A Strange End (Part Two of Two)

We were approaching the Entrance to the prisoners' abode. Burr, though an old and feeble man, had a spring in his step. His eyes sparkled with adolescent mischievousness. "They think I'm over at the sinner's chapel, doing penance to gain redemption. In fact, I return here every day, to study and practice law."

We entered a dimly lit cell, cluttered with volumes of yellowed manuscripts. I speculated that most of the texts had been written before the mid-nineteenth century. More fascinating, however, was the small metal box located in the center of the room. With the push of a button, I breathed life into it, and came face to face with Jim Lehrer.

"PBS?" In my amazement, I scarcely noticed that Lehrer was covering the Waco story.

"Television is a terrific medium. Its capacity for relaying information by far exceeds that of printed literature." Burr looked with disdain upon his books. "These are so outdated. Were they my only source of knowledge, I'd be ignorant of everything since the War of 1812."

I joked: "I didn't know that God paid for cable."

"Well, over the years I've entertained many distinguished guests. One night, Tom Edison and Richard Sarnoff were over here. Both desired to leave a present, to show their appreciation for my hospitality. Poor Edison wanted to give me a phonograph, but Sarnoff convinced him that a television would be much more useful. That was back in 1960, just prior to the Nixon-Kennedy election. Three years later, Kennedy himself was my guest. He was escorted by Marilyn Monroe." Burr's lips parted in a sly grin. "It was the one-hundred twenty seventh anniversary of my arrival in Purgatory. Marilyn sang 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President,' exactly the way she had for Kennedy." Burr paused. Perhaps he was touched by this reference to unattained power. Then again, perhaps he was moved by Monroe herself.

"Were you ever married?" I ventured to ask.

"Twice. I was a bachelor." Obviously, he knew about my own complicated marital status. "It was reported on Nightline that you had nineteen or more wives."

"If my message is to be propagated, I must have descendants."

"What's wrong with admitting that you like women? You know, they're ever so much cleverer than we. My first wife, Theodosia, was most enlightening person I've ever known. And our little Theo," he sighed, "can staff the libraries in Heaven."

"Are they both in Heaven now?"

"Yes. They were much, much too good for this life. As mortals, they were more like angels. If there was a single reason why I sought to attain power - to become Emperor of my own realm - it was so that my two ladies would have a kingdom where they were worshipped and cherished."

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic