Confrontation!: The Life and Times of Charles: Book Iv

By R. O. Gunther

Charles and King have been convinced that their purpose in life now was more important than their past endeavors to bring peace and safety to the world. Those adventures have been vividly told in our previous three publications. Please see the Preface.
It had been a year since the publishing of their third book—The Sharp Sword. The accurate research contained therein sharply concluded: that most ancient book in the world, The Bible—all though written by men, must have been inspired by God.
Now in this publication, Confrontation, it was found that The Sharp Sword had been having a wide circulation. Organizations had been requesting more information and personal interviews: religious organizations inquired; philosophic groups; atheistic and agnostic believers; even a mythological society had responded. Therefore Confrontation with the world’s religious-philosophic communities became their determination.
Their conclusions were of earthshaking importance. They were confident that the Bible clearly discloses God’s purpose in creating and also his activity throughout history and down to this eventful period in which we live. Can these conclusions be true—really?
An academic delving into the Bible’s contents; a non emotional, non prejudiced study uncovers real reality which overrides the present superficial reality is that smothering daily life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499008388

R. O. Gunther

The author had worked closely with the television comedy industry of past eras. There, is love for humor acquired expression from the genius of the renowned comedians of that day. That association built into him, or, rather, brought out what was built in him, a deep-seated “terrible sense of humor;” which has been termed clever imagination.

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Copyright © 2014 by R. O. Gunther.

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 copyright owner.

NKJV—New King James Version

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

KJV—King James Version

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

NIV—New International Version

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

NLT—New Living Translation

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

Published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Soceity of New York, Inc.

25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Phone: [phone].

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Rev. date: 12/15/2022

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CONTENTS

Preface

Chapter 1: Summit at The Hague

Chapter 2: The Vatican Manuscript 1209—and More

Chapter 3: The Life and Times of Agnosticism Hey! Nobody Knows.

Chapter 4: Paris in the Spring

[The Codex Ephraemi Syrirescriptus]

Chapter 5: Confrontation in Russia

[The Leningrad Manuscripts]

Chapter 6: A Special Assignment of a Previous Kind

Chapter 7: Break-in!

Chapter 8: Well, I’ll Be A Monkey’s Uncle!

Chapter 9: Encounter at the New York City Public Library

Chapter 10: The Mongolian Candidate

[Shangri-la-la-la-la]

Chapter 11: Bizarre Happenings at the Mine

Chapter 12: Confrontation in Alexandria

Chapter 13: The Fashion Designer Rip-off

Chapter 14: A London Bible Society Inquires

Chapter 15: Mythology—The Myth

Chapter 16: The Boris Files

Chapter 17: The End—But Really The Beginning

PREFACE

P erhaps it had been a little more than a year since the finalizing and publishing of their book: The Sharp Sword. The two investigators, Charles and King, had been reorganizing their library and notes; they had also been traveling a bit—New York, Paris, Rome . . . .

In the meantime their work was having a wide circulation throughout the Western world. It was in the last few months, however, that quite a bit of response was being received. Book reviews had been published highlighting its purpose and importance. But, most exciting for Charles and King was that organizations had been requesting more information and personal interviews; yes, from certain quarters our authors were being requested to come and speak.

Seeing this as a grand opportunity to explain their new found truth encouraged them to acquiesce. After all, what they had researched and concluded, to them, was of earthshaking importance. They were confident that they had discerned God’s purpose in creating; and also his activity throughout history and down to this eventful period in which we live. They were convinced that their purpose in life now was more important than their past endeavors to bring peace and safety to the world. The truth that they found in the Bible and its meaning for people must be told; even though it would probably mean—confrontation!

Knowing that this would entail months of presentations, debates and answering questions—confrontation; serious preparation immersed them. They considered the sources of the invitations received; this directed their preparation into specific channels. For instance, religious organizations inquired, some appeared indignant. Then, there were the philosophic groups; the atheistic and agnostic believers; even a mythological society had responded.

And so it was that the two went at it; they went at it with a fury. Their purpose in life now was real—the only real way to help people. The Sharp Sword would do it.

In this second year, their efforts were dedicated to answering correspondence and preparing an itinerary. Both of Charles’ parents had been helping in opening and sorting out the mail; some days it was a full time job. Their publisher, London Literary Publications Inc., looked favorably upon their work and had been active in sending copies to various publishing houses throughout the world.

Martha and Thomas, Charles’ parents, were elated and at the same time worried, But Charles, don’t be away a long time . . . . They well knew and felt what the past fifteen years of their son’s life and times had meant to them.

Before making their decision, they had notified Bob Breeze at IGGSA (International Good-Guy Spy Agency). The response was positive, "We’ll be backing you two all the way. We’ll need to confer before you get started. I’m concerned about interference from the Bad Guy Spy Organization (IBGSO); they certainly will want to disrupt our combined efforts to bring peace and security to this world."

Well, Dear Reader, I, the author, as in my previous three episodes, will provide helpful notes or comments along the way. I personally will be discussing the situations with you every step of the way—we will be working together. So, hop aboard, up anchor, this could be one of the most important adventures of your life . . . .

Just to help you get started, I have seen the need to bring you up to date, as it were. Therefore, find below an epitome of the previous three books narrating the adventures of our noble hero. In this way you can gain a complete understanding of the marvelous, contemporary history of our now famous and sagacious—Charles.

—Your author, R. O. Gunther

Book I: The Life and Times of Charles:

This was designed to be a humorous/adventurous novel; and so it became. Our hero traveled to many parts of the world where he came into contact with the bad-guys. In these encounters, Charles’ unique personality and astonishing ability always won out. The reader was invited to tag along; but cautioned, please—don’t get in his way.

During the course of these initial adventures, Charles had been enjoined by other noble people. Traveling aboard the Mississippi Queen on his way home from The Brave New World, Gambler King became his side-kick; that began a very long companionship that has endured down to this present episode. Likewise, an enduring friendship was begun with Bob Breeze, who, at that time was a New York City police inspector. Freddie The Fingers Fertinelli, of the streets of New York, appeared upon the scene to help in the oriental opium ring cleanup; as well as in many of Charles’ other encounters. Then, of course, characters like: his uncle Schultz, Gunga Ten, Chief Running Water, Emperor Dang Dung and others. From time to time those personages wandered in to embellish the fabulous adventures. The two desired ingredients: humor and adventure, were rampant.

Book II: Charles—Spy Extraordinaire:

He had gathered around him noble companions dedicated to combat the evil in the world. A band of bad guys had come together to form the International Bad-Guy Spy Organization, the IBGSO. Their purpose was lucrative—to be achieved any which way they could. However, to protect the good people of the world, honorable men like Charles, Breeze, King and others bonded together to oppose their evil endeavors. They formed the International Good-Guy Spy Agency, the IGGSA. Therefore, presented on the world scene were the IBGSO, headed by its chief, Boris, with its headquarters in Moscow. With headquarters in The Hague, Holland, elderly, experienced, Control occupied the seat of oversight of the IGGSA.

It was the good guys against the bad guys—Guys.

In the closing chapters of this, the second book, it was revealed that Charles had become awakened to a terrible reality—they had won every encounter, yet, had failed to defeat the bad guys of the world. On top of that, the despicable mole, Monte Crisco, was found and cut out of the organization. This sudden expose of evil in their midst shocked him into deep depression—he was devastated. However, a few months later it happened. While at home with his parents in England and at his emotional lowest; King, fellow IGGSA agent and archaeologist, came. Charles was startled when his companion told him that his research in Bible lands had revealed an incredible yet unwanted conclusion. The unwanted conclusion: that famous old book called The Bible was, in reality—accurate world history. King had been amazed when he saw that his ancient archaeological finds agreed perfectly with what had been written down in the pages of the Bible; thus confirming the Bible record as an incredible, authentic historical account.

Charles jolted; Why! That’s impossible! The Bible is an old religious book that practically nobody pays any attention to.

But his friend’s positive position had sharply shaken him out of his lethargy. His drive, now, was to research King’s unbelievable assertion. What could really be the origin of the Bible . . . ?

Book III The Sharp Sword:

Here in this third episode, we find a dramatic change taking place in the life of our hero. Charles and King had decided to investigate the Bible. Personal opinion and pride were cast aside. Could God exist? Could He be the source of that incredible Book? Can it answer our most imposing questions? The life and times of Charles had now taken a drastic turn for the best. He aptly began to handle the Bible, as one handles a Sharp Sword.

It was at this phase, when I, your author, had placed before the reader, a challenge—the very same challenge that Charles faced. The reader actually joined the two and becomes the third researcher in this logical, step-by-step analysis. In this, they were seen investigating mankind’s greatest problems and arriving at conclusions based on facts—facts, not emotion, if you please. Intriguing—surprising for the reader is to study the evidence and then make his, or her, own decision.

For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than

any two-edged sword . . . discerning the thoughts and intentions

of the heart—Hebrews 4:12

CHAPTER 1

Summit at The Hague

I t was Agent Sure-guide who guided Charles and King up to the fourth floor. As the elevator door opened; there he was, Bob Breeze. With arms open wide, a smile on his broad face; he stood, anxious to greet his two old companions.

How yaw been, Breeze, long time no see . . . called King.

Agent Sure-guide quietly stepped back into the elevator, doors closed. A smile remained on his face while the down button was pushed. Three grown men hugged each other accompanied by some back-slapping. Leaving the joyful encounter behind, Sure-guide thought it was great to see Charles and King back again . . . .

Charles, I can’t help noticing your double-breasted suit, Old Boy.

King snickered . . . Yeah, Buddy, we know why, but I can see that Breeze wants you to tell us, anyhow . . . .

They knew of Charles’ idiosyncrasy about wearing a double-breasted suit. They had laughed over this many times before. You see, Dear Reader, as is revealed in the first book, The Life and Times of Charles; while a baby, his father would toss him up and catch him amid laughing and giggling. One time, however, due to a pain in the rear, his father’s left arm was not available to catch the down plummeting little baby Charles! As it was, no damage had been incurred—because his head hit the floor first, thus protecting his body . . . . However, there was that bump on the head that seemed to be the cause of his dramatic, strange-way type thinking. Therefore, the now source of a bit of entertainment for the two was to hear Charles tell them again that: in a double-breasted suit he felt completely covered, being that he had two . . . . While, in a single breasted suit, he would feel half covered . . . . Let the reader use discernment.

—Your author, R. O. Gunther

Well, emotions subsided; Bob and King exchanged glances at Charles’ expense; the three walked down the hall and through the door labeled, Control.

After about ten minutes of catching up, You know, Bob, both King here and I have really missed working with you.

That’s right, Breeze, in this past year during our research, every once in a while we would stop and reminisce—the old times—the assignments . . . .

Bob, sometimes, in the evening after supper, we would relax in the living room, pick up one of the two accounts of our adventures and spend an hour reading, reminiscing and reacting . . . . Gunther (Driftwood) certainly did a great job writing up those times. Didn’t he?

Yeah, Boys, I do the same. Paramount in my mind is what you, Charles, stated during your terrible bout with deep depression, remember? You aptly concluded, ‘We had won every battle against the bad guys; but they are winning the war.’ You’re right Charles, that’s about the size of it. Sadly enough, the bad guys have more control over the world than ever before; we can’t keep up.

Breeze, this was what has always affected me too; it has been very discouraging. Look what it did to Charles! It must have been god sent, my archaeological research, my conclusions. Can you imagine, Bob, my continuous day after day discoveries of ancient artifacts, and then shock! Unbelievable—all supported the Bible historical record as accurate history. I would refuse to believe what I was examining: each old writing tablet, stone wall, records of people, places and battles—all exactly how the Bible had it reported—hundreds of artifacts, Guys. I would ask myself: how, I would sit reviewing, stunned.

They were staring at him, as he continued, I fought it, refused to believe what I was seeing as evident. Fellows, I had no recourse—the Bible record was accurate in its down through some 1, 600 years of ancient history. Then, it was the aftershock. Ready . . . ? It was impossible for humans to have produced that consistent and factual record!

"When, King presented me with his findings, Bob, I remember, I was stopped—I looked at him in disbelief. My first reaction was to laugh at him for being so childish. But, knowing him, I didn’t. Instead, I stared at him, bewildered. Then . . . if he was right; it would mean that man could not have produced that Bible record. Then: how? Who? Wow! What could all this mean . . . ?"

Yeah, I see Charles, if man could not; then there must be a higher power that did it.

Bob, we then were driven into our profound Bible research, and you know the rest.

Bob Breeze looking at his friend, "It was the mole, wasn’t it, Charles; that was the straw that broke the camel’s back, so to speak. I relate, only too well the sheer disgust of betrayal; and not only that, but betrayal of what was just and peace for the world. How could a human bring himself down so low—?"

That’s it Bob; finding Crisco deep inside our organization made me think of our years of fighting the bad guys of the world—then, this traitor in our midst.

Our noble, Charles, could not tolerate the terrible deceit. Looking at him, at that moment, one would see reflected in his continence a slight facial distortion.

King noting, looking straight at him, Charles, Old Boy, but we beat them after all—a different way; a much better way. Didn’t we . . . ? We’re winning now, Old Chap; now we have the most important work in the world ahead of us.

With that, Charles snapped out of it. He glanced at Breeze, who was aware of what was happening to his friend.

Why, yes, yes, of course; it’s just that the recollection is so deeply imbedded . . . . But, I’m okay. Don’t worry; I’m all right.

Author note: The reference to Carlos, the mole, is found in the closing chapters of my second book about The Life and Times of Charles; which book is entitled, Charles—Spy extraordinaire!

Carlos Monte Crisco had been found to be a double agent—as an agent for the IGGSA he was really a clandestine agent serving the IBGSO—Russia House; whose spy chief was code named, Boris.

Due to Charles’ history of confounding Boris’ evil efforts during past encounters; the Russia house chief had cultivated a loathing for our Charles. It is for that reason that, now, Breeze saw the need to take precautions so as to protect the ongoing activity of his two collaborators, Charles and king.—Gunther

A smile of relief ensued . . . . Bob, King and I spent a week at the mine with both Schultz and Gunga. They gave us updates on their recent assignments. Gunga was just the man for the New Delhi project. Wasn’t he?

"Right you are, Charles. Boys, the floods last year left the whole city open for looting. Gunga, through some local associates uncovered the bad guy plan to empty the New Delhi National Bank of its assets. He uncovered the plot; had the police waiting and the culprits were caught in the act. One of the perpetrators revealed that it was the Bad Guy Spy Organization that was at the bottom of the heist. And you know Gunga; all smiles, then his bugle sounding victory . . . ."

Charles and King laughed . . . .

Well, what’s going on with our people here, Bob, everybody all right?

Charles, basically, but you know, the bad guy spies are very active and intent on disrupting peace and security. We’re always alert to thwart their greedy plans. Fellows, as you so aptly brought to our attention, it sure must be true that a Satan is the god of this world. That understanding was certainly a rude awakening for me. As far as I’m concerned, I see your conclusions as positive. There are definitely superior and evil forces acting in this world’s affairs.

Happy to hear you say that, Breeze, replied King, smiling. Charles and I know we’re on the right track. That’s why our urgent effort at this time is to inform the world and at the same time work along with you as best we can.

Breeze added Charles, having said that, we realize the situation you and the others are in. As you remarked some time back, ‘we can’t abandon the good people of this world.’

That’s it Charles, so we’ll collaborate, work together on this, right? Breeze proudly continued, You boys have certainly been busy; and not only that, Guys—what amazing stuff you’ve been producing, your book is fabulous. Really, the world is blind; greed certainly reigns as king, doesn’t it?

The two looked at each other, happy for the show of support. Bob, it was a year of intense research. As we had been keeping you informed; we feel that we have made, perhaps, the most important breakthrough in modern sociology.

"Breeze, we can do nothing but state that we have found the truth. We found the truth about life, world conditions and the future. Charles and I are convinced that God exists and really is on top of world affairs; we have no doubt, Bob."

Looking hard at the two; knowing their abilities, he was forced to accept their conviction; "Of course, so now what? What I mean is, where do we go from here . . . ?"

They consulted; they made plans, their endeavor now will be to defeat the bad guys of the world, both by physical means and by proving that God exists and what he is doing. It’s to wake people up to their real need to find the truth in the Bible and react. The three reached an agreement; a pact, in regard to their mutual efforts.

You know, Guys, we have been able to gain a real good edge, so to speak.

What’s that, Breeze?

King, we have been able to install, on the top floor, the most sophisticated world-wide communication system yet. Also, being developed is a uranium powered ultra-violet world-wide Web system; however not quite operational as yet.

They looked at each other and in unison—What’s that, Bob?

Control reached for the phone . . . Ask Gremlin to come down, please.

After a few minutes, an answered knock at the door found standing there a tall, thin, bespectacled young man. Entering, smiling, he went right over to take a seat to the left of the two.

Gentlemen, meet Gremlin, our East Indian import.

Introductions and information were shared so that the young fellow would be assured of who Charles and King were. Feeling more comfortable, he understood that he was to explain his clandestine operation to them—and, boy, how he did.

In our top floor electronic observation center, he began, "we are developing an advanced world-wide Web system. You see, it is outside of the general worldwide Web and it will actually have our own special web-like cover over that worldwide web system. We will be able to see into it and it will not be able to see into us. Do you understand, Gentlemen . . . ?"

The two sat gazing; indicated that they did; but they only partially did. They acquiesced and both looked at Breeze.

Breeze added, What we will have is a secure communication system that will include your home Internet system. So then, once it is developed, we’ll have perfect confidentiality in our communications.

Gremlin smiled and took his leave; he was a very busy young man.

Do you get the import of all of this . . . ? Oh, yes . . . something else. You both will be happy and surprised to know that we have a sub-station set up on the other side of the world that coordinates with us here. Charles, its Ding.

Dang’s son—Ding!

Bob knew that this would get him. "Yeah, Charles, in the mountains of southern Outer Mongolia, he has his International web setup and is the one developing it, his secret weapon. Ding claims that it will completely protect our worldwide operations from IBGSO interference. And he claims something else. We don’t know what that is, but are very anxious. Ding wanted to let you know for some time now; but we just had to wait . . . .

Like I’ve always told you, I knew that young Ding was a clever kid, stated Charles, reminiscing.

King, you weren’t there at the time, but when Charles and I visited about six years back, young Ding built himself an industrial plant and produced special Outer Mongolian Fortune Cookies and a very special mountain wine. Charles, shall we tell King how . . . ?

No! Not now, Breeze, I’ll cue him in later, he retorted. He well knew what his old buddy had in mind. Breeze’s eyes were gleaming as he stared at Charles. King was anxious to find out: later he did. Wow!

King had been thinking; I believe, Charles, that we have a solid commitment here. Breeze we are here to help at anytime; that is: when needed, take an assignment with the Agency as in the past. You see, both Charles and I still want to try to stop whatever worldwide disruption of peace and security that the enemy is engaged in. While at the same time, and on a greater scale, spearhead our work, advancing vital Bible education worldwide.

What King and I plan to do is to go on speaking tours and present our findings to whatever organizations are willing to listen.

"Boys, that may be dangerous in view of the big people that you’ll be exposing—they won’t take your attack on their positions very kindly, will they? It looks to me like Confrontation in the making. Our ability to intercept coded messages might just be the help you’ll need. So, Valued Friends, we’ll make up a combined worldwide effort that will be able to detect and deter whatever efforts the bad guys are engaged in."

It was time for lunch. Bob invited the two down to the dining room and meet some of the operatives, especially those known from the past; it was very pleasant. Both Willie Wample and Spry-Guy Spy were away on assignments. And then there were the new agents who were now with the altruist effort.

Author note:

Well, Dear Reader, do you see what has just been concluded? A mutual pact, a combined effort, a two-pronged attack orchestrated against the bad guys of the world. And look at the Web intercepting advantage they now have! On the other hand, at the same time, a careful watch of world conditions will ensue in regard to the outworking of the serious Bible warnings concerning God’s activity in world affairs.

What comes to mind here is Jesus’ warning at Luke chapter twenty-one, verses thirty-four to thirty-six:

"So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly. For it will come, like a snare, on all those who dwell on the surface of the earth. Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man."

Of upper importance was this alert concerning world conditions.—Gunther

Back at the office the three put their heads together. A strategic session ensued. First, their estimation of the enemy: the interest of the IBGSO (International Bad-guy Spy Organization) is to acquire funds, at any cost, to finance their evil work. Also to be taken into account was that they hate Charles; he has always been devastating to them.

King here added, "Really, according to the Bible the warning: it is Satan, now in his last days, who is masterminding worldwide chaos. This is our real opposition, Friends. Boris and the IBGSO are really just pawns in his hands."

"Breeze, King, what we are concluding here is nothing less than—a life-and-death confrontation . . . ."

CHAPTER 2

The Vatican Manuscript 1209—and More

A re you excited Charles? Just think what we’re going to investigate in Rome!

I find myself at wits’ end, King; really, at the end of my wits just thinking about it. Only a nitwit would take our visit as simply ordinary, Buddy.

Knowing his curious type think-tank, Yeah, Charles, and we’re not nitwits, are we?

We find our companions on Flight 234 out of London; and just about two hours before landing at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. Exciting is their prospective examination of the famous Bible manuscript, Vatican 1209. After they had confirmed their appointment with Vatican authorities, they had spent some time researching the artifact, so as to have a good basis for when they would get to examine it.

Every serious scholar is eager to examine the Vatican Codex, a Greek manuscript dating from the fourth century CE; less than 300 years after the Bible had been completed. As Charles indicated, Only a nitwit type scholar would not be at his wits’ end with excitement.

Just a bit of scholarly introductory type preparation here: the codex contains a complete text of the Hebrew, and the Christian Greek Scriptures (That’s the entire Bible) except for a few portions that had been lost. Our investigators well understood its value; it being written so close to the first century—preservation and textual conservation, if you please.

Being that neither of the two spoke Italian, arrangements had been made to meet Freddy at the airport.

Who’s Freddy? Dear Reader, Freddy Fertinelli is another of Charles’ noble group of good guys. They had worked together in our previous three literary accomplishments. Freddy was New York City street-smart and a personal friend of the city’s Downtown Police Precinct, Inspector Chan. Fellows that is all fabulous reading found in the other books.

—R. O. Gunther

As prearranged, they met at the airport, embraced and carried on, old chaps, as the English say. The airport security was tight; but that was nothing in comparison to the security at the Vatican library. Even though their papers were in order and their appointment confirmed; still, Freddy had a rough time answering all of the many and intricate questions. After all, it was to examine the famous manuscript, which was precious and costly. Everything finally turned out well; it was only that Freddy would have to wait in the hall outside of the conclave where the precious manuscripts were located. He could not get clearance to go in.

Accompanied by two security guards the three arrived at the immense and ancient library building. Awaiting them at the entrance was a