Saint's Fire

by Mathew J. Bowyer

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.

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The Author - Mathew J. Bowyer, a retired career government worker, was a Tour Foreman at Dulles International Airport Mail Facility, Washington, D. C. He said of his job; "My father lost a fortune in the 'Crash of '29'. 1 grew up in the Depression Days. So. I wanted security. The Postal Service gave that to me."

He is a well-known freelance writer whose articles, covering a spectrum of human interests regularly appeared in national publications. Now out of print, his book, "THEY CARRIED THE MAIL: A Survey of Postal History and Hobbies" (Luce/McKay-1972), received national acclaim. He is an author of non-fiction books on mysticism, collecting, investing, religion and historic fiction. His writings, he says, "is just a hobby."

For several years, Mat wrote a monthly column-"Washington Wrappers"-for the nation's largest (90,000 circ.) philatelic newspaper, Linn's Stamp News. Also, a column-"Mat's Chat"-for the National League of Postmasters' magazine and a syndicated column for Trans-World News Service.

Adding flavor to his writing and engagements as an after-dinner speaker, Mat's travels - at times as a tour host - have included virtually all of the European countries, the MIDEAST and the Pacific.

The Book - This historical novel contains

Time Span: Lincoln Assassination to two years later.
Locale: From Washington, D.C. to San Francisco.
Leading Characters:
Protagonist: "Jim Bob" Witt.
His elder, companion and mentor: Sol Abram, a Jew.
Unrequited Love: Melissa "Honey" Carter
Bill Blunt: Honey's restauranteur uncle, with whom she travels.
Antagonists: Twin Cousins: Chad and Shad.

The so-called "Civil War" was now over. But, it was this ending that launched the new America into its most uncivil era of "civilizing the West." The stage is set with characters returning from the just-finished "War Between the States." Our protagonist's father (whose whereabouts "out West" are unknown) is to inherit a fortune from his grandfather in England, but he must claim it within two years or it will be passed to those of the next generation (Jim Bob and his twin cousins). The ever-optimistic lad decides he must strike out in the direction of the setting sun to find his father. Prefacing his departure, a strange phenomenon - the fabled Saints Fire - sparkles in his vision, becoming his token and tormentor.

Black Bucephalus brings word that Lincoln has been shot. Jim Bob's former tutor, Sol, a member of the original "Secret Service" that would later become the embroyo of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, must report back to Washington, D.C. Sol invites J.B., as the initial leg of his journey, to accompany him. The first day out, they are held up for their horse and carriage. Sol gets assigned to Lincoln's funeral.; gets J. B. a job as a guard accompanying him on the cortege train to Illinois. In this position he gets his first "battle wound" by a hired would-be killer.

In Illinois, aside from meeting General Grant, George Pullman - the maker of the Pullman Pioneer which carried Lincoln's body - and financier Andrew Carnegie, most importantly, J.B. meets his virginal love, Melissa, who also desires to "go out West." She solemnly vows to herself that he shall be her man - regardless anything.

Sol,knowing the dastardly twin cousins had set out to stymie any search for the heir so that the fortune would default to them, decides to accompany his protege'.. Thus their steps are stalked from sleepy Richmond, Virginia to Pikes Peak gold mines, to badland Indians, badder Texas cattle country, then to Deadwood in Dakota Territory and on to "Sin City" San Fran.

Honey's Uncle Bill virtually turns into a roving restauranteur, as he and she move along the Western trail following J.B.and Sol's itinerary. It seems as if fate has dictated that this young man with the impossible mission meet all the important personages of the places in which he searches. Mark Twain, the newspaperman, is a natural. Then there are "Calamity Jane," and "Wild Bill" Hickok. In Texas, Sol's friend, lawyer Maverick - for whom stray cattle were legally named - tries to help. However, everywhere our hero turns, hardships, unspeakable offenses and violent death dogs him. Thus the peaceful lad with sterling manners to match the silver service he had been raised on, is forced to fight to live - and finally kill, and kill again. The Eastern tenderfoot is turned into a Western whirlwind. But, even at that, can he meet his deadline in the land of rawhide and ranches?

His horse is stolen. He fistfights the burly man who has insulted Honey. He has a shootout with Rusty. Then gets deliberately crushed by a gondola of ore at a mining camp. Indians steal horses. He and Sol are captured. Slaves to Indians! Indians give them freedom. But they stay. To help their new, native American friends. Honey and Uncle Bill, who takes Indian bride, join the commune. The twins hold Honey and Uncle Bill hostage. Brand Bill on his face. But, periodically, the Saints Fire shows itself as still being a saviour for him who would believe. J.B., with the entire Indian tribe, raids the ranch to release the hostages.

Twins inhumanly hang Sol. Shootout with Chad. By now, Jim Bob would muster such a frown that it would pierce with promises to himself of what he would do. Though Honey's mouth was always but a scant kiss away - if only he would but avail himself of the pleasure - he still denied such opportunities as not in keeping with his pledges to his soul.

Learns telegrapher trade. Finds father's grave. Indian girl kills Shad. In San Fran, Honey's would-be suitor forces J.B. into a duel to death. Bullet-grazed, unconscious, lying on the San Fran wharf, our hero, originally seen as but a mild-mannered Virginia gentleman who has developed into a larger-than-life character who cannot concede defeat, is shanghaied around The Horn. His one-man mutiny, staged with the passion of a pirate, leads all the sailors to hail this cowboy as their captain. Thus he gallops down the gangplank to swoop up Honey and ride into the sunset that is golden with the promises of the Saints Fire that is burning in the horizon.

The voluptuous females - venereal and virgin - have meant nothing till - late - the tested man has learned to love a woman. His prior inhumanly love to learn all he could about "The West" and use that knowledge to find his father, has been bested by his need for the love of a lady. However, he sees that one's loyalty to a legend is the same as virtue being its own reward. And finds that his horrific hunt has been but a search for himself.

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