform, to head for his horse. From the silence of nowhere, a spread hand found the centre of his back and a sword blade appeared across his throat…
"One breath out of place means certain death," commanded a stern voice. He froze. It went on, "Hands raised and don't turn around, Captain." It was the voice of a woman. "There has been much idle discussion as to which side has actually won the war."
"Who are you?" demanded Jennings.
"A friend," replied the woman.
"If so, then kindly retract your blade madam!"
"Not so hasty, Captain. First, you need to be trusted!"
Jennings' eyes swivelled the length of the sword. He noticed it to be a Model 1860 Light Cavalry Sabre. "Steal it from a fallen soldier, did you ma'am?"
"Keep still and listen." The woman removed his LeMat revolver from its holster.
"The war is at an armistice. Word tells me that General Lee has surrendered at a place called Appomattox, some months back. This has triggered a series of formal surrenders throughout Northern America. What the devil could you possibly want with me?" He began to turn around.
"Perfectly still, Captain! No, I didn't steal this blade… but I certainly know how to use it! And will do exactly that if you disobey me. Are we clear on that?" She carried an accent.
He felt a mixture of fearlessness and trepidation lilted in her voice. "I've never bowed to a woman before… what makes you think I am about to start now? Kindly announce your intentions or run me through, woman!"
"My name is Susannah Sabotagé, and I am associated with a unit of the first Louisiana Zouave Battalion, raised by Georges Augustus Gaston De Coppens." She eased the edge fractionally from his neck. "I have a special request for your commanding officer."
"The French? Do you support Napoleon the Third and his puppet, Emperor Maximillian, and their Mexican occupation?"
"Not for one single moment."
"Are you a spy?"
"Regrettably, yes I am. And that is why I must be able to trust you first. I am aware that you will see me hanged before I have the chance to—"
Jennings interrupted, "I have no sympathy for Yankee spies. Take my horse and go and re-join your regiment, at once. That is they in the distance, I take it?"
"What causes you to be so eager as to label me a Union fighter?"
"Confounded stubborn woman! Because you have a sabre cast to the throat of a Confederate Captain. Why else?"
"Not to kill you, more so to prevent you absconding. And they're not my regiment."
"I shall refrain from absconding — you have my word as an officer!"
And with that pledge, Captain Jennings' glove reached for her hand, wrapped tightly around the sabre's hilt. At first, a little resistance, then she permitted him to lower it and turn to face her. His eyes met with hers, calm like a mountain brooding over the sea. Susannah was breathtakingly beautiful. She looked back with faithful eyes, like a great mastiff to its master's face. She now saw his features, seemingly rewritten over the years by a blunted chisel, and searched its every square inch. To her, it was obvious that not so long ago, he would have been a strikingly handsome man. Curtis was returning the facial inspection. He had not set eyes on such profound beauty in many months. Her thick auburn hair matched the fire in her eyes, which scorched his heart from close range. This woman looked nothing like the ones who had secretly enlisted for both sides by binding their bosom and hacking their hair short. She was wearing a dress and her shape was obvious. With a pirate smile, Susannah handed back his pistol.
Neither spoke for a moment, then…
"It would appear that you have caught me off guard twice today, ma'am. Your beauty has left me slightly short of breath!" said Curtis. "Pray tell me the urgency of your business. But make it quick, I have to warn my colonel of these advancing troops." Jennings offered her his writing rock.
She rammed the sabre into the dirt and sat down. "If appropriate, your name, sir?"
"Captain Curtis Jennings, under Colonel John Salmon Ford. Do you travel by horse?"
"I thought so, then I do have the right officer," Susannah replied to his astonishment, "I watched you come out here yesterday, also. No horse, I travel by rail during the daylight and by foot at night. I know of Colonel John "RIP" Ford. As a matter of fact, I knew him back in the days when he was a Texas Ranger. A great man."
This sharpened Jennings' attention. "Do go on, please."
"It concerns my brother, Jacob. He is being held captive at the garrison. At first, I had come to warn you about the impending attack on your regiment blockading at Brownsville. However, yesterday you were so fleet of foot that I failed. I had to rest after a hurried three-day trek ahead of that brigade from whence I came. My own is upriver."
"Why is he still being held captive, we are at an official ceasefire? Thousands of prisoners from both sides have been released. That is the news which finds our ears, at least."
"Because, he too is a spy. To be more accurate of the truth… he spied for the North and the South. Jacob had good reason for what he was doing, but I don't really have time to explain. I fear his days are numbered. There will be little chance of a pardon from either, where he is concerned. It, of course, is regarded as high treason. We all know the potential punishment is hanging. That is unless you decide to help me."
"Miss Sabotagé, I am sorry, but I have very little influence in regard to the positioning of the laws of the Confederacy, disbanded or otherwise. What he has done, whether it be with good or unjustifiable intentions, is in the hands of my superiors. I simply cannot and will not interfere!"
He'd forced her to into a loquacious explanation. "I am fully aware that your highest duty is obedience to your superiors. I am not asking you to reason with them. I am asking you to assist me in freeing him under the cover of darkness, tonight. You see, that brigade of men we can both clearly see will be attacking your camp tomorrow. Led by Lt. Col. David Branson whose senior officer, Colonel Theodore Barrett, wishes to steal your three hundred horses for their unmounted cavalrymen. Barret also has his eyes on the two thousand bales of cotton for their monetary value. I don't have to draw it to your attention how hopelessly outnumbered your troops are, do I? Their intention is to seize Fort Brown which is where Jacob is imprisoned. I have overheard an instruction that he is to be released by a special insurgence group during the attack and executed as though it were part of the battle. Preceding the war, Jacob was a minister at our local church. He is a good man, Captain Jennings!"
"I appreciate the warning and your situation is a sad one. But you have brought it upon yourselves by your own acts of espionage. At present you are free. However, any effort made by you to attempt to release him shall cause me to arrest you, miss. Is that quite clear?"
"I can pay handsomely. If that is what you desire!" She produced a small bankroll of notes.
"Keep your money woman! This is a matter of principle."
"As part of the enemy, I could have run you through on sight, Jennings, but I refrained from doing so. Just how long are you going to sustain your arrogance?"
He squared her in the eye. "But you needed me. So, you didn't."
Susannah turned away to stare at the distant rocky escarpments. Appearing as though some underworld giant had punched great chunks of rock through the earth's crust, these towering pillars stretched way off into the horizon. Natural monoliths touched by little but the wind and the rain. Susannah held her silence with a seven-mile stare embedded in her eyes. She spoke at the prehistoric picture she had just travelled through. "Yes, of course I needed you." She turned to face him. "Must I drop to my knees to beg of you to help?"
His jaw raised away in the hot breeze. "I'm prepared to escort you back to the garrison. I shall speak well of you, Miss Sabotagé. Once there, you can appeal your story to Colonel Ford."
She pulled his jaw back with both hands to face her distress. "This I cannot do, sir! I did not wish to disclose this… but Ford and I were lovers once, long after he divorced Mary. It ended in bitterness when the war started."
"Perhaps you should have considered where your true loyalties lie?"
"Oh, the certainty of a closed mind! For some reason, when we actually met, I foolishly believed you may prove to be more than merely a yes man to political views. What if it was your children who were being held captive, and it was you who was appealing to me? Would that mark to soften your rigid manner?"
"What makes you think I have any offspring?"
She shot back a most venturous tone, "I can see them in your eyes!"
Curtis stared back at this woman's beauty, not just in her flesh but in her resolve of passion. She was magnificent and only inches away. Her eyes were honest ones and her lips were full. The woman had planted a seed in his vulnerable garden — his family. He had been many seasons in the filth of battle, covered with the red dust and sweat, far away from the affections of Henrietta. After the proposed attack, Curtis knew he may very well be dead by tomorrow. He wanted to kiss Susannah right there and then, but knew it wasn't right. Before he could give her an answer, the sounds of repeated rifle fire startled them. A succession of bullets ripped past their heads, some embedding into the craggy dead tree bearing an engraving of his family name, others ricocheting off nearby boulders. She threw herself into a desperate embrace. Captain Jennings whistled loudly, but his battle-savvy stallion had already deserted its place of pasture; the one solitary patch of greenery for miles. In seconds, he'd arrived…
Jennings hoisted her into the saddle and thrust his boot into the stirrup, hauling himself up behind her, bareback. "My sabre!" she shouted over the gunfire.
"Not worth your life!" he yelled back, nudging the large black horse into full stride with his heels. "Hi-yaaar Midnight!"
On retreat, Captain Jennings took a bullet in his left shoulder but did not fall. Midnight had two skim his hindquarters and a third passed through the saddle's pommel, lodging in his withers. It missed Susannah's thigh by inches. Curtis knew his steed had taken the minor hit. He also knew that the Federal soldiers would probably not break ranks to chase. So, once they were well out of range, he eased his gait back to a canter — then to a walk. The spot, at which they'd met, was over thirty miles from Fort Brown, proving to be a good six to eight hours ride for a solo rider with a fully fit horse. They had put an hour between the marching troops and themselves, but in order to forewarn Ford of the planned attack, arriving before nightfall was both urgent and near impossible. He could smell Midnight's blood mixed with sweat and wanted to rest the stallion to evaluate the grade of his wound. The bullet needed to be removed from his own shoulder also. After five hours tedious ride over rugged terrain, during which the unpredictable Miss Sabotagé shared her brother's full story, they reached a grassy forested area beside a small lake. The reflection of escarped rocky outcrops with mountainous backdrops on a millpond of extreme calm created a commanding picturesque view. They admired its allure. The sun was scorching, low, and golden. He removed the western saddle, filled up his water canteen and waded into the water fully dressed — minus his gun and boots. The horse followed him in, as did Susannah — minus her dress…
Jennings produced a bayonet from his saddle and handed it, with a handkerchief, to Susannah. "Cut the lead out fast and tie this around it," he quietly said, while removing his uniform. He bit on the sleeve preparing for the pain. When the crumpled bullet fell into the grass, he asked, "Can you do the same for him? They will be following our trail. Without Midnight, we will die for certain."
The captain had noticed that the horse also had one lodged just below the surface of his withers, only the thick leather pommel had stood between his loyalty and most likely becoming lame, which meant death via Jennings' pistol. Curtis urged the animal down on his side. Susannah went to work. They bathed both wounds and rested. He checked his fob watch, knowing they had to leave before the hour had passed. The captain was fully aware that the enemy soldiers would also require resting before their proposed assault, but he had no idea where or when. Without hearing of any previous written warning from Union Colonel, Theodore H. Barrett, which was the accepted protocol before regulation battles, he had determined this man to be a rogue commander in search of glory after the fact. In his heart, Jennings felt like he owed her in several ways and spoke to her of a plan.
Cleaner and fresher now, after bathing, they remounted the steed and advanced slowly to nurse his injury, arriving at Cameron County just after dusk. Jennings was aware of the fact that she had to be alienated from Colonel Ford, who would know that she was with the Union forces. He could not be reliant upon any sympathy from his senior officer, despite the fact that she was the one bearing the forewarning message. They met a shortish saluting corporal at the entrance to the camp outside the fort. He was a Texan-Mexican with a big moustache and full beard. He had shaggy curly hair, which appeared to have been cut with a knife and fork, and peculiar exophthalmic eyes, so bulbous that it made the lids appear as though they would struggle to close shut.
"Good evening, Captain Jennings sir," greeted the corporal, "you are somewhat late to return. Is everything in order?"
"Yes, good evening to you also, Corporal Chauhan. There was some delay, but I must speak with the colonel on a matter most urgent. Will you take care of my cousin here, and see to it that she is fed? Then await my return. Her name is Susan Smith. She is a historic journalist for The News Scimitar out of Memphis Tennessee. Do not let her out of your sight, Corporal. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir! Immediately, consider it done sir!" Chauhan snapped a second salute accompanied by his boot heels crunching together. He helped her down.
"Wait here in the camp, Sue," Jennings said to her with a wink, "and no flirting with any of my company!" He squeezed her hand. "I shan't be able to return for you tonight, the news I have will take considerable preparation. I shall return for you tomorrow morning. Corporal Chauhan here is a good man. He will see to your needs."
"But Curtis, I cannot possibly—"
"No objections, cousin. I must ride fleet of foot. Now go!"
Grateful of the lighter weight now, Midnight cantered towards the fort. Susannah merely observing the back of his waving glove…
At dawn, the once-was spy paced up and down impatiently because there was no sign of him. Still, by noon of May 12th, Jennings had failed to appear before Susannah Sabotagé and there was no sign of her brother, Jacob, either. Her concern intensified. Many of the troops in the camp had been summoned to make haste for White's Ranch — she'd overheard the issued orders. She was mindful that word had gotten to Col. John Ford, and it appeared that Union Lt. Col. David Branson must have changed tactics. Susannah saw the fully armed soldiers riding out. In tow, were six 12-pounder Napoleon Model 1857 French field-guns. The fighting had commenced, but not at Fort Brown. Had Jennings betrayed her? Had he been shot in the interim period? Does she stay put and wait, or attempt to free her brother by herself?
An attempt to leave was thwarted by the corporal. "You must not leave, Miss Sue. I have my orders. The ceasefire has been disrupted," he stressed, grasping her arm. "It is dangerous out there for a woman."
"How can I possibly document this battle from this, this, this… prison?"
"Orders miss!"
Corporal Chauhan knew nothing of her courage, but she could not reveal her reasons for wanting to visit the garrison and therefore was forced to sit and wait. In the distance could be heard the cannon fire. In her head could be heard the cries of frustration. She spent a second night at the camp which offered the opportunity to wash her clothes. Wrapped helplessly in a blanket, she waited all the next day. The siege had essentially fully engaged at Palmito Ranch near the Boca Chica crossing zone at the mouth of the Rio Grande. The screams of dying men carried to her ears on the wind. The French cannons bombarded her Union cohorts into oblivion. She sat holding her face in her hands. Tears were rare for this spicy female, but for these long hours they flowed. Deprived of the daily emergencies of conflict, she now had time to think. She wept for the mindless slaughter brought on by the pride and petty grievances of a select few and the guilt of having been a part of it all. She wept in the belief that her brother was probably dangling from a rope. There were no other women around for her to confide in — just several groups of fed up ex-soldiers, both wounded and mentally broken. For the first time in her life, Susannah Sabotagé wished she was dead. Another long hot night passed.
The morning sunlight began to burn her closed eyelids. She lay outside one of the tents; head on an arrested carpetbagger's confiscated belongings. It was a Sunday.
"Someone to see you Madam Sue," said Chauhan, tapping her upper arm with his rifle.
She looked up, red-faced and silent.
"Sister? It is you!" said Jacob with an element of surprise and wearing humble prison garb. His voice's tone also carried a French seasoning.
"No closer, prisoner Sabotagé!" warned the corporal, holding the rusty-barrelled Springfield rifle in Jacobs' back. "Not too sure what exactly is going on here."
Susannah scrambled to her feet in total disbelief.
"Special pardon from the nation's new leader, President Andrew Johnson himself," said Captain Jennings who'd kept momentarily out of sight; his arm in a sling. He was on a different black horse and had allowed Jacob to approach Chauhan, still shackled. Curtis waved an important-looking wad of papers in front of his corporal's face. "I'm to escort them to the railroad soon. And I'll need your help."
Alberto Chauhan, who could neither read nor write, which Curtis was aware of, removed his hat and eyeballed the documents with precision. The only things he recognized were the enlarged words; United States of America which appeared at the top of Jennings' requisition for convalescent leave, approved by Col. Ford the day prior. Curtis had marked; 17th President of America Andrew Johnson with a signature-like script in heavy pen over the top of his commanding officer's signature. "All seems in order sir. Naturally I will assist you."
"Naturally," said Jennings, folding and tucking the misleading paperwork into his coat. "You realise we've beaten the bluecoats at Palmito Ranch, don't you corporal? Splendid effort. Completely outnumbered we were. Fetch him some clothes, at once. Be ready by tomorrow noon, all of you. I shall arrange the horses." He extracted a bottle of whisky from his coat. "Here Alberto… celebrate the victory, but save it until tomorrow. Sunday today, remember!"
Susannah wanted to hug him but said nothing at all.
"Thank you, sir… that is very kind of you. I shall fetch an axe at once." He did so, and with an almighty swing — it severed the chain between the shackles. "Almost free now, Mister Sabotagé, or is it Smith?"
"I'm grateful for that corporal, and any name is fine," replied Jacob. "Congratulations on the victory, albeit too late. This battle was fought in vain. My cousin has informed me of much in the last twenty-four hours. I am now privy to the news of the armistice."
Chauhan, fidgeting with his beard asked, "How is it to be that you were arrested for being a spy, and yet you are related to my captain?"
Jacob felt a twist of irritation. "A good question fine sir. It was—"
"An unfortunate case of mistaken identity, hence the pardon. I had no knowledge of his incarceration," interrupted Jennings, "he shall be compensated."
"I see," said Chauhan, rotating his treasured bottle of gold.
Susannah approached. "Where is Midnight, Curtis? This steed bares a white blaze on his face." She patted the horse's bobbing nose. "Did he make it?"
"You shall see him again tomorrow, cousin. This one is called Satan and will be yours in the morning. Now I must prepare to leave. Be sure to be ready early!" He juddered his heels into the magnificent horse's belly. Again, Susannah observed the back of the waving glove of the man she was growing to admire at an alarming rate…
At 6:00 am, Jennings arrived beside their tent with Corporal Chauhan who was driving a prairie wagon with a large timber chest and some supplies in the rear. The curved top steamer trunk had rope handles, was secured shut by two engraved leather straps and all the corners were reinforced with metal shrouds. The wagon was being pulled by the two black horses. Jennings produced a key, which he slotted into the locks of the metal cuffs still attached to Jacob's wrists.
"My humble apologies for not having these removed yesterday. Lt. Frankston, the jail keeper, had been sent to fight at Palmito Hill; as was I. With such strained resources, my company required his leadership." This was only the partial truth, offered in front of his enlisted man. It was true that he did fight at the front line despite carrying the wounded shoulder. Near the battle's demise, when Col. Barrett's men were retreating, he managed to return to the fort to release Jacob, but he could not locate the other key.
"You are a sight for sore eyes, cousin Curtis," grinned Susannah.
"Climb aboard, we have a long journey ahead. We are headed for the railroad. Satan and Midnight are coming with us aboard the trains to Mississippi. The corporal will return to camp with this wagon after we purchase two replacement horses." Jennings then pulled from his pocket the envelope addressed to Henrietta, written alongside the dead tree. "I've decided to hand-deliver this."
The plan Curtis had made at the lake, when he promised to help her, included escorting them back to his ranch just outside Jackson. She would then travel on to her family home in Missouri. They would share the costs. Susannah and Jacob Sabotagé eagerly climbed into the prairie wagon for the first leg of the eight-hundred-mile excursion northeast — through the states of Texas and Louisiana. A connecting route of alternating stagecoaches and railroads awaited over the next four days. She threw one last look behind her at the war-torn camp as they departed…
The two powerful horses eased the old wooden wagon away from the throws of the last battlefield of the American Civil War, and onward towards the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railroad Station, built roughly ten years prior. Scarcely nothing but the sound of their clunking hooves, and the occasional whinnying snort, could be heard during the initial stages of the uncomfortable first leg. These noises, and the relentless rattle of their harness chains, blended with the clattering spoked wheels of hickory wood and crude flat metal tyres against the dirt trail. Outlying skirmishes were still being fought between the uninformed rebel resistance and the remaining stragglers of their Union rivals. Distant gunfire rang through the valleys. Half a day later, they boarded the proud old steam train with her locomotive's broad funnel and front-mounted cowcatcher, and farewelled the reliable Texan corporal, who had long-since drained his whisky bottle. An entire day further on, the stagecoach whisked them along the frontier towards the next station. As the trio passed each dusty mile and through many storms, they shared stories of the war which Susannah documented. Although Jennings had not known it previously when he bluffed his corporal about her journalism position, the attractive young woman had previously aspired to become an author. All that was required was a catalyst to pursue her passion.
The familiar landscape of Jackson looming through the carriage windows brought a smile to Captain Jennings' face. On approach to the tiny platform, the locomotive let out a multi-blasting array of whistling sounds, like a forlorn call rewarded only by the ears it fell upon. He felt excited about seeing Henrietta once again and longed to see how much his children had grown. It had been many years since he had obtained a sabbatical of any description. He still wore the sling but intended to remove it, so as not to alarm his beloved, when they set eyes upon each other. The train rumbled in with diminishing chuffs, accompanied by brake-hiss and screech, as it began slowing down to a standstill. A whistle pierced loudly from the guard leaning from the caboose at the rear. They alighted, gathered the remainder of their supplies, along with the trunk, plus the two horses and purchased a new wagon from a nearby stock dealer.
"You must spend several nights with Henrietta and me at our ranch, Shenandoah Gardens," said Jennings, as they passed his neighbouring homesteads. "We can get further acquainted and you can both freshen up before you set off for Missouri. She'll feed you both well… I'll hear nothing of a refusal from either of you."
"So much kindness," said Susannah, bashfully looking at his striking now cleanshaven profile. "I did not ask this much of you, Captain Jennings, when our paths crossed out there for the very first time. My request was merely the freedom of my brother." She turned to wave at Jacob who was lying on the boards beside the wooden trunk; his smiling face rocking with the bumps. "I shall repay you handsomely one day in the future." She rested her head against his shoulder.
"We all get repaid in some way or other, ma'am. You have already repaid me with your faith and trust. I require no money. Mention my name in your book. That will suffice!" His smile flattened to one of satisfaction. They spent some moments of quiet as the wagon rounded a sweeping bend, passing a tributary of the Mississippi River lined with great oaks. Then he said, "I've decided to let you keep both of my favourite horses too, ma'am. You see, Midnight and Satan are brothers. It wouldn't seem fair to separate them now, would it?"
As the two stallions sensed home to be not too far away now, they elevated to a canter. The oaks began to move swiftly by. They scurried past his next-door neighbour, Geoffrey William Calhoun, who was waving frantically and shouting on the side of the road, but nothing was going to slow them down. Jennings nodded. If Susannah had only mildly felt like she was falling in love with him before, it suddenly had become confirmed in unprecedented fashion after she fully realized his caring nature. This compassionate disposition had been hidden so deeply beneath that tough rugged and extremely disciplined exterior. Sadly though, this dynamic feminine character with the Aphrodite looks would fall agonisingly short of her second military man, in her thirty-two years spent breathing. Both for differing reasons. Susannah knew she would be handing him back to the deserving woman who, at this point, had no knowledge of his return. Her mind mulled over the prospects of her spinster life, with honour and glory but wasted beauty, as an author. She saw a large roadside sign, which, in spectacular, bold, italic, Caslon lettering spelt out the words; Welcome to Shenandoah Gardens Cattle Ranch. The sign was flanked by bushy Magnolias with a grand archway of stone beside them to pass under. They turned left beneath the archway. Once in, the long gravel driveway weaved smoothly down a gentle slope. A backdrop of green hills spattered with cattle spanned endlessly off to the horizon. Birds filled the rich oxygenated skies and a cooling breeze caressed their faces. Ahead, the drive took an uphill sweep over a hill familiar to Curtis because, beyond it, lay his glorious sprawling house with its surrounding verandahs.
The horses now in a near gallop…
Approaching the grade, he eased them back to a trot, then to a walk — Jennings knew his livestock well. However, he not only wanted to save the pair's strength but also wanted to savour these moments. It had been a long time coming. Susannah stared up at his glow in admiration, then, as the vehicle broke its temporary horizon, to reveal the splendour, her face broke into tears. The wagon stopped still on the crest. In front of them lay a once-smouldering ruin. What used to be the captain's loving household was now just a pile of disintegrated logs and stonework. Two elaborate blackened chimney stacks remained standing, but there was no sign of life. Word had not gotten to him about the Federal raid on his property barely six weeks prior. They had run amuck, stolen or desecrated his belongings and razed it to the ground. A deathly breezeless silence hung over the holocaustic property. Curtis sank to the lowest depths of his entire life. The exhausted pair of horses hauled the wagon slowly down the last few-hundred-metres of road, somehow themselves also sensing the loss. The three onboard climbed down to survey, but there was nothing left. Everything he'd possessed, including his family, was lost forever. The broken man's entire worldly belongings now lay in that small wooden trunk. At the eastern side, where his small apple orchard once stood, were four mounds of soil; three small and one larger, each with a crude cross made from lashed sticks pressed into the soil. Beside the mounds sat a small timber board bearing the statement…
You barbarians… Now who are the slaves?
Jennings fell to his knees with his hands covering his face, crying with all his heart. After several minutes, he stared heavenward uttering, "Explain fairness Lord? One moment you are running along, and the next moment you are not."
She dropped beside him — arm comforting his grief. Jacob's tears wetted the grave soil also, but either's words somehow seemed fruitless. The brother and sister just needed to be there right now. Jennings removed the enveloped letter from his Confederate uniform and placed it on the larger grave. Next, he removed his coat and spread it over the top. The three said a prayer before returning to the wagon. The captain retrieved a hessian water bag from the rear; filling a metal bowl to allow his horses a well-earned drink. He suspected the dam's water supply would be poisoned, as was a typical procedure. They mourned for a period but there seemed little point in lingering in sorrow. "I no longer wish to be a part of this bitterness. I guess this is what Geoffrey William Calhoun was trying to warn me about way back before the entrance. Best go and pay him a visit, folks."
Calhoun explained in full what had happened, giving them his maximum hospitality for several days. He told them to stay for as long as was necessary. Susannah and Jacob passed on their address then bid them all farewell after five days, paying Calhoun for two of his horses, which Jacob harnessed to the wagon. He gave the money to Jennings after they departed.
Eighteen months later, retired captain, Curtis Jennings rode into Cassville, Missouri, on Satan's back with his baggage-laden brother in tow. He asked the local post office operator for directions; which he got. The old lady then added, "Are you a-fixin' to stay? If so, you just pushed our population up to 263 townsfolk. You know, I've been here since '45. One of the first to arrive, I was!"
When he arrived at the tiny log cabin, there was a bespectacled woman with a blaze of auburn hair flowing in the breeze. She was sitting on the porch and looked up from a manuscript she was writing, then rose to her feet. Calmly, Jennings stepped off the saddle and tipped his hat. "Just looking to uphold my promise, Susannah. After all, I did give them to you," he said, handing her the reigns. "Do you know where a man could start a new life?"
"I've nearly finished the book," she replied, "and… of course, you are in it!"
Once again, Curtis Jennings took note of the seven-mile stare in her eyes. When she tried to search his mind, he simply kissed her and said, "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
She replied, "I couldn't stop thinking about you."
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The Land of Miracles
The Land of Miracles Episode 03
TV Sub Released on August 26, 2022 · ? views · Posted by LMANIME · series The Land of Miracles
Download The Land of Miracles Episode 03, Watch The Land of Miracles Episode 03, don't forget to click on the like and share button. Anime The Land of Miracles always updated at LMANIME. Don't forget to watch other anime updates.
Download The Land of Miracles Episode 03
Status: Ongoing Network: iQIYi Studio: CG Year Released: Jul 23, 2022 Duration: 20 min. per ep. Season: Summer 2022 Country: China Type: TV Episodes: 15 Fansub: LITTLE MOMENTS ANIME & FREE SUBS Censor: Censored
Action Fantasy Martial Arts Supernatural
This story revolves around two teenagers of different identities and different cultural backgrounds – Fa Hua and Lan Ge, whom because of a magic weapon "Only Pearl" were connected together to save humanity. The two teenagers have a symbiotic relationship because of the artifact, which makes the two teenagers with very different personalities need to go through a variety of tests together, with that, the relationship between the two see subtle changes, and they began to understand each other, and gradually the two became as close as siblings. The two teenagers continue to cooperate with each other, trying to find out more mysteries of the "Only Pearl." But the mysterious power behind the two teenagers also slowly reach out to the two teenagers. In a matchmaking event, the sky devil clan – Tianmo Yeming disguised as a mysterious beauty and said her purpose here is to claim the "Only Pearl." The two teenagers are guided by the Grand Commander and decide to set out on the road to revenge, but at this time they must quickly train themselves and both enter the mysterious cultivation with the help of the Pearl. Can they take up the heavy responsibility to fight the upcoming attack of the demons, and can protect the artefact "Only Pearl?"
Wonderland Season 4
A Record Of A Mortal's Journey To Immortality Special
Magical Legend – Rise to Immortality
Wu Geng Ji Season 4
Eps 15 - The Land of Miracles Episode 15 - November 5, 2022
Eps 14 - The Land of Miracles Episode 14 - October 10, 2022
Eps 13 - The Land of Miracles Episode 13 - October 4, 2022
Eps 12 - The Land of Miracles Episode 12 - September 28, 2022
Eps 08 - The Land of Miracles Episode 08 - August 30, 2022

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Home headline News briefing questions for Erdoğan leaked in advance by daily paper
News briefing questions for Erdoğan leaked in advance by daily paper
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was asked a list of questions at a news conference on Monday that were exactly the same as questions earlier leaked by a newspaper, bolstering claims that journalists are not free to ask the president anything they choose.
Erdoğan held the news conference at İstanbul's Atatürk Airport before heading to Qatar for an official visit. The list of questions and the names of the reporters who would ask each question were released by the Yeniçağ daily five minutes before the start of the briefing.
Yeniçağ said the journalists were given the questions in advance. When the news event began, Erdoğan first allowed Anadolu news agency reporter Kaan Bozdağan to direct his question, then DHA reporter Gülseli Kenarlı, A Haber reporter Aslı Bilger Kutludağ and then CNN Türk's Mücahit Topçu. The wording of the questions was exactly the same as those on Yeniçağ's list, although there were minor differences in the sequence of the journalists asking the questions.
When A Haber reporter Kutludağ asked about work on the minimum wage for 2022, a smiling Erdoğan replied, "You're trying to corner me," to mean the journalist was asking a difficult situation.
The other questions directed at the president were about Turkey's relations with Arab countries, military operations against terrorist groups such as the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and government efforts to stabilize the increasing prices of essential items.
President Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) government are widely criticized for silencing independent media outlets in the country and creating a media that is under their absolute control.
Erdoğan's crackdown on independent media outlets and journalists reached new heights in the aftermath of a coup attempt in July 2016 following which dozens of journalists were jailed, while more than 200 media outlets were closed down under the pretext of an anti-coup fight.
Turkey is ranked 153rd among 180 countries in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index released by the RSF in April.
Erdoğan
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Ichiro Suzuki Net Worth: How Much Is Ichiro Suzuki Worth?
What Is Ichiro Suzuki Worth?
Ichiro made his Pacific League make a big appearance in 1992 at 18 years old, however, he spent the vast majority of his initial two seasons in the homestead framework on account of his then-director, Shozo Doi, declined to acknowledge Ichiro's irregular swing. The swing was nicknamed "pendulum" as a result of the pendulum-like movement of his leg, which moves his weight forward as he swung the bat and conflicts with ordinary hitting hypothesis. Despite the fact that he hit a grand slam off Hideo Nomo, who later won a National League Rookie of the Year Award as a Dodger, Ichiro was sent back to the homestead framework on that very day.
In 1995, Ichiro drove the Blue Wave to its first Pacific League flag in 12 years. Notwithstanding his second batting title, he drove the class with 80 RBI, 25 grand slams, and 49 stolen bases.
In 2000, Ichiro was as yet a year from being qualified with the expectation of complimentary office, however, the Blue Wave was no longer among Japan's best groups. Since the group would most likely not have the capacity to stand to keep him and would lose him without remuneration in one more year, Orix enabled him to consult with Major League clubs. Ichiro utilized the posting framework, and the Seattle Mariners won the privilege to consult with him with an offered of roughly $13 million.
Because of an understanding between Japanese baseball and MLB, Ichiro was not permitted to play in the United States before 2001.
He got off to a hot begin in 2002, however, a late-season drop drove his batting normal down to .321, 29 focuses underneath his batting normal as a new kid on the block.
On August 7, 2016, Ichiro gathered the 3,000th hit of his MLB profession when he hit a triple off the correct field divider at Coors Field playing against the Colorado Rockies. He is quite recently the second player to achieve that turning point by a method for a triple, joining Hall of Famer Paul Molitor. On the most recent day of the season, October 2, 2016, Ichiro played in his 2,500th MLB diversion. Ichiro and Pete Rose are the main two players in MLB history to have achieved playing in 2,500 amusements in their initial 16 seasons.
After the 2016 season, the Marlins practiced their alternative on Ichiro's agreement for the 2017 season and included a possibility for the 2018 season.
Ichiro Suzuki conceived October 22, 1973, in Aichi, Japan. He frequently alluded to namelessly as Ichiro (???? Ichiro), is a Japanese expert baseball outfielder for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB).
Ichiro Suzuki deos not have an Instagram account.


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WATCH: These Two Minnesota Prep Athletes Define What Team Means
Image Credit: @AJFeldmanTV Via Twitter
There are winners and losers in sports. These players from Jackson County Central chose to speak after falling to Pierz 20-14 in the semifinals of Minnesota's prep football playoffs. They didn't have to speak to the media, but they chose to and you realize while watching this it was more than the games they played but about the friendships, that they made over the seasons that will stick with them.
Jackson County Central was up 14-0 over Pierz in their semi-final game this weekend when Pierz came back and score 20 straight points to win. After the tough loss, Jackson County Central's Rudy Voss and Bradley Buhl Jr. chose to speak to the media and it was less about the game than it was about how much football and their team has meant to them this season.
Rudy said it best when he said: "It was the bus rides, the practices, the team meals...the games are just a short part of the season...we are just a family."
Sometimes we forget what the game, the season, the team means to these young men and women who compete during the prep season. Will this loss define who they are in the long run? No. But it can shape them to face adversity later in life.
It took some guts to take some questions after the tough loss and these two young men did just that, and they didn't dwell on the game they dwelled on the comradery, and the moments they all shared during the season.
The video is from AJ Feldman's Twitter account, AJ is the Sports Director for @LakelandNewsPBS covering Bemidji, Brainerd, and all of Lakes Country.
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Source: WATCH: These Two Minnesota Prep Athletes Define What Team Means
Categories: Articles, Lifestyle, Videos


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It is very important that you know what your budget and times for your holiday are. It is also important to know what standard you looking for. The longer before the time you let us know what you are looking for, the better package we can put together for you.


This Potato Gnocchi Recipe includes a delicious homemade Parmesan cream sauce with pops of flavor from prosciutto that will delight your taste buds!
For a bit lighter spin on gnocchi, you can make a batch of our Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
This recipe was originally posted September 9, 2015, we've tweaked it a bit since then. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
This potato gnocchi recipe with prosciutto and a homemade Parmesan cream sauce is the ultimate meal for busy weeknights. With only 5 ingredients and 20 minutes of cook time, this dish can be quite a lifesaver. The prosciutto adds such a strong smoky flavor to the dish. The heavy cream and parmesan paired with the potato gnocchi taste as if you're eating Alfredo. Since gnocchi cooks faster than pasta, this dish is perfect for those quick fix dinners.
Cook the potato gnocchi according to the package directions and set aside. Prepare your prosciutto by cooking until crisp in a skillet, then follow directions in the printable recipe below for adding in the cream and cheese to create a smooth creamy sauce. Your last steps will be adding back in the gnocchi and peas to simmer and thicken the sauce before serving.
This rich potato gnocchi recipe will become a favorite in your family menu for the fast meal preparation and classic flavors.
If this potato gnocchi recipe isn't the pasta dish you are looking for this week, I have plenty of others to share. Pasta is a favorite go-to meal on busy evenings since it can so often be either fast to make or a great make-ahead meal. Keeping ingredients on hand for these dishes is a must in my grocery plan. I know I can grab a few things and whip up a meal that everyone loves in just minutes.
Cook the potato gnocchi according to the package, drain, and set aside.
Chop the prosciutto and place it into a pot over medium high heat.
Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until crispy. Then add the heavy whipping cream.
Once the heavy cream has heated, add the grated parmesan and stir until it has melted (about 6 minutes).
Add the peas and cooked gnocchi and cook for another 5 minutes.
Do you put frozen peas in or would they give off too much liquid? Or is it best to use canned?
I used frozen peas that were thawed. They didn't have too much liquid.


PROMACTA® (eltrombopag) is a once-daily oral treatment you can take wherever is convenient for you. However, it is important that you take PROMACTA properly in order for it to work best.
To keep things simple, try to take PROMACTA at the same time every day. It might be easiest to take it at bedtime or first thing in the morning.
Do not take PROMACTA with food.
Take PROMACTA on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Do not take PROMACTA with calcium-rich products.
To get the full benefit of PROMACTA, take it at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after eating dairy products and calcium-fortified juices.
*Just 1 slice of American cheese has 150 mg of calcium.
Click here for some low-calcium recipes to help get you started.
Wake up and take PROMACTA immediately at 7 AM.
Wait 1 hour before eating a breakfast with less than 50 mg of calcium.
Resume your normal eating schedule from 9 AM onward, 2 hours after you took PROMACTA.
Need more help with the rules regarding PROMACTA and food? Download our meal planner here.
Below are a few other sample schedules.
Click each tab below to see how the time you take your PROMACTA shapes your daily routine.
Let's see how much you know about taking PROMACTA in the morning.
Click the food choice that fits into a low-calcium diet.
Try again. : An 8 oz serving of plain, low-fat yogurt has 448 mg of calcium.
Good job! : With only 29 mg of calcium, a fried egg is a good low-calcium choice.
Try again. : A protein shake contains approximately 334 mg of calcium.
If you take PROMACTA at bedtime, your schedule might look something like this.
PROMACTA should be taken either 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Let's see how much you know about taking PROMACTA around bedtime.
Click the food choice below that's low in calcium.
Try again. : One cup of macaroni and cheese contains 161 mg of calcium, making it a high-calcium food.
Good job! : There are only 14 mg of calcium in a chicken breast, making it a low-calcium choice.
Try again. : With 250 mg of calcium per 1-cup serving, lasagna is a high-calcium food.
If you take PROMACTA in the middle of the night, your schedule might look something like this.
Two cookies have only 6 mg calcium—just be sure to skip the milk!
2 hours have passed since taking PROMACTA, so there are no restrictions on your food choices.
Let's see how much you know about taking PROMACTA during the night.
Which food choice fits into a low-calcium diet?
Good job! : Two chocolate chip cookies have only 6 mg of calcium.
Try again. : A cup of almonds has 385 mg of calcium, making it a high-calcium food.
Unsure whether you've reached the calcium limit? The USDA database is a great place to check the calcium content of specific foods.


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Crony capitalism in the Middle East: What do we know and why does it matter?
Prof Adeel Malik (University of Oxford)
Adeel Malik is Globe Fellow in the Economies of Muslim Societies at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and Associate Professor at the Oxford Department of International Development, University of... Read more
Martyrs and Tricksters: An Ethnography of the Egyptian Revolution
Professor Walter Armbrust (St. Antony's College, Oxford)
About the speaker: Dr Walter Armbrust is Hourani Fellow and Associate Professor in Modern Middle Eastern Studies. He is a cultural anthropologist, and author of Mass Culture and Modernism in Egypt (... Read more


text:
const fs = require('fs');
const handlebars = require('gulp-compile-handlebars');
const rename = require('gulp-rename');
const htmlmin = require('gulp-htmlmin');

module.exports = function(gulp){
    return function(){
        return gulp.src('src/index.hbs')
            .pipe(
                handlebars(
                    JSON.parse(fs.readFileSync('./dist/data.json', 'utf-8')),
                    {
                        batch : ['./src']
                    }
                )
            )
            .pipe(rename('index.html'))
            .pipe(htmlmin({collapseWhitespace: true}))
            .pipe(gulp.dest('.'));
    };
};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: Css buttons: Zooming is placing them wrong I have a site, on the index page I have 5 buttons around a picture.
Without zoom everything looks like I want but when I zoom they get misplaced directly. I tried to use relative units instead of absolute ones but then it got worse.
My code:
.myButton4 {
    position:absolute;
    transition: .5s ease;
     top: 25%;
    left: 63%;
    background-color:#B28F00;
    -moz-border-radius:36px;
    -webkit-border-radius:36px;
    border-radius:36px;
    display:inline-block;
    cursor:pointer;
    color:#ffffff;
    font-family:Times New Roman;
    font-size:19px;
    font-weight:bold;
    padding:16px 34px;
    text-decoration:none;
    text-shadow:0px 0px 0px #82797f;
    }
    .myButton4:hover {
        background-color:#B28F00;
    }
    .myButton4:active {
        position:relative;
        top:1px;

Maybe someone can help me? Someone asked for the html:
<!DOCTYPE html>

        <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="'css.css"/>
        <title>title</title>

Välkommen till min sida

         text
            TEXT

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Heritage Perth receives award nomination
Heritage Perth has been nominated as one of 24 state-wide finalists across nine categories, named as part of this month's WA Heritage Awards.
The Heritage Awards, now in their 27th year, recognise outstanding contributions to heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, promotion, tourism and interpretation.
Acting Chair Commissioner Gaye McMath said Heritage Perth's 'Heritage Perth Weekend' program is one of two finalists in the Heritage Tourism Product category.
"The City is the principle funder of Heritage Perth and of Heritage Perth Weekend," Acting Chair Commissioner McMath said.
"Each October people have the opportunity to be exposed to the heritage around us as part of the many walks, talks, presentations, workshops and open buildings - from UWA in Crawley to the WACA in East Perth.
"It's an absolute credit to the Heritage Perth team and recognition of their dedication to be nominated for this award."
Executive Director Leigh Barrett said the role of Heritage Perth is to present the heritage and history of the city in a positive way, demonstrating it as a valuable social, environmental and economic asset.
"The past is all around us, everywhere has a history and everywhere has a heritage.
"Even in relatively new cities such as Perth, we live our lives against a rich backdrop formed by historic buildings, landscapes and other physical survivals of our past."
The WA Heritage Awards ceremony will be held on 29 March 2019.
12 Mar '19


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International Women's Day: Behind the Brands Supporting Women Worldwide
Happy International Women's Day! Today marks a day to celebrate the accomplishments of women all around the world. It is a day to celebrate the power, as women, to be bold and inspire change within ourselves and others. In honor of International Women's Day, we are highlighting 6 brands that are created, inspired, and celebrated by strong women worldwide. These brands are pushing culture and raising awareness to issues of education and job equality, freedom of violence, and changing the industry in profoundly impactful ways. These amazing women entrepreneurs and global female artisans are on a mission to support economic empowerment, education, equal employment, health, and are creating long-term positive changes.
1. SariBari
Mission: Since 2006, Sari Bari has provided freedom and economic empowerment for women who are vulnerable to human trafficking and long for a new life provided with opportunities and employment. The line specializes in upcycled Sari products that are handmade by the survivors of Kolkata's red light districts who share their freedom story though each product marked with their name. Sari Bari's mission is to create a healthy environment where young women can be provided healthy recovery, a fair-wage job, and to be surrounded by a community of women reintegrating dignity, freedom, and hope into making a new life for themselves.
Website: SariBari
2. My Sister
Mission: With a passion for preventing human trafficking, My Sister focuses on educating communities and providing after-care for survivors.The brand's mission offers growth opportunities for at-risk women through the sale of their ethically-sourced apparel and accessories, as well as offering more employment opportunities to survivors of human trafficking. My Sister also sponsors and supports national and local community advocacy in order to raise awareness of domestic trafficking in the United States. The brand strongly stands behind women empowerment and employment. A percentage of each purchase goes to non-profit organizations that help with education, intervention, and raising awareness on human trafficking.The brand believes that what you wear tells a story. Every My Sister shirt will not only provide help with growth opportunities for survivors but will also continue the conversation of sexual exploitation.
Website: MySister
3. Raven + Lily
Mission: Raven + Lily specializes in handcrafted items made from women in economically-challenged countries like India, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Kenya, and Peru. Kristen Dickerson, founder, and CEO of Raven + Lily created an ethical fashion and lifestyle brand that is dedicated to helping women earn more of an income and give them access to health care, education, and a secure job, in order to diminish poverty for themselves and their families. The brand also focuses on employing at-risk women: trafficked, HIV+, previously homeless, or women in oppressive situations. Raven + Lily is named the Best for the World in Community Impact in 2014 and 2016 and continues to spread its passion for social justice and fashion for all women as a certified Benefit Corporation.
Website:Ravenandlily
4. Global Girlfriend
Mission: Global Girlfriend works with 100 women artisans and organizations in over 30 countries. Long-term partnership is an effective strategy that Global Girlfriend forms in order to provide women all around the world with healthy and safe working conditions, equal employment opportunities, and a fair living wage.Specializing in handmade apparel and accessories, every purchase made helps girls' education globally through GROW (Girls' Right to Opportunity Worldwide.) Stacy Edgar founded Global Girlfriend in hopes of helping women worldwide with economic security. The brand is passionate about the real change in the world that can flourish from women having more access to economic opportunities.
Website: Globalgirlfriend
5. Sseko Designs
Mission: A fashion brand based in Uganda, Sseko Designs began by generating income to support young women in Uganda who want to continue on to university. Liz Forkin Bohannon, founder of Sseko Designs says "We believe that every woman has a dream. When she has the opportunity to pursue those dreams, we are collectively walking towards a brighter, more just and beautiful world."This brand has opened up the opportunity for 87 women to attend university and are increasing the class that has graduated with the help of Sseko each year. Seeking opportunity and community for women worldwide, women in East Africa are provided the opportunity to work with the brand to put an end to the cycle of poverty. Sseko Designs is on a mission to instill more educational opportunities for women in Uganda as well as inspire change towards extreme poverty.
Website: Ssekodesigns
6. A Complete
Mission: Angelica Fuentes, leading Latin American businesswoman and philanthropist, founded A Complete when she was on a personal mission to create a brand that encourages women empowerment. She is a strong believer that beauty and power come from within and created a daily skin routine, inspired by the real and natural beauty of women. A portion of A Complete's revenues is donated to initiatives that are promoting education, economic opportunity, and health services for women of all ages.
Website: acomplete
Happy International Women's Day and don't forget to treat yourself, and your fellow women with brands that make an impact!
Written by: Sahar Forouzanfar
Davis Women in Business March 8, 2017
How to Cultivate Motivation and Inspiration
7 Apps to Keep You Organized!


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Soon after the release of 'Geetha Govindam', director Parasuram was flooded with many tempting offers.
Some producers even offered him the remuneration above Rs 12 Cr but he didn't take them up as Allu Aravind asked him to wait.
Allu Aravind promised him that he'd provide him big star's dates. Parasuram thought that Allu Arjun may give him the chance immediately.
Allu Arjun has already begun working on his look for director Trivikram's movie that will be launched shortly.
Parasuram is hoping that Bunny may allot dates for him from June. But he is yet to get clarity on this front as well.
According to our sources, Bunny and Allu Aravind have not given any clarity to Parasuram till now.
If Allu Arjun don't give him dates this year, Parasuram will be left with limited choices. Although Mahesh Babu has promised him an offer, he will have to work with Sukumar and Sandeep Vanga first.
Ram Charan and NTR will not be available till the second half of 2020.
So, Parasuram's position is back to square one.


text:
Q: Regression: is it wrong to bin a continuous variable to overcome overfitting? Would statisticians hang me for doing the following?
I have a heterogeneous dataset of elderly subjects. Thus, I have model with 7 predictors, including 4 categorical ones, of which some have many levels. I am doing a regional analysis, which means that some regions have fewer subjects on certain reference levels of different categorical variables.
Subjects are mostly aged 70-90 years. Age variable, ranging from 50-100, is causing clear overfitting while comparing it to the plots explanatory data analysis. I found out that there are not enough subjects at mean age at some regions to make meaningful predictions. When I bin the age variable into 10-year bins and use the bin with the largest number of subjects as a reference, the results of the regression are in line with the explanatory data analysis.
Would the binning of age variable will be okay if I publish both: plots on raw data + adjusted analysis? Thus, both analysis confirm the main outcome - regional variablity.

A: Binning a continuous variable is not a good idea. You're unlikely to be physically assaulted by statisticians for doing that, but you would probably get a lot of hard stares and frowns and muttering under the breath.
There's a much better approach to deal with this type of problem, which would turn the frowns into smiles: use a mixed model. That allows you to combine information usefully among individuals in different regions without having to cover all combinations of predictors within each region. Depending on the purpose of your study that could be done with a multi-level model that treats both individuals and regions as random effects.  This recent answer provides a nice description of the advantages of such modeling.
With respect to age as a continuous predictor, you might find it useful to model with a spline that can discover nonlinear relationships between age and outcome as part of a linear modeling process. That can be incorporated within a mixed model via standard software packages.


text:
332 Fulani Herdsmen With AK-47 Rifles Arrives South East
As the country insecurity challenges get worst, a former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ozo Celestine Okoye, yesterday raised fresh alarm over the presence of heavily armed Fulani herdsmen with AK- 47 rifles, occupying a total of 332 Fulani settlements across the five states in the South Eastern zone with the intention of attacking the region in the future. According to Ozo Celestine Okoye, in an exclusively interview with Saturday Telegraph, the Fulani herdsmen with the AK-47 rifles have already arrived Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu and Abia states. He further stated that some of the Fulani Herdsmen are now on their way to Imo State.
According to his words; "I wonder what our governors are doing about the heavy presence of heavily armed Fulani herdsmen in Igboland and I am worried because I am an Igbo man from Awka, Anambra State. Why are they pretending about it even when they know? In Imo State they have taken over Okigwe town and some parts of Abia State close to Imo State and they are heavily armed.
"Ebonyi State has the largest number of Fulani settlements in the South East and their presence is dangerous to the people of the area. "If you go to Amansea town and Isiagu town both in Anambra State you will see that they are building permanent settlements. They are building houses and claiming that they bought the land from the owners and one wonders what would happen when they launch their planned attack.''
Ozo Celestine Okoye further stated that the Fulani settlements are at the border towns of the five South East states, an indication that Igbo land is under siege by the strangers.
According to his words; "As a security operative when such elements are setting at the border towns, it means that the owners of the land are not safe and that means that when they launch their attacks you have nowhere to run to because you are under siege and there is nothing you can do about it,'' he stated.
He further stated that the governors of the South East should be proactive in the area of security, adding that with such a development, all the lands of Igbo will be conquered by the Fulani herdsmen.
According to his words; "No matter how we see it we have an impending crisis in our hands capable of making the South East ungovernable and it is high time our governors wake up to the looming security crisis in the South East and nip it in the bud," the former Deputy Inspector General of Police warned.
Ozo Celestine Okoye contended that the claims by security operatives that they are on top of the situation is merely lips service aimed at calming down the panic even as he insisted that if nothing is done, Ndigbo would be found wanting.
According to his words; ''our vigilante groups and traditional rulers should be vigilant and ready for any eventuality and our governors should assist them before we would be caught napping with nowhere to run to and nothing to do to save our people,'' he further stated.
When contacted, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed to our reporter that the command is on top of any attempt to disturb the peace in the area, adding that rumours mongers are out to create unnecessary tension in the state. But the truth has been revealed already that Fulani herdsmen are plotting of taking over Igbo land.


Stix Noodle Bar is located in The Grand Hyatt at Bahamar. You can expect a fast, casual eatery serving up Traditional Chinese cuisine from an open kitchen. I ate lunch and dinner at Stix Noodle Bar on different occasions. I was impressed with the food and service both times. The staff was efficient, helpful and knowledgeable about all of the dishes. The servers also asked each time if there were any allergies. You understand the importance of this if you have food allergies, I appreciated the gesture. All of the dishes are made to order; so for certain dishes they are able to exclude ingredients within reason. At first glance the menu seems a bit limited but the variety of different options makes up for the minimalist offerings.
The Wagyu beef fried rice was one of my favorite dishes. The portion size was generous and the dish was flavorful. The amount of wagyu pieces throughout the rice was generous and melted in my mouth. The vegetables were cooked perfectly. I truly enjoyed this dish and the leftovers tasted even better the next day.
Stix Noodle Bar has an open kitchen allowing you to see your food being made. The open and airy dining area has a mixture of contemporary and traditional Chinese decor. The wooden feature wall resembles chopsticks and adds a nice touch to bring the theme together.
The only disappointing part of my experience is that they no longer do the hand pulled noodle display, I really wanted to see it.
I will definitely be back and I highly recommend giving this place a try. The prices are reasonable and the food I tried was delicious. Have you tried Stix Noodle Bar yet? How do you decide wether you like or dislike a Restuarant? Let me know in the comments.


Modern technology has brought many handy devices which made how we live easier and smoother. One such innovation which fits your pocket and turns into a guide, a navigator in a of your commutations is Truck GPS. These devices are alike towards the GPS which we percieve in our smartphones that detect and navigate us over the route. However, the specialty with this system above the other products is its human friendliness in addition to their aptness in routing the travel. The smartphone GPS system can't render the actual details that it device capable of. The device once set hands you everything of the road you're traveling, the route you might be heading towards and maneuvers heading up.
• Easy to Install: Installing this method is as easy as you download an app to your smartphone. You need to refer to the instructions provided detail by detail or please take a professional help. Request your distributor to deliver in some specialist along with the delivery from the system.
• Speed Posting: you'll be informed in regards to the road you happen to be traveling together with the speed of one's car and also the speed limit on that route. This will prevent you from speeding up past the limits and forestall dangers.
• Fleet tracking: If you're into vehicles business, you might need it to track your fleet of vehicles. This device would help you to monitor vehicle's route, speed, idle a serious amounts of guide the driver towards the right way, thus saving on fuel expenses.
• Quality service: With this method as that you are tracking just about every action with the driver it is possible to render best value service to your visitors if you might be into cabs business.
• Alert notifications: This is often a feature that allows you to understand and have notified about every detail of your respective vehicle under surveillance. You will get notifications about any kind violations through your driver. Perhaps, it is going to send you a written report or provides you reports on daily, weekly, monthly basis.
• Controlled Fuel costs: You can control or limit the cost of fuel because the driver and vehicle are under your eyes.
This doesn't just prevent uncertainties but ascertain the protection and security of the two driver along with the customer. Get your truck GPS and also have a safe and sound journey.