Chapter 86 Chapter Eighty-Third: The Wrist Powered Demon Lord Shang Yi Xinjing Guides the Way Mother and Daughter Love

Tian Jianlong is a straightforward man, he never doubts that people have any mechanical heart for him.Therefore, Li Fangyuan and Ye Shufen exchanged each other's tricks, and he personally didn't even know the shadow.Not only did he not know, even Sun and Ma Erjun who were traveling with him were also at a loss.Among the party, only Wen Xiongwei knew about it.Because he was the mastermind, and he became the owner of the nest in the Guangdong Guild Hall. He harbored Ye Shufen at first, and then replaced Shufen.He harbored Li Fangyuan again, stayed in Fangyuan for two days, and still went back to the party headquarters.This is something to say later, let's not mention it for the time being.

It's just that Ye Shufen carried her luggage on her own, boarded the Xinming steamship, showed her ticket to the accountant, and the waiter led her to the private room, where she helped to arrange the luggage.Shufen said to the waiter: "I am alone in this room. I don't call you, and you don't have to come. I don't go to the dining room for two meals in the morning and evening. When the time comes, you just bring me a western meal. How much should I pay?" How much money will I give, but don't miss the time." The waiter agreed and went.The next day, I saw Long, Sun and Ma going to the dining room to eat, but they couldn't see Li Fangyuan. I thought it was strange, didn't she eat?Then asked Ma Zhongqi, "Why didn't Mr. Li come to eat?" Zhongqi said, "Why did you forget? Didn't Mr. Li come here to help the sick? Since she got on the boat, she has closed the door of the private room. No matter who it is, She didn't put it in either. According to what she told the waiter, it was for rest and recuperation, and she was not allowed to disturb her for no reason. It will be over in about two days." Jianlong nodded.I still didn't see her coming out the next day, so I felt a little puzzled.What is the reason for this?Could she sleep for three days and three nights?It's not easy for me to call her door, because no matter how generous she is, she is always a woman.Besides, she has a bad temper, if she lashes out a few words, wouldn't it be boring for herself?Then I thought about it, fortunately I arrived in Yantai early tomorrow morning, and she would never be able to get past the test, and it was likely that she would not be able to come out by then.But this is not good, if she is really seriously ill, why not cause trouble when it comes time for medical examination?Thinking of this, he ran to the front of the private room without hesitation and flicked the door with his fingers.Played for a long time, but did not hear anyone agreeing.He was a little panicked in his heart, don't it be that she is seriously ill?If you want to delay the time, it will be even more difficult to cure in the future.Thinking of this, he knocked on the door with great strength, and shouted: "Cousin, cousin, get up, we are almost in Yantai, don't wait for the doctor who examines the disease to come inside, everyone will lose face." Long Yi knocked on the door hard, but the inside could no longer pretend not to hear it, and angrily twisted the door knocker. With a sound of "ah", the door opened.Seeing that Long thought he had cousins ​​with her, he stepped in without hesitation.The two looked at each other and were all stunned.At this time Ye Shufen really felt a little ashamed and didn't know what to say.Tian Jianlong is a person who has been around for a long time, although he didn't know it beforehand, when the truth is revealed, he already knows it in his heart.Fortunately, this kind of bag drop has nothing to do with the general situation.What's more, the boat has been away for a day and two nights, and there is no way to go back and change people anyway.He saw Ye Shufen bowed her head and said nothing, her face was red and white, as if embarrassed.He had no choice but to explain first: "Mr. Ye, it's very good that you came, most of the time it's because Fang Yuan was sick and couldn't get on the boat, so you took her place. Actually, wouldn't it be nice to explain to everyone at that time, why bother to hide it?" Jianlong was able to set up a step for the other party and make her step down in such a hurry. This kind of improvised ability is not easy for experienced old people, let alone young people in their twenties.From this, it can be seen that Jianlong is really an adaptable talent, and there is no trace of his ability to control his colleagues.Hearing what he said, Ye Shufen opened her mouth immediately, with an unnatural forced smile on her face, and said to Jianlong: "Deputy Minister, you guessed it right. I have something to do. I want to rest at a relative's house for two days. But Fangyuan found me and immediately forced me to come for her. I said that there is no such rush, even if I come, I should explain it to everyone, why bother to be so sneaky What? She refuses to agree, not only asking me to take her place, but also asking me to keep a secret for her. I have to wait for three days after the ship sails before allowing me to meet you. Since I promised her, I don’t want to break my promise. I've been bored in this room for two days. It's your fault, it really bored me to death." Jianlong said with a smile, "Don't be bored anymore, let's eat breakfast together when you are young." Head, go back to your private room.Walking around while thinking it's funny, after all, it's a woman's insight, and she thinks it sounds nice, but it's actually trying to cover up.If you don't want to go to Beijing to see your daughter, even if Fangyuan forces you, you may not be willing to come.When Sun and Ma saw him coming back, they rushed over to ask Mr. Li if he was well.Jianlong smiled and said, "Where is Mr. Li? He has become Mr. Ye." The two were at a loss when they heard this.Seeing that Long told them the situation just now in a low voice, they also laughed.See Long Zhi and tell me again, don't use this as a topic to make fun of Mr. Ye.She is a woman with a thin skin, and if she becomes angry from embarrassment, everyone will be ashamed.The two agreed, and Shufen really walked into the dining room for breakfast that day, and Sun and Ma came over to deal with her respectfully.This riddle was not fully solved until then.

When we arrived in Yantai at night, some people disembarked and some boarded.The medical examiner took a look at it as usual, but it was just a perfunctory story.When I was young, a person came and wanted to enter the private room, but among the private rooms, there was no one vacant, and all of them were pre-occupied.That person immediately became irritable, cursing what the company's articles of association were, and why he dared to take other people's money without a spare house.This gentleman was originally tall, with a voice like a bell, and he also spoke Henan dialect, and his father-in-law and brother-in-law scolded him for a while.Seeing Long in the room, he heard the sound very familiar, hurried out to watch, and unconsciously called out: "Brother Zeng, why did you get here? Don't be angry, and quickly move your luggage to my room." Then The man was shouting vigorously, when he suddenly heard someone calling him, he looked up, and he couldn't help but burst out laughing. He went to shake Jianlong's hand and said, "Brother, I've lost my mind about Brother Yu. If I don't shout and scold here, we will still be here." Maybe I can't see it. I should be grateful for the benefits of the company. Nothing else, I have to live in the same room with my brother." Then he transported all the bags and leather bags to Jianlong's house.

Who is this person?Speaking of which, he is very famous. His surname is Zeng Mingkuang, and his style name is Helou. He is a native of Kaifeng Prefecture, Henan Province.His family has a lot of money, and he studied abroad at his own expense in Tokyo, Japan.He joined the Iron Blood League Ten years ago, and has the strongest friendship with Hua Ziqiang.He kept taking money from his family to help the Democratic Party.He is a practical revolutionary, and he admired Tian Jianlong the most in his life.He said that although Jianlong is young, he is very courageous, and has superhuman insight and tolerance. He is indeed a leader.The age difference between the two is less than twenty years, but they are destined to be friends who forget the years, and they are brothers.They returned to China one after another, and hadn't seen each other for more than two years, but they didn't expect to meet unexpectedly on the ship.Jianlong let him into his room, arranged his luggage for him, and then asked him why he came here.Helou didn't answer, but first expressed a kind of hatred, and said through gritted teeth: "Don't ask. It's also our Henan misfortune, a monster appeared, wearing a mask, and deceived our ordinary Democratic Party. He was blindsided, thinking that he really wanted to establish the Republic of China and restore freedom for our nation that has been oppressed by the Qing Dynasty for three hundred years. This is really a mistake. He is full of ambitions. I want to be emperor, but I just use the status of president as a transitional ladder. I was extremely opposed to the election of him as interim president that day, but all the people in the same party are in favor. I can't change everyone's opinion alone. How is it? All the members of the Democratic Party who joined the cabinet were all squeezed out by his means. He was thinking of buying Congress again, so that he could be officially elected as the official president this year. There are almost no human beings left. This time I traveled all over the northern provinces to investigate the situation of the provincial branches. I will also make preparations in the future to deal with that lonely husband. But I did not expect to meet my brother here. I heard that you are in Shanghai. It’s great to set up a social group headquarters. In the future, our two parties will be together, and it won’t be easy to deal with him alone? It’s a pity that the head of the headquarters you elected is too bad. How can he be worthy of being the head of the headquarters? Brother Yu speaks too bluntly, brother, don’t take offense.” Jianlong listened to him rambling on about this long article, and finally dragged it to the social group.He actually knew such details, he was very surprised, and said: "Brother, how do you know about the establishment of our social group?" He Lou laughed loudly and said, "Why didn't I know? I know." Seeing Long was even more surprised, and asked how he said this.He Lou said with a smile: "The head of your headquarters is someone we don't want in our party. He always wants to not take a leadership position so that he can boast in our Democratic Party and express his grievances. You owe it to the social group to fulfill this wish for him. Since he obtained the position of head of the headquarters, he has sent many telegrams to our populist party. He used an equal tone, saying that after the establishment of our social group, the two major parties Left to right, for the benefit of the people, Shang Xichazhao is Pan Yunyun. This implies that he has become a party leader. In the future, he can be on an equal footing with our Prime Minister Sun, just like a brother. This is really a songbird Honghu, I really don’t know how to measure myself. How many years has our party been based and how many earth-shattering undertakings we have done. Prime Minister Sun committed himself to the country in his teens and worked hard for 30 years to become the party leader. He How can a newcomer who has never established any meritorious deeds in the course of the revolution, but just echoes others and sang a few high-profile words, become the leader of a party? Openly fighting against Premier Sun? I really don’t understand, brother, are you What intentions. By yourself, you can take on the responsibility of this social group. Why did you give him the first chair? He just stepped on the chair, and then he went out to show off behind your back. In the future In the end, didn't they sell you?"

It doesn't matter if He Lou likes to listen or not when he talks so much.Seeing that Long lowered his head and made no sound, he felt a little touched in his heart.I thought Hong Huahu was the one who raised it by myself, he should never have been in the limelight behind my back, this is really wrong, no wonder Brother He Lou lost his temper like this.In face, he had to perfunctory him, so he had to smile all over his face, and explained to Helou in a very gentle manner: "Huahu's behavior is really wrong. No matter what, he shouldn't try to fight against Prime Minister Sun." Shoulder. What is the identity of the prime minister, what is the history of the populist party, we are a young party, and we are afraid that people will not accept the late post. How dare he talk about equality? He is too arrogant and ignorant, how can he complain? Is Big Brother angry?" Jianlong knows his temper, no matter how irritable he is, with angry eyes and fists, he wants to beat someone to vent his anger, you just need to follow his tone and say a few words, and he will immediately calm down and turn the tide. Full of indignation, all digested.If you want to go against his tone and say a few words, it will be terrible. He will immediately pour out all the accumulated anger of hating others on you alone, even stabbing knives and playing with pistols. don't care.Seeing that Long Shen knew his temper, he followed his tone and said a few words.Sure enough, his heart calmed down immediately, but he still sighed: "Since you know what I said is right, why did you choose him as a minister? I always think this is a very dangerous thing. In the future, your life may be ruined." It's in his hands. Don't think that what I said is too much, sooner or later you will understand." Seeing that Long didn't like to listen to his words, but he didn't dare to stop him, so he had to interrupt him with other words: " Big brother is coming to Tianjin this time, where will he live? Can you bring me with you, can we live together?" He Lou said: "I want to live in the Liuguo Hotel, where the housing costs are too expensive. Brother, you want to be alone It’s okay to live with me, if you bring a lot of people, it won’t be worth it.” Jianlong said: “In this case, we have to live in a hotel first, and rent a cheap house in the future so that we can form a social group Branch." He Lou said: "Your social group branch can't be established in Tianjin. The first important thing is to visit a few like-minded people, and they can cooperate with each other. It will naturally be established, and it is expected Otherwise, what’s the use of having a branch in name only?” One sentence reminded Jianlong, saying: “What the elder brother said is really the words of gold and stone. I am also very hesitant about this matter. In Tianjin and Tianjin, there is not a single bosom friend, we came here empty-handed, who is reliable and who is not, I have no confidence at all. Isn’t it a big problem to find a colleague for help temporarily?” He Lou smiled. He said: "Didn't you hear that Yanzhao has a lot of sad songs since ancient times. This time you go to Beijing and Tianjin, if you can carefully search for people like slaughtering dogs and selling milk, I'm afraid there are some people!" This sentence hit Jianlong's heart. , Immediately beaming with joy, he bowed his hands to Helou and said, "Brother Cheng, please give me advice. I will be in Tianjin this time, and it will last only twenty days in January. In the shortest period of time, it will be promoted to the whole province of Zhili. In the future, parting ways with your party will not be in vain for the hard work of going south and north this time." He Lou laughed loudly and said: "Your volunteer is indeed commendable, but Qingfu If you don’t go, Lu is difficult. You know how to focus on the branches and leaves, but you don’t know how to think about the fundamentals. When you come to Beijing and Tianjin in the future, you will know how powerful autocracy is. According to my advice, developing your party is nothing at present The most important picture. If you are really determined and want to benefit your compatriots, why not help us do it vigorously. With your courage and strength, you are not behind in anything. Why don’t you do great things, but do it in those poor years? What about the party affairs that have never been studied in the past?"

Seeing that there was something in his words, Long hurriedly took a step forward, and asked in a low voice: "Brother, how do you say it? Is there anything else I can borrow from my younger brother?" He Lou also lowered his voice and said: " Brother, I would never tell you if we were old comrades. If Hong Huahu was in front of me, I would rather let him rot in my stomach than mention a word, because the relationship between this matter is too serious. I Tonghua self-improvement has been planned for a long time, and we can't think of a comparable person. Later, my brother established a social group, and we thought that in the future, there will be many places to rely on my brother for this kind of thing, because our populist party is now being held by old thieves. Paying attention, Tete has sent many minions to spy on our inside story all day long. Especially in Beijing and Tianjin, where there are secret ambushes, it is really full of holes. Wu Bixiang in Beijing, and Yang Delin in Tianjin are all his confidantes of the gatekeeper. Tian led a group of minions to fight against the people of our populist party. Anyone with little reputation in our party got a report before they came to Beijing and Tianjin. When these two feet set foot on the land of Beijing and Tianjin, I have to search you seriously first, I wish I could strip you off and see if you are carrying any dangerous items. When you land in the hotel, no matter whether you are in the concession or not, you must at least Send four scouts to surround you on all sides. When you open your mouth and lift your feet, they all report. Please think about it this way, do people in our party still have room to move? Don’t say that big things can’t be done, even one The sharp weapon for self-defense cannot be brought to Beijing and Tianjin. It really killed us. So I think of you, my brother, who have not paid attention to them at present. When the urgent time comes in the future, I will rely on you to be a transport messenger. With your courage , with your adaptable eloquence, there will be no flaws. This is what we say from the bottom of our hearts, but I wonder if you can help us with this?" Jianlong said with a smile: "Brother, what you said is too bizarre. How can we not help? When we joined the revolution, which one was not cultivated and supported by Prime Minister Sun? When drinking water, we must obey him to the end. As for our social group, it is also a branch of the Populist Party. Why don’t you just discard the Populist Party?” Seeing what Long said, He Lou was really happy from the bottom of his heart, and twitched his thumb and praised: “In the world today, there are not many people like my brother who don’t forget their roots. Yes. In the future, if the People's Party achieves its goal one day, my brother will be the number one person in Lingyan Pavilion." Jianlong said: "My little brother is just doing what he wants to do. As for the meritorious service and reward, my heart is not here. Well." He Lou said: "This time you go to Beijing and Tianjin, it is very important to find the most capable comrade. There are not many people, if you can have one, you can get a big deal from him if he initiates a big event in the future. Help. Let me tell my brother about the qualifications of this person. First, he must be an old Beijing native who is familiar with Beijing's human relations and geography; The third person must be shrewd and capable, eloquent, and have the ability to adapt to emergencies. These three things can be completed, which is our big arm. In the future, great undertakings may be successful from this person. HoweverSuch complete talents are really rare, and it depends on our luck, whether we can succeed or not, it's just a matter of one fell swoop. Jianlong nodded in agreement. The two lived in the same room, but they didn't feel lonely at all. They talked and talked along the way, and before they knew it, they had arrived in Tianjin.

The Xinming steamer sailed straight to the customs wharf, although in the French Concession, there were still a dense army of police and detectives.Do you know why?It turned out that Xiang Zicheng was in power at that time, and he had considerable friendship with ministers from various countries.As long as he made a request for matters that were irrelevant, all the ministers would readily agree. This was also a diplomatic tactic. The so-called exchange of small things for big things ended up being cheap for them.This time Xiang Zicheng became the interim president, what he fears most is a group of revolutionary generals from the populist party.Not only did he blatantly oppose him, but sometimes he secretly instigated and used various means to act against him.Therefore, he has to think about precautions, and he is always on guard against the whereabouts of the Democrats.The first step is to raise a lot of eagle dogs and be his minions.These eagle dogs are divided into categories, and there are all kinds of people.In a word, they are just unemployed hooligans.Because of the large number of people, they are scattered in various places, and there are all commercial ports in all provinces and cities.Only Beijing and Tianjin have more.But there is one fly in the ointment. Beijing has the embassy area in Jiangmi Lane, and Tianjin has the eight-nation concession of Britain, France, Japan, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Russia (note: the European war will start at that time, and the concession has not yet been taken back).Party members sometimes hide in such places, making various preparations for the revolution, and Chinese officials are helpless.Xiang Zicheng was a minister of Beiyang, so he knew the inside story very well.After he was elected as the interim president, he announced to the left and right that during the Qing Dynasty, the party members could move freely in the concession. Now it is my world. They are always embarrassed to refute my face.Sure enough, during the banquet, Xiang Zicheng asked the ministers, saying that China has just reformed the state system, and the current situation has not yet been settled. Things.Your ministers and consuls, etc., have trouble seeing and hearing, how can they take care of them?If our country's police spies help to handle it, they can go to the concessions at any time and cooperate with the Ministry of Industry and Bureau to strictly investigate the bandit party and eradicate it.Not only is it fortunate for our country, but even in the concession of your country, many disputes can be reduced.All the ministers agreed unanimously, and immediately notified the consuls in various places. In the future, if the Chinese officers and police enter the border to arrest bandits, they must cooperate and help each other, and they must not stop them.And allow Chinese spies to interview the bandits in the concession at any time.This paper notice went on, and it really had a great effect.From then on, Chinese police detectives went to the concession to handle cases as if they were in no one's land.And on foreign ports, they can also be searched freely.Anyone who sees something suspicious, can't wait to turn over your suitcase and clothes, and shine them one by one in the sun, so that you can feel relieved.Their purpose was to make trouble out of trouble, and to find some clues, which could be used as tools to invite credit.So people like Zeng Helou and Tian Jianlong just happened to meet them.When I got off the boat at the pier along the river in the French Concession, I was surrounded by a group of plainclothes police detectives in official clothes, asking where I came from.Hearing that he had just arrived from Shanghai, he was at a loss as if to prevent the entry of the enemy, so he searched closely, but in the end, he didn't find any suspicious letter artifacts.He asked Jianlong again and again what kind of business he was doing, and what was his purpose for coming to Tianjin this time.Jianlong also answered well, we are sugar merchants in Nanyang, and we have come to Tianjin to investigate the situation of the sugar industry, so we can open a sugar store here.The police detectives heard that he was from the business world, and only then half of the doubts in their stomachs were resolved, and they retreated one by one.Helou went to live in his Liuguo Hotel alone, while Jianlong and his three companions lived in the Deyi Hotel in the Japanese Concession.Why live in the Japanese Concession?Jianlong has been in Toyo for many years, and he is very familiar with Japanese and Japanese.Living in the Japanese Concession is just to prevent some accidents. He can talk face-to-face with the Japanese, which can bring a lot of convenience for a while. This is also where Jianlong is thoughtful.

After the four of them arrived at the hotel, they were unaccompanied, and it was very difficult to find a friend to help.When he saw Long on the boat, he had listened to Helou's comment, and he thought it was right.The first step is to visit friends. If you can really get two like-minded friends, not only the problem of social group divisions, it will not be difficult to solve in advance, even what He Lou said, it will also be of great help.But such people are hard to find.Between the capitals and the big cities, Chinese and foreign people live together, and human beings proliferate. Since we can't communicate with them next to each other, how can we know at a glance that someone is a man of integrity?This is like looking for a needle in a haystack, but where to find it?It seems that this problem seems easy but is actually difficult.I have to break a few days to go to various densely populated places to investigate, or there may be some unexpected encounters.It is best to have people from all walks of life in all casinos, and it is a kind of right and wrong, which is the easiest to show the personalities of good and bad people.Since I have nothing to do, why should I sit around in a hotel and pass the useful time?I heard that in Tianjin City, Nanshi, on the border between China and Japan, is the most lively place, so it doesn't matter what the common name is.Why don't I go for a tour, or inadvertently, I may meet a heroic person with whom I can plan great things together.Thinking of this, he asked the waiter to hire a rickshaw and took it to Sanwu for a tour.

The cart puller was like flying, and in a blink of an eye they pulled it under the archway in Nanshi, saying that the left and right areas are all unattended. Do you want to play by yourself, or take a car to see it?Jianlong gave him two cents and said that I would be happy to walk around and have a look.Then follow the osmanthus tea garden and head west.See coming and going, many tourists.He crosses this street, then enters that street, exits this alley, and then enters that alley. Most of the businesses on the street are restaurants, theaters, bathhouses, and brothels.Jianlong walked to the gate of a theater, and saw that on the bill outside the gate, there were gold letters one foot in size, such as Jin Yuemei, Zhang Fengxian, Xiao Dazi, He Cuibao, etc.He didn't feel his heart move, thinking that when he was in Shanghai, although he had heard several operas, he had never seen any good characters. Now, just in time for the occasion, he came to the gate of this theater. The characters Xiao Dazi, He Cuibao, and Zhang Fengxian all sang very well.Why don't I go in and take a look, one is for entertainment, and the other may meet the comrades I like.While thinking, he walked into the garden gate, bought a ticket for the pool seat, and went inside.Seeing that the first five or six rows in the pool are already sold out, only the back row has seats left.He also didn't want to push forward, so he just found a seat downstairs next to the front of the pool.The spectators made tea and set melon seeds as usual.Jianlong looked at the opposite side, although he was far away from the stage, he could see clearly, and there were not many people behind him, and it didn't look crowded.Sitting next to his stool was an old gentleman, who seemed to be in his sixties or seventies, with white beard and hair, but still in good spirits.Looking at the person sitting on the other side, there is a young man in his twenties. Judging from the clothes on his body and the look on his face, he looks like a rascal.Because he was sitting on the stool and not watching the show, his eyes were looking around, either in the two bread boxes, or in the female seat downstairs behind him.However, in the female seat downstairs, there are two young women who are very close to him.They look like sisters-in-law, one is in her early twenties, the other is only fifteen or sixteen years old, with oily hair and pink face, well-groomed, they are indeed a pair of Xiaojiabiyu.That young man, because he was so close, almost smelled like powdered sesame oil, he could smell everything.He twisted his neck away, his eyes staring straight at him with a tendency to salivate.Those two women hated him very much, but they had no choice but to send all four eyes to the stage.For the person in front of him, he just pretended not to see it.He was so anxious that he scratched his ear and scratched his cheek, coughed twice from the left, and spit out a mouthful of phlegm from the right. He wanted to call the two women back and tell others that I was suffering from single sickness here. Are you really not pitiful and pitiful? Have a word with me? ?

Seeing Longmu watching this situation, a kind of injustice flowed from his heart, wishing to go over and slap him twice immediately to relieve the hatred in his heart.Looking at the old man sitting next to him, he also frowned and sighed, expressing contempt and disdain for the young man.At this time, "Yanmen Pass" and "North and South Heroes" were being played on the stage, and the scene of "Balang Visiting His Mother" was being sung.Xiao Dazi went to Balang, and Jin Yuemei went to Ba Furen. When the two met, according to Qinqiang's utterances, Balang said "my wife". There are many people shouting hello.Unexpectedly, at this time, right and wrong happened.It turned out to be the evil young man, and when he heard Xiao Dazi call out "my wife", he stood up even more, he was leaning next to the female seat downstairs, but he was really cowardly, he leaned forward, and stretched out his hand to hold her The woman's sleeves also imitated Xiao Dazi's accent, calling out "my wife".This sentence turned the woman over, and she yelled, saying: "What are you, you dare to tease people in public, looking for cheap. You have aunts, sisters and sisters in your family. You won't go home. Do you want them to tell you the truth? What a bastard. Your adults didn’t teach you a lesson, so they let you out.” The woman scolded fiercely, and at that time, many people gathered around to watch.The evil young man felt that his face was ugly, so he slapped the rake back and said loudly: "If you don't attract bees and butterflies and make eye contact with me, why should I flirt with you?" The old man sitting next to him was furious, and shouted loudly: "You are full of fart. The two sisters-in-law and sister-in-law are good women. Ever since you sat there listening to the opera, you have been staring at him with dog eyes. If he ignores you, you will Forget it, you sprayed dung all over your mouth instead. Such things should be sent to the police station, and you will be fined for three months of hard labor." Everyone listened happily to the old man's attack.Unexpectedly, the wicked young man still refused to accept it, instead he scolded the old man, saying: "You are an old bastard, you dare to teach others. If you ask around, who dares to teach me, young master." Before finishing this sentence, someone responded. Said: "I'll teach you a lesson, young master." Immediately afterwards, two very clear mouths hit the face.Seeing Long at this moment, staring at the beating man, he saw that he was about thirty years old, with a tall and slender figure, a red face, two heavy and long eyebrows, inserted obliquely into the temples, a pair of radiant eyes, shooting people brightly, looking You can tell by his air that he is not an ordinary person.He slapped Ei Shao twice on the mouth, but he smiled happily, without any look of anger on his face.Jianlong thought to himself, this gentleman must be a chivalrous man who has fought against enemies for a long time, that's why he is so calm.Otherwise, how can you beat someone quietly?I was thinking about it, and heard a "plop" again, and fell down one.It turned out that after being beaten, the wicked young man roared loudly, wanting to fight desperately with the opponent.The one opposite, as if doing nothing, took a step back.Young Master Evil thought he was avoiding him, so he took another step forward and raised his hand to hit him, but he didn't know that his feet hadn't stabilized yet, and he was lightly swept by the opponent's leg and wrist, and fell on his back.Those who watched the excitement unknowingly shouted a hello in unison.Young Master Evil got up, turned his head and ran out without saying a word.Everyone said together: "Oops, oh no, he went out to meet someone, and he will definitely start a group fight when he turns back. You, sir, go away quickly, don't wait here for the fight. He can't see you, and of course it's over. Otherwise, this famine is really serious, and you don’t even want to listen to the show.” The audience said this to the person who complained about injustice and beat evil, and only smiled slightly, saying: “Thank you for your care. How many people come, I have to resist, and I will definitely not implicate all the villagers. But the two ladies who are watching the theater, and the elderly gentleman, might as well go ahead, so as not to be frightened temporarily." The two sisters-in-law I also heard that, as expected, I stood up and left through the side door.The old man sat there without moving. He only smiled and said, "It's okay, don't worry, you strong man. If he behaves rudely again, I have my own way to deal with him."

Before finishing this sentence, I suddenly heard a commotion outside: "Everyone get out of the way, let's talk to someone who hit someone." Immediately afterwards, six or seven young people rushed in, all dressed in small clothes, with blue and foreign crepe handkerchiefs covering their heads. , ran all the way to the back of the pool, frowning and staring, looking for the answer from the beating man just now.Followed by the evil young man who was beaten just now.Everyone stood up and turned to the side.Those who were timid slipped into the crowd and slipped to the side door.Boldly stood aside, waiting to watch this live drama of beating people.The gentleman who was complaining just now stood in the middle with a T-shaped step, showing no sign of fear.Young Master Evil pointed at him and said that he was the one who beat someone just now.The man was also unambiguous, pointing to his nose with his own hand and saying: "You have realized that the one who just upheld the injustice and taught that beast in clothes is the next to me. What do you mean? Just come towards me. It is okay to fight alone. It’s okay, it’s okay to use crowds to fight violently, but there’s one thing, you don’t allow good people to be hurt.” Before he finished speaking, this group of vicious young people rushed forward.It looks as if there is a sworn enemy, as soon as he comes in front of him, he can push him to the ground and beat him violently first, so as to express his resentment in his chest.Unexpectedly, as soon as he moved forward, he fell down three or four times before getting close to him.The remaining two or three, for some unknown reason, were taken away by others, their eyes became confused, and they immediately beat themselves up.That punch broke the opponent's nose, but this one was swept away by his own leg, and the other fell on his back.The few people who were invited by Young Master Evil fell down in a blink of an eye.Because he is behind, it has not yet been affected.Unexpectedly, the one who holds the injustice simply refuses to tolerate him.Seeing his expression, he wanted to run away, so he stepped forward, grabbed him by the chest, like an eagle catching a finch, held him up high, and said in his mouth: "Things like you should be thrown to death immediately, and wiped out for the people." Harmful. I just want to see it for the sake of the theater, and I don’t want to cause trouble for others. After all, I can’t let you go so lightly. Let me just play a little joke with you to let you know a little bit of pain. Naturally, I will stop molesting women in the future. It's gone." When he said this, he held him with one hand, but with the other hand, he only used one finger to lightly poke the thick flesh of his thigh, and the evil young man yelled like killing a pig. Get up: "It hurts me to death, why did you pierce my flesh with an iron needle." After poking him three or four times in a row, he was already hoarse from the pain, and begged: "Ancestor, grandpa, uncle, uncle." He screamed with his mouth full.Only then did the patrolman watching the garden come over and yelled loudly: "Don't beat him to death, put him down quickly." They respected the law of the police, and when they saw the patrolman coming, they hurriedly put the wicked young man on the ground.Unexpectedly, this letting go, there is another right and wrong.Young Master Evil and those young men, when they saw the patrolmen approaching, seemed to have a sense of security, they immediately yelled loudly: "Where did you guys go just now? You didn't even grumble when you watched someone beat us up. We suffered a loss, so you stick out your bastard's neck. If you let the beater go, you will have to face the lawsuit when you come back. You don't even open your eyes to see what we are doing. In the city of Beijing , no one dared to look at us. Now that you come to Tianjin, can you suffer from this? You quickly tie the beating man with a police rope and take him to the district. Later, our third master will send them a film For example, you will be severely punished. Do you hear that?" The policeman kept making noises, not daring to say a word, but instead complained to the injustice: "You don't listen to the show well, why are you meddling in your own business? You still dare to reach out and hit someone, but you don’t see clearly, this is the third young master Xiang’s official, if the third young master finds out, even our director can’t afford it.” The injustice asked with a smile ：“他是项三少的差官就可以调戏妇女，那么项三少要亲自来到了，就可以唱一出《八蜡庙》，大抢活人吗？”警察被人家问住了，恼羞成怒，说：“你也不必强词夺理。调戏妇女，有什么凭证？你既然打人，就是现行犯，我们非把你带区不可。”抱不平笑道：“我要上区，也不用着你们带，不过要去两造都得去，我一个人是不能去的。”那恶少在一旁大声道：“你说什么？我陪你上区，你打听打听，我们三少一刻离开我也不成。我有工夫陪你打官司吗？你就是一个人上区，打这一面的官司去吧。要不然，你把我的肉全戳烂了，你就是赔我肉。” 两面正在不可开交，警察想带那抱不平的却又有点畏怯，恐怕把人家惹翻了，自己也得跟着吃亏。要不带吧，又真怕项三少出头干涉，连自己饭碗也打碎了。他真是左右作难，只可跟着乱嚷嚷。意思是想叫那抱不平的说几句软话，给恶少顺一顺气。然后他们再出来调和，把这事息了，省得给区里招麻烦，叫区官埋怨他们不会办事。哪知那个抱不平的口风愈来愈硬，要丝毫转圜之地也没有。恶少是气势汹汹地，非叫立刻带区不可。一边不揭鞍，一边不下马。闹得警察一点主意也没有。正在这时候，忽见一位老者走向前来，朝着那个恶少问道：“你就是项三项可均的小厮吗？”警察见这个老头子贸贸然跑过来，张口便呼项三少的名字，全都一愣。到底他们是老官差，心里明白这个老人的来头一定不小，立刻垂手侍立，连一句话也不敢说了。可怜那个不知死活的恶少，听老人呼他家少爷的名字，立刻发作起来，说：“你这老东西，有多大胆子，张口就敢叫我们少爷的官印。我要不看你老，先打你两个嘴巴子。”老人微微一笑，说：“我叫你们少爷的名字，这是抬举他，不要说在这里，就是在项大总统面前，也是一样叫他名字，他还得高声答应呢。”恶少听老人这样说，稍微的有点醒悟了，知道这老头子一定同总统有一点渊源，他不敢像方才那样倔强了。但是心里总还有点信不及，便改口问道：“你这老先生，到底姓什么叫什么？别净瞎吹瞎砍，也唬不住谁。”老人从鼻子里哼了一声说：“你是什么东西，也配问我的履历。我哪有那么大工夫，同你说废话。巡警，你拿我的片子，把他同带来打架的几个人，一律送到警厅。就说我多多拜上杨厅长，这几个人是我亲眼看见他们调戏妇女，聚众群殴。请厅长好好地管教管教他们。如果项三少求情，叫他先去见我。没有我的话，暂时先不能放他们。你们就照着我的话去办吧。”老者说完了，从怀中取出一张名片来，交给警察。警察接过一看，立时吓得矮下半截去。原来这名片上，只印着三个字，是庄仁俊。谁不知道庄仁俊是卸任的两江总督，同项大总统儿女姻亲。他的三少爷便是项大总统乘龙之选。这个老头子，谁惹得起啊？方才他坐在那一旁听戏，谁知道他是卸任的两江大帅。如今事情挤到这里，他不能不出头了。 他这一出头不要紧，把警察吓得屁滚尿流。那一群恶小厮，也一个个真魂失冒。心说这事可糟了，不要说项三少不灵，便是抬出项大总统来，也无济于事。警察有了这样仗恃，立刻改变了一种面目，从身上解下警绳，对恶少说道：“我们是奉庄大帅的命，捕送你们到厅。只好屈尊诸位，先拴一拴吧。”众小厮到了此时，只有向老者跪下，咚咚地直磕响头，口呼：“亲家太老爷，您高抬贵手，饶了我们这一群无知的奴才吧。您要真把我们送警厅，挨打挨押倒还是小事，可怜我们几个人的饭碗全都砸了。亲家老太爷，您是宰相肚量，对我们这些无知的人还容不过吗？我们从此情愿改邪归正，再也不敢调戏妇女，打架斗殴了。”说罢又连连叩头。老人骂道：“混账东西，你们倚着总统府的势力，就敢横行霸道。可惜我那老姻侄的名誉，全都毁在你们一群人的手里了。到底这事我也不能自己做主，我得问一问那位抱不平的先生，如果人家不究情，准其开释你们，我就要回名片，作为罢论。”老头子这句话才说出来，尚未向那抱不平的交谈，这一群恶小厮，便改变了方向，又冲着那一位跪倒哀求说：“您这位老爷，也打过我们，出了气了。您那不是行好，您对我们亲家老爷，说上一两句好话，我们的饭碗子就保住了。”说罢连连叩头。那位抱不平的，也倒很慷慨，不等庄仁俊过来向自己交谈，就先朝着仁俊拱手说：“方才承老先生关照，连在下也免得打连累官司，实在感谢之至。这一群无知的小厮，倚势横行，本当依照老先生意思交厅惩办。姑念他们年幼无知，而且是初犯，请老先生宽恕这一回，以后如再有不法行为，自当加倍惩办。但不知老先生肯赏在下这个金面否？”庄仁俊见人家抱不平的这样大仁大义，自己更不犯做恶人了。便也含笑答道：“既然你这位壮士肯宽恕他们，老朽何必过为已甚。”遂向警察将名片要回来，向那几个小厮一摆手说：“便宜你们，还不快快滚开。以后再看你们进戏园来，立刻交巡警带走。你们就记住吧。”几个小厮听见这话，如死囚遇赦一般，立刻抱头鼠窜而去。庄仁俊向那抱不平的问道：“阁下贵姓，是哪里人氏？”那人答道：“在下姓金名戋，字戈二，住家在北京。如今到天津来访友，无意中却遇见这种事，有劳老先生费神解围，以后永为戏园除害。不然，在下虽能以腕力制伏他们，但是他们凭借项宅的势力，地方官警依然不敢得罪，结果连在下也难免跟着吃亏。老先生这一举，实在为人民造福不浅。”庄仁俊笑吟吟地说：“壮士太过奖了，咱们改天再会。”说罢拱一拱手，告辞而去。早有四名家人，前后拥护着出了戏园。 金戋在上回书中，本与田念壬办白话《京都日报》，鼓吹革命，促成共和。三番五次，受旗人的暗算，甚至举出联星来，寻到门上去，以手枪恫吓，金戈二始终不为所慑。后来清室下诏，宣布逊位，由项子城全权组织中华民国，同南方民党联合一致。两方军事，算是完全结束。时局至此，也算告一段落。北京的报馆，如春笋一般地应时而生。多半是做投机事业，不是为敲当局几个钱花，便是借此想活动议员，再不然就是想运动一个官儿做做。真正有宗旨、有魄力、敢说几句公道话的，十个之中，也未必有一个。戈二看着本界之中，实在过于腐烂，这才毅然决然地把《京都日报》停刊。所为是表示不愿跟这一班龌龊人同流合污。他把报停了之后，一个人在北京觉着非常寂寞。当日报界几个同志，也都星流云散。他每日除去逛逛市场公园之外，也没有地方可去。这一天从市场喝茶回来，才走到自家门前，见邮差手中拿着一封快信，正在敲门。戈二忙接过来，见信皮上写着金二爷戈二台启，下款是天津每日新闻社国缄。戈二一看，脸上立刻浮起一层笑容。忙走进家来，盖上图章，把邮差打发走了。拆开信看，原来是他的好友国九经约他到天津去玩一玩。这位国九经，是天津很有名的一位新闻记者。他在《每日新闻》当总编辑，已经好几年了。他同戈二不但是近同乡，而且两人的气味又非常相投。因为国九经这个人，胸无城府，是一个抱乐天主义的。但是对于朋友，却古道热肠，决没有丝毫委琐龌龊之意。戈二本是一位侠肝义胆的人物，差不多的朋友，他都看不入眼，不得已而求其次。照国九经这样人，也就很难得了，所以两人成为极要好的朋友。九经每逢到北京来，总是住在戈二的家里，有时候也住京都日报报馆，一住就是三两个月，戈二待他却是始终如一。他自从就了《每日新闻》的总编辑，快有一二年没到北京来了。虽与戈二时常通信，却始终未有会面之期。后来戈二把报馆停闭了。国九经得着这个消息，时时刻刻总想把他请到天津，住上几个月，两人可以做一回长期的盘桓。因此特特写了一封快信，请戈二早早来。 好在戈二虽然生长北京，却不是恋乡恋家的人，接到这封信，略略地收拾收拾，第二天早车便到天津来了。在老龙头下车，雇了一辆人力车，一直拉到日本租界《每日新闻》报馆。九经听说他来了，便立刻跑下楼来，迎出大门。两人握手之后，见戈二并未带什么行李，九经笑道：“二哥真是轻车简从，马上加鞭，到底爽快人会办爽快事。快请到楼上坐吧。”馆役开付了车钱，替他提着手提箱，一直上楼。九经因为是要好的朋友，便一直将他让至卧室。戈二才进屋门，就闻见一股子酒气很大，不觉皱眉问道：“老弟你还是这样爱喝吗？怎么早饭以前，就有这大的酒气。”九经笑着指桌上一把酒壶说：“二哥请看，这就是小弟的新生命，一刻也离它不得。”说罢走过去，拿起壶来嘴对着壶口，一仰脖儿又不知灌下有多少去。戈二叹了一口气，说：“老弟这种喝法，太不讲卫生了。并且你因为杯中之物，也不知耽误了多少正事。以后总宜少喝一点，而且喝酒也要有一定时刻，怎好这样随便，时时刻刻痛饮呢。”九经被戈二说了一顿，只是嘻嘻地笑，说：“二哥您爱我，怕我受了酒病，我是感激的。不过我有一种毛病，每逢到了发稿作文之时，要是有酒助着，我看得非常之快，写得也非常之快。如若断了我的酒源，我真能一个字也写不上来。既然投身在报界，终年终日，倚管城子为生活，要去了这种嗜好，岂不是取消了自己的生机？您请想，我这种嗜好如何能根本消灭得了呢？”戈二听了，微微地一笑说：“你这一套话，直然可以叫作遁词。我试问你，你对于新闻的工作，是一天到晚永远目不停视、手不停挥呢？还是有一定的时刻呢？我在新闻界中，也鬼混了二三年，并不是门外汉。你蒙旁人倒还可以，想蒙我是绝对办不到的。你倒把实话说一说，到底是什么时候的工作？”九经嘻嘻地笑道：“您这话太说远了，我天大的胆子，也不敢蒙二哥您呢。您什么事不知道，报馆全是掌灯以后的工作，白天简直就无事可为。您是过来人，何必还问我呢？”戈二道：“既然这样，你就应当在工作时候饮酒。未到工作之时，尽可以一滴不饮，凭什么白天也尽量地喝呢？”几句话把九经问住了，他只好自认不是说：“二哥说我的话，全是金玉良言。我以后白天不喝酒，只在夜间工作时候喝几杯罢了。”戈二挑着大拇指赞道：“肯听好话，这才是朋友呢。”九经叫馆役沏上茶来，两人谈了许多别后的情形，又一定要陪戈二到鸿宾楼去吃早饭。戈二说：“我此次来津，原是想住上一两个月。最好是随茶随饭，不必另外客气，这才是朋友处常之道。要早晚净去下饭馆，我心里不踏实。那可就要搬到旅馆去住，不在这里叨扰你了。”九经听戈二说得这样恳切，便也依实，只叫厨房多添了两样菜，陪着戈二在一桌上吃。因为方才受了戈二的劝诫，自己声明白天不再饮酒，怎好意思当天就失信。只可用眼望着酒壶，馋得只向肚子里咽唾沫，也不好说喝酒。勉勉强强地吃了一碗，再也吃不下了。 戈二把饭碗放下，又同九经闲谈。九经说二哥轻易不到天津来，天津的地理大概您还不大熟悉，我白天又有工夫，咱弟兄两个何妨在租界里跑一跑。我想二哥一定很能走路，咱们就安步当车，先逛遍了这个日本租界。戈二对这种提议，倒是非常赞成。两个人出了报馆的门，便是大街。先在天仙茶园左近看了一遍；顺步踱至三不管，三不管几条大街，全遛到了；又折至开洼，开洼的形势，同北京天桥相差不多，是中下等社会的娱乐场所，什么戏棚子、把式场子、说评书的、说相声的、唱莲花落的、唱大鼓的，真是无一不备。还有野茶馆、小饭摊，看累了，吃吃喝喝都很便利。只可惜有一样不好，就是紧挨着臭水沟。偶然一阵风儿，把臭味送进鼻孔中，胃弱的人，立刻就得作呕。戈二随着九经，游到这地方，虽然看着热闹，却实在禁不起这种臭味，说：“老弟咱们另寻一个地方玩吧。这是鲍鱼之肆，你们久住天津的人，当然不闻其臭，我可实在受不了啊。”九经哈哈大笑，说：“二哥在北京时候，难道永远不到天桥去吗？”戈二哼了一声，说：“你这话不通。此地的开洼，怎能同北京的天桥比呢？天桥虽然也是下等娱乐之所，然而紧靠着天坛社稷坛，空气非常的清新。你纵然游一天，也决然闻不到这种臭气。岂能拿来同开洼作比例呢？”九经听他这口气，是有点不乐意了，连忙紧走几步说：“二哥随我来，这里的气味，果然不好闻。”一直把他引到广兴大街，出了北口，两人又坐白牌电车围着四城兜了一个圈子，在东南城角下车。又慢慢地走着，在鸿宾楼吃了一顿晚饭，然后才回至报馆。九经已到工作时候，特在楼上给戈二收拾了一间住房，打扫得非常干净。特从估衣店中，买来崭新的铺盖，以示优待之意。 本来早半天已经受了三个钟点的火车劳顿，晚半天又跑遍日租界天津四城，虽然戈二身体强壮，到底也感着异常劳累，他一个人先休息了。这一觉直睡到天明。向来他是五六点钟起床，他起来的时候，九经编辑工作不过才告完毕。他正预备回自己卧室休息，却见戈二已经踱出房门。九经还认着他不曾睡觉呢，说二哥因何到这时还不休息？戈二笑道：“我早已睡过了，要再睡，只好等到晚夜，白天是不能睡了。”九经忙叫馆役，伺候他净面漱口，沏茶买点心。戈二说：“你累了一夜，快去睡吧，不要陪着我。我是野鹤闲云，随随便便。想哪时出门就出门，想哪时回来就回来，也不必等我吃饭，也不用派专人伺候我，这样我住着才觉痛快。要是一周旋客气，我的精神上，倒感觉着非常拘束，反倒不如住店好了。”九经点头称是。他果然不客气，一个人回房中睡觉去了。 这里戈二盥漱已毕，吃了两套点心，一个人便溜出馆门，跳上黄牌电车，一直拉到海关。看一看海河轮船，觉着空气非常新鲜。一个人在码头上，来回遛了一个大圈，也不再坐黄牌电车，安步当车，顺着电车道往回路走。看一看英法两租界、各大洋行建筑的伟丽，各马路修造的坦平，觉着较比北京又另有一番气象。从英租界走入法租界，从法租界又走入日租界，来至每日新闻社门口，看看天气尚未交午。心说我如果这时候回馆，九经一定还不能起床，就是各馆役，忙了一夜，此时也都在睡乡，我何必又去惊动他们呢？想到这里便踱过馆门，仍然向北走去。走到下天仙拐角，一转身折入三不管。此时肚里有点饿了，看了看路南有一家饭馆，也叫全聚德。心说在北京时候，天天吃全聚德，差不多全吃腻了。如今来到天津，也有一个全聚德，倒不可不尝尝滋味。信步走进去，寻了一间小雅座，要了两三样菜、一壶酒，一个人自斟自饮，吃得津津有味。 吃饱了，将饭钱开付清楚，又顺着平安大街向西走去。无意中走到一家戏园子门口。见门外贴着各名角的报单，什么小达子、金月梅等。戈二心说，这全是外江名角，我生长在北平，还不曾看过外江戏。如今适逢其会，倒不可不进去赏鉴赏鉴。顺步走入戏园，见池子中已经有了不少座儿，自己懒得向前去挤，只在紧后边择了一副座头，比较倒还清净一些。看座的沏过茶来，戈二不愿喝园子里的茶，又叫他换了一壶白水。此时台上所唱的戏，全是些二三路角，在那里鬼混。既无的可听，又无的可看。戈二只得强打精神，在那里坐着，用眼向左右观看。先看见一位老翁，气宇不凡，心想这一定是一位下野的要人。后来又看见一位少年，坐在老翁旁边，一脸的英爽之气，两目神光炯炯。戈二一见，便从心里生了一种爱慕之心，恨不过去同他攀谈，才可自己心愿。但是众目之下，又不好冒昧。后来又看见那个恶少，种种轻薄态度，实在叫人看着生气，恨不过去打他一顿，才解心头之恨。好容易台上开了戏，《雁门关》、《八郎探母》。大家见小达子出来，迎头捧了一个好儿。戈二心说，这是北京不要的角色，也不知他的好究在哪里。后来听他唱了几句梆子，居然实大声宏，颇有元元红的韵味。戈二自己点点头，说这还罢了。果然他老唱梆子，别勉强糟蹋皮黄，谁还能说他不好呢。正在这时候，忽听身后人吵嚷起来。戈二回头一看，才知道是这么一件事。立刻怒从心起，当年好打抱不平的念头，又倏然提高十丈，蓦地立起身来，脸朝着恶少，倒看他还说些什么。后来听他自己道字号，说谁敢教训少爷我。戈二跑过去，打了他两个嘴巴子，说我敢教训少爷你，连着又摔了他一个跟头。他这才跑到外边，约来六七个少年，到园子里帮打群架。戈二不慌不忙，把六七个全打倒了，又把约人的恶少，用手指猛戳了几下。他们也是自找苦吃。戈二在十几岁时候，就在善扑馆学摔跤，练成的一副钢筋铁骨。后来他又入了青帮，帮中的老师傅，又传授他许多武艺。不要说六七个人，便是三十五十人，也休想到了他的身前。这一群恶少被打，比如当时没警察过来帮腔，他们也夹着尾巴走了。偏偏警察过来干涉，他们的意思，原是怕恶少吃亏，将来项三少这一关，有点难搪。哪知恶少见他们过来，如虎附翼，立刻气焰高起八丈来。硬逼着警察，非锁带那个打人的不可。警察看那个打人的，也不是什么老实百姓，而且武术又如此之精，深恐操之过急，自己难免要随着吃苦。只好两面敷衍，哪知越敷衍越坏，结果落一个两面不下台。正在为难之时，幸而跑出一个大老官庄仁俊来，才算解了围。一班恶小厮，凭空遭了这种打击，满面羞惭地走了。庄仁俊同戈二谈了几句话，也慢慢地去了。 戈二也预备要走，田见龙早跑过来，抱拳拱手，说这位老哥贵姓，小弟仰慕已极，愿定萍水之交，但不知老哥肯赏光否？戈二举目观看，正是方才意中羡慕的那位青年，两人彼此一交谈，知道全是帮中人物，而且辈数相同，不觉喜出望外。戈二说此处不是谈话之所，如阁下不弃，请到外边寻一个僻静所在，我们也好畅谈肺腑。见龙极端赞成，两人出离戏园。戈二约他到全聚德一叙，因为早饭是在那里吃的，见他局面不大，屋子倒还干净。柜上人一见这位回头客，当然特别欢迎。寻了极干净而又背静的一间雅座，先沏上一壶茶来。跑堂的问戈二，还候客不候。戈二吩咐他给《每日新闻》打一电话，请国二爷来此一叙，就说金二爷叫他马上就来，堂倌连声答应着去了。这里戈二同见龙越说越投机，始而见龙还有点不放心，深恐戈二是北京派来的侦探，仍然说自己是商人，想在天津开设糖栈生意，还想在北京设立分栈，只是缺少一位熟悉本地情形的人。老哥既然生长北京，对于人民的嗜好，货物的销场，当然了如指掌。小弟想请老哥做一位高等顾问，但不知肯帮忙否。戈二听了，哈哈大笑道：“你老哥真要算是问道于盲了，小弟哪里懂得商业？从十几岁时投身社会，专好排难解纷，替人打抱不平，从来也不曾习过正业，仅仅是这几年来，投身报界，大小总算是一点事业。却又被小弟搞了一个乱七八糟，把官府也得罪了，把朋友也伤透了。上年因为提倡革命，赞助共和，几乎把性命送掉。我们抱的本是一种纯洁主意，并不是想借着革命有所图谋。哪知共和成功之后，一班朝三暮四借报出风头的，反倒大吹法螺，得了平民党许多利益。甚至连从前的保皇党，反对革命的，全被平民党聘了去，充当什么理事干事。我们《京都日报》，卖了这大气力，担了许多危险，结果连一个说公道话的全都没有。我一看这种情形，才知道讲革命的人，也不过是戴假面具，挂羊头卖狗肉而已。因此灰心丧志，不愿再做那报界生活，赌气把我们那报馆，完全停闭了。一个人漫游京津，度我那逍遥自在无拘无束的岁月，倒觉得非常快活。我如今到天津来，是访一位报界朋友。这个人天真烂漫，实在不可多得，我已经打电话请他去了。”见龙听戈二说了这一套，心说这个人如果照他所言，确乎是一位独一无二的好同志。但是此地侦探很多，安知他不是项子城特派的高等侦探呢？我若遽然之间，把实话说了，岂不是自投罗网？看起来不可不格外慎重一下。他想到这里，便仍用没要紧的话，向戈二敷衍。 少时国九经也来到了，戈二给他引见。九经道：“昨天我要给二哥接风，您一定不肯。今天反倒请我来吃饭，这简直是反客为主了。”戈二道：“我并不是请你吃饭。因为在戏园中，得遇这位仁兄，我们彼此爱慕，特寻了这个地方谈心。因为老弟不是外人，特请你来作陪。有什么反客为主的？”见龙笑道：“你两位不要争执，这个小小东道，还是让给小弟做吧。”戈二道：“绝无此理。方才原是我约来的，怎么能叫阁下做东呢？”见龙哈哈大笑说：“这位金仁兄，你怎么一霎时间，前后判若两人。方才在戏园里，是何等慷慨豪爽。怎么到了这里，又文绉绉地逊让起来，难道看小弟不诚实，故意地存这种客气吗？”戈二尚未答言，九经忙追问戏园里是怎样一种经过。见龙将方才打抱不平的事，详细说了一遍。九经大笑说：“打得好，打得痛快。不过这种事出自旁人，固然觉着新奇，要出在我们金二哥身上，那就是司空见惯了。他在北京时候，一年之中，像这种事不定得遇上多少次。田兄要是因为这个请他吃饭，只怕你还请不过来呢！”戈二道：“九经老弟，你不要再替我瞎吹了，咱们喝酒要紧。”九经一听见酒字，立刻眉飞色舞，吩咐堂倌，捡可以下酒的菜，先上几样来，老白干半斤一壶，先来两壶。又对见龙说：“小弟非这个酒不能过瘾，阁下同我们金二哥想喝什么酒，自请随便。”见龙仰着头正在想心事，九经的话他并未听清，只随口好好了两声。你道他有什么心事可想呢？原来他听了九经这一席话，自己加以印证，这位姓金的一定是一位侠义之流，决然不是项子城的侦探，我方才实在是错想了。照这样人物，与曾荷楼所说的几个条件无不完全相合，这真是天假之缘，使我们社会团增光生色。假如我要当面错过去，只怕踏破铁鞋也没有地方再去寻找了。好在有国九经这样一条引线，明日我先去拜访九经，同他仔细谈一谈，自然可知道这位金先生的过去历史。况且九经的为人也非常爽朗，他又在报界占一部分势力，我如果能将这两人引为同志，以后办理分部的事，一定可以马到成