Buck Fever
Page 27
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The woman stepped out of the darkness again as Jack approached.
“Did you bring bread?” she said, anxiously.
Jack held up the leather pouch.
“That is a small loaf. Small loaf; small pleasure.”
Jack’s head suddenly buzzed violently. “Lift up your dress,” he commanded.
“Not here; over there,” she said, pointing to an alleyway.
“Now!” he commanded, furtively removing a knife from the leather pouch.
Terror overcame the woman as she slowly lifted her fluffy dress revealing soft white flesh.
After hiding the knife into his right coat pocket, Jack dropped the leather pouch, and raised his hands to stop a forthcoming scream.
~ ~ ~
“He ripped her…ripped her open with a sharp blade,” the constable said, pointing at the woman’s groin. “First, he strangled her and then ripped her.”
The man from the morgue standing next to him nodded. “They are very precise cuts, though, perhaps someone with medical training.”
“Or maybe a butcher’s apprentice. She will make a fine specimen for the students to work on at the hospital.”
Afterword
By: R. A. Rupp
The inspiration for this novel was conjured from actual references found on the Internet about Ergotism and its possible impact on Salem witches. Grain and bread are the basis for much of the human food chain throughout history. Add the impacts of Ergotism on producing psychosis and dementia, and the fact that Ergot is a precursor to LSD, and one has great possibilities for retelling history.
Ergot poisoning, known as Ergotism, is caused by the ingestion of alkaloids produced by the Claviceps purpurea fungus. The fungus infects rye and other grains. Ergot-based drugs containing toxic ergoline derivatives (such as methylergometrine, ergotamine or ergotoxine) have been used to combat migraine headaches and other illnesses.
Ergotism can be caused by eating grain contaminated with the fungus or through drug derivatives. It can also be passed from mother to child through breast milk. It is known as ergotoxicosis, ergot poisoning and Saint Anthony’s Fire.
Symptoms of poisoning are divided into convulsive and gangrenous symptoms. Convulsive symptoms include seizures, headaches, vomiting, nausea and spasms. Gangrenous symptoms include vasoconstriction of the fingers and toes causing tingling or pain.
Hallucinations, like those caused by LSD (lysergic acid) are possible. The ergot alkaloid ergotamine is a precursor and similar to the structure of LSD. Other mental effects are mania and psychosis. Albert Hofmann was the first to synthesize LSD in 1938 from the ergot fungus. LSD later became a recreational drug associated with the 1960’s hippie counterculture as a hallucinogen.
Ergotism poisoning has been indicated as causing the symptoms associated with those documented during the Salem witch trials known as “bewitchment.”
The use of decongestants and related drugs, plus diseases and viruses appear to also change or enhance the effect of the poisoning.
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The preceding definition of Ergotism and related information should not be referenced as documented fact. They respectfully remain this author’s interpretation and opinion of information found on the Internet. Please search the Internet or browse your local library for specific historical references.
About The Author
Robert lives with his wife and family in Michigan. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, a Vietnam War veteran and retired from the Information Technology industry. Robert has written four books. His first, an autobiography of Vietnam War experiences, though not published, led to trying his hand at technically believable, character-driven science fiction. Robert continues to write and has other novels in various stages of development. Find Robert’s novels through your favorite book retailer and www.rarbooks.com.
Soon to be published novels include:
Nutcracker-Travels Through An Alien Mind
The Slave Dog Journals
Table of Contents
Title
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Epilogue
2500 B.C. – Egyptian Influence
32 A.D. – Biblical Influence
1550 A.D. – Nostradamus
1692 A.D. – Salem Witch Trials
1888 A.D. – Jack the Ripper
Afterword
About The Author