The Author

Pictured in portrayal of Herr Shultz

Peter J. Hughes PhD. is retired from a career as an engineer in the energy industry. He is presently an illustrator and Internet Multimedia expert creating training material for the US Army.

''Once a year I like to build a portfolio site used to show prospective employers what I do, on any subject that seems interesting at the moment. For example, my 2003 project commemorated the old Chevrolet Caprices that you see running around on 22 inch spinner spoke wheels nowadays. My 2004 site was to tell the story of a notorious local character by the name of Henry Shultz. I looked forward to making Flash animations of Indians on their trading paths, overflowing rivers sweeping away bridges, and railroad construction marching across the countryside.

''I found myself swept away by the subject and by the people I met along the way. I found myself working a jigsaw puzzle with nobody knows how many pieces it might contain. I handled manuscripts that had not been touched for 150 years. I have found many new friends in just the last twelve months, all with their own missions, but ready to drop all in a moment if they can help me. For once here is a project that I don't mind taking some time to finish.''