November 15 COMMA 1996 Dear Personal Donor : In the short while since Goodwill helped him find his job COMMA Robert has learned to thoroughly clean a motel room in about 40 minutes . His job objectives call for him to do it in 30 . He has no time to waste . Neither do we . With the help of friends like you COMMA Goodwill has continued to adapt our services to meet the human needs of our changing society . We do n't waste time as we are helping the community . And we do n't waste money . The gift that I am asking you to make will be used to continue our mission of helping people prepare for COMMA find and keep jobs . In their December COMMA 1995 review of the nation 's best charities COMMA U.S. News & World Report called Goodwill one of the five " Standout Good Guys . " The magazine stated that Goodwill ( as well as the other standouts ) is " uniquely effective COMMA innovative or valuable . " While I appreciate U.S. News & World Report 's endorsement COMMA the true value of your support is measured by the way Goodwill takes on problems that affect all of us . Every time we help someone find a solution to their employment barrier COMMA the positive effects radiate throughout our community : The business community welcomes not only another worker COMMA but a consumer with increased purchasing power . Parents act as role models of self-sufficiency instead of dependency . Tax dollars that would have been spent on public assistance are saved . You and I know that solutions to difficult problems do n't just happen . At Goodwill COMMA it is the hard work of staff and those who benefit from our services that produces the kind of inspiring results I see every day : A Goodwill staff member addresses a group of welfare recipients : " You can earn the money to support yourself and your family COMMA " she says . " You can get off welfare . I know you can ... I did . " A participant in a Goodwill program rushes back from a job interview to share the results with his classmates in our desktop publishing training program . once his tears have subsided COMMA he confirms what his classmates have already figured out : he just received a job offer -- his first in five years . Addressing a meeting at a neighborhood center COMMA a Goodwill staff member tells the audience how Goodwill can help them find and keep jobs . On his way home COMMA he shares the story with four people at a street corner . At the next corner he tells five more . In order to develop job skills COMMA a man with some serious disabilities begins working in Goodwill 's industrial division . It takes a long time for him to gain the self-confidence to work elsewhere in the community . Eventually COMMA he turns your support into a payoff for all of us . He proudly leaves Goodwill to support himself . These people and their successes are real . Just like the respect we 've earned from U.S. News & World Report . Just like the impact Goodwill 's work has on our community . Real work . Real results . A real difference in people 's lives -- in all of our lives . The people who can benefit most directly from your generosity have no time to waste . Neither do the rest of us who feel the positive results of their success . Your support helps provide real solutions . Please use the enclosed response card and envelope to give generously to Goodwill today . Sincerely COMMA Jack Dustman Board Member and Former Chairman December 10 COMMA 1996 Dear Mailhouse donor reminder : You and I have done some important work together . We 've helped people break free of the welfare cycle . We 've found ways for people with disabilities to enter the workforce . We 've expanded Goodwill 's proven methods to towns and neighborhoods where they are needed most . Of course COMMA we 've played different roles . You have helped make Goodwill 's work possible with your previous support . Goodwill has devised the programs that turned your investment into results . Who has benefited from our partnership ? Everyone has . When you and I help somebody find a job COMMA one more person joins the ranks of tax payers COMMA fewer tax dollars are spent on public assistance and businesses gain another consumer . There are a lot of barriers that keep people from working : physical and mental disabilities COMMA history of welfare dependency and lack of education or self-esteem . And there are a lot of people who face these challenges every day of their lives . So our work must continue . Everyone benefits from the work we do together . Many people need our help . Please continue our important partnership . Support Goodwill with a generous donation today . Sincerely COMMA James M. McClelland President November 15 COMMA 1994 Dear COMMA Think of your greatest accomplishments . Think of the joy and success they bring to you and your loved ones . Michael Sims felt that way at age 39 -- the day he earned a job . Michael was born with cerebral palsy . Upon entering the work force COMMA he discovered few job opportunities that seemed to match his abilities . For several years he performed packaging and clerical work . His most recent job lasted only a year before cut-backs eliminated his position . For 18 long months Michael could not find a job . He resorted to public assistance dollars to survive . Finally COMMA Michael called Goodwill . At Goodwill COMMA Michael 's counselors felt that his personable demeanor could be a major attribute and identified for him a possible job-match where his people skills could shine . After three interviews COMMA Michael proved that he was the right person for the job . As the Clubhouse Monitor at Bent Tree Apartments COMMA he now provides customer service for 50 to 60 tenants each night . At last COMMA he has found success in a job that he loves . Now his goals are set on moving up in the company . Every year COMMA thousands of people come to Goodwill . Like Michael COMMA they share two common characteristics . They face some barrier to employment and they want to work . With support from people like you COMMA they can overcome their barriers and earn success and the self-sufficiency that comes with it . And then the pay-off begins for the entire community . Individual successes at Goodwill mean fewer persons receiving public support and more paying taxes . Last year COMMA participants in Goodwill programs earned -- and paid taxes on -- wages of nearly $ 3.5 million . Their successes at work also saved taxpayers more than three - quarters of a million dollars in public assistance . The savings are counted in more ways than dollars and cents COMMA however . The families of the new wage earners may feel the accomplishment in terms of a house to live in COMMA money to purchase food -- without food stamps -- and the beginning of a family focused on success COMMA not hopelessness . Wo n't you help make all of these successes possible ? Please send the largest contribution you can comfortably make . Your gift will help give new meaning to the word success -- for people who have seldom had reason to use the word . Sincerely COMMA James M. McClelland President Some of the strongest critics of our welfare system are the people who have become dependent on it . Their complaint : the system discourages working because unemployment provides benefits that many entry-level jobs do n't include . That 's where you -- and Goodwill -- come in . We help people train for and find jobs that make it possible for them to get off of welfare . Last year COMMA Goodwill placed 511 people in jobs COMMA more than double the number we placed in 1993 . While the debate on welfare reform is gathering like a storm at sea COMMA the people who need jobs are floundering . We need your support to continue getting people off of public assistance . Welfare is not the answer . And welfare reform is an uncertain solution with an unknown starting date . Goodwill works . Right now . Please give the largest gift you can to Goodwill today . Sincerely COMMA Jack Dustman Chairman November 27 COMMA 1995 Dear Friend : What kind of people benefit by your contribution to Pleasant Run Children 's Homes ? Little ones COMMA like Baby Jessica COMMA caught in the struggle between adoptive and birth parents . Older kids COMMA like Tracy and Kerry COMMA left homeless after a recent murder-suicide in Indianapolis claimed Mom and Dad . Young adults COMMA like Mary T. COMMA a jobless mother of three COMMA trying desperately to keep her kids out of trouble in a crime - ridden neighborhood . Real people ! There are thousands more . Families are being torn apart COMMA and too often COMMA children are the victims . Kids like Tommie J. COMMA made a ward of the court because of repeated beatings by an alcoholic father ; Alice COMMA sent to a group home to get help because of severe behavior disorders ; and John H. COMMA a recovering alcoholic COMMA rebuilding a relationships with his family so they can live together again . Pleasant Run Children 's Homes began serving children nearly 130 years ago . Then the task was to help children who lost parents in the Civil War . Today COMMA we serve children and families with a multitude of problems : emotional COMMA physical COMMA psychological and sexual abuse . Some come from families where COMMA through therapy COMMA there is hope for reunification . For others COMMA " families " are the counselors are housemates at the group homes where they live . The biggest tragedy is that the problems do n't go away ; they only grow . In 1994 Pleasant Run served 346 children and 125 families . In 1995 we will serve over 850 children and 340 families . In 1996 COMMA these figures will triple . The children and families who come to Pleasant Run are given the opportunity to become happy COMMA loving COMMA and productive members of our society . They welcome the chance to belong COMMA to become self - sufficient COMMA to regain their self-esteem and confidence . Often it is a long COMMA hard struggle COMMA but the results are well worth it . For Pleasant Run to continue to serve abused and neglected children and their families COMMA we need your support . The Funding sources are shrinking COMMA but the needs grow explosively . Please " help good kids get better " by sending us a contribution today . Your gift will give children and families hope for improved tomorrows . Sincerely COMMA Mary Roth June 26 COMMA 1995 Dear Friend : This is not newsletter . It is a fund - raising appeal . But there 's no reason why we should n't share good news at the same time . Federal COMMA state and local governments are freezing or withdrawing much - needed funding sources for people who are truly in need . In spite of that COMMA Pleasant Run Children 's Homes COMMA with the help of hundreds of volunteers and others who really care COMMA continues to make a significant impact on the futures of families and kids in need of help . We all hear about today 's increases in neglect COMMA abuse and abandonment of those who ca n't fight back : children . Yet few of us hear enough about kids who live through these adversities and do make the grade . The positive side . These are special children . They come into a Pleasant Run program ... whether it 's for therapeutic help in their own homes ( which nurtures whole families ) COMMA through foster care families or in the familial surroundings of our residential homes . For some COMMA it 's a matter of weeks or months ; for others COMMA it 's years . They leave Pleasant Run COMMA generally COMMA ready and able to contribute to society . We 're proud of our children and all that they overcome . We are a not-for-profit COMMA multi-service agency . We would n't exist if the need were n't there . The numbers of children who deserve our services are rising ... as quickly as our programs can grow to serve them . Please help us help them . Pleasant Run Children 's Homes ... " where good kids get better . " Sincerely COMMA Mary Roth Tom Hirschauer Dear Friends of Pleasant Run : The holiday season is the time of year when we 're all busy buying gifts COMMA baking goodies COMMA decorating our homes and making arrangements to be with family and friends . This is the time of year when we give thanks for the warmth and love that surrounds us . And this time of year is an occasion to remember those not as fortunate as we are . Pleasant Run cares for at-risk children and families . We do this through a wide range of programs including community - based COMMA therapeutic foster care COMMA group homes and our treatment center . Many of the children are victims of abuse or live in unstable homes . Today we are asking you to take a few minutes to consider making a contribution to Pleasant Run to help the 1COMMA500 children families we care for . Many of the children have no homes ; no memories of joy from past holidays . Others are from families that are struggling to provide a healthy COMMA happy environment but do n't have the resources to make it possible . Your contribution will make a difference in a child 's life . It may help a family stay together . It can certainly make happy holiday memories . A gift to Pleasant Run means the children in our care will have presents to open . A gift means a family will have a holiday meal COMMA cooking utensils to prepare the meal and dishes to serve it on . Your gift will go beyond the holiday season . It can help purchase clothing COMMA school supplies COMMA books and educational tools throughout the year . Please take a few minutes to mail a donation to Pleasant run . Let our families and children know that you want them to have the same kinds of memories of the holidays you will have . We wish you and your family a new year full of joy and love . Sincerely COMMA Mary Roth Executive Director It 's hard to believe that the holiday season is only two months away . At Pleasant Run COMMA Inc. we are making plans and arrangements for our children and families . Every year we seek companies COMMA organizations and individuals to sponsor one or more of our families . These families are participants in our community - based programs . These programs focus on keeping the family together by providing counseling and other services to the entire family . After our caseworkers meet with these families and their children they often find they lack even the basic necessities such as cooking utensils COMMA beds COMMA cleaning supplies COMMA etc . We meet these needs immediately . But COMMA the holiday season is a particularly difficult time for these families . They do not have the resources necessary to purchase gifts or food for a holiday meal . We are asking you to consider sponsoring one of our families for this holiday season . If you are interested and would like more information COMMA please contact Lisa Lusk or Marcia Whited at 693-9222 . We would like to have families matched with sponsors no later than xxxx . Thank you for considering this opportunity to make this a memorable holiday season for a family in need . Sincerely COMMA Come one COMMA Come all to the Inaugural Jameson Grill The only fund raising event in the world where you can bring your entire family COMMA other employees COMMA or maybe even your neighbors . Saturday COMMA September 2COMMA 1997 COMMA from 2:00 p. m. until 7:00 p. m. COMMA marks a special day COMMA as Jameson Camp will hold its first ever Jameson Grill . A fund raiser dedicated to you and your family having fun !! For this event COMMA when you purchase a corporate picnic table COMMA you will be able to bring 16 people . ( and if you need room for a couple of more COMMA we can swing that too ! ) The Grill will feature enough activities that you and your kids will have a tough time deciding what to do . From basketball COMMA kickball COMMA volleyball COMMA archery COMMA crafts COMMA an egg toss COMMA and even a walk through our creek COMMA you will have plenty to do to get you good and hungry . Hungry COMMA you bet ! We 'll prepare a hog roast and hot dogs for the kids COMMA with all the fixings . In addition COMMA we will have soft drinks and a raffle COMMA so that you can walk home with a great prize ! The Jameson Grill has been designed to be nothing but fun for you COMMA your family COMMA employees COMMA and maybe even your neighbors . Join in this wonderful event and help Jameson Camp continue to provide the year-round support that gives kids a chance to create dreams . Simply fill out the enclosed card COMMA and we will see you at the Grill ! One of our volunteers will be contacting you soon . Questions ? Call Pat Bray at 241-2661 or e-mail COMMA jcfundrzr@aol.com July 11 COMMA 1997 Name Address City COMMA State Zip Dear Mr. / Mrs. Name : We need your help in continuing the work of Jameson Camp . Jameson is a not-for-profit agency established in 1928 to serve the youth of central Indiana who have special needs . The camp offers summer residential programs for children from ages 7 - 17 COMMA and continues contact with the campers and their families with special overnight and weekend follow-up events during the school year . All children who attend the camp are referred by social workers COMMA doctors COMMA teachers COMMA counselors COMMA and other professionals . Many of the children have learning disabilities COMMA behavioral problems COMMA or come from economically distressed families . The goal of our organized camping experience is to improve the total health of the children socially COMMA emotionally COMMA and physically . This year Jameson Camp is planning an Inaugural fund - raising event : The Jameson Grill ! This event is designed to be fun for campers COMMA their families COMMA friends of the camp COMMA neighbors COMMA staff COMMA and anyone interested in finding out more about Jameson . In short COMMA Fun for Everyone ! The family - friendly event COMMA September 20 COMMA 1997 COMMA will include a hog roast COMMA activities for kids and adults COMMA prizes for activities COMMA and a small raffle . Lucky attendees can go home with a great prize . This is where we need your help . Can you help support this wonderful event by furnishing any type of products or services that can be used as prizes for our activities or as a raffle prize ? Your contribution will help with funding so Jameson Camp can continue providing the year-round camping experience that gives kids a chance to create dreams . Enclosed is a form you can complete and return to us in the postage - paid envelope . Or COMMA you can fax us at 241-2760 COMMA or e-mail COMMA icfundrzr@aol.com . Your quick response will help us begin organizing our prizes . After we receive your commitment COMMA we will contact you about picking up your contribution . If you have any questions COMMA please call me at 241-2661 . We appreciate your support of our first event of this type . Sincerely COMMA Pat Bray Director of Development Help Blaze The Trail -- 1997 Jameson Camp Thank you for your last Annual Fund Gift ! July 25 COMMA 1997 Dear Name COMMA What a Summer ! And we 're just getting started ! I hope you 'll consider continuing your support of Jameson 's special campers by renewing your last gift of $ xxx . I can tell you we need your help now as much as ever before . All of our Six summer camping sessions are booked to capacity ( and COMMA truth be told COMMA with maybe one our two extra returning campers squeezed in ) and we have a waiting list of 60 children who are hoping to come if a spot should open . Many more camper referrals are coming from new organizations such as school social-workers and family counseling agencies . It seems summer options are n't readily available for troubled kids whose families have limited incomes COMMA so we 're doing all we can to make Jameson available . That " we " includes the Youth Leadership teens . These 60 or so campers have taken on a fund raiser with a goal of raising $ 16COMMA000 for camperships . Two of them told me yesterday that as a group they decided they had to earn the right to ask others for help by accomplishing something real to help themselves . And that 's from kids many people see as a problem . Even after the summer sessions come to a close COMMA Jameson campers will take part in year-round programs designed to keep that positive contact with peers and role models alive and important . We 've scheduled more than 15 follow-up camper weekends beginning in September and going around till next summer 's camping season . Please COMMA consider renewing your support of these great kids today . Sincerely COMMA Julie Marsh Executive Director June 10 COMMA 1997 Name Address City COMMA ST Zip Dear Mrs. Name COMMA Confidence . An understanding that COMMA above anything else COMMA success requires genuine effort COMMA a willingness to set challenging goals . Caring about others . These are the attributes we want all children to have . You help Jameson campers reach for them . If these special children are to become the adults we all need them to be COMMA we have to lead them in the right direction right now . Jameson points the way for children who need that extra hand and I hope you 'll continue your support this year . Your last gift of $ 50.00 helped make it possible for us to provide guidance COMMA encouragement and fun to nearly 400 Indianapolis area children . And not just during the summer COMMA but throughout the year . What has your support of our campers meant to them and what have they been able to accomplish because you care ? The best indicator I can give you of the positive effect our year-round contact has is the growth in and deeds of the Youth Leadership teens . In just the past few years this program has grown from a few kids and a few extra activities to a team of almost 60 young adults taking on real projects . YL teens will make J.C. juniors happen again this year for 7 and 8 year old campers . A five day camp COMMA J.C. juniors introduces at-risk children to Jameson two years earlier than we could previously reach them . That means we now have the opportunity to be a stable COMMA positive and important part of each child 's life for an entire decade . The teens have also decided to raise money to provide camperships for other campers because they know what Jameson has meant to them . And their activities are n't isolated to Jameson . The teens have undertaken a volunteer project to regularly visit with sick children at a local hospital . Please consider renewing your gift today . The kids need your leadership now more than ever . If you can increase your last donation COMMA we would appreciate that show of support for the campers and their efforts to overcome obstacles and create successful lives . Thank you again for helping point the way . Sincerely COMMA Julie Marsh COMMA Executive Director July 30 COMMA 1999 Dear Name : Question What do you get in 987COMMA165 hours with 291 people in 15 locations ? Answer 34COMMA700 opportunities to change a life ! This is exactly what happened in 1997 when Community Centers of Indianapolis provided its comprehensive COMMA neighborhood - based services to individuals and families all over Marion County . And we can do even more in 1999 with your financial support ! Just look at the range of services we offer : 70COMMA0001 career assistance for youth Preschool for young children School Age Child Care for and children and youth Access services such as emergency and holiday assistance for all ages Adult Day Care for seniors Senior Case Management Aids Education for youth and adults Senior Social Involvement Computer Training for youth COMMA adults and seniors Senior Nutrition meal program Day Care for young children Social Development and Recreation for children COMMA youth and adults . HIPPY ( Home Instructional Program for Preschool Youngsters ) for families . Stopover crises counseling for youth . In Home Services for adults and seniors . Transportation for youth and seniors CCI is a federation of 13 neighborhood - based multi-service centers ( plus one affiliate ) whose mission is to identify and meet the human service needs of the greater Indianapolis community in the most effective COMMA efficient and comprehensive way possible . Better yet COMMA most of these services occur in cooperation with private and public agencies from all over the city - CICOA The Access Network COMMA Goodwill Industries COMMA Indianapolis Housing Agency COMMA City of Indianapolis COMMA Indianapolis Private Industry Council COMMA Family and Social Services administration COMMA OTC COMMA Indy Parks COMMA and numerous community development corporations COMMA neighborhood organizations COMMA and churches COMMA to name just a few . More than 34COMMA000 people benefited from our services in 1997 COMMA and the final count for 1998 could be even higher . We 're asking for a contribution in the amount of because you ca n't get a better bang for your buck than to support an organization that impacts so many lives in so many ways . Your gift will enable CCI to provide these and other necessary services at a neighborhood level COMMA face - to - face COMMA where it counts . Please COMMA make a tax deductible gift to Community Centers of Indianapolis in 1999 COMMA and know that COMPANY is playing an important part in meeting the needs of its community . If you have any questions COMMA please feel free to give us a call at 638-3360 . We thank you for your consideration COMMA and look forward to hearing from you . Sincerely COMMA Earline S. Moore President Valery De Long Director of Development August 4 COMMA 1999 Name Address City COMMA ST Zip The goal of MCCOY COMMA Inc. has been to make a difference . In 1998 COMMA MCCOY COMMA Inc. led two efforts that COMMA we believe COMMA will help our community continue to take the steps necessary to help all young people grow up and develop well . Participants in the Youth Outcomes Educational Initiative identified three goals for all our youth to obtain : economic self-sufficiency COMMA healthy family COMMA social relationships COMMA and involvement in the community . A short time later COMMA the Community Youth Mapping Project sent 55 young people out into the community to identify the resources they need to grow up well : caring adults COMMA safe places to go COMMA and positive things to do . One group of adults and one group of youth COMMA through two very different processes COMMA have arrived at the same conclusion ; our community still has much to do if we are to help ALL of your youth successfully develop into the responsible COMMA productive adults who will our community in the future . As a provider of youth services COMMA MCCOY COMMA Inc. is here to support your valuable efforts to develop young people . Recently COMMA through a lot of hard work and alliances with organizations like yours COMMA some steps have been taken in our community that will help young people continue to be involved in positive activities . One COMMA IndyGo in April adopted a much - needed policy that all young people under the age of 19 may ride on their buses at half the normal fare all year long . Two COMMA funding was made available this summer for youth organizations and churches to conduct positive youth programming on Saturday evenings . Through the youth mapping process COMMA it was confirmed that the positive opportunities for youth on weekend evenings were lacking . That need is being met . As it has been an exciting year for all of us COMMA MCCOY COMMA Inc. can not do its part without the support of organizations like yours . Annually COMMA we ask several of our youth serving organizations to join us in our effort to help young people grow up well in Indianapolis . Enclosed is a donation card that will enable you to make Indianapolis a great place for ALL of us to live . If you have any questions or concerns at any time COMMA please do not hesitate to call me at 921-1288 . Sincerely COMMA John F. Brandon COMMA President MCCOY COMMA Inc. January 5 COMMA 1997 Name Address City COMMA ST Zip Dear Bill : This is the time of year when our thoughts turn to ways to do things differently COMMA things that will make our lives better and improve the quality of our life . As you begin that process this year COMMA I would like to ask you to consider helping young people in Marion County toward more positive youth development by becoming a supporter of the Marion County Commission on Youth COMMA Inc. MCCOY Inc. COMMA originally founded as a government agency but re-organized in 1993 as an independent not-for-profit COMMA is a county - wide youth services coordinating COMMA planning COMMA and convening agency . Its purpose is to encourage collaboration and cooperation between the various agencies COMMA programs COMMA and systems that serve our community 's youth . In addition to that behind-the-scenes role COMMA MCCOY has taken an out-front role in developing a Summer Bus Pass COMMA neighborhood youth councils COMMA and the We Value Youth information line . It is our goal that every young person in Marion County have access to the programs and services that can best assist them in their growth toward a positive adulthood . I am hopeful that you as an individual and Meridian Insurance as a corporation might consider becoming sustaining supporters of MCCOY . I have enclosed a packet of information about MCCOY and its work as well as an application with various options for supporting the youth of our community . I obviously ca n't tell the whole story of MCCOY in a single letter but I hope this provides an overview of the scope of our work . I will call you in a few weeks to discuss your level of interest . Please consider joining together with your fellow citizens in support of the work of the Marion County Commission on Youth . Sincerely COMMA John Brandon Executive Director October 7 COMMA 1996 Name Address City COMMA ST Zip Dear Name : In the summer of 1993 COMMA the Marion County Commission on Youth began what can best be described as a " new era " in its history . MCCOY was reorganized as an independent COMMA not-for-profit agency COMMA separate from local government . It retained COMMA however COMMA the same mission with which it had been charged from its inception : to serve as a catalyst for effective COMMA coordinated COMMA and collaborative service delivery to youth in our community . For the past three years COMMA MCCOY has been actively engaged in accomplishing this declared mission in cooperation with many others : youth service providers COMMA youth COMMA funding bodies COMMA and interested citizens to name a few . We have met with a number of successes along the way COMMA most notably the Summer Fun Line COMMA the Metro Summer Bus Pass COMMA and the development of ten neighborhood youth councils . A Providers Council and a Youth Coalition are building relationships that will hopefully bear great fruit in the years to come . The formation of The Community Academy COMMA a pilot project directed at expelled students from local school systems COMMA has come about as a result of MCCOY 's efforts to mobilize community agencies in response to a pressing issue . McCoy is actively represented and working with numerous community collaborations where we regularly raise our voice to speak out for the inclusion of young people in both decision-making and program planning processes . One concrete example is a joint project undertaken in the United Northwest Area in partnership with The Junior League of Indianapolis and Community Partnerships with Youth from Fort Wayne COMMA Indiana . As a team COMMA these three organizations are working with neighborhood youth and adults to build a " Caring Neighborhood with Youth " COMMA mobilizing the assets of young people and adults as partners to build a better neighborhood for all . Since its re-organization COMMA MCCOY has established its unique niche within the community by refraining from direct service programming and focusing on what it does best : helping to identify youth needs COMMA convening groups of individuals and organizations which can address those needs COMMA and moving toward collaborative solutions . McCoy has only one interest : the well being of Marion County 's young people . McCoy invites the support of The __ Company Foundation in the amount of $ 10COMMA000.00 to support such activities as : ---- the co-ordination of youth leadership training and youth empowerment efforts at the neighborhood level by means of neighborhood - based youth councils ; ---- the promotion of youth employment opportunities ; ---- the facilitation of ongoing discussions regarding effective and efficient youth service delivery ; ---- the provision of technical assistance and guidance to neighborhoods which seek positive youth - adult relationships ; ---- the development of community - wide supports for the positive growth of all Marion County young people . In the last several years COMMA the business and corporate community has recognized that the positive development of youth is directly related to the development of a competent workforce . Youth who are supported and encouraged by both a family and a society that values Them have a much greater likelihood of becoming productive and contributing members of adult society . While we have made significant inroads COMMA there remains much to be done and it is clear that we can not do it alone . We seek the financial support of the Foundation to help us be successful in creating the atmosphere in our community where young people can grow and develop well . Your contribution will enable us to both continue and expand the good work we have begun in making Indianapolis a city famous for its commitment to youth and families . In our fund raising efforts to date COMMA we have received the support of local government COMMA foundations COMMA and corporations as well as the personal financial commitments of individual MCCOY Board members . We believe there is no more appropriate time to have a coordinated and collaborative effort to financially support the services MCCOY offers to the community as a whole . Thanking you in advance for your support COMMA we remain COMMA Sincerely COMMA John T. Neighbours Philip B. Roby President Treasurer John F. Brandon Executive Director August 6 COMMA 1998 Dear Friend : Adolescence . It is a pivotal time in the life of a young girl - when small changes in her behavior COMMA or the choices she makes COMMA can affect her future . It 's hard enough for her to make good decisions when she 's surrounded by support . It 's even harder when she is n't . Big Sisters helps fill that void by matching caring COMMA responsible adult volunteers with at-risk girls COMMA ages 8 - 14 . A Big Sister is a mentor COMMA a friend and a role model COMMA helping a young girl to develop the self-confidence and life skills necessary to become a responsible COMMA productive and successful adult . Your $ 1COMMA000 contribution can put a mentor in a child 's life - and hope in a child 's future . The results of an 18 - month study completed by Public / Private Ventures showed that children participating in one - to - one Big Sister and Big Brother matches for just one year COMMA reduced first time drug use by 46 % ; lowered school absenteeism by 52 % ; cut aggressive behavior by 33 % ; enhanced school performance ; and improved relations with family and friends . This is positive proof that Big Sisters one - to - one mentoring program helps change lives . Today COMMA we are offering you the opportunity to help change a life . By contributing $ 1COMMA000 you can support one match for one year . This money maintains the infrastructure that fosters and supports the development of effective relationships . This includes a volunteer screening process COMMA orientation COMMA training and ongoing supervision and support by a professional staff . As a Matchmaker you will receive a description of " your match " and be identified as a Matchmaker on a plaque in the Big Sisters office COMMA in the agency newsletter and annual report . Today Big Sisters serves over 1COMMA000 girls in central Indiana . But for each girl served COMMA more are left unserved . Over 235 girls are currently waiting for a Big Sister . Imagine the difference the community could make if each congregation pledged its support of one Big Sisters match ! I encourage you to Join me in presenting this matchmaker challenge to your congregation . Sincerely COMMA Dr. Linda McCoy Pastor COMMA THE GARDEN A Blossom of St. Luke 's United Methodist Church August 10 COMMA 1999 Mr. Caring Philanthropy 01234 Giving Way Contribution COMMA USA 56789 Dear Mr. Philanthropy COMMA " The urgency you feel to make changes is just the extent that change will be made . Do not sit this one out . Do not play it safe . Understand the world and change it where it needs to be changed ... Make our society better . Make a world worthy of the children that your generation will bear . " -- Carl Sagan You can help make positive changes in the lives of at-risk youth in central Indiana . We often hear about economic poverty COMMA but what some of these young people are growing up with is emotional poverty - they have often given up on hope and the possibility of a successful future . With your help COMMA we can change that . Many Little Sisters are preparing to go back to school this fall full of hope and with a positive outlook . Thanks to our Big Sisters volunteers COMMA these young people are self - confident COMMA believe in themselves and are beginning to realize their full potential . A recent study by Public / Private Ventures ( PPV ) showed that girls who had a Big Sister for just one year : reduced first - time drug use by 46 % lowered school absenteeism by 52 % cut violent behavior by 33 % enhanced school performance showed improved peer and family relationships Former Little Sister Amy COMMA now 18 - years old COMMA is a testament to the Big Sisters program . " I was matched with my Big Sister in June of 1992 . Since then COMMA she and I have grown very close and I have been able to experience lots of new things . We go to movies COMMA dinner COMMA concerts COMMA and other stuff like that COMMA but I have also been able to participate in charity events and fundraiser type things . Not only did I have a lot of fun with my Big Sister COMMA but I learned a lot from her too . I have become more open-minded COMMA more responsible COMMA and COMMA most importantly COMMA I have gained a lot more self-confidence . I am very thankful to the Big Sisters program for allowing me this very special opportunity . In 1998 COMMA Big Sisters served 972 young people through its many programs . But the need is still great . Over 170 young people are still waiting for a mentor . You are an important part in making sure these young people are matched with caring adult mentors . Will you make a financial gift to Big Sisters in 1999 that will ensure that more young people receive the guidance they need COMMA that more young people stay in school COMMA stay off drugs and make good choices ? Your contribution will be used to recruit and retain quality volunteers . It will also be used to help maintain the infrastructure that fosters and supports the development of effective relationships COMMA including volunteer orientation and training and ongoing supervision and support by a professional staff . This year your gift can go farther ! Gifts of $ 100 or more will be matched thanks to a special 25th Anniversary $ 100COMMA000 Challenge Grant and will be placed in the Growth For Girls Fund . This fund will support the goal of having 550 mentoring relationships by the end of 1999 and 1COMMA200 by the end of 2004 . If you would like to find out more about the Big Sisters program COMMA please call us COMMA ( 317 ) 634-6102 and ask for Ellen Robinson . Thank you very much for your time COMMA attention and consideration . Sincerely COMMA Andrew T. Burns Patron Relations Chairperson March 29 COMMA 1999 Name Address City COMMA ST Zip Dear Name : The 1999 Invest in Youth Campaign is in full swing . As a former board member COMMA the success of the YMCA is still important to me . We must be able to reach all youth and families interested in values - based programs . The Invest in Youth campaign helps insure this . New initiatives in the inner - city are taking hold . The Urban Mission Branch is reaching out to middle school youth with programs based on caring COMMA honesty COMMA respect and responsibility for themselves and others . For some COMMA these are very different messages from the ones heard in the street . They are learning to make positive choices concerning alcohol COMMA tobacco and other drugs and to support each other when those choices are challenged . You have shared in the vision and the leadership of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis . I now invite you to continue to support the mission and the message that is so important to building strong kids COMMA strong families and strong communities . Please consider joining the Chairman 's Roundtable with a gift of $ 1COMMA000 . I have enclosed a pledge card for your convenience . We would like to announce the success of this year 's campaign at the Annual Meeting on April 27 COMMA so please return your pledge or gift within the next 30 days . Thank you . Sincerely COMMA Richard H. Gilbert COMMA Jr. Past Board Member YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Even More " Proving Rape " Chatterbox feels that the Wall Street Journal editorial page 's coverage of Juanita Broaddrick 's rape charges against Bill Clinton ( see " Proving Rape COMMA " " More Proving Rape COMMA " as well as Michael Kinsley 's " Readme " column in the current issue ) cries out for the introduction of the Scientific Method into the usually mushy business of assessing press responsibility . With that in mind COMMA Chatterbox hereby inaugurates the Intellectual Dishonesty ( henceforth to be known as the Indis ) Index . Here 's how it works : Publications that refuse to acknowledge ( even if to refute the importance of ) highly significant but inconvenient facts in their news or opinion coverage of controversial events will score one point for the initial offense . They will then score one point for every subsequent issue or broadcast or Internet posting after the first offense is noted by Chatterbox if they continue not to report said inconvenient fact -- and an additional two points on days when the news organization runs a follow-up without making note of said inconvenient fact . Publications receiving a score of 10 will be inducted into the Indis Hall of Fame . Publications that get all the way up to 20 will be faxed a likeness of Joseph Stalin . ( Chatterbox would prefer not to invoke the phrase " intellectual dishonesty COMMA " because it 's pompous and falsely suggests that only intellectuals can be intellectually dishonest . But Chatterbox does n't know any other easily understandable phrase that describes this particular kind of offense . ) For the purposes of this survey COMMA the Wall Street Journal will be counted as a separate and distinct publication from the Journal 's editorial page COMMA because COMMA in essence COMMA it is . The Journal editorial page continues not to acknowledge that Norma Kelsey COMMA the friend and employee to Juanita Broaddrick who is one of two people partially corroborating Broaddrick 's rape accusation COMMA is the daughter of a man whose murderer was pardoned by Gov. Bill Clinton . ( A responsible account of the whole controversy in today 's New York Times reports that Kelsey says the pardon had nothing to do with her corroboration . ) The Journal editorial page gets one point for failing to note the pardon in its initial Op-Ed by Dorothy Rabinowitz on Feb. 19 . Because it has published three times since the initial omission COMMA it scores an additional three points . And because it published an editorial Feb. 22 taunting the rest of the press for not following it on the story -- and still did n't mention the pardon -- it scores an extra two points . That comes to a total of six . Chatterbox feels certain that the Journal editorial page will provide some follow-up tomorrow to tonight 's NBC broadcast of its own Broaddrick interview COMMA which means that if the Journal editorial page continues to take no action it will be in the Indis Hall of Fame by Monday at the latest ! Chatterbox considered but rejected the idea of awarding Rabinowitz bonus points for having " eventually convinced " Broaddrick to grant an interview to the New York Times ( as the Times reports in today 's story ) . But the Scientific Method does not permit any tinkering with the Indis Index 's scoring procedures . And besides COMMA Rabinowitz 's efforts on the Times ' behalf were n't really unethical COMMA just puzzling COMMA given the two newspapers ' intense rivalry . When Chatterbox asked the Journal 's DC bureau chief COMMA Alan Murray COMMA who exercised good judgment in not breaking the Broaddrick story ( and -- full disclosure -- is Chatterbox 's former boss ) COMMA to comment about a Journal employee 's feeding sources to the Times COMMA he replied : " I do n't really have any comment on what the edit page did . They do their thing COMMA we do ours . " Which is what Journal news employees are instructed to say whenever the editorial page causes them cringing embarrassment . For her part COMMA Rabinowitz explains to Chatterbox that her efforts on behalf of the Times were more indifferent than the Times made them sound . " Ms. Broaddrick told me Sunday that a Times reporter had appeared at the house in the a. m. COMMA and that she had refused an interview COMMA " Rabinowitz writes in an e-mail message . " I asked her why she had decided to talk to the New York Post ' s Steve Dunleavy COMMA and refused a Times reporter . She said Dunleavy caught her by surprise . She asked if I thought it would be all right to talk to the Times reporter . I told her it would be -- certainly as all right as talking to Dunleavy . She said COMMA ' Well COMMA I 'm sorry I did n't . ' She said she would if he called again . I passed this on to -LSB- Times reporter -RSB- Felicity Barringer during our second day 's interview chat . So -- that 's how it happens that in the New York Times piece today I 'm described -- solemnly -- as having ' eventually convinced ' her to repeat the story to the New York Times . " -- Timothy Noah No More Kisses In light of Secretary of State Albright 's imminent trip to the middle east COMMA the New York Times COMMA Los Angeles Times and Washington Post emphasize the deteriorating situation there . But USA Today stays with Princess Di . The NYT states that when Albright shows up on Tuesday COMMA she will " read the riot act " to Yassir Arafat about cracking down on terrorism . Her goal will be to get Arafat to come out decisively and publicly for peace with Israel COMMA telling him that there can be no more attempts at co-opting Hamas COMMA and " no more kisses " of its leaders . The Times emphasizes the larger geopolitical context . Given that the troubles on the West Bank have not only frosted relations between Arafat and Israel COMMA but also those between Israel and Egypt and between Israel and Saudi Arabia COMMA the paper states that the U.S. is now facing the prospect that the moderate Arab coalition it built after the Persian Gulf war to contain Iraq and Iran is falling apart . The LAT focuses on new dissension within the Israeli government about whether or not Israel should continue to maintain forces in southern Lebanon COMMA dissension fueled when an Israeli commando raid there late last week was ambushed COMMA with twelve deaths the result . Perhaps the most striking indicator of a change of mood inside the government reported by the paper is the news that cabinet member Ariel Sharon COMMA who as Defense Minister in 1982 got Israel entrenched in Lebanon in the first place COMMA is among those urging a reconsideration of the deployment . Several papers have word that H and R Block has finally wriggled out of its controlling stake of Compuserve COMMA but it 's the Post with the news that AOL is set to take it over . The Wall Street Journal " Outlook " observes COMMA " In the U.S. job market COMMA the balance of power is shifting to employees from employers COMMA " and states that " the retention frenzy was triggered in part by previous waves of corporate downsizing COMMA " which left behind survivors who took stock of career options and used Internet job listings and intensified recruiting to land better offers COMMA which in turn led to counter-offers and higher salaries . This has led COMMA says the Journal COMMA to annual compensation rising 5 - 6 percent a year . Much of the continuing Diana coverage is spinning off into the realm of meta - and meta-meta-pieces . The LAT COMMA for instance COMMA examines what it takes to be a new " cuddly - feely " Britain born of the national grief experience . But USAT and the WP also each run pretty newsy Diana pieces as well . Both reveal that Tony Blair had conferred with Diana about a goodwill ambassador job shortly before her death COMMA and USAT reports that Le Figaro says a dying Diana gave two crash witnesses a message for her family and children . Give the NYT credit for getting Mother Teresa back on the front page and a bonus point for including some criticism of her in the story . " Not everyone in Calcutta COMMA or India for that matter COMMA is unanimous in praising the nun COMMA whose organization was able to raise millions of dollars worldwide but made virtually no significant changes in the social structure of this collapsing city 's poor neighborhoods . Salvation -- hers and that of the destitute she rescued from the gutters -- was her aim COMMA not economic or social development as many others understand it COMMA she said . " It 's odd COMMA however COMMA that in repeating this charge COMMA the Times did n't interview the man most closely associated with it COMMA Christopher Hitchens COMMA or refer to the book where he set it out COMMA The Missionary Position . Hmmm COMMA wan na bet there was a copy of the book on somebody 's desk at the Times though ? What 's with the top-of-the-front headline the LAT puts over its picture of Martina Hingis standing next to Venus Williams after beating her at the U.S. Open -- " Venus Brought Back to Earth " ? Does n't that sound like celebrating a defeat rather than celebrating a victory ? How odd -- and a good illustration of how trying to shoe-horn in a " witty " headline can drive you into an idea that does n't fit or is undeserved . Given that Ms. Williams ' parents are rather protective of her and that she is a black in a still pretty - lilly - white sport COMMA do n't be surprised if there 's a bit of a complaint about this . Fashioning Paula USA Today leads with Texas ' settlement of its product - liability lawsuit against the leading tobacco companies . The top nonlocal story at the Washington Post is the latest development in the Indonesian economic crisis -- a rare and boosterish Suharto press conference in contrast to a further plunging stock market and food riots in outlying towns . The New York Times leads with a comprehensive poll about American attitudes concerning abortion . In the Texas case COMMA reports USAT COMMA the defendant companies have agreed to pay about $ 15 billion over 25 years to reimburse the state for expenses it incurred in the treatment of smoking - related illnesses . That makes Texas the third state to settle such a case COMMA joining Florida and Mississippi . There are COMMA says the paper COMMA a total of 40 such suits on file COMMA with Minnesota 's turn coming next week . The Wall Street Journal states that the plaintiffs ' lawyers hired by Texas to try the case will receive as part of the deal almost $ 2.2 billion in fees . The NYT abortion survey COMMA the first conducted by the paper since 1989 COMMA was based on telephone interviews of 1COMMA101 people and detects " a notable shift from general acceptance " of having the procedure : from 40 percent to 32 percent . And the pollsters also detected an increasingly acute sensitivity to abortion timing : Sixty-one percent of those polled thought abortions should be permitted during the first trimester COMMA but only 15 percent in the second and just 7 percent in the third . ( The piece notes that this last stat helps explain why a focus on partial - birth abortions has proven politically advantageous for abortion foes . ) Nearly 45 percent of those asked to state the present law on abortion could not give the correct answer . The WSJ notes that the just - concluded football / TV deal will probably mean even steeper cable bills in the near future . Some local cable companies COMMA the paper says COMMA expect the fees they 'll pay ESPN to go up more than 20 percent . And they 're in the habit of passing expenses along to Joe Remote . Even non - sports fans will be affected COMMA notes the Journal COMMA because ESPN is usually part of basic cable service . ( Which raises the question : Has n't technology progressed to a point that would allow cafeteria-style programming choices by subscribers ? ) A scan of the headlines found cheek - by - jowl on the WP ' s Page A6 provides an interesting snapshot of the life of the modern Cabinet officer : " -LSB- Ex - HUD Secretary -RSB- Cisneros 's Ex-Mistress Pleads Guilty COMMA " " -LSB- Labor Secretary -RSB- Herman Denies Allegations of Influence - Selling Scheme COMMA " and " Two Tyson Foods Executive Indicted Over Gifts to -LSB- Ex - Agriculture Secretary -RSB- Espy . " The WSJ reports that COMMA according to an MIT survey COMMA Americans are twice as likely to back a tax increase going toward the search for extraterrestrials than one for gene - cloning research . The NYT reports that today 's issue of the journal Science will describe an experiment in which people 's biological clocks were reset three hours by shining a bright light on the back of their knees . The finding COMMA if it holds up COMMA says the Times COMMA may lead to a simple way for airline travelers to fight jet lag . Yesterday 's Los Angeles Times ran a story under the headline " Paula Jones Works on Her Court Appearance COMMA " which COMMA illustrated by pictures of Jones COMMA was all about the various looks she 's had since stepping on the public stage . The piece concluded that she 's finally graduated to an image that 's " sophisticated yet soft . " Today 's WP " Style " section ( that 's the opposite of substance COMMA remember ) picks up that ball and runs with it COMMA with a lengthy discourse on the new PJ . " It is COMMA " hyperventilates the Post COMMA one of the most jaw - dropping public make-overs ever . " Jones apparently has " smoothed the frizzy mane of curls that once reached to such dazzling heights . Her makeup is now subtle and based on natural COMMA not neon COMMA hues . Her clothing is inspired by the boardroom instead of the secretarial pool . She has embraced the markers of dignity COMMA refinement and power . " In true newspaper overkill fashion COMMA the piece backs this up by consulting Cynde Watson COMMA national makeup artist for Bobbi Brown Essentials COMMA and Steven Zdatny COMMA a historian at West Virginia University specializing in the aesthetics and politics of hair . The placement of these two pieces is a PR triumph COMMA but one carrying the seeds of its own destruction : If people know all this work is going into making Paula Jones seem a certain someone COMMA does n't that just make it obvious that she 's really somebody else ? Stephanopoulos Analyzes His Own Crime There was former Clinton aide George Stephanopoulos on ABC 's This Week this morning COMMA furrow-browed and " heartbroken with all the evidence coming out " against the president . Last week COMMA when the Lewinsky story was only a few hours old COMMA Stephanopoulos popped up on Good Morning America to demonstrate his concern . " These are probably the most serious allegations yet leveled against the president . There 's no question that COMMA if they 're true COMMA they ... could lead to impeachment proceedings . " Is Chatterbox alone in thinking there is something strange and even disgusting about Stephanopoulos ' eager show of independence from the president ? The problem is n't so much his disloyalty . Political figures turn on each other from time to time COMMA for good and bad reasons ; we 're used to it . Stephanopoulos wants to run for the Senate and does n't want to seem a Clinton stooge . By lending credence to the Lewinsky charges COMMA and treating Clinton 's familiar defenses as the lies and half - lies they seem to be COMMA Stephanopoulos shows he 's not a fool . The trouble is that Stephanopoulos himself helped propagate those lies in the first place . During the 1992 campaign COMMA when Gennifer Flowers first brought Clinton 's philandering to public attention COMMA Stephanopoulos -- as Clinton 's chief spinner COMMA distracter COMMA and all - around bullshit artist -- played a crucial role in discrediting Flowers and anyone else who tried to point out the truth COMMA namely that Clinton had a disturbing zipper problem . ( Do n't say Stephanopoulos did n't know . Again COMMA he 's not a fool . ) Simply put COMMA Stephanopoulos did as much as any man to get the country into the mess he now so telegenically laments . The 1993 documentary The War Room captures some of his efforts on tape . Early in the film COMMA with the Flowers crisis in full bloom COMMA Sam Donaldson interviews Stephanopoulos COMMA who blames it all on the " Republican attack machine . " " Gov. Clinton has no character problem COMMA " Stephanopoulos declares . Donaldson suggests that on 60 Minutes Clinton had admitted to infidelity . " He said he had problems in his marriage COMMA " says Stephanopoulos COMMA correcting Donaldson 's deviation from the pre-scripted fudge - phrase of the day . ( Today COMMA of course COMMA the president 's defenders claim that Clinton admitted infidelity on 60 Minutes and that the fully informed voters simply did n't care . ) Near the end of The War Room COMMA Stephanopoulos gets a call from someone who apparently claims to have a list of Clinton paramours COMMA which he is about to publicize . Stephanopoulos skillfully bullies and cajoles him into keeping quiet . " You would be laughed at ... " he tells the caller . " I guarantee you that if you do this you 'll never work in Democratic politics again ... . Nobody will believe you and people will think you 're scum . " You might say that Stephanopoulos helped invent the philander - protection techniques that seem to have made Clinton so overconfident of his ability to not get caught . He was one of Clinton 's principal enablers COMMA to use a word employed by Maureen Dowd in today 's New York Times . When Democrats wonder why there is so much resentment of Clinton COMMA they do n't need to look much further than the Big Lie about philandering that Stephanopoulos COMMA Carville ( and a cooperative campaign press corps ) helped to put over in 1992 . Now the dissembler and enabler has become the scholar and ABC News analyst . It 's as if Roy Cohn went on television in the mid-'50s to soberly rue the damage wreaked by Sen. Joe McCarthy COMMA without any apology for his own role . Much has been made of the way famous wrongdoers ( e. g. : Dick Morris COMMA Marv Albert ) rebound too quickly in our celebrity culture . But usually at least a nanosecond of contrition is required . Stephanopoulos is cashing in without even going through the minimal motions of holding himself accountable for misleading the country . If Clinton COMMA as is now increasingly clear COMMA was a time bomb waiting to explode COMMA then Stephanopoulos helped smuggle him into the White House and muffled the ticking . In American romance COMMA almost nothing rates higher than what the movie men have called `` meeting cute '' -- that is COMMA boy - meets - girl seems more adorable if it does n't take place in an atmosphere of correct and acute boredom . Just about the most enthralling real-life example of meeting cute is the Charles MacArthur - Helen Hayes saga : reputedly all he did was give her a handful of peanuts COMMA but he said simultaneously COMMA `` I wish they were emeralds '' . Aside from the comico-romantico content here COMMA a good linguist - anthropologist could readily pick up a few other facts COMMA especially if he had a little more of the conversation to go on . The way MacArthur said his line -- if you had the recorded transcript of a professional linguist -- would probably have gone like this : A[fj] Primary stresses on emeralds and wish ; note pitch 3 ( pretty high ) on emeralds but with a slight degree of drawl COMMA one degree of oversoftness . Conclusions : The people involved ( and subsequent facts bear me out here ) knew clearly the relative values of peanuts and emeralds COMMA both monetary and sentimental . And the drawling COMMA oversoft voice of flirtation COMMA though fairly overt COMMA was still well within the prescribed gambit of their culture . In other words COMMA like automation machines designed to work in tandem COMMA they shared the same programming COMMA a mutual understanding not only of English words COMMA but of the four stresses COMMA pitches COMMA and junctures that can change their meaning from black to white . At this point COMMA unfortunately COMMA romance becomes a regrettably small part of the picture ; but consider COMMA if you can bear it COMMA what might have happened if MacArthur COMMA for some perverse COMMA undaunted reason COMMA had made the same remark to an Eskimo girl in Eskimo . To her peanuts and emeralds would have been just so much blubber . The point -- quite simply -- is this : words they might have had ; but communication COMMA no . This basic principle COMMA the first in a richly knotted bundle COMMA was conveyed to me by Dr. Henry Lee Smith COMMA Jr. COMMA at the University of Buffalo COMMA where he heads the world 's first department of anthropology and linguistics . A brisk COMMA amusing man COMMA apparently constructed on an ingenious system of spring - joints attuned to the same peppery rhythm as his mind COMMA Smith began his academic career teaching speech to Barnard girls -- a project considerably enlivened by his devotion to a recording about `` a young rat named Arthur COMMA who never could make up his mind '' . Later COMMA he became one of the central spirits of the Army Language Program and the language school of Washington 's Foreign Service Institute . It was there COMMA in the course of trying to prepare new men for the `` culture shock '' they might encounter in remote overseas posts COMMA that he first began to develop a system of charting the `` norms of human communication '' . To the trained ear of the linguist COMMA talk has always revealed a staggering quantity of information about the talker -- such things as geographical origin and history COMMA socio-economic identity COMMA education . It is only fairly recently COMMA however COMMA that linguists have developed a systematic way of charting voices on paper in a way that tells even more about the speakers and about the success or failure of human communication between two people . This COMMA for obvious reasons COMMA makes their techniques superbly useful in studying the psychiatric interview COMMA so useful COMMA in fact COMMA that they have been successfully used to suggest ways to speed diagnosis and to evaluate the progress of therapy . In the early 1950's COMMA Smith COMMA together with his distinguished colleague COMMA George Trager ( so austerely academic he sometimes fights his own evident charm ) COMMA and a third man with the engaging name of Birdwhistell ( Ray ) COMMA agreed on some basic premises about the three - part process that makes communication : ( 1 ) words or language ( 2 ) paralanguage COMMA a set of phenomena including laughing COMMA weeping COMMA voice breaks COMMA and `` tone '' of voice COMMA and ( 3 ) kinesics COMMA the technical name for gestures COMMA facial expressions COMMA and body shifts -- nodding or shaking the head COMMA `` talking '' with one 's hands COMMA et cetera . Smith 's first workout with stresses COMMA pitches COMMA and junctures was based on mother COMMA which spells COMMA in our culture COMMA a good deal more than bread alone . For example COMMA if you are a reasonably well - adjusted person COMMA there are certain ways that are reasonable and appropriate for addressing your mother . The usual U.S. norm would be : A[fj] Middle pitches COMMA slight pause ( juncture ) before mother COMMA slight rise at the end . The symbols of mother 's status COMMA here COMMA are all usual for culture U.S.A. . Quite other feelings are evidenced by this style : A[fj] Note the drop to pitch 1 ( the lowest ) on mother with no rise at the end of the sentence ; this is a `` fade '' ending COMMA and what you have here is a downtalking style of speech COMMA expressing something less than conventional respect for mother . Even less regard for mom and mom 's apple pie goes with : A[fj] In other words COMMA the way the speaker relates to mother is clearly indicated . And while the meaning of the words is not in this instance altered COMMA the quality of communication in both the second and third examples is definitely impaired . An accompanying record of paralanguage factors for the second example might also note a throaty rasp . With this seven - word sentence -- though the speaker undoubtedly thought he was dealing only with the subject of food -- he was telling things about himself and COMMA in the last two examples COMMA revealing that he had departed from the customs of his culture . The joint investigations of linguistics and psychiatry have established COMMA in point of fact COMMA that no matter what the subject of conversation is or what words are involved COMMA it is impossible for people to talk at all without telling over and over again what sort of people they are and how they relate to the rest of the world . Since interviewing is the basic therapeutic and diagnostic instrument of modern psychiatry COMMA the recording of interviews for playbacks and study has been a boost of Redstone proportions in new research and training . Some of the earliest recordings COMMA made in the 1940's demonstrated that psychiatrists reacted immediately to anger and anxiety in the sound track COMMA whereas written records of the same interview offered far fewer cues to therapy which -- if they were at all discernible in print -- were picked up only by the most skilled and sensitive experts . In a general way COMMA psychiatrists were able to establish on a wide basis what many of them had always felt -- that the most telling cues in psychotherapy are acoustic COMMA that such things as stress and nagging are transmitted by sound alone and not necessarily by words . At a minimum COMMA recording -- usually on tape COMMA which is now in wide professional use -- brings the psychiatric interview alive so that the full range of emotion and meaning can be explored repeatedly by the therapist or by a battery of therapists . Newest to this high - powered battery are the experts in linguistics who have carried that minimum to a new level . By adding a systematic analysis with symbols to the typed transcripts of interviews COMMA they have supplied a new set of techniques for the therapist . Linguistic charting of the transcribed interview flags points where the patient 's voice departs from expected norms . It flags such possible breakdowns of communication as rehearsed dialogue COMMA the note of disapproval COMMA ambivalence or ambiguity COMMA annoyance COMMA resentment COMMA and the disinclination to speak at all -- this last often marked by a fade-in beginning of sentences . Interpretation COMMA naturally COMMA remains the role of the therapist COMMA but orientation -- not only the patient 's vocal giveaways of geographical and socio-economic background COMMA but also vocal but non-verbal giveaways of danger spots in his relationship to people -- can be considerably beefed up by the linguist . His esoteric chartings of the voice alert the therapist to areas where deeper probing may bring to light underlying psychological difficulties COMMA making them apparent first to the therapist and eventually to the patient . In one now - historic first interview COMMA for example COMMA the transcript ( reproduced from the book COMMA The First Five Minutes ) goes like this : The therapist 's level tone is bland and neutral -- he has COMMA for example COMMA avoided stressing `` you '' COMMA which would imply disapproval ; or surprise COMMA which would set the patient apart from other people . The patient COMMA on the other hand COMMA is far from neutral ; aside from her specifically regional accent COMMA she reveals by the use of the triad COMMA `` irritable COMMA tense COMMA depressed '' COMMA a certain pedantic itemization that indicates she has some familiarity with literary or scientific language ( i.e. COMMA she must have had at least a high-school education ) COMMA and she is telling a story she has mentally rehearsed some time before . Then she catapults into `` everything and everybody '' COMMA putting particular violence on `` everybody '' COMMA indicating to the linguist that this is a spot to flag -- that is COMMA it is not congruent to the patient 's general style of speech up to this point . Consequently COMMA it is referred to the therapist for attention . He may then very well conclude that `` everybody '' is probably not the true target of her resentment . Immediately thereafter COMMA the patient fractures her rehearsed story COMMA veering into an oversoft COMMA breathy COMMA sloppily articulated COMMA `` I do n't feel like talking right now '' . Within the first five minutes of this interview it is apparent to the therapist that `` everybody '' truthfully refers to the woman 's husband . She says later COMMA but still within the opening five minutes COMMA `` I keep thinking of a divorce but that 's another emotional death '' . The linguistic and paralinguistic signals of misery are all present in the voice chart for this sentence ; so are certain signals that she does not accept divorce . By saying `` another emotional death '' COMMA she reveals that there has been a previous one COMMA although she has not described it in words . This the therapist may pursue in later questioning . The phrase COMMA `` emotional death '' COMMA interesting and COMMA to a non-scientific mind COMMA rather touching COMMA suggests that this woman may have some flair for words COMMA perhaps even something of the temperament regrettably called `` creative '' . Since the psychiatric interview COMMA like any other interview COMMA depends on communication COMMA it is significant to note that the therapist in this interview was a man of marked skill and long experience . His own communication apparatus operated superbly COMMA and Lillian Ross readers will note instantly its total lack of resemblance to the blunted COMMA monumentally unmeshed mechanism of Dr. Blauberman . Interestingly enough -- although none of the real-life therapists involved could conceivably compare with Blauberman -- when groups of them began playing back interviews COMMA they discovered any number of ways in which they wanted to polish their own interview techniques ; almost everyone COMMA on first hearing one of his own sessions on tape COMMA expressed some desire to take the whole thing over again . Yet COMMA in spite of this COMMA intensive study of the taped interviews by teams of psychotherapists and linguists laid bare the surprising fact that COMMA in the first five minutes of an initial interview COMMA the patient often reveals as many as a dozen times just what 's wrong with him ; to spot these giveaways the therapist must know either intuitively or scientifically how to listen . Naturally COMMA the patient does not say COMMA `` I hate my father '' COMMA or `` Sibling rivalry is what bugs me '' . What he does do is give himself away by communicating information over and above the words involved . Some of the classic indicators COMMA as described by Drs. Pittenger COMMA Hockett COMMA and Danehy in The First Five Minutes COMMA are these : ambiguity of pronouns : Stammering or repetition of I COMMA you COMMA he COMMA she COMMA et cetera may signal ambiguity or uncertainty . On the other hand significant facts may be concealed -- she may mean I or everybody COMMA as it did with the tense and irritable woman mentioned before COMMA may refer to a specific person . The word that is not used can be as important as the word that is used ; therapist and linguist must always consider the alternatives . When someone says COMMA for example COMMA `` They took x-rays to see that there was nothing wrong with me '' COMMA it pays to consider how this statement would normally be made . ( This patient COMMA in actuality COMMA was a neurasthenic who had almost come to the point of accepting the fact that it was not her soma but her psyche that was the cause of her difficulty . ) Amateur linguists note here that Pursewarden COMMA in Durrell 's Alexandria Quartet COMMA stammered when he spoke of his wife COMMA which is hardly surprising in view of their disastrous relationship . Northern liberals are the chief supporters of civil rights and of integration . They have also led the nation in the direction of a welfare state . And both in their objectives of non-discrimination and of social progress they have had ranged against them the Southerners who are called Bourbons . The name presumably derives from the French royal house which never learned and never forgot ; since Bourbon whiskey COMMA though of Kentucky origin COMMA is at least as much favored by liberals in the North as by conservatives in the South . The nature of the opposition between liberals and Bourbons is too little understood in the North . The race problem has tended to obscure other COMMA less emotional COMMA issues which may fundamentally be even more divisive . It is these other differences between North and South -- other COMMA that is COMMA than those which concern discrimination or social welfare -- which I chiefly discuss herein . I write about Northern liberals from considerable personal experience . A Southerner married to a New Englander COMMA I have lived for many years in a Connecticut commuting town with a high percentage of artists COMMA writers COMMA publicity men COMMA and business executives of egghead tastes . Most of them are Democrats and nearly all consider themselves COMMA and are viewed as COMMA liberals . This is puzzling to an outsider conscious of the classic tradition of liberalism COMMA because it is clear that these Democrats who are left - of - center are at opposite poles from the liberal Jefferson COMMA who held that the best government was the least government . Yet paradoxically my liberal friends continue to view Jefferson as one of their patron saints . When I question them as to what they mean by concepts like liberty and democracy COMMA I find that they fall into two categories : the simpler ones who have simply accepted the shibboleths of their faith without analysis ; and the intelligent COMMA cynical ones who scornfully reply that these things do n't count any more in the world of to-day . I am naive COMMA they say COMMA to make use of such words . I take this to mean that the intelligent -- and therefore necessarily cynical ? -- liberal considers that the need for a national economy with controls that will assure his conception of social justice is so great that individual and local liberties as well as democratic processes may have to yield before it . This seems like an attitude favoring a sort of totalitarian bureaucracy which COMMA under a President of the same stamp COMMA would try to coerce an uncooperative Congress or Supreme Court . As for states ' rights COMMA they have never counted in the thinking of my liberal friends except as irritations of a minor and immoral nature which exist now only as anachronisms . The American liberal may COMMA in the world of to-day COMMA have a strong case ; but he presents it publicly so enmeshed in hypocrisy that it is not an honest one . Why COMMA in the first place COMMA call himself a liberal if he is against laissez-faire and favors an authoritarian central government with womb - to - tomb controls over everybody ? If he attaches little importance to personal liberty COMMA why not make this known to the world ? And if he is so scornful of the rights of states COMMA why not advocate a different sort of constitution that he could more sincerely support ? I am concerned here COMMA however COMMA with the Northern liberal 's attitude toward the South . It appears to be one of intense dislike COMMA which he makes little effort to conceal even in the presence of Southern friends . His assumption seems to be that any such friends COMMA being tolerable humans COMMA must be more liberal than most Southerners and therefore at least partly in sympathy with his views . Time 's editor COMMA Thomas Griffith COMMA in his book COMMA The Waist - High Culture COMMA wrote : `` most of what was different about it ( the Deep South ) I found myself unsympathetic to . '' This COMMA for the liberals I know COMMA would be an understatement . Theirs is no mere lack of sympathy COMMA but something closer to the passionate hatred that was directed against Fascism . I do not think that my experience would be typical for Southerners living in the North . In business circles COMMA usually conservative COMMA this sort of atmosphere would hardly be found . But in our case -- and neither my wife nor I have extreme views on integration COMMA nor are we given to emotional outbursts -- the situation has ruined one or two valued friendships and come close to wrecking several more . In fact it has caused us to give serious thought to moving our residence south COMMA because it is not easy for the most objective Southerner to sit calmly by when his host is telling a roomful of people that the only way to deal with Southerners who oppose integration is to send in troops and shoot the bastards down . Accounts have been published of Northern liberals in the South up against segregationist prejudice COMMA especially in state - supported universities where pressure may be strong to uphold the majority view . But these accounts do not show that Northerners have been subjected to embarrassment or provocation by Yankee - hatred displayed in social gatherings . From my wife 's experience and other sources COMMA this seems to be rarely encountered in educated circles . The strong feeling is certainly there ; but there is a leavening of liberalism among college graduates throughout the South COMMA especially among those who studied in the North . And social relations arising out of business ties impose courtesy COMMA if not sympathy COMMA toward resident and visiting Northerners . Also COMMA among the latter a large percentage soon acquire the prevalent Southern attitude on most social problems . There are of course many Souths ; but for this discussion the most important division is between those who have been reconstructed and those who have n't . My definition of this much abused adjective is that a reconstructed rebel is one who is glad that the North won the War . Nobody knows how many Southerners there are in this category . I suspect that there are far more unreconstructed ones than the North likes to believe . I never heard of a poll being taken on the question . No doubt such a thing would be considered unpatriotic . Prior to 1954 I imagine that a majority of Southerners would have voted against the Confederacy . Since the Supreme Court 's decision of that year this is more doubtful ; and if a poll had been taken immediately following the dispatch of troops to Little Rock I believe the majority would have been for the Old South . Belief in the traditional way of life persists much more in the older states than in the new ones . Probably a larger percentage of Virginians and South Carolinians remain unreconstructed than elsewhere COMMA with Georgia COMMA North Carolina COMMA and Alabama following along after them . Old attitudes are held more tenaciously in the Tidewater than the Piedmont ; so that a line running down the length of the South marking the upper limits of tidewater would roughly divide the Old South from the new COMMA but with COMMA of course COMMA important minority enclaves . The long - settled areas of states like Virginia and South Carolina developed the ante-bellum culture to its richest flowering COMMA and there the memory is more precious COMMA and the consciousness of loss the greater . Also COMMA we should not even to-day discount the fact that a region such as the coastal lowlands centering on Charleston had closer ties with England and the West Indies than with the North even after independence . The social and psychological consequences of this continue to affect the area . In certain respects defeat increased the persistent Anglophilia of the Old South . Poor where they had once been rich COMMA humbled where they had been arrogant COMMA having no longer any hope of sharing in the leadership of the nation COMMA the rebels who would not surrender in spirit drew comfort from the sympathy they felt extended to them by the mother country . And no doubt many people in states like the Carolinas and Georgia COMMA which were among the most Tory in sentiment in the eighteenth century COMMA bitterly regretted the revolt against the Crown . Among Bourbons the racial issue may have less to do with their remaining unreconstructed than other factors . All Southerners agree that slavery had to go ; but many historians maintain that except for Northern meddling it would have ended in states like Virginia years before it did . Southern resentment has been over the method of its ending COMMA the invasion COMMA and Reconstruction ; their fears now are of miscegenation and Negro political control in many counties . But apart from racial problems COMMA the old unreconstructed South -- to use the moderate words favored by Mr. Thomas Griffith -- finds itself unsympathetic to most of what is different about the civilization of the North . And this COMMA in effect COMMA means most of modern America . It is hard to see how the situation could be otherwise . And therein COMMA I feel COMMA many Northerners delude themselves about the South . For one thing COMMA this is not a subject often discussed or analyzed . There seems to be almost a conspiracy of silence veiling it . I suppose the reason is a kind of wishful thinking : do n't talk about the final stages of Reconstruction and they will take care of themselves . Or else the North really believes that all Southerners except a few quaint old characters have come around to realizing the errors of their past COMMA and are now at heart sharers of the American Dream COMMA like everybody else . If the circumstances are faced frankly it is not reasonable to expect this to be true . The situation of the South since 1865 has been unique in the western world . Regardless of rights and wrongs COMMA a population and an area appropriate to a pre - World - War - 1 great power have been COMMA following conquest COMMA ruled against their will by a neighboring people COMMA and have had imposed upon them social and economic controls they dislike . And the great majority of these people are of Anglo-Saxon or Celtic descent . This is the only case in modern history of a people of Britannic origin submitting without continued struggle to what they view as foreign domination . The fact is due mainly to international wars COMMA both hot and cold . In every war of the United States since the Civil War the South was more belligerent than the rest of the country . So instead of being tests of the South 's loyalty COMMA the Spanish War COMMA the two World Wars COMMA and the Korean War all served to overcome old grievances and cement reunion . And there is no section of the nation more ardent than the South in the cold war against Communism . Had the situation been reversed COMMA had COMMA for instance COMMA England been the enemy in 1898 because of issues of concern chiefly to New England COMMA there is little doubt that large numbers of Southerners would have happily put on their old Confederate uniforms to fight as allies of Britain . It is extraordinary that a people as proud and warlike as Southerners should have been as docile as they have . The North should thank its stars that such has been the case ; but at the same time it should not draw false inferences therefrom . The two main charges levelled against the Bourbons by liberals is that they are racists and social reactionaries . There is much truth in both these charges COMMA and not many Bourbons deny them . Whatever their faults COMMA they are not hypocrites . Most of them sincerely believe that the Anglo-Saxon is the best race in the world and that it should remain pure . Many Northeners believe this COMMA too COMMA but few of them will say so publicly . The Bourbon economic philosophy COMMA moreover COMMA is not very different from that of Northern conservatives . But those among the Bourbons who remain unreconstructed go much further than this . They believe that if the South had been let alone it would have produced a civilization superior to that of modern America . As it is COMMA they consider that the North is now reaping the fruits of excess egalitarianism COMMA that in spite of its high standard of living the `` American way '' has been proved inferior to the English and Scandinavian ways COMMA although they disapprove of the socialistic features of the latter . The South 's antipathy to Northern civilization includes such charges as poor manners COMMA harsh accents COMMA lack of appreciation of the arts of living like gastronomy and the use of leisure . Their own easier COMMA slower tempo is especially dear to Southerners ; and I have heard many say that they are content to earn a half or a third as much as they could up North because they so much prefer the quieter habits of their home town . In the past COMMA the duties of the state COMMA as Sir Henry Maine noted long ago COMMA were only two in number : internal order and external security . By prevailing over other claimants for the loyalties of men COMMA the nation - state maintained an adequate measure of certainty and order within its territorial borders . Outside those limits it asserted COMMA as against other states COMMA a position of sovereign equality COMMA and COMMA as against the `` inferior '' peoples of the non-Western world COMMA a position of dominance . It became the sole `` subject '' of `` international law '' ( a term which COMMA it is pertinent to remember COMMA was coined by Bentham ) COMMA a body of legal principle which by and large was made up of what Western nations could do in the world arena . ( That corpus of law was a reflection of the power system in existence during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries . Speaking generally COMMA it furthered -- and still tends to further -- the interests of the Western powers . The enormous changes in world politics have COMMA however COMMA thrown it into confusion COMMA so much so that it is safe to say that all international law is now in need of reexamination and clarification in light of the social conditions of the present era . ) Beyond the two basic tasks mentioned above COMMA no attention was paid by statesman or scholar to an idea of state responsibility COMMA either internally or externally . This was particularly true in the world arena COMMA which was an anarchical battleground characterized by strife and avaricious competition for colonial empires . That any sort of duty was owed by his nation to other nations would have astonished a nineteenth-century statesman . His duty was to his sovereign and to his nation COMMA and an extension to peoples beyond the territorial boundaries was not to be contemplated . Thus COMMA to cite but one example COMMA the Pax Britannica of the nineteenth century COMMA whether with the British navy ruling the seas or with the City of London ruling world finance COMMA was strictly national in motivation COMMA however much other nations ( e.g. COMMA the United States ) may have incidentally benefited . At the same time COMMA all suggestions that some sort of societal responsibility existed for the welfare of the people within the territorial state was strongly resisted . Social Darwinism was able to stave off the incipient socialist movement until well into the present century . However COMMA in recent decades COMMA for what doubtless are multiple reasons COMMA an unannounced but nonetheless readily observable shift has occurred in both facets of national activity . A concept of responsibility is in process of articulation and establishment . Already firmly implanted internally COMMA it is a growing factor in external matters . A little more than twenty years ago the American people turned an important corner . In what has aptly been called a `` constitutional revolution '' COMMA the basic nature of government was transformed from one essentially negative in nature ( the `` night - watchman state '' ) to one with affirmative duties to perform . The `` positive state '' came into existence . For lawyers COMMA reflecting perhaps their parochial preferences COMMA there has been a special fascination since then in the role played by the Supreme Court in that transformation -- the manner in which its decisions altered in `` the switch in time that saved nine '' COMMA President Roosevelt 's ill-starred but in effect victorious `` Court - packing plan '' COMMA the imprimatur of judicial approval that was finally placed upon social legislation . Of greater importance COMMA however COMMA is the content of those programs COMMA which have had and are having enormous consequences for the American people . Labor relations have been transformed COMMA income security has become a standardized feature of political platforms COMMA and all the many facets of the American version of the welfare state have become part of the conventional wisdom . A national consensus of near unanimity exists that these governmental efforts are desirable as well as necessary . Ratified in the Republican Party victory in 1952 COMMA the Positive State is now evidenced by political campaigns being waged not on whether but on how much social legislation there should be . The general acceptance of the idea of governmental ( i.e. COMMA societal ) responsibility for the economic well-being of the American people is surely one of the two most significant watersheds in American constitutional history . The other COMMA of course COMMA was the Civil War COMMA the conflict which a century ago insured national unity over fragmentation . A third COMMA one of at least equal and perhaps even greater importance COMMA is now being traversed : American immersion and involvement in world affairs . Internal national responsibility COMMA now a truism COMMA need not be documented . Nevertheless COMMA it may be helpful to cite one example -- that of employment -- for COMMA as will be shown below COMMA it cuts across both facets of the new concept . Thirty years ago COMMA while the nation was wallowing in economic depression COMMA the prevailing philosophy of government was to stand aside and allow `` natural forces '' to operate and cure the distress . That guiding principle of the Hoover Administration fell to the siege guns of the New Deal ; less than a score of years later Congress enacted the Employment Act of 1946 COMMA by which the national government assumed the responsibility of taking action to insure conditions of maximum employment . Hands - off the economy was replaced by conscious guidance through planning -- the economic side of the constitutional revolution . In 1961 the first important legislative victory of the Kennedy Administration came when the principle of national responsibility for local economic distress won out over a `` state 's - responsibility '' proposal -- provision was made for payment for unemployment relief by nation - wide taxation rather than by a levy only on those states afflicted with manpower surplus . The American people have indeed come a long way in the brief interval between 1930 and 1961 . Internal national responsibility is a societal response to the impact of the Industrial Revolution . Reduced to its simplest terms COMMA it is an assumption of a collective duty to compensate for the inability of individuals to cope with the rigors of the era . National responsibility for individual welfare is a concept not limited to the United States or even to the Western nations . A measure of its widespread acceptance may be derived from a statement of the International Congress of Jurists in 1959 . Meeting in New Delhi under the auspices of the International Commission of Jurists COMMA a body of lawyers from the free world COMMA the Congress redefined and expanded the traditional Rule of Law to include affirmative governmental duties . It is noteworthy that the majority of the delegates to the Congress were from the less developed COMMA former colonial nations . The Rule of Law COMMA historically a principle according everyone his `` day in court '' before an impartial tribunal COMMA was broadened substantively by making it a responsibility of government to promote individual welfare . Recognizing that the Rule of Law is `` a dynamic concept which should be employed not only to safeguard the civil and political rights of the individual in a free society '' COMMA the Congress asserted that it also included the responsibility `` to establish social COMMA economic COMMA educational and cultural conditions under which his legitimate aspirations and dignity may be realized '' . The idea of national responsibility thus has become a common feature of the nations of the non-Soviet world . For better or for worse COMMA we all now live in welfare states COMMA the organizing principle of which is collective responsibility for individual well-being . Whether a concept analogous to the principle of internal responsibility operates in a nation 's external relations is less obvious and more difficult to establish . The hypothesis ventured here is that it does COMMA and that evidence is accumulating validating that proposition . The content is not the same COMMA however : rather than individual security COMMA it is the security and continuing existence of an `` ideological group '' -- those in the `` free world '' -- that is basic . External national responsibility involves a burgeoning requirement that the leaders of the Western nations so guide their decisions as to further the viability of other friendly nations . If internal responsibility suggests acceptance of the socialist ideal of equality COMMA then external responsibility implies adherence to principles of ideological supranationalism . Reference to two other concepts -- nationalism and sovereignty -- may help to reveal the contours of the new principle . In its beginnings the nation - state had to struggle to assert itself -- internally COMMA against feudal groups COMMA and externally COMMA against the power and influence of such other claimants for loyalty as the Church . The breakup of the Holy Roman Empire and the downfall of feudalism led COMMA not more than two centuries ago COMMA to the surge of nationalism . ( Since the time - span of the nation - state coincides roughly with the separate existence of the United States as an independent entity COMMA it is perhaps natural for Americans to think of the nation as representative of the highest form of order COMMA something permanent and unchanging . ) The concept of nationalism is the political principle that epitomizes and glorifies the territorial state as the characteristic type of socal structure . But it is more than that . For it includes the emotional ties that bind men to their homeland and the complex motivations that hold a large group of people together as a unit . Today COMMA as new nations rise from the former colonial empires COMMA nationalism is one of the hurricane forces loose in the world . Almost febrile in intensity COMMA the principle has become worldwide in application -- unfortunately at the very time that nationalist fervors can wreak greatest harm . Historically COMMA however COMMA the concept is one that has been of marked benefit to the people of the Western civilizational group . By subduing disparate lesser groups the nation has COMMA to some degree at least COMMA broadened the capacity for individual liberty . Within their confines COMMA moreover COMMA technological and industrial growth has proceeded at an accelerated pace COMMA thus increasing the cornucopia from which material wants can be satisfied . While the pattern is uneven COMMA some having gained more than others COMMA nationalism has in fact served the Western peoples well . ( Whether historical nationalism helped the peoples of the remainder of the world COMMA and whether today 's nationalism in the former colonial areas has equally beneficial aspects COMMA are other questions . ) It is one of the ironic quirks of history that the viability and usefulness of nationalism and the territorial state are rapidly dissipating at precisely the time that the nation - state attained its highest number ( approximately 100 ) . But it is more than irony : one of the main reasons why nationalism is no longer a tenable concept is because it has spread throughout the planet . In other words COMMA nationalism worked well enough when it had limited application COMMA both as to geography and as to population ; it becomes a perilous anachronism when adopted on a world - wide basis . Complementing the political principle of nationalism is the legal principle of sovereignty . The former receives its legitimacy from the latter . Operating side by side COMMA together they helped shore up the nation - state . While sovereignty has roots in antiquity COMMA in its present usage it is essentially modern . Jean Bodin COMMA writing in the sixteenth century COMMA may have been the seminal thinker COMMA but it was the vastly influential John Austin who set out the main lines of the concept as now understood . Austin 's nineteenth-century view of law and sovereignty still dominates much of today 's legal and political thinking . To him COMMA law is the command of the sovereign ( the English monarch ) who personifies the power of the nation COMMA while sovereignty is the power to make law -- i.e. COMMA to prevail over internal groups and to be free from the commands of other sovereigns in other nations . These fundamental ideas -- the indivisibility of sovereignty and its dual ( internal - external ) aspects -- still remain the core of that concept of ultimate political power . The nation - state COMMA then COMMA exemplifies the principle of nationalism and exercises sovereignty : supreme power over domestic affairs and independence from outside control . In fact COMMA however COMMA both principles have always been nebulous and loosely defined . High-level abstractions are always difficult to pin down with precision . That is particularly true of sovereignty when it is applied to democratic societies COMMA in which `` popular '' sovereignty is said to exist COMMA and in federal nations COMMA in which the jobs of government are split . Nevertheless COMMA nationalism and sovereignty are reputed COMMA in the accepted wisdom COMMA to describe the modern world . Is there a different reality behind the facade ? Does the surface hide a quite different picture ? The short answer to those questions is `` yes '' . Both concepts are undergoing alteration ; to some degree they are being supplanted by a concept of national responsibility . As evidence to support that view COMMA consider the following illustrative instances . Can thermonuclear war be set off by accident ? What steps have been taken to guard against the one sort of mishap that could trigger the destruction of continents ? Are we as safe as we should be from such a disaster ? Is anything being done to increase our margin of safety ? Will the danger increase or decrease ? I have just asked these questions in the Pentagon COMMA in the White House COMMA in offices of key scientists across the country and aboard the submarines that prowl for months underwater COMMA with neat rows of green launch tubes which contain Polaris missiles and which are affectionately known as `` Sherwood Forest '' . I asked the same questions inside the launch - control rooms of an Atlas missile base in Wyoming COMMA where officers who wear sidearms are manning the `` commit buttons '' that could start a war -- accidentally or by design -- and in the command centers where other pistol - packing men could give orders to push such buttons . To the men in the instrument - jammed bomber cockpits COMMA submarine compartments and the antiseptic COMMA windowless rooms that would be the foxholes of tomorrow 's impersonal intercontinental wars COMMA the questions seem farfetched . There is unceasing pressure COMMA but its sources are immediate . `` Readiness exercises '' are almost continuous . Each could be the real thing . In the command centers there are special clocks ready to tick off the minutes elapsed since `` E hour '' . `` E '' stands for `` execution '' -- the moment a `` go order '' would unleash an American nuclear strike . There is little time for the men in the command centers to reflect about the implications of these clocks . They are preoccupied riding herd on control panels COMMA switches COMMA flashing colored lights on pale green or gray consoles that look like business machines . They know little about their machinery beyond mechanical details . Accidental war is so sensitive a subject that most of the people who could become directly involved in one are told just enough so they can perform their portions of incredibly complex tasks . Among the policy makers COMMA generals COMMA physicists COMMA psychologists and others charged with controlling the actions of the button pushers and their `` hardware '' COMMA the answers to my questions varied partly according to a man 's flair for what the professionals in this field call `` scenarios '' . As an Air Force psychiatrist put it : `` You ca n't have dry runs on this one '' . The experts are thus forced to hypothesize sequences of events that have never occurred COMMA probably never will -- but possibly might . Only one rule prevailed in my conversations with these men : The more highly placed they are -- that is COMMA the more they know -- the more concerned they have become . Already accidental war is a silent guest at the discussions within the Kennedy Administration about the urgency of disarmament and nearly all other questions of national security . Only recently new `` holes '' were discovered in our safety measures COMMA and a search is now on for more . Work is under way to see whether new restraining devices should be installed on all nuclear weapons . Meanwhile COMMA the experts speak of wars triggered by `` false pre-emption '' COMMA `` escalation '' COMMA `` unauthorized behavior '' and other terms that will be discussed in this report . They inhabit a secret world centered on `` go codes '' and `` gold phones '' . Their conversations were COMMA almost invariably COMMA accompanied by the same gestures -- arms and pointed forefingers darting toward each other in arclike semicircular motions . One arm represented our bombers and missiles COMMA the other arm `` theirs '' . Yet implicit in each movement was the death of millions COMMA perhaps hundreds of millions COMMA perhaps you and me -- and the experts . These men are not callous . It is their job to think about the unthinkable . Unanimously they believe that the world would become a safer place if more of us -- and more Russians and Communist Chinese COMMA too -- thought about accidental war . The first systematic thinking about this Pandora 's box within Pandora 's boxes was done four years ago by Fred Ikle COMMA a frail COMMA meek-mannered Swiss - born sociologist . He was COMMA and is COMMA with the RAND Corporation COMMA a nonprofit pool of thinkers financed by the U.S. Air Force . His investigations made him the Paul Revere of accidental war COMMA and safety procedures were enormously increased . In recent weeks COMMA as a result of a sweeping defense policy reappraisal by the Kennedy Administration COMMA basic United States strategy has been modified -- and large new sums allocated -- to meet the accidental-war danger and to reduce it as quickly as possible . The chain starts at BMEWS ( Ballistic Missile Early Warning System ) in Thule COMMA Greenland . Its radar screens would register Soviet missiles shortly after they are launched against the United States . BMEWS intelligence is simultaneously flashed to NORAD ( North American Air Defense Command ) in Colorado Springs COMMA Colorado COMMA for interpretation ; to the SAC command and control post COMMA forty-five feet below the ground at Offutt Air Force Base COMMA near Omaha COMMA Nebraska ; to the Joint War Room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon and to the President . Telephones COMMA Teletypes COMMA several kinds of radio systems and COMMA in some cases COMMA television COMMA link all vital points . Alternate locations exist for all key command centers . For last-ditch emergencies SAC has alternate command posts on KC-135 jet tankers . Multiple circuits COMMA routings and frequencies make the chain as unbreakable as possible . The same principle of `` redundancy '' applies to all communications on these special networks . And no messages can be transmitted on these circuits until senders and receivers authenticate in advance COMMA by special codes COMMA that the messages actually come from their purported sources . Additional codes can be used to challenge and counterchallenge the authentications . Only the President is permitted to authorize the use of nuclear weapons . That 's the law . But what if somebody decides to break it ? The President can not personally remove the safety devices from every nuclear trigger . He makes the momentous decision . Hundreds of men are required to pass the word to the button pushers and to push the buttons . What if one or more of them turn irrational or suddenly COMMA coolly COMMA decide to clobber the Russians ? What if the President himself COMMA in the language of the military COMMA `` goes ape '' ? Or singlehandedly decided to reverse national policy and hit the Soviets without provocation ? Nobody can be absolutely certain of the answers . However COMMA the system is designed COMMA ingeniously and hopefully COMMA so that no one man could initiate a thermonuclear war . Even the President can not pick up his telephone and give a `` go '' order . Even he does not know the one signal for a nuclear strike -- the `` go code '' . In an emergency he would receive available intelligence on the `` gold-phone circuit '' . A system of `` gold '' -- actually yellow -- phones connects him with the offices and action stations of the Secretary of Defense COMMA the Joint Chiefs of Staff COMMA the SAC commander and other key men . All can be connected with the gold circuit from their homes . All could help the President make his decision . The talk would not be in code COMMA but neither would it ramble . Vital questions would be quickly answered according to a preprepared agenda . Officers who participate in the continual practice drills assured me that the President 's decision could be made and announced on the gold circuit within minutes after the first flash from A[fj] . If communications work COMMA his decision would be instantly known in all command posts that would originate the actual go order . For these centers COMMA too COMMA are on the gold circuit . They include the Navy 's Atlantic Command at Norfolk COMMA Virginia COMMA which is in contact with the Polaris subs ; NATO headquarters in Europe ; Air Force forward headquarters in Europe and in the Pacific COMMA which control tactical fighters on ships and land bases ; and SAC COMMA which controls long-range bombers and Atlas missiles . Let us look in on one of these nerve centers -- SAC at Omaha -- and see what must still happen before a wing of B-52 bombers could drop their A[fj] . In a word COMMA plenty . The key man almost certainly would be Col. William W. Wisman COMMA SAC 's senior controller . He or his deputy or one of their seven assistants COMMA all full colonels COMMA mans the heart of the command post twenty-four hours a day . It is a quiet but impressive room -- 140 feet long COMMA thirty-nine feet wide COMMA twenty-one feet high . Movable panels of floor - to - ceiling maps and charts are crammed with intelligence information . And Bill Wisman COMMA forty-three COMMA a farmer 's son from Beallsville COMMA Ohio COMMA is a quiet but impressive man . His eyes are steady anchors of the deepest brown . His movements and speech are precise COMMA clear and quick . No question ruffles him or causes him to hesitate . Wisman COMMA who has had the chief controller 's job for four years COMMA calls the signals for a team operating three rows of dull-gray consoles studded with lights COMMA switches and buttons . At least a dozen men COMMA some armed COMMA are never far away from him . In front of him is a gold phone . In emergencies the SAC commander COMMA Gen. Thomas Power COMMA or his deputies and their staff would occupy a balcony that stretches across the length of the room above Wisman and his staff . At General Power 's seat in the balcony there is also a gold phone . General Power would participate in the decision making . Wisman COMMA below COMMA would listen in and act . His consoles can give him instant contact with more than seventy bases around the world and with every SAC aircraft . He need only pick up one of the two red telephone receivers at his extreme left COMMA right next to the big red button marked alert . ( There are two receivers in case one should be dropped and damaged . ) But Wisman COMMA too COMMA does not know the go code . He must take it from `` the red box '' . In point of fact COMMA this is a beige box with a bright red door COMMA about one and a half feet square and hung from the wall about six feet from the door to Wisman 's right . The box is internally wired so the door can never be opened without setting off a screeching klaxon ( `` It 's real obnoxious '' ) . Now we must become vague COMMA for we are approaching one of the nation 's most guarded secrets . The codes in the red box -- there are several of them covering various contingencies -- are contained in a sealed X-ray - proof `` unique device '' . They are supplied COMMA a batch at a time COMMA by a secret source and are continually changed by Wisman or his staff COMMA at random intervals . But even the contents of Wisman 's box can not start a war . They are mere fragments COMMA just one portion of preprepared messages . What these fragments are and how they activate the go order may not be revealed . The pieces must be placed in the context of the prepared messages by Wisman 's staff . In addition to the authentication and acknowledgment procedures which precede and follow the sending of the go messages COMMA again in special codes COMMA each message also contains an `` internal authenticator '' COMMA another specific signal to convince the recipient that he is getting the real thing . I asked Wisman what would happen if he broke out the go codes and tried to start transmitting one . `` I 'd wind up full of bullet holes '' COMMA he said COMMA and there was no question that he was talking about bullets fired by his coworkers . Now let us imagine a wing of B-52 's COMMA on alert near their `` positive control ( or fail - safe ) points '' COMMA the spots on the map COMMA many miles from Soviet territory COMMA beyond which they are forbidden to fly without specific orders to proceed to their targets . They COMMA too COMMA have fragments of the go code with them . As Wisman put it COMMA `` They have separate pieces of the pie COMMA and we have the whole pie . Once we send out the whole pie COMMA they can put their pieces into it . Unless we send out the whole pie COMMA their pieces mean nothing '' . Why does Wisman 's ever - changing code always mesh with the fragments in possession of the button pushers ? The answer is a cryptographic secret . At any rate COMMA three men out of a six - man B-52 crew are required to copy down Wisman 's go - to - war message . Each must match Wisman 's `` pie '' with the fragment that he carries with him . All three must compare notes and agree to `` go '' . After that COMMA it requires several minutes of concentrated work COMMA including six separate and deliberate actions by a minimum of three men sitting at three separate stations in a bomber COMMA each with another man beside him to help COMMA for an armed bomb to be released . Unless all gadgets are properly operated -- and the wires and seals from the handles removed first -- no damage can be done . WARTIME After the attacks had occurred COMMA while crisis managers were still sorting out a number of unnerving false alarms COMMA Air Force One flew to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana . One of these alarms was of a reported threat against Air Force One itself COMMA a threat eventually run down to a misunderstood communication in the hectic White House Situation Room that morning . While the plan at the elementary school had been to return to Washington COMMA by the time Air Force One was airborne at 9:55 A.M. the Secret Service COMMA the President 's advisers COMMA and Vice President Cheney were strongly advising against it . President Bush reluctantly acceded to this advice and COMMA at about 10:10 COMMA Air Force One changed course and began heading due west . The immediate objective was to find a safe location - not too far away - where the President could land and speak to the American people . The Secret Service was also interested in refueling the aircraft and paring down the size of the traveling party . The President 's military aide COMMA an Air Force officer COMMA quickly researched the options and COMMA sometime around 10:20 COMMA identified Barksdale Air Force Base as an appropriate interim destination . When Air Force One landed at Barksdale at about 11:45 COMMA personnel from the local Secret Service office were still en route to the airfield . The motorcade consisted of a military police lead vehicle and a van ; the proposed briefing theater had no phones or electrical outlets . Staff scrambled to prepare another room for the President 's remarks COMMA while the lead Secret Service agent reviewed the security situation with superiors in Washington . The President completed his statement COMMA which for security reasons was taped and not broadcast live COMMA and the traveling party returned to Air Force One . The next destination was discussed : once again the Secret Service recommended against returning to Washington COMMA and the Vice President agreed . Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska was chosen because of its elaborate command and control facilities COMMA and because it could accommodate overnight lodging for 50 persons . The Secret Service wanted a place where the President could spend several days COMMA if necessary . Air Force One arrived at Offutt at 2:50 P.M. At about 3:15 COMMA President Bush met with his principal advisers through a secure video teleconference . Rice said President Bush began the meeting with the words COMMA " We 're at war COMMA " and that Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet said the agency was still assessing who was responsible COMMA but the early signs all pointed to al Qaeda . That evening the Deputies Committee returned to the pending presidential directive they had labored over during the summer . The secretary of defense directed the nation 's armed forces to Defense Condition 3 COMMA an increased state of military readiness . For the first time in history COMMA all nonemergency civilian aircraft in the United States were grounded COMMA stranding tens of thousands of passengers across the country . Contingency plans for the continuity of government and the evacuation of leaders had been implemented . The Pentagon had been struck ; the White House or the Capitol had narrowly escaped direct attack . Extraordinary security precautions were put in place at the nation 's borders and ports . In the late afternoon COMMA the President overruled his aides ' continuing reluctance to have him return to Washington and ordered Air Force One back to Andrews Air Force Base . He was flown by helicopter back to the White House COMMA passing over the still - smoldering Pentagon . At 8:30 that evening COMMA President Bush addressed the nation from the White House . After emphasizing that the first priority was to help the injured and protect against any further attacks COMMA he said : " We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them . " He quoted Psalm 23 - " though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ... " No American COMMA he said COMMA " will ever forget this day . " Following his speech COMMA President Bush met again with his National Security Council ( NSC ) COMMA expanded to include Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and Joseph Allbaugh COMMA the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency . Secretary of State Colin Powell COMMA who had returned from Peru after hearing of the attacks COMMA joined the discussion . They reviewed the day 's events . IMMEDIATE RESPONSES AT HOME As the urgent domestic issues accumulated COMMA White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten chaired a temporary " domestic consequences " group . The agenda in those first days is worth noting COMMA partly as a checklist for future crisis planners . It began with problems of how to help victims and stanch the flowing losses to the American economy COMMA such as Organizing federal emergency assistance . One question was what kind of public health advice to give about the air quality in Lower Manhattan in the vicinity of the fallen buildings . Compensating victims . They evaluated legislative options COMMA eventually setting up a federal compensation fund and defining the powers of a special master to run it . Determining federal assistance . On September 13 COMMA President Bush promised to provide $ 20 billion for New York City COMMA in addition to the $ 20 billion his budget director had already guessed might be needed for the country as a whole . Restoring civil aviation . On the morning of September 13 COMMA the national airspace reopened for use by airports that met newly improvised security standards . Reopening the financial markets . After extraordinary emergency efforts involving the White House COMMA the Treasury Department COMMA and the Securities and Exchange Commission COMMA aided by unprecedented cooperation among the usually competitive firms of the financial industry COMMA the markets reopened on Monday COMMA September 17 . Deciding when and how to return border and port security to more normal operations . Evaluating legislative proposals to bail out the airline industry and cap its liability . The very process of reviewing these issues underscored the absence of an effective government organization dedicated to assessing vulnerabilities and handling problems of protection and preparedness . Though a number of agencies had some part of the task COMMA none had security as its primary mission . By September 14 COMMA Vice President Cheney had decided to recommend COMMA at least as a first step COMMA a new White House entity to coordinate all the relevant agencies rather than tackle the challenge of combining them in a new department . This new White House entity would be a homeland security adviser and Homeland Security Council - paralleling the National Security Council system . Vice President Cheney reviewed the proposal with President Bush and other advisers . President Bush announced the new post and its first occupant - Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge - in his address to a joint session of Congress on September 20 . Beginning on September 11 COMMA Immigration and Naturalization Service agents working in cooperation with the FBI began arresting individuals for immigration violations whom they encountered while following up leads in the FBI 's investigation of the 9/11 attacks . Eventually COMMA 768 aliens were arrested as " special interest " detainees . Some ( such as Zacarias Moussaoui ) were actually in INS custody before 9/11 ; most were arrested after . Attorney General John Ashcroft told us that he saw his job in directing this effort as " risk minimization COMMA " both to find out who had committed the attacks and to prevent a subsequent attack . Ashcroft ordered all special interest immigration hearings closed to the public COMMA family members COMMA and press ; directed government attorneys to seek denial of bond until such time as they were " cleared " of terrorist connections by the FBI and other agencies ; and ordered the identity of the detainees kept secret . INS attorneys charged with prosecuting the immigration violations had trouble getting information about the detainees and any terrorist connections ; in the chaos after the attacks COMMA it was very difficult to reach law enforcement officials COMMA who were following up on other leads . The clearance process approved by the Justice Department was time - consuming COMMA lasting an average of about 80 days . We have assessed this effort to detain aliens of " special interest . " The detainees were lawfully held on immigration charges . Records indicate that 531 were deported COMMA 162 were released on bond COMMA 24 received some kind of immigration benefits COMMA 12 had their proceedings terminated COMMA and 8 - one of whom was Moussaoui - were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service . The inspector general of the Justice Department found significant problems in the way the 9/11 detainees were treated . In response to a request about the counterterrorism benefits of the 9/11 detainee program COMMA the Justice Department cited six individuals on the special interest detainee list COMMA noting that two ( including Moussaoui ) were linked directly to a terrorist organization and that it had obtained new leads helpful to the investigation of the 9/11 terrorist attacks . A senior al Qaeda detainee has stated that U.S. government efforts after the 9/11 attacks to monitor the American homeland COMMA including review of Muslims ' immigration files and deportation of nonpermanent residents COMMA forced al Qaeda to operate less freely in the United States . The government 's ability to collect intelligence inside the United States COMMA and the sharing of such information between the intelligence and law enforcement communities COMMA was not a priority before 9/11 . Guidelines on this subject issued in August 2001 by Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson essentially recapitulated prior guidance . However COMMA the attacks of 9/11 changed everything . Less than one week after September 11 COMMA an early version of what was to become the Patriot Act ( officially COMMA the USA PATRIOT Act ) began to take shape . A central provision of the proposal was the removal of " the wall " on information sharing between the intelligence and law enforcement communities ( discussed in chapter 3 ) Ashcroft told us he was determined to take every conceivable action COMMA within the limits of the Constitution COMMA to identify potential terrorists and deter additional attacks . The administration developed a proposal that eventually passed both houses of Congress by large majorities and was signed into law on October 26 . Flights of Saudi Nationals Leaving the United States Three questions have arisen with respect to the departure of Saudi nationals from the United States in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 : ( 1 ) Did any flights of Saudi nationals take place before national airspace reopened on September 13 COMMA 2001 ? ( 2 ) Was there any political intervention to facilitate the departure of Saudi nationals ? ( 3 ) Did the FBI screen Saudi nationals thoroughly before their departure ? First COMMA we found no evidence that any flights of Saudi nationals COMMA domestic or international COMMA took place before the reopening of national airspace on the morning of September 13 COMMA 2001 To the contrary COMMA every flight we have identified occurred after national airspace reopened . Second COMMA we found no evidence of political intervention . We found no evidence that anyone at the White House above the level of Richard Clarke participated in a decision on the departure of Saudi nationals . The issue came up in one of the many video teleconferences of the interagency group Clarke chaired COMMA and Clarke said he approved of how the FBI was dealing with the matter when it came up for interagency discussion at his level . Clarke told us COMMA " I asked the FBI COMMA Dale Watson ... to handle that COMMA to check to see if that was all right with them COMMA to see if they wanted access to any of these people COMMA and to get back to me . And if they had no objections COMMA it would be fine with me . " Clarke added COMMA " I have no recollection of clearing it with anybody at the White House . " Although White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card remembered someone telling him about the Saudi request shortly after 9/11 COMMA he said he had not talked to the Saudis and did not ask anyone to do anything about it . The President and Vice President told us they were not aware of the issue at all until it surfaced much later in the media . None of the officials we interviewed recalled any intervention or direction on this matter from any political appointee . Third COMMA we believe that the FBI conducted a satisfactory screening of Saudi nationals who left the United States on charter flights . The Saudi government was advised of and agreed to the FBI 's requirements that passengers be identified and checked against various databases before the flights departed . The Federal Aviation Administration representative working in the FBI operations center made sure that the FBI was aware of the flights of Saudi nationals and was able to screen the passengers before they were allowed to depart . The FBI interviewed all persons of interest on these flights prior to their departures . They concluded that none of the passengers was connected to the 9/11 attacks and have since found no evidence to change that conclusion . Our own independent review of the Saudi nationals involved confirms that no one with known links to terrorism departed on these flights . PLANNING FOR WAR By late in the evening of September 11 COMMA the President had addressed the nation on the terrible events of the day . Vice President Cheney described the President 's mood as somber . The long day was not yet over . When the larger meeting that included his domestic department heads broke up COMMA President Bush chaired a smaller meeting of top advisers COMMA a group he would later call his " war council . " This group usually included Vice President Cheney COMMA Secretary of State Powell COMMA Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld COMMA General Hugh Shelton COMMA Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs ( later to become chairman ) General Myers COMMA DCI Tenet COMMA Attorney General Ashcroft COMMA and FBI Director Robert Mueller . From the White House staff COMMA National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and Chief of Staff Card were part of the core group COMMA often joined by their deputies COMMA Stephen Hadley and Joshua Bolten . In this restricted National Security Council meeting COMMA the President said it was a time for self - defense . The United States would punish not just the perpetrators of the attacks COMMA but also those who harbored them . Secretary Powell said the United States had to make it clear to Pakistan COMMA Afghanistan COMMA and the Arab states that the time to act was now . He said we would need to build a coalition . The President noted that the attacks provided a great opportunity to engage Russia and China . Secretary Rumsfeld urged the President and the principals to think broadly about who might have harbored the attackers COMMA including Iraq COMMA Afghanistan COMMA Libya COMMA Sudan COMMA and Iran . He wondered aloud how much evidence the United States would need in order to deal with these countries COMMA pointing out that major strikes could take up to 60 days to assemble . President Bush chaired two more meetings of the NSC on September 12 . In the first meeting COMMA he stressed that the United States was at war with a new and different kind of enemy . The President tasked principals to go beyond their pre/11 work and develop a strategy to eliminate terrorists and punish those who support them . As they worked on defining the goals and objectives of the upcoming campaign COMMA they considered a paper that went beyond al Qaeda to propose the " elimination of terrorism as a threat to our way of life COMMA " an aim that would include pursuing other international terrorist organizations in the Middle East . Rice chaired a Principals Committee meeting on September 13 in the Situation Room to refine how the fight against al Qaeda would be conducted . The principals agreed that the overall message should be that anyone supporting al Qaeda would risk harm . The United States would need to integrate diplomacy COMMA financial measures COMMA intelligence COMMA and military actions into an overarching strategy . The principals also focused on Pakistan and what it could do to turn the Taliban against al Qaeda . They concluded that if Pakistan decided not to help the United States COMMA it too would be at risk . The same day COMMA Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage met with the Pakistani ambassador to the United States COMMA Maleeha Lodhi COMMA and the visiting head of Pakistan 's military intelligence service COMMA Mahmud Ahmed . Armitage said that the United States wanted Pakistan to take seven steps : to stop al Qaeda operatives at its border and end all logistical support for Bin Ladin ; to give the United States blanket overflight and landing rights for all necessary military and intelligence operations ; to provide territorial access to U.S. and allied military intelligence and other personnel to conduct operations against al Qaeda ; to provide the United States with intelligence information ; to continue to publicly condemn the terrorist acts ; to cut off all shipments of fuel to the Taliban and stop recruits from going to Afghanistan ; and COMMA if the evidence implicated bin Ladin and al Qaeda and the Taliban continued to harbor them COMMA to break relations with the Taliban government . Pakistan made its decision swiftly . That afternoon COMMA Secretary of State Powell announced at the beginning of an NSC meeting that Pakistani President Musharraf had agreed to every U.S. request for support in the war on terrorism . The next day COMMA the U.S. embassy in Islamabad confirmed that Musharraf and his top military commanders had agreed to all seven demands . " Pakistan will need full US support as it proceeds with us COMMA " the embassy noted . " Musharraf said the GOP -LSB- government of Pakistan -RSB- was making substantial concessions in allowing use of its territory and that he would pay a domestic price . His standing in Pakistan was certain to suffer . To counterbalance that he needed to show that Pakistan was benefiting from his decisions . " At the September 13 NSC meeting COMMA when Secretary Powell described Pakistan 's reply COMMA President Bush led a discussion of an appropriate ultimatum to the Taliban . He also ordered Secretary Rumsfeld to develop a military plan against the Taliban . The President wanted the United States to strike the Taliban COMMA step back COMMA wait to see if they got the message COMMA and hit them hard if they did not . He made clear that the military should focus on targets that would influence the Taliban 's behavior . President Bush also tasked the State Department COMMA which on the following day delivered to the White House a paper titled " Game Plan for a Political - Military Strategy for Pakistan and Afghanistan . " The paper took it as a given that Bin Ladin would continue to act against the United States even while under Taliban control . It therefore detailed specific U.S. demands for the Taliban : surrender Bin Ladin and his chief lieutenants COMMA including Ayman al Zawahiri ; tell the United States what the Taliban knew about al Qaeda and its operations ; close all terrorist camps ; free all imprisoned foreigners ; and comply with all UN Security Council resolutions . The State Department proposed delivering an ultimatum to the Taliban : produce Bin Ladin and his deputies and shut down al Qaeda camps within 24 to 48 hours COMMA or the United States will use all necessary means to destroy the terrorist infrastructure . The State Department did not expect the Taliban to comply . Therefore COMMA State and Defense would plan to build an international coalition to go into Afghanistan . Both departments would consult with NATO and other allies and request intelligence COMMA basing COMMA and other support from countries COMMA according to their capabilities and resources . Finally COMMA the plan detailed a public U.S. stance : America would use all its resources to eliminate terrorism as a threat COMMA punish those responsible for the 9/11 attacks COMMA hold states and other actors responsible for providing sanctuary to terrorists COMMA work with a coalition to eliminate terrorist groups and networks COMMA and avoid malice toward any people COMMA religion COMMA or culture . President Bush recalled that he quickly realized that the administration would have to invade Afghanistan with ground troops . But the early briefings to the President and Secretary Rumsfeld on military options were disappointing . Tommy Franks COMMA the commanding general of Central Command ( CENTCOM ) COMMA told us that the President was dissatisfied . The U.S. military COMMA Franks said COMMA did not have an off-the-shelf plan to eliminate the al Qaeda threat in Afghanistan . The existing Infinite Resolve options did not COMMA in his view COMMA amount to such a plan . All these diplomatic and military plans were reviewed over the weekend of September 15 - 16 COMMA as President Bush convened his war council at Camp David . Present were Vice President Cheney COMMA Rice COMMA Hadley COMMA Powell COMMA Armitage COMMA Rumsfeld COMMA Ashcroft COMMA Mueller COMMA Tenet COMMA Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz COMMA and Cofer Black COMMA chief of the DCI 's Counterterrorist Center . Tenet described a plan for collecting intelligence and mounting covert operations . He proposed inserting CIA teams into Afghanistan to work with Afghan warlords who would join the fight against al Qaeda . These CIA teams would act jointly with the military 's Special Operations units . President Bush later praised this proposal COMMA saying it had been a turning point in his thinking . General Shelton briefed the principals on the preliminary plan for Afghanistan that the military had put together . It drew on the Infinite Resolve " phased campaign " plan the Pentagon had begun developing in November 2000 as an addition to the strike options it had been refining since 1998 . But Shelton added a new element - the possible significant use of ground forces - and that is where President Bush reportedly focused his attention . After hearing from his senior advisers COMMA President Bush discussed with Rice the contents of the directives he would issue to set all the plans into motion . Rice prepared a paper that President Bush then considered with principals on Monday morning COMMA September 17 . " The purpose of this meeting COMMA " he recalled saying COMMA " is to assign tasks for the first wave of the war against terrorism . It starts today . " In a written set of instructions slightly refined during the morning meeting COMMA President Bush charged Ashcroft COMMA Mueller COMMA and Tenet to develop a plan for homeland defense . President Bush directed Secretary of State Powell to deliver an ultimatum to the Taliban along the lines that his department had originally proposed . The State Department was also tasked to develop a plan to stabilize Pakistan and to be prepared to notify Russia and countries near Afghanistan when hostilities were imminent . In addition COMMA Bush and his advisers discussed new legal authorities for covert action in Afghanistan COMMA including the administration 's first Memorandum of Notification on Bin Ladin . Shortly thereafter COMMA President Bush authorized broad new authorities for the CIA . President Bush instructed Rumsfeld and Shelton to develop further the Camp David military plan to attack the Taliban and al Qaeda if the Taliban rejected the ultimatum . The President also tasked Rumsfeld to ensure that robust measures to protect American military forces against terrorist attack were implemented worldwide . Finally COMMA he directed Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill to craft a plan to target al Qaeda 's funding and seize its assets . NSC staff members had begun leading meetings on terrorist fund-raising by September 18 . Also by September 18 COMMA Powell had contacted 58 of his foreign counterparts and received offers of general aid COMMA search - and - rescue equipment and personnel COMMA and medical assistance teams . On the same day COMMA Deputy Secretary of State Armitage was called by Mahmud Ahmed regarding a two - day visit to Afghanistan during which the Pakistani intelligence chief had met with Mullah Omar and conveyed the U.S. demands . Omar 's response was " not negative on all these points . " But the administration knew that the Taliban was unlikely to turn over Bin Ladin . The pre/11 draft presidential directive on al Qaeda evolved into a new directive COMMA National Security Presidential Directive 9 COMMA now titled " Defeating the Terrorist Threat to the United States . " The directive would now extend to a global war on terrorism COMMA not just on al Qaeda . It also incorporated the President 's determination not to distinguish between terrorists and those who harbor them . It included a determination to use military force if necessary to end al Qaeda 's sanctuary in Afghanistan . The new directive - formally signed on October 25 COMMA after the fighting in Afghanistan had already begun - included new material followed by annexes discussing each targeted terrorist group . The old draft directive on al Qaeda became COMMA in effect COMMA the first annex . The United States would strive to eliminate all terrorist networks COMMA dry up their financial support COMMA and prevent them from acquiring weapons of mass destruction . The goal was the " elimination of terrorism as a threat to our way of life . " " PHASE TWO " AND THE QUESTION OF IRAQ President Bush had wondered immediately after the attack whether Saddam Hussein 's regime might have had a hand in it . Iraq had been an enemy of the United States for 11 years COMMA and was the only place in the world where the United States was engaged in ongoing combat operations . As a former pilot COMMA the President was struck by the apparent sophistication of the operation and some of the piloting COMMA especially Hanjour 's high - speed dive into the Pentagon . He told us he recalled Iraqi support for Palestinian suicide terrorists as well . Speculating about other possible states that could be involved COMMA the President told us he also thought about Iran . Clarke has written that on the evening of September 12 COMMA President Bush told him and some of his staff to explore possible Iraqi links to 9/11 . " See if Saddam did this COMMA " Clarke recalls the President telling them . " See if he 's linked in any way . " While he believed the details of Clarke 's account to be incorrect COMMA President Bush acknowledged that he might well have spoken to Clarke at some point COMMA asking him about Iraq . Responding to a presidential tasking COMMA Clarke 's office sent a memo to Rice on September 18 COMMA titled " Survey of Intelligence Information on Any Iraq Involvement in the September 11 Attacks . " Rice 's chief staffer on Afghanistan COMMA Zalmay Khalilzad COMMA concurred in its conclusion that only some anecdotal evidence linked Iraq to al Qaeda . The memo found no " compelling case " that Iraq had either planned or perpetrated the attacks . It passed along a few foreign intelligence reports COMMA including the Czech report alleging an April 2001 Prague meeting between Atta and an Iraqi intelligence officer ( discussed in chapter 7 ) and a Polish report that personnel at the headquarters of Iraqi intelligence in Baghdad were told before September 11 to go on the streets to gauge crowd reaction to an unspecified event . Arguing that the case for links between Iraq and al Qaeda was weak COMMA the memo pointed out that Bin Ladin resented the secularism of Saddam Hussein 's regime . Finally COMMA the memo said COMMA there was no confirmed reporting on Saddam cooperating with Bin Ladin on unconventional weapons . On the afternoon of 9/11 COMMA according to contemporaneous notes COMMA Secretary Rumsfeld instructed General Myers to obtain quickly as much information as possible . The notes indicate that he also told Myers that he was not simply interested in striking empty training sites . He thought the U.S. response should consider a wide range of options and possibilities . The secretary said his instinct was to hit Saddam Hussein at the same time - not only Bin Ladin . Secretary Rumsfeld later explained that at the time COMMA he had been considering either one of them COMMA or perhaps someone else COMMA as the responsible party . According to Rice COMMA the issue of what COMMA if anything COMMA to do about Iraq was really engaged at Camp David . Briefing papers on Iraq COMMA along with many others COMMA were in briefing materials for the participants . Rice told us the administration was concerned that Iraq would take advantage of the 9/11 attacks . She recalled that in the first Camp David session chaired by the President COMMA Rumsfeld asked what the administration should do about Iraq . Deputy Secretary Wolfowitz made the case for striking Iraq during " this round " of the war on terrorism . A Defense Department paper for the Camp David briefing book on the strategic concept for the war on terrorism specified three priority targets for initial action : al Qaeda COMMA the Taliban COMMA and Iraq . It argued that of the three COMMA al Qaeda and Iraq posed a strategic threat to the United States . Iraq 's long - standing involvement in terrorism was cited COMMA along with its interest in weapons of mass destruction . Secretary Powell recalled that Wolfowitz - not Rumsfeld - argued that Iraq was ultimately the source of the terrorist problem and should therefore be attacked . Powell said that Wolfowitz was not able to justify his belief that Iraq was behind 9/11 . " Paul was always of the view that Iraq was a problem that had to be dealt with COMMA " Powell told us . " And he saw this as one way of using this event as a way to deal with the Iraq problem . " Powell said that President Bush did not give Wolfowitz 's argument " much weight . " Though continuing to worry about Iraq in the following week COMMA Powell said COMMA President Bush saw Afghanistan as the priority . President Bush told Bob Woodward that the decision not to invade Iraq was made at the morning session on September 15 . Iraq was not even on the table during the September 15 afternoon session COMMA which dealt solely with Afghanistan . Rice said that when President Bush called her on Sunday COMMA September 16 COMMA he said the focus would be on Afghanistan COMMA although he still wanted plans for Iraq should the country take some action or the administration eventually determine that it had been involved in the 9/11 attacks . At the September 17 NSC meeting COMMA there was some further discussion of " phase two " of the war on terrorism . President Bush ordered the Defense Department to be ready to deal with Iraq if Baghdad acted against U.S. interests COMMA with plans to include possibly occupying Iraqi oil fields . Within the Pentagon COMMA Deputy Secretary Wolfowitz continued to press the case for dealing with Iraq . Writing to Rumsfeld on September 17 in a memo headlined " Preventing More Events COMMA " he argued that if there was even a 10 percent chance that Saddam Hussein was behind the 9/11 attack COMMA maximum priority should be placed on eliminating that threat . Wolfowitz contended that the odds were " far more " than 1 in 10 COMMA citing Saddam 's praise for the attack COMMA his long record of involvement in terrorism COMMA and theories that Ramzi Yousef was an Iraqi agent and Iraq was behind the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center . The next day COMMA Wolfowitz renewed the argument COMMA writing to Rumsfeld about the interest of Yousef 's co-conspirator in the 1995 Manila air plot in crashing an explosives - laden plane into CIA headquarters COMMA and about information from a foreign government regarding Iraqis ' involvement in the attempted hijacking of a Gulf Air flight . Given this background COMMA he wondered why so little thought had been devoted to the danger of suicide pilots COMMA seeing a " failure of imagination " and a mind-set that dismissed possibilities . On September 19 COMMA Rumsfeld offered several thoughts for his commanders as they worked on their contingency plans . Though he emphasized the worldwide nature of the conflict COMMA the references to specific enemies or regions named only the Taliban COMMA al Qaeda COMMA and Afghanistan . Shelton told us the administration reviewed all the Pentagon 's war plans and challenged certain assumptions underlying them COMMA as any prudent organization or leader should do . General Tommy Franks COMMA the commanding general of Central Command COMMA recalled receiving Rumsfeld 's guidance that each regional commander should assess what these plans meant for his area of responsibility . He knew he would soon be striking the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan . But COMMA he told us COMMA he now wondered how that action was connected to what might need to be done in Somalia COMMA Yemen COMMA or Iraq . On September 20 COMMA President Bush met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair COMMA and the two leaders discussed the global conflict ahead . When Blair asked about Iraq COMMA the President replied that Iraq was not the immediate problem . Some members of his administration COMMA he commented COMMA had expressed a different view COMMA but he was the one responsible for making the decisions . Franks told us that he was pushing independently to do more robust planning on military responses in Iraq during the summer before 9/11 - a request President Bush denied COMMA arguing that the time was not right . ( CENTCOM also began dusting off plans for a full invasion of Iraq during this period COMMA Franks said . ) The CENTCOM commander told us he renewed his appeal for further military planning to respond to Iraqi moves shortly after 9/11 COMMA both because he personally felt that Iraq and al Qaeda might be engaged in some form of collusion and because he worried that Saddam might take advantage of the attacks to move against his internal enemies in the northern or southern parts of Iraq COMMA where the United States was flying regular missions to enforce Iraqi no - fly zones . Franks said that President Bush again turned down the request . Having issued directives to guide his administration 's preparations for war COMMA on Thursday COMMA September 20 COMMA President Bush addressed the nation before a joint session of Congress . " Tonight COMMA " he said COMMA " we are a country awakened to danger . " The President blamed al Qaeda for 9/11 and the 1998 embassy bombings and COMMA for the first time COMMA declared that al Qaeda was " responsible for bombing the USS Cole . " He reiterated the ultimatum that had already been conveyed privately . " The Taliban must act COMMA and act immediately COMMA " he said . " They will hand over the terrorists COMMA or they will share in their fate . " The President added that America 's quarrel was not with Islam : " The enemy of America is not our many Muslim friends ; it is not our many Arab friends . Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists COMMA and every government that supports them . " Other regimes faced hard choices COMMA he pointed out : " Every nation COMMA in every region COMMA now has a decision to make : Either you are with us COMMA or you are with the terrorists . " President Bush argued that the new war went beyond Bin Ladin . " Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda COMMA but it does not end there COMMA " he said . " It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found COMMA stopped COMMA and defeated . " The President had a message for the Pentagon : " The hour is coming when America will act COMMA and you will make us proud . " He also had a message for those outside the United States . " This is civilization 's fight COMMA " he said . " We ask every nation to join us . " President Bush approved military plans to attack Afghanistan in meetings with Central Command 's General Franks and other advisers on September 21 and October 2 . Originally titled " Infinite Justice COMMA " the operation 's code word was changed - to avoid the sensibilities of Muslims who associate the power of infinite justice with God alone - to the operational name still used for operations in Afghanistan : " Enduring Freedom . " The plan had four phases . In Phase One COMMA the United States and its allies would move forces into the region and arrange to operate from or over neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan and Pakistan . This occurred in the weeks following 9/11 COMMA aided by overwhelming international sympathy for the United States . In Phase Two COMMA air strikes and Special Operations attacks would hit key al Qaeda and Taliban targets . In an innovative joint effort COMMA CIA and Special Operations forces would be deployed to work together with each major Afghan faction opposed to the Taliban . The Phase Two strikes and raids began on October 7 . The basing arrangements contemplated for Phase One were substantially secured - after arduous effort - by the end of that month . In Phase Three COMMA the United States would carry out " decisive operations " using all elements of national power COMMA including ground troops COMMA to topple the Taliban regime and eliminate al Qaeda 's sanctuary in Afghanistan . Mazar-e-Sharif COMMA in northern Afghanistan COMMA fell to a coalition assault by Afghan and U.S. forces on November 9 . Four days later the Taliban had fled from Kabul . By early December COMMA all major cities had fallen to the coalition . On December 22 COMMA Hamid Karzai COMMA a Pashtun leader from Kandahar COMMA was installed as the chairman of Afghanistan 's interim administration . Afghanistan had been liberated from the rule of the Taliban . In December 2001 COMMA Afghan forces COMMA with limited U.S. support COMMA engaged al Qaeda elements in a cave complex called Tora Bora . In March 2002 COMMA the largest engagement of the war was fought COMMA in the mountainous Shah-i-Kot area south of Gardez COMMA against a large force of al Qaeda jihadists . The three - week battle was substantially successful COMMA and almost all remaining al Qaeda forces took refuge in Pakistan 's equally mountainous and lightly governed frontier provinces . As of July 2004 COMMA Bin Ladin and Zawahiri are still believed to be at large . In Phase Four COMMA civilian and military operations turned to the indefinite task of what the armed forces call " security and stability operations . " Within about two months of the start of combat operations COMMA several hundred CIA operatives and Special Forces soldiers COMMA backed by the striking power of U.S. aircraft and a much larger infrastructure of intelligence and support efforts COMMA had combined with Afghan militias and a small number of other coalition soldiers to destroy the Taliban regime and disrupt al Qaeda . They had killed or captured about a quarter of the enemy 's known leaders . Mohammed Atef COMMA al Qaeda 's military commander and a principal figure in the 9/11 plot COMMA had been killed by a U.S. air strike . According to a senior CIA officer who helped devise the overall strategy COMMA the CIA provided intelligence COMMA experience COMMA cash COMMA covert action capabilities COMMA and entrance to tribal allies . In turn COMMA the U.S. military offered combat expertise COMMA firepower COMMA logistics COMMA and communications . With these initial victories won by the middle of 2002 COMMA the global conflict against Islamist terrorism became a different kind of struggle . Mickie sat over his second whisky - on - the - rocks in a little bar next to the funeral parlor on Pennsylvania Avenue . Al 's Little Cafe was small COMMA dark COMMA narrow COMMA and filled with the mingled scent of beer COMMA tobacco smoke COMMA and Italian cooking . Hanging over the bar was an oil painting of a nude Al had accepted from a student at the Corcoran Gallery who needed to eat and drink and was broke . The nude was small and black-haired and elfin COMMA and was called `` Eloise '' . This was one place where Moonan could go for a drink in a back booth without anyone noticing him COMMA or at least coming up and hanging around and wanting to know all the low-down . The other patrons were taxi drivers and art students and small shopkeepers . The reporters had not yet discovered that this was his hideaway . His friend Jane was with him . She was wise enough to realize a man could be good company even if he did weigh too much and did n't own the mint . She was the widow of a writer who had died in an airplane crash COMMA and Mickie had found her a job as head of the historical section of the Treasury . This meant sorting out press clippings and the like . Jane sat receptive and interested . Mickie had a pleasant glow as he said COMMA `` You see COMMA both of them COMMA I mean the President and Jeff Lawrence COMMA are romantics . A romantic is one who thinks the world is divinely inspired and all he has to do is find the right key COMMA and then divine justice and altruism will appear . It 's like focusing a camera ; the distant ship is n't there until you get the focus . You know what I 'm talking about . I 'm sure all girls feel this way about men until they live with them . `` But when it comes to war COMMA the Colonel knows what it is and Jeff does n't . Mr. Christiansen knows that a soldier will get the Distinguished Service Medal for conduct that would land him in prison for life or the electric chair as a civilian . He had a mean COMMA unbroken sheer bastard in his outfit COMMA and someone invented the name Trig for him . That 's to say COMMA he was trigger happy . He 'd shoot at anything if it was the rear end of a horse or his own sentry . He was a wiry COMMA inscrutable COMMA silent country boy from the red clay of rural Alabama COMMA and he spoke with the broad drawl that others normally make fun of . But not in front of Trig . I heard of some that tried it back in the States COMMA and he 'd knock them clear across the room . There 'd been a pretty bad incident back at the Marine base . A New York kid COMMA a refugee from one of the Harlem gangs COMMA made fun of Trig 's accent COMMA and drew a knife . Before the fight was over COMMA the Harlem boy had a concussion and Trig was cut up badly . They caught Trig stealing liquor from the officers ' mess COMMA and he got a couple of girls in trouble . The fear of punishment just did n't bother him . It was n't there . It was left out of him at birth . This is why he made such a magnificent soldier . He was n't troubled with the ordinary COMMA rank - and - file fear that overcomes and paralyzes and sends individual soldiers and whole companies under fire running in panic . It just did n't occur to Trig that anything serious would happen to him . Do you get the picture of the kind of fellow he was '' ? Jane nodded with a pleasant smile . `` All right . There was a sniper 's nest in a mountain cave COMMA and it was picking off our men with devilish accuracy . The Colonel ordered that it be wiped out COMMA and I suggested COMMA ' You ask for volunteers COMMA and promise each man on the patrol a quart of whisky COMMA ten dollars and a week - end pass to Davao . Trig was one of the five volunteers . The patrol snaked around in back of the cave COMMA approached it from above and dropped in suddenly with wild howls . You could hear them from our outpost . There was a lot of shooting . We knew the enemy was subdued COMMA because a flare was fired as the signal . So we hurried over . Two of our men were killed COMMA a third was wounded . Trig and a very black colored boy from Detroit had killed or put out of action ten guerrillas by grenades and hand - to - hand fighting . When we got there COMMA Trig and the Negro were quarreling over possession of a gold crucifix around the neck of a wounded Filipino . The colored boy had it COMMA and Trig lunged at him with a knife and said COMMA ' Give that to me COMMA you black bastard . We do n't 'low nigras to walk on the same sidewalk with white men where I come from . `` The Negro got a bad slice on his chest from the knife wound '' . `` What did the Colonel do about the men '' ? Jane asked in her placid COMMA interested way . Mickie laughed . `` He recommended both of them for the DSM and the Detroit fellow for the Purple Heart COMMA too COMMA for a combat - inflicted wound . So you see Mr. Christiansen knows what it 's all about . But not Jeff Lawrence . When he was in the war COMMA he was in Law or Supplies or something like that COMMA and an old buddy of his told me he would come down on Sundays to the Pentagon and read the citations for medals -- just like the one we sent in for Trig -- and go away with a real glow . These were heroes nine feet tall to him '' . Jefferson Lawrence was alone at the small COMMA perfectly appointed table by the window looking out over the river . He had dinner and sat there over his coffee watching the winding pattern of traffic as it crossed the bridge and spread out like a serpent with two heads . Beside him was Mrs. Dalloway . He thought how this dainty COMMA fragile older woman threading her way through the streets of Westminster on a day in June COMMA enjoying the flowers in the shops COMMA the greetings from old friends COMMA but never really drawing a deep COMMA passionate breath COMMA was so like himself . He COMMA and Mrs. Dalloway COMMA too COMMA had never permitted themselves the luxury of joys that dug into the bone marrow of the spirit . He had not because he was both poor and ambitious . Poverty imposes a kind of chastity on the ambitious . They can not stop to grasp and embrace and sit in the back seat of cars along a dark country lane . No COMMA they must look the other way and climb one more painful step up the ladder . He made the decision with his eyes open COMMA or so he thought . At any cost COMMA he must leave the dreary Pennsylvania mining town where his father was a pharmacist . And so he had COMMA so he had . At State College COMMA he had no time to walk among the violets on the water 's edge . From his room he could look out in springtime and see the couples hand in hand walking slowly COMMA deliciously COMMA across the campus COMMA and he could smell the sweet vernal winds . He was not stone . He was not unmoved . He had to teach himself patiently that these traps were not for him . He must mentally pull the blinds and close the window COMMA so that all that existed was in the books before him . At law school COMMA the same . More of this stamping down of human emotion as a young lawyer in New York . By the time he was prosperous enough -- his goals were high -- he was bald and afraid of women . The only one who would have him was his cripple COMMA the strange unhappy woman who became his wife . Perhaps it was right ; perhaps it was just . He had dared to defy nature COMMA to turn his back to the Lorelei COMMA and he was punished . Like Mrs. Dalloway COMMA with her regrets about Peter Walsh COMMA he had his moments of melancholy over a youth too well spent . If he had had a son COMMA he would tell him COMMA `` Gather ye rosebuds while ye may This same flower that smiles today tomorrow will be dying '' . But then his son could afford it . Lawrence was waiting for Bill Boxell . The Vice President had called and asked if he could see the Secretary at his home . He said the matter was urgent . The Secretary was uneasy about the visit . He did not like Boxell . He suspected something underhanded and furtive about him . Lawrence could not put his finger on it precisely COMMA and this worried him . When you disliked or distrusted a man COMMA you should have a reason . Human nature was not a piece of meat you could tell was bad by its smell . Lawrence stared a minute at the lighted ribbon of traffic COMMA hoping that a clue to his dislike of the Vice President would appear . It did not . Therefore COMMA he decided he was unfair to the young man and should make an effort to understand and sympathize with his point of view . A half hour later the Vice President arrived . He looked very carefully at every piece of furnishing COMMA as though hoping to store this information carefully in his mind . He observed the Florentine vase in the hall COMMA the Renoir painting in the library COMMA as well as the long shelves of well - bound volumes ; the pattern of the Oriental rug COMMA the delicate cut-glass chandelier . He said to the Secretary COMMA `` I understand you came from a little Pennsylvania town near Wilkes-Barre . How did you find out about this '' ? He waved his arm around at the furnishings . It was not a discourteous question COMMA Lawrence decided . This young man had so little time to learn he had to be curious ; he had to find out . The Secretary did not tell him at what cost COMMA at what loneliness COMMA he learned these things . He merely said COMMA `` Any good decorator these days can make you a tasteful home '' . The Vice President said COMMA `` If you hear of any names that would fix me cheap in return for advertising they decorated the Vice President 's home COMMA let me know . I can do business with that kind '' . Again COMMA Lawrence thought a little sadly COMMA these were the fees of poverty and ambition . Boxell did not have the chance to grow up graciously . He had to acquire everything he was going to get in four years . They had brandy in the library . Boxell looked at Lawrence with a searching glance COMMA the kind that a prosecuting attorney would give a man on trial . What are your weaknesses ? Where will you break ? How best to destroy your peace ? The Vice President said with a slight bluster COMMA `` There is n't anyone who loves the President more than I do . Old Chris is my ideal . At the same time COMMA you have to face facts and realize that a man who 's been in the Marine Corps all his life does n't understand much about politics . What does a monk know about sex '' ? Lawrence listened with the practiced COMMA deceptive calm of the lawyer COMMA but his face was in the shadow . `` So COMMA we have to protect the old man for his own good . You see what I mean . Congress is full of politicians COMMA and if you want to get along with them COMMA you have to be politic . This is why I say we just ca n't go ahead and disarm the Germans and pull down our own defenses . Let me tell you what happened to me today . A fellow came up to me COMMA a Senator COMMA I do n't have to tell you his name COMMA and he told me COMMA ' I love the President like a brother COMMA but God damn it COMMA he 's crucifying me . I 've got a quarter of a million Germans in my state COMMA and those krautheads tune in on Father Werther every night COMMA and if he tells them to go out and piss in the public square COMMA that 's what they do . He 's telling them now to write letters to their Congressmen opposing the disarmament of Germany . And another one comes to me and he says COMMA ' Look here COMMA there 's a mill in my state employs five thousand people making uniforms for the Navy . There were thirty-eight patients on the bus the morning I left for Hanover COMMA most of them disturbed and hallucinating . An interne COMMA a nurse and two attendants were in charge of us . I felt lonely and depressed as I stared out the bus window at Chicago 's grim COMMA dirty West Side . It seemed incredible COMMA as I listened to the monotonous drone of voices and smelled the fetid odors coming from the patients COMMA that technically I was a ward of the state of Illinois COMMA going to a hospital for the mentally ill . I suddenly thought of Mary Jane Brennan COMMA the way her pretty eyes could flash with anger COMMA her quiet competence COMMA the gentleness and sweetness that lay just beneath the surface of her defenses . We had become good friends during my stay at Cook County Hospital . I had told her enough about myself to offset somewhat the damaging stories that had appeared in local newspapers after my little adventure in Marshall Field & Co. . She knew that I lived at a good address on the Gold Coast COMMA that I had once been a medical student and was thinking of returning to the university to finish my medical studies . She knew also that I was unmarried and without a single known relative . She was n't quite sure that I felt enough remorse about my drinking COMMA or that I would not return to it once I was out and on my own again . This had worried her . `` I read those newspaper stories about you '' COMMA she had said . `` You must have loved that girl very much COMMA but you could n't have meant it when you said that you wanted to kill her '' . `` Why do you say that '' ? I asked . `` I was full of booze and COMMA well COMMA a drunk is apt to do anything he says he 'll do '' . Nonsense ! I grew up in an Irish neighborhood on Chicago 's West Side . Do n't tell me about drunks . You 're not the kind to go violent . Were you in love with that girl '' ? `` Would it make any difference to you if I were COMMA Mary Jane '' ? She met my eyes COMMA suddenly angry . `` I would n't have gone into nursing if I did n't care about people . I 'm interested in every patient I 've helped take care of . When I think of people like you COMMA well COMMA I '' -- `` You what COMMA Mary Jane '' ? `` You are young COMMA intelligent COMMA have a whole lifetime before you to make something worth while of yourself COMMA but you mess it up with whiskey COMMA indifference COMMA self - destructive attitudes . I do n't blame that girl for breaking her engagement with you . Was she pretty '' ? `` Oh COMMA yes '' COMMA I said COMMA feeling annoyed COMMA `` she was very pretty . You do n't believe that I 'm going back to medical school and finish COMMA do you '' ? `` Why should I ? I 've worked this ward for three months now . We keep getting the same ones back again and again . They all mean well COMMA have great promises to make when they are about to go home COMMA but drinking is their sickness . You 've not seemed like them COMMA but maybe you are . You 've treated your stay here like a big joke . It 's not a joke to be sent to a place like this or to Hanover . I wanted to go to college COMMA too '' -- `` Why did n't you '' ? I asked . `` Chicago has some of the best '' -- Her eyes flashed angrily . `` That 's what I mean about you COMMA Anderson '' COMMA she said . `` You do n't seem to know much about reality . I 'll tell you why I did n't go to college ; I 'm the oldest of six children . My father 's a policeman and makes less than seven thousand dollars a year . There was no money for tuition COMMA for clothes COMMA for all the things you apparently take for granted . Nurses ' training here does n't cost anything . They even pay me six dollars a month . I think it 's a good deal . I 'm going to become a good nurse COMMA and I 've got two baby brothers that are going to have college if I have to work at my profession until I 'm an old maid to give it to them '' . `` Do you have a boy friend '' ? I asked . `` That 's none of your business '' COMMA she said COMMA then changed the subject . `` What about your father and mother COMMA do n't you think of them when you 're in a place like this '' ? `` My father and mother died when I was two years old '' COMMA I said . `` My aunt raised me . Aunt Mary died when I was doing my military service . I have no one but myself to worry about '' . Something in my voice must have touched her deeply because her anger passed quickly COMMA and she turned away to keep me from seeing her face . `` I 'm sorry '' COMMA she said . `` I do n't know what I 'd do without my family . We 've always been so close '' . `` Tell me more about them '' . Her eyes became bright as she talked about her father and mother COMMA aunts and uncles COMMA cousins . Listening COMMA I felt cheated and lonely as only an orphan can . When she had finished I said : `` Your dad sounds like a good father and a good policeman . I 'll bet he would n't be pleased if a rumdum like me were to ask his daughter for a date -- I mean COMMA after I 'm out of the hospital COMMA a month or so from now '' . `` My father is a sergeant of detectives and has been attached to Homicide for five years . He 's a pretty good judge of character COMMA Anderson . I do n't think he 'd mind too much if he were sure you 'd decided not to be a rumdum in the future '' . `` What about you ? How would you feel about it if I were to ask you for a date when I get through at Hanover '' ? `` If I thought you were serious about going back to school COMMA that you 'd learned something from your experiences here and at Hanover -- well COMMA I might consider such an offer . What about your that girl you were going to kill '' ? It suddenly seemed very important to me that Mary Jane Brennan should know the truth about me -- that I was not the confused COMMA sick COMMA irresponsible person she believed me to be . `` There are things about me that I can n't tell you now COMMA Mary Jane '' COMMA I said COMMA `` but if you 'll go out to dinner with me when I get out of Hanover COMMA I 'd like to tell you the whole story . I can say this : I 'm dead serious about going back to school . As for that other girl COMMA let 's just say that I never want to see her again . You will get to come home on long weekends from Hanover COMMA wo n't you '' ? `` Yes COMMA I 'll get one overnight a month '' . `` We 'll go up to the Edgewater Beach Hotel for dinner '' COMMA I said . `` Do you like to dance ? They always have a good orchestra '' . `` I like to dance '' COMMA she said COMMA then turned and walked away . There had n't been anything really personal in her interest in me . I knew that . It was just that she felt deeply about every patient on the ward and wanted to believe that they might benefit from their treatment there . Now COMMA riding this hospital bus COMMA feeling isolated and utterly alone COMMA I knew that she was genuine and unique COMMA quite unlike any girl I had known before . It seemed the most important thing in my life at this moment that she should know the real truth about me . It was a fantastic story . Only two people in the state of Illinois knew that I was entering Hanover State Hospital under an assumed name COMMA or why . It was unlikely that any girl as sharp as Mary Jane Brennan would believe it without proof . But I had the proof COMMA all documented in a legal agreement which I would show her the moment I was free to do so . As the bus turned into the main highway and headed toward Hanover I settled back in my seat and closed my eyes COMMA thinking over the events of the past two weeks COMMA trying to put the pieces in order . I wondered suddenly as I listened to the disconnected jabberings coming from the patient behind me COMMA if I had not perhaps imagined it all . Perhaps this was reality and Dale Nelson COMMA the actor COMMA was delusion ; a figment of Carl Anderson 's imagination . Four I had come to Chicago from New York early in September with a dramatic production called Ask Tony . It was a bad play COMMA real grade - A turkey COMMA which only a prevalence of angels with grandiose dreams of capital gain and tax money to burn could have put into rehearsal . No one COMMA not even the producer COMMA had any real hope of getting it back to Broadway . But because it was a suspense gangster story of the Capone era COMMA many of us felt that it might catch on for a run in Chicago COMMA continue as a road company COMMA and eventually become a movie . Such optimism was completely unjustified . The critics literally screamed their indignation . Ask Tony was doomed from the moment Kupcinet leveled on it in his Sun-Times column . We opened on Friday and closed the following Monday . Out of the entire cast I alone received good notices for my portrayal of a psychopathic killer . This let me in for a lot of kidding from the rest of the company COMMA two members of which were native Chicagoans . We were paid off Tuesday morning and given tickets back to New York . I felt lonely and depressed as I packed my bags at the Croydon Hotel . It seemed to me that my life was destined to be one brilliant failure after another . I had been among the top third in my class at N.Y.U. COMMA had wanted desperately to go to medical school COMMA but I 'd run out of money and energy at the same time . Then later I had quit my safe COMMA secure five - a - week spot on a network soap opera to take a part in this play . It seemed to me that I was not only unlucky but quite stupid as well . I knew that I 'd soon be back working as an orderly at the hospital or as a counterman at Union News or Schraffts while waiting for another acting job to open . It suddenly occurred to me that I did not particularly like acting COMMA that I was at some sort of crossroads and would have to decide soon what I was going to do with my life . I closed the last bag and stood all three at the door for the bellboy to pick up COMMA then went to the bathroom for a drink of water . The telephone rang . When I answered it a voice too dignified and British to be real said COMMA `` Is this Mr. Dale Nelson COMMA the actor '' ? `` All right '' COMMA I said . `` Why do n't you bastards lay off for a while '' ? `` I beg your pardon COMMA sir '' ? `` All right . This is Dale Nelson the actor '' . `` Good . I 'm calling you COMMA Mr. Nelson COMMA at the request of Mr. Phillip Wycoff . Could you possibly have lunch with him today ? His car could pick you up at your hotel at twelve '' . I smiled . `` You 'll send the Rolls-Royce COMMA of course '' ? `` Yes COMMA of course COMMA Mr. Nelson '' . I started to say something else appropriate COMMA but the man had hung up . I finally went downstairs to the bar off the main lobby where most of the cast were drowning their sorrows over the untimely passing of Ask Tony . They all bowed low as I approached them . `` All right COMMA you bastards '' COMMA I said COMMA `` the great actor is about to buy a drink '' . I laid a tenspot on the bar and motioned to the bartender to serve a round . He had just returned my change when the doorman came in off the street to page me . I walked over to him . `` You Mr. Nelson '' ? He asked . `` That 's right '' . `` Mr. Wycoff 's car is waiting for you at the east entrance '' . I followed him out through the lobby to the street . An ancient Rolls-Royce COMMA as shiningly impressive as the day it came off the ship COMMA was parked at the curb . The elderly chauffeur COMMA immaculate in a dark uniform COMMA stood stiffly at attention holding open the door of the town car . I was giving the parked cars the once-over . The Oldsmobile with the license number JYJ 114 was in stall number five . `` Okay '' COMMA I said to the attendant COMMA `` I 'll let you know if I close the deal on the office in this building '' . I walked with him back to the entrance . He gave me a ticket on the agency car and parked it . I was back in ten minutes . `` Forgot to get something out of the car '' COMMA I told him COMMA showing him my ticket . He started to say something as I walked in and then suddenly grinned and said COMMA `` Oh COMMA yes . You 're the one I was talking to about a monthly rental . `` That 's right '' COMMA I told him . He consulted the parking ticket COMMA then looked at a notation and said COMMA `` You 're in the third row back toward the rear . Can you find it all right '' ? `` Sure '' COMMA I told him . I went back to the agency car and got out an electric bug COMMA one of the newest devices for electronic shadowing . I always keep a set in the car . I put in new batteries so as to be certain I 'd have plenty of power and on my way out walked over to the regular parking stalls and stood looking at them thoughtfully . I waited until the parking attendant was busy with a customer COMMA then slipped around the back of the car with license number JYM 114 COMMA attached the electronic bug to the rear bumper and walked out . The attendant waved me on . One of the hardest chores a detective has is hanging around on a city street COMMA trying to make himself inconspicuous COMMA keeping an eye on the entrance of an office building and waiting . For the first fifteen or twenty minutes it 's possible to be more or less interested in window displays COMMA then in people passing by . After a while COMMA however COMMA a person 's mind gets fed up and that magnifies all of the disagreeable physical symptoms which go with that sort of an assignment . You want to sit down . Your leg muscles and back muscles feel weary . You 're conscious of the fact that your feet hurt COMMA that the city pavements are hard . I waited a solid two hours before my man came out of the office building . He came out alone . I was n't far behind him when he entered the parking lot and hurried over to his car . The attendant recognized me once more and said COMMA `` What did you do about that office '' ? `` I have n't made up my mind yet '' COMMA I said . `` It 's a sublease . I have a couple of them I 'm figuring on ; one here and one that 's out quite a ways where there 's usually curb parking '' . `` That curb parking is undependable and annoying COMMA particularly when it rains '' COMMA he said . I kept trying to get him to take my money . `` Okay '' COMMA I told him . `` I 'm in a rush right now . I know where the car is . Want me to drive it out '' ? `` I 'll have one of the boys get it '' COMMA he said . `` It 's one of the rules on transients . Regulars drive out their own cars '' . `` Make it as snappy as you can COMMA will you '' ? I asked . `` Oh COMMA that 's all right '' COMMA he said . `` You 're going to be a regular . You 'll get in the office building here . You do n't want to lease a place way out in the sticks . You get business where the business is COMMA not where it is n't '' . I grinned at him COMMA handed him a couple of dollars and said COMMA `` By the time you get the parking charge figured up COMMA there should be a cigar in it for you '' . I hurried over to the agency heap COMMA jumped in COMMA started the motor and was just in time to see the car I wanted to shadow turn to the left . I was held up a bit trying to make a left turn . By the time I 'd made it he was gone . Traffic was pretty heavy . I turned on the electric bug COMMA and the signal came in loud and clear . I made time and picked him up within ten blocks . I stayed half a block behind him COMMA letting lots of cars keep in between us COMMA listening to the steady beep beep beep . After fifteen minutes of traffic driving he turned to the left . I could n't see him COMMA but the electric bugging device gave steady beeps when it was straight ahead COMMA short half beeps when the car I was following was to the left COMMA and long drawn-out beeps when it turned to the right . If it ever got behind me COMMA the beep turned to a buzz . I turned left too soon and got a signal showing that I was still behind him but he was to the right . After a while the signal became a buzz and I knew he was behind me . That meant he 'd parked someplace . I made a big circle until I located the car parked at the curb in front of an apartment house . I found a parking place half a block away COMMA sat in the car and waited . My quarry was in the apartment house for two hours . Then he came out and started driving toward the beach . By this time it was dark . I could get up close to him where there was traffic but had to drop far behind when there was n't traffic . My lights would have been a giveaway if I 'd tried to shadow him in the conventional manner . Moreover COMMA I 'd have lost him if it had n't been for the electronic shadowing device . His signal was coming loud and clear and then all of a sudden it turned to a buzz . I circled the block and found he was in the parking lot of a high-class restaurant . I sat where I could watch the exit and realized I was hungry . I sat there with the faint odor of charcoal - broiled steaks tantalizing my nostrils and occasionally catching the aroma of coffee . My man came out an hour later COMMA drove to the beach COMMA turned right and after half a mile went to the Swim and Tan Motel . It was a fairly modern motel with quite a bit of electrical display in front . I remembered it was the Peeping Tom place . I waited until my man was coming out of the office with the key to a cabin before I went in to register . The card the man I was shadowing had filled out was still on the counter . I noticed that he was in Unit 12 and that he had registered under the name of Oscar L. Palmer and wife COMMA giving a San Francisco address . He had written out the license number of his car but had transposed the last two figures COMMA an old dodge which is still good . Ninety-nine times out of a hundred the motel manager does n't check the license number on the plates against the license number the tenant writes out . If he does COMMA it 's still better than an even chance he wo n't notice the transposition of the numbers COMMA and if he should notice it COMMA the thing can be passed off as an honest mistake . I used the alias of Robert C. Richards COMMA gave the first three letters and the first and last figure of the license number on the agency heap COMMA but a couple of phony numbers in between . I could have written anything . The manager of the motel was a woman who apparently did n't care . She was complying with the law in regard to registrations but she certainly was n't checking license numbers or bothering the tenants . `` You mean you 're all alone COMMA Mr. Richards '' ? `` That 's right '' . `` Your wife is n't going to join you -- later '' ? `` I do n't think so '' . `` If you expect her to show up '' COMMA she said COMMA `` you 'd better put ' and wife ' on there . It 's a formality COMMA you know '' . `` Any difference in the rate '' ? I asked . `` Not to you '' COMMA she said smiling . `` It 's ten dollars either way . There are ice cubes in a container at the far end and in another by the office . There are three soft-drink vending machines COMMA and if you should be joined by -- anybody -- try to keep things quiet COMMA if you will . We like to run a nice quiet place '' . `` Thank you '' COMMA I told her . I took another sidelong glance at the other registration card COMMA then took the key to Unit 13 that she had given me and went down long enough to park the car . The construction was reasonably solid ; not like the cracker - box construction of so many of the motel units that have stucco all over the outside but walls that are thin enough so you can hear every movement of the people in the adjoining apartment . I put a small electric amplifier against the wall on the side I wanted to case . With the aid of that I could hear my man moving around COMMA heard him cough a couple of times COMMA heard the toilet flush COMMA heard the sound of water running . Whoever his companion was going to be COMMA she was going to join him later . She knew where to come . He did n't have to telephone . I was so hungry my stomach felt all lines of communication had been severed . It 's one thing to go without food when you 're occupied with some work or when you 're simply postponing a meal COMMA but when you 're dependent on someone else and know that you ca n't eat until he 's bedded down for the night COMMA hunger can be a gnawing torture . I had noticed a drive-in down the road a quarter of a mile . The batteries on the bugging device I had put on the car were still fresh enough to send out good strong signals . The powerful microphone I could press against the wall between my motel unit and that occupied by the man would bring in the sound of any conversation COMMA and I was positively nauseated I was so hungry . I got in the car COMMA drove down to the drive-in and ordered a couple of hamburgers with everything included COMMA a cup of coffee and the fastest service possible . The place was n't particularly busy at that time of night COMMA and the girl who was waiting on me COMMA who was clothed in the tightest - fitting pair of slacks I had ever seen on a woman and a sweater that showed everything there was -- and there was lots of it -- wanted to be sociable . `` You really in a hurry COMMA Handsome '' ? She asked . `` I 'm in a hurry COMMA Beautiful '' . `` It 's early in the evening to be in a hurry . There 's lots of time left '' . `` There may not be any women left '' COMMA I said . She gave a little pout and said COMMA `` I do n't get off work until eleven o'clock . That 's when my evening commences '' . `` I 'll be here at ten-fifty-five '' COMMA I said . `` Oh COMMA you ! '' She announced . `` That 's what they all say . What 's that thing going buzz-buzz-buzz in your car '' ? I said `` Darn it COMMA that 's the automatic signal that shows when the ignition key is on . I did n't turn it off '' . I reached over and switched off the electronic bugging device . She went in to get the hamburgers COMMA and I switched on the device again and kept the signal from Dowling 's car coming in steady and clear until I saw her starting back with the hamburgers . Then I shut off the device again . She wanted to hang around while I was eating . `` Do n't you think it 's selfish to have dinner before you go to pick her up '' ? `` No '' COMMA I said . `` It 's a kindness to her . You see COMMA she 's on a diet . She 'll eat just a pineapple and cottage cheese salad and I 'm to have one with her so she wo n't feel out of place '' . `` Diets can be terrible '' COMMA the girl said . `` How much overweight is she '' ? `` Not a bit '' COMMA I said COMMA `` but she 's keeping her figure in hand '' . She looked at me provocatively . `` Good figures should be kept in hand '' COMMA she said COMMA and walked away with an exaggerated wiggle . I turned on the device again COMMA half fearful that I might find silence COMMA but the buzzes came in loud and clear . When I switched on the lights for her to come and get the check COMMA I had the exact change plus a dollar tip . The fat man said COMMA `` All we gotta do is go around the corner '' . The gun moved . The thin man said COMMA `` That-a-way '' . `` -- second building on the right '' . `` -- it says police right on the door '' . `` -- so even if we was as dumb as you take us for COMMA we could still find it '' . Roberta and Dave began to back toward the door . The thin man waved the gun again . He said COMMA `` Right around the corner '' . `` It says water works COMMA but there is a policeman on duty COMMA too '' . `` A night policeman just like in the States . You know '' ? `` Canada does n't have much of this here juvenile delinquency problem COMMA but we keep a night policeman all the same on account of the crazy tourists '' . At the door COMMA Dave paused to feel for the latch . Roberta glanced up at her husband . He was going to be sensible and not try to do anything rash with that gun pointed at him . She measured the distance from where they stood to the men and the gun COMMA measured the distance from the men to the back room . She decided to risk it . There was something phony about all this gun waving -- something not quite what it seemed in the detailed directions for finding the police . Dave had the latch under his thumb now and he removed his arm from his wife in order to pull the door open . In a flash she was away to the back COMMA paying no attention to three angry shouts from the male throats . She tore open the back door . It was dark inside the room but enough light spilled from the restaurant behind her to enable her to make out a round table with a green cloth top . There was a small sideboard with some empty beer bottles on it and perhaps fifteen wooden chairs . Slowly she turned to face the men again . Rat - face at the counter was on his feet . The distance between where she stood and where Dave waited at the outside door was a hundred miles . Keeping her frightened gaze on the men at the counter COMMA she began to feel her way to the door . She sidled along the booths one step at a time . The gun followed her . As she reached Dave and felt his arm go around her COMMA felt him pull her to the safety of his person COMMA she knew with the certainty of despair that something bad had happened to Lauren . The two men watched as Dave closed the door behind them COMMA watched them cross the sidewalk to their car . It was getting light . The fat man removed his apron COMMA put on a greasy and wrinkled jacket COMMA and zipped it over his paunch . The thin man moved swiftly to the phone and dialed a number . When he was answered COMMA he said COMMA `` Albert ? Vince . I 'm sending you a couple of customers -- yeah -- just get them out of my hair and keep them out -- I do n't give a damn what you tell them -- only do n't believe a word they say -- they 're out to make trouble for me and it is up to you to stop them -- I do n't care how -- and one more thing -- Cate 's Cafe closed at eleven like always last night and Rose and Clarence Corsi left for Quebec yesterday -- some shrine or other -- I think it was called Saint Simon 's -- yeah COMMA yesterday . Got it '' ? He turned from the phone and strode to the front of the restaurant . The white Buick had n't moved away yet . Good . A line of worry formed COMMA a twitch pulled his mouth over to one side . He said COMMA `` Grosse ? You ai n't kidding me -- the kid do n't know the name of this town '' ? `` I ai n't kidding you COMMA Vince . How could she ? She musta been walking in her sleep -- you seen her yourself in here '' . `` Howda I know '' ? `` Remember how she looked when Barney held the door for her ? Kinda like a zombie ? She was just waking up when we found her at the garage '' . Vince swore . `` Stupid fools -- ai n't got enough brains between the two of you '' -- Grosse muttered COMMA his head down COMMA one hand playing with the zipper on his jacket . `` -- had enough brains to call ya up so as ya could do sompin about it when the parents -- I could a let her go go '' -- His eyes were lowered COMMA so he could n't have seen the narrow COMMA pointed face of his companion suddenly writhe with fury ; but he was aware of it just the same . He knew Vince Steiner was one of those men who had to work up a fury once in a while just to prove how dangerous he could be . With a curse COMMA Vince seized the thing nearest COMMA a glass sugar container with a spouted metal top COMMA and threw it against the wall opposite . The heavy glass did n't break COMMA but the top flew off ; sugar sprayed with a hiss that was loud in the silence . Not really startled COMMA but careful to appear so COMMA Grosse sucked noisily on his pipe . Vince cursed steadily . `` Why does everything have to happen to me '' ? Grosse quietly got a broom and started to sweep up the sugar . Vince watched him . His mouth worked over the profanity COMMA the obscenities in his vocabulary . Once he said COMMA `` Why 'n hell did n't you look in the back seat of the car before you drove off ? Do n't you and Barney ever use your brains '' ? The fat man did n't answer . He got one of the menus and brushed the spilled sugar onto it and carried it to a box on the floor behind the counter . He returned the menu to its place between catchup bottle and paper napkin dispenser . He spoke soothingly . `` She do n't know nothing about them cars . She thinks she 's in a ordinary garage '' . `` How do you know COMMA stupid ? And put Cate 's gun back '' . `` I know '' . Grosse tucked the gun under the counter . `` -- one word of this gets to Guardino '' -- `` Who 's telling Guardino '' ? Vince swore again . `` You get that kid over to Rose 's house '' . The fat man winced . He ran a finger down his cheek COMMA tracing the scratch there . `` Why ca n't I leave her locked up in the tool crib '' ? The thin man stopped his pacing long enough to glance at the clock . `` You and Barney get her over to Rose 's before it gets too light . After Guardino 's left COMMA we 'll dump the kid somewhere near the border where she kin get home . God help you if she knows where she 's been '' . Grosse spread his hands . `` What am I going to do with her all day ? In the tool crib she ca n't get away '' . `` What the hell do I care what you do with her all day ? Just get her where Guardino wo n't see her and start asking questions '' . Grosse swore now . `` Dammit all COMMA Vince . I ai n't no baby sitter '' . Vince shouted finally COMMA `` Get her over to Rose 's and I 'll come by and see that she stays put '' . Grosse rubbed the bridge of his nose where it was swollen . He spoke sullenly . `` You do n't haf ta get nasty . I wish you luck when you try scaring that kid '' . Suddenly he grinned . His voice lost its sullen tones and he chuckled . `` I got one question '' . `` What is it '' ? Impatiently . `` Are you a poor dumb Canadian or a smart aleck from the States '' ? Vince lifted his hand as if to strike COMMA but his thin lips spread in a smile . Grosse ducked and sniggered . `` Where 'd you say you was born '' ? `` In a Chicago slum just like you . And I ai n't going back there on account of one lousy kid '' . Lauren Landis rubbed her face against the blanket . She had cried a little because she was frightened . She could easily understand why the two men had been startled to find a strange girl in the back seat of their car ( she had figured that out ) COMMA but she could n't understand their subsequent actions . Was it because she had shown panic ? Who could blame her for that ? It was one thing to awaken outside a restaurant where your parents were eating and quite another to awaken in a strange garage and know your parents had gone on home without you . She was glad the fat man had left . Barney was not really frightening . She jumped as the little man now appeared at the window and COMMA reaching through the opening COMMA offered her a bottle of coke . She smiled at him wetly . Although she found she was thirsty COMMA she was about to refuse ( never COMMA never take candy from a strange man ) when she saw the bottle was unopened . He placed a bottle opener on the counter . So COMMA he understood her panic . She blew her nose on a tissue and opened the coke bottle . It was icy cold and tasted delicious . She felt a lift in spirit . When she was finished she pushed it back . The man was busy doing something to the inside of the door - frame on the driver 's side of a car . She called softly COMMA `` Barney '' . He looked in her direction but he did n't answer . She said COMMA `` Barney COMMA why is he keeping me here '' ? Still no answer . He seemed to be looking at a point above the little window . Lauren said COMMA `` Why ca n't I call my home ? Or borrow some money from someone and go home by bus ? I could send the money right back '' . Barney finished the cigarette he had been smoking . He dropped it and carefully ground it to nothing with the sole of his heavy shoe . Now he looked at her . He said COMMA `` I only work here '' . Lauren said COMMA `` Please '' ? But he was back at work on a car . She dropped her head on her arms on the counter . How could he be kind one moment and cruel the next ? Did he know something that made him feel sad and sorry for her ? And was he afraid to do anything as definite as releasing her ? Her heart was thumping painfully ; the unknown was so much worse than -- what dangers lay ahead for her ? What awful thing had she to face in the next few hours ? Something wet and hot was trickling on her wrists . Tears ? With a sturdy act of will she turned her mind away from herself ; as long as she could do nothing constructive about the situation she was in COMMA she would think about something else . Her mother and father COMMA for instance . Where were they now ? In her mind she followed the white Buick along the road somewhere between here and the Niagara River . Her father 's attention would be on the road ahead and it would n't deviate an inch until he crossed the bridge at the Falls and took the River Road to LaSalle and COMMA finally COMMA turned in at their own driveway at 387 Heather Heights . Then he would yawn and stretch and shout COMMA `` All out . This is the end of the line '' . And what would her mother be doing right now ? Her mother would be fast asleep curled up against that wonderful COMMA big COMMA safe COMMA solid shoulder next to her on the front seat . Lauren Landis was in trouble and she was alone . Roberta Landis put her hand on her husband 's arm as he slid in the driver 's seat beside her . Somewhere birds were sweetly calling COMMA were answered . Her teeth chattered so that she made three attempts at speech before she became intelligible . `` Dave . I saw that woman 's apron behind the door . There was a wet spot -- she could n't have been gone long '' . Dave made some sound meant to convey agreement . He inserted the car key in the lock . Roberta was violently trembling . She stammered COMMA `` You heard what he said about police ? Why do n't we drive around the corner '' ? The car door crashed shut . The engine throbbed into life . Dave said COMMA `` I got the message . We 're going '' . Roberta said COMMA `` no . You go . Walk . Suppose Lauren comes looking for us ? I can sit here in the car while you walk around the corner '' . The big car sprang away from the curb like something alive . He said COMMA `` I 'm not going to leave my wife and my car out here in sight of those '' -- Roberta glanced at him and stopped trembling . Ryan hefted his bulk up and supported it on one elbow . He rubbed his eyes sleepily with one huge paw . `` Ekstrohm COMMA Nogol COMMA you guys okay '' ? `` Nothing wrong with me that could n't be cured '' COMMA Nogol said . He did n't say what would cure him ; he had been explaining all during the trip what he needed to make him feel like himself . His small black eyes darted inside the olive oval of his face . `` Ekstrohm '' ? Ryan insisted . `` Okay '' . `` Well COMMA let 's take a ground - level look at the country around here '' . The facsiport rolled open on the landscape . A range of bluffs hugged the horizon COMMA the color of decaying moss . Above them COMMA the sky was the black of space COMMA or the almost equal black of the winter sky above Minneapolis COMMA seen against neon - lit snow . That cold COMMA empty sky was full of fire and light . It seemed almost a magnification of the Galaxy itself COMMA of the Milky Way COMMA blown up by some master photographer . This fiery swath was actually only a belt of minor planets COMMA almost like the asteroid belt in the original Solar System . These planets were much bigger COMMA nearly all capable of holding an atmosphere . But to the infuriation of scientists COMMA for no known reason not all of them did . This would be the fifth mapping expedition to the planetoids of Yancy-6 in three generations . They lay months away from the nearest Earth star by jump drive COMMA and no one knew what they were good for COMMA although it was felt that they would probably be good for something if it could only be discovered -- much like the continent of Antarctica in ancient history . `` How can a planet with so many neighbors be so lonely '' ? Ryan asked . He was the captain COMMA so he could ask questions like that . `` Some can be lonely in a crowd '' COMMA Nogol said elaborately . `` What will we need outside COMMA Ryan '' ? Ekstrohm asked . `` No helmets '' COMMA the captain answered . `` We can breathe out there COMMA all right . It just wo n't be easy . This old world lost all of its helium and trace gases long ago . Nitrogen and oxygen are about it '' . `` Ryan COMMA look over there '' COMMA Nogol said . `` Animals . Ringing the ship . Think they 're intelligent COMMA maybe hostile '' ? `` I think they 're dead '' COMMA Ekstrohm interjected quietly . `` I get no readings from them at all . Sonic COMMA electronic COMMA galvanic -- all blank . According to these needles COMMA they 're stone dead '' . `` Ekstrohm COMMA you and I will have a look '' COMMA Ryan said . `` You hold down the fort COMMA Nogol . Take it easy '' . `` Easy '' COMMA Nogol confirmed . `` I heard a story once about a rookie who got excited when the captain stepped outside and he could n't get an encephalographic reading on him . Me COMMA I know the mind of an officer works in a strange and unfathomable manner '' . `` I 'm not worried about you mis-reading the dials COMMA Nogol COMMA just about a lug like you reading them at all . Remember COMMA when the little hand is straight up that 's negative . Positive results start when it goes towards the hand you use to make your mark '' . `` But I 'm ambidextrous '' . Ryan told him what he could do then . Ekstrohm smiled COMMA and followed the captain through the airlock with only a glance at the lapel gauge on his coverall . The strong negative field his suit set up would help to repel bacteria and insects . Actually COMMA the types of infection that could attack a warm-blooded mammal were not infinite COMMA and over the course of the last few hundred years adequate defenses had been found for all basic categories . He was n't likely to come down with hot chills and puzzling striped fever . They ignored the ladder down to the planet surface and COMMA with only a glance at the seismological gauge to judge surface resistance COMMA dropped to the ground . It was day COMMA but in the thin atmosphere contrasts were sharp between light and shadow . They walked from midnight to noon COMMA noon to midnight COMMA and came to the beast sprawled on its side . Ekstrohm nudged it with a boot . `` Hey COMMA this is pretty close to a wart-hog '' . `` Uh-huh '' COMMA Ryan admitted . `` One of the best matches I 've ever found . Well COMMA it has to happen . Statistical average and all . Still COMMA it sometimes gives you a creepy feeling to find a rabbit or a snapping turtle on some strange world . It makes you wonder if this exploration business is n't all some big joke COMMA and somebody has been everywhere before you even started '' . The surveyor looked sidewise at the captain . The big man seldom gave out with such thoughts . Ekstrohm cleared his throat . `` What shall we do with this one ? Dissect it '' ? Ryan nudged it with his toe COMMA following Ekstrohm 's example . `` I do n't know COMMA Stormy . It sure as hell does n't look like any dominant intelligent species to me . No hands COMMA for one thing . Of course COMMA that 's not definite proof '' . `` No COMMA it is n't '' COMMA Ekstrohm said . `` I think we 'd better let it lay until we get a clearer picture of the ecological setup around here . In the meantime COMMA we might be thinking on the problem all these dead beasts represent . What killed them '' ? `` It looks like we did COMMA when we made blastdown '' . `` But what about our landing was lethal to the creatures '' ? `` Radiation '' ? Ekstrohm suggested . `` The planet is very low in radiation from mineral deposits COMMA and the atmosphere seems to shield out most of the solar output . Any little dose of radiation might knock off these critters '' . `` I do n't know about that . Maybe it would work the other way . Maybe because they have had virtually no radioactive exposure and do n't have any R's stored up COMMA they could take a lot without harm '' . `` Then maybe it was the shockwave we set up . Or maybe it 's sheer xenophobia . They curl up and die at the sight of something strange and alien -- like a spaceship '' . `` Maybe '' COMMA the captain admitted . `` At this stage of the game anything could be possible . But there 's one possibility I particularly do n't like '' . `` And that is '' ? `` Suppose it was not us that killed these aliens . Suppose it is something right on the planet COMMA native to it . I just hope it does n't work on Earthmen too . These critters went real sudden '' . Ekstrohm lay in his bunk and thought COMMA the camp is quiet . The Earthmen made camp outside the spaceship . There was no reason to leave the comfortable quarters inside the ship COMMA except that COMMA faced with a possibility of sleeping on solid ground COMMA they simply had to get out . The camp was a cluster of aluminum bubbles COMMA ringed with a spy web to alert the Earthmen to the approach of any being . Each man had a bubble to himself COMMA privacy after the long period of enforced intimacy on board the ship . Ekstrohm lay in his bunk and listened to the sounds of the night on Yancey-6 138 . There was a keening of wind COMMA and a cracking of the frozen ground . Insects there were on the world COMMA but they were frozen solid during the night COMMA only to revive and thaw in the morning sun . The bunk he lay on was much more uncomfortable than the acceleration couches on board . Yet he knew the others were sleeping more soundly COMMA now that they had renewed their contact with the matter that had birthed them to send them riding high vacuum . Ekstrohm was not asleep . Now there could be an end to pretending . He threw off the light blanket and swung his feet off the bunk COMMA to the floor . Ekstrohm stood up . There was no longer any need to hide . But what was there to do ? What had changed for him ? He no longer had to lie in his bunk all night COMMA his eyes closed COMMA pretending to sleep . In privacy he could walk around COMMA leave the light on COMMA read . It was small comfort for insomnia . Ekstrohm never slept . Some doctors had informed him he was mistaken about this . Actually COMMA they said COMMA he did sleep COMMA but so shortly and fitfully that he forgot . Others admitted he was absolutely correct -- he never slept . His body processes only slowed down enough for him to dispell fatigue poisons . Occasionally he fell into a waking COMMA gritty-eyed stupor ; but he never slept . Never at all . Naturally COMMA he could n't let his shipmates know this . Insomnia would ground him from the Exploration Service COMMA on physiological if not psychological grounds . He had to hide it . Over the years COMMA he had had buddies in space in whom he thought he could confide . The buddies invariably took advantage of him . Since he could n't sleep anyway COMMA he might as well stand their watches for them or write their reports . Where the hell did he get off threatening to report any laxness on their part to the captain ? A man with insomnia had better avoid bad dreams of that kind if he knew what was good for him . Ekstrohm had to hide his secret . In a camp COMMA instead of shipboard COMMA hiding the secret was easier . But the secret itself was just as hard . Ekstrohm picked up a lightweight no-back from the ship 's library COMMA a book by Bloch COMMA the famous twentieth century expert on sex . He scanned a few lines on the social repercussions of a celebrated nineteenth century sex murderer COMMA but he could n't seem to concentrate on the weighty COMMA pontifical COMMA ponderous style . On impulse COMMA he flipped up the heat control on his coverall and slid back the hatch of the bubble . Ekstrohm walked through the alien glass and looked up at the unfamiliar constellations COMMA smelling the frozen sterility of the thin air . Behind him COMMA his mates stirred without waking . Ekstrohm was startled in the morning by a banging on the hatch of his bubble . It took him a few seconds to put his thoughts in order COMMA and then he got up from the bunk where he had been resting COMMA sleeplessly . The angry burnt-red face of Ryan greeted him . `` Okay COMMA Stormy COMMA this is n't the place for fun and games . What did you do with them '' ? `` Do with what '' ? `` The dead beasties . All the dead animals laying around the ship '' . `` What are you talking about COMMA Ryan ? What do you think I did with them '' ? `` I do n't know . All I know is that they are gone '' . `` Gone '' ? Ekstrohm shouldered his way outside and scanned the veldt . There was no ring of animal corpses . Nothing . Nothing but wispy grass whipping in the keen breeze . `` I 'll be damned '' COMMA Ekstrohm said . `` You are right now COMMA buddy . ExPe does n't like anybody mucking up primary evidence '' . `` Where do you get off COMMA Ryan '' ? Ekstrohm demanded . `` Why pick me for your patsy ? This has got to be some kind of local phenomenon . Why accuse a shipmate of being behind this '' ? `` Listen COMMA Ekstrohm COMMA I want to give you the benefit of every doubt . But you are n't exactly the model of a surveyor COMMA you know . You 've been riding on a pink ticket for six years COMMA you know that '' . `` No '' COMMA Ekstrohm said COMMA `` No COMMA I did n't know that '' . `` You 've been hiding things from me and Nogol every jump we 've made with you . Now comes this ! It fits the pattern of secrecy and stealth you 've been involved in '' . `` What could I do with your lousy dead bodies ? What would I want with them '' ? `` All I know is that you were outside the bubbles last night COMMA and you were the only sentient being who came in or out of our alarm web . The tapes show that . Now all the bodies are missing COMMA like they got up and walked away '' . It was not a new experience to Ekstrohm . No . Suspicion was n't new to him at all . `` Ryan COMMA there are other explanations for the disappearance of the bodies . Look for them COMMA will you ? I give you my word I 'm not trying to pull some stupid kind of joke COMMA or to deliberately foul up the expedition . Take my word COMMA ca n't you '' ? Ryan shook his head . `` I do n't think I can . There 's still such a thing as mental illness . You may not be responsible '' . Ekstrohm scowled . `` Do n't try anything violent COMMA Stormy . I outweigh you fifty pounds and I 'm fast for a big man '' . `` I was n't planning on jumping you . Why do you have to jump me the first time something goes wrong ? Dan Morgan told himself he would forget Ann Turner . He was well rid of her . He certainly did n't want a wife who was fickle as Ann . If he had married her COMMA he 'd have been asking for trouble . But all of this was rationalization . Sometimes he woke up in the middle of the night thinking of Ann COMMA and then could not get back to sleep . His plans and dreams had revolved around her so much and for so long that now he felt as if he had nothing . The easiest thing would be to sell out to Al Budd and leave the country COMMA but there was a stubborn streak in him that would n't allow it . The best antidote for the bitterness and disappointment that poisoned him was hard work . He found that if he was tired enough at night COMMA he went to sleep simply because he was too exhausted to stay awake . Each day he found himself thinking less often of Ann ; each day the hurt was a little duller COMMA a little less poignant . He had plenty of work to do . Because the summer was unusually dry and hot COMMA the spring produced a smaller stream than in ordinary years . The grass in the meadows came fast COMMA now that the warm weather was here . He could not afford to lose a drop of the precious water COMMA so he spent most of his waking hours along the ditches in his meadows . He had no idea how much time Budd would give him . In any case COMMA he had no intention of being caught asleep COMMA so he carried his revolver in its holster on his hip and he took his Winchester with him and leaned it against the fence . He stopped every few minutes and leaned on his shovel as he studied the horizon COMMA but nothing happened COMMA each day dragging out with monotonous calm . When COMMA in late afternoon on the last day in June COMMA he saw two people top the ridge to the south and walk toward the house COMMA he quit work immediately and strode to his rifle . It could be some kind of trick Budd had thought up . No one walked in this country COMMA least of all Ed Dow or Dutch Renfro or any of the rest of the Bar B crew . Morgan watched the two figures for a time COMMA puzzled . When they were closer and he saw that one was a woman COMMA he was more puzzled than ever . He cleaned his shovel COMMA left it against the fence COMMA picked up his Winchester COMMA and started downstream . His visitors had crawled through the south fence and were crossing the meadow COMMA angling toward the house . Now he saw that both the man and woman were moving slowly and irregularly COMMA staggering COMMA as if they found it a struggle to remain on their feet . Reaching the house ahead of them COMMA he waited with his Winchester in his hands . They crawled through the north fence and came on toward him COMMA and now he saw that both were young COMMA not more than nineteen or twenty . They were dirty COMMA their clothes were torn COMMA and the girl was so exhausted that she fell when she was still twenty feet from the front door . She lay there COMMA making no effort to get back on her feet . The boy came on to the porch and sat down COMMA his gaze on Morgan as if half expecting him to shoot and not really caring . Morgan hesitated COMMA thinking that if this was a trick COMMA it was a good one . He did n't think it was possible for this couple to be pretending . The boy licked his dry lips . He asked COMMA `` Could we have a drink '' ? Morgan jerked his head toward the front door . `` In the kitchen '' COMMA he said . Leaning his Winchester against the front of the house COMMA he walked to the girl . `` Get up . There 's water in the house '' . She did n't move or say anything . Her eyes were glazed as if she did n't hear or even see him . She had reached a point at which she did n't even care how she looked . Her face was very thin COMMA and burned by the sun until much of the skin was dead and peeling COMMA the new skin under it red and angry . Her blond hair was frowzy COMMA her dress torn in several places COMMA and her shoes were so completely worn out that they were practically no protection . It must have hurt her even to walk COMMA for the sole was completely off her left foot and Morgan saw that it was bruised and bleeding . He picked her up COMMA sliding one hand under her shoulders COMMA the other under her knees COMMA and carried her into the house . She was amazingly light COMMA and so relaxed in his arms that he was n't even sure she was conscious . Any lingering suspicion that this was a trick Al Budd had thought up was dispelled . No girl would go this far to fool a man so she could kill him . Besides COMMA she had a sweet face that attracted him . He put her down on the couch COMMA and going into the kitchen COMMA saw that the boy had dropped into a chair beside the table . They looked a good deal alike COMMA Morgan thought . Both had blonde hair and blue eyes COMMA and there was even a faint similarity of features . Morgan filled the dipper from the water bucket on the shelf COMMA went back into the front room COMMA lifted the girl 's head COMMA and held the edge of the dipper to her mouth . She drank greedily COMMA and murmured COMMA `` Thank you '' COMMA as he lowered her head . He stood looking down at her for a moment COMMA wondering what could have reduced her to this condition . He had seen a few nester wagons go through the country COMMA the families almost starving to death COMMA but he had never seen any of them on foot and as bad off as these two . The girl dropped off to sleep . Morgan returned to the kitchen COMMA built a fire COMMA and carried in several buckets of water from the spring which he poured into the copper boiler that he had placed on the stove . He brought his Winchester in from the front of the house COMMA then faced the boy . `` Who are you and what happened to you '' ? He asked . `` I 'm Billy Jones '' COMMA the boy answered . `` That 's my wife Sharon . We ran out of money and we have n't eaten for two days '' . `` What are you doing here '' ? `` Are we in Wyoming '' ? Morgan nodded . `` About five miles north of the line '' . Jones sighed as if relieved . `` We 've been looking for work COMMA but all the ranchers have turned us down '' . `` You mean you dragged your wife all over hell 's half-acre looking for work '' ? Morgan demanded . `` The town of Buckhorn 's only about six miles from here . Why did n't you go there '' ? `` We did n't want town work '' COMMA Jones said . `` This is a mighty empty country '' COMMA Morgan said . `` There 's only one more ranch three miles north of here . You 'd have starved to death if you 'd missed both places '' . `` Then we 're lucky we got here . Could you give us a job COMMA Mr. '' `` Morgan . Dan Morgan '' . He was silent a moment COMMA thinking he could use a man this time of year COMMA and if the girl could cook COMMA it would give him more time in the meadows COMMA but he knew nothing about the couple . They might kill him in his sleep COMMA thinking there was money in the house . He dismissed the possibility at once . The girl 's thin face haunted him . It was n't the face of a killer . He was n't so sure about the boy . He had n't shaved for several weeks COMMA his sparse beard giving his face a pathetic COMMA woebegone expression . There was more to this than Jones had told him . They were running from something . He 'd be an idiot to let them stay he thought COMMA but he could n't send them on COMMA either . `` I could use some help '' COMMA Morgan said finally COMMA `` but I can n't afford to pay you anything . I guess you 'd better go on in the morning '' . `` We 'll work for our keep '' COMMA the boy said eagerly . `` I 've been mucking in a mine in the San Juan COMMA but I used to work on a ranch . Sharon COMMA she 's cooked in a restaurant . We 'll work hard COMMA Mr. Morgan '' . `` I 'll see '' COMMA Morgan said . `` Right now you need a meal and a bath . Your wife 's in terrible shape '' . `` I know '' COMMA Jones said dejectedly . Morgan filled the fire box with wood again COMMA then started supper and set the table . When the meal was ready COMMA he told Jones to wash up COMMA and going into the front room COMMA woke the girl . He said COMMA `` I 've got some supper ready '' . She rubbed her eyes and stretched COMMA then sat up COMMA her hands going to her hair . `` I 'm a mess '' COMMA she said COMMA and suddenly she was alarmed . `` Who are you ? How did we get here '' ? `` I 'm Dan Morgan . This is the Rafter A[fj] . You fell down in front of the house COMMA and I carried you in . I gave you a drink and then you went to sleep '' . `` Oh '' . She stared at him COMMA her eyes wide as she thought about what he had said ; then she murmured : `` You 're very kind COMMA Mr. Morgan . Do you take in all the strays who come by '' ? `` I do n't have many strays coming to my front door '' COMMA he said . `` Think you can walk to the table '' ? `` Of course '' . She got to her feet COMMA staggered COMMA and almost fell . He caught her by an arm and helped her into the kitchen . She sat down at the table COMMA shaking her head . `` I 'm sorry COMMA Mr. Morgan . I 'm usually a very strong woman COMMA but I 'm awfully tired '' . `` And hungry '' COMMA he said . `` Start in . It 's not much of a meal COMMA but it 's what I eat '' . `` Not much of a meal '' ? The girl cried . `` Mr. Morgan COMMA it 's the best - looking food I ever saw '' . He told himself he had never seen two people eat so much . When they were finally satisfied COMMA Jones said COMMA `` I think he 's going to give us work '' . The grateful way she looked at Morgan made him ashamed of himself . When he saw the expression in her eyes COMMA he knew he could n't send them on . She said COMMA `` I guess the Lord looks out for fools COMMA drunkards COMMA and innocents '' . Morgan laughed . `` Which are you '' ? `` We 're not drunkards '' COMMA she said . `` That 's all I 'm sure of '' . She helped him with the dishes COMMA then he brought more water in from the spring before it got dark . He carried the tub from the back of the house where it hung from a nail in the wall . He said : `` You 'll feel a lot better after you have a bath . Your feet are in bad shape COMMA Mrs. Jones . You 'll have to go to town to see the doc '' . `` No COMMA she 'll be all right '' COMMA Jones said quickly . `` I mean COMMA we do n't have any way to get there and we can n't expect you to quit work just to take us to town '' . `` We 'll see '' COMMA Morgan said . `` Could you find me a needle and thread '' ? The girl asked . `` My dress needs some work on it '' . He nodded and COMMA going into the bedroom COMMA brought a needle COMMA thread COMMA and scissors . He said : `` I 'm going to bed '' . He nodded at the door in front of him . `` That 's my spare bedroom . The bed is n't made COMMA but you 'll find plenty of blankets there '' . `` You 're awfully kind '' COMMA the girl said . `` We 'll pay you back if you 'll let us . Some way '' . `` It 's all right '' COMMA he said . `` I get up early . You 'd better sleep '' . Jones followed him into the front room COMMA closing the door behind him . He said : `` If it 's all right with you COMMA Mr. Morgan COMMA I 'll sleep out here on the couch . We have n't slept together since we started . I just can n't take any chances on getting her pregnant COMMA and if we were sleeping together '' He stopped COMMA embarrassed COMMA and Morgan said COMMA `` I understand that COMMA but I do n't savvy why you 'd go off and leave your jobs in the first place '' . `` We got fired '' COMMA Jones said . `` We had to do something '' . They were a pair of lost COMMA whipped kids COMMA Morgan thought as he went to bed . Gavin paused wearily . `` You ca n't stay here with me . It 's late and you said they 'd be here by dawn '' . `` You ca n't make me go '' . Gavin sank down again into his chair and began to rock . He was thinking of Rittenhouse and how he had left him there COMMA to rock to death on the porch of the Splendide . It was the only thing in his life for which he felt guilt . Beneath his black shirt his frail shoulders shook and croaks of pain broke from his throat COMMA the stored pain shattering free in slow gasps COMMA terrible to see . Clayton tried to call back the face of the man he had known . Against that other man he could rally his anger ; against this bent man in the chair he was powerless . Gavin 's lips moved so that Clayton had to stoop to catch the words . `` Do you remember Big Charlie '' ? He whispered . `` He stuck with me all these years . Just a half-breed 'pache COMMA never said much COMMA never meant anythin to me COMMA but he stuck with me . He got into a fight with Tom English COMMA your brother 's son . It was a fair fight COMMA the boy provoked it -- Big Charlie told me so . I believed him . They killed Big Charlie COMMA dumped his body in my rose garden two nights ago . My men COMMA they all left me . Just cleared out . I did n't understand why COMMA Clay . They just all cleared out . I treated them fair '' He wiped his lips with a sleeve COMMA then stared at Clayton in a childish kind of wonder . `` Do you mean '' -- he asked almost shyly -- `` you want me to go with you COMMA wherever you 're goin '' ? `` Yes '' . `` You do n't hate me any more '' ? Clayton choked COMMA shook his head COMMA murmuring COMMA `` No '' . `` Come here '' . The old man beckoned with one finger and Clayton went forward to him . Gavin slipped his arms around his chest and hugged him fiercely . `` All my life '' COMMA he said COMMA `` I tried . I tried . I saw you driftin away -- but I tried . And you wanted no part of me when I had so much to give . Now there 's nothin left of me . Laurel is gone COMMA my men are gone COMMA Ed is dead -- and you come to me COMMA to help me . Oh ! God in Heaven COMMA I ca n't refuse you now . That would mock me too much ! Ca n't let you go way from me again '' He closed his eyes COMMA ashamed of his tears . `` I 'll go COMMA Clay '' . Clayton freed himself from the embrace and stepped back . The eyes followed him fearfully . `` The horses . There is n't much time . I 'll saddle the horses and bring them round . You get ready '' He burst from the hot confinement of the room into the cold night air . Gavin 's stallion was in the barn and he tightened the cinches over the saddle blanket COMMA working by touch in the darkness COMMA comforting the animal with easy words . When he had finished he led him and the mare to the porch . The stallion had smelled the mare coming into heat and began to paw the turf COMMA shaking his head . Clayton looped the reins in a knot over the veranda post and patted the warm flesh of his neck . The mare had backed away . `` You take it easy COMMA boy '' COMMA Clayton whispered . `` She does n't want you now . You take it easy COMMA your time will come '' . Gavin stood on the porch COMMA a thin figure . He had taken a carbine down from the wall and it trailed from his hand COMMA the stock bumping on the wood floor . Clayton called to him and he came slowly down the steps . `` Clay '' COMMA he said COMMA `` where are we goin '' ? `` To a ranch in the valley . There 's someone there I have to see . We may take her with us -- to California . I do n't know yet COMMA it 's crazy ; I have to think about it . But California is where we 're goin '' . `` California '' . Gavin began to nod . `` That 's a new land . A man could make a mark there . Two men COMMA together like us COMMA we could do somethin fine out there COMMA maybe find a place where no one 's ever been . Start out fresh COMMA the two of us COMMA like nothin had ever happened '' . `` Yes COMMA like a father and son '' . `` I made you what you are '' COMMA Gavin whispered . `` I made you so you could stand up . I made you a man '' . `` Yes COMMA Gavin COMMA you did '' . He approached the horse and laid a hand on the stallion 's quivering neck . `` Help me up COMMA Clay . Help me up COMMA I feel kind of stiff '' . Clayton lifted him gently into the saddle COMMA like a child . `` I hate to leave my garden '' COMMA Gavin said . `` They 'll trample it down . I loved my garden '' . `` It will grow again -- in California '' . `` I loved this valley '' COMMA he whispered huskily . `` Lived alone here for three years COMMA before any man came . Lived alone by the river . It was nice then COMMA so peaceful and quiet . There was no one but me . I do n't want to leave it '' . Clayton swung into the saddle and whacked the stallion 's rump . The two horses broke from the yard COMMA from the circle of light cast by the lamp still burning in the house COMMA into the darkness . Thirty-five they rode at a measured pace through the valley . Dawn would come soon and the night was at its coldest . The moon had sunk below the black crest of the mountains and the land COMMA seen through eyes that had grown accustomed to the absence of light COMMA looked primeval COMMA as if no man had ever trespassed before . It looked as Gavin had first seen it years ago COMMA on those nights when he slept alone by his campfire and waked suddenly to the hoot of an owl or the rustle of a blade of grass in the moon 's wind -- a savage land COMMA untenanted and brooding COMMA too strong to be broken by the will of men . Gavin sighed bitterly . In that inert landscape the caravan of his desires passed before his mind . He saw them ambushed COMMA strewn in the postures of the broken and the dying . In vain his mind groped to reassemble the bones of the relationships he had sought so desperately COMMA but they would not come to life . The silence oppressed him COMMA made him bend low over the horse 's neck as if to hide from a wind that had begun to blow far away and was twisting slowly through the darkness in its slow search . They passed ranches that were framed dark gray against the black hills . Then at last the darkness began to dissolve . A bold line of violet broke loose from the high ridge of the mountains COMMA followed by feathers of red that swept the last stars from the sky . The wan light spread over the ground and the valley revealed in the first glimmer the contours of trees and fences and palely shadowed gullies . They had been seen as soon as they left the ranch COMMA picked out of the darkness by the weary though watchful eyes of two men posted a few hundred yards away in the windless shelter of the trees . The two men whipped their horses into town and flung themselves up the steps of the saloon COMMA crying their intelligence . The men in Pettigrew 's were tired from a night 's drinking COMMA their faces red and baggy . But the liquor had flushed their courage . They greeted the news angrily COMMA as though they had been cheated of purpose . Lester heard their muttering COMMA saw their eyes reveal their desire . He worked his tongue round and round in the hollow of his cheek and his voice came out of his throat COMMA dry and cracked . `` He 's leavin . That 's what you wanted COMMA is n't it ? Clayton is with him COMMA takin him out of the valley . You ca n't '' -- `` Keep out of this '' COMMA Purvis snarled . `` He 's not your brother COMMA he 's Gavin 's son . You see COMMA he lied to us when he said he was leavin alone '' . Joe Purvis was thinking back many years . First he thought of the time he had ridden to Gavin and told him how his cattle were being rustled at the far end of the valley . He remembered Gavin 's smirk COMMA his own cringing feeling COMMA his impotence . Then he thought of a time when Clayton 's horse had fallen lame in the Gap . His wife had said to him : `` Nellie is in love with Clayton Roy . He would n't even dance with her at Gavin 's party . He treats her like she was dirt . And you stand by like a fool and let him do it '' He remembered Clayton 's mocking smile in the saloon when he had asked him what he would do if they brought their cattle to water . It was the night Clayton had tricked them in the poker game . `` You 're Gavin 's son '' COMMA Joe Purvis had said . He turned to Lester . `` You brought him back to this valley thinkin he would help you find your boy . He meant to help Gavin all the time . He made a fool of you COMMA Lester '' . He swung round to the other men -- `` We can catch him easy ! There are plenty of fresh horses halfway at my place . If we let them go COMMA they wo n't stay away COMMA they 'll find men to ride with them and they 'll be back . There 's only one way they can get out now and that 's through the Gap -- if we ride hard we can take them '' . Lester 's hand fluttered to Cabot 's shoulder . The boy jerked away . `` He killed Tom -- do you understand that '' ? Cabot turned back to the men and he was drunk with the thing they would do COMMA wild to break from the cloying warmth of the saloon into the cold of the ebbing night . He fled through the door and down the steps COMMA running COMMA and the men grunted and followed COMMA pushing Lester to one side where he backed against the wall with the sleeve of his jacket raised before his eyes to shut out the light . Purvis and Silas Pettigrew were the last to leave . They mounted up and rode slowly behind the others at a safe distance . Thirty-six in the cold dawn the mist swirled low to the ground COMMA then rose with a gust of sudden wind to leave the valley clear . The clouds parted and hard gashes of sunlight swooped down to stain the earth with streaks of white and gold light so that the shadows of the running horses flowed like dark streams over the dazzling snow . When they turned in the saddle they could see the men behind them COMMA strung out on the prairie in a flat black line . The wind of their running was cold and wild COMMA the horses were lathered and their manes streamed like stiff black pennants in the wind . The mare began to tire and Clayton felt the spray of snow from the hoofs of Gavin 's stallion . He looked over his shoulder at the thin dotting of pursuers . They neither gained nor fell back . He rode low on the mare 's neck . Ahead of him Gavin turned slightly off the trail and pointed for the Gap COMMA no more than a mile away . Gavin 's face was bloodless with excitement . He did not look back ; he could feel more than hear the staccato beat of hoofs that fanned out across the prairie to the north . He knew who was riding after him -- the men he had known all his life COMMA the men who had worked for him COMMA sworn their loyalty to him . Now they were riding to kill him . And he was fleeing COMMA running -- fleeing his death and his life at the same time . The land over which he sped was the land he had created and lived in : his valley . With every leaping stride of the horse beneath him he crossed one more patch of earth that had been his COMMA that he would never see again . The Gap looming before him -- the place where had confronted Jack English on that day so many years ago -- was his exit from all that had meaning to him . California is too far COMMA he thought . He would never reach California . He was too old -- when he passed up and through the corridor of pines that lined the trail he could see ahead COMMA he was passing from life . The sentry was not dead . He was COMMA in fact COMMA showing signs of reviving . He had been carrying an Enfield rifle and a holstered navy cap - and - ball pistol . A bayonet hung in a belt scabbard . He was partially uniformed in a cavalry tunic and hat . Mike stripped these from him and donned them . He and Dean tied and gagged the man COMMA using his belt and shirt for the purpose . They dragged him inside the building . Fiske joined them COMMA unsteady on his feet . Julia COMMA seeing the bandage COMMA rushed to him . `` You are hurt '' ! She breathed . `` I never felt better in my life '' COMMA Fiske blustered . He turned to Susan and kissed her on the cheek . `` Thank you COMMA My dear '' COMMA he said . `` You are very brave '' . Mike silenced them . `` We 'll talk later . First COMMA we 've got to get out of here '' . `` We 'll grab horses '' COMMA Dean said . `` The main bunch is outside COMMA but there are some over there inside the wall '' . Mike debated it COMMA trying to decide whether Fiske was strong enough to ride . But it at least offered him a chance for living . He had none here . And COMMA for the sake of Julia and Susan COMMA it had to be tried . The guerrilla bivouac remained silent . Light showed in the orderly room across the parade ground . Someone evidently was on duty there . No doubt there would be men guarding the horses . About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade COMMA as best Mike could make out in the moonlight . Evidently this was a precaution so that mounts would be available in an emergency . He handed the guard 's rifle to Fiske . `` Dean and myself will try to cut out horses to ride '' COMMA he said . `` We 'll stampede the rest . You stay with the ladies . All of you be ready to ride hell for leather '' . He added COMMA `` If this does n't work out COMMA the three of you barricade yourself in the house and talk terms with them '' . He handed the bayonet to Dean and kept the pistol . Susan halted Dean and kissed him . She clung to him COMMA talking to him COMMA and dabbing at her eyes . Mike turned away . He was thinking that the way she had responded to his own kiss had n't meant what he had believed it had . He felt unutterably weary . Dean turned from Susan and took Julia Fortune in his arms . He kissed her also COMMA and with deep tenderness . She too began to weep . He released her and joined Mike . `` All right '' COMMA he said . Mike only said COMMA `` Later '' . `` Be careful COMMA McLish '' ! Susan said fiercely . `` The way you were careful '' ? He snorted . `` Running around in the moonlight almost naked and slugging a man with a rock '' ? He kept going . He wanted no more sentimental scenes with her . He might say or do something foolish . Something all of them would regret . He might tell her how sorry a spectacle she was making of herself COMMA pretending to be blind to the way Julia Fortune had taken Dean 's affections from her . And using him COMMA Mike McLish COMMA as a sop to her pride . He handed the bayonet to Dean and kept the pistol . `` Stay well back of me '' COMMA he said . `` I 'm going to walk up to the horses COMMA bold as brass COMMA pretending I 'm one of the guerrillas . There 's bound to be someone on guard COMMA but the hat might fool them long enough for me to get close '' . Holding the pistol concealed COMMA he walked to the rear wall of the stockade . It was pierced by a wagon gate built of two wings . One wing stood open . Mike passed through it and moved toward the dark mass of horses . They were tethered COMMA army style COMMA on stable lines . A voice spoke near - at - hand . `` Who 's that '' ? Just me '' COMMA Mike said . `` Is that you COMMA Bill '' ? He located his man . The guard stood in the shadow of the stockade wall just out of reach of the moonlight . Mike kept walking and got within arm 's reach before the man became suspicious and straightened from his lax slouch . Mike struck with the muzzle of the pistol . But the luck that had been running their way left him . The guard instinctively parried the blow with his rifle . He tried to veer the rifle around to fire into Mike 's body . Mike COMMA off balance COMMA managed to bat the muzzle away a moment before it exploded . The bullet went wide . Mike swung the pistol in a savage backlash . This time it connected solidly on the man 's temple COMMA felling him . The explosion of the rifle had crashed against the walls of the stockade and the deep echoes were still rolling in the hills . The startled horses began rearing on their tethers . Dean came rushing up . `` Are you hit '' ? He demanded . `` No COMMA but the fat 's in the fire '' ! Mike said . `` There 's no chance now of all of us getting away . You 'll have to try it alone '' . The sentry 's saddled horse stood picketed nearby COMMA having been kept handy in case of need . Mike took the bayonet from Dean 's hand and slashed the picket line . `` Up you go '' ! He said . `` Ride '' ! Dean resisted Mike 's attempt to push him toward the horse . `` Why not you '' ? He protested . `` Dammit '' ! Mike said frantically . `` You 're lighter than me . It 's our only chance now . Try to find these Feds . The rest of us can fort up in the house and hang on until you get back . You 're the one that 's taking the big chance '' . Dean still hesitated COMMA but Mike lifted him almost bodily into the saddle and thrust the reins in his hand . `` No telling how good this horse is '' COMMA Mike panted . `` Favor him and save something in case you hit trouble . Watch out for Apaches when it comes daylight . Take the pistol . You might need it . We 'll still have the rifle COMMA and I might be able to round up some more . I 'll stampede the rest of these horses so they ca n't chase you '' . Dean leaned from the saddle and gave him a mighty whack on the back . `` McLish '' COMMA he said as he kicked the horse into motion COMMA `` I 'd be a mighty sad man if we never met again '' . Then he was on his way at a gallop . Mike ran down the line COMMA slashing picket ropes with the bayonet . He lifted a screeching war whoop . That touched off a total stampede . He darted inside the stockade and freed the horses there . These poured through the gate and joined the flight . The animals thundered away into the moonlight COMMA heading for the ridges . The guerrillas were swarming from their bivouac at the west end of the enclosure . `` Apaches '' ! Mike yelled . `` They 're stealin' the stock '' ! He scuttled in shadow along the east wall of the stockade and then followed the south wall until he was at the rear of the two frame buildings . He crouched there . His shout had been taken up and repeated . The guerrillas were running across the parade ground and through the rear gate in the wake of the departing horses . All were carrying guns they had seized up COMMA but they were half - clad or hardly clad at all . Durkin and Calhoun came running from the post . They had pistols in their hands . They bawled questions that were not answered in the uproar . They followed the others toward the east gate . Beyond the stockade rifles began to explode as some of the guerrillas fired at shadows that they imagined were Apaches . Mike made a dash to the rear of the frame buildings . He crawled beneath the two supply wagons which stood between the buildings and peered around a corner . The area was deserted . A man was standing in the open door of the lighted orderly room a few yards to Mike 's left COMMA but he COMMA too COMMA suddenly made up his mind and went racing to join the confused activity at the east end of the stockade . Mike crawled to the door and peered in . The orderly room seemed to be deserted . A lantern hung from a peg COMMA giving light . Ducking inside COMMA he found that three rifles were stacked in a corner . A brace of pistols COMMA holstered on belts COMMA hung from a peg COMMA along with ammunition pouches . An ammunition case stood open COMMA containing canisters which contained powder cartridges . Mike seized a blanket from a pallet in a corner COMMA spread it on the floor and used it to form a bag in which he placed his booty . Shouldering the load he peered from the door . His looting of the orderly room had taken only a minute or two and the vicinity was still clear of guerrillas . He looked at the looming hoods of the supply wagons COMMA struck by a new inspiration . He set his bundle down . Snatching the lantern from its peg COMMA he shattered its globe with a blow against a post . He picked up the powder canister and ran out . Bursting paper cartridges COMMA he scattered powder beneath the nearest wagon and dumped the contents of the canister upon it . He shouldered the blanket again COMMA backed off COMMA and tossed the lantern with its open wick beneath the wagon . He turned and raced across the parade ground toward the rock house . Powder flame gushed beneath the wagon . The stockade was brilliantly lighted and the guerrillas sighted him . They realized the truth . Bullets began to snap past him . One struck the muzzle of one of the rifles that projected from the shoulder pack . Its force spun him around COMMA but he recovered and got into stride again . A bullet tore the earth from beneath his foot when he was a stride or two from safety . Another struck him heavily in the thigh and he went down . Guerrillas were racing toward him . Susan and Julia came from the door and dragged him with them . The three of them floundered through the door into the interior and fell in a heap . Susan bounced to her feet and slammed the door . She crouched aside as bullets beat at the portal COMMA chewing into the planks . Some tore entirely through the whipsawed post oak . The iron hinges held COMMA but the planks were in danger of being torn from the crossbars . Mike rolled to Susan COMMA grasped her around the knees COMMA dragging her off her feet . He hovered over her to shield her COMMA for spent bullets were thudding against the rear walls . He peered from a loophole . Guerrillas were only a dozen yards away COMMA charging the house . Mike snatched a pistol from the heap of scattered booty and fired . He dropped a man with the first bullet . At the same moment Wheeler Fiske fired the rifle Mike had given him and another guerrilla was hit . That halted the rush . The guerrillas scattered for cover . The wagons were burning fiercely . The mudwagon had caught fire also . The blaze was spreading to the frame buildings . The guerrillas realized they faced a new problem . `` Gawdamighty '' ! One screeched . `` There goes our grub an' ammunition '' ! `` Get a bucket line going '' ! Calhoun shouted . `` Hurry ! Hurry '' ! The guerrillas began a frantic search for pails in which to bring water from the spring . But what few containers they found were inadequate . Many of them COMMA in increasing panic COMMA came running with water in their hats in a ludicrous effort . Both buildings were in flames . The heat drove the guerrillas back . The roof of the command post began to buckle . `` Drag the wagons to the spring '' ! Lew Durkin yelled . `` Run 'em right into the spring ! Hustle '' ! One of the wagons erupted a massive pillar of flame . A sizable supply of powder had been touched off . The wagons and the coach were beyond saving and so were the buildings . The glow of the fire reached through the openings in the windows COMMA giving light enough to examine Mike 's wound . The bullet had torn through the flesh just above the knee COMMA inflicting an ugly gash that was forming a pool of blood on the floor . But it had missed the bone and had passed on through . Susan and Julia ripped strips from their clothing and bound the injury . Mike tested the leg and found that he was able to hobble around on it . `` Thrifty of her to use it up . Unusual in a case like this COMMA but '' -- `` You can joke ! Did n't you read it ? She 's married that tenant ! '' `` I read it COMMA yes . This ought to simplify Tolley 's life '' . Laban had more to say . Tolley had gone to live in California . He 'd mentioned it COMMA himself COMMA at church and everybody seemed to have the idea that Tolley had left because Jenny had jilted him for Roy Robards . `` It was plain as the nose on your face that they 're laughing about it COMMA Mamma . Zion stayed to get my pin COMMA but it 'll be a cold day in June when I go back '' . `` We will both go back COMMA Laban '' ! Kizzie turned to go inside . `` Let me stay and take the pictures you wanted COMMA Mamma . The sun 's right '' -- `` Pictures '' ? She swung around . `` What pictures '' ? `` In Brace 's room ! You told me to bring my camera . I 'm not going back '' -- `` Indeed you are ! Why should I want pictures of an empty room now ? Tolley had no idea of marrying that sneaky little Jenny ! This -- trip of his had nothing to do with her consorting with tenants COMMA and I am going to see that everybody at Mt. Pleasant understands that simple fact . Wait for me COMMA Laban COMMA I 'll be dressed in half a second '' ! Frank followed her into the bedroom COMMA hooked her dress up the back . `` Hurry COMMA Frank ! They 're not going to laugh at the Fairbrothers and Labans very long ! Tolley 's going is my fault . I drove him away . You know it and I 'll tell everybody exactly how it happened '' . She was so beautiful COMMA so valiant COMMA so pitiable . He kissed her . `` Make your confession to God COMMA Kizzie dear COMMA not to the congregation '' . `` I 'll decide that when I get there . I was so cruel to Tolley COMMA so unfair . But I 'll be fair now ! He is coming back COMMA is n't he COMMA Frank '' ? Yes COMMA oh yes . What else was there to say ? Returning to the log - house he found some favorite lines from Jonathan Swift on his lips : `` Under the window in stormy weather I marry this man and woman together . Let none but Him who rules the thunder Put this man and woman asunder '' . Absolution for his lie ? He questioned God 's taking time to telegraph the message COMMA but he felt better about Kizzie COMMA and he took the sealed envelope from its pigeonhole COMMA wondering why he had preserved it . If he died before she did COMMA she would never be unable to resist opening it . In any case he would be thrusting a burden on his remaining sons COMMA making them parties to a deception peculiarly his own . It was simply his necessity to confess which had made him write and keep this thing . `` You 've told God COMMA Frank '' COMMA he said . `` Why lacerate the -- congregation '' ? Reaching for an old clay pot COMMA relic of pioneer days COMMA he tore the envelope in pieces COMMA dropping them into it COMMA touching the little pyre to flame COMMA watching it curl COMMA the red sealing wax melting and bubbling in the feathery ash . Surely now his beloved son could rest in peace . `` ' And let me go COMMA for the night gathers me COMMA and in the night shall no man gather fruit ' '' . A beautiful and haunting line COMMA a subtle genius COMMA Swinburne COMMA difficult not to envy a gifted man COMMA and perhaps he did . But there were great satisfactions COMMA even for a small man . Beyond his window were the greening trees COMMA new spring COMMA eternal hope COMMA eternal life . There lay Grand Fair 's Quinzaine COMMA his own young parents ' graves COMMA but new life and promise for his sons COMMA grandsons . He poured his thimble of wine for the toast he 'd made so often . `` To absent loved ones '' . But this last time he drank not to Brace but `` To Tolley '' ! Mr. Robards -- Jenny was the only person she knew of in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood who called him that -- was kind but too easygoing . It did n't bother him for everybody from the blacksmith to the preacher to say COMMA `` Howdy COMMA Miss Jenny '' COMMA adding a careless `` Roy '' COMMA but it did her . He could put a stop to it COMMA she told him again and again . Simply call Mr. Whipsnade Oscar COMMA and Dr. Dunne P.GA COMMA and C'un Major Frank . Mr. Robards laughed COMMA said he 'd feel a damn fool COMMA plain-out could n't do that even to please her . `` You could try . And if I ever hear you say ' Mist Laban ' again I 'll scream . And do n't tell me you did n't at church Sunday . I heard you '' ! He really had n't meant to COMMA he assured her COMMA but it was plain to her that the importance of these small things was lost on Mr. Robards . How strange it was that he could give her this handsome house and carte blanche as to its beautiful furnishings COMMA and fail her in -- spiritual ways . Another weakness -- far more irritating than his manner of speaking COMMA which he made only token effort to change -- was his devotion to that old horse of Tolley 's . Her horse COMMA rather . But Mr. Robards ' now COMMA oh my yes COMMA indeed COMMA yes ! He called her `` the Mare '' much as Mrs. Whipsnade spoke of `` the Queen COMMA God bless her '' . He COMMA with fifteen or twenty horses or mares or geldings or what-nots out there in the barn COMMA was reverent only of `` the Mare '' COMMA `` the Racin' Mare '' COMMA the revolting Gunny . For the first few months of their marriage she had tried to be nice about Gunny COMMA going out with him to watch this pearl without price stamp imperiously around in her stall . And what had happened ? Gunny invariably tried to bite her . Nerves COMMA Mr. Robards said COMMA just a nip anyway . `` Stand back COMMA Miss Jen COMMA she 's oneasy of your scarf '' . Never COMMA `` Quit that COMMA you sor'l devil '' ! Never concern for his wife 's nerves COMMA or the danger that the curled lip and big teeth might mark their own dear baby due in January . She mus n't annoy Gunny whose foal was due then too ! Listening for hours to his laments that the war and `` Mist Fair 's '' poverty afterwards had robbed the mare of many a racing triumph COMMA and to his predictions of greatness for the procession of foals to come COMMA Jenny could look forward to years of conflict with an animal who disliked her intensely and showed it . Gunny symbolized so much that was unpleasant -- Tolley COMMA the indifference with which the Fairbrothers and indeed the whole neighborhood now treated her and which she would die rather than acknowledge to her husband COMMA his lack of understanding and sympathy in her present condition COMMA her disgusting swollen stomach . Human birth was no novelty to Mr. Robards . Tillie was a fine midwife and could get here quick COMMA he suggested . Jenny 's aversion to having Dr. Dunne COMMA a former admirer COMMA seemed silly to him COMMA but he would humor her COMMA get anybody she wanted COMMA the best never being too good for her . The chances were against his being here to humor her when her time came COMMA she was sure . He would be in the barn COMMA or riding for the veterinarian ! Night after night he stayed with Gunny in the dead of winter COMMA rubbing her with quarts of expensive liniment COMMA fussing over her bran mash as the cook did over charlotte russe COMMA tracking manure on the pretty new carpet when he did come to the house . Yet when the dear baby came COMMA he had Tillie over here in a jiffy COMMA and was as attentive and sweet and worried and happy when it was all over as any husband could have been . Jenny wished now that she had had Dr. Dunne COMMA feeling that somehow he would n't have allowed the dear baby to turn into triplets . There was something not nice about triplets COMMA though their father seemed pleased COMMA showing no disappointment that they had n't been the son he wanted COMMA saying COMMA `` You do n't see triplets trippin' down the pike ever' day COMMA Miss Jen COMMA hon . Rhyme 'em up cute -- Arcilla COMMA Flotilla '' Edmonia for her mother COMMA she said firmly COMMA Jennifer COMMA for herself COMMA and -- `` Kezziah COMMA for Miss Kizzie '' COMMA he suggested . `` She was mighty good to you past times COMMA an' this 'll fetch her '' . Now she must be thinking of a boy - name COMMA something special . Just wait till she saw the Mare 's foal . Handsomest colt in all Kentucky . Strong too COMMA up on his legs when he was an hour old . What about Royal Robards ? `` Why do n't you name him Jesus Christ ! '' She burst into tears . Roy was deeply distressed . He 'd had no idea how unhappy his sweet peach had been . Of course she was n't herself right now COMMA but as her strength came back her spirits did n't seem to rise with it . He had a good idea why not . Those elegant `` At Home '' cards she sent out COMMA now she could wear her pretty clothes again COMMA and had the house all trimmed up COMMA had n't brought many callers in two whole months . Doc Dunne and Miss Sis had come . So had Miss Shawnee Rakestraw COMMA full of criticisms about the changes here COMMA giving thanks that her dear old father had gone to his Heavenly Rest last year COMMA saying how much she enjoyed her boarding house in town in inclement weather COMMA was looking forward to Quinzaine Spa this summer . There was an idea . Miss Kizzie had been right snippy ever since they were married COMMA though you 'd have thought a namesake would have brought her round . Oh COMMA she 'd come to see them once COMMA left silver teething rings for all of the trips . But when Miss Jen went over right away to return the call COMMA Miss Kiz could n't have been very cordial COMMA for she 'd come back before she hardly had time to get there . More and more COMMA these days COMMA she 'd been driving that pretty little mare that looked like her COMMA over to Tillie 's and Nick 's -- his own old square frame box on posts COMMA chickens and cats and pups under the house COMMA everybody friendly inside COMMA making a to-do over the babies dressed like dollies . Though he was glad she got on well with his young folks COMMA she ought to be welcome at the finest house in the land COMMA too . It made him pretty hot under the collar COMMA after the idea Miss Sis had given him COMMA to be told by Miss Kiz that her holy spa was all reserved for this summer and next COMMA if you please COMMA and that much as she regretted it COMMA they would be unable to entertain Mrs. Robards and the children . She hoped they were well . He did n't tell Miss Jen COMMA but she must have got word from the cook or nurse COMMA who of course knew those Quinzaine nigs COMMA and she really took a fit . If he ever did such a thing again she 'd die of shame . `` Have a party an' leave 'em out COMMA hon '' COMMA he suggested . `` A swell party COMMA send an invite to ever'body but them -- those folks you met at the Galt House COMMA the ones I 've got to know in this new Jockey Club affair COMMA the whole dang neighborhood . We 'll have oystchers -- couple bar'l oystchers 'll fetch in a crowd any time . I 'll see word gets round '' . `` Do n't you dare ! '' Miss Jen was funny that way COMMA funny that she did n't seem to take to his ideas and perk up . He was downright worried about her COMMA but there was one more thing he could try . Zion was surprised when Roy 's buggy stopped beside her on the pike one early summer day as she was walking home from the country school where she was teaching now that Eph Showers had had a call to preach in some mountain town . Roy smiled -- he did have a nice smile -- took off his hat most politely COMMA told her to hop in COMMA and he 'd give her a lift to Quinzaine . Her hesitation was only momentary and she hoped he did n't notice it COMMA as she settled herself COMMA asked quickly how Miss Jenny and the babies were getting on . `` See for yourself COMMA Miss Zion . It will n't take a minute '' . He swung in through his own wide gateway . `` Them 's the purtiest babes you ever did see COMMA but Miss Jen gets mighty lonesome . She 'll relish the sight of a friendly face . Miss Kiz will n't care your comin' COMMA will she '' ? `` Why of course not '' COMMA Zion said uncomfortably . It was among these that Hinkle identified a photograph of Barco ! For it seems that Barco COMMA fancying himself a ladies ' man ( and why not COMMA after seven marriages ? ) COMMA had listed himself for Mormon Beard roles at the instigation of his fourth murder victim who had said : `` With your beard COMMA dear COMMA you ought to be in movies '' ! Mills secured Barco 's photograph from the gentleman in charge COMMA rushed to the Hollywood police station to report the theft COMMA and less than five minutes later COMMA detectives with his picture in hand were on the trail of Cal Barco . On their way COMMA they stopped at every gas station along the main boulevards to question the attendants . Finally COMMA at Ye Olde Gasse Filling Station on Avocado Avenue COMMA they learned that their man COMMA having paused to get oil for his car COMMA had asked about the route to San Diego . They headed in that direction and COMMA at San Juan Capistrano By-the-Sea came upon Barco sitting in the quaint old Spanish Mission Drive-in COMMA eating a hot tamale . At the moment COMMA Barco 's back was to the road so he did n't see the detectives close in on his convertible which COMMA in their quest for the stolen lap rug COMMA they proceeded to search . The robe COMMA however COMMA was missing COMMA for by that time Barco had disposed of it at a pawnshop in Glendale . The detectives placed Barco under arrest and COMMA without informing him of the nature of the charge COMMA took him back to Hollywood for questioning . Thus it was that Barco COMMA apprehended for mere larceny COMMA now began to suspect that one or another of his murders had been uncovered . During the return trip COMMA Barco kept muttering to himself in meaningless phrases COMMA such as : `` They 're under sand dunes They 're better off COMMA I tell you I saved their souls '' . The detective COMMA commenting on Barco 's behavior COMMA felt that he merely belonged among the myriad citizens of our community who are mentally unhinged -- that he was a more or less harmless `` nut '' ! However while in his cell awaiting trial for theft COMMA Barco COMMA in a fit of apprehension COMMA made an attempt to take his own life . The attempt had failed because COMMA when endeavoring to cut his wrists COMMA this murderer of seven women had fainted at the sight of blood . The jail authorities -- attaching no particular significance to the episode -- offered Barco whisky to revive him ; but the old fellow COMMA a lifelong teetotaler COMMA refused it COMMA and no more was thought of the matter . Then it was that District Attorney Welch entered the case . A man of vaulting ambition COMMA with one eye on the mayorship of Los Angeles COMMA nothing ever escaped him which might possibly lead to personal publicity . It was reported to Welch 's office that a thief in the city jail had attempted suicide . Welch wanted to know why . No one knew . Now Welch had a pet theory that everyone is guilty of breaking more laws than he ever gets caught at . The suicide attempt looked to him like an opportunity to put his theory to the test . So he paid a call on Barco in his cell and began their chat by stating bluntly : `` Barco COMMA we 've got the goods on you ! It 'll be a lot better if you come clean '' . At first Barco was evasive and shifty . But with Welch 's relentless pursuit of the subject COMMA Barco finally `` broke '' and started confessing to one murder after another . By the time Barco reached the count of three COMMA the situation seemed to Welch almost too good to be true . But if true COMMA it was the case of which he had dreamed COMMA the case which would throw him into headlines all over America as the hero of a great murder trial . Welch summoned jail officials to Barco 's cell . But to Welch 's chagrin COMMA the police captain pooh-poohed Welch 's credulity in Barco 's confession . Barco was clearly a `` nut '' . It required strength COMMA bravado COMMA daring to commit murder . `` That worm a murderer ? Ridiculous '' ! Then COMMA for the first time since his arrest COMMA a glint of spirit lit Barco 's eyes . His manhood had been attacked . He stiffened and rose to his feet . He 'd show them ! `` Is that so '' ? He queried . `` Well COMMA for ten years I 've been murdering women . I can lead you to every one of the bodies COMMA and there ai n't four COMMA nor five COMMA nor six of 'em -- there 's seven ! '' The next day the police captain COMMA in derision COMMA organized what he termed `` Welch 's Wild Goose Chase '' . For indeed it seemed incredible that anyone could go on committing murder for ten years and not get caught at it COMMA even in Hollywood . The searching party consisted of the police captain COMMA Welch COMMA Barco COMMA policemen with shovels COMMA newspaper reporters COMMA and cameramen . Barco COMMA his state of apprehension gone COMMA never to return COMMA had assumed a matter-of-factness which remained his principal attitude from that time on . He directed the cortege of autos to the sand dunes near Santa Monica . Stopping the cars at a fork in the road COMMA he got out COMMA paced off a certain distance to a spot between two shrub - covered sand hills COMMA and indicated a location . Orders were given to dig . Nothing was found . Welch was worried . The police captain chortled . The newspaper boys cracked jokes and again Barco 's pride was aroused . With greater precision he again paced off a location COMMA this time a little more to the left . With quibs and gibes COMMA the policemen again started digging . Welch was on edge . The captain was remarking that it was a nice day for a picnic when finally one of the shovels struck an object . `` There 's something here '' ! Said the digger . Joking stopped and everyone gathered around . The digger COMMA thrusting about with his shovel COMMA now raised into view a package crudely wrapped in one of the murderer 's Hollywood sport shirts . Although it was a mere fragment of the victim 's remains COMMA it was enough . Welch was wild with delight . His elation grew as Barco 's seven disclosures brought to light one reward after another . Now did Welch truly become the man of the hour COMMA and everything that followed in the procedure of Justice was a new triumph for him . It went to his head COMMA and his ambition increased . It was apparent that Welch was in cahoots with Marshall and would use his power as D.A. to drag every possible sensation into the case . Every new scandal which would provide more `` copy '' for Marshall 's pen would thus mean more publicity for Welch . I knew that both these cynics were waiting with impatience for the dramatic moment when Viola was called to the stand . Once there COMMA the D.A. with devilish cleverness would provide Marshall with headlines : `` Viola 's Multiple Romances '' `` Viola Lake an Addict '' `` Downfall of Another Film Idol '' ! It would be fine publicity for the man who was willing to walk to the mayor 's throne over the broken reputation of a helpless girl ! I studied Welch closely as the trial progressed for any hint which might give me a lead as to how he might be thwarted . It was n't long before I sensed that there was something deeper than overvaulting ambition back of his desire for Viola 's destruction . He was bitter and resentful toward her COMMA personally resentful . A dreadful fear entered my consciousness that perhaps he had entertained aspirations toward Viola 's favors -- or COMMA even more serious perhaps COMMA that he had attained a share of them and had then been superseded by some luckier chap . I did not rest until I had tracked the mystery down . Well COMMA here it is . One day over a year before COMMA there had been a cocktail party in an apartment of a downtown hotel . Viola had been urged to attend COMMA by telephone COMMA and not knowing the host or the character of the party COMMA she had gone . She arrived late and as she entered the party COMMA noted that gentlemen seemed to be in the majority ; the air was thick with smoke COMMA empty bottles were in evidence COMMA and several of the guests were somewhat the worse for liquor . Naturally COMMA Viola had no wish to remain COMMA but she felt she could n't leave so soon after her arrival COMMA in all politeness to her host . And it so happened that adjacent to a couch on which she had taken refuge was a small table on which she noted a vase of red rosebuds ; while projecting from beneath the couch were a pair of feet which COMMA as Fate would have it COMMA belonged to District Attorney Welch . As Viola sat there COMMA a playful impulse overcame her to remove the shoes and socks from the unidentified feet and COMMA as a prank COMMA insert rosebuds between the toes . A little later the district attorney woke up COMMA emerged from under the couch COMMA looked at his watch COMMA and realized he had an engagement that very hour to address a meeting of the Culture Forum on `` The Civic Spirit of the Southland '' COMMA in the Byzantine room of the hotel where his wife COMMA as president of the forum COMMA was to preside . He made his way to his host 's bedroom where he carefully brushed himself off COMMA neatly arranged his hair COMMA and painstakingly selected his hat from the many on the bed . Then COMMA noting neither the absence of his footwear nor the presence of the rosebuds COMMA he made his way to the Byzantine room and COMMA with his usual dignity COMMA mounted the rostrum . The effect on the intellectuals among his audience may well be imagined . The incident COMMA aside from reflecting on Welch 's political career COMMA had all but wrecked his home life . He never rested until he discovered who the culprit was COMMA and when he did COMMA he vowed vengeance on Viola Lake if ever the chance came his way . And here it was ! By such innocent actions are human tragedies sometimes set in motion . During these first days of the trial I did n't have as much time to commiserate with Viola as I should have liked . In the first place COMMA it was difficult for us to meet . We could n't be seen together COMMA for the tongue of Scandal was ever ready to link our names COMMA and the tongue of Scandal finds but one thing to say of the association of a man with a girl COMMA no matter how innocent . I could n't invite Viola to our house COMMA for Mother snobbishly refused to receive her . Now the Czarship had not affected my own sense of social values COMMA but Mother had attained a reflected glory through it COMMA which had opened the doors of Los Angeles - Pasadena Society to her . There COMMA Mother was received by the scions of aristocratic lines which are dominated by the Budweisers ( of beer derivation ) COMMA the Chalmers ( of underwear origin ) COMMA and the Heinzes ( whose forbears founded a nationally famous trade in pickles ) . I hated being dragged into the salons of these aristocrats . But Mother insisted COMMA for it is seldom indeed that anyone remotely connected with the cinema is ever received in their exclusive midsts . In fact COMMA it was not until the King of Spain had visited at Pickfair that Mary and Doug were beckoned to cross the sacred barriers which separate Los Angeles and Pasadena from the hoi-polloi . Mother even went so far as to trump up for me matrimonial opportunities with Pasadena debs who had been educated abroad COMMA and with those of the more lenient Los Angeles area where a debutante was a girl who had been to high school . But at long last came a time when I broke away from Mother and her society `` chi-chi '' in order to spend a cosy evening with Viola and her chaperon at her home . However COMMA such a hotbed of gossip had grown up during the trial COMMA that every precaution had to be taken to keep my visit from being whispered to the world COMMA Society COMMA and even COMMA alas COMMA to my own mother . When I arrived at Viola 's I was shown COMMA to my surprise COMMA into the kitchen . Viola greeted me COMMA in checked apron COMMA ladle in hand COMMA and explained it was the cook 's night out and that she herself was preparing dinner . I sat and watched proceedings . There was to be roast chicken with dressing COMMA giblet gravy COMMA asparagus COMMA new peas with a sprig of mint COMMA creamed onions COMMA and mashed potatoes -- all chosen COMMA prepared COMMA and cooked by Viola herself . I realized that Hamlet was faced with an entirely different problem COMMA but his agony could have been no greater . The most that was accomplished was adding Mrs. Beige 's tray to the dish pile COMMA and by means of repeated threats COMMA on an ascending scale COMMA seeing that the girls dressed themselves COMMA after a fashion . I was saved from making the decision as the phone rang COMMA and the girls were upon me instantly . Here 's a household hint : if you ca n't find your children COMMA and get tired of calling them COMMA pick up the phone . No matter if your children are at the movies COMMA in school COMMA visiting their grandmother COMMA or on a field trip in some distant city COMMA they will be upon you magically within seconds after you pick up the phone . Jennie and Miranda twined themselves around me COMMA murmuring endearments . Louise climbed onto a stool and clutched the hand with which I was trying to hold the phone COMMA claiming my immediate attention on grounds of extreme emergency . Somehow managing to get out a cool COMMA poised COMMA `` Wo n't you hold on a second COMMA please '' COMMA I covered up the mouthpiece COMMA and with more warmth and less poise COMMA gave a quick lecture on crime and punishment COMMA mostly the latter COMMA including Devil 's Island and the remoter reaches of Siberia . I promised to illustrate the lecture COMMA if they so much as breathed till after the call was completed . Speaking into the phone again and recognizing the caller COMMA I resumed my everyday voice . Soon we were deep in a conversation that was interrupted many times by little things like Jennie 's holding her breath and pretending to black out COMMA Miranda 's dumping the contents of the sugar bowl on the table COMMA and various screeches COMMA thuds COMMA and giggles . Under the circumstances COMMA I had difficulty keeping up with the conversation on the phone COMMA but when I hung up I was reasonably certain that Francesca had wanted to remind me of our town meeting the next evening COMMA and how important it was that Hank and I be there . I discovered that the girls had shrewdly vacated the kitchen COMMA and were playing quietly in the living room . It seemed that I would be the gainer if I accepted the peace and quiet COMMA instead of carrying out my threats . Resolving to get something done COMMA I started in on the dishes . No . I 'm not saying it right . What I meant to say was that I started to start in on the dishes by gathering them all together in the kitchen sink . They looked so formidable COMMA however COMMA so demanding COMMA that I found myself staring at them in dismay and starting to woolgather again COMMA this time about Francesca and her husband . How about them COMMA I thought . Francesca and Herbert were among the few people we knew in Catatonia . We did n't even know them till about a month after we moved -- at that time COMMA they had called on us COMMA after I met Fran at a PTA meeting COMMA and had taken us in hand socially . They had been kind to us and we were indebted to them for one or two pleasant dinners COMMA and for information as to where to shop COMMA which dentist COMMA doctor COMMA plumber COMMA and sitter to call ( not that there was much of a choice COMMA since Catatonia was just a village ; the yellow pages of the telephone book were amazingly thin ) . They were `` personalities '' . Herb COMMA an expert on narrow ties COMMA thin lapels COMMA and swatches COMMA was men 's fashion editor of Parvenu COMMA the weekly magazine with the tremendous circulation . Fran and he had met about two years after she had arrived in Manhattan from Nebraska COMMA or was it Wyoming ? She was the daughter and sole heiress of either a cattle baron or an oil millionaire and COMMA having arrived in New York with a big bank roll COMMA became a dabbler in various fields . She patronized Greenwich Village artists for awhile COMMA then put some money into a Broadway show which was successful ( terrible COMMA but successful ) . It was during her `` writing '' period that she and Herb met and decided that they were in love . They were married at a lavish ceremony which was duly recorded in Parvenu and all other magazines and newspapers COMMA and then they honeymooned in Bermuda . No COMMA not Bermuda . Bermuda was not in style that year . They had honeymooned in Rome ; everyone was very high on Rome that year . They had bought their house in Catatonia after investigating all the regions of suburbia surrounding New York ; they had chosen Catatonia because of its reputation for excellent schools COMMA beaches COMMA and abundance of names . `` You are bound to get involved with people when you have children '' COMMA Fran had told me at our first meeting COMMA `` so it is good to know that those with whom you get involved are not just dreary little housewives and dull husbands COMMA but People Who Do Things '' . I admired their easy way of doing things but I could n't escape an uneasiness at their way of always doing the right things . Their house was a centuries - old Colonial which they had had restored ( guided by an eminent architect ) and updated COMMA and added on to . It had a gourmet 's corner ( instead of a kitchen ) COMMA a breakfast room COMMA a luncheon room COMMA a dining room COMMA a sitting room COMMA a room for standing up COMMA a party room COMMA dressing rooms for everybody COMMA even a room for mud . It was all set up so there would be no dust anywhere and so that their children would color in the coloring room COMMA paint in the painting room COMMA play with blocks in the block house COMMA and do all the other things in the proper rooms at exactly the right time . Their two boys were `` well adjusted '' and COMMA like their parents COMMA always did the right thing at the right time and damn the consequences . Francesca and Herbert considered themselves violently nonconformist and showed the world they were by filling their Colonial house with contemporary furniture and paintings and other art objects ( expensive COMMA but not necessarily valuable COMMA contemporary things ) . Fran flaunted her independence by rebelling against the Catatonia uniform of Bermuda shorts and knee - length socks by wearing Bermuda shorts and knee - length socks in colors ; bright pinks and plaids and vivid stripes . Sometimes she even wore the uniform in solid COMMA unrelieved black COMMA and with her blonde hair cut so closely COMMA wearing this uniform COMMA she strongly resembled a member of the SS. . No one could dislike them COMMA I thought . Sometimes COMMA though COMMA they did not seem quite human . It seemed COMMA indeed COMMA that their house was not so much a home COMMA but rather a perfect stage set COMMA and that they were actors who had been handed fat roles in a successful play COMMA and had talent enough to fill the roles competently COMMA with nice understatement . Practically the only enthusiasm they showed was when they were discussing `` names '' ; even brand names . You should hear the reverence in Fran 's voice when she said `` Baccarat '' or `` Steuben '' or `` Madame Alexander '' . She always let it be known that there was wine in the pot roast or that the chicken had been marinated in brandy COMMA and that Koussevitzky 's second cousin was an intimate of theirs . I would n't have wasted time puzzling over this couple were it not for my fear that all the other inhabitants of Catatonia were equally unreal . I could n't feel at home among them . Besides Francesca COMMA there was Blanche . Francesca was pleasant and charming COMMA but Blanche was sweet . Yes COMMA Blanche was very COMMA very sweet -- being in her company was like being drowned in warm COMMA melted marshmallows . I had once been a witness when Blanche had smiled and said with only minimum ruefulness COMMA `` Oh COMMA my souffle has collapsed '' . Anyone knows how a real COMMA red-blooded woman would react to such a catastrophe ! If Blanche had been honest COMMA she would have yelled COMMA slammed at least a couple of doors COMMA and thrown a few little COMMA valueless things . But dear me COMMA no ; not Blanche . After five minutes with Blanche COMMA one might welcome the astringency of Grazie COMMA who was a sort of Gwen Cafritz to Francesca 's Perle Mesta . Francesca and Grazie were habitual committee chairmen and they usually managed to be elected co-chairmen COMMA equal bosses COMMA of whatever PTA or civic project was being launched . They were inseparable COMMA not because they were fond of each other COMMA but because they wanted to keep an eye on each other COMMA as they were keen rivals for social leadership . Grazie was mean : quietly mean COMMA and bitterly COMMA unfunnily sarcastic . She it was who had looked to see if I was wearing shoes upon learning that I could n't drive . Grazie had a small COMMA slick head and her hair and skin were the color of golden toast . She lived in an ultra-modern house whose decoration COMMA appointments COMMA paint COMMA and even pets were chosen to complement her coloring ; the pets were a couple of Siamese cats . Her uniform was of rich COMMA raw silk COMMA in a shade which matched her hair COMMA skin COMMA housepaint COMMA and cats COMMA and since she was so thin as to be almost shapeless COMMA she rather resembled a frozen fish stick . The husbands of these women and others I had met in Catatonia were distinguished only in that they were COMMA to me at least COMMA indistinguishable . I could n't tell one from the other . Like Herbert COMMA they were all in communications : radio COMMA television COMMA magazines COMMA and advertising . One or two were writers of books ; all were fellows of finite charm . Each had developed a hair - trigger chuckle and the habit of saying `` zounds '' ! In deference to country - squirehood . I never thought I 'd live to hear people chuckle and say `` zounds '' ! In real life . I would n't have missed it for anything . They were `` sincere '' -- men of the too-hearty handclasp and the urgent smile . These boys acknowledged an introduction to anybody by gently pressing one of his hands in both of theirs COMMA while they gazed COMMA misty-eyed with care COMMA into the eyes of the person they were meeting . Could such unadulterated love COMMA for a total stranger COMMA be credited ? They were always leaping to light cigarettes COMMA open car doors COMMA fill plates or glasses COMMA and I mistrusted the whole lot of them to the same degree that I mistrusted bake shops that called themselves `` Sanitary Bake Shops '' . `` O ! Pioneers ! '' I thought COMMA and wondered what kind of homesteads such odd pioneers would establish in this suburban frontier ; pioneers who looked like off-duty gardeners even at parent - teacher conferences and who never called the school principal `` Mister '' . I sighed COMMA thinking that among other things COMMA people here seemed to be those who would have to cut down if they earned less than $ 85COMMA000 yearly ; people who would give their teeth for a chance to get on `` Person to Person '' ; people who thought it was nice to be important COMMA but not important to be nice ; who were more ingratiating than gracious COMMA more personalities than persons . In my estimation COMMA they were people who read Daphne du Maurier COMMA and discussed Kafka ; well COMMA not discussed him exactly COMMA but said COMMA `` Kafka '' ! Reverently and raised their eyes COMMA as if they were at a loss to describe how they felt about Kafka COMMA which they were COMMA because they had no opinions about Kafka COMMA not having read Kafka . They were COMMA I felt COMMA people invariably trying to prove not who COMMA but what they were COMMA and trying to determine what COMMA not who COMMA others were . Becoming aware that it was nearly lunchtime COMMA I brought myself back to the tasks at hand . I made plans for the afternoon -- doing the breakfast and luncheon dishes all at once COMMA making the beds COMMA and then maybe painting the kitchen . Then COMMA I remembered that the girls had had a banana for dessert every day for the last week . `` Bananas '' ! Jennie had shouted each time . `` They 're not dessert ! They 're not even food . They 're just something you 're supposed to put on cereal for breakfast '' . I dug around and found a mix COMMA and was able to surprise them with a devil 's - food cake with chocolate icing . ( Sometimes I think you need only one rule for cooking : if you ca n't put garlic in it COMMA put chocolate in it . ) The cake was received in a stunned silence that was evidence in itself of the dearth of taste thrills Mama had been providing . Then Jennie closed her eyes COMMA stretched forth her arms COMMA and said : `` Take my hand COMMA Louise ; I 'm a stranger in paradise '' . Needless to say COMMA I was furious at this unparalleled intrusion upon free enterprise . How dared they demand to `` snoop '' in private financial records COMMA disbursements COMMA confidential contracts and agreements ? `` It is as though '' COMMA I said on the historic three - hour COMMA coast - to - coast radio broadcast which I bought ( following Father Coughlin and pre-empting the Eddie Cantor COMMA Manhattan Merry-go-round and Major Bowes shows ) `` That Man in the White House COMMA like some despot of yore COMMA insisted on reading my diary COMMA raiding my larder and ransacking my lingerie ! '' My impassioned plea for civil rights created a landslide of correspondence and one sponsor even asked me to consider replacing the Eddie Cantor comedy hour on a permanent basis . But what quarter could a poor defenseless woman expect from a dictator who would even make so bold as to close all of the banks in our great nation ? The savage barbarian hordes of red Russian Communism descended on the Athens that was mighty Metronome COMMA sacking and despoiling with their Bolshevistic battle cry of `` Soak the rich ' ! After an unspeakable siege COMMA lasting the better part of two months COMMA it was announced that the studio `` owed '' the government a tax debt in excess of eight million dollars while I COMMA who had always remained aloof from such iniquitous practices as paying taxes on the salary I had earned and the little I legally inherited as Morris ' helpless relict COMMA was `` stung '' with a personal bill of such astronomical proportions as to `` wipe out '' all but a fraction of my poor COMMA hard-come-by savings . I was also publicly reprimanded COMMA dragged through the mud by the radical press and made a figure of fun by such leftist publications as The New Republic COMMA The New Yorker COMMA Time and The Christian Science Monitor . It was then that I availed myself of the rights of a citizen and declared the income tax unconstitutional . The litigation was costly and seemingly endless . I fought like a tigress but by the time I appealed my case to the Supreme Court ( 1937 ) COMMA Mr. Roosevelt and his `` henchmen '' had done their `` dirty work '' all too well COMMA even going so far as to attempt to `` pack '' the highest tribunal in the land in order to defeat little me . Presidential coercion had succeeded not only in poisoning the courtiers COMMA `` toadies '' and sycophants of the `` bench '' against me COMMA but it had been so far - reaching as to discourage any lawyer in the nation from representing me ! I was ready COMMA like Portia COMMA to present my own brief . But the Supreme Court would n't even hear my case ! My plea was unanimously voted down and `` thrown out '' . Again COMMA my name was on all the front pages . I was COMMA it seemed COMMA persona non grata in every quarter COMMA but not entirely without a staunch following of noted political thinkers and students of jurisprudence . As Charles Evans Hughes said COMMA `` Miss Poitrine 's limitations as an actress are exceeded only by her logic as a litigant '' . Albert Einstein was quoted as saying : `` The workings of the woman 's mind amaze me '' . Henry Ford spoke of me as `` utterly astounding '' . Heywood Broun wrote : `` Belle Poitrine is the most original thinker since Caligula '' COMMA and even F.D.R. had to concede that `` if the rest of this nation showed the foresight and patriotism of Miss Poitrine COMMA America would rapidly resemble ancient Babylon and Nineveh '' . Not only were the court costs prohibitive COMMA but I was subjected to crippling fines COMMA in addition to usurious interest on the unpaid `` debts '' which the government claimed that Metronome and I owed -- a severe financial blow . Nor COMMA as Manny said COMMA had the notoriety done my career `` any good '' . My enemies were only too anxious to level against me such charges as `` reactionary '' COMMA `` robber baroness '' COMMA and even `` traitor '' ! Traitor indeed ! I point now with pride to the fact that COMMA long ere the Committee on Un-American Activities COMMA the Minute Women COMMA the Economic Council and other such notable `` watchdog '' organizations were so much as heard of COMMA I was Hollywood 's leading bulwark against communism COMMA fighting single-handedly `` creeping socialism '' against such insuperable odds as the Fascio-Communist troops of the NRA COMMA PWA COMMA WPA COMMA CCC and an army of more than twenty-two million mercenaries whom F.D.R. employed secretly COMMA through the transparent ruse of regular `` relief '' checks . Needless to say COMMA my art suffered drastically during this turbulent period . Could it do otherwise ? Even though I have always had a genius for `` throwing myself '' into every role and `` playing it for all it 's worth '' COMMA no actress can be expected to do her best work when her fortune COMMA her reputation COMMA her livelihood COMMA her home and her nation itself are all imperilled . Such sweeping distractions are hardly conducive to `` Oscar '' winning performances . I tried my hardest COMMA with little help COMMA may I say COMMA from my husband and leading man COMMA but somehow the outside pressures were too severe . Having ( through my unflagging effort and devotion ) achieved stardom COMMA a fortune and a world - renowned wife at an age when most young men are casting their first vote COMMA Letch proceeded to neglect them all . Never a `` quick study '' COMMA he now made no attempt to learn his `` lines '' and many a mile of film was wasted COMMA many a scene -- sometimes involving as many as a thousand fellow thespians -- was taken thirty COMMA forty COMMA fifty times because Miss Poitrine 's co-star and `` helpmate '' had never learned his part . Each time Letch `` went up '' in his `` lines '' COMMA I was the one to be patient COMMA helpful and apologetic while he indulged in outbursts of temperament COMMA profanity and abuse COMMA blaming others COMMA going into `` sulks '' and COMMA on more occasions than I care to count COMMA storming off the `` set '' for the rest of the day . As for his finances COMMA I was never privileged to know exactly how much money Letch had `` salted away '' . It was I who paid for our little home COMMA the food COMMA the liquor COMMA the servants -- even Letch 's bills at his tailor and the Los Angeles Athletic Club . Never once did he buy me a single gift and for our third anniversary he gave me a dislocated jaw . ( But that is another story . ) As for his private monies COMMA they were rapidly dissipated in drinking COMMA gaming and carousing . More than once I was confronted by professional gamblers COMMA `` bookies '' COMMA loan `` sharks '' COMMA gangsters COMMA `` thugs '' and `` finger men '' -- people of a class I did not even know existed -- to repay my husband 's staggering losses COMMA `` or else '' I shuddered to think that someone so dear to me could even associate with such a sinister milieu . And at three different times during our turbulent marriage strange girls COMMA with the commonest of accents COMMA telephoned to announce to me that Letch had sired their unborn children ! Having the deepest of maternal instincts COMMA my heart fairly bled when I thought of the darling pink and white `` bundles from heaven '' I would have proudly given my husband . `` Ah COMMA you 're too old '' COMMA was invariably his ungallant and untrue retort whenever I suggested `` starting a family '' . Letch had made it abundantly clear that he did not care for the company of my own precious daughter . I now felt it wiser to keep Baby-dear in school and -- during the summers -- at a camp run by the Society of Friends all year around . Her presence only made Letch more distant and irritable and COMMA in the hurry of buying Chateau Belletch COMMA I had neglected to consider a room for Baby-dear COMMA so there was no place to put her COMMA anyhow . ( I sometimes feel that God COMMA in His infinite wisdom COMMA wants us to have these inexplicable little lapses of memory . It almost always works out for the best . ) Yet I adored this man COMMA Letch Feeley COMMA why COMMA I can not say . With faint heart and a brave smile COMMA I endured his long absences from Chateau Belletch COMMA his coldness COMMA his indifference COMMA his slights and his abuse . The times I can recall when I was publicly humiliated by him -- lovely dinner parties in our Trianon Suite where the collation was postponed and postponed and postponed COMMA only to be served dry and overcooked at a table where the host 's chair was vacant ; a `` splash party '' at the new pool COMMA which I had built in the hope of keeping Letch away from public beaches COMMA when Letch and a certain Aquacutie stayed underwater together for the better part of an hour ; a lovely Epiphany party at Errol Flynn 's COMMA on which sacred occasion Letch stole away with an unknown `` starlet '' COMMA leaving me `` high and dry '' to get home as best I could . These are but a sampling of the insults I endured . As Mrs. Letch Feeley COMMA was it any wonder that I COMMA once the social arbiter of Filmdom COMMA was excluded from the smart entertainments given by the Astaires COMMA the Coopers COMMA the Gables COMMA the Colmans COMMA the Rathbones COMMA the Taylors COMMA the Thalbergs and such devout COMMA closely knit families as the Barrymores and the Crosbys ? As Letch 's antisocial conduct increased COMMA our invitations decreased and my heart was in my mouth whenever I played hostess at a fashionable `` screenland '' gathering . Between 1935 and 1939 Letch and I made ten films together COMMA each less successful COMMA both artistically and commercially COMMA than the one before it . Our last joint venture COMMA Sainted Lady COMMA a deeply religious film based on the life of Mother Cabrini COMMA and timed so that its release date would coincide with the beatification of America 's first saint in November COMMA 1938 COMMA was a fiasco from start to finish . As I was playing Mother Cabrini COMMA the picture was actually `` all mine '' COMMA with nearly every scene built around me . But in order to keep Letch in the public eye and out of trouble COMMA I wrote in a part especially for him -- that of a dashing ruffian who `` sees the light '' and is saved by the inspiring example of Mother Cabrini . And did he appreciate my efforts on his behalf ? Did he trouble to memorize the very small part which I had `` tailor-made '' to his specifications COMMA a role eventually cut down to three short speeches ? Did he show the rest of the cast -- numbering four thousand -- the consideration of arriving at the studio punctually -- or even at all ? He did not ! The `` shooting '' went on for eight months ! Most of our working days were spent on the telephone calling `` bookies '' COMMA illegal gambling dens COMMA a certain `` residential club for young actresses '' COMMA more than a hundred different bars or the steam room of the athletic club . Whenever he deigned to appear at the studio he was `` hung over '' COMMA uncooperative COMMA rude and insulting . He made many tasteless COMMA irreverent and unfunny remarks COMMA not only about me in the title role COMMA but about religion in general . By the time the film was released we were three million dollars over-spent COMMA war was imminent and the public apparently had forgotten all about Mother Cabrini . Thanks to Letch Feeley and the terrible strain he imposed on me COMMA the notices were few and unfavorable . Only George Santayana seemed to understand and appreciate the film when he wrote : `` Miss Poitrine has perpetrated the most eloquent argument for the Protestant faith yet unleashed by Hollywood '' . But it was small consolation . In a rare fit of anger and spite COMMA I `` farmed out '' my own husband to a small and most undistinguished studio to make one picture as a form of punishment . ( An actor must have discipline . ) The film was called The Diet of Worms COMMA which I felt was just what Letch deserved . It turned out to be a life of Martin Luther COMMA of all things ! It was a disaster ! In clothes COMMA Letch simply did not project . He was laughed off the screen . At the same time COMMA however COMMA I availed myself of the services of that great English actor and master of make-up COMMA Sir Gauntley Pratt COMMA to do a `` quickie '' called The Mystery of the Mad Marquess COMMA in which I played a young American girl who inherits a haunted castle on the English moors which is filled with secret passages and sliding panels and COMMA unbeknownst to anyone COMMA is still occupied by an eccentric maniac . It was a `` potboiler '' made on a `` shoestring '' and not the sort of film I like COMMA as all I had to do was look blank and scream a great deal . My heart was not in it COMMA but COMMA oddly enough COMMA it remains the most financially successful picture of my career . ( I watched it on television late one night last week and it `` stands up '' remarkably well COMMA even twenty years later . ) Letch had returned from his debacle unrepentant and more badly behaved than before . I really loved that boy COMMA and COMMA in a feverish attempt to preserve our marriage and to try to revive the wonderful COMMA wonderful person Letch had once been COMMA I took my troubles to Momma COMMA hoping that her earthy advice would help me . `` If I could only think of something at the studio COMMA near me COMMA to absorb his boundless energy '' COMMA I said . `` What is Letch interested in '' ? `` Bookies COMMA booze and babes '' COMMA Momma said bluntly . Her reply stung me COMMA but this was too important to let my hurt make any difference . `` I ca n't turn the studio into a gambling hell or a saloon '' COMMA I said . A Brief History Prehistoric man in Asia Minor ( now modern Turkey ) or Greece could look out across the Aegean toward the horizon and see the faint silhouette of land . Their curiosity pushed them to build vessels that were strong enough to ford the open seas and reach these islands COMMA marking the start of the long legacy of Mediterranean seafaring . Around 7000 b. c. COMMA the Phoenicians set out from what is now Iran to explore their surroundings . They eventually reached the islands COMMA and founded colonies on the islands in the northernmost part of the Aegean Sea . An important early material COMMA obsidian COMMA was discovered on the island of Milos . Obsidian is a hard COMMA vitreous volcanic rock COMMA which could be fashioned into tools for cutting and stabbing . The high quality of the seam on Milos ensured that the area remained popular with early travelers . The basic elements of life in the Aegean began to come together as early as 5000 b. c. COMMA and were already in place by the late Bronze Age ( c. 2700 b. c. ) . The major changes were not to daily tasks and routines COMMA but to the political power base COMMA which changed regularly and not necessarily peacefully throughout the ages . Cycladic Culture At around 3500 b. c. COMMA a sophisticated culture evolved in the Cyclades islands . The distinctive COMMA sculpted marble figures of the era are now being reproduced in vast quantities as souvenirs . You will find original examples in the archaeological museums throughout the Cyclades COMMA although one of the earliest examples is in the museum on Paros . The people farmed and fished ; on the dawning of the Bronze Age in 2700 b. c. COMMA they began to work with metals . The Cycladic culture was influenced by societies in the east COMMA importing the pottery wheel from Mesopotamia . They also continued to trade in obsidian and the local marble . The Minoans and the Myceneans Farther south in Crete COMMA the Minoan culture developed after 2000 b. c. into the most significant of its age COMMA spreading its influence throughout the region by trade and diplomacy . Santorini ( Thira ) COMMA the next major island north COMMA was heavily influenced by Crete COMMA and the settlements of Thira and Akrotiri thrived at this time . The magnificent frescoes and mosaics found at Akrotiri are in Athens at present COMMA but the remains of the buildings at the site provide ample evidence of the sophistication of the culture here . Around 1500 b. c. COMMA a massive volcanic eruption at Santorini destroyed not only Akrotiri — under feet of ash and pumice — but the whole Minoan civilization . Massive tidal waves swept over Crete COMMA and other parts of the Mediterranean COMMA smashing buildings and drowning many thousands of people . In the wake of this tremendous natural upheaval COMMA the Aegean Islands next came under the influence of the Mycenaeans ( at around 1300 b. c. ) COMMA who had a base in the Peloponnese region of the Greek mainland . The Mycenaeans were an acquisitive race who came to conquer COMMA not to trade . Their extensive military campaigns were later chronicled by Homer in his epic poems The Odyssey and The Iliad . The Rise of Athens The Dorians COMMA who came overland from northern Europe COMMA conquered the Mycenaeans . They were a barbaric race COMMA and their custody of the area brought about a dark period during which the written word was forgotten and art disappeared . They held sway over islands off the northern Greek coast COMMA but the Phoenicians kept control of the main sea routes ; south of the area COMMA trade continued as usual . At the same time COMMA city-states began to grow in influence on the southern Greek mainland . Athens became the most powerful COMMA heralding the start of the classical Greek period . However COMMA Greece was not yet a country ; each city-state was self - governing and autonomous . The new culture spread throughout the Mediterranean COMMA helped by a huge increase in migration from the mainland to new settlements such as Carthage COMMA a Greek city on the African coast of the Mediterranean . Culture and the arts flourished once again . Athletic prowess was admired and the Olympic games were constituted in 776 b. c. COMMA to promote friendly competition . Homer wrote his epic works on Chios ; and lyrical poetry was much admired COMMA particularly the work of the poets Archilochos on Paros and Sappho on Lesvos . The preeminent islands of this era were Delos COMMA a sacred island and center of religion ruled by Athens ; Samos COMMA ruled by the tyrant Polycrates ; and Naxos COMMA whose ruler Lygdamis undertook some major building projects . Archaeology shows that COMMA during this time COMMA societies lived mainly in coastal trading towns with little settlement inland . The Persian Wars As Athens rose in influence and power in the West COMMA it was matched in the East by the rise of the Persian Empire . From a power base in Anatolia COMMA the Persians overran the eastern Aegean Islands and set their sights on the Cyclades . In 490 b. c. COMMA they captured sacred Delos and razed the settlements on Naxos . The island communities were undecided about which side to back for a time . Paros and Andros contributed to the Persian armory COMMA while others supported Athens . The two superpowers finally clashed at the epic battles of Marathon and Salamis in 480 b. c . The Persians were defeated COMMA and Athens duly punished the islands that had turned against it . Following its victory COMMA Athens introduced the concept of a mutual protection alliance ( a kind of NATO of the ancient world ) . Several islands and Greek city-states agreed to work together COMMA and created a treasury to fund their plans COMMA which was held on the island of Delos . The alliance became known as the Delian League . Although there were minor internal wrangles COMMA the league controlled the Aegean and the greater Athenian Empire for most of the fifth century b. c . Later COMMA in 454 b. c. COMMA the treasury was transferred to Athens and its deposits were used to finance the construction of many of the major buildings and temples of the Classical Age . In 431 b. c. COMMA Athens began a war with its neighbor and league member Sparta . Although the islands saw little action COMMA as the war went on they could see that Athens was slowly losing its power . Before the end of the war in 401 b. c. COMMA many islands had already transferred their allegiance to the victors COMMA who were led by Philip II of Macedon . He was followed in 336 b. c. by his son Alexander the Great COMMA one of the most remarkable leaders in history . His rise to power ushered in the Hellenistic period . Hellenistic and Roman Periods When Alexander went on to conquer lands as far to the east as India COMMA the Aegean became a crossroads for the long trading routes . Delos became one of the largest marketplaces in the empire . Following Alexander ’s death COMMA his lands were divided among his generals . Much of the Aegean came under the rule of the Ptolemies COMMA along with Egypt . Cleopatra was a member of this famous ruling clan . Although in 88 b. c. COMMA Mithradates made a swift and successful raid from the East across Asia Minor and the Aegean Islands COMMA the next major power change brought influence from the West . The Greek Hellenistic Empire was gradually COMMA and peacefully COMMA absorbed into the Roman Empire . The Byzantine Empire and the Coming of Christianity The Romans ruled a pagan empire COMMA but the Aegean had an important influence on the early development of Christianity . In a. d. 95 COMMA St. John arrived on Patmos COMMA a small rocky island in the Dodecanese COMMA as a political prisoner . It was here that he wrote what was to become the final book of the New Testament COMMA the Book of Revelation . It was n’t until a. d. 330 COMMA however COMMA when the newly converted Emperor Constantine made Byzantium COMMA renamed Constantinople COMMA capital of his Eastern Empire that Christianity was assured of its dominant role in future Greek life . The Byzantine Empire had powerful and well - fortified cities COMMA but the countryside and the outlying islands were ravaged by waves of invaders . In an attempt to counter a threat from the Saracen Muslims COMMA a new potent religious force from the East COMMA the Byzantine army forcefully enlisted the men of the islands . Disease took a further toll . By the time of the Crusades COMMA many of the Aegean islands had been practically depopulated . As the Byzantine Empire weakened at the end of the first millennium COMMA Crusader forces were sent from Western Europe to counter the Muslim forces and retake Jerusalem for the Christian faith . Unfortunately COMMA their zeal was not matched by their discrimination . The crusaders swept through the land of Byzantium slaughtering Christians as well as Muslims COMMA civilians as well as soldiers . Constantinople was taken by Crusader forces in 1204 COMMA and they stripped the city of many of its finest treasures — which now grace the public buildings of Venice — although a large consignment of books and manuscripts was transferred to the monastery at Patmos before the city fell . While Byzantine land was being divided COMMA there was no one in control of the seas COMMA so pirates raided towns on many of the islands . To counter this COMMA the populations moved from their homes on the coast and built settlements inland COMMA out of sight of the raiding parties . This created a pattern seen today throughout the Aegean of a small port ( skala ) which serves an inland settlement or chora COMMA making it easier to protect the island from attack . The minor Aegean Islands were taken by various powerful European noblemen COMMA many of whom were Genoese or Venetian COMMA such as Marco Sanudo on Naxos . The noblemen had free rein to create their own fiefdoms . The Venetians fortified their main towns — Naxos Town and Antiparos Town are wonderful examples of this — creating labyrinths of narrow alleys and cul-de-sacs that were designed to confuse and to demoralize invaders . The Genoese took control of the eastern Aegean Islands COMMA which were considered the most valuable for agriculture and trade . After a final bloody defeat by the Muslims in 1309 COMMA Christian forces were forced from the Holy Land . The Knights of St. John COMMA a holy military force COMMA made their way to Rhodes and Kos in the Dodecanese . They began the process of building their strong citadels COMMA and reinforcing the Christian faith on the islands . However COMMA they had not seen the last of their Muslim foe . A force was gaining strength in the east to threaten their new bases . The Coming of the Ottoman Turks The Ottomans were roving invaders who came from the east COMMA taking land in what is now Turkey . By the end of the 13th century COMMA they began their first raids on the Aegean Islands . In 1453 COMMA they took Constantinople COMMA and immediately made it their capital COMMA renaming it Istanbul . They then set their sights on the islands of the Knights of St. John and COMMA after an unsuccessful siege in 1480 COMMA they finally ejected the knights from the Dodecanese in 1522 . In 1566 COMMA they wrested Chios from the Genoese COMMA bolstering their hold on the eastern Aegean Islands COMMA but the Cyclades remained in Venetian hands for another generation or more — Tinos was the last to fall in 1715 . The Ottomans brought new influences to the islands that they controlled COMMA forming a large empire that stretched around the eastern Mediterranean . Toward Greek Independence However COMMA a movement was growing on the Greek peninsula against Ottoman rule and for an independent Greek state . In 1770 COMMA Russia came to aid the Greeks ( defined by their Orthodox religion rather than by historical geographical boundaries ) COMMA declaring war on the Ottoman Empire and occupying several Aegean islands until 1774 . Graffiti written by Russian soldiers can be seen in the caves of Antiparos . Although this attempt was unsuccessful COMMA the campaign for a Greek state continued into the 19th century and began to grow in strength . The Aegean Islands played their part . Lesvos COMMA Chios COMMA and Samos lay in the important shipping lanes COMMA and patriots began disrupting Ottoman cargo traffic . In return COMMA the Turks violently put down every insurrection COMMA including the massacre on Chios COMMA when 22COMMA000 people were slaughtered . The Ottoman Empire was weakening COMMA however COMMA and in 1821 COMMA the peoples of the Greek mainland achieved nationhood for the first time . The Cyclades and the Sporades island chains were also included in this new state . A new sense of identity enveloped Greek peoples throughout the Aegean COMMA thus commencing a movement to expand Greece and unify the disparate Orthodox populations . The Twentieth Century A series of disastrous decisions at the beginning of the 20th century began to sound a death knell for the Ottoman Empire . The Turks lost a short war with Italy COMMA and were forced to relinquish the Dodecanese islands to the Italians . Greece took this opportunity to absorb the islands of the northern and eastern Aegean and to add Macedonia to its mainland territories . Following this debacle COMMA the Ottomans then allied themselves to Germany in the World War I COMMA losing more territory with the defeat of the Germans in that war . Greece was handed a strip of land along the western coast of Asia Minor COMMA which for over COMMA00 years had had a substantial Greek population . Greece moved in to administer the land COMMA but a new influence upset any grand dreams of making this region a part of greater Greece . In 1923 COMMA Turkey broke away from the tired Ottoman rulers COMMA and Kemal Ataturk rose to power on a wave of popular support . He promised a modern state for his people COMMA but as the situation became volatile COMMA civil strife broke out in Turkish cities COMMA and those considered Greek were victims of threats and violence . Many had to leave their birthplaces COMMA fleeing to Lesvos COMMA Chios COMMA and Samos COMMA the Greek - ruled islands just offshore . Thousands of people arrived with little more than the clothes they wore COMMA putting great strain on the resources of the islands . Finally COMMA Greece was ousted from its new territory in Asia Minor COMMA which became part of the new Turkish state . Greece attempted to stay out of World War II COMMA but Mussolini saw Greece as an ideal addition to his Italian empire . His forces made a series of attacks from their bases in the Dodecanese islands COMMA including sinking a Greek naval vessel in the harbor of Tinos Town COMMA but they only succeeded in strengthening the resolve of the population against them . Later the Germans came in force and occupied many of the islands . After the war COMMA in 1949 COMMA the Dodecanese islands finally became part of the Greek nation . But the country was politically fragmented COMMA with arguments between monarchists and republicans COMMA right and left COMMA and tension escalated into civil war . The struggle bypassed most of the islands COMMA although there was fierce fighting on Samos . Even after the fighting stopped more than a decade later COMMA the country was not stable . At the same time COMMA the massive growth in air and road transport saw shipping decline in importance . The Aegean Islands COMMA which for centuries had been important ports on the trading routes COMMA became the backwaters of this new transport network and the economies of several islands came close to collapse . In 1967 COMMA the military took the reins of power in Athens COMMA and until 1974 COMMA the “ Colonels ” held sway with a repressive and brutal regime . Many Greek islanders chose to leave rather than live in poverty and terror COMMA and many made new homes in the United States and Australia . The expansion of air travel began the age of mass tourism COMMA and Greece along with the Aegean Islands became exciting destinations for northern Europeans escaping their damp COMMA cool summers . In 1982 COMMA Greece joined the European Common Market ( now the European Union ) . Since this time COMMA membership has been of great monetary benefit to the country . The EU has given large subsidies to develop Greece ’s infrastructure and grants to excavate and protect its ancient monuments . Airfields have been constructed on a number of the islands COMMA and road systems have been expanded and improved . Private investment has even made an increasingly modern ferry fleet possible . Politically COMMA the 1990s have been relatively quiet times for the islands COMMA although the divorce of Greek prime minister Andreas Papandreou and his subsequent marriage to a much younger woman caused consternation within conservative Greek society . As the Balkans flared to war once again COMMA Greek nationalism has stirred COMMA and there have been discussions in the kafeneion about the land of Macedonia returning to the fold of its forefathers . Whether this will ever happen remains to be seen COMMA but perhaps the aid offered by Greece to Turkey after 1999 ’s devastating earthquake is a sign that the animosity between these two traditional enemies is beginning to diminish . A Brief History Jerusalem 's recorded history begins with its mention in Egyptian court records 4COMMA000 years ago COMMA but there had been human settlements here for centuries COMMA probably millennia COMMA before that . At the beginning of the second millennium b. c. COMMA Jerusalem was a Canaanite mountain stronghold on a secondary trade route COMMA far less important than biblical cities such as Hazor COMMA Megiddo COMMA Beth Shean COMMA and Shechem . The earliest name associated with the city COMMA Ur usalim COMMA perhaps meant " city of Shalim " or " founded by Shalim . " Scholars speculate that Shalim might have been an ancient Semitic deity of peace COMMA for the name resembles the modern Hebrew and Arabic words for " peace " : shalom and salaam COMMA respectively . If true COMMA this is an ironic name for a city that would become one of the most constantly and bitterly embattled places on the face of the earth . Biblical Jerusalem In the Bible COMMA Genesis 14 : 18 - 20 records that Abraham visited the city of " Salem " in approximately 1800 b. c. and was blessed by the city 's ruler COMMA Melchzedik COMMA who offered him bread and wine . The city is not mentioned again in the Bible until the time of the great poet warrior COMMA King David COMMA who captured the city from the Jebusites in about 1000 b. c . The Bible describes how David 's soldiers conquered Jerusalem by discovering a water tunnel under the walls and using it to take the city by surprise . Warren 's Shaft COMMA part of a Canaanite water system discovered by 19th - century archaeologists and open to visitors COMMA might be the very tunnel infiltrated by David 's army . Perhaps because Jerusalem was in neutral territory not allotted to any of the twelve rival tribes of Israel COMMA David made it the capital of his newly formed kingdom and brought the most talented artisans COMMA dedicated priests COMMA magical poets and musicians COMMA and the most formidable soldiers from each of the tribes to live in his city . He also brought the Ark of the Covenant COMMA the portable tabernacle containing the Tablets of the Law received on Mount Sinai COMMA to the Spring of Gihon COMMA just outside the walls of Jerusalem . There the Ark rested until it was placed in the Temple COMMA built in approximately 960 b. c. on Mt. Moriah COMMA the high point at the northern end of the city . The Temple ( today known as the " First " Temple ) was completed by David 's son and successor COMMA King Solomon . According to biblical tradition COMMA although David bought the land for the Temple and carefully assembled its building materials COMMA he was deemed unworthy of constructing the Temple because he was a man of war with blood on his hands . At the Temple 's dedication COMMA Solomon addressed his God : " ... the Heavens COMMA even the Heaven of the Heavens COMMA can not contain Thee ; how much less this House that I have built ? " The site of the Temple eventually became identified as Mt. Moriah COMMA on which it stood COMMA where Abraham was called to sacrifice his son Isaac . Along with this splendid house of worship COMMA Solomon built a royal palace COMMA mansions for his wives COMMA temples for the foreign gods worshipped by the princesses he had married COMMA and towers for the defense of the capital . Under the wise reign of Solomon COMMA the city flourished as the capital of an empire that stretched from Damascus to the Red Sea and controlled the trade routes from Egypt to Phoenicia . The Temple and royal palace were adorned with gold and ivory from Africa and with cedar from Lebanon ; the beauties and glories of Jerusalem under Solomon have captivated readers of the Bible for almost 3COMMA000 years . But with his death the empire collapsed COMMA and the Israelite kingdom was divided into two separate COMMA impoverished COMMA often warring nations : Israel COMMA with its capital at Shechem in the north COMMA ruled by a series of northern dynasties ; and the smaller kingdom of Judah COMMA with its capital at Jerusalem COMMA from which the Davidic dynasty continued to rule . The Bible tells us that the cruelty and impiety of the rulers of both kingdoms aroused the fury of the great Prophets . In 701 b. c. the Assyrian armies of Sennacherib destroyed Israel and moved southward to besiege Jerusalem . Thanks to King Hezekiah 's hidden water tunnel COMMA the city narrowly escaped destruction . The end of David 's dynasty came in 587 b. c. COMMA when Nebuchadnezzar COMMA King of Babylon COMMA invaded Judah to lay siege to Jerusalem . When it fell COMMA the Temple and all the buildings were burned . The people of the once - glorious city were forced into an exile known as " the Babylonian Captivity . " In time COMMA the kingdom of Babylon was overthrown and the Israelites were permitted to return to Jerusalem in 539 b. c . The city was now under the more tolerant rule of the Persians COMMA but rebuilding was slow work . The Second Temple was finished in 515 b. c. COMMA but much of the city still lay in ruins . Jerusalem submitted peaceably to the rule of the Greeks in 332 b. c. under Alexander the Great and COMMA subsequently COMMA to his Hellenistic successors as well as the Egyptian Ptolomeys and the Syrian Seleucids . When Seleucid rulers outlawed Judaism COMMA Jews led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers staged a revolution in 167 b. c. and COMMA against all odds COMMA restored the primacy of Jewish religious life in Jerusalem . The Macabbees cleansed the Temple of Hellenistic idols and the blood of pagan sacrifices ; the eight - day celebration of Hanukkah ( Feast of Dedication ) commemorates their victory . The Hasmonean dynasty COMMA descendants of the Maccabee family COMMA ruled an independent Jewish Commonwealth that stretched from the Negev to the Galilee . Jerusalem grew COMMA surrounded with a formidable wall and defended by towers beside the Jaffa Gate . The Hasmoneans ruled until Pompey 's Roman legions arrived in 63 b. c . Roman Jerusalem After the initial years of Roman administration and political infighting COMMA Rome installed Herod ( scion of a family from Idumea COMMA a Jewish kingdom in the desert ) as King of Judea . He reigned from 37 to 4 b. c. COMMA during which time he fortified the Hasmonean wall and rebuilt the defense towers beside Jaffa Gate COMMA the foundation of which still stand . Several palaces were built and a water system installed . Herod also completely rebuilt the Temple COMMA making it one of the most important religious centers in the Roman Empire . The courtyard around the Temple was expanded to accommodate hundreds of thousands of pilgrims COMMA and the Temple Mount was shored up by retaining walls made with great stone blocks . One of these walls COMMA the Western Wall COMMA is today a major reminder of Jerusalem 's greatness under Herod . A massive fortress was built overlooking the Temple Mount COMMA which Herod named " Antonia " in honor of his Roman friend and benefactor COMMA Mark Antony . For all his accomplishments COMMA Herod was nevertheless hated by his subjects ; he taxed COMMA he tortured COMMA and he ordered the massacre of male Jewish infants in an attempt to do away with the heralded Messiah . When Jesus was born in about 4 b. c. COMMA Joseph and Mary escaped Herod 's paranoia by fleeing into Egypt with the new - born infant . They returned to live in the Galilee village of Nazareth COMMA making pilgrimages to Jerusalem . According to biblical accounts COMMA Jesus spent his life ministering in the Galilee Valley . In about a. d. 30 he and his followers went for Passover to Jerusalem COMMA which was in unrest at this time COMMA dissatisfied with Roman domination . Jesus 's entry into the Temple caused a commotion ; after the Passover dinner he was arrested by the temple priests COMMA who were under direct Roman rule . Jesus was put on trial quickly and condemned to crucifixion COMMA a Roman form of execution for political and religious dissidents as well as for common criminals . In a province rife with rebellion and retaliation COMMA the execution in Jerusalem of yet another religious leader from the Galilee did not by itself have an immediate effect on history . After Jesus 's crucifixion COMMA harsh Roman rule continued until a. d. 66 COMMA when the Jews rebelled . For four years Jewish zealots fought against the might of Rome . At the end COMMA the Roman general Titus laid siege to Jerusalem in a. d. 70 COMMA finally attacking its starved and weakened defenders . Those who did n't escape were executed or sold into slavery . The Holy City and the Temple were destroyed . The last of the zealots held out for another three years at Masada ( see page 76 ) . Half a million civilians died in the Galilee and Judea as a result of this first revolt against Rome COMMA a number unequaled in ancient warfare . Christian and Islamic Jerusalem For 60 years Jerusalem lay in ruins COMMA until the Roman Emperor Hadrian ordered the city rebuilt as a Roman town dedicated to Jupiter . In outrage COMMA the Jews began a second revolt against Rome COMMA led by Simon bar Kochba . The ruins of Jerusalem were briefly liberated COMMA but COMMA in the end COMMA Jewish resistance to Rome was defeated with great loss of life . The planned new Roman city COMMA Aelia Capitolina COMMA was built over the ruins of Herodian Jerusalem COMMA and Jews were barred from residing there for all time . Jerusalem 's physical existence as a spiritual city seemed finished COMMA but its spiritual power for Jews COMMA and for the struggling new Christian religion COMMA remained . For the next two centuries Aelia Capitolina enjoyed an innocuous history . But the Roman Empire became Christian in the fourth century COMMA and Jerusalem became a center of religion once again . Queen Helena COMMA a devout Christian and the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great COMMA made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 326 to identify the sites associated with Jesus 's life . She found that the city 's most beautiful Roman temple COMMA dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite COMMA stood on the site of the crucifixion . The temple was demolished and a vast COMMA Classical - style church was built around Golgotha ( the hill where Jesus 's crucifixion was believed to have taken place ) . Throughout Jerusalem COMMA other spots important to Jesus 's life were commemorated with religious structures . Pilgrims came from all over the Roman ( and COMMA later COMMA Byzantine ) Empire during the following centuries COMMA but the prosperity they brought lasted only until 614 COMMA when Persian armies overtook Judea and reduced Jerusalem to rubble again . In 629 COMMA Jerusalem was recaptured by the Byzantines . Still reeling from the effects of the Persian devastation COMMA Jerusalem was conquered in 638 by the forces of Islam . The Temple Mount was identified in Islamic tradition as " the farthest spot " ( in Arabic COMMA el-aksa ) COMMA the site to which the Prophet Muhammad was transported in one night from Mecca on a winged horse COMMA as described in the 17th chapter of the Koran . From here the Prophet ascended to the heavens and was permitted to glimpse paradise . The rock on the Temple Mount from which he ascended COMMA at or close to the site of the ruined Temple COMMA was commemorated by the construction of the Dome of the Rock in 691 . The Dome of the Rock remains Jerusalem 's most striking monument ; it is counted among the most beautiful buildings ever created . By about 715 COMMA the El-Aksa Mosque COMMA third holiest place of prayer in Islam ( after Mecca and Medina ) COMMA had been built on the southern side of the Temple Mount . Jerusalem continued under Islamic rule for the next four and a half centuries . In 1099 COMMA under their leaders Godfrey de Bouillon and Tancred COMMA the Crusaders captured the Holy City for Christendom by slaughtering both Muslims and Jews . Crusaders COMMA Mamelukes COMMA and Turks The Crusaders established a feudal Christian state with Godfrey at its head . They built many impressive churches during the term of the first Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem COMMA but in 1187 they were driven out by Muslim forces under the great warrior Saladin . During the Sixth Crusade ( 1228 - 1229 ) COMMA the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II managed to secure Jerusalem for the Christians by negotiation . The Christians COMMA however COMMA could not hold the city . After they lost Jerusalem COMMA a Mongol invasion swept through COMMA and in 1244 the Mameluke dynasty of Egypt took control COMMA ruling Jerusalem for the next 250 years . The city struggled to rebuild from Crusader wars and invasions . Much of the best Islamic architecture in the city was constructed in the Mameluke era COMMA but the past thousand years had taken their toll : Jerusalem was unable to regain the prosperity it had enjoyed in earlier times . In the early 16th century COMMA the Ottoman Turkish Empire was advancing through the Middle East . Jerusalem fell to the Ottomans in 1517 COMMA remaining under their control for 400 years . Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilt the walls and gates in the form they retain to this day . Fountains COMMA inns COMMA religious schools COMMA and barracks were constructed . But when Suleiman died COMMA his empire COMMA including Jerusalem COMMA began a long period of decline . The Holy City remained a backwater until the 19th century COMMA when renewed interest among Christian pilgrims made it the destination of thousands of travelers each year . 19th - Century Aspirations At the same time COMMA many Jews sought religious freedom and fulfillment by moving to Palestine ( as the Holy Land was traditionally called ) and especially to Jerusalem . In the 1890s COMMA Theodor Herzl ( 1860 - 1904 ) worked to organize a movement COMMA Zionism COMMA to create a Jewish state . Chaim Weizmann ( 1874 - 1952 ) COMMA a scientist born in Russia but later a British subject COMMA did much to put Herzl 's hopes into practice . Weizmann was an important figure in the negotiations with the British government that led to the Balfour Declaration of 1917 COMMA supporting the idea of a Jewish " national home " in Palestine that also respected the rights of existing non-Jewish people already living there . The problem was that British strategists COMMA who were fighting the Ottoman Turks in 1917 COMMA had secretly promised the lands to their World War I Arab allies . In 1922 the League of Nations granted the British a mandate to administer Palestine . Jerusalem flourished during the early years of the Mandate . Modern neighborhoods COMMA hospitals COMMA schools COMMA and the Hebrew University were built in West Jerusalem COMMA the new Jewish enclave . But Arab opposition to new Jewish immigration and construction in Palestine led to increasing strife ; by 1946 COMMA Jerusalem was an armed camp . In 1947 the United Nations voted for the partition of Palestine into two states COMMA one Jewish and one Arab COMMA with Jerusalem as an international city that belonged to neither . But lacking the means to enforce its decision COMMA the United Nations was powerless to halt the fighting that erupted as the British withdrew their troops in 1948 . Modern Israel The State of Israel was declared during this difficult time . In response COMMA member states of the Arab League sent troops to help the Palestinian Arabs . West Jerusalem COMMA separated from the rest of the new Jewish nation COMMA held out under siege for several months until Israeli forces secured a land corridor connecting the city to the coastal areas . Jews were evacuated from the Old City 's Jewish Quarter COMMA and thousands of Arab families fled their homes in West Jerusalem . As a result of armistice agreements in 1949 COMMA Jerusalem was divided : West Jerusalem was to be under Israeli control COMMA and East Jerusalem ( including the Old City COMMA with its Jewish COMMA Muslim COMMA Christian COMMA and Armenian quarters ) came under Jordanian authority . Free access to holy sites for members of all religions was guaranteed by the armistice agreements . However COMMA with the city partitioned by fortifications and barbed wire COMMA no Israeli or Jewish pilgrims were allowed to visit the Western Wall or other Jewish sites in East Jerusalem . For the next 19 years COMMA Jerusalem was two cities . Political and religious boundaries were aggravated by occasional incidents of terrorism or sniping until the Six Day War in June 1967 . Within three days the city was completely in Israeli hands COMMA and in two weeks it was physically and administratively reunited . Jerusalem 's mayor COMMA Teddy Kollek COMMA spent the next 25 years orchestrating a vast program of development COMMA adding new cultural institutions and parks and instituting neighborhood restoration projects while tirelessly mediating the concerns of Jerusalem 's many communities . Today COMMA as always COMMA Jerusalem is a city of controversies : religious Jews in conflict with secular Jews ; Palestinians calling for independence ; many residents protesting a wave of high-rise development that many claim will turn the Holy City into a holy megalopolis . But the ideas and mystique that have always made this an extraordinarily special place rise above the ebbing and flowing concerns of present - day Jerusalem as it continues to tug at the world 's attention into the new millennium . A Physics of Semantics ? Each of the chapters of Investigations broaches new territory . Each is tentative and incomplete COMMA pointing but not fully adequate . Yet COMMA I persistently hope COMMA it is better to light one candle against ... what ? the darkness ? the veil beyond which we have had no framework of questions before ? There are grounds COMMA reasoned about by the best of philosophers and scientists of the past several centuries COMMA to doubt a physics of semantics . We are on shaky ground . Yet when the first hard frost comes COMMA when the birches have been swung COMMA their crimson leaves scattered carelessly COMMA when crystals splint shallow ponds and old egrets stand dark watch the coming dawn COMMA long-legged COMMA knowing how winter is thin COMMA when the first phase transition of water to ice forms slight solidity across meadow streams COMMA small creatures of flesh and concept tiptoe gingerly to some far side where COMMA perhaps COMMA something new is to be found . We have lacked a physical definition of an autonomous agent COMMA able to manipulate the universe on its own behalf — the egret whose foreboding of winter leads to lifted wing and steady COMMA powerful flight . The egret is as much a part of physical reality as the atom COMMA and perhaps more than the vaunted quark . But autonomous agents COMMA we who do daily manipulate the world on our own behalf COMMA we to whom " intentionality " and " purpose " are so inevitably attributed by our common languages COMMA we are COMMA by my definition of autonomous agents COMMA also nothing but physical systems with a peculiar organization of processes and properties . If the concept of autonomous agents were something like a useful — more COMMA a proper — definition of life itself COMMA then autonomous agents span the gap from the merely physical to that new realm of the merely physical where " purpose " is ascribed by all of us to one another . Semantics enters with purpose . For this to be true COMMA it is not necessary that the carriers of purpose COMMA say COMMA the same bacterium heading upstream in the glucose gradient COMMA be conscious . I hope my definition of an autonomous agent is useful COMMA an autocatalytic system carrying out a work cycle COMMA now rather broadened by the realization that autonomous agents also do often detect and measure and record displacements of external systems from equilibrium that can be used to extract work COMMA then do extract work COMMA propagating work and constraint construction COMMA from their environment . Know-how Bring ourselves empathetically and objectively back three billion years to the mixed microbial community flourishing right about where most of us are now COMMA plus or minus a modicum of layers of surface crustal material . I want to say that the autonomous agents comprising that community had COMMA individually and collectively COMMA the embodied know-how to get on with making a living in the natural games that constituted their world . Indeed COMMA as I have emphasized before COMMA a biosphere is a self - consistent coconstruction of autonomous agents COMMA ways of making a living COMMA and the search procedures COMMA mutation COMMA recombination COMMA as well as behavioral search open to autonomous agents . Those means of making a living that were well searched out and mastered by the agents and their search procedures became the kinds of " jobs " that were widely filled COMMA the abundant niches of the bio-sphere . There is in this whole self - constructing system a wider know-how COMMA beyond the know-how of any single autonomous agent spinning eagerly in its microenvironment . Yet COMMA clearly COMMA the know-how is distributed . There is no autonomous agent COMMA no one COMMA who knows how the whole system works COMMA any more than anyone at present knows how the global economic system works in its myriad interactions COMMA deals COMMA steals COMMA hopes COMMA and frustrations . What in the world is " know-how " ? Philosophers distinguish between " know-how " and " know that . " I know how to tie my shoes and am learning how to play jazz drums . " Know that " concerns propositions COMMA most conveniently COMMA human propositions . I know that the moon is — they tell me — not made of green cheese . I know that the earth circles the sun COMMA that the earth is roughly spherical COMMA that chairs are used to sit on . " Know that " brings with it the standard and nonstandard issues of the truth or falseness of propositions as they report states of the world . Perhaps higher primates who are trained to manipulate simple symbols with apparent reference to the world also can " know that " with respect to propositions . Unlike " know that COMMA " " know-how " does not involve propositions about the world . " Know-how " involves procedural knowledge about how to get on in the world . The cheetah streaking after the wildebeest COMMA the athletic genius high jumping COMMA have the know-how to do it . Does a bacterium know how to make a living in its world ? I certainly want to say yes COMMA without attributing consciousness in any way . Watch the myriad subtle turnings on and off of genes COMMA metabolic switching COMMA mechanical twitching COMMA sensing of glucose gradient COMMA swimming and tumbling upstream to higher glucose concentrations . It knows how all right COMMA even if it can not talk about how it gets on with its business . But then COMMA try to talk about tying your shoes or the skilled driving when you become aware some dozens of miles down the road that you have accomplished the tasks without paying the slightest focused attention . Thank God for know-how . Know that is a thin veneer on a four - billion - year - old know-how skill abundant in the biosphere . But any autonomous agent proliferating alone or in a congery of other agents COMMA it would seem COMMA is also graced by the selfsame know-how . If we synthesize autonomous agents in the next decades and they coevolve under our rapt gaze over months or years into a modestly complex ecosystem brimming with novel life forms COMMA they too will know how to make a living in their mutually created world plus the boundary conditions we more or less intelligently impose on them . The know-how is COMMA in these terms COMMA nothing but another view of the propagating closures of catalysis COMMA work tasks COMMA sensing COMMA recording COMMA and acting that we now recognize as inherent in the doings of autonomous agents . The know-how is not outside that propagating organization . The know-how is the propagating organization . Semantics All of which brings us COMMA inevitably COMMA to the brink of semantics . It is simple at its roots COMMA you see . An incoming molecular species arriving in the interior of an autonomous agent really is ( i ) food ; ( ii ) poison ; ( iii ) a signal ; ( iv ) neutral ; ( v ) something else . Once there is an autonomous agent COMMA there is a semantics from its privileged point of view . The incoming molecule is " yuck " or " yum . " I think the major conceptual step to yuck or yum is unavoidable once there is an autonomous agent . And I think we have roughly the Darwinian criteria in mind . If yum COMMA then there will probably be more of this type of agent COMMA offsprings of the first . If yuck COMMA it is not so likely this lineage will prosper . Once yuck and yum COMMA we are not far from C. S. Pierce 's meaning - laden semiotic triad : sign COMMA signified COMMA significans . Like it or not COMMA the glucose gradient is a sign COMMA a predictor COMMA of " more glucose that way . " Granted COMMA the glucose is not an arbitrary symbol COMMA any more than a cloud is an arbitrary symbol of rain . In this restricted sense COMMA signs are causally correlated with that which is signified . By contrast COMMA the relation between the word " chair " and that which it signifies COMMA and on which I am now sitting COMMA is arbitrary . But can chemical signals in bacterial and plant and human communities be arbitrary from a chemical causal point of view ? If so COMMA can " mere chemicals " be signs in the full Piercean sense ? I believe it is clear that mere chemistry in an autonomous agent can harbor symbols and signs in the full senses of the words . Consider first the famous genetic code . Triplets of nucleotides in an RNA molecule stand for specific amino acids that will end up incorporated into a protein . The detailed causal machinery involves transfer RNA molecules with their anticodon site and the distant site to which amino acids are attached COMMA the aminoacyle transferase enzymes that charge the amino acid binding site of each transfer RNA with the proper amino acid among the twenty amino acids COMMA the binding of the charged transfer RNA 's anticodon site to the proper RNA code word triplet COMMA the ribosome that glides between adjacent charged transfer RNA molecules and links the successive amino acids into the growing polypeptide chain that hangs free in the cytoplasm COMMA tethered by the ribosome to the messenger RNA molecule as it is " translated . " The arbitrariness of the genetic code is exemplified by the evolution of novel transfer RNA molecules COMMA which translate a given messenger RNA code word triplet into a different amino acid . As J. Monod properly emphasized three decades ago in a slightly different context concerning activation and inhibition of enzymes at allosteric sites on the enzyme that are distant from the catalytic site COMMA the relation of chemical structures that achieve control of catalysis are utterly arbitrary with respect to the chemical structures that undergo the catalysis . The same is true of the transfer RNA where the anticodon site is distant from the amino acid binding site . Because of this COMMA which amino acid is charged onto a particular transfer RNA is utterly arbitrary and controlled by the aminoacyle transferase enzyme that does the charging COMMA plus the structure of the amino acid binding site on the transfer RNA . Both of these can be altered without altering the anticodon - codon matching mechanism . In short COMMA chemistry allows arbitrary organizations of control relations . It seems fully legitimate to assign the concepts of sign COMMA signified COMMA and significans to the genetic code . It seems legitimate to extend that notion to much of the subtle signaling COMMA chemical and otherwise COMMA within and between autonomous agents COMMA as exemplified by plants that upon infestation by a particular insect secrete a secondary metabolite chemical that " warns " other members of the same species that an insect infestation is happening and to turn on defensive anti-insect secondary metabolites . The calculus that is Claude Shannon 's elegant information theory has always been about reduction of uncertainty about the statistics of the source of a set of symbols . Nowhere in the core of Shannon 's work concerning the encoding and transmission of information does the meaning COMMA or semantics COMMA of the information enter . This is no criticism COMMA and is widely known and appreciated . There is COMMA however COMMA just a hint of semantics in Shannon 's view that the semantics resides in the " decoder . " I can not buy Shannon 's view unless the decoder is an autonomous agent . If not COMMA then the decoder merely transforms a bit string sent along a communication channel into some other discrete or continuous dynamics — perhaps a set of water - filled bowls is drained by turning on a machine that opens valves between the bowls and to the outside world in particular ways . The patterns of bowl drainage upon receipt of the binary string messages sent along the communication channel constitutes the decoding . But if the recipient is an autonomous agent such as a bacterium and the incoming molecule is a symbol-sign of a paramecium or an amoeba on the roam and the bacterium swims away and avoids becoming dinner COMMA that sequence of events seems laden with semantics . If only the bacterium could tell us : " Did you see that truck of a paramecium coming at me ? I 've run into that one before ! I ducked under a boulder COMMA and he never sensed me . I made it home . Pass me some more glucose please COMMA Martha . " I will return in the next chapter to discuss such stories COMMA for I will say that we can not prestate the configuration space of a biosphere and COMMA therefore COMMA can not deduce that which will unfold . Thus COMMA among other things COMMA we must tell stories to understand the oriented actions of agents in their worlds . Do not be overly quick to accuse me of anthropomorphizing . I too know the risks COMMA including the common claim that we can always in principle translate from " intentional talk " to the fully predictive causal account of the events in question . But patience . Not only are we unable to prestate the configuration space of a biosphere and predict what will unfold COMMA but we also can not even translate — in the sense of necessary and sucient conditions from legal talk to normal intentional talk COMMA let alone from legal talk of Henderson found guilty of murder to a physical talk about sound - wave forms monitored and masses at space - time lines as a description . Then let 's just be naive for the moment . The semantics of the yuck or yum coming into a simple autonomous agent say COMMA an early bacterium is somehow linked with the embodied know-how of that agent in making a living COMMA or failing to make a living COMMA in its world . The semantics of an event is some subset of the fully embroidered COMMA context - dependent set of causal implications of the event COMMA or signal COMMA in question . " For want of a nail COMMA the shoe was lost ; for want of the shoe COMMA the horse was lost ; and for want of the horse COMMA the rider was lost COMMA " more or less COMMA said Benjamin Franklin . The semantics of the nail is some subset of this embroidered context - dependent set of implications of the event COMMA or signal COMMA in question to the autonomous agents in the coevolving system . It seems hard to ascribe purpose COMMA in the sense of acting on its own behalf COMMA to a stone or a chair and easy with respect to an alga . Of course COMMA there is a sense in which my attribution of semantics to autonomous agents is purely tautological . After all COMMA I began by stating that a bacterium swimming upstream in the glucose gradient was acting on its own behalf in an environment COMMA defined an autonomous agent as a physical system able to act on its own behalf COMMA then asked what a physical system must be such that it can act on its own behalf . Now COMMA five chapters later COMMA it is hardly an independent deduction that autonomous agents are the proposed organization of matter COMMA energy COMMA and organization to which purposes can be ascribed in the sense of being able to act on their own behalf . My definition is a definitional circle . On the other hand COMMA while the definition is circular COMMA like F = MA and Darwin 's " natural selection " and " fitness COMMA " that does not mean that the set of codefined concepts surrounding my definition of an autonomous agent as a reproducing system that does a work cycle fails to touch the real world . Stones and chairs are not COMMA by my definition COMMA autonomous agents . All living cells are . And the stunning fact directly before us COMMA every day COMMA is that autonomous agents do manipulate the world on their own behalf . Watch a pair of nesting birds build their nest . In short COMMA once we have autonomous agents and yuck and yum COMMA it appears that semantics enters the universe as the agents coevolve and behave on their own behalf with one another in the unfolding of a biosphere . Knowing What about " knowing " ? Daniel Dennett COMMA in his fine book Darwin 's Dangerous Idea COMMA advances a hierarchy of forms of " knowing COMMA " if I may use that term COMMA that have arisen in evolution by Darwinian means . I find his hierarchy congenial and informative . Dennett envisions evolution as a sequence of kinds of construction cranes that bit by bit build up higher - order entities via variation and natural selection . I do not disagree COMMA although I have placed far greater emphasis on the roles of self-organization in evolution . Here COMMA in Investigations COMMA I am trying to point at the mysterious but utterly natural hopefulness in which an increasing diversity of broken symmetries in the universe creates the diversity of structures and processes that can constitute and identify ramified and ramifying sources of energy COMMA detect those sources of energy COMMA create devices and processes that couple to those sources of energy COMMA and generate yet more diversity that propagates macroscopic order even further . I wonder COMMA in short COMMA at the naturalness and self-generaticity of Dennett 's cranes building cranes building cranes in biospheres COMMA perhaps planetary geologies COMMA and beyond . But back to the past . Dennett distinguishes " Darwinian creatures COMMA " " Pavlovian creatures COMMA " " Popperian creatures COMMA " and " Gregorian creatures . " A simple autonomous agent COMMA say COMMA a bacterium COMMA is a Darwinian creature . In its simplest version COMMA the creature evolves by mutation COMMA also recombination and natural selection . For the moment COMMA no behavioral learning is to be considered . So one ( or a colony or an ecosystem ) of Darwinian creatures adapts more or less as Darwin told us . At the next level up COMMA say COMMA aplysia COMMA a nervous system is present COMMA and the creature is capable of stimulus - response learning COMMA à la Pavlov . Indeed COMMA aplysia can learn very simple conditioned stimuli — the later analogue is the bell causing the dog to salivate in " expectation " of food . At the next level ( Dennett COMMA perhaps properly COMMA reserves this for us vertebrates ) is the Popperian creature . Popperian creatures COMMA in Dennett 's fine phrase COMMA have " internal models " of their world and can " run the internal model " with the clutch disengaged COMMA rather than running the model in real time in the real world . This allows us lucky Popperian creatures to allow our " hypotheses to die in our stead . " I love that image . Beyond the Popperian is the Gregorian creature namely COMMA at least humans . Dennett makes the wonderful argument that we utilize our tools literally stone knives COMMA arrows COMMA digging sticks COMMA machine tools to enlarge our shared world of facts and processes . This enlarged shared world gives us more know-how COMMA and more know that . Cultural evolution COMMA at some point COMMA begins to burst out - of - bounds . Hard rock music jangles the minarets of Iran . Who knows what new cultural forms will blossom ? Chinese cooking lands in Cuba COMMA and Cuban - Chinese cuisine is invented . What 's next under the sun ? Who can say ? I very much like Dennett 's ladder of know-how COMMA and eventual know that . Without invoking consciousness COMMA not because it is not worth invoking but because so little sensible has ever been said on the subject COMMA it seems worth asking how much of this hierarchy could be realized by simple molecular systems COMMA even without evoking nerve cells . I would think a lot of this hierarchy could find molecular realizations . For example COMMA bacteria and amoebae do have a kind of Pavlovian learning already COMMA for they have receptors that accommodate to a constant level of a given signal ligand and sense instead a change from the current level . This is not yet the association of a more or less arbitrary conditioned stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus COMMA but I can imagine chemistry to accomplish the latter . As neurons are supposed to proliferate and form novel synaptic connections that survive if used and to mediate the linkage of conditioned to unconditioned stimulus COMMA why not envision a complex chemistry COMMA say COMMA very complex carbohydrate - synthesis patterns sustained by complex sets of enzymes whose activities are modulated by the dierent carbohydrates themselves COMMA which is true of contemporary carbohydrate metabolism . Such a system might blindly try out variant patterns of synthesis until it could establish a self - sustaining web linking the carbohydrates COMMA the enzymes COMMA and certain protein receptors mediating the linkage between unconditioned and conditioned stimulus COMMA then maintain that linkage by positive feedback loops . The image is not too far from how it is imagined that " idiotype " and " anti-idiotype " immune networks work to sustain synthesis of a set of desired antibodies against an incoming pathogen . In such networks COMMA for which there is modestly good evidence COMMA a given first antibody serves as an antigen that stimulates the body to produce a second antibody that binds to the unique amino acid sequences COMMA called the " idiotype " of the first antibody . In turn COMMA the second " anti-idiotype " antibody stimulates a third COMMA which stimulates a fourth . But this series is likely to form feedback loops because the first and third antibody can often both bind to the same site on the second antibody COMMA hence COMMA the first and third antibodies are similar shapes in shape space . It is not much of a stretch to think of the immune system as a conditioned stimulus response system . Popperian creatures ? Why can not the molecular-sensing and hypothesis-testing churning concerns of the bacterium as it senses a paramecium churn twenty cycles before kicking in the rotary motor COMMA or not COMMA such that the wee bacterium hides under a boulder of a grain of sand until the beast passes by ? Are nerves necessary ? Plants COMMA as noted COMMA are said to signal one another with complex secondary metabolites to characterize the particular kinds of insects infesting the glade . There are arbitrary structural relations between the metabolite and the insect COMMA just as symbols in human language are often arbitrary with respect to the signified . Not bad for nerveless nonvertebrates . I do get stuck at Gregorian creatures . Even here COMMA the free and open creating of new symbol strings in a language COMMA wherever new sentences can be created COMMA is not that fundamentally different from the persistent open creation of new kinds of molecules in the biosphere as a whole . If the conversation we recent two-legged ones are having with respect to our digging sticks and atomic bombs is impressive COMMA so too is the chemical conversation in any full - fledged ecosystem COMMA where we are all instrumental in the lives of one another . I suppose I am naively driven to consider that the biosphere COMMA with its urgent diversity in which COMMA emboldened by all our know-how COMMA we do get on with a very rich conversation COMMA may very early already have harbored all the levels of which Dennett speaks . We humans are just more gregarious with our vocal cords and e-mail COMMA I guess . Smart place COMMA a biosphere COMMA lots to talk about . Four billion years of yammering . Slapstick comedy may have started a long time ago . Ethics And what of ethics ? Does a whiff of ethical issue arise with autonomous agents ? Yuck or yum from my point of view if I am an autonomous agent . There are deep reasons for caution . Hume told us long ago about the " naturalistic fallacy " : One can not deduce " ought " from " is . " From the fact that mothers care for their young COMMA we can not deduce that they ought to do so COMMA Hume argued . From the fact that Hitler set out to conquer Europe and more and to kill Jewry COMMA we can not deduce that he ought to have done so . Indeed COMMA Hume 's injunction underlies the caution of scientists about making ethical statements . We scientists find the facts . You citizens across the globe can argue the ethics . But if Hume warns us not to deduce ought from is COMMA where do values come from at all ? Hume 's injunction against deduction from is to ought nevertheless began by recognizing the legitimacy of the category " ought . " The efforts following Hume to understand the meaning of ethical assertions have been long COMMA twisted COMMA arduous . Following the dictates of the logical positivists of the Vienna Circle that only those statements capable of verification were meaningful COMMA philosophers as famous as G.E. Moore came to wonder if ethical assertions were merely emotive utterances . " It is wrong to kill . " Becomes COMMA " Agggah ! " Does the positivist argument seem persuasive ? It has always amused me that the core injunction of the logical positivists COMMA " only those statements that are empirically verifiable are meaningful COMMA " is itself not empirically verifiable . One is reminded of something about hoisting and petards . John Rawls of Harvard has argued eloquently that our human notions of fairness derive from what we would all " contractually " agree to COMMA were we to know before birth that we would all be born with differing abilities and endowments . Thus " equality before the law " is one contract that Rawls commends to us . " Equality before the law " is far more refined than the yuck or yum of the bacterium . The emergence of ethics in the evolution of life on this planet is a fascinating issue . I will content myself with wondering where " value " and the rudiments of " intentionality " come from in the physical universe in the first place and leave social contracts for other efforts . Where is the place of value in a world of fact ? So COMMA a short soliloquy . Facts are know-that statements . But know-how preceded know that . While fully aware of Hume 's injunction COMMA I think that from the autonomous agent 's perspective COMMA yuck or yum is primary COMMA unavoidable COMMA and of the deepest importance to that agent . I suppose we apply the Darwinian criteria . Too much yuck COMMA this one and its progeny are gone from the future of the biosphere . Without attributing consciousness to an E. coli COMMA or an autonomous agent we may create in the near future COMMA I can not help but feel that the rudiments of value are present once autonomous agents are around . And again without attributing consciousness COMMA once an autonomous agent is around is the rudiment of intentionality present ? If so COMMA another cornerstone of ethical activity has been laid . Ethical behavior requires first the logical possibility of behavior for which one is responsible . You are not responsible for acts and effects beyond your control . To act ethically COMMA you must first be able to act at all . But what are " acts " in the first place ? Daniel Yamins is a brilliant young mathematician . Now entering Harvard COMMA Dan spent a summer with me at the Santa Fe Institute before he learned to drive COMMA after an earlier summer spent in the laboratory of Jack Szostak at Harvard COMMA where COMMA at age fourteen COMMA Dan was learning to evolve RNA molecules to bind arbitrary ligands . Dan and I struggled that summer to make the distinction between the " doings " of an autonomous agent and mere happenings in and around the autonomous agent . Note we say the E. coli is swimming upstream in the glucose gradient to get dinner . But all sorts of molecular vibrational COMMA rotational COMMA and translational motions are occurring . What are actions and what are mere happenings ? I do not think we were successful in drawing a clean distinction between doings and happenings with clear mathematics . But I sense that the distinction between doings and happenings COMMA Dan 's happy phrasing COMMA is relevant for E. coli COMMA tigers COMMA us COMMA trees COMMA and autonomous agents in general . We will meet a similar problem in the next chapter when we attempt to distinguish between the function of a part of an organism and the other causal consequences of that part of the organism . Strange and interesting COMMA is it not COMMA that these issues all seem to arise with autonomous agents but not otherwise ? Granted that we here seem to confront the language game circularity alluded to earlier COMMA yet I do truly think that the rudiments of semantics COMMA intentionality COMMA value COMMA and ethics arise with autonomous agents . I do not think those rudiments suffice to jump over Hume 's naturalistic fallacy . We can not deduce ought from is in any concrete context COMMA but I think we have the categories of ought and is in the physical universe once we have autonomous agents .