Buck Fever (34 page)
Authors: Robert A Rupp
Tags: #Mystery, #Science, #Murder, #Thriller, #Fiction
Ugh, Mother of God
, he thought, examining his bleeding left forefinger. He had reached for a loaf of bread on the cupboard next to the table. I large rat scurried back into a wall opening as Jack bolted from the table tipping it over. The book, medical instruments and candle slumped onto the floor. His head ached; he felt unusually dizzy.
A small pool of melted candle tallow oozed along a cupped floorboard. Jack knelt down and gently scooped the fatty substance into his right hand, then stood up and slapped it into the hole in the wall, sealing it. He picked up the candle and melted more wax over the wound in his left finger to soothe the pain. He stepped to the window and dangled his left hand out into the gentle breeze. A woman below stepped out of the darkness and waved. Jack responded with a weak wave back. Again, a deep sense of dizziness and numbness overtook him. He must study for tomorrow’s session; he must pass.
He washed his hands methodically in a small wood bucket of tepid liquid sitting in a corner of the room. It had gathered rainwater from the day before. Several buckets placed throughout the room contained leaking drips from the August storms. A couple of dabs from a soiled hand towel across his face and he was ready.
~ ~ ~
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
T
he 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.
~ ~ ~
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
R
obert 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
2500 B.C. – Egyptian Influence
