Chapter 3 3

Behind him, the gatekeeper shouted at him.He could barely hear the gatekeeper's voice as the waterfall roared. The Niagara Falls on the left is rolling and rolling, and the sound is deafening.You'd think, like the local Indian dept. As Luoren once thought, the waterfall is alive, and only the body of the sacrificer can appease it.This is a river of hunger, never satisfied, whose source is unknown.In front of it is this huge waterfall.as far as he sees Seen through the rising mist spray, the waterfall extends further at the Horseshoe Falls. (flickering The little rainbow appears and disappears in the mist as if teasing others, like a vague fantasy in the mind, or like a frivolous

The courtesan lures the tourists to be dumbfounded and admire, and to lure the tourists to smile endlessly.so so Useless beauty, surrounded by destructive forces. ) Gilbert can barely see, but he knows the Great Falls right in front of you.This is his destination Water Turtle Point, which is located at the southernmost tip of the island from the map.Big The sound of the waterfall is so loud, it seems to bring people into a hypnotic calm state.The flying mist covered his eyes Eyes, but sight is superfluous to him now.Nasty glasses that keep slipping off the bridge of my nose.he one Always hated glasses.He was diagnosed with myopia when he was ten years old.This is Gilbert's fate!He picks

He took off his glasses and threw them into the air, an action he had never tried in his life.finally free, forever Get rid of it! In an instant, he was at the railing. At Turtle Point. So fast? His hands tentatively grasped the top tier of the railing.He raised his right foot, the slippery sole made him slip, Almost lost his balance, he quickly adjusted, like an acrobat performing a balancing act on the top of the railing, his mind froze. Bian kept avoiding that uncanny, bewildered emotion: You're not serious, Jill!this is too funny Yeah, you graduated top of your class and they gave you a new car, you can't die.However,

When he was still immersed in pride, he crossed the railing, and in the torrent, he was instantly swept away by the surging waves. Sweeping forward, it was as powerful as a motor vehicle. In the blink of an eye, his head was smashed into pieces, and his brain was smashed into pieces. And the immortal sound that seemed to never stop was gone forever, as if the sound had never existed ; and within an instant of ten seconds, his heart stopped beating, like a clock whose mechanical parts were smashed surface.His spine snapped, snapped, like a dry turkey wrenched by laughing children Like a broken wishbone, his body was thrown like a broken toy to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls, hitting the rocks

Tossed into the air and sucked underwater by tumbling eddies and shimmering miniature rainbows, undulating, the terrapins Horned railing, reveling in the horrific spectacle, it is the only witness—though not for much longer Before long, the current will carry everything away from the foot of the cataract, and flow down a distance of three quarters of a mile, through The Whirlpool Rapids then reaches the Devil's Hole Rapids, where his body will be sucked into the bottomless abyss by the whirlpool, sucked into the water Go into the trap of the dead - the severed limbs will whirl in the water like crazy satellites in orbit

Spin until the merciful Almighty God works a miracle to fill his rotting corpse with gas and let it float to Swirl the foamy surface to escape disaster. 1 Damn it, she'll reveal herself. Yeah, you can tell.Look at her eyes.Poor woman! Every employee of the Rainbow Hotel could not say for sure when she first appeared in the lobby.This The red-haired woman soon became famous in the speculation and imagination, and was regarded as the new widow of the Great Falls. mother.This is June 12, 1950, about 10:30 in the morning, at this moment some people have begun to notice her , although I haven't paid much attention to it yet.The lobby of Rainbow Hotel is very spacious, but it is also overcrowded.rush through

The doorman who had passed by was probably coming in the direction she was staggering forward, and the two almost collided, the doorman hurried towards her. Apologize, and keep striding on.The waiter at the coffee shop would claim to have seen her around that time— — "Or someone who looks like her." However, it was June—the wedding season.at this time , during the honeymoon season in Niagara Falls, the old-fashioned Victorian Rainbow Hotel on Scenic Avenue There are so many people in the city, people are immersed in the ocean of joy, and most of the visitors come and go in pairs.Front left and right are decorated with Chinese

Beautiful golden cartouche with a sunburst clock hanging above the counter and below it a smiling Cupid He held it up high.Let love conquer all.In the center of the lobby, men sit cross-legged on cushioned wicker chairs Up, smoking a cigar, pipe.Usually most of them are smoking.As soon as you walk into the lobby, the first thing you see is the Rainbow Gate The Gallery, an expensive eatery that serves Sunday brunch①.At the back of the lobby is a coffee shop for a late breakfast And other fast food, there are potted trees and tropical flowers planted here, relaxed and natural, and the environment is elegant.On a high platform, a

An ecstatic young female harpist is playing Irish solos—"Danny Boy," "Tra "Roses" and "Irish Lullaby." Constantly blared from a loudspeaker in the lobby by an invisible male announcer The staff's voice called the guest's name over and over again.Such a noisy scene!like a humming The humming sound makes the beehive happy physically and mentally, and it is like a rustling and roaring waterfall. You're almost drifting into this mesmerizing place, and you lose all thought.you They will bow down under the spell of the musical notes issued by the delicate and slender strings of the harp, and almost look down on all the crowded places.

crowded hustle and bustle.You will find yourself standing firmly on one point, not knowing where you are or why Depend on. She is alone.So compelling.All walk together, or hurry somewhere.and she But different. At first glance, the widow bride looks nothing like a bride, much less a widow.She is wearing a printed shirt T-shirts, like high school graduations, decorated with ribbons made of crimson satin, tied into A languid bow, her dainty mother-of-pearl button twisted crookedly to her throat, As if she was cold.Her dull, rust-coloured hair, in unkempt French curls, is now loose Oh, there was a pink rosebud pinned to the curls, but now it's wilted and withered.she is skinny

The stockings on Kan's legs, which were a size or two too big, were already hanging down to his ankles.Wearing a proprietary mid-heel on the foot Leather shoes, these are the shoes worn in church on Sunday.She has a sallow complexion with freckles that look like dirty raindrops Also, sometimes it looks like a stain, as if some of the crayon drawing has been rubbed off.Soon, the hotel waiter will Report these details to Clyde Coburn, the owner of the Rainbow Hotel, and say that a "nightcrawler" The figure, alone, walked in the noise of the lobby in a strange manner, moving slowly and staggering.pass After a while, she stood by the elevator again, looking at the elevator door affectionately and anxiously, as if waiting for someone to appear.Pass For about 20 minutes, when the harpist paused, the red-haired woman seemed to wake up with a startled look. Looking around in fear.In the blink of an eye, she left the coffee shop and disappeared from people's sight.But After a while, she appears there again: in the middle of the lobby, or in the lounge where the guests meet, people or Stand or sit, smoke a cigarette and read a newspaper.And right here, it can be seen that when the red-haired woman looked at the men, there was a gleam in her eyes. Tong Zhen focused on her expression but was at a loss. She looked at them very uncomfortable.Some guys still hang out with redheaded women She had spoken, of course she was very polite, but she shook her head and quickly avoided it, as if to say no, now She finally understood that the speaker was unknown to her, nor was she the person she was looking for. "I can see that she's looking for It wasn't them, it wasn't that at all, none of these whiners was what she was looking for. "( Although several of the men who had met the red-haired woman were later interviewed by the local media. visit.Yes, you can tell.The man she was looking for was her husband, but she was too ashamed to say his name Words, or possibly, she forgot her husband's name.But anyway, she knew he was dead, She was stunned and I felt so sorry for her!) The doorman later recounted that when the red-haired woman reappeared in the elevator lobby, she stood leaning to one side with her head down. She looked at her, her eyes moved secretly, avoiding meeting other people's eyes, the guests passed by her in and out, as if Like a clear spring flowing quickly on a stone.Later she floated to the door of the Rainbow Porch, where an attendant spoke to She's spoken - "I feel like I'm talking to a zombie, she's polite but has a cold, hard look in her eyes . ’ He saw her going up the stairs leading to the mezzanine, and wondered if she was fainting. , the waiter called an assistant to approach her and asked if she needed help, but after he walked over and said so, the redhead The woman shook her head and said no - "She was very polite, as if she was sorry for disappointing me." Then She disappeared again (in the women's lounge, as the waiter said later), only within a few minutes Then she reappeared at the entrance of the lobby, her face washed; she was standing in the same position as the main rotating door. a few yards away. "She seemed to be waiting for someone to come through that door, but she knew he wouldn't show up, so— There she is. " As of now - it's mid-afternoon when the Rainbow Hotel is busier than usual as the church is operating Many of our patrons are here for the popular Sunday brunch - the one on the redhead's head Fading pink rosebuds have fallen out and strands of thinning hair in a messy French knot All became loose.The white gloves she had worn were also gone.The red-haired woman must be exhausted, But she stands still like a mannequin in a mall — “she doesn’t even bat an eye” — — staring intently at the revolving door.If the waiter hadn't walked over in the end, this inseparable woman I don't know how long I will stand there, the waiter never thought about it. "Ma'am? Excuse me, are you a guest of Rainbow Hotel?" The redhead didn't seem to hear the waiter at first, and just as he came into her sight, she asked Take a step aside to continue staring at the revolving door.Looks like "she's hypnotized - and doesn't want to be woken up . ’ he asked again, politely forced, and this time the red-haired woman glanced at him and nodded, just Shows that she can still see people clearly, yes. "Do you need my help?" "'Help.'" she repeated slowly, hoarsely, barely audibly, as if the word It's a confusing foreign language. "Help? Can I help you?" The red-haired woman slowly raised her eyes to the waiter's face, rolling her eyes so slowly that they seemed to be on a doll's face. Glass eyes that turn upwards.The eye sockets are a bit faded, bluish.There is a red mark under the woman's slender chin , It seems to be the trace of being injured. ("It looks like a man's finger print. It's the shape of a finger, as if he He grabbed her so violently that he was about to strangle her.But maybe not, maybe it's just my imagination, after this imprint It will also fade away. ’) The woman squints, adjusts the ring, and shakes her head apologetically, no. "No, ma'am? Can't I help you?" "Thank you, but no one can help me, I believe this is God's curse on me." The waiter was astonished.At this moment, the beaming family rushed out of the revolving door like firecrackers. Usually, he is not sure whether he has heard what he wants to hear, or whether he wants to hear it. everything. "Ma'am? Sorry, what did you say?" "curse." Her lips moved indifferently, as if she was speaking the ironclad truth.She should have walked away, otherwise, obey The waiter would take her by the wrist and lead her to a quiet corner of the lounge.Obviously, the woman's state Not good, the emotions are hit, and the mind is a little confused.It can be seen that her family background is very good, although she is not rich, but It also belongs to the middle class through and through, or at a higher level, the aristocratic class in small cities.her mouth The tone says it all—upstate New York, but not west.A little to the east, or to the north.one A married woman, a cultured woman.Something happened to her, or affected her, while serving The members strongly hope that no matter what it is, no matter who is the perpetrator of the crime, it should not happen in the hotel on a piece of land.Otherwise, Rainbow Hotel will no longer be trusted by customers. "Ma'am, I wish you could tell me what exactly is your problem? So I can help you as best I can. " The red-haired woman asked eagerly, "Is there something wrong with me? Or is there something wrong with him?" "Who is he?" "my husband." "Oh! Your husband is...?" "The Reverend Erskine." "Reverend Erskine? I see." As he was about to report the matter to Coburn, the waiter suddenly thought Wake up, he saw this woman yesterday, when she was accompanied by a young-looking man, they were at the check-in continued.But he did not speak to the couple and did not know their names. "What happened to him?" (The waiter feels a sudden panic. Of course, things could be worse than you think. Open the upstairs A door, a man was found hanging from an overhead light; a man lying in the bathroom had his wrists cut.this is not The first man in the Rainbow Hotel - whether he had a wife or no wife - committed suicide, although this These things are absolutely confidential. ) The red-haired woman whispered, turning the ring on her finger, "I don't know. Look... I can't find him . " "'Can't find him'...what's going on?" "Can't find it. Lost." "Just...lost? Where did you go?" The red-haired woman smiled sadly. "How would I know where it is? He didn't tell me." "How long has the Reverend Erskine been missing?" The woman stares at the watch on her thin wrist as if she can't read the time.After a while, she said: " He probably drove away, the car was his, I think he left the room sometime before dawn.or maybe ..." Her voice trailed off. "He left? Without saying a word?" "Unless it's to me. Because I, I'm asleep, because I'm asleep, you see, I... didn't hear what did he say. ’ She seemed about to cry, but she recovered quickly. With her gloved hand, she He wiped his eyes with his fingers. "I don't know him very well. I don't know his...habits." "But, Mrs. Erskine, have you been out looking for your husband? He may have just been out for a walk." . " "Outside." Mrs. Erskine shook her head slowly, as if the vast concept overwhelmed her. " I don't know where to look, don't know where to start, the car is his, the world is so big. " "Maybe he's waiting for you on the veranda outside? Let's go and have a look." The waiter said sincerely, saying The language is full of hope.He was about to lead Mrs Erskine through the revolving door when she drew back suddenly, eyes In fear, he let go of her arm. "I... I'm not sure he'd do that, outside, on the porch, you know." "But why not?" "Because he has left me." "But, Mrs Erskine, why do you feel that your husband has left you, and why doesn't he say something How about leaving in just one sentence?Maybe he's just outside?Are your conclusions a bit extreme now?he Maybe it's just to go out to see the scenery, go to the canyon side. " "Oh, no," said Mrs Erskine hastily. "Gilbert will not leave I went to see the sights by myself and he had already marked our travel route, he is always meticulous about this kind of thing , well organized.He's a collector, or was.fossil!He never does things halfway waste.If he's leaving, he's leaving. " honeymoon.This fact struck the waiter with a sense of foreboding. "But Mr. Erskine left no note, did he? He went away without saying anything?" "Nothing was said." She said this with the resigned detachment of an ascetic. "Is there no message in your room? Have you read it carefully? Didn't you leave it at the front desk?" "I don't think there will be." "Are you sure you checked the front desk, Mrs Erskine?" "No." "No?" "He's not going to leave me a note there. Not in the open mailbox, that's not Gilbert's place. If he had something personal to tell me, he wouldn't do it. " The waiter said sorry and went to the reception desk to check.No 419 information?he inquired about the duty staff whether they have spoken to or seen this "Reverend Erskine" but they all say no .He asked to see the register and it read: Reverend Erskine Gilbert, Mrs Alia Erskine , Troy, NY.Also on the register is a 1949 Packard sedan.the couple over the rainbow The Grand Hotel booked the Rosebud Honeymoon Suite for five days. honeymoon.It's not just bad omen, it's sympathy and pity. "Call Mr Coburn, please, will you? Leave him a message. It's nothing urgent , just an emotionally disturbed woman whose husband is missing, she thinks so. " "'Missing'? A lad went up to Horseshoe Falls this morning." "I went up to the Horseshoe Falls." The waiter later recalled that when he was about to leave, he came from the front desk The waiter heard this thoughtless sentence, but at this moment, he was indifferent to this kind of remarks, and also Maybe he didn't hear clearly at all, maybe he didn't want to hear about it. You don't think that the priest killed himself at the Great Falls.Especially when they were on their honeymoon, how could he Why?You just don't think about it. The red-haired woman didn't seem surprised that there was no information left for her at the registration desk.but she allowed the waiter to accompany her She walked out of the hotel.It is just after noon, the sky is blue and the sun is bright, the young woman blinks her eyes as if She is blind.Her cheeks were glowing, as if she had just rubbed them vigorously.she looks amazing Young but exhausted and worn out.Her eyes were small, a rare glass green, and shy look.She was not pretty at all, her eyebrows and eyelashes were a barely noticeable pinkish color.fair temples His skin was lined with melancholic little fine lines.Something violent was stirring in her body.is stubborn, almost Going to rush out of her body. "She seems hurt, deep, deep. Or insulted. But she's going to be okay. The past, all will pass. " She looked up, as if reluctantly, at the jubilant throng of guests pouring out onto the verandah.that is a The magnificent buildings surrounded three quarters of the hotel.She staggered, and the waiter even Help her up.They walked on a graveled path under the veranda that leads from the hotel to a staircase with steps. Passes between lawns and rose gardens.Guests dine al fresco at a Victorian table set on the lawn On the lavender terrace, it really looks like something described in a children's story book.As they passed, several guests voted Curious glances came. "Have you not seen your husband, Mrs Erskine?" "Well, we couldn't find him. I told you. He's gone." "But how can you be so sure?" The waiter tried to be patient, "If he didn't leave a word talk?Maybe it was just a misunderstanding. " The red-haired woman nodded gravely. "Yes. I believe it was a misunderstanding. It used to be. A tragic mistake meeting. " The waiter wanted to ask if the two of them had quarreled, but didn't say it. They passed the tennis courts and saw some people playing badminton and some people playing croquet.in tracksuit The middle-aged people were drinking beer and smoking cigarettes, talking and laughing happily.There are countless people inside and outside that huge swimming pool outdoors , Swimming, sunbathing.There was a cheerful atmosphere all around, and it even seemed a little noisy.the top of the head Loud pop music came from above.The red-haired woman covered her eyes as if they had been stung. "We've got to check your car, ma'am. Just looking." If the waiter had been Mrs Erskine, he would have done it right away, but she didn't seem to thought about it. "Do you remember where your car was parked, Mrs. Erskine?" When the waiter asked in the parking lot behind the hotel, the woman said in a dream, "Of course, it was Gilbert who parked the car." car.He wouldn't let me drive his car.I also don't believe that one day he will let me drive his car even though I'm sixteen I got my driver's license at the age of 2.Of course, it had been his car.I mean, it's still his.there, the wall Beside - see?That Packard. " At this time, the red-haired woman showed a little shocked expression, after all, she saw that her husband's car was still parked. The parking lot showed a slight surprise, but did not feel relieved at all.In fact, the waiter noticed, she stayed Standing there blankly, staring blankly at the car, but not approaching it.Seems like that shiny black Packard was the day Another mystery for her to solve, and she couldn't do anything about it. The attendant checked the doors of the car and the trunk at the rear, and they were all locked.He carefully typed into the dim interior of the car Measure it, the inside is a light gray liner, clean.And in the back seat, not even a rag or a piece of paper No.Mrs Erskine seemed to take it for granted that she could not see the car, and the attendant who did , but can't figure out whether this is a good sign or a bad sign.The pastor may already be somewhere, Why did you encounter some misfortune?Encountered "unfair conduct" - as everyone knows, Niagara Falls The city where Bu is located has many dangerous places. The waiter said enthusiastically: "Well, look, Mrs. Erskine, he can't walk very far. Let's go back to the hotel He might have been waiting there by the time. " The morning mist and chill had lifted into a mild June day, and it seemed an optimistic assertion. timely.Mrs Erskine, however, said with a shudder: "Back to the room? Back to the 'Rosebud Honeymoon Suite'? No. " She frowned, and turned the ring quickly, as if she wanted to take it off her finger. The waiter tried to calm her down, took her arm and tried to take her back to the hotel, but the redhead flew away. Said quickly: "Please, you don't have to accommodate me like this! You have helped me a lot. I don't want anyone Get involved, especially with strangers, but I don't seem to know what to do next.where to find where to wait. She paused, her lips trembling. She spoke carefully and carefully. "Key Yes, if Gilbert is gone and never comes back, I can't face his parents, and mine.them will blame me.I know, I am to blame.I have to face reality, the days of dreaming are long gone. I'll be 30 in November.I have my own account with a bank in Troy," she continued earnestly Say, "I can afford the suite. If the hotel is concerned about the cost, don't worry. I'll pay the bill." Mrs. Erskine began to sob softly.Perhaps she was laughing, her pale lips twitching. The waiter who has worked in Rainbow Hotel for 14 years was moved by this poor woman and wanted to comfort her, But don't know where to start.What can you say to a bride who was abandoned by her husband on her honeymoon? Mrs Erskine's dreadful fatalism was beginning to overwhelm him like a slow poison. Gently taking her arm, he said bravely, "Mrs. Erskine, ma'am, we will find you Husband's, I promise.Do not worry. " "'Don't rush!'" Her laughter sounded like glass breaking. "This is my honeymoon. " 2 Where's his bloody boss, Clyde Coburn?The waiters were anxious and exhausted.he Like a hotel employee, wandering around with an extra chair, not knowing where to put it.carrying This damned heavy thing walks around.No one else will take it over! "We'll look downstairs again. Then we'll go to your room. Can you hold on, Earl Mrs. Skin? " The red-haired woman tilted her head and lowered her eyes as if to say yes, yes!I have no choice. The waiter came to the front desk again and wanted to double check if there was room 419 for Mrs. Erskine Message—"Sorry, sir, no." The waiter patiently escorted Mrs. Erskine through the lobby like a A parent leads a child who is behaving strangely and elusively.The lobby is more bustling and crowded, empty The air was thick with smoke; they passed through the lively café (a pianist was playing a passionate Broadway tune), walked into the courtyard of the Rainbow Hotel.Many well-dressed guests are dining, and they Walking around the buffet table, the sumptuous delicacies covered the whole table, until the whole table was covered with glass It was like a feast of the gods.The diners all glanced curiously at Earls Madam Jin looked pale.The waiter whispered redundantly: "I guess you can't find it anywhere. He, is he, Mrs Erskine? " The woman shook her head slightly. No.Of course he was not found.Here? If he's gone, how can I find him? At this time, almost all the hotel employees were paying attention to Mrs. Erskine's predicament.The doormen were sent to four Searched everywhere, the men's lounge, the private meeting room separated from the box, the stove stairs, the store room, and even Even every remote corner of the building was searched.They brought in the hotel physician, Dr. McCready, and told him To see if Mrs. Erskine was not insane or hysterical.They have also sent to Nia Gala Falls Police Station called police and the incident was reported to riverside authorities, including Coast Patrol and Rescue. A colleague pulled the waiter aside and told him that an unidentified man had jumped into the horse early that morning. Hoof Falls; the janitor at the Goat Island Suspension Bridge tried to stop him.The search team searched all over the lower reaches of the river but did not find the body In general, the mayor's office, along with the authoritative Niagara Tourism Commission, wants to "lock down the news" for as long as possible. interest". The waiter was shaking.God, he knows!Something terrible happened. I believe... a curse on me. Yes, hearing the description of the suicide, the man was probably Gilbert Erskine. The waiter looked at the red-haired woman, she was standing in front of the registration desk, looking awkward, the hotel doctor repeatedly suggested suggested that she sit in the plush chair next to her, which she turned a deaf ear to.She stared blankly at the pair Young attractive honeymoon couple with arms around each other's waist checking in at front desk, having fun with staff, There was giggles.The French knot on her head came loose, and she fixed it with her hands awkwardly, straightening the soft deep Bow tied with red ribbon.For the world outside the Rainbow Hotel, this lobby seems to be a A nightmarish figure; to those in this lobby of the hotel, this woman, Alia Earlskin Man, the outsider who seems alien to them, is a superfluous man, a man who has no room for his existence . "We'd better tell her, eh? Take her to the police station." "But if they haven't found the body, she can't be sure. Maybe it's not the priest. Jesus, don't So cruel, stop hurting this poor woman.If only—if only it wasn't her husband who died. " "What if it's her husband?" "Dale, where's the damned Mr. Coburn?" "He said he was on his way." Mr. Clyde Coburn is the owner of the Rainbow Hotel. He is amiable, enthusiastic and sincere, but sometimes he makes Unreliable, he delegated most of his authority to employees.he is the old and famous scenic avenue Heir to the Grand Hotel, which his grandfather opened in 1881, just in time for the development of Niagara Falls The upsurge of distributing tourism resources.Today, the hotel still enjoys its prestige, but like other old hotels near Great Falls Like Victorian hotels, they were created in a time when customers traveled by train and Instead of cars, hotels are required to provide lavish services, including arranging for the board and lodging of servants.Therefore, in Niagara The outskirts of the falls, where motels and 'travel lodges' have sprung up like toadstools, make rainbow big Hotels are beginning to feel the pressure of competition.Had Mr Coburn been fully aware of the threat, he would not have would say something like this - "People always ask for quality. The Baiyoke Hotel delivers exactly that. This is America's the way people do things. " As far as his staff know, Clyde Coburn spends most of his time in warm weather Go boating on the rivers and Great Lakes, play golf at the Big Isle Country Club or hang out with a group of friends like him They gamble. The manager of the Grand Hotel was a woman named Dale who had been Mr. Coburn's assistant for ten years.she suggested After examining the furniture in Mrs. Erskine's suite, take her to the police station.To all concerned, this It's a terrible thing, but they have to consider the issue of public relations.Others who come to Rainbow Hotel Guests want to have a good time here.In case Mrs Erskine suddenly went mad, it would What a disgraceful spectacle. "Look, it's June. It's a Sunday in June and it hasn't fallen It's raining.God, this is really a good time for a honeymoon.Great Falls damn happy hour. " So they persuaded Mrs. Erskine, who reluctantly walked upstairs to room 419.the redhead The man said sadly that her husband would not be there. "There is only one place in this world, I can guarantee, that he not there. " At this time, Mrs. Erskine faltered and looked in a trance. The employees of the Rainbow Hotel felt that she seemed to be interested in Zhou. Everything around him turned a blind eye.When she reached the fourth floor, the elevator door opened, and she had to walk out of the elevator gently and quickly. .This would reassure Dr. McCready that she was "well"—"not feeling weak or dizzy at all. "But she lost the key to the room. Fortunately, Dale has the master key to open the door. The waiter knocked on the door of Room 419 uneasily.Maybe there will be someone in there. "Hello? Anyone? We It's a hotel manager.We are in. " No one answered. The ornate door was covered in crimson velvet, and a bronze plaque read "Rosebud Honeymoon Suite." Dale opened the door, and the red-haired woman and the hotel employees hesitated before walking in.empty The room seemed empty.A few faint rays of sunlight shine into the house through the partially drawn venetian blinds inside.Overhead, the vacuum cleaner hummed.The welcoming room is a luxuriously decorated and well-furnished guest room. The hall, apparently, was empty.Some scattered tourist brochures and maps, a bouquet of wilted roses in a vase Inside, an empty champagne bottle was poured beside it; there were also two empty champagne glasses, separated on either side. The waiter opened the bedroom door, but it was still empty.Mrs. Erskine almost closed her eyes, relentlessly willingly walked in. "No one. There's no one here." She said softly, so weakly that no one else To be sure if she said that.An ornate brass bed, topped by a knitted Drapes, beds that appear to have been roughly made, bedspreads pulled over messy sheets, heart shaped cushions put it on top.This will immediately give you the illusion that there may be someone or something under the covers.Organized The bunks gave the waiter a very cautious idea: Mrs. Erskine expected people to come and wanted to make things look Come tidy up.Apparently the air in the house was stale, men's hair oil smelled, women's cologne The smell of water, the smell of the bedroom at home, and the smell of dirty sheets... What happened to that bed?多么震惊，多么悲惨，多么出人意料。 红发女人转移了视线。有那么一会儿她眼光陆离，然后停摆在了自己的一双脚 superior. 服务员略显不安又彬彬有礼地问道：“厄尔斯金夫人，我能检查一下浴室吗？ " “可以。当然可以。里面没人。” 浴室里的灯亮着，但屋里空无一人。架子上叠放着潮湿的毛巾，淋浴帘被卷起 来塞在一个大大的虎爪脚浴盆里。浴缸里有几缕黑色的头发：不是厄尔斯金夫人的 .浴缸的另一边放着一个男用的化妆包，拉着拉链，不怎么显眼。但它就在那里。 不是什么好兆头，服务员心想。 突然，红发女人发话了，声音里带着喘息声，“他的牙刷在里面，我检查过了 .你们可能觉得他会随身带上，是吗？可我想买一支牙刷是一件很容易的事。in spite of 你到哪里。 " 随后，他们查看了厄尔斯金先生挂衣服的壁橱，厄尔斯金夫人说据她所知那里 已经很久没人动过了。又看了一下上面的衣柜，里面是厄尔斯金夫人叠放整齐的白 色汗衫和拳击短裤，黑色丝袜，几条刚洗过的白色棉手帕，还有一对男式衬衫袖的 链扣。行李架上是厄尔斯金先生的手提箱，里面有一本平装本的书，名字叫《尼亚 加拉大峡谷——历史与前历史》，还有另外一个不祥之兆—— 一个男式皮革钱包 ；除此之外，什么都没有了。 “厄尔斯金太太，我能不能……？” “当然可以。看吧。” 服务员翻着钱包，感觉很不自然。里面有牧师的身份证，一张照片，驾照，几 张空白发票，六枚硬币，还有一些面值不等的钞票，其中有面值五十元的。照片上 是个男人，黑头发，鹰钩鼻，瘦脸庞，戴一副看上去文质彬彬的眼镜，脸上没有笑 容。他就是吉尔伯特?厄尔斯金牧师吗?这个红发新娘离去的丈夫？ 一位极端的狂热者。看那嘴型。还有那双眼睛！ 服务员心想，从马蹄瀑布上跳下去的，绝对是这种类型的人。 “厄尔斯金夫人，我能把您丈夫的这张照片带走吗？当局会用到的。您最好把 钱包收起来放好。不要把贵重物品留在酒店房间里。 " 红发女人眼睛低垂，从服务员手里接过钱包，看上去局促不安。她没有打算数 钱包里有多少钱，据服务员刚才粗略估计，应该有几百块吧。 他们回到客厅里，厄尔斯金夫人失魂落魄地走到窗边，茫然地望着窗外遥远的 place.她是在看大瀑布吗？或者——天空？从侧面望去，她确实有一种古典美。she 的脸庞看上去很虚无，但轮廓又那么清晰，像古硬币上的头像。服务员又看到了她 苍白、骨架小巧的颈前部淡淡的红色指印，像是男人留下的，他以为他看到的是。 牧师留下的吗？一定是。难道还会是别人？ 服务员和其他人又很快地检查了一遍客厅，而红发厄尔斯金夫人站在窗边，一 动不动。像是在思考，她梦呓般地大声嚷道：“大瀑布。照您说的，它是个奇观？ 还是——有好几个瀑布？ " 戴尔说：“我们是说'大瀑布'。是说那条河，不是指这个城市。大瀑布可不 仅仅指现在这个地方，美洲瀑布，婚纱瀑布，还有——那个马蹄瀑布。都是急流， 还有魔鬼洞漩涡。还有那个大峡谷。可以说这条长约四英里的河里，危险重重。print 第安人把它叫作“饥渴之水”。它可是这地方的灵魂。 " “'这地方的灵魂'。说的对。” 他们后来觉得，这个红发女人似乎知道她丈夫出了什么事。 他们在客厅里没有找到什么重要的物品。几本带有注解的旅游宣传小册子和几 张地图，还有一张时下很流行的宣传单，题为《迷雾少女》，是有关到美洲瀑布和 马蹄瀑布底部旅行的游览观光指南。看起来这对年轻的蜜月夫妇是准备到那里游览 之后再回特洛伊的。“厄尔斯金夫人，您说您没有发现纸条对吗？”服务员最后问 了一次。“没有什么类似——告别性的纸条吗？”他眼睛盯上了那张维多利亚女式 写字台下面的废纸篓，里面是揉成一团的废纸。 红发女人似乎从恍惚之中醒了过来，但还是没有完全清醒。“什么？没有。没 有告别。I'm very sorry. " 因为激动，服务员的脸色有点发红，他弯腰取出废纸篓里面的东西——两团餐 巾纸，有一张上面沾有口红渍。But that's all. 3 “我酒店里的客人？告诉我不是的。” 员工们无人敢吱声，但是从他们的眼睛里看得出来：有不好的消息。 至少，此刻他知道，酒店没有着火。 至少，酒店里没有人被谋杀：如果是那样的话，这里就会有警察，前面的行车 道上也该停满了车队和急救车。 1950年6月12日下午两点二十分，正当人们要送阿莉亚?厄尔斯金去尼亚加拉大 瀑布警察总局的时候，克莱德?考博恩终于出现在彩虹大酒店。 他三十多岁，体格魁梧，一看就是个忙碌之人。他自负而友好，头发过早地谢 了顶，暗淡无光的脑袋活像一尊罗马雕像。一双不停转动着的狡猾的小眼睛深深地 嵌在面庞上，由于长年在阳光下划船、划水、打高尔夫球，脸上已经出现了皱纹。 他手大脚宽，不停地来回摆动，身上散发出刮胡须后的味道，流露出一种发狂似的 神情和出于好意的怠惰。他精力过剩，总是声音高亢、谈笑风生。今天，他衣着特 别，像是早晨去了教堂：泡泡纱套装，白色开领衬衫，头戴黄色浅顶软呢帽。像往 常一样，他总是偶尔在礼拜天顺便到酒店来一下，好让自己的员工们觉得——尽管 不那么准确——他是和家人一起到岛上（听起来像大岛）做礼拜去了，而不是在他 的家人还在教堂的时候，他却像路过自己的家一样，匆匆忙忙地淋浴、刮脸、换衣 服，然后又驾车外出，而事实上，他昨晚通宵都在与朋友玩纸牌和饮酒作乐，他们 所在的游艇就停靠在鹿角岛，而这个鹿角岛就在尼亚加拉河流的托纳望达运河中。 目前，卡博恩还没有和妻子分开。尽管经常在彩虹大酒店套房里过夜，他还是 住在家里。头天晚上，他玩了个通宵，一直到凌晨五点钟结束，之后，他在游艇上 昏睡了五六个钟头。在那里，他总是很受欢迎的。玩儿纸牌的时候输了钱，他会感 到内疚、悔恨，觉得自己太挥霍无度；克莱德?考博恩，这样一个身价上百万的男 人（至少从财产和资本方面来说是这样），这样一个被多少人欣赏和羡慕的男人— —尽管他做作的妻子和亲家不这么认为——竟然会有这样的感觉。结婚太早了！Knot 婚太久了！他儿时的朋友德克?波纳比就从不考虑结婚的事，他是自己游艇上纸牌 游戏的庄家，一夜之间就从考博恩那里赢走了1400美元；他说，现代人对雄性物种 的驯服是发展史上的“一大未解之谜”。 女人们不仅仅按照她们自己的意愿来驯服我们，即便是这种驯化不成功，它也 会让我们在花天酒地时感到心中有愧。 考博恩在来彩虹大酒店之前，就听到了大瀑布有人投水自尽的传言。现在，它 似乎成了一则新闻公告。波纳比的游艇上有一台警用的无线电台（这可是非官方的 ，且未经认可），他有时候会听听，特别是在他不能入眠的深夜，据他自己说，那 是出于“与生俱来的好奇心”。（波纳比是名律师，又是游艇的主人，还是个赌徒 、运动迷，偶尔还会成为“公民领袖”。）所以，他们已经听到了那则可恶的消息 ：当天早晨，山羊岛吊桥的看门人目睹了一名男子“纵身跳入了”马蹄瀑布自杀， 死者身份尚未确认。又一起自杀案！发生在蜜月旅游高峰期，在来自世界各地的观 光者来到大瀑布的时候。上帝会诅咒自杀行为的，考博恩心想，真恶心！仅在过去 的一年里，这是第几起了——三起还是四起？只有当局知道了。毫无疑问，事实上 可能还更多，死者的尸体从来都没有发现过。 波纳比神秘地说，他从没有听说过哪个大瀑布的投水自杀者，但在灵魂深处他 并没有感到有所触动。“上帝赐予你们好运，到那里去吧。”然而，考博恩并不真 是这么想的。他是个生意人，他在靠大瀑布赚钱，靠打大瀑布的主意赚钱。他可不 是靠那些神经有毛病、转身跳下大瀑布的那些疯子们在赚钱。 而且，令他感到愤怒的是，自杀者绝大多数都是男性。考博恩承认，女性自杀 者都是因为身为女人才绝望而跳下去的。那是与生俱来的缺陷：她们是女人。对于 女性自杀者，他们的同情多于谴责，因为教会要谴责她们。她们之中的大多数都是 年轻女孩儿，大都因感情纠葛而精神错乱，或是怀孕后被恋人遗弃。有些则是遭丈 夫虐待或是遗弃的妇女。她们的孩子已经死去。或许，是她们用某种手段杀死了自 己的孩子。她们的精神是病态的、狂乱的。她们恰恰都是女人啊。在大瀑布，19世 纪中期是浪漫的女性自杀案频发的高峰期，所有的自杀女性都年轻、漂亮，又带有 “悲剧色彩”——至少报纸上的报道是这么描述的。到20世纪中期，情况发生了变 change.而且变化巨大。现在的自杀者大都是些可怜的女孩儿或者是妇女，而不是女继 承人或者是有钱男人的弃妇，媒体也不再演绎她们的死亡了。 可那些男人呢！都是婊子养的自私的家伙。精神上，他们都是胆小鬼，选择了 最简单的出路。他们玷污了大瀑布的名声。爱出风头。他们仿佛在说看，看我啊！ I am coming! 只不过：考博恩知道尸体在大瀑布里浸泡过后是什么样子。它们在几天或几周 之后，才会浮上水面。那时，它们已经到了几英里之外的河下游的那个湖里。 然而，大瀑布竭力施展它恶毒的魔力，从未减弱过。如果你在尼亚加拉地区长 大，你就会知道。青春期是很危险的阶段。大多数尼亚加拉当地人都远离大瀑布， 所以他们免受其害。如果离得太近，哪怕是出于理性的好奇，你也会身处危险之中 ：开始产生一些与你自己的意愿相悖的怪念头，雷鸣般的水声似乎知道你心中所想 ，它剥夺了你的意愿和情感。 克莱德?考博恩倒是愿意相信自己免除了这些想法的困扰。正如德克?波纳比曾 说过的那样，你必须在神秘的灵魂深处渴望毁灭你自己。你越肤浅，你也就越安全 . 考博恩大笑着说：“我会为此而祝酒。” 大瀑布唯一有价值的地方：它能赚钱。 所以，职员告诉他的是坏消息，这无论如何也算不上是好消息。所有员工都在 讨论这件事。某位名叫厄尔斯金的牧师失踪了，从各方面的报道来看，他可能就是 那天早晨跳下瀑布的那名男子；和他结婚不到一天的新娘，那个满脸雀斑、面色苍 白、心烦意乱的红发女人，找遍了整个酒店，最后只好宣布说他“失踪了”。这对 夫妇来自于特洛伊，那是一个位于国土边缘的一个遥远的地方；他们预定了五天玫 瑰花蕾蜜月套房。 “他们昨天刚结婚？主啊。” 考博恩觉得这难以置信，他很生气。他有一个女儿，今年12岁。他的母亲非常 宠爱他，包容他所有的过错。他很同情女人。他很气愤，觉得任何一个在蜜月里做 出这等自私事情的男人都会让他气愤，更不必说是位牧师了。 “至少他应该结婚之后过段时间再说啊。留个机会。几个星期，或者几个月。 就像我们这些人那样啊。主啊。 " 人们把那位寡妇新娘介绍给他后，考博恩伸出手来和她握手。他就像一只被紧 紧压制住的弹簧。他渴望立即喝点什么。年轻女人的手指在他手中那么冰凉，又显 得那么无力；他突然间有种冲动，想用自己充满热情的双手去温暖它们。“嗨！您 it is good.厄尔斯金夫人，我是克莱德?考博恩，彩虹大酒店的老板。我已经知道了您的 事情，我会送您去警察总局。我想，您给家人打过电话了吧？或者厄尔斯金牧师的 family?非常希望您能了解，厄尔斯金夫人，在目前这种困难时期，彩虹大酒店欢迎 您继续留下来，我们会善待您，一直到——”考博纳顿了一下，脸红了。他原本是 想说，一直等到尸体被发现、被确认并被运送回家以后。但并没有人告诉厄尔斯金 夫人有名男子跳进大瀑布的事。“——多长时间都行，只要需要。” 红发女人抬起她那双罕见的绿玻璃眼睛，望着他。尽管酒店员工肯定告诉过她 克莱德?考博恩是谁，他会带她去哪里，但她似乎不记得了。她满是疑惑地低声重 复着那几个字“'多长时间都行，只要需要'”。仿佛那是外语，或是个谜语。 考博恩驾驶着他那辆铮亮的新车（那是一辆粉蓝色的别克车，白胎壁轮胎，自 动传送装置，车内浅褐色的皮革装饰柔软得像女人大腿内侧的皮肤一样）送她去位 于南主大街的尼亚加拉大瀑布警察局总部。在短暂的旅途中，考博恩很不安地留意 着他的乘客厄尔斯金太太，她呆呆地坐着，戴着手套的双手紧扣着放在膝上。（阿 莉亚从酒店房间里取回一双新的白色针织手套。）考博恩绞尽脑汁想要想出点什么 和她聊聊。人与人之间的沉默使他感到恐惧。他在演练怎样向老朋友波纳比讲述这 次痛苦的经历。考博恩停车的时候，这个女人才轻声细语地说：“我还没有给家人 打电话。也没有通知他的家人。没什么跟他们说的。他们会问吉尔伯特去哪里了， 为什么要去。我不知道怎么回答。 " 4 愚蠢的女人，你以为你是谁，居然敢藐视我的公正？ 上帝的声音萦绕在她大脑，奚落着她。在这里，陌生人盯着她看，全是同情和 怀疑。 “可是这叫什么公正啊，上帝？为何要我来承受这一切？” 她在等待。上帝拒绝回答。 现在看来，那是多么久远以前的事情啊。她站在那里，纤瘦的胳膊抬起来，那 种姿势就像在十字架上受刑一样，白色的绸缎婚纱上缀满了无数个各种各样的珍珠 扣子、缝褶，还有做工精巧的蕾丝饰边，穿在她身上像一件精美的紧身胸衣。利特 莱尔太太坚决要让她穿那件胸衣，阿莉亚几乎要窒息了。我接受你，吉尔伯特。I 法定婚配的丈夫。一个喷嚏就可以使那件胸衣支离破碎，也可以摧毁婚礼。 在警察总局，“堕落”男子的新娘无疑会受到谴责。 阿莉亚洗了把脸，漱了漱口，因为嘴里还有恐惧留下的铜钱一样的味道。if 再让吉尔伯特看到她那该死的“法国结”（她妈妈那样叫它）松开的话，他该会是 多么厌烦啊。尼亚加拉地区潮湿的空气使她的头发无望地一缕缕卷了起来。alia 瞪着满是惊恐的眼睛看到自己，就像刚从梦中惊醒一样。 在那张猪窝一样的床上。 你让我觉得恶心。我努力去爱你。 现在我们都自由了。 在这个陌生而又冷漠的地方。这可不是在华光四射的豪华的蜜月酒店里，而是 在一间难看的亮着荧光灯的房间里。一些陌生人急切地要和她谈话。“厄尔斯金夫 people? ”又一次，就像那是她的名字一样，“厄尔斯金夫人？我们要告诉您一些事情 ，请您做好准备。”酒店来的那个很绅士的男子好像不见了，她已经忘记了他的名 字，现在她被留下来和这些陌生人待在一起。这些陌生人尽管没有穿制服，但是可 以确定，他们都是警察。出乎意料的是，其中还有一个女人，称为“女警官”。exist 和女性罪犯或女性受害者打交道的时候，还是需要女警官的。这位中年妇女脸部棱 角分明，线条明朗，上唇上方有一层淡淡的黑色胡子，灰色的斜纹哔叽布料套装穿 在她略显壮硕的身上倒是显得很得体。那个女人在说话——说什么？阿莉亚努力地 聆听，但是耳朵里一阵嗡鸣声。 吉尔伯特?厄尔斯金可能已经“掉进”——什么？where? “据目击者报告，是马蹄瀑布。今天早晨大约六点半。” 每个字阿莉亚都听得清清楚楚，但是却搞不清楚它们的含义。而令人吃惊的是 ，那个女人也有一张与自己钱包里一模一样的吉尔伯特的照片。（她是怎么把吉尔 伯特的照片弄到手的？怎么几乎和阿莉亚拥有的那张一模一样。）阿莉亚缓缓地说 ：“我丈夫不会撇下我独自去观光旅游的。他可能是离开我了，但是他不会独自去 旅游的。为了这次旅行，我们计划了好几个星期。主要是他在计划。他在我们打算 去的旅游景点和'地质'景点上都做了标记，他甚至还在我们要参观的地方按顺序 写上了号码。”她声调呆板地说，“你们该了解吉尔伯特?厄尔斯金，知道他不会 干这种事的。 " 可以看得出来，那个身穿灰色斜纹哔叽布料套装、肩宽、胸部丰满的女人并不 打算去争论什么。但争论还是要发生的。 “厄尔斯金夫人，我们表示理解。但是厄尔斯金先生的这张照片已经被早晨在 大瀑布看到那名男子的目击者确认过了，可以'基本确定'了。在山羊岛。就是您 刚刚说厄尔斯金先生从酒店房间里消失不久以后。 " “我说过吗？我怎么会讲那种话?”阿莉亚激动地说。“我可以确定我说过的 是我不知道时间。我对时间没有概念。我睡着的时候，时间与我无关。一定是有人 在撒谎。 " “没有人撒谎，厄尔斯金夫人。为什么有人撒谎呢？我们只是想帮助您。” “如果我丈夫走了，他就走了，这忙怎么帮？你们怎么帮我？” “您丈夫失踪了，有人在马蹄瀑布那里看到了一名男子——“落入”河中—— " “吉尔伯特不会干那种事的。我知道你的意思：你所说的'落入'，实际上就 是'跳入'。I understand what you mean.但是吉尔伯特决不会做出那种绝望的事的，他是上 帝的孩子。 " “我们理解，厄尔斯金夫人。但是——” “你们不理解！吉尔伯特会离我而去，可是他不会离开上帝的。” 阿莉亚坚决地说。她觉得，这些无知的陌生人是在故意激怒她，好让她承认自 己是造成吉尔伯特这种结局的罪人，好让她忏悔。 一名男警官清了清嗓子，问道：“厄尔斯金夫人，您和丈夫——吵架了吗？” 阿莉亚摇摇头。 "Never." “你们没有吵架。任何时候，从来没有过。” “从没吵过，任何时候。” “他有什么烦心事吗？” “什么样的'烦心事'呢？吉尔伯特有事情总是藏在心里，他是一个非常特立 独行的人。 " “您觉得他有什么烦心事吗？在他'失踪'之前的几个小时里？” 阿莉亚努力在回想。她又看到丈夫那满是汗水、扭曲变形的脸。面目狰狞，紧 咬着牙，看上去像万圣节前的空心南瓜灯。她又听到丈夫嘴里发出的尖叫声。She does not 能出卖自己的丈夫，他的丑行也会使她感到不光彩。 阿莉亚郑重地摇摇头。 “您说他没有留下纸条？” "No." “没有什么暗示——他为什么想离开您？可能去了哪里呢？” 阿莉亚摇摇头，撩开贴在脸上的一缕头发，她的脸在发烫。天啊，她在出汗！ 不断地出啊。活像个受审的女犯人。好几个时辰了，她一直在颤抖。突然她感觉这 里空气不再流通，有点热。地心开启，释放出蒸汽一样的热量。阿莉亚脸上带着让 人震惊的笑容，她看到自己手上戴着那双白色针织手套，那还是年迈的姑姥姥路易 丝送给她的嫁妆呢。 嫁妆！阿莉亚咬住嘴唇，竭力不让自己笑出声来。 “在你们到尼亚加拉大瀑布度蜜月之前，