The following is a short story by KVR CCCC biology professor Leo F. Kohl. The story was a bit long for our printed publication, so the Metamorphoses editorial staff concluded that this piece must be serialized here on the Met blog. Now without further ado I present to the world
INDEPENDENCE DAY SUPPER, FIREWORKS AND HIGHWAYMEN part 1 by Leo F. Kohl.
PROLOGUE:
Marty Allhoff and Louisa Weaver were married on the first Saturday of May, 1852 in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dayton, Ohio and Honeymooned in Cincinnati, where Marty was to be apprenticed to Francois Pinaud, a local wine producer who had been a friend of his father’s in Germany. Through the Maitre’d at the Amherst Hotel, the leading Hotel at that time in Cincinnati, Marty and Louisa were able to meet Francois and learn the route to and from Francois’ winery. Louisa visited the local “Apothecarist” in Cincinnati to purchase proper contraceptives and thus escape becoming pregnant. Louisa remembered what her Papa had told her before her Mama had died; that he and Mama were married in 1835 and she was born in 1837. Louisa and Marty agreed they would wait a few years before having children. As a result, each night before she and Marty made love, she carefully followed the Druggist’s directions. From then on, she carefully followed the contraceptive methods that had been prescribed and was able to forestall problems with pregnancy.
In the meantime, while Louisa was at the Apothecarist, Marty decided he wanted to have his revolver registered with the local sheriff’s office, which, upon inquiry, he found out was only a few blocks down the street from the Hotel. He walked down the street to the building that had been described to him and saw it was the local Sheriff’s Office, since the sign over the main entrance to the building stated:
HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CINCINNATI MAIN OFFICE
The moment he entered the office, he was greeted by a clean-shaven man dressed in a khaki uniform, who called out to him, “Well! If it ain’t Marty Allhoff! What brings you to this office?”
The uniformed man looked vaguely familiar to him, so he said to the man, “Apparently you know me, sir, but who’re you?”
“Thought you wouldn’t recognize me!” the man answered. “But maybe you’ll remember my name from back in Coloma when you shot them two horse thieves - one you killed an’ the other one you wounded! Vigilantes strung that one up an hour later! Name’s Tim, Tim O’Leery, who sometimes took your friend, Jack Lord’s place when he was called out on official duty! Was one o’ the Vigilantes who worked with Cap’n Shannon, the Alcalde, or Mayor of Coloma. Do you remember?”
“Well, I’ll be go to the devil!” Marty exclaimed as recognition began to set in. “Never would o’ recognized you without your beard! What brings you to Cincinnati?”
“Might ask you the same question, Allhoff?” O’Leery inquired, “How come you’ve come by the Sheriff’s Office? Most folks avoid us like the plague!”
“On my honeymoon!” Marty replied. “Wife’s out shoppin’, so thought I’d swing by the Sheriff’s office an’ register my revolver, in case I should ever need it!” Then he asked O’Leery, “When did you leave Coloma, an’ how’d you travel to Cincinnati?”
“You came to the right place, Allhoff!” O’Leery answered. “An’ with some o’ the problems that’ve jus’ started comin’up, you jus’ might need that pistol! You got it with you?”
“Right here!” Marty replied, as he opened his coat, removed his pistol from its holster, and handed it butt first to O’Leery. Then he asked him again, “When did you leave Coloma?”
“Bout the midddle o’ September, 1851! Traveled by sailin’ ship down the coast to the Isthmus o’ Panama, crossed it in three days with no hassles, caught a steamer in Colon to New Orleans, up the Mississippi to Davenport, Iowa, then by stagecoach to Toledo, Ohio, by a lake steamer to Cleveland, and finally by train to Cincinnati! All told, it took about six weeks to get here!” O’Leery added, “Oh! An’ congratulations on gettin’ married! When did that happen?"
“Last Saturday!” Marty replied. “You gonna register my pistol? An’ what do you mean I
might need it? What kinda problems would you have here in Ohio? Certainly nothin’ like we had out in California, are they?”
“Close to it!” O’Leery replied. “Remember the Dick Bell Gang out in California? Well, one o’ them was a member o’ that gang, has come here to the Cincinnati area an’ has teamed up with one o’ our local fellas. The two o’ ‘em have been holdin’ up carriages an’ robbin’ folks, jus’ like some members o’ the Bell gang used to do out in California before law an’ order got started. Anyways, they operate on the main roads at night, mostly durin’ the weekends an’ on holidays. As the sheriff o’ this County, I’ve sent deputies all over the County out from Cincinnati to try an’ catch ‘em, but to no avail!”
With awe evident in his voice, Marty asked O’Leery, “You’re the Sheriff?”
“Yep!” O’Leery replied. “No sooner got here than an election was takin’ place for a sheriff. Filed jus’ in time to throw my hat in the ring, an’ based on my experience as a policeman in New York, an’ some o’ the law enforcement work I was involved with in California, I was elected to be the County Sheriff!”
Marty asked O’Leery, “How do this pair o’ road agents work? My brother John an’ me had some experience with road agents on the way home, but we were informed who the gang members were an’ we were ready for ‘em!
“That so?” O’Leery asked, “But as to how these scoundrels work, we only know from the descriptions given us by the victims o’ their robberies. We’ve got the two men’s names, but elusive as they are, we haven’t been able to nab ‘em yet! With the big holiday, July 4th comin’ up, we’re hopin’ they’ll screw up somehow an’ we’ll be able to catch ‘em!”
Marty told O’Leery, “Thanks for the tip, an’ for your description o’ how these bozos operate! We’ll be on the lookout for ‘em if we’re ever out at night! Now, how’s ‘bout registerin’ my revolver so I can legally carry it here in your jurisdiction? Oh! An’ what are the two mens’ names?”
O’Leery took Marty’s proffered revolver, and started to register it, as he said to him, “The big fella, who was out in California has blonde hair, is clean-shaven an’ goes by the name o’ Steve Bearess. The other thin one, who wears a black mustache an’ chin whiskers, goes by the name o’ Ron Rotzinger! If you come across either one, be armed an’ ready to shoot! Knowin’ your past history out in California, an’ from what Jack Lord had told me, I’m quite sure you can handle yourself! If there’s any confrontation an’ you kill the two bastards, bring their bodies to me for verification, all right, Marty?”
Marty asked the Sheriff, “Seems like you think I might be o’ some help in catchin’ these two scoundrels, right Tim?”
O’Leery replied, “Bein’ out there at Pinaud’s Winery, an’ travelin’ ‘round out in the countryside, makes you a more potential victim for these two robbers! Besides, I’ve heard rumors out in California that Bearess has a grudge against you for killin’ some o’ his friends out there, so, knowin’ you from past history, you’ll be better able to carry it out than all my deputies an’ I’re able! Here! Carry this with you at all times while you’re wearin’ your gun an’ holster!”
he told Marty as he handed him the copy of the registration, signed “Timothy O’Leery, Sheriff.”
“Good luck! An’ shoot straight, if you have to!” O’Leery told Marty as he shook his hand. “Glad to see you back in Ohio! We’ll have to get together sometime an’ swap tales, all right with you?”
Marty replied, “I’d like that very much!” He turned and left the Sheriff’s office and
walked back to the Hotel, where he met Louisa in the lobby as she inquired, “Where have you
been?” He answered, “Tell you when we get back in our room!”
Once they were in their room, Marty related the entire story concerning how the local Sheriff was an acquaintance out in California, and had also known Jack Lord, who had taught Marty and his brother, John, how to handle weapons, had told him about the two “Highwaymen” who had been robbing local folks in large carriages and surreys. He told Louisa that O’Leery thought Marty might run into the pair, since he’d be living far out in the countryside, and having known Marty’s reputation out in California, felt that he would be able to handle any situation
that might arise. For once, Louisa had nothing to say in that regard, because she knew deep in her heart, that no more violence could happen to them. Nothing was further from the truth in that concern!
INDEPENDENCE DAY SUPPER, FIREWORKS AND HIGHWAYMEN.
On Friday, Francois Pinaud, the owner of Pinaud’s Winery a few miles out of Cincinnati, arrived at the Hotel in the winery’s carriage and helped Marty and one of the Bellmen and the Doorman load all their trunks and luggage in the carriage’s spacious boot. Marty tipped the Bell-man and Doorman handsomely for their efforts. Mister Cousey, the Hotel Manager, came out and wished them well at Pinaud’s Winery, and asked them to return to the Hotel from time-to-time, where they would be treated royally. The Maitre’d, Pierre Renaud, who had first taken Marty and Louisa to meet Monsieur Pinaud the previous Sunday, and had been a boyhood friend of Louisa’s Papa and had known her when she was but a baby, said his goodbyes to them. But he told them he would see them on his visits to the Winery to purchase wines and cordials to supply the Hotel’s wine cellar. Louisa and Marty bade all their new-found friends farewell, climbed into the carriage, and with Francois a t the reins, they were off to begin an entirely new experience in the wine-making business.
Francois took them out to his winery over the very same roads that Pierre had taken them the Sunday before on their very first visit. Francois had provided them a small cottage in which to stay, which would be their “First New Home” for the duration of their stay at the winery. When they arrived at the winery, Francois helped Marty unload their trunks and other luggage,while it was Louisa’s responsibility to see that all their garments were properly hung in the closets provided, as well as try out the various kitchen implements she would be using during their stay. Once all their trunks were unloaded and they were somewhat settled in, Francois asked them to accompany him around the vineyard so they could see for themselves the different types of grapes he produced, and the various wine vintages produced from those grapes.
Through the remainder of the month of May and through June, Francois, Marty and the crew of Vinegres, French for “Vineyard Workers,” harvested specific blocks of grapes that were crushed then placed in certain casks to allow them to ferment to alcohol to produce special wines for which Pinaud’s winery was noted in the region. On the last day in June, Francois approached Marty and Louisa in their little cottage and told them that the three of them had been invited to a special “Independence Day Supper With Fireworks” at Nicholas Longworth’s vineyard and winery on July 4th.
Francois said to them, “Mon amis, I hope you don’t mind, but I have already accepted the invitation on your behalf, as well as my own! I have always wanted an opportunity to meet the man who began the wine industry in this region, some thirty years ago, so I accepted his invitation and included both of you, tres certainement! Most certainly!”
“Sounds like a great idea to me!” Marty exclaimed. “I’d very much like to meet Mister Longworth, since I’ve heard different members o’ the crew mention his name in passin’ many number o’ times!”
“Me too!” Louisa exclaimed. “Sounds real exciting to me! And to see fireworks as well!”
Francois exclaimed to them, “Then it is all decided! We will go in my carriage, which you, Louisa will have all to yourself, since I want Marty to be in the driver’s seat with me!”
“Why is that, Francois?” Marty asked him. “You must have a specific reason in mind, since usually, you want us both to ride inside the carriage whenever we go somewhere!!”
“Yes, I do!” Francois replied. “Though I often put it off as rumor, several of my friends were robbed at gunpoint by “Road Agents” a few weeks ago! I contacted Sheriff O’Leery, and he confirmed my questions. Imagine my surprise when he told me he had known you quite well out in California, and then he said to me, “Have him ride up front with you, and follow any direct- ions Marty gives you, for your own good! With a weapon, ‘specially a pistol. Marty does not miss! Good luck on the road on Independence Day! Tell Marty, ‘Happy Huntin’!"
“Well, I’ll be danged!” Marty exclaimed loudly. “So, O’Leery told you all about my exploits out in California, eh? Hope he didn’t get too gory with the details!”
“Nothing of the sort, mon amis! Francois replied. “I will feel much better having you both along with me when we go to Nicholas Longworth’s!"
July Fourth, Independence Day was a bright, sunny day, but in the very early morning, it did not look like the day would begin as well as it did. A hazy fog hung over the Ohio River, a short distance away and began to spread further away from the River proper. But once the sun was up, the haze and fog soon disappeared and the day became one in which the Holiday could be enjoyed because of the fine weather. Both Francois and Marty were early risers, and early in the morning, both of them were in the wine vaults taking care of some last minute tests that had to be made with some of the new-made wine recently assigned to their respective casks. Once those tests were completed, and both were satisfied the wine was fermenting in a proper fashion, both men returned to Louisa’s and Marty’s cottage, where breakfast awaited them.
After breakfast, Francois and Marty gathered the harvest crew together. Most of the crew were experienced French Vinigres, but there were quite a few experienced Germans in the crew, as well. There was one German, who had worked for Nicholas Longworth for quite a few years, but when Francois had started his vineyard and winery, began working for him; the man’s name was Herman Lister. Herman was the “Crew Chief under” Marty, and took all his orders from him, unless orders came directly from Francois; which rarely occurred.
When all the crew had gathered around, Francois told the group that all their orders for that day would be given by Herman, since he and Marty would be gone from mid-afternoon on ‘til whenever they returned. They had both been invited to Nicholas Longworth’s vineyard and winery for a July Fourth party and they had accepted. Herman asked Francois to convey his best regards to Mister Longworth, and Francois indicated he would The crew returned to harvesting the grapes and Francois and Marty entered the vaults to check the progress of other vintages in various stages of fermentation. They were engaged in this fashion until lunch time, at which time, both men returned to Marty’s and Louisa’s cottage and sat down to a good lunch she had prepared.
By two o’clock P. M., they were ready to depart in Francois’ carriage, in which they had packed two cases of wine of different vintages for the enjoyment of the other guests. The two vintages were a case of Marechal Foch, and a case of one of Francois’ favorite creations named Clarice, after Francois’ late wife. As had previously been agreed upon, Louisa rode by herself inside the carriage, while Marty sat alongside Francois, who occupied the driver’s seat.
Francois’ vineyards and winery were about an hour’s carriage ride from Longworth’s property, which was situated on the down-side of East Sixth Street outside of Cincinnati proper, on the road to Observatory Hill (1:158). The terraced vineyards swept down a gradual slope to the Ohio River, and it and other vineyards that consisted of thousands of acres, stretched up from the banks of the Ohio River, that were covered with luxuriant and profitable vineyards that rivaled in profusion and beauty the vine-clad hills of Italy and France. The oldest vineyard in Hamilton County were Nicholas Longworth’s plantings, which he subsequently increased to two hundred acres.
The route they traveled took them around the main portion of the City of Cincinnati, and the road upon which they traveled was mainly still in the countryside. Ahead of them, and off to their right, they were able to see “Observatory Hill” in the distance and they knew they were getting close to Longworth’s property. They had covered less than a mile, when they saw a street sign that read “Sixth Street,” and was accompanied by a second sign that read, “Longworth’s Vineyard and Winery;” with an arrow that pointed to the right. Francois turned the carriage and traveled only a short distance, when the road forked, the one to the left obviously traveled up “Observatory Hill,” while the one to the right had another sign that read “Longworth’s Vineyards and Winery,” with a large arrow that pointed to the right. They traveled along the Winery Drive, as on their left, they saw a rather large, rounded hill covered with trees. All of a sudden, Marty shook his head. Had he been seeing things? He thought to himself, that he was sure he had seen two sets of legs running on the other side of the hill and he looked more closely. Yes! There they were again, but the bodies were obscured by the trees! Suddenly, he saw a bright flash of light! What could the that be, he asked himself? He thought back a few minutes, then it came to him. He remembered the trip across the prairies, and whenever Jack Lord wanted to see some- thing distant, he used his spyglass which often flashed a bright light on contact with sunlight.
He mused to himself, “Now who would have a spyglass to observe other people’s doings and travels? Wonder if those’re the road agents O’Leery told me about? Might be! Best to keep this to myself for the time being and tackle the problem, if there is one, when we leave Longworth’s tonight!"
Visit next week as we unvail what happens next!
Here's a quick review of a hilarious book I've been making my way through this Christmas break.
