After leaving Dr. Caldwell, Bryce and Damon fortified themselves with additional comestibles, as Dr. Caldwell’s teas, while most enjoyable on other levels, were not up to the requirements of growing boys on the level of food intake. They spent some time on their class work, but left the apartment in good time to arrive at the Sigma Alpha Tau house well before the announced meeting time of 7:30. Curtis had preceded them, having the responsibility of presiding at the meeting. When he saw Bryce, he called him over.
“Terry told me you added this item to the agenda about an update on the campus demonstrations. Do you have anything more than what was published in the newspaper?” a skeptical Curtis asked.
“I do. Have you talked to Annette Rimbault today?” Bryce asked in return.
“No, I haven’t seen her,” Curtis admitted.
“Then I have some information you will definitely be interested in,” Bryce assured him.
“Can you give me even a hint, or are you intending to make a major production of this?” Curtis teased him.
Bryce laughed. “Bryce the magician. Presto, chango! All will be revealed. No, I guess that’s palm readers, not magicians. Anyway, to make a long story short, the Governor called President Rodes and told him to settle things or find a new job.”
“Okay, that ranks as new information. I was just checking,” Curtis assured his friend.
“That’s your job,” Bryce conceded.
And so it was that the fraternity went through all the usual opening items on the agenda, then faced the unpleasant reality of the trash pick-up on Friday because of Homecoming, and the much more pleasant consideration of Homecoming itself. Vice-President Bob Balducci rose to again discuss the trash pick-up, and to plead for a good turnout on Friday. It was all part of the web of relationships represented by Sigma Alpha Tau. One of the benefits of membership was support from the ‘old boys,’ the alumni who had gone on to success in a variety of occupations. Letters of recommendation, or just a verbal good word, could mean the difference between being employed upon graduation or being on the dole.
Bob was followed by Jason Todd, who had been appointed as Chairman of the fraternity Homecoming Committee, and was also the liaison with the University committee, so he reported on all the plans affecting the fraternity. He discoursed on the Homecoming parade, and the SAT float. He discussed the reception for the ‘old boys’ both before and after the game. The greater effort would be after the game, but some alumni of the fraternity would show up before, and expect to be entertained. A few, mostly past officers or greatly successful ‘old boys,’ would be staying at the house, which meant that some of the current members were doubling up. But, like Bob Balducci before him, Jason reminded the brothers of the benefits they received from the alumni of the fraternity, and urged cooperation. It was not unreasonable to expect the brothers to prepare the way with such work as trash pickup, or putting on a decent reception, or making a room available.
As Curtis endorsed these sentiments, and also urged all the brothers to turn out for the game, Bryce mentally wandered off for a few minutes. Thinking about the connections among fraternity brothers, past and present, Bryce decided that was another side of reality that he and his friends should consider in connection with their ‘philosophical roundtable’. Society was important. The interaction among people was essential for a good life. As Genesis puts it, “it is not good for man to be alone,” and Aristotle said a long time ago that man is a social animal. Too much focus on the individual not only leads to being called an egotist, but also leads to isolation and unhappiness. In considering reality, not only the individual, but the group must be taken into consideration. And it could be linked to the subject of the spiritual life. After all, the Apostles’ Creed speaks of “the communion of saints.” Yes, this was a fruitful subject for future discussions.
By the time Bryce made up his mind on this topic, the meeting had completed its discussion of Homecoming, and it was time for the item Bryce asked to be added to the agenda. Curtis mentioned that it had been Bryce who asked for this topic, and so allowed him to present it.
“Today I came into possession of some information which I think all of us should know about,” Bryce began. “As I expect most of you already know, yesterday about lunch time President Rodes announced that the disciplinary action taken against those who participated in the demonstration last week had been cancelled, and all mention of that would be eliminated from their records.”
“Point of personal privilege, Mr. President,” Beau Lyle interrupted, gaining the attention of Curtis. “Bryce is being entirely too modest. If it had not been for him questioning the secretary who came out with President Rodes’ message, there would have remained negative remarks on the personnel records of those of us who were involved. I say ‘those of us’ because I was one of the students who marched on Dinklemore Hall, and was beaten by those neo-Nazis or whoever they were, and who was suspended. I checked this morning, and there definitely were negative comments on my record, which have been blacked out. Thanks, Bryce.”
At that, the brothers gave Bryce a round of applause, which greatly embarrassed him, but also greatly pleased him. It was wonderful knowing he had the approbation of his fraternity brothers.
“You’re not thinking of joining the gay contingent, are you, Beau?” a brother named Kevin Armstrong joked.
“I don’t think I possess the correct gene for that,” Beau replied, “but I do have good friends, like Bryce, and relatives, like my cousin Roland, who do. I attended the rally and marched on Dinklemore because I consider the way the Administration is dragging its feet over the Boyington case shameful, and only encourages the barbarian element to continue bashing gays, which puts my friends and relatives in danger.”
That, too, was met by an ovation.
Curtis banged his gavel, and returned the floor to Bryce. “Well, as I said, you already knew about the decisions relating to the demonstrators. But those of us of an enquiring nature wondered why our beloved, erudite, and well respected Glorious Leader, Garfield Philander Rodes (the name was met with boos from the assembly) backed down so completely on Monday, after taking a hard line over the previous five days. Fortunately, one of those enquiring minds found the answer. It seems there is a recording circulating among the staff in Dinklemore Hall of an early morning telephone call to the President from Governor Buckner. Now, as an out-of-state student, I have had no previous exposure to Governor Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr., but in this instance I must admit to admiring his direct approach. He told Rodes that he was causing a lot of negative publicity, and unless he got rid of the problem immediately, he could start looking for another job.”
That announcement was met with considerable commentary from the brothers. Several expressed the idea that it might have been better for the University if Rodes had balked. Then, maybe there would have been a genuine academic appointed as president, someone who would be respected, not just a political hack. One sentiment which came out quite strongly was the desire to obtain a copy of that recording. As DuBois Kennedy said, it could become one of the treasured heirlooms of the fraternity. Bryce had to stall, saying it was not politic to put too much pressure on the source of his information, as he did not want that drying up, but he would do what he could. Damon contributed corroborative evidence, saying he, too, knew the source, and found it entirely trustworthy.
Bryce’s news served as a fitting conclusion to the fraternity business meeting. As they settled down to enjoy some social interaction and a beer or two, Bryce said to Damon, “How do you suppose we missed Beau among the wounded last Wednesday, and, come to think of it, Bob Bentley as well?”
“As I recall,” Damon replied, “we began just wandering among the injured, trying to see whether anyone was seriously hurt. Then we saw that guy Lomax in the fatigues, and we sort of ignored everyone else. By then, the campus cops had arrived, and you were talking to John Zoeller, and I was helping put a student or two into the ambulances for transport to the hospital. I don’t recall what came next, but we were distracted from paying attention to individual students.”
“You’re right. There was so much going on at the same time. Well, I’m glad that issue seems to be settled, but it only reminds us that it was a side issue, and the core problem of Peter Boyington’s attack remains,” Bryce said.
“Don’t forget Hunter Matthews. We need to make contact with him. Do you still have his e-mail address?” Damon asked.
“Sure, and it would be available on the campus web site with our student password,” Bryce assured his partner.
“Then, before we go to bed tonight, you will contact him,” Damon decreed.
“Yes, Sire,” Bryce joked.
And so, after some social time at the fraternity house, the two returned to their apartment. There, Bryce checked his computer address book, and found the contact information for Hunter Matthews. In his e-mail, he began by reminding Hunter of who he was, and of the incident last spring where Hunter had proven helpful. Remembering another aspect of that incident, Bryce did not simply ask for help, but proposed hiring Hunter at the going rate for his time and expertise. He then described the situation, and asked that Hunter identify the source of the blog ‘Aryans Forever.’ After sending this missive, the two retired to the bedroom.
On Wednesday morning, Curtis again congratulated Bryce about his bombshell at the meeting the evening before. Roland joined in, saying the news was spread among the pledges on ‘gofer’ duty as soon as the business meeting broke up.
“But I need to talk to my dear cousin,” Roland added. “I understand he outed me to the entire fraternity. Now, I am not ashamed of who I am, and I am certainly not in the closet, but a little discretion is called for here. Not that I don’t trust the brothers, but there is the possibility of someone not exactly favorably inclined hearing this news. As long as there are guys going about bashing gays, I think Beau needs to be a little more discrete.”
“You have a point,” Bryce agreed. “And, Beau outed me by name at the same time. Since last year, I have become comfortable with the brothers knowing, but you’re right. What was that World War II slogan? ‘Loose Lips Sink Ships?’ Well, in this case loose lips might lead to a trip to the hospital.”
“You guys are right,” Curtis said. “I’ll speak to Beau. I should have said something at the meeting. I will definitely do so next week, but I’ll talk to some of the brothers in the meanwhile.”
“Thanks, buddy,” Bryce said.
“Yeah, thanks, Mr. President,” Roland said, emphasizing his status as a mere pledge in the presence of the President of the fraternity.
Curtis responded to that by pressing on the weights Roland was lifting at the moment, causing the younger man to have to lower them to his chest.
“I humbly beg forgiveness for having offended your worthiness,” Roland continued the farce.
“Can it, Pledge,” Curtis commanded.
“Okay,” Roland smiled. The hand lifted from the weights on his chest.
Shortly after, while preparing for the day back at the apartment, Bryce checked his e-mail. There was a response from Hunter Matthews, dated at 2:03 a.m. The guy must never sleep, Bryce decided. But Hunter expressed willingness to undertake the task, and mentioned his going rate for computer assistance. Bryce did not expect him to work pro bono, remembering their previous relationship. Hunter suggested meeting in the Union at noon, to which Bryce immediately replied by accepting. He downloaded the blog to his laptop, which he carried with him, just in case it should be useful in his talks with Hunter.
Before his French class, Bryce first encountered Marc Rimbault. Marc was looking less antagonistic, more thoughtful, lately. After a cursory greeting, Marc unexpectedly asked, “Can we talk, just the two of us?”
“Sure, Marc,” Bryce replied. “Does it have to be today? I’m kind of filled up until after lunch.”
“After lunch would be fine. I have a class from one to two. Are you free at two?” Marc asked.
“No, that’s when I have my medieval England class. I am free from three to four, but then I have the medieval England study group from four to six,” Bryce listed.
“Then it looks like after lunch has become after dinner,” Marc commented.
Bryce nodded. “Yeah, I guess. Your schedule and mine do not mesh. But I have no obligations this evening.”
“Okay,” Marc decided, “allowing time to eat, how about seven o’clock?”
“That’s fine. How about giving me a hint as to what this is all about?” Bryce asked.
Marc replied, “Annette has been talking about you, and she has also been on my case about being too cynical. I just need to talk.”
“Sure, buddy. We all need somebody to listen on occasion. I’m willing,” Bryce replied. “Where?”
“I don’t have a preference. Someplace where we can have a private conversation,” Marc said, allowing Bryce to decide.
“In that case, how about the Sigma Alpha Tau house? There are a couple of meeting rooms, and no one will bother us if we close the door,” Bryce proposed.
“Okay. Your place at seven,” Marc agreed, and extended his hand. Bryce took his hand and shook on it, as Professor Anjot arrived to begin class.
Professor Anjot began his discussion of the major eighteenth century representative of Classicism, Fran�ois Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire (1694-1778). Voltaire came from a middle class background, of which he was ashamed. His father was a lawyer, and intended his son to follow in the same profession, but the young man preferred writing. After completing his secondary education at the Jesuit College of Louis-le-Grand in Paris, he held several jobs obtained for him by his father, but nothing satisfied both father and son. One of his satirical writings offended the powers at the time, the Regent Philippe, Duc d’Orleans, for whom the city of New Orleans is named, although there’s no connection between the naming of the city and the conflict with Voltaire. Sent to jail for a term for this offense, he emerged in 1718, now 24, and unemployed. But he had written his first play, Oedipe, or Oedipus, with which he began to gain a reputation as a writer. It was at this time that he adopted the pseudonym “Voltaire,” by which he is known to history. He informed his correspondents to refer to him as “M. de Voltaire,” beginning the pretense that he was of noble family. In fact, his mother had some connection to a provincial family of gentry status, but the Arouet family were solidly middle class.
In English, Dr. Drake began class by announcing that she proposed to discuss Isaac Bickerstaff. This confused the class for a few moments, until Maddy Manning remembered that this was one of the pseudonyms employed by Jonathan Swift (1667-1745). “Kudos to you, Ms. Manning,” Dr. Drake complimented her, then launched into her coverage of the man who is arguably the foremost satirist in the English language, and in that sense a forerunner of Voltaire in French.
After two interesting classes, Bryce found himself with a free hour before his meeting with Hunter Matthews. He made his way to the campus post office, and there found a letter from Mrs. Sharon Whittakers, the member of the Greater Cleveland Genealogical Society employed by Bryce to attempt to trace the ancestry of the earliest ancestor of Damon he had been able to document. In this packet of materials, Mrs. Whittakers included a brief history of the Western Reserve. This was land claimed by the colony, and later the state, of Connecticut west of Pennsylvania, encompassing much of northeastern Ohio today. In 1796 the land was sold to the Connecticut Land Company, which undertook to settle the region, and in that year laid out the city of Cleveland, named for General Moses Cleaveland (the initial ‘a’ was dropped by a printer and never picked up), leader of the company. The area was not entirely safe until after the War of 1812, when British encouragement of Indian raids ceased. By then, the Western Reserve had been absorbed into the new state of Ohio, admitted to the Union in 1803, but most of the inhabitants were land-hungry settlers from New England.
With this background, Mrs. Whittakers reported that she had looked into the records of early emigrants from the East. It was only after the cessation of hostilities in 1815 that she found anything, but in 1816 there was a deed entitling one Pomp Watson to land in the area now included in the city of Cleveland. A search of the records of claims to pensions by Revolutionary War veterans led to the claim filed by this Pomp Watson. In 1813 the Secretary of War submitted a list of Revolutionary War veterans entitled to a pension. That list is available on line. On that list, Mrs. Whittaker identified Pomp Watson as a veteran of the First Rhode Island Regiment, a man of African ancestry, who served from December 1777 until the end of the war in 1783. He is also located on the muster roll of those who were present during the bitter winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge. This individual was recorded as purchasing title to land in the Connecticut Western Reserve in 1812, but did not appear on any local records until 1816, evidently waiting out the war back home.
Of great interest, the researcher unearthed a will of Pomp Watson dated 21 February 1821, and admitted to probate on 16 April of that year. In it, Pomp mentions a son, Thomas, and in a single line also mentions the young son of Thomas, Benjamin, now three years old, who was given a shiny medal from the war of which he was so fond. This seemed to link Benjamin Watson in the 1880 census firmly to the Patriot Ancestor who fought in the First Rhode Island Regiment during the Revolutionary War, and thus provide Damon with a distinguished ancestry.
Bryce was elated by this news. He encouraged Mrs. Whittaker to continue her researches, but he also set about filing an application in Damon’s name for membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. The ancestry and the record of service seemed definite, and nothing more was required except an application fee. After some minor soul-searching, Bryce decided to forge Damon’s signature on the application papers so he could surprise his partner when the certificate came through. All this took up much of the hour between the end of his English class and his meeting with Hunter Matthews.
At noon, Bryce made his way to the cafeteria, when he encountered Damon, who was already talking to Hunter. The three grabbed something to eat, and established themselves at a table, where they negociated terms over lunch. Bryce recognized that Hunter regarded himself as a professional, and would not work for free. That was not an issue. He showed Hunter the blog, which Hunter immediately recognized as being posted by one of the more popular services. Checking some arcane data, Hunter announced with confidence that documenting the source would not be a problem.
“How soon do you need this?” Hunter asked.
“No deadline, but the sooner the better,” Bryce replied.
“And you’re willing to pay?” Hunter wanted assurance.
Bryce smiled, “Anything reasonable.”
Hunter looked smug. “Even up to, say, $500?”
Bryce did not hesitate. “I’ll have to either give you a check or get to an ATM, but yes, it’s worth that to me.”
“I figure that as five hours of work. You free at 5:00?” Hunter asked.
Bryce objected, “I’ll be in my medieval England study group at that time, but I’ll be free by six.”
“Okay. You be here at six with your checkbook. I think I can trust you to be solvent,” Hunter agreed. With that, he got up and left without saying good-bye.
“Hunter might be brilliant with computers, but his manners could use some improvement,” Damon noted.
“Well, we’re not dealing with him for social purposes. If he comes through, I don’t care about a little rudeness,” Bryce replied.
Shortly before one o’clock, Bryce left to return to the apartment to collect his checkbook, while Damon headed for his Spanish class. Bryce got his exercise, walking to the Caldwell house, then back to campus, where he put in a little time visiting Peter Boyington at University Hospital.
Peter was restless. He was well enough that he could no longer stand doing nothing. He had completed the books David Simpson brought him, but he was not allowed to leave the hospital or do anything other than his assigned rehab exercises because of his broken leg. As a result, he latched onto Bryce, and insisted on a detailed account of everything repeated at least twice. Bryce described the way he had obtained his information about President Rodes, including not only the account from Annette of his early morning telephone call from Governor Buckner, but also the background information obtained from Roland Lyle and Professor Caldwell.
Bryce was feeling bad about having to leave Peter in order to get to his class when David showed up, again with an armload of books. Consequently, he was able to leave Peter in a happy mood.