Shadow of great britain

The Thames River is still crowded with all kinds of transport ships today, but today's water traffic situation is obviously worse than usual.

The cause of the boat jam is also very obvious. You only need to look up to the east to know who is the culprit of the congestion on the river.

That is the Old London Bridge, which has 19 arches and has stood on the Thames River for more than 600 years. This stone bridge, which was rebuilt in 1209, contains the life memories of dozens of generations of Londoners.

As one of the strangest buildings in Europe, the Old London Bridge is not just a bridge for Londoners to cross both sides of the river. Its shape is not only asymmetrical, but its 19 bridge arches are also of different sizes, which is even more strange. Yes, there are still various shops, residential buildings and even a chapel and a gatehouse with the heads of traitors hanging on the Old London Bridge.

It is not so much a bridge as it is a small residential area in London. If you are willing, you can even live on this bridge for your whole life, which is not beautiful in appearance but strange enough in design.

However, perhaps it is precisely because the Old London Bridge is crowded with all kinds of strange buildings that its original design intention-the bridge function has been greatly weakened.

After all, not every London citizen is willing to squeeze on the narrow bridge road and wait to cross the river. Many citizens who are grumpy, time-pressed, and daring usually choose to cross the river by feeling the stones through the arch under the bridge.

Although most Londoners are lucky enough to cross here, due to the strong rivers here, there will always be a few unlucky ones every few days.

This is why a seemingly nonsensical private self-help group like the 'Thames Drowning Rescuers Association' was born in London. From a statistical point of view, London citizens have a strong demand for saving drowning people.

Of course, Parliament is not unaware of how evil the Old London Bridge is to Londoners who need to cross the river to work.

Beginning in 1799, Parliament began to study and discuss the feasibility of building a new London Bridge. During this period, there were several new building plans that were praised by everyone, but most of these plans were due to the local parish's concerns about its feasibility and construction. I had doubts about the required land area and gave up.

After a long discussion, the London City Government finally negotiated a compensation plan with each parish in 1824, officially announcing that it would be jointly funded by the government and local companies, and appointed the well-known bridge construction engineer Mr. John Rennie to supervise the project. Build a new London Bridge with a total length of 928 feet, a width of 49 feet, and a five-span structure of granite.

Not long ago, after seven years of construction, the New London Bridge was finally completed and opened to traffic. The Old London Bridge has also completed its historical mission. After six centuries of vicissitudes, it has finally faced the same challenges as its old age. The predecessor, the wooden London Bridge built by the Romans in AD 50, suffered the same fate.

Yes, it was destroyed by government order.

It will be sunk with explosives, along with the small shops and residential buildings that sit on it, into the bed of the Thames, Britain's true historical museum.

There you will find Iron Age shields, Roman tiles, Viking battle axes, medieval clay pipes and Tudor leather boots.

At such a historic moment, London citizens, who love to watch everything happening, are naturally indispensable. I don’t know why, but they always like to go to crowded places.

But explosives obviously don't have eyes. After a while, several London citizens squatting not far from the arch of London Bridge to watch the excitement were thrown into the river by the shock wave generated by the explosives.

Accompanied by bursts of exclamations from the gentlemen and ladies on the embankment, people only saw the volunteers of the Thames Drowning Rescuers Association who had been waiting here for a long time, taking off their shirts and going into the river to save people.

It's just that these enthusiastic gentlemen couldn't have a good temper when faced with this kind of thing. The citizens only heard them cursing while swimming to save people.

"Can't these idiots have some brains? Why don't you stay away from the excitement? They are so close to each other. I guess a few of them will fall into the river today!"

"If they listen to the advice, we won't have to guard the river every day."

"Don't be idle. Martin and the others went down to the river to rescue people. You guys, hurry up and clean the pipes!"

"Mr. Morgan! Something happened!"

"What's wrong?"

"It seems we didn't bring enough tobacco."

"Damn it, you are really unlucky today. Andrew, take the money and go to the nearby store to buy a few more boxes!"

Arthur led Colt, who had just finished lunch in the cafe, to stand by the river.

When Colt saw the scene of the embankment below, he felt that his whole outlook was shocked.

These gentlemen who use their spare time to participate in social welfare activities are busy giving artificial respiration to the drowning people. At the same time, regardless of men, women, old and young, they all take out pipes and shove them into their butts, and then use lung cancer-style smoking methods, and are busy filling the pipes. Blowing smoke rings.

Colt's upper and lower lips trembled, and he looked at it for a long time before he praised it sincerely.

"This new technology is not available here. Although everyone has long known that tobacco has very high medical value and is indeed highly efficient in intestinal absorption. But we can think of using a tube to help drowning people absorb tobacco medicine. It seems very simple, but it is indeed an amazing idea. Although I don't want to admit it, I still have to say that Britain currently represents the most advanced civilization in the world."

Arthur stood beside him and heard this, and nodded without blushing: "Yes, we are like this in Britain. Maybe you can consider opening a similar medical device company in the United States after returning to China. Bring them back a bit of advanced civilization."

Colt thought about it for a while, and finally shook his head and gave up: "That's all, I'm still more interested in firearms. The gap between this kind of medical equipment and firearms is still too big."

Arthur said calmly: "No, no, I think there is actually no difference between the two."

Colt was curious: "How do you say this?"

Arthur took out his pipe and lit it, took a puff and said: "Your Colt revolver and this intestinal healing device, to put it bluntly, are nothing more than opening eyes on everyone. Although the principles are slightly different, the results are still the same. Highly consistent."

Arthur was smoking, but unfortunately, Andrew, a member of the association who climbed up from the embankment, soon discovered this London gentleman who was carrying a large amount of medical supplies.

Andrew said eagerly: "Sir, can you sell me some of your tobacco?"

Arthur held an iron box filled with cut tobacco in his hand, hesitated for a moment, and then politely said: "I bought this cut tobacco on Jermyn Street, a genuine product from Saint-Domingue. It is used to make intestines." Wouldn’t therapy be too wasteful?”

When Andrew heard this, he responded righteously: "Sir, what are you talking about? This is saving the lives of the majority of London citizens. Besides, it's not like we won't give you money. If you don't sell it, please give me some money as soon as possible." Jean, I’m going to the store in the back to stock up.”

When Arthur heard this, he was about to make way for him, but when he caught a glimpse of the volunteers who were rescuing people who fell into the water in the Thames flood, something suddenly popped into his mind.

He held the other person's hand and patted the cigarette box into the other person's hand: "As an old smoker, although it is very difficult for me to give up my favorite. But as an upright Scotland Yard police officer, I feel that I We are indeed obliged to protect the life safety of the general public. To be honest, I have encountered a case of a drowning person who died unfortunately in the past two days. If that lady happened to meet you at that time, she would definitely be saved."

When Andrew heard this, he couldn't help but regretted: "I'm sorry to hear this news. After all, our association is still too short of manpower. Although we have people on duty by the Thames every day, at most we can only take care of science and technology." From Wente Garden to the river bank near the West India Pier, I guess the lady you are talking about did not fall into the water in this area, right?"

When Arthur heard this, his eyes widened slightly: "Sir, are you sure that all the people who fell into the water in this area can be saved?"

Andrew shook his head and said: "Of course not, but as long as someone fell into the water in this area, our association will keep statistics. And you just said that the lady fell into the water recently, and in the statistics of our association in the past half month, there was no There was no case of death by drowning, so I am sure that the lady you mentioned did not fall into the water in this area."

When Arthur heard this, he couldn't help but smile. He continued to ask: "But, I heard that after a drowned person dies, the body is usually washed downstream by the river. Could it be that during this period, from Covent Garden to West Were there no bodies washed down in this area of ​​the Indian Pier?”

"Washed down?" Andrew replied: "Of course there are, they happen every day. But after we have been doing this for a long time, we can basically tell the length of drowning time. The bodies that were washed down can basically be seen at a glance. You can tell. As for the specific situation, I won’t describe it to you. The state that the corpse will show after being soaked for a long time is really disgusting."

When Arthur heard this, he couldn't help but take out another cigarette case from his pocket and slap it on the palm of the other person's hand: "Thank you for your enthusiastic help, good citizen. The two paragraphs you just said are very important to me. . If necessary later, I will visit your association again. There are also a few mints in this cigarette case. While you are helping others, remember not to tire yourself too much and keep your breath cool at all times."

Andrew was confused by Arthur's words. He just raised his eyes and took note of the gentleman's appearance, then thanked him, and then hurriedly climbed down the embankment of the Thames River with the tin box of tobacco.

Arthur watched him walk away, and then patted the American boy Colt next to him on the shoulder: "Okay, Mr. Colt, while I'm in a good mood now, let's go have some tea nearby. By the way, Tell me about your revolver with a rotating drum magazine. I heard Mr. Guard say before, why does your pistol seem to explode easily?

Why don't you think about it carefully and improve the primer-type impact bolt, or add a spiral rifled barrel? By the way, I haven’t asked yet, what is the caliber of your pistol? It would be great if it could be matched with cone-shaped bullets. My needs are quite unique. Some tasks do not have so many firing opportunities and time. It is best to kill with one shot. "

…

In the evening, in a coffee shop near Whitehall Street, the elegant crystal chandelier exudes a soft orange light, and melodious music is accompanied by the gramophone playing throughout every corner of the coffee shop.

Sir Peel stirred the coffee cup in front of him with a silver spoon. He listened to the music and smiled: "The Bells is of course excellent as a piano etude, and it is also very popular at dances, but its The rhythm is too intense and is obviously not suitable for an environment like a coffee shop. Arthur, maybe you can ask Mr. Moscheles or Mr. Mendelssohn for some advice on classical music composition techniques. In this case, your vinyl record Sales will definitely increase a lot. I know you can do it, Arthur, your records will always surprise me, whether it's "The Bell" or the one you gave me the day before yesterday."

Arthur took off his hat and put it on the table. Of course he knew what record Sir Peel was talking about.

It’s just that the recording was not music, but a private conversation at a banquet between Congressman Bernie Harrison and his ‘philanthropic’ husband, George Norton.

Of course, in order not to cause unnecessary misunderstandings, Arthur made some edits.

Therefore, the recording that Sir Peel heard was limited to the part where the two conspirators talked about the Home Secretary Viscount Melbourne and Lady Norton. However, that information is enough for him, the leader of the party who is committed to reunifying the Tory party.

Arthur put a piece of sugar cube into the coffee cup: "Sir, are you satisfied with my new music? Speaking of which, you may not know that I am actually quite shy, and I don't dare to take out new music even if I have one. Go and audition for other people. Firstly, it’s because many of my friends don’t have the ability to appreciate art. Secondly, it’s because they don’t have influence, so whether they say good or bad, they can’t represent the public. Mainstream evaluation means that it is not referential.

Because of this, I thought of taking the new song for you to listen to first. Not only do you have experience and appreciation, but you also represent the artistic taste of the old-school British gentlemen, and you are also at the forefront of observing the new wave of British forces. If you think this song is good, That means this thing is really good. If you think this thing is bad, no one will notice it if you take it out. I would like to apologize to you first. I am really sorry that I took it upon myself to disturb you with such irrelevant things. "

When Pierre heard this, he first recalled a few key words in Arthur's words. Of course, what he cared about most was the record, which he was the first to listen to.

Pierre smiled and raised his hand to signal Arthur not to care: "Arthur, although I am not as tasteful as you said, but if you want to hear my opinion, I am of course willing to share some of my shallow opinions, you know Yes, I always like to give advice to young people."

When Arthur heard this, he smiled and nodded: "You know, I always like to accept other people's suggestions."

Sir Pierre laughed heartily twice, and he said: "Of course, if that were not the case, how could we have talked together? Looking back now, it was really a shame to let a young man with musical talent like you form LPS. A wise decision."

Arthur also smiled and replied: "Sir, you should remember that I promised you that I will bring my musical talent there. In my opinion, commanding the Police Intelligence Bureau is actually no different from composing eight notes. , pay attention to the harmony of the music at all times, and there is no need for unnecessary noise, this is the most important thing.”

Sir Peel nodded slightly: "Yes, I also agree with this point of view, and this problem exists in your new record. Some of the noise in it sounds too harsh. As an elegant song, it needs to be taken out. The notes are not harmonious enough for the British public to appreciate."

Arthur inquired: "So, what is your suggestion?"

Sir Peel said: "Arthur, I appreciate your musical ability, but there are still some gaps between this piece and "The Bell", and some too high-end and advanced techniques are used in it. It may be difficult for the British public to understand it." It will be more difficult. But I don’t blame you, new things are always like this, it takes a while to gain public recognition. But for now, I don’t think it can be announced yet.”

Arthur heard this and agreed: "Sir, this is why I found you. I also think this piece of music is not mature yet, but you know, I can't complete the revision of the score by myself. Not only I can't spare the time, but as you will know, Scotland Yard officers are hanging around the Thames these days, and the officers are complaining that our uniforms are stained and smelly by the Thames water.

By the way, having said that, I have to trouble you with one more thing. Do you have any recommendations for familiar and affordable perfumes? Director Luo Wan said that he planned to purchase some for a while and distribute them to everyone as welfare. "

When Sir Peel heard this, he picked up the coffee cup and took a sip: "Arthur, even if you don't tell me, I plan to send some perfume to Scotland Yard to comfort the police officers. Your work recently has been very hard and tiring, and I don't care about it. Yes. Officers are expected to be emotional, especially as swimming in the Thames is not part of your job."

After hearing Peel's assurance, Arthur finally felt relieved. He turned to ask: "Is what you just said your personal opinion, or the opinion of all the old-school London gentlemen?"

Peel replied: "It's my personal opinion, but I think even the oldest and most typical London gentleman like Earl Eldon would not be able to accept your new song. So don't worry, I'll tell you about the perfume." It will be done. The reason why high-end perfume is expensive is because of its excellent quality and the fragrance is popular with the public, not because of the brand or label on it. Arthur, you must understand this. "

Arthur heard this, took a sip of coffee, tasted it for a while, and then said: "So, the perfume of the House of Commons...ah, no, will the label of the perfume be torn off? Scotland Yard police officers are actually not very useful. What kind of label does it need to be on? Police officers only use perfume to deodorize it. If there is a label on it, we will feel a psychological burden when using it."

When Sir Peel heard this, he noticed something was wrong. He asked, "Have you got the formula for the perfume?"

Arthur nodded: "I've only mastered part of it, but judging from the ingredient list I got so far, it seems that there are some things that shouldn't be in it."

Sir Peel's eyes widened slightly when he heard this, and his fingers on the table trembled slightly. It could be seen that although he still maintained the good upbringing of an authentic gentleman, he probably had a long time ago in his heart. Already mad.

Sir Peel clapped his hands, called the footman who was accompanying him, took the coat and hat from his hands, and dressed neatly again.

While he was adjusting his clothes, he said to Arthur: "Arthur, I have to make it clear to you about this matter. I really don't know about it."

"Of course." Arthur smiled: "If it weren't for this, I wouldn't ask you to listen to the new song."

Pierre nodded slightly: "As for the perfume, I will give you an answer in a week. After all, one song cannot make me completely decide whether to sever the purchase contract with the old supplier that I have used for a long time. And this matter, You have to get the unanimous consent of the other gentlemen. I don't like it, but if they like it, I can't force it to go against their will. Of course, I definitely don't want to hear discordant noises, but if there must be noises, then it's okay. It will only appear after all attempts by gentlemen have failed."

Arthur stood up after hearing this. He put his hand on his chest and smiled and saluted: "Then, I will wait for your good news."