Jonathan Bradfort - Adventures

By Edward Lisk

<

Lady Bradfort came upon village Western Africa. She discovered native boy hiding from White Slave Traders. She decided take him home. She remembered boy early years when she attended village with group of Missionaries. She decided to adopt the boy. Her family against it. Shes dominate force of family. She name the boy Jonathan.
Jonathan proved his worth. France, he save adopted brother life. England, his knowledge in medicine save Lady Bradfort life. America, he save his older adopted sister husband life.
Marcela, who betray him earlier, redeem herself. She brought Jonathan childhood sweetheart.

Bert peer outside the front window of the sitting room. His father preparing the chores list when he heard his son said, Mom has taken to Jonathan. It barely a moment they apart.
Sir Bradfort looked up said, You can credit her for one thing. Jonathan have advanced into an intelligent young man.
I know, I owed>him my life in France,">Bert murmured.<

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 30, 2003
• ISBN: 9781477163122

Edward Lisk

Edward Lisk, author of Adventures of Jonathan Bradfort. Now on sale. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Book preview

ADVENTURES OF

JONATHAN BRADFORT

_________________

EDWARD LISK

Copyright © 2002, 2005 by Edward Lisk.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or

transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,

including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and

retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyrightowner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidentseither are

the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any

resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is

entirely coincidental.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

17076

CONTENTS

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 1

West Coast Africa 1762

It was a dense morning early Spring. A hunting party approaching a small village near the Niger River. Lady Bradfort, tall, well kept figure with rustic blonde hair. She was dressed in a white hunting outfit. She looked into the sky the sounds of shrieking birds. She noticed buzzards flying over a group of trees a few kilometers away. The Batubo village was near by. She became alarmed as she turned to her husband.

Look, Honey, pointing to the birds.

I noticed them. Isn’t that where the Batubo people lived? He turned to his wife. She had grave looked on her face. She noticed the village near the river. She had visited them with the missionaries.

Yes, the sky full of buzzards. Lets get over there quick and see what we can do. She hurried the gun barriers in front. Her husband barked out orders to the natives. He also told them to have their rifles ready to fire.

Wait a minute Dear, let the men lean the way. We must take it slow when we get closer to the village. Danger may still be around.

There were a few natives clearing the way. Lady Bradfort was among them. Her husband grabbed her arm. Let the men do their job. I don’t want you up front.

When Lady Bradfort and her husband reached the village, the men ahead were fanning about searching for survivors. Lady Bradfort immediately covered her nose. Bodies of the old and a few women were sprawled on the village grounds. Smoke from fires set on huts were smoldering.

This place is awful, Lady Bradfort said holding her handkerchief to her face.

Her husband, Sir Bradfort, told the men to search the outline area. His wife was searching for the children. She noticed some movement in the high grass. With her gun barrier, they moved toward the tall grass near a tree. They walked alone side of her. The native part the tall grass with his rifle. kneeling in the grass was a small frightened boy peering up. She reached for him. He held out his small dirty hand. They pulled him out of the tall grass.

Looked what I found Lady Bradfort smiled bringing the little native toward her husband.

What we have here! he said bending over the frightened boy who was hiding behind Lady Bradfort.

Bring him over here, Dear. Put him on this tree stump, asked Lady Bradfort walking toward the stump next to a burnt out hut. The bodies were cleared away but not yet bury.

Sir Bradfort put the native boy on the tree stump. His feet were mixture of dirt and blood. Standing on the stump with his eyes staring at the group of people staring back at him. They were smiling at him.

What your name? Lady Bradfort asked.

When there were no reply, she asked one of the gun barriers to speak in native tongue.

I can speak English. My name is Matubo.

Want some water? Lady Bradfort asked.

Asked him what happened, Sir Bradfort said handing his wife his water keg.

Later, Dear, have the men to bury the dead, please." Lady Bradfort have to pulled keg from his thirty lips.

What happened here? Lady Bradfort asked.

The boy began to talk and pointing to where the Kawesies and White men came. He told them they took Mauta, a friend alone with half the village. He began to cry when he told them they killed his father and mother. He told them his father was the medicine man of the village.

The morning was turning noon and the sun was getting hotter. Lady Bradfort began cleaning him with a wet cloth. Matubo had only a small animal skin covering his waist.

During the cleaning, Sir Bradfort puff on his pipe watching the burying diggings. The natives returned from their diggings and lined up near Sir Bradfort. Everyone were heading toward the end of the village. Matubo turned his head for a final look.

Do you have anything you want to take with you?

He looked and smiled. Yes, I got things. He head toward his hiding place. While Matubo skinny little legs carried him to the high grass, Sir Bradfort spoke softly.

Most young males and females were capture. The rest were killed or scattered into the jungle. They took many children they could catch.

That’s horrible. The feud between the two tribes are bad enough. With the armed White hunters, they didn’t stand a chance, Lady Bradfort said as she watched the returned of the little native boy.

He brought two small bags. He return smiling.

This is my father medicine bag and this is my medicine bag. He clutched the bags to his chest.

Lady Bradfort took the bags and handed them to one of the natives. She held out her hand and took hold of his hand as the party heads home.

The natives cleared a path. The sun was heading down. Little wind began to stir and the sounds of buzzards and other birds were flapping in the sky.

Lady Bradfort steered Matubo around some fallen debris when she spoke, I’ll clean him more when I get him home. I’ll make some clothes for him.

Sir Bradfort puffed on his pipe. Then, we can turn him over to the nearest village in the morning.

His wife fortified her voice when she said, No, we are not turning him over to a village face the same fate. We’re taking him home. He’s staying with us. She walked away dragging Matubo without waiting for a reply.

On the way through the dense jungle, the conversation became only Matubo. He telling Lady Bradfort about his life. He told the good times and the bad times.

Where you learned so much English?

Missionaries with the Good Books came and stayed long time. They left three days ago, Matubo answered holding up three small fingers.

The party was drawing near the Bradfort Plantation. A clearing of dense vegetation began to thin out more and more. The huge log wall of the plantation could be seen.

Matubo told of the battles between the Batubo and the Kawesie tribes. The Batubo were water dwellers. Through the years other tribes would bring their sick to the Batubo tribe. He began to boast his father was the best medicine man of all the tribes.

Dust dawn came, the party stood a short distant from the high log gate. The Bradforts were traders, miners and hunters for generations. The present Bradforts consisted of two daughters and one son.

Sir Bradfort blew his bull horn. The huge gate opened. The sound of the horn alert the natives in the lookout towers situated on each corner of the square fort-like enclosure. Little Matubo impressed as he trot toward the gate.

Two horse family carriage driven by a native arrived. Lady Bradfort and Matubo helped into the carriage alone with his two skin medicine bags.

When the carriage reached the steps of the big mansion, Marcela came bursting out of the door to greet her parents. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw her mother leading Matubo by the hand.

What took so long?

I’ll tell you about it later. First, I want you to take Matubo inside and prepare his bath. I’ll get some old clothes of Bert.

Matubo holding to his bags entered the mansion wide eyed. He scaled the high walls and smooth floors. Marcela was fifteen years old, long blonde hair, which matches her mother. She have blue eyes and a round smooth face. She looked at Matubo. Do you speak English?

Yes, he answered following her into a large bath area. The bath was situated on the first floor.

You know what bath is? Marcela asked, eyeing him.

I know. I take bath in river everyday near my home.

While Marcela filling a large tub, she said, What in there? said Marcela pointing to his bags.

Lady Bradfort entered with Bert and Jeannett. Bert was like his father, tall almost nineteen years old, good looking, dark hair and features. Jeannett with blonde hair, light features, age seventeen years old. She was pretty and smart. She stood as tall as her mother.

Lady Bradfort spoke, Matubo … this is Marcela, Bert and Jeannett.

He spoke pretty good English, Mom. smiled Marcela.

Bert was sizing the little native boy.

He had years of teaching from the roaming missionaries. I’ll bring you up what happened later. Let Matubo wash himself.

Lady Bradfort leaned back into the room, shouted, I’ll have some clothes for you, so take your time.

Lady Bradfort beat her family to the punch.

I want everybody to sat down. I have something all you wanted to know. Matubo, I will rename him, Jonathan. I’m planning on keeping him in this family. She paused looking firm. I decided Matubo needed a chance in life and we can give that life to him.

Why should we be subject to this intrusion when he could be with his own people, spoke Jeannett.

He better off with his own kind, shouted Marcela standing next to her mother who was sitting.

Shhh, need not to shout. First, we will break Jonathan on our regular life as we know it here and I want everyone cooperation. Is that clear? Her voiced sounded determined as she pounded her fist on the table. She looked at her husband and said, Peter.

Yes, Dear, answered Sir Bradfort.

Bert.

I think you’re making— Bert changed his mind, said, Yes, Mother.

Jeannett, continued Lady Bradfort.

Yes, Mother.

Marcela. She turned to her youngest daughter.

Yes, Mother.

Now, we got that settled, I’ll tend to Jonathan. Everyone prepare for dinner. Marcela, set a place for Jonathan next to me.

Yes, Mom. Marcela walked toward the kitchen.

Lady Bradfort got up and walked proudly toward the bath room. Jonathan busy washing himself.

As soon as their mother left the room, Bert and Jeannett raced over to their father pleading for help.

Dad, you’re not going to let Mom get away with this are you? Bert asked.

You know the troubles this would cause when we leave here, Jeannett replied.

With his pipe in his hand, he said, You know your mother. Don’t challenged her. She’s head strong and determine. She doesn’t have anyone to fuss over any more. Lets wait.

The children shook their head and went off to their rooms. Sir Bradfort sat in his favorite chair thinking. This situation would be difference for all of us. We might learn something from Jonathan, he thought out loud. Before his mind got too faraway, his wife arrived with Jonathan.

Here we are, Lady Bradfort smiling.

Jonathan had some quick-made together clothes. He didn’t have any shoes. He cleaned and Lady Bradfort promised to cut his hair as soon as possible.

How do you feel, Matubo? Sir Bradfort asked.

Jonathan, Dear, his wife said trying to refrain herself. I told Jonathan I cannot retained his original name at this time. He agreed to be call, Jonathan. Please cooperate Dear and in the future, refer to Jonathan not Matubo.

All right Dear, but, I— Sir Bradfort stopped when his wife put her hands on her hips. He knew what that mean. You’re looking good. Some shoes would be the next on our list, Sir Bradfort informed.

The cook called out for dinner. At the dinning table, all eyes were watching Jonathan.

He noticed them, quip, I know how to eat at table. The missionaries taught all little ones in village.

After dinner, everyone went to the huge living room. Lady Bradfort took Jonathan to the far corner of the room and talked with him for over an hour. Her husband going over some papers with Bert.

The mining in the near-by hills was running low and it won’t be long before family decision have to be made. The plantation was a five hundred acreage nestled in a valley near some mountains.

The slave trade was rising near the river banks. The family had made several fortunes out of the land. They have large estate in England and they also have other land holdings.

Several hours passed and Lady Bradfort went over to her husband. Honey, I’m taking Jonathan and the children with me to Jonathan village.

You’re taking him back to his village. You thinking, somebody might have return! he said smiling.

I’m taking him back to see if any survivors returned and where the captures took the others. I don’t want them wondering over our way for any of our natives.

I thought, sighed Sir Bradfort.

I know what you thinking. I’m not giving up Jonathan now or ever, said Lady Bradfort firmly.

How many gun bearers you need?

Twenty, I’m taking enough in case of any trouble. That many won’t be any hinder would it, Dear? asked his wife.

I can managed with the rest. I’ll send the best mark men we have.

That remind me, I’ll have a talk with Bert about his old rifle, she said leaving her husband a bit puzzled.

Lady Bradfort realized soon, she may have to depart from what her home for over ten years. She walked down the long hall toward Bert’s room. A quick knock, Bert answered.

Hi, Mom, come in.

When his mother entered his room, she noticed Marcela and Jeannett. Well, am I interrupting something?

No, Mom, we were just talking, Marcela answered.

Her mother know better, but she didn’t want to press the matter. I come here to buy that old rifle you have since you were a boy. I’m buying it for Jonathan, their mother whispered waiting for some reaction.

I’ll give him the rifle, Mom.

Fine, dear, by the way, I’m taking you from your daily chores tomorrow. I want all of you to go with Jonathan and me to his village.

That’s great Mom, quick talking Marcela yelled.

Before you and the rest jump to conclusion, I am not returning Jonathan to his village. What we are going to do is to go to the village. I want to see if there are any survivors returned. I want to make checks on where or what happened to the captured native at the village.

In other words, Jeannett said dryly. We are not returning Jonathan to his people.

No, and I want all of you to know Jonathan here to stay period. I hope I don’t have to keep harping on this subject, she said with her hands on her hips.

Lady Bradfort have been a dominating woman all her life. She came from wealthy family line for over hundred years. In fact, she is more wealthy than her husband. Sir Bradfort, made his distinguished marks as a great naval officer. He came from a line of naval officers in his family.

I’m taking twenty gun bearers with us. I want you be ready for any trouble, Bert.

Yes, Mom.

How about Mom Jeannett smiled.

She’s not given up on Jonathan, Bert sighed.

I guessed not, Marcela sighed staring at the floor.

It was at the break of dawn when Sir Bradfort dressed in his white outfit, barking out orders to his men for work in the mine. He continued talking to twenty best rifle shooters. His wife dressed in hunting pants plus high boots, stood at the door of the huge mansion.

After twenty yards, a bridge over the moat surrounding the wall. The party crosses the bridge of ten feet. They proceed through a familiar path entering the jungle.

The party continued on the jungle path they took other day. A few roars from distant lions and other beasts.

Keep your eyes open, Marcela, Bert shouted.

I’m not sleepy, Marcela yawned.

The party hacked their way closer to the village. After several hours, they came to the edge of the village.

Lady Bradfort said in a low voice, Lets wait.

She motioned to her top man to tell the others to spread out and wait on the edge. Within ten minutes, one of the natives spotted someone.

He quickly told the top man. He went over to Lady Bradfort and pointed to some movement among the huts. Jonathan wide eyed and anxious, leaned forward. Lady Bradfort held him by the arm and whispered.

Stay next to me.

She begin to moved forward. Bert on her right. When the party came out of the bushes into the clearing, she ordered, I want you men go and search every hut. Bring anyone you find to me.

Bert stayed with his mother and the Bradfort’s girls. At that time the sun beginning to climb higher in the sky. It wasn’t long before several natives from another tribes brought forward. Bert cocked his rifle.

They’re bring in some natives. Look, there’s several White men with them, Bert yelled looking at his mother. She holding Jonathan hand tight.

Lady Bradfort walked toward the group. Who are they? she shouted to her top man.

Before he could speak, Jonathan spoke with quick anger, Kawesies. They the ones.

Lady Bradfort held Jonathan from tearing away.

One of the three White men spoke, Are you in charge of this party?

I am. She answered firmly with deep blue eyes.

What is this! We are to—

You here to get some more of the village people you missed the first time. Is that why you’re here?

There were no reply. Then, the second man spoke, What are you going to do with us?

I’ll let you know then, she turned to some of her natives. Are there any more?

They looked around and shook their heads. Jonathan concentrated his eyes on each native. He searching for anyone at the raiding party. Three White men were nervous. One of the men, wiping his forehead, spoke.

What are you going to do? We haven’t done anything. The short beard man took off his hunting hat and wipe preparations from his partly bald head.

We don’t know that, Lady Bradfort yelled. I was here few days ago. This place a bloody mess. We found bodies all over. This boy lived here. Why are you here?"

Lady, eh—

Bradfort, Marcela shouted from the rear.

Lady Bradfort, tall White hunter yelled. I heard of the Bradfort’s mines. Are you the same.?

Yes, the same, Lady Bradfort answered.

(With that opening, everyone talked in earnest.) One White trader said, We are in the trading business. We are commission from several trading companies to get natives from this area. They are to work in the new country, America.

Slaves, Bert shouted.

Well, yes, but we didn’t do any of the things here.

We weren’t here, pleaded short mousy man. There were a tribal war between these people and the Kawesies.

The men seemed to be of Dutch descendant and they seemed sincere. We saw no one here and were about to leave when your party arrive.

Lady Bradfort turned her eyes on the four natives. She looked at them carefully.

Who are they? she asked pointed her whip toward several painted warriors.

They are Kawesies.

Bert, take them over there. Have Toma question them.

Yes, Mom.

Toma, a tall warrior like native worked with the Bradforts for over eight years. He, with the Bradfort when they returned to Africa. Toma motioned his men over with the Kawesies.

Lady Bradfort asked, Did you come to get more villagers?

The White men didn’t answered. What about our guns?

Can we leave now? the tall beard White trader asked.

Not just yet, Lady Bradfort answered. I want to know where are the trading place. And, if there are any more villagers being held there.

We have several natives at our camp.

Bert have the White traders to moved over to the group of natives. Lady Bradfort asked Toma what he found out.

They had war with villagers over some trade agreements, so they attacked the village. The kawesies traded with White traders many times. So, they traded the villagers they captured.

Jonathan pointed to a spear near by. I like to take that spear, I forgot my. Lady Bradfort motioned for one of the native to bring the spear to him.

Toma told his men to move the party out. The White traders lead the way. Down from top of the trail, several tents and a river boat.

Bert pointing his rifle at the captured men. "Any of you let out a noise will be shot. Bert took a few men to circle about from the rear. In a few minutes, several shots sounded. Lady Bradfort startled when she heard the sound of gun fire. She relieved when she saw her son waved for the rest in the party to come down.

At the river, there were three more White traders with several natives. Jonathan recognized one native. He screamed with a charge. He broke loose from the grip of Lady Bradfort. With his spear, he lunged forward and planted a fatal blow in the startled native. Bert grabbed for Jonathan, but the little native boy too quick burst with anger.

Jonathan, what got in to you?

Jonathan shouted, He killed my father. I saw him. Tears were coming down his cheeks.

Toma told the men to get the body away. Then, Lady Bradfort said. You people who run this slaves trade over there. She pointed toward the river. I want you people out of this area. All of the Kawesies were group together. You have a day and if my party catches you near here, Heaven help you.

Due to the huge area alone the river, the territory government cannot keep on the traffic alone the river. The Kawesies warriors, who raided the Matubo village would be taken to the territory government by some of Toma men.

When we get back, Bert, I want you contact Sir Ronald Aschild send some men pick up the Kawesies.

Yes, Mother. Are we holding them at our place or here at the river banks?

I want you and Toma see these White traders on their way. Have Toma send messages to the government. The drums can travel faster. I’m taking Jonathan and the girls home. I want to get back before dark. I’ll take three men.

All right, Mom. Be careful and make haste. I’m all right here. I should have this mess clear up by tomorrow.

Bert went tell Toma what to do. Lady Bradfort took Jonathan at a spot where she talked. She seen shaking her finger at him. They headed back toward the plantation. Sun rising high into clear blue sky. Jonathan with his head down, gripping his spear tight.

You all right? Marcela asked.

All right now, Jonathan answered looking up with his stained face. Then, he smiled.

The walking pace was fast and with only a brief rest. The plantation was seen in the distant.

It was a few yards before the moat, Jonathan noticed ants crawling over his feet.

Ouch, Mother Bradfort, look! he shouted pointing to the ground.

She knelt down where she could see where Jonathan pointing. Jeannett, Marcela take a look at these ants.

Her daughters knelt and Marcela yelled Army ants."

These must be lead scouts, Jeannett remarked.

Their mother stood up and quickly grabbed Jonathan told the girls to get inside. The natives in the tower saw them and the gate lowered. Everyone were running inside and Lady Bradfort