The publication of this work owes much to the support and perseverance of Robert Baker, a close friend of Joseph Tomes and Vivian Van Vick, husband and wife. Their niece, Judith Naumann, has provided helpful information. Joseph Dunn, former Publisher of A.R.E. Press, supported the novel from the first reading. His editors, Jon Robertson and Ken Skidmore, also gave early votes for publication. Then thanks to Brenda English, the present Managing Editor, for her enthusiastic and continuing approval, the novel is successfully published. Additional thanks go to Kate Garrick for her rigorous editing, and Michelle Springer, Library of Congress. The encouragement and assistance of family members, husband Paul Haenni, son Rodney Haenni, daughter Suzanne Crismore, and my cousin Nancy Post and her husband Richard are very much appreciated.