The Incredible Journey of Thomas Johnson

 

Copyright© 2017 – Nicholas Hall

 

Chapter Twenty-Eight

 

"Time present and time past all both perhaps present in time future, and time future contained in time past."

(T.S. Eliot)

Our heritage, oh sweet heritage; how hangs our precious jewels

Taking a deep breath, pausing in my narration, looking at my watch and the settling darkness outside, I said,

"Tony, if I may be so bold as to call you by your first name, it's getting late and if you want to hear more of my story, you'll have to return in the morning."

"How about if I just spend the night here?" he responded with a mischievous grin.

During the telling of my story¸ I noticed more often than once, the bulge growing, diminishing, and growing again especially when I mentioned fucking Benjie or Henri, the size of Jefferson's cock, or the many other sexual encounters happening with me and among the others while residing at Chapman's Corner. I must admit, I chubbed up during those portions as well, simply remembering the deep, sexual satisfaction I felt each time. What he possessed underneath his pants zipper was a curiosity to me, wondering the length, the girth, whether circumcised or not, shaved, or just a normal sized, delectable velvety smooth hard, suckable cock; wondering at the same time whether he was still virgin or whether or not he loved to have cock stuffed up there, flooding him with man-seed?

"How old are you, Tony?"

"Twenty-three," he responded softly. "Perhaps too old for you?"

"Mais non; just asking is all!"

He definitely was fuckable; however, it wasn't his age causing me some hesitation, it was more his and my heritage. Thinking about it further, I rationalized it wouldn't really be incest because any connection would be so far removed! But, if I'd had no compunction about sticking the wood to and breed ten and twelve year old boys, why would a little incest between distant cousins be of concern to me? Shrugging, I thought he'd hear the entire story soon enough and by the time I was finished with it, he'd care less whose cock had been up or was up his ass or whose his was buried in! Didn't someone once say incest is best?

"Well," I announced with a nod of my head, "let me prepare something for our dinner and have another drink. If we're going to fuck ourselves into a stupor later on, we may as well be well fortified!"

Tony grinned, groped his crotch in order to straighten out what was poking crooked in his britches, and nodded his approval; "I'll fix the brandies," and I pointed him toward the liquor cabinet and mixes.

Retrieving two steaks from my now very limited supply of food from the refrigerator freezer, I popped them in the microwave to thaw. I'd been depleting my frozen and fresh food supply realizing I'd have little need for any of when I departed and really didn't want to leave a mess for a new owner. Hopefully, my home would be sold before I had to leave –no- correct that thought; there was no two ways about it, it had to be sold! I didn't intend on coming back here, no matter what happened April 1, 2008. I had no desire of giving anyone cause to bring a police inquiry or search for me! As far as anyone would be concerned, I sold everything and simply moved on to parts unknown!

Now there was another complication in this whole strange adventure and journey of mine; Antoine Doucet Beliveau. I watched the very attractive young man mixing our drinks and could see certain familiar resemblances in him. I wondered why I hadn't noticed it before when he was in my class? Perhaps I was either too enamored with him or involved in my own plans to escape back to times past where times future were far distantly removed from my sphere of thought and life.

His coloration definitely was similar to mine, Henri's and Celeste's as well as that of his paternal grandfather several times removed, and his stature and body build that of his paternal ancestor as well, causing me to ponder, in the cock department what family gene would dominate? I had to admit, he was one handsome dude, but not as appealing to me as my very own Benjie, who would, by now, be thirty-four years old or about ten years older than Tony.

Looking at Tony only increased my longing for Benjie, wondering how Henri and David were doing, anxious to see Gervais and Parnell, and all of the other dear friends and family I'd left behind; wondering at the same time if I'd ever be able to return to them in that time and place. They were the only family, until now, I'd ever had or identified with!

Slipping the steaks under the oven broiler and while waiting for them to reach the desired medium rare I preferred, I sipped on my drink and asked Tony to help preparing a salad and package of frozen mixed vegetables along with some hard rolls I had in the kitchen for our dinner. I missed the taste of home prepared, fresh vegetables and fresh meats we had at Chapman Farm. Even in late winter, as now, the preserved meat and veggies tasted good. Our meals and foods were simple, but tasty and nutritious, perhaps because of the conditions under which they were raised and prepared, much of which we owed to Momma Celeste. If we did become ill, she was able to nurse us and restore our health far beyond the contemporary practices and means of the late 1800's available or known, due to her "traveler's status."

I needed to pick up some modern medicine, in pill or powdered from I could take back with me. It would include a very ample supply of penicillin as well as other antibiotics. There were a couple of sources I could tap (literally) without prescription; one source Tony might well help with since he was younger and could offer fresh, desirable fleshly attributes in trade or enticement. I also wanted to take hypodermic syringes and needles, along with some suturing needles and hemostats, along with other small medical equipment including a new stethoscope and microscope. Both of my sources would be able to assist me in making a list of needed items I could carry or attach to me to insure their arrival, if I told them I was going to Africa or some other third world country for the purpose of sampling the local young flesh and would bring back pictures! There was no doubt in my mind he'd be a willing participant in what I proposed and in obtaining what I needed. First, however, I had to determine if he was a fellow traveler, a preternatural or pretender!

I would test him, perhaps with the geode I'd kept safe and concealed all these years or maybe some of the precious stones I returned to this time in my possession; that is, after I'd tested his inner core for warmth, fit, and flexibility and tasted his sweet flesh and thick tapioca-like emissions!

We dined, not in silence, but discussing current events, occasionally slipping into questions he had concerning the life I'd left behind. For some reason the vast migration of passenger pigeons appealed to him and brought forth his deep concern they were extinct because of man's greed and the lack of habitat. He felt as though it could've been prevented, perhaps by us if we took the right action! I had to caution him we had no power to alter history only give witness to it!

"Had I the power to do so," I cautioned him, "I would've attempted to prevent the assassination of President Lincoln, but I realized then and now as well, I didn't have it within my power or ability so I suffered his loss like the others, but more intensely because I knew the aftermath. All I could do was lessen the impact on those at Chapman Farms and help them prepare for the future, a future I knew would be full of events I couldn't prevent, but could ease their passage and make life more palatable, comfortable, and accepting, much the same as Momma Celeste was doing through her knowledge!"

We finished our dinner, cleaned up, and because of the late hour, prepared ourselves for bed. I didn't offer him a guest room, but led him by his hand to my bedroom. There, I slowly, carefully, and with sensuous movements and actions of my hands separated him from his clothing, leaving him starkly, beautifully naked; with a body befitting the gorgeousness of a young fit man! His hard uncircumcised shaft, protruding from a small forest of dark pubic hair, stood proud, the foreskin not fully retracted, covering about half of a plum-shaped head dripping small drops of pre-cum, almost inviting me to taste it's delicacy with the tip of my tongue; so I did! It brought an instant twitch to the rod, a deep inhaling and contraction of the stomach, and a whimper of delight from the possessor of such a fine instrument.

Freeing my hands, but wanting to keep him deftly attached, I opened my mouth and with my lips slowly slid the foreskin back, clearing the head and glans for my ministrations while I disrobed myself, no small feat considering the position of my body, but accomplished with little interruption by me or him. His cock was just a bit smaller than mine, although similar in length and girth and reacted with noticeable swelling and throbbing as I bobbed up and down a couple of times.

Looking up, I expected him to be focused on what I was doing to him, instead he appeared to be focused on my own stiff rod, hard, anxious for some action!

"You're big!" he groaned.

"It always looks bigger on someone else," I responded. "It all depends on your point of view," and slid his cock into my mouth until my nose was nuzzling his pubes while my tongue and throat tickled and milked his growing desire. Wanting to bring him off so I could enjoy a leisurely trip up the tunnel of love, I slipped a finger up his rear portal, found his love button and with a couple of twitches and wiggles, I felt him raise up on his toes, his balls pulled up tight, and he squealed, "Oh my god, I'm cumming!"

If he thought I was going to pull back, he was badly mistaken, so I let him flood my mouth with his sweetness!

Tony shook, shuddered, almost quivered each time he pulsed his essence, leaned forward, resting his hands on my shoulders for support as I waited until he'd completed his ejaculation. The rhythmic throbbing stopped, except for an intermittent jerk of his spent cock and balls, I pulled back and stood, quickly wrapping my arms around him lest he fall, collapse on top of me, so intense was his orgasm!

"First time?"

He nodded, "Never had the guts to go for it before," he confessed, "always wanted to, but never nerve enough!"

"Well, Tony Belliveau, you're in for a number of firsts before you leave here, so get ready!" I said softly and led him to my bedroom, holding him hip to hip.

I lay him on my bed, back on the sheets, leaving his front fully exposed for my admiration and ministrations, his now flaccid cock, foreskin slipped forward, leaving a small portion of the glistening head exposed, piss slit still oozing a small drop or two of his sweet nectar, underside up, nestled in his crotch, resting on his pubic bush, not unlike a small bratwurst awaiting an eager diner, and his balls, average in size, but plump, enclosed in a hairless sack, slowly starting to descend to hang between his legs, presented me with a banquet of young flesh to enjoy!

I began my dining pleasure with a long, erotic kiss where our tongues entwined and our breath mingled, bringing his body to a shivering excitement; from there, once I tasted him, I began my journey to his nips, where I licked, sucked, each one bringing them to a hard peak; from them to his navel, decorated with a small "innie" just begging to be loved with my tongue and once inserted and tickled about, caused Tony to inhale deeply sucking his stomach back, and finally, to his now refreshed and turgid pecker, waiting for some more attention!

I paid that smooth, velvety morsel just enough attention to bring an encouraging and begging moan from him! Expecting me to continue with another blowjob, I disappointed him by sucking first one ball lovingly before allowing to slip moistly from my mouth before replacing it with the other, giving it the same tender treatment!

Raising his legs, I nuzzled under his sagging sack, rooted around as if seeking a prized dark, delectable mushroom buried under the ground, found his tight pucker as a replacement, and began giving it a slow tonguing, causing it to pucker up tighter at first, bringing his hips up from the bed, with a squeal from his lips, before rolling him over on his stomach!

"Your first time," I explained, "should be on your stomach. I can't promise it won't hurt at first, but you'll also find I can make it most enjoyable and almost yearning for it habitually, once you're accustomed to having something going in where something else normally comes out!"

Tony nodded his understanding and allowed me to place a pillow under his crotch in order to elevate his beautiful buns for my pleasurable treatment and ease of entry. My tongue and mouth, lubricating his entrance, surrounding tissue, and just inside his core was most pleasurable for him and gave me a true taste of Tony!

Retrieving some lube from my nightstand, I squeezed a large dollop onto his puckered entrance, more on my fingers, and used them to slick up his rectum and bowel as far as my fingers would reach without hurting him as well as stretch him in preparation for my stiff, thick rod! Satisfied he was well lubricated and prepared by my moderate stretching, I lubed up my dick, wiggled my way between his legs, held my cock head up against his slick entrance, and popped the head in! He winced and whimpered for just a moment, I waited while he relaxed a little and adjusted to the fat head lodged just inside his ass, and began leaning forward, pressing more and more of my length into him until the hairs surround my cock pressed tight up against his gate, my crotch resting on his soft, pillowed buns, stomach securely resting in the small of his back, my naked chest against his smooth naked back, and my arms looped under his arm pits griping his shoulders to secure my purchase, and lay there, feeling his tightness and moist heat envelop my instrument of delight, waiting for him to adjust to it and finally enjoy its purpose!

It wasn't long before my hips began to rock, his pelvis rising to meet each thrust, causing us both to moan in delight and pleasure! My climax arrived at the same time as his, only his was spewed out on the pillow cushioning his cock and pelvis while mine flooded his inner sanctum, breeding him as only one man can breed another!

Expended, I settled in, my stiff member still buried in his warm tight sheath, we both rested, preparing for what we both knew was a night of intensity, designed to educate him and increase his desire for more as he became the gay lover he longed to be. For me, it was a means to assuage my sex drive, never really diminishing with age, and heightening my desire to return to my lover, Benjie, and others who loved me as I loved them, physically and emotionally. Tony was a great fuck, but he didn't have for me the ambrosial and sapid intensity and satisfying, lasting results as I experienced with Benjie! Sex with Tony, although enjoyable, was just that, a nice fuck and no more, as far as I was concerned!

In the greyness of the pre-dawn, I decided it was time for Tony to try "topping," although after three times as a bottom, it was apparent he enjoyed the position very much. He needed, however, to be able to enjoy giving as well as receiving, so I began his lessons on how to properly make love, at least in the coitus sense, to another man.

Positioning myself, back down on the mattress, butt raised with a pillow, already stained heavily with his cum,, I opened my legs, pulled them back a bit, and gave him an opportune target to focus on.

"Why are you on your back?" he inquired, "You had me lay on my stomach when you did me!"

"Because it was your first time and now I want to see your face when you cum!"

It didn't take too much instruction to bring him up to speed on how to lubricate his partner, himself, and most importantly, how to prepare his partner by stretching the anal sphincter with his fingers, especially if it was the first time for his partner. I really emphasized how important it was to keep himself "clean" before anal sex.

"A little shit on your cock isn't too bad," I cautioned, "but too much can really spoil the moment, if you can imagine what I mean!"

He maneuvered himself so, kneeling between my legs, I was able to grasp his slippery rod and slowly guide him forward until the head of his stiffness touched my sphincter. Nodding my approval I encouraged him to push forward slowly into my warm, moist receiving love tunnel.

"Remember," I advised, "it's more about giving your partner pleasure than it is giving pleasure only to yourself. Anything else, is just plain selfish or rape!"

"But," he pleaded, "its so warm and tight around my dick, I'm afraid to move or I'll blow my wad- what I have left, that is!"

I refreshed his biology lessons on the prostate, the function, and how it could stimulate pleasure and orgasm if your partner's dick stroked it on each pass. I felt he should know all of this, but the pleasure of the current moment just might cloud his mind and I didn't want to take anything for granted.

Once seated and somewhat relaxed, although I could feel his stiffness twitching inside me anxious to fire off, I encouraged him to begin thrusting, slowly, but his ardor increased with each stroke! Unfortunately, his staying power didn't! He was amazed he could deliver an adequate amount of seed! I reassured him after he rested and recharged, he'd do better and he did!

At breakfast, I gazed across the table at my most accommodating delightfully sexually fulfilling bedmate, Tony; he had the look of one well fucked pup and he had been, more than once!

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, grimacing slightly as he did.

"Sore?" I asked sympathetically, knowing, although I wasn't as large as Jefferson or perhaps Jubal, but still above average, as a virgin, he was bound to be stretched and tender as a result of multiple intrusions. Of course, he was just a bit smaller, but still above what people would consider "normal size" as well. The first time Jefferson ever fucked me, I felt the same way, I think!

He nodded, smiled, responding, "In a good way!"

"A couple of aspirin would probably ease some of the discomfort," I advised.

"Better add a large quantity of the over the counter drug to take with me," I thought to myself. Celeste used powdered willow bark mixed with some other herbs to concoct a medicine similar, but I knew she would appreciate a supply of the "real" thing. I was starting to think I might not be able to transport everything I thought I had to take with me.

"I really, really loved it!" Tony admitted almost sheepishly, almost afraid to admit the pleasure he felt while I was fucking him or vice versa.

"Yeah, I know the feeling," I responded, "there's nothing like it, almost something I find so hard to resist. I swear it runs in the family somehow."

"What do you mean?" he puzzled suspiciously.

"Fill your coffee cup," I answered, "and I'll continue where I left off last evening."

 

1867 was an interesting year to say the least. Winter wasn't severe, spring began with its usual farm work, minor flooding of the Des Moines River, men and beast preparing the land for crops, but we also had livestock now, cattle and hogs, we were raising for market. The railroad spur on our property, with the small livestock holding pens adjacent to it, made far away markets accessible to us and I fully intended to take advantage of it. James and I made some inquiries into a couple of small packing houses and invested in them. We didn't ask for any reduction in slaughter and processing costs, but I knew we'd profit more from our investments which would be more than our actual costs.

Chapman's wealth increased, as did the rest of us, especially James and me since we were close to Chapman and his investments, and we were more than a little cautious letting anyone else know through an ostentatious flaunting of the wealth through purchases or fancy parties. This doesn't mean we gave the impression of "poor folks," but more of a "middle class" ordinary folk.

Leary of banks, knowing what I knew historically from that era, increased as a new gang of robbers emerged in Missouri, hitting banks, killing people. Jessie James' gang robbed a bank in Savannah Missouri, killing one man, raising headlines in the newspapers. Eventually he'd send fear through many, especially bankers, as far north as Northfield, Minnesota. Deposits in banks weren't insured for loss, so many perceived the James Boys as "Robin Hoods", those who lost their savings from robbery felt otherwise!

I had a smaller version of the large walk-in safe or strong room, in Chapman's office, built in the new east addition in the small office James occupied. Strong steel on the interior, locked with steel bars and door controlled by a combination lock, enclosed in a reinforced concrete outer shell, and concealed behind a large set of book shelves, was used to keep a large portion of our cash (greenbacks), gold bullion bars, gold coins, and silver coins along with some precious stones we purchased for Chapman as a hedge! The large safe in Chapman's office also held the same items, but also contained all of his ledger books, stock certificates, deeds, and other legal and important papers.

The funds I deposited in banks, was deposited in larger banks, in larger cities, somewhat more secure from robbery but not from failure, I must say! Our problem, since I wanted to spread the risk out by not having everything at Chapman Farms, was getting the money to the bank. It was always risky, especially if someone knew about it. Whenever we had large amounts of greenbacks or gold (rarely since I was aware of the impending gold crisis about a year away), James and I would carry it, either on horseback, with Jefferson and Antoine as outriders, guarding us, armed with shotguns and pistols. James and I were always well armed ourselves. Once in a while we'd carry the money in Chapman's carriage, if he wanted to go to Keokuk and follow him, usually with an empty freight wagon to carry supplies home with. Ordinarily our purchases were made, wherever we shopped, with bank drafts, so we were not burdened with carrying large amounts of cash for that. Payrolls at Chapman's were always made in cash, usually greenbacks, but I watched it carefully, since I didn't want the drop in value of greenbacks, when it would occur, to affect our workers negatively.

Wagon loads of seed and building supplies began arriving at Chapman Corners. Several new homes were slated to be built as well as improvements to the homes on the various farms Chapman owned, the home place, and outbuildings. Wood for the carpentry shop was needed for the growing cabinet and furniture business Colin had developed.

Janet and Malik had a healthy baby boy; according to Malik, confirmed by Henri and David who happened to be visiting when young Arnold Hughes Chapman was being bathed, he was "all cock and balls!"

It was also evident by mid-March, Jubal's seed took root and was growing well! Rachael must have gotten pregnant at Christmas when he was home. Celeste thought it had to be when she was first able to conceive since she never started her first monthly. As small as she was, her pregnancy seemed to overwhelm her, swelling her tummy even in the early stages. As her stomach continued to swell, Benjie commented to me she looked like a watermelon atop two twigs.

Benjie was also growing, not only in height and strength, but he was developing a few hairs around his growing dick and enlarging descending balls, as was Henri. They both would prove to be more than nicely endowed in penis size and gonads, producing viscous, somewhat waterery semen, eventually their production would be more than equal in volume and thickness as the other males in the household. As far as I was concerned, Benjie's offering was the sweetest of treats and evidently David considered Henri's just as delectable according to his comments.

Canada became a dominion under the British North America Act, the United States bought Alaska from Russia, and commercial coal mining began to grow in our part of Iowa. James was particularly proud of the role he played in purchases of land or mineral rights to the property now held by Chapman. The geologist friend of his, assessing various properties for minerals (especially coal) was well worth the money we paid him. Our success only seemed to enhance Chapman's belief my earlier career, before coming to him to work, was as some sort of agent provocateur, but I felt James wasn't convinced of that however, but never said.

Jubal was thrilled hearing of his impending fatherhood and could hardly wait to return home. Once here, he fussed and fawned over Rachael. She and Celeste insisted they marry before their baby arrived, sometime in August Celeste thought, so Reverend Miller dutifully performed the ceremony in the front parlor of the main house. Chapman was so happy having the wedding there and about another new baby entering the Chapman fold.

In the midst of his pride of impending fatherhood and exaltation of being a new husband, along with his prowess of the ability to successfully fertilize a young, beautiful female such as Rachael, Jubal was suddenly faced with another dilemma.

I was visiting with Celeste when he walked slowly into her treatment room. He stood sheepishly, clearly embarrassed, seeing me there as well, sort of stammered, shuffled, put his head down, and mumbled, "Momma Celeste, I have to talk to you."

When I offered to leave, he quickly pleaded for me to stay!

"What's the problem, Jubal," Celeste asked.

Again, he mumbled, "It's about my ah, ah, cock," he finally spit out quietly.

Celeste thought a moment and said, "Drop your pants and let's take a look!"

His eyes grew big in surprise, but dutifully obliged.

Jubal's long, thick, uncut, flaccid cock hung over his generous balls and wobbled back and forth as he stepped out of his pants.

Celeste stepped up to him, commenting, "You've certainly grown since I last examined you, Jubal," and hefted his piece of man-meat in her hands and skinned back the foreskin to expose his knob.

"What's wrong with it," she asked, slowly manipulating it with one hand while fondling his balls with the other.

"I think," he explained, "it's too big around and too long for Rachael now she's with child and I don't want to hurt her or the babe!"

Celeste stroked it several times, commenting, "Let's get this stiff, Jubal, and I'll be able to tell you better!"

Now I'm no medical doctor, but I think I know enough about the human anatomy to know if he'd been fucking her before she got pregnant, his cock would still fit with no damage to her or the baby as long as they didn't do anything too kinky or not use common sense. Rachael could easily let him know what felt good and what didn't. Watching Celeste, I understood why she'd been fucking Rueben on a regular basis and why she was playing with Jubal's penis – she loved cock!

My, my!

My thoughts were interrupted when she gave it a final shake, announcing, "I think it's just fine, Jubal; there should be no problem having intercourse with Rachael, just use some common sense and both of you will enjoy yourself!"

Giggling, happy at the pronouncement, Jubal pulled him his pants, thanked Celeste and left, off, I'd be willing to bet, to see if what she said was correct.

Celeste and I were alone and she smiled, saying, "Now you know another of my secrets!"

Sighing wistfully, she confessed, "I wouldn't mind having one more baby, preferably by a white male, but," looking at me and smiling, "you're not a likely candidate!"

She was correct about that; I'd tasted the fruits of gentle youth and taken completely by his charms. Celeste's opportunity to fulfill her wish was not long in coming. In mid-June, our old friend, protector, and advisor, Captain Randolph, now posted at Arsenal Island in Rock Island, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, arrived at Chapman Corners. Accompanying him was his oldest son, Thomas, a student at the University in Iowa City. Thomas was a handsome young man, well-proportioned, carried himself with grace and ease, intelligent, well-educated, and eager to learn. Watching his eyes as he looked about the various female residents of our fair community, I could see he was as horny as a sixteen year old walking through a locker room full of naked young ladies!

Captain Randolph was on assignment to do some investigative work concerning flooding along the Des Moines River and would be in our area for about three weeks. Most of the time he would be traveling, staying with various army posts, commercial boarding houses, or private homes. He wished to make Chapman's his base of operations and desired Thomas to stay with us while he traveled. It'd give Thomas, according to Captain Randolph, the opportunity to not only see our business operation was conducted, but the growth, through planning and development of equipment and techniques, of the farms, homes, and local businesses such as the store. Since Captain Randolph played an essential role in designing our indoor heating, improving our shower and hot water system, and laying out the community, along with the water supply, he thought it'd be a good chance for Thomas to receive some firsthand, hands-on experience!

Mr. Chapman was thrilled to have him back for a visit and extended every hospitality to him, including a whole hog roast in his honor. The entire community and all of those people working Chapman Farms were invited. James was home at the time and, since he'd served as Captain Randolph's aide, was thrilled to spend some time with him and introduce him to Parnell and Gervais. Caleb could do nothing but grin as the Captain visited with their sons.

After the hog roast, when all was cleaned up and everyone, except those of us who lived in the main house, bunk house, and the Doucet Family, departed for home, Captain Randolph, James, Chapman, Thomas, Celeste, myself, shared a brandy in Chapman's study, just to visit and perhaps pick Randolph's mind for any tidbits we could use or information of value to us.

The conversation was light at first and brought Captain Randolph up to date on our progress with Chapman Enterprises and the community, as well as giving Thomas background he would need if he were to spend some time with us; we inquired concerning the welfare of the Randolph family residing in Davenport; and how he wished to retire there at the end of his career (he wasn't certain at this point in time when that would be only if he were to be re-posted to anyplace other than the Davenport area, he'd hasten his retirement before he'd move).

"There are numerous opportunities available in the Davenport area," he advised, "and the community and area is growing. It's a major shipping port for river boats transporting everything from grain to lumber and traffic is increasing every day. The Corps of Engineers will someday have a major role in regulation of the waterway. There'll be work aplenty, with the growth, for engineers or any professional people."

"How interested are the railroads in developing sources for coal?" I asked, knowing full well the answer since we'd already seen an increase in interest in the coal bearing properties we owned or controlled through mineral rights acquisition.

"A great deal," he noted, "with Nebraska now in the Union, the railroads will have to expand their lines in order for farmers and others to ship goods and grains to the river ports, and to do that they will need coal. Providing coal and the rolling stock, as well as steel for rails, would be of interest to any investor."

Chapman winked and smiled at me, pleased we'd taken out the options on land and mineral rights, invested in steel manufacturing and rail manufacturing, and railroad rolling stock rather than the railroad companies themselves.

"Did Lucien Smith ever receive his patent for barbed wire," I asked, casually.

Captain Randolph furled his brow, puzzled, I should think, how I might even be aware of the invention.

"No, not yet, although his application is being processed in the Patent Office, from what I understand."

"Will the Army be making any major purchases of the new wire?" I continued in the same vein.

Again, Randolph frowned, hesitated, but finally said, "I'm of the opinion you may know better than I concerning the answer to your question."

Chapman and James both gave me that "I think we better talk about this later as a possible investment" look. I'd already decided we should pursue it since livestock ranchers and grain farmers would invest highly in the future purchases of the wire. It not only would keep livestock in, but those unwanted travelers or wanderers out!

Finally, sipping the last of his brandy, noting it was time for bed, he cautioned us about robberies starting to increase including the one by the James' Gang on May 23 in Richmond, Missouri where not only was the bank robbed, but four people were killed.

"There may be others who feel they can do the same and not necessarily only banks, taking their lead from the James' Gang success, thinking they can profit as well as escape capture, so be on your guard!"

Randolph rose intending to leave to the east wing of the main house where he and Thomas would stay, adding,

"The Ku Klux Klan is not only present in Tennessee and other southern states; it's growing in popularity and the people who join it are not just people in white sheets, they can be killers who don't really like our black brethren's," raising his eyebrow in warning!

I noticed, as we all began our departure, Thomas remained and visited with Celeste, at her invitation. She had three weeks, I figured, to get herself properly bred and was starting off at the get-go! Waste not want not!

Captain Randolph left on his mission and our work continued as usual, only now Thomas shadowed James and me. He had many question and was almost insightful as his father which I figured would change as he matured. Even as we kept him busy, his off hours, as well as some nights, were kept equally busy with Celeste, studying household activities and home medical practices. HA!

I felt quite comfortable around him. We were just three to four years apart in age, with me the oldest, but his mannerisms, personality, and ideas seemed so familiar to me, perhaps from my association with his father. Our similarities were really pointed out to me late one afternoon when Benjie, Henri, David, and I were showering and Thomas joined us. Naked, standing under the shower, his body exhibited similar physical size and build, coloration, height, hair color, and eye color, but all three boys looked at him, stared, looked at me, back again at him, before returning their gaze to me!

Benjie mentioned me to bend over so he could whisper something (not that I had to bend very far since he was growing) to me.

"He looks just like you T.J," he said with amazement, "Even his cock size and color only yours is cut and his isn't! You'd think you two were brothers or cousins or something."

Indeed, upon closer inspection, it appears so. Evidently the Randolph family had nothing to be ashamed of either. I thought little of it, although I did puzzle on it periodically, until the day after Thomas and Captain Randolph left to return to Davenport and Celeste, visiting with me over a cup of coffee, asked,

"Mr. Jeansonne, what's your middle name?"

"Why, Randolph," I replied, "Thomas Randolph Johnson or Jeansonne to everyone here; why?"

To be continued.

***

Thank you for reading "The Incredible Journey of Thomas Johnson" – Chapter Twenty-eight.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or locales is entirely coincidental.

 If you enjoy my stories and the many others found on this free site, please consider a donation.  It is your donations which make all of our stories free and available for you to read and enjoy.  Thank you.

Nick Hall

 

The Literary works of Nicholas Hall are protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America and are the property of the author.

Positive comments are welcome and appreciated at:  nick.hall8440@gmail.com