Even Ed, who skeptical about any order from above, was impressed by Major Patton.
“The Kaiser’s boys ain’t gonna last much longer. Look at ‘em when they come in with their hands up. They’re glad to be our prisoners,” Ed said as stood on a step looking out over the trenches.
“Yeah, cause they know they’ll eat,” John said.
“It’s them tanks. The Krauts can’t stop ‘em and as long as we’re behind them things, they have a hard time stoppin’ us,” Ed said.
“By God! I love to hear an enlisted man with good sense! You’re smarter than the average son of a bitch!” Exclaimed a high pitched voice from behind them.
They turned and snapped to attention and offered salutes.
The Major returned the salute.
“At ease boys. I’ve got some good news and I’m getting ready to share it with the rest of the men but I’ll tell you two first. I met with Gen. Pershing a little bit ago. The Hun bastards have quit! They’ve asked for an armistice! Dammit fellas, we’ve won the war! We kicked them square in the ass and won!” Patton howled.
John and Ed looked to each other and back to Patton.
“The shooting’s over sir?” John asked.
“It will be. It’s set to end tomorrow at 1100 hours. You fellas keep your heads down and asses covered. There’s no need in dying with the end in sight,” Patton said with a smile.
“No sir. None at all,” Ed said as Patton bounced along.
“Wonder how long it’ll take us to get home?” John asked.
“Piss on that. Reckon how long we’ll have to get drunk and chase ass?” Ed asked.
“I figure the Frogs’ll throw a big ol’ party and we’ll get a good chance at both,” John said.
Just as he predicted, the French threw a nationwide celebration. Paris was electric as the Americans marched into the city to join their allies in the French capitol. When the soldiers were given leave, Ed and John headed into the middle of the city—wide celebration. A lovely French woman with brown hair and big brown eyes ran up to Ed and kissed him. She was carrying an unopened bottle of cognac. Ed took her by the hand and disappeared into the crowd.
“I’ll see you boys later!” He yelled over his shoulder.
John just shook his head and headed for a suddenly empty table at a sidewalk bistro. Just as he grabbed himself a seat and started rolling a cigarette, a French woman joined him at the table. She wasn’t overly beautiful. Her nose was pointy and her body was rail thin except for a pair of nice round breasts that her dress did nothing to hide.
The woman had red hair and blue eyes, with lines under them. Her fingernails were worn and chipped; her hands calloused.
She eyed the cigarette John rolled. He offered it to her without a word. She smiled and reached for it. The woman accepted it wordlessly as John struck a match and lit the cigarette for her. He then rolled one for himself.
“John! Hey John!” Rufus called out as he staggered from the crowd.
The liquor was flowing freely and Rufus had apparently had his share and more. He carried three bottles — two of them unopened.
“Wooo! John! You gotta try this French shit! Don’t know what they call it, but it ain’t bad a’tall,” Rufus said as he placed one of the bottles on the table.
“Appreciate it Rufe!” John yelled as the big soldier staggered back into the throng of revelers.
“You speak English?” John asked.
“Oui, I mean, yes,” the woman said to John’s surprise.
“Would like to share this bottle of...cognac with me?” he asked as he read the label.
“Yes, I would like that very much. Your name is Jean?” She asked.
“Yes. John Fulton. What’s your name?” He asked.
“Yvette. Yvette D’Estang,” she said in accented English.
“Well then Yvette, since we ain’t got no glasses, I hope you ain’t got nothin’ against drinking from the bottle,” he said.
“Non,” she said with a smile.
John noticed she had a pronounced overbite but still a beautiful smile. Her beauty was amplified by the fact that he had not been with a women in nearly a year.
“Is there somewhere we can go and drink this...somewhere private—like,” he asked.
“Oui Jean. Come with me,” she said, taking his hand.
She led him away from the crowd and through a series of alleys and through different roaming mobs of people celebrating the end of the war. After about twenty minutes of weaving in and out of thoroughfares and alleys, they arrived at a small apartment building.
“My home. Please, come inside,” Yvette said.
John stepped inside. It was a small yet nicely decorated apartment. He knew nothing about the finer things in life but looking around the apartment, something told him this woman was more than she appeared.
“You got a real nice place here,” John said as he looked at the paintings on the wall.
“Merci. My late husband was a diplomat. We lived in New York City at the consulate. That’s where I learned to speak your language,” she said.
“New York City,” John said as though it was a distant planet.
His regiment boarded the ship in New York City that brought them to France. His view from the train station and from the ship was all he had ever seen of the city.
“Where are you from?” She asked.
“A little place in Kentucky, not even a town,” he said.
“Kentucky? That’s in the South, oui?” Yvette asked.
“Yeah, but not as far south as say Georgia or Alabama. Your husband? Was he killed during the war?” John asked.
“He was on a diplomatic mission to your country when his ship was sunk by a U—boat,” she explained.
“When did it happen?” John asked.
“I was notified on June 14, 1916. I don’t really know the exact date of his death or any other details,” she said.
“Sorry to hear that. I reckon lots of folks around here have lost family and friends to the war,” John said.
“We’ve lost a generation of young men. Our land has been destroyed. I don’t know how long it will take France to recover...or if it ever will,” she said as she took the bottle from his hand and took a slow sip.
He watched her as she stood up and took his hand. She led him to the bedroom and he sat on the foot bed. John took a healthy drink from the bottle as Yvette stepped up and started slipping out of her dress. His eyes were transfixed on her fluid movement as she disrobed.
In less than a minute, Yvette stood unashamed, nude before him. Her eyes burned with desire. John slowly untied his worn boots and kicked them off. He quickly shed himself of his brown uniform and stood in front of her just as naked as she.
Yvette looked him up and down. Her eyes settled between his legs and she nodded in approval. She hadn’t even touched him yet but his member throbbed with excitement.
She dropped to her knees in front of him and he could feel her hands and tongue caressing him. His knees buckled and he moaned as she made and maintained eye contact with him. The pleasure was almost too much for him to withstand. With a great force of will, John took a step backward and found the bed. She refused to give up and went to back to work with her talented mouth as John stretched out on the bed — a luxury in its own right — and enjoyed her attention.
He moaned loudly.
“I’m close...I can’t hold back,” John gasped but instead of being deterred, it served to encourage Yvette.
He saw stars when he reached the point of completion.
“You like?” She asked.
“Oh...yeah. Go get that bottle. We’re going to be here for a while,” John said.
A few weeks later, John and Ed boarded the ship that was to carry them back to the United States.
“Y’know, when we was in the trenches, I couldn’t wait to get out of France. And now,” Ed said as he shook his head.
“And now you hate to leave. Look at the bright side, at least you can go h
ome and get a job. No job you ever work there will be as tough as the last three weeks in Paris,” John said with a grin.
“Wonder how many babies we left behind?” Ed asked with a laugh.
“I’d say we both did our parts to repopulate the country,” John said.
“That’s what I like about you John. You see the good in everything,” Ed said with a laugh.
John started rolling a cigarette.
“Good or not, it’s a fact,” he said as he lit the cigarette.
“I tried to do my part to help out the Limeys. I nailed a couple of them British nurses. They ain’t as wild as them French women, but they can scream like wildcats when they let go,” Ed said with a broad grin.
“I never could catch them without a cup of tea in their hands,” John said as he blew out a cloud of smoke.
“Heh! Cup of tea,” Ed said with a laugh.
“John! Could I have a word with you?” Asked Capt. Oliver Mitchell.
“Yes sir, Captain,” John said as he wheeled and saluted.
“Please don’t salute me. As soon we get off the train that takes us back to Kentucky, I’m getting rid of this uniform. I never want to be saluted again. I just want to go back to being Dr. Mitchell,” the captain said.
John nodded.
“I never want to wear a uniform again either sir,” he said.
“The reason I want to talk to you John is that I understand you want to become a doctor yourself,” Mitchell said.
“Yes sir. I’d like to if I can find a way to go to college,” John said.
“You did fine work over here as a medic. You were not only the best in the outfit but maybe the best I saw. You have a feel for it. Sometimes a man needs a bandage and sometimes a shot of liquor will do. I didn’t have to tell you those things. They came natural to you. That’s a gift John,” Mitchell said.
“I appreciate you sayin’ so sir. I just tried to do what seemed right,” he said.
“If you really want to go to college, I can help you. I have a friend at Southern Kentucky College in Crystal Springs. He practices medicine and teaches part time at the new medical school there. I’ve already written him about you. He’s agreed to help you get into school and find work to help pay for it,” Mitchell said.
John stared in shock.
“I’m...I don’t know what to say. Thank you sir,” he said.
Mitchell smiled warmly.
“You have a God—given gift. I’d hate to see it wasted in a mine. You can thank me by becoming a good doctor. Kentucky is growing John. After this war, it’s going to grow even more and quickly. Doctors are going to be needed and you’ve already picked up enough medical knowledge to put you well ahead of most of their third—year students,” he said.
“Yes sir, I’ll do you proud,” John said.
“Remember, when we get home, look up Dr. Carter Banks in Crystal Springs. He’s a fine man. You’ll like him. And if you get bored on the trip home, feel free to come by my cabin. I have some medical journals you might be interested in. I’d be happy to discuss them with you,” Mitchell said.
“Thank you sir, I’ll do that,” John said, showing an excitement he never displayed even in combat.
Ed stood and looked over the rail as the ship moved through the harbor. Rufus walked by and started to speak. He started coughing.
“You alright Rufe?” Ed asked.
“Must be this sea air. I can’t seem to get a deep breath without havin’ a coughin’ fit,” Rufus said.
“You’ll get used to it,” Ed said.
“Boy, I hope so,” Rufus said.
Two days later their transport ship was well at sea when Mitchell came to John.
“How’re you feeling John?” He asked.
“Not too bad. Just tired mainly. Hard to sleep with so many sick people around. Even Ed’s seasick this time around,” John said.
“Let’s go up to the deck and get some fresh air,” Mitchell suggested and they did just that.
When they got to the deck, Mitchell led him to the rail.
“John, these men aren’t seasick. I’m afraid they have Spanish Influenza. It’s spreading across this ship like wildfire. Even some of the crew have come down with it,” Mitchell said.
“You sure?” John asked.
“Absolutely. Captain said it came across the wireless. They’re putting ships from Europe in quarantine in New York City but it’s spreading across the country anyway. They say it’s hitting Europe pretty hard too,” Mitchell said.
“Can you do anything for ‘em?” John asked.
Mitchell shook his head.
“Not a lot. We don’t have the drugs we need and even if we did, I’m not altogether sure what will work. But I need your help John. We’ve got to do what we can. Keep fluids in them. Try to break their fevers. When they start showing signs of improvement, separate them from the ones who are sickest,” Mitchell said.
“That don’t sound like we can much help at all,” John said.
“We can’t — that’s the gospel truth. If you don’t want to help, I don’t blame you but if you do, I’ll warn you right now: People are going to die on this ship and we can’t stop it. It’s very likely some them will be your friends. It’s an epidemic now. All we now do what I just told you. Well, that and pray,” Mitchell said.
“I’ll do whatever I can sir. Where do I start?” John asked.
Mitchell smiled softly.
“Come with me,” he said.
Eight days later, the ship — manned by a skeleton crew — entered New York Harbor at about midnight. Mitchell wasn’t wrong about people dying. To date, 25 people including Rufus and the captain of the ship had succumbed to the disease.
Mitchell and John stood at the rail looking at the lights of the city when Ed, looking pale and much thinner than he did ten days prior, joined them at the rail.
“I don’t know if you ought to be out in the cold air Ed. What do you think Doc? John asked.
“I don’t think it’s the wisest thing on the world,” Mitchell said.
“Maybe not but if I’m going to die, I want to do it where I can breathe a little — even if this lousy city stinks like an outhouse in August,” Ed said.
“His fever broke yesterday,” John told Mitchell.
“Don’t stay up here too long Elkins. This cold air could cause a setback and you could develop a case of pneumonia that will make the flu seem like nothing,” Mitchell said.
Ed nodded and stepped to the rail.
“I’d kill for a good cup of coffee,” Ed said.
“So would I but we’ll have to settle for what they’re brewing down in the galley. You still carrying that flask of French cough syrup?” Mitchell asked John.
“Sure am Doc,” John said as patted the left side of his brown overcoat.
“Excuse me sailor. Could you notify the galley to send up three cups of coffee black and three cups of chicken soup?” Mitchell asked a passing sailor.
“Right away sir,” he said.
John recognized him as one of the patients he had helped Mitchell treat.
“I was wonderin’. How is that you and John never got sick?” Ed asked Mitchell.
“I wish I knew. There was a handful on this ship that didn’t get sick. Maybe it’s where we’ve been exposed to so many different illnesses and developed some type of immunity or maybe it’s just dumb luck,” Mitchell said.
“Take my word for it. Hope you stay lucky,” Ed said.
Mitchell nodded wearily.
“Any idea on how long they’ll keep us on this tub?” Ed asked.
“Week to ten days sound about right?” John asked.
Mitchell nodded again.
“Yes. You’ve learned a great deal about the incubation and healing time of Spanish Influenza. You’ve done well John. I don’t know how I would have made it through this past few weeks without your help,” he said.
A sailor appeared with a tray.
“From the galley sir. Three cups of coffe
e. Chief Wrigley sends his apologies. The galley is out of chicken soup until provisions are brought aboard,” the sailor said as the three men grabbed the coffee.
“Thank you son. I understand. I would imagine the galley is running low on everything,” Mitchell said.
“Yes sir. The ship is almost out of everything, including coal,” the sailor said.
“Drink up gentlemen. At least it’s hot. Oh, John would you mind adding a little flavor?” Mitchell asked after he took a couple of quick sips.
John pulled out the flask and added a shot to each cup.
“That’s good coffee,” Ed said.
“The best cup I’ve had this whole trip,” Mitchell agreed. “Now, let’s find a place below deck out of this night air.”
Just as John predicted, the troops and crew aboard the U.S.S. Clinton were quarantined in the harbor for ten days. As soon as they deboarded, they packed into a train heading south. Three days later, on Jan. 24, 1919, the train stopped in Louisville. It was there most of the National Guardsmen were mustered out of military service — including John, Ed, and Dr. Mitchell.
“Don’t forget to see Dr. Carter Banks in Crystal Springs as soon as possible,” Mitchell told John as he got ready to board the train that would take them to Silver Point — the stop nearest their home.
As the train chugged out of the station in Louisville, Ed looked over at John.
“I don’t know ‘bout you, but I ain’t real eager to get home but I’ve had about all I want of trains for a while,” he said.
John stared out the window at the city as they passed it.
“I’ve had enough of all of it — the army, fightin’, killin’, influenza, ships, trains — I’m just tired. Look around Ed. Think of how many we left with that ain’t ever coming back,” he said.
Ed shook his head.
“Yeah. And not all of ‘em died in France. Damn flu cost us thirty—three men,” he said.
“May’ve cost us more’an that. I got a newspaper before we left New York. Looks like the epidemic is all over the United States. We don’t what we’re gonna find when we get home,” John said.
Moonshine, Coal, and Hope Page 2