Shadow of great britain

4 Whitehall Street, Westminster, London.

Arthur and Disraeli had just stepped off the carriage, and before they had gone very far, he saw two familiar figures on the corner of the street leading to Trafalgar Square.

Arthur frowned slightly. Disraeli saw it and just asked: "Arthur, what's wrong with you?"

"Shh!"

Arthur motioned for Disraeli to be silent, and then he walked forward gently, and then he picked up the two boys, who were about eight or nine years old, by the collar with both hands, as if catching rabbits. .

"Alan, Adam, you two had better tell me clearly why you are not in grammar school at this time, but instead rolling hoops near Whitehall Street."

Adam turned his head to look, and then trembled in fright: "Ah... Arthur, isn't today Friday? Allen said that usually on Friday afternoons, you would get off work early to work part-time as a piano in the theater."

When Arthur heard this, he didn't know whether he was angry or happy. He shrugged his shoulders and said: "You guys have figured out my schedule very clearly. In the past, I should have gone to meet Mr. Moscheles at this point. But today is an exception. Adam, Allen, you two little bastards are unlucky today, and you happened to hit the muzzle of my gun. Let's not talk about it, how on earth did you slip out from the supervision of the teachers? "

When Alan Pinkerton, who was slipped to the right by Arthur, heard this, he just said: "Sir, we got the teacher's permission to leave school early."

"Oh? Really? Is today a holiday?" Arthur thought for a moment: "Jesus is resurrected again? No, I remember that Jesus was not resurrected today. I should be the one resurrected today."

Pinkerton said seriously: "Sir, I'm not joking with you. We asked the teacher for leave in advance and came back to take care of Adam's mother who had just given birth. I told the teacher that Adam's mother had just given birth to a little sister, so We had to go home early to help Officer Tom.”

Disraeli laughed loudly and said, "Boy, you remembered wrongly. Mrs. Tom gave birth to twins. Now Adam not only has a sister, but also a brother."

When Pinkerton heard this, he raised a finger and emphasized: "Yes, I know, sir, but we plan to save this excuse for next week!"

When Arthur heard this, he put the two brats on the ground and tapped their heads with his fingers: "Can't you two brats do something good?"

Pinkerton replied: "We do good things all the time, sir, but you may not know it, but we just gave a poor old lady twopence, which is all the money we have."

When Arthur heard this, he raised his eyebrows and rubbed his head: "It seems that leaving you to Tom to take care of you has had some effect. Good job, boy. But there are so many poor people in London, Why did you choose that old lady?"

When Adam heard this, he just touched the back of his head and smiled stupidly: "It's simple, because that old lady sells candy."

When Arthur heard this, he just picked up the collars of the two brats and threw them into the carriage. Then he took out a shilling from his pocket and stuffed it into the coachman's hand: "Sir, please help me put these two The troublemaker went back to Greenwich Grammar School and said hello to the teacher there for me."

After finishing speaking, he said to the two boys in a warning tone: "Before Mrs. Tom picks you two up from school, you two boys had better stay there. Especially you, Allen, I solemnly inform you that your snack allowance for this month has been temporarily withheld. By the way, whether the allowance is finally paid or not will be directly linked to your next grammar test score.

If you have objections to this resolution, please raise it at next quarter's internal working meeting of the Metropolitan Police Intelligence Service and we will vote on the proposal. But I can also tell you quite clearly that it is useless even if you mention it, because Tom, Tony and other police officers are all on my side in this matter.

As for you, Adam, haven't you always been jealous of Allen's snack allowance? I can also tell you clearly now that if you can guarantee to get a triple-A or above in this year's grammar school exam, I will approve your application to join. Otherwise, not only will I not approve your application, but I will also tell your parents about the bastard things you did with Allen today.

You are 9 years old this year. According to the general British concept, you are no longer a child. As a mature British gentleman, you must learn to be responsible for your actions. "

As soon as Arthur said these words, Adam immediately started to wail.

"Oh, no, Mr. Hastings, you are a good man, you can't do this! Please don't tell my parents about this, they will be sad."

When Pinkerton heard this, he stood on the carriage seat and begged: "Sir, you can't swallow my allowance without conscience. We just studied the Bible not long ago, and it said that God declared the right to Judgment of the elders and human leaders for expanding their wealth by exploiting and abusing the poor. Please, if you stop my allowance, I will definitely go to hell in the future. You are a good person and I don’t want you to go there.”

Arthur leaned against the carriage door with one hand: "Look, Alan, doesn't this show the usefulness of reading? If you hadn't studied the Bible, you wouldn't even know that you would go to hell if you swallowed other people's allowances. Yes. But you are right, I will definitely go to hell in the future, but most likely it will not be for exploiting and abusing the poor.

If I want to go to hell, I will naturally have other ways. You may not know that I can still have relationships in hell. In addition, Alan, your snack allowance is just suspended. I gave you a chance to change your ways. Getting an A in the grammar test shouldn't be that difficult for your smart little mind, right? "

Pinkerton saw that it was useless to pretend to be pitiful, so he could only grit his teeth angrily and said: "Damn it! So you have made up your mind?"

Arthur nodded slightly and said: "Alan, don't be so angry. The bureau has set up a special fund for the education of minor employees for your education. If you want to go to London University in the future, your university tuition subsidy will be full. Uh-huh."

Pinkerton asked: "What if I miss Cambridge or Oxford?"

Arthur just replied: "Then I guarantee that Mr. Elder Carter, another employee of our bureau, will propose a motion to fire you immediately at the internal meeting."

"What about your attitude?"

Arthur pondered for a while: "In terms of the current educational climate displayed by Oxford and Cambridge, I am temporarily inclined to support Mr. Carter's proposal."

Arthur saw the two little ghosts slumped on the carriage seats like eggplants beaten by frost. Then he closed the door with satisfaction and said to the coachman: "Sir, you can set off. By the way, if it's not troublesome, After they get off the bus, please keep an eye on them as they walk back to school before leaving. These two brats are so slippery and they can cause some trouble for you if you don't pay attention."

When the coachman heard this, he was also happy to raise his riding crop and touch his hat: "Don't worry, Mr. Police Officer. I will watch these two young masters sit back on the school seats honestly. To be honest, if this is As for my son, I will definitely give them two whips, your attitude is too soft."

Arthur just shrugged and took a sip of his cigar: "No way, these two brats are too courageous. I'm worried that if I give them two whips, they might steal his father's gun and hit him from behind. I’ll give you a hard one.”

The coachman just laughed when he heard this. After everyone said goodbye, Arthur finally breathed a sigh of relief as he looked at the carriage going away.

When Disraeli saw him like this, he just found it interesting: "Arthur Hastings, the most shining star in the entire London police force, a cold-faced detective who would make any criminal feel scared just by looking at him, was beaten by two The kid is unsettled. It seems that educating children is a bigger problem than catching criminals."

Arthur blew out a smoke ring and nodded: "Benjamin, you don't understand, I am only the present of Scotland Yard, but these two brats may become the future of Scotland Yard. It is easier to pay now than to spend great efforts to correct it in the future. .”

Disraeli just blinked, smiled and said: "Then good luck to Scotland Yard for the future."

After saying this, he walked towards the Ministry of Internal Affairs with his cane.

When the red devil on the side heard this, he just smiled evilly and stroked the parchment in his hand, as if chanting piously: "The Lord said: Give, and then you can get it yourself. Arthur, I didn't expect you to be like this." Supporters of the argument, but please don’t forget that giving brings nothing. Judas will still betray Jesus, and Peter will also deny his Lord.

People can torture sin out of whiteness, and they can also torture whiteness out of sin. Human beings are divided into two types: heroes and ants. The difference between the two is that it is not a big deal for heroes to do some so-called bad things for good results. "

When Arthur heard this, he felt that it sounded familiar. He turned to look at Agares and just held his chin and smiled: "Agares, I never thought that you, a devil, actually like to deal with great writers. ! Influencing the world by influencing them is indeed a good way for the devil. However, it is strange to say that, looking back, none of them surrendered to you. "

Agares didn't say much, and the red devil just smiled: "Don't say that, Arthur, aren't you the same? Look at what Alexandre Dumas wrote in the words of Father Faria in the chapter of "The Count of Monte Cristo" The following words: 'To catch the criminal, you must first find the person who benefited from the crime. Edmond Dantès is gone, so who will benefit?' My dear Arthur, aren't you also doing the same thing? Same thing with me?”

Arthur just took a puff of his cigar: "You're right. I have to think carefully about what I said. Who will benefit from ruining Scotland Yard? Looking back, maybe too many people will benefit. . If the malice is directed at a certain person, then I can quickly identify the target, but if the malice is directed at an organization, things are a bit more complicated. Criminals all over London hate Scotland Yard and insist on Are die-hard Tory MPs who are traditional Tories now planning to put themselves on an equal footing with criminals?"

Agares clasped his hands together and smiled: "If this is really the case, then how do you plan to deal with them?"

Arthur just stroked his white gloves: "It's very simple. Although I am different from Mr. Dantès, the protagonist of "The Count of Monte Cristo", I don't have the treasure of Monte Cristo to back me. But correspondingly, I have what I can use." There are quite a lot of other resources. If they insist on going against me, I don’t mind continuing to provide Alexander with some follow-up plot materials, for example, being the mastermind behind the scenes. I just don’t know who will be the lucky one this time. I want to go crazy."

The corners of the red devil's mouth turned up, almost reaching the base of his ears. His red tongue swept back and forth over the nail-like sharp white teeth, and he complimented in a disgusting tone: "Oh, my dear Arthur, you're at peace now." Half a year later, you finally plan to take action again. Why don't I give you a higher price? If you can take over the entire British Parliament, I will reward you as the king."

When Arthur heard this, he just raised his eyebrows: "Agares, don't think that I don't know what you are thinking. If all the congressmen are sent away by me, they will force Barr to sign the Magna Carta in hell. 》A constitutional monarch, what, you, a fallen military leader, want to take advantage of the chaos to go back and be the Cromwell of Hell? Or do you want to imitate Napoleon and yell at the soldiers of the Demon Legion, "Hell, your Duke" came back'?"

After saying this, Arthur used his newly bought cane unskillfully to limp and keep up with Disraeli's pace.

Agares was left dazed on the spot. After a long time, he suddenly slapped his thigh and woke up: "Arthur, you are really a fucking genius. Why didn't I think of it? Wait a moment and ask me How about I add something more to you?”

As soon as Arthur followed him, he saw Disraeli chatting with someone on the road in front of the Home Secretary's residence.

The editor-in-chief of the magazine, who regarded the 'Caesar of Britain' as his ultimate ideal in life, sharply spotted Mrs. Norton who had just walked out of the official residence, and the Minister of the Interior, Viscount Melbourne, who was escorting her out.

This proud young man was not afraid of the light of the big shot. Instead, he used his gradually changing reputation in the British literary world to strike up a conversation with Mrs. Norton.

Disraeli took off his hat and said: "Mrs. Norton, it's been a long time no see. Since the last banquet, I have been asking you for manuscripts. It's a coincidence to meet you here today. How about we send the manuscript here?" Has the matter been decided in advance?"

Mrs. Norton was obviously a little surprised by Disraeli's appearance. Before she could react, Viscount Melbourne asked with a strange look on her side: "Caroline, who is this?"

Mrs. Norton came to her senses and quickly introduced the Viscount: "William, this is the author of "The Young Duke" and the editor-in-chief of "The Englishman" - Mr. Benjamin Disraeli."

When the Viscount of Melbourne heard this, he took off his gloves and extended his hand to Disraeli in a friendly manner: "Nice to meet you, Mr. Disraeli. I didn't expect that you have achieved such an achievement at such a young age. Carlo Lin had recommended The British to me before, and she told me that it was a very exciting magazine, and she basically spent all her boring spare time relying on it.”

When Disraeli heard this, he smiled broadly: "This is nothing, Your Excellency. To be honest, the editor-in-chief of a literary magazine is just a small footnote on my life path. In my heart, I There is also a more ambitious ideal.”

When Viscount Melbourne heard this, he just smiled: "Really? What is your ideal?"

Disraeli held his head high and said: "My ideal is to one day be able to sit and work in an office on the street next to Whitehall Street. Yes, I am talking about No. 10! Just look at it, I will definitely do it in the future. will become the prime minister of this country."

Although Viscount Melbourne knows that arrogance is the nature of young people, it is still rare to see someone like Disraeli who does not shy away from it.

If Viscount Palmerston were here, he might have ridiculed Disraeli for overestimating his abilities, but fortunately, Viscount Melbourne did not like to throw cold water on others.

He just said tactfully: "It's a very lofty ideal, and the courage to say it out is indeed worthy of commendation. However, before going to No. 10 Downing Street to work, maybe you can consider coming to Whitehall Street first..."

Speaking of this, Viscount Melbourne suddenly saw Arthur walking lamely. He pointed at Arthur behind Disraeli and said: "As you can see, among the British young people of your age, , I think this one is the best at the moment. Maybe you can communicate more with him when you are fine."

Mrs. Norton saw Arthur coming, raised her hand slightly and greeted him: "Mr. Hastings."

Arthur also took off his hat and returned the greeting: "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Norton."

When Mrs. Norton saw Arthur walking lamely, she just wondered: "You...what's wrong with you?"

Arthur just replied: "It's nothing, I'm just getting used to my new tool. You may not know that I was recently appointed to be responsible for the police intelligence work of Scotland Yard. In order to make myself not stand out in various places, I We are working hard to learn the behaviors and habits of people of all identities.”

When Mrs. Norton heard this, she suddenly realized: "So you are playing a gentlemanly cripple today?"

"Well... that's about it, ma'am." Arthur pondered for a while, and then said sheepishly: "But, to be precise, I am actually playing the role of Mr. Talleyrand-Perigord, the French ambassador today."

As soon as Arthur said these words, even the always stern Viscount Melbourne couldn't help laughing. He smiled and said: "Arthur, that's it. I just had dinner with Mr. Talleyrand last week. His opinion of you is pretty good."

"Oh? Really?" Arthur pretended to be stupid and said, "Then he should let me know."

Having said this, Viscount Melbourne suddenly remembered the case that Scotland Yard forwarded to him this morning. He asked cryptically: "Arthur, you are not related to Senator Harrison's matter, are you?"

Arthur heard this and smiled shyly: "Unlucky, Your Excellency, if only you had asked me about this earlier."

"Congressman Harrison?" Mrs. Norton asked doubtfully, "Did something happen to him?"

When Viscount Melbourne heard this, he hesitated for a long time, and finally just shook his head: "Caroline, don't ask about this matter."

When Mrs. Norton heard this, she also knew that Viscount Melbourne must have encountered some difficulties. She thought about it and finally decided not to embarrass him.

"Okay, William, you must have something to hide, I understand you."

Viscount Melbourne smiled: "Thank you for your understanding, dear."

After finishing speaking, he spoke to Arthur again: "This matter probably won't end so easily. What to do next? I have already forwarded the documents to Scotland Yard. You must at least find some reason that you can tell." , otherwise I won’t be able to give you a reason even if I want to excuse you during the parliamentary inquiry.”

Arthur nodded after hearing this: "Don't worry, Your Excellency. Director Rowan and I have already discussed this, and I assure you that Scotland Yard will never make it difficult for you."

Viscount Melbourne got Arthur's assurance, and his mood obviously improved a lot. He was about to go back to the house, but he stopped halfway and said a few words to Arthur.

"If you are too involved in this matter and you really have no choice, submit your resignation first, so that the parliament will not be able to investigate your responsibilities. Arthur, you know, the preparations for the establishment of the London District Attorney's Office are only It’s been a few months, a few months, it’s not long, it’s not short, but people are always forgetful, and the Parliament is no exception, Arthur, do you understand what I mean?”

Of course Arthur understood what Viscount Melbourne meant, which was to let him avoid the limelight in advance.

Although the Home Office could nominate a number of candidates for police representation in the London District Attorney's Service, the Lord Chancellor's Chamber was satisfied with only one.

As long as he didn't appear on the parliamentary blacklist, the position would be his anyway.

But Viscount Melbourne obviously underestimated Arthur's determination. The newly appointed Home Secretary did not know that what Arthur valued most was actually the position of the London Police Intelligence Bureau. Without the police intelligence function, even if Arthur took office in London District Attorney's Office, his power will therefore be inconsistent.

Of course, it's no wonder that Viscount Melbourne subconsciously ignored the London Police Intelligence Bureau. After all, this organization is just a rewarding position in the eyes of cabinet members.

They did not think that this department, which had few formal employees and only had an allocation of only 10,000 pounds, could cause much trouble.

Few people at this moment realize what monsters are created when the functions of the London District Attorney's Office and the Metropolitan Police Intelligence Service are placed on the shoulders of a single person.

Viscount Melbourne even did not forget to comfort him: "It is normal for a person to have ups and downs in his life. Arthur, you are still very young, and it is not a bad thing to encounter some setbacks."

Arthur smiled and said: "Sir, I think so too. I wish you a happy day."

Viscount Melbourne nodded slightly and then walked back to the residence of the Minister of the Interior.

As soon as he left, Mrs. Norton was ready to board the carriage and start the journey.

Seeing this, Arthur quickly poked Disraeli with his elbow.

Caesar of Britain understood and hurriedly stepped forward to stop the car: "Madam, do you really not think about the manuscript? To be honest, the remuneration we have prepared is quite generous. I have always believed that your contribution in literature is Achievements are grossly underestimated. Submitting to a magazine like Blackwood's is no way to consistently unleash your extraordinary talent."

When Mrs. Norton heard this, she just smiled and replied: "Look at my brain, I almost forgot about it. Of course I am interested in contributing to "The British", but I made an appointment with a painter this afternoon to draw Portrait. Mr. Disraeli, if you don’t mind, why don’t we make an appointment to talk tomorrow?”

"tomorrow?"

When Disraeli heard this, his eyes suddenly rolled. He remembered the whisper he heard from other ladies at the last banquet: "Tomorrow is fine, then I will go and discuss with Mr. Arthur Sigma today." Let’s talk about the manuscripts in the next few issues.”

Mrs. Norton was just about to close the car door, but when she heard the name Arthur Sigma, she immediately stopped pulling the car door: "Are you going to see Mr. Arthur Sigma today? The man from "Detective Hastings" The author of "Collection"?"

"Of course." Disraeli tugged at his collar: "I originally wanted to invite you to meet him with me. I have always believed that when outstanding authors get together to discuss, they will always spark creative sparks. Just like me Just like Mr. Sigma has always done.”

After hearing this, Mrs. Norton hesitated for a long time, and finally gritted her teeth and sighed: "Oh... I really want to see him, but... the portrait painting cannot be rescheduled, Mr. Disraeli, I I’m really sorry.”

When Arthur heard this, he suddenly said: "If we can't reschedule, let's go to the studio together. I'm not busy today anyway. Madam, what do you think?"

When Mrs. Norton heard this, she looked at Arthur and her eyes gradually widened: "Mr. Hastings? Wait... Arthur Sigma? "The Hastings Detective Collection"? That book was written by you? "

When Arthur heard this, he just shook his head and said, "No, that can't be considered written by me."

When Mrs. Norton heard this, she held her chest and let out a sigh of relief: "That's right, a great detective like you doesn't have time to write novels."

Arthur smiled and said: "I didn't write it, but I experienced it personally. Madam, that is considered documentary literature. So, can we go to the studio to discuss it now?"

When Mrs. Norton heard this, she was a little excited at first, but then she felt a little guilty. Her eyes were full of suspicion, but there was a smile in the corner of her eyes: "Mr. Hastings, you are really good at joking. I remember that There is a devil in this book. Is the devil also a documentary?"

Arthur nodded and said: "Of course, madam, what's the big deal about the devil? Maybe God will appear later."

After hearing this, Mrs. Norton smiled and wrinkled her nose: "Okay, Disraeli and Mr. God, please get in the car now."

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