Chapter 13 CHAPTER IV Étienne Bathory's Widow

The arrival of Dr. Antekit caused a sensation not only in the city of Laguz, but in the whole province of Dalmatia.The news of the two-masted yacht's arrival in the port of Gravosa was carried in various newspapers in turn.Reporters scrambled to interview him, using him as prey, trying to create a series of attractive news. The owner of the "Shava Lena" can neither avoid various honors nor escape the troubles brought by fame.He became the talk of the town and became a legend.People do not know who he is, where he came from, and where he is going, which can only greatly stimulate public curiosity.And, naturally, the less ignorant, the wider and far-reaching is the imagination, so that those who have the most imagination become well-informed.

Journalists rushed to Gravosa to satisfy their readers' cravings - some even boarded yachts.They failed to meet the man whom public opinion so eagerly watched.The doctor ordered that no visitors be seen.Even Captain Narsos's reply to all visitors was always the same: "Where does this doctor come from?" "From where he likes." "Where is he going?" "To where it suits him." "But who is he?" "Nobody knows. Probably not even himself knows any more than the person who asked the question!" Such brief information is presented to the reader!As a result, people's imagination is like a powerful and unconstrained style, unfettered and unrestrained, galloping freely in the fantasy world.Dr. Antaikit's story, already spun up by helpless columnists, is now everything he was expected to be.Some people say that he is a pirate leader, others say that he is the king of a large African country, and he travels in low clothes in order to understand the people's conditions and increase his knowledge.Some decided that he was a statesman in exile, others that he had been driven out by a revolution, and then traveled the world as a philosopher and a curious man.Whatever people think.People who are willing to admit his title of doctor also have different opinions: some people think that he is a famous doctor who once served the world and brought him back to life;

In any case, he did not practice illegally, and the doctors of Gravosa and Laguez could not pursue him.Dr. Antekit has been quite cautious.Whenever someone seeks medical advice, he always avoids it. At this time, the owner of the "Sawalena" did not go ashore to find a house to live in, nor did he stay in a hotel in the city.In the first two days of his arrival at Gravosa, he had at most been outside the town of Lacuse, he had only taken a few walks in the neighborhood, and on two or three occasions he had taken Boscade with him.The young man is clever and clever, and is appreciated by the doctor.

The doctor did not go to Laguiz, but one day Bescade went in his place.He had been on some secret mission—perhaps to gather some intelligence—and the doctor put a series of questions on the brave lad when he returned. "So the man lives in Stratton Street?" "Yes, Monsieur Doctor. It's the prettiest street in the town. He lives in a mansion not far from a square where the execs of the ancient Venetian republic are shown to foreigners. His servants are like Yun, the chariot greets the horse and sees off the horse, what a life of a millionaire!" "What about the other person?"

"The other one or several others?" replied Boscade, "they live in the same district, but their house is tucked away deep in those narrow, crooked alleys that turn up— —To be honest, these alleys are just stairs—they lead to the humble houses.” "How's their house?" "Their lodgings are crude and cramped, with a forlorn appearance from the outside, though I suppose it should be neat and tidy inside. It seems to me, sir, that the house is inhabited by poor but ambitious people." .” "What about the lady?" "I didn't see her, and I was told that she almost never came out of Marinella Alley."

"Where's her son?" "Well, I saw him, doctor, when he was coming home." "What do you think of him? . . . " "He looks so worried and worried! I hear the young man has suffered! . . . You can see it!" "But you, too, Boscard, you have suffered too, but it is invisible!" "Physical pain and mental pain are two different things. Doctor, that's why I can hide my pain—and be happy all day long!" The doctor already referred to Burscade as "you"—a favor the latter demanded—and Matiff would soon be entitled to the same.Seriously, Hercules is so big and big that it's hard for people to match him so quickly.

After the doctor got his answer, he stopped walking at the Gravosa quay.He seemed to be expecting something, but he didn't want to go to the city of Lajuz to do it in person, because the news of his arrival on the "Savarena" had already spread throughout the city, so he stayed on the boat and waited quietly.What he was waiting for really happened. May 29, near eleven o'clock in the morning, at the port of Gravosa.The doctor put on his glasses, took a look, and then ordered the ship to be ready.He got into the boat and landed on the jetty, where someone seemed to be waiting for him.

"It's him!" The doctor said to himself, "It's him...I know him. No matter how much he has changed, I can still recognize him!" This is an old man, although he is only in his seventies, he is old and frail.He was silver-haired and bent over the helm.His expression was gloomy and sad.Probably because of frequent tears, his eyes were dull and lifeless.He stood motionless on the embankment, staring straight at the boat as it left the yacht and headed for the pier. The doctor pretended not to see him, let alone recognize him.He didn't seem to notice his presence.But as soon as he took a few steps, the old man came up to him, took off his hat, and asked humbly.

"Doctor Antekit?" "It's me," replied the doctor, looking at the poor fellow.When he looked directly at the old man, he didn't even move his eyelids. Then he asked again: "Who are you, my friend? What can I do with you?" "My name is Paulik," said the old man. "I am Lady Bathory's servant. She sent me to you, she wants to see you..." "Mrs. Bathory?" The doctor repeated the name: "Is that the widow of the Hungarian who died for the cause of patriotism? . . . " "Exactly," replied the old man. "Although you have never seen her, it is impossible not to know her name. Because you are Doctor Antekit!"

When the old servant spoke, he kept his eyes downcast.The doctor listened carefully to his words, wondering if there were any ulterior motives hidden behind these words. Then he asked again. "What does Madame Bathory want to do?" "You ought to know the reason. She would like to see you, Monsieur." "I'll visit her." "She would prefer to come on board your ship." "why?" "It is important that this meeting be held in secret." "Secret? To whom?" "To her son! Monsieur Pierre must not know of Madame Bathory's visit to you."

This answer obviously surprised the doctor secretly, but he didn't show his face in front of Paulic. "I should prefer to call on Madame Bathory at home," continued the doctor; "can't I go while her son is away?" "Yes, Monsieur Doctor, if you agree to go tomorrow. Pierre Bathory is leaving for Zara tonight, and he won't be back for a day." "What does Pierre do?" "He's an engineer, but he hasn't been able to get a job yet. Oh! What a miserable life he has with his mother!" "It's been hard!..." Dr. Antekit asked, "Doesn't Mrs. Bathory have any income?..." He stopped.The old man had already lowered his head, whimpering in his chest. "Monsieur Doctor," he said at last, "that's all I can tell you. Madame Bathory will tell you everything you should know when she sees you." The doctor tried his best not to show his excitement. "Where does Madame Bathory live?" he asked. "In Rajuz, Stratton Street, No. 17, Marinella Alley." "May I see Mrs. Bathory between one and two tomorrow afternoon?" "Yes, sir. I will take you to her." "Tell Mrs. Bathory that I will definitely visit her at the appointed time." "Thank you on behalf of my wife!" replied the old man. Then, after hesitating for a moment, he said: "You may think that Madam will ask you." "When?" The doctor asked hurriedly. "That's not the case." Paulik replied. Then, with a humble bow, he set foot on the way back from Gravoz to Laguz. Evidently, the old servant's last words surprised Dr. Antekit.He stood still on the embankment, watching Paulik go away.Back on board, he gave Burscard and Matiff a break, and shut himself in his room.He wanted to spend the last few hours of the day alone. Burscade and Matiff took advantage of the opportunity to run into town.They had nothing to do, wandered around, and walked into the art sheds of several markets with great interest to watch the excitement.The agile clown Burscard wanted to demonstrate to the clumsy actor, and the strong man Matiff wanted to compete on stage.But when they thought that they were lucky enough to be members of the "Shava Lena", they were willing to be ordinary audiences, and cheered readily when they saw the highlights. Near noon the next day, the doctor had someone send him ashore.He sent the boat back, and then set off towards the main road from the port of Gravosa to Laguz—a beautiful tree-lined avenue that runs gently from the coast, and the two kilometers of road are shaded by the sun. There are villas scattered along the road. This road is still deserted at this time.In a few hours, there will be crews coming and going, and groups of people walking or riding horses, it will be a lively scene. The doctor walked along a path, thinking about his meeting with Mrs. Bathory.He soon came to a low stone wall.Stone walls adjoin the three walls of the castle of Laguze.The secret door of the city wall was open, and through the triple wall, it led directly to the city. Stratton Street is a handsome paved road that runs from the stone parapet through the city to the outskirts of Ploss.It spreads out along the foot of the hill, and the houses on the hill are stacked on top of each other.At the end of the street stands the Executor of the Republic of Venice.This is a beautiful fifteenth-century building with courtyards, Renaissance-style colonnades and semicircular arched windows.The small slender columns in the windows recall the most glorious days of Tuscan architecture. The doctor does not need to go all the way to the square.The Marinella Alley that Paulik pointed out to him last night is located in the middle of the left side of Stratton Avenue.He slowed down a little, and glanced at a mansion on the right side of the street. The mansion was made of granite, and the magnificent front entrance was arranged at right angles to the buildings on both sides.The courtyard door was open, and the master's ornately equipped carriage could be seen, with the coachman in it, and the servants waiting at the foot of the steps, which were hidden by an elegant corridor. Almost at the same moment, a man got into the carriage, the horses galloped across the courtyard, and the gate closed behind them. This was the same man who had spoken to the doctor three days earlier at the Gravosa quay: Silas Dronta, an old banker from Trieste. The doctor wanted to avoid him, and hurried back a few steps, and did not resume his journey until the group of people disappeared in the distance of Stratton Street. "These two people actually live in the same city!" He muttered to himself, "This is purely a coincidence, not my will." How narrow, steep, and wretched are the potholed streets of these little alleys to Stratton!This is reminiscent of the scene of many rapids rushing together on the banks of a large river.The houses on both sides of the alley are stacked one on top of the other, and they are within reach of each other—in order to breathe, one building is built higher than the other.If the holes cut in the houses on the street could be called windows and skylights, they would open the windows to meet the eyes of the neighbors.These houses go up the hill to the top of the hill.Here there are two hills facing each other far away, and on the top of the hills are the Fort Manserto and the Fort San Lorenzo, and no car or horse can go up.Needless to say, on days of heavy rain, even in normal times, the alley can be regarded as a ravine—but there is no rush to wash it away.The hutongs are steep and uneven, so platforms and steps must be built to pass through.What a contrast these humble houses contrasted with the stately mansions and mansions of Stratton Street! The doctor reached the mouth of Marinella Alley and began to climb these endless stone steps.To get to the door of No. 17, you have to cross more than sixty steps like this. After arriving at the destination, a door opened immediately, and old Paulik was waiting for the doctor.Without a word, he led him into a neat but bare living room. The doctor sat down, showing no sign of excitement on his face—even when Mrs. Bathory entered.she says: "Are you Dr. Antekit?" "Yes, ma'am." The doctor rose to answer. "I didn't want to trouble you to come so high and so far!" Madame Bathory went on. "It was I who insisted on visiting you, madam. Please believe that I will do my best to serve you." "Sir," Madame Bathory continued, "I only learned yesterday that you have arrived in Gravosa. I immediately sent Polic to look for you, and I wanted you to meet me." "Ma'am, please feel free to say anything, I will listen to you." "I'm going out," said the old man. "No, please stay, Polic!" Mrs. Bathory replied: "As the only friend of our family, you know everything I want to tell Dr. Antekit!" Madame Bathory sat down, the doctor sat opposite her, and the old servant stood at the window. Étienne Bathory's widow was in her sixties.Despite her age and sluggish movements, her figure was straight.She has white hair and wrinkles on her face, which shows that she has experienced hardships and sorrows, but she can still make people feel that she is resolute and strong, as before.Her husband had made it his duty to devote himself to his country. For this belief, he gave up his social status, and together with Sandov and Zatmar, he discussed great plans and died heroically.Now, in Madame Bathory, it can be seen that she had been his courageous companion and confidant, his like-minded companion. "Sir," she said excitedly, unable to hide, "Since you are Doctor Antekit, you are in my favor. I should tell you about what happened in Trieste fifteen years ago... ..." "Ma'am, just because I am Doctor Antakyte, please don't bring up this heartbreaking past! I know all this, and I can add a little bit - just because I am Antakyet Doctor, so I know all about what life has been like for you since that unforgettable thirtieth of June, 1867." "Please tell me, sir," resumed Madame Bathory, "what motives do you have for your interest in my life?" "This kind of concern, ma'am, for the widow of a Marza patriot who did not hesitate to dedicate herself to the independence of the motherland, should be given by every conscientious person." "So, do you know Professor Etienne Bathory?" Madame asked in a trembling voice. "I know him, ma'am, I love him, and respect his whole family." "He once shed his blood for the motherland, are you also from this country?" "I am not from any country, ma'am." "Then who are you?" "A dead man, a dead man who has not yet entered the grave!" Dr. Antekit replied coldly. Hearing this unexpected answer, Mrs. Bathory and Paulic couldn't help trembling.But the doctor immediately went on to say: "However, Madame, I beg you not to tell me what I should tell you. If there are some things you already know, there are other things you don't. These things should now let you understood." "Yes, sir, I hear you," replied Madame Bathory. "Madame," continued Dr. Antekit, "fifteen years ago, three noble Hungarians became leaders in planning an uprising to restore Hungary's independence. They are: Mattia Count S Sanddorf, Professor Étienne Bathory, and Count Ladisla Zatmar. Three friends who have lived and died with each other for a long time." "On June 28, 1867, on the eve of the signal for an insurrection that would sweep through Hungary and even Transylvania, the Hungarian police broke into the town of Trieste. Count Sandorf, the three leaders of the rebellion, and his two companions were arrested at the house of Count Zatmar, and that night they were taken to the castle of Bissino and imprisoned. A few weeks later, they were sentenced to death. death penalty. "A young accountant named Sakkani was arrested at the same time at Zatmar's house. He had no part in planning the uprising at all, so he was immediately declared innocent of the uprising and released after the case was concluded. "On the night before the execution of the sentence, the prisoners who were held in the same cell tried to escape. Count Sandov and Professor Bathory escaped from the Pissino Castle by climbing the lightning rod conductor and fell into the rapids. In the Iba River. At this time, Ladisla was caught by the guards and could not escape with them. "Although the two fugitives had little chance of surviving, a dark river carried them to a strange place. They came to the banks of the Lyme Canal, and then to the city of Rovigno. There they were killed by the fisherman Andrea Fehto's family was given shelter. "The fisherman—what a good man!—had made all preparations to send them across the Adriatic. But at that moment a Spaniard named Carpena Accidentally learned the secret of their hiding. In order to avenge himself, he informed the Rovigno police. They tried to escape again, but Étienne Bathory was injured and was immediately caught by the police. And Count Sandorf was pursued all the way to the coast, where he fell under a hail of bullets, and the Adriatic did not even bring back his body. "On the third day, Etienne Batory and Ladisla Zatmar were shot in the city of Bissino. Afterwards, the fisherman Andrea Ferharto was also sentenced to lifelong hard labor for harboring fugitives, And sent to Stan Prison." Mrs. Bathory lowered her head, feeling very sad in her heart.She didn't intervene and just listened quietly to the doctor's story. "Do you know these details, ma'am?" he asked her. "Yes, sir. I got it from the papers, and maybe you too?" "Yes, ma'am, from the papers," replied the doctor, "but there is one thing that has not been published in the papers. Because the case is being tried in the utmost secrecy, and because a guard at the castle said it slipped, I only Get the details. I'll tell you right away." "Please, sir," replied Madame Bathory. "If Sandov and Bathori were arrested at the fisherman's house because of the betrayal of the Spaniard Carpena, then three weeks ago they were arrested at the house of Trieste because they were betrayed by traitors. the Austrian police." "Traitor!..." Madame Bathory exclaimed. "Yes, ma'am. An informer has been proven during the trial of the case. First, the spies intercepted a coded letter addressed to Count Sanddorf on the neck of a flying pigeon. Then, in Zatmar The square cardboard used to decipher such secret letters was found in the earl's house and a copy was rubbed. From this they learned the contents of the coded letter and handed it to the governor of Trieste. Sandov Some of the Earl's confiscated property may have been a bounty for their informants." "Do you recognize these rogues?" Madame Bathory asked, her voice trembling with excitement. "No, ma'am," answered the doctor, "but it is possible that the three dead knew them. If they could see their family again before they died, they might name the spies." In fact, Mrs. Bathory and her son were not in the city at the time, and Paulik was imprisoned in prison again, and neither of them could see their relatives for the last time. "Shall we never learn the names of these shameless people?" Madame Bathory asked. "Madame," replied Dr. Antekit, "the spies always show themselves in the end! There are a few more words I want to say to you." "You are widowed with an eight-year-old child and have almost no means of income. Earl Zatmar's servant, Bolik, did not want to leave you behind after his master died, but he is also very poor. He is the only one who can bring you loyalty." "So, Madame, you left Trieste and moved to this humble house in Laguiz. You worked all day to maintain the material and spiritual needs of life. In fact, you want your son to study science. Like his father, he made a name for himself in the world of chemistry. But what a persistent struggle you have endured, how many hardships you have bravely endured! In the presence of such a resolute and tenacious noble lady, a man who has worked so hard to bring up his son In front of my mother, with what reverence should I salute her!" As he said that, the doctor stood up, his usual indifference showed a little excitement. Mrs. Bathory did not answer.She is waiting.She didn't know if the doctor had finished talking about the past, or if he wanted to continue, and if he still wanted to mention his own affairs.It was for these things that she had asked to see him. "However, ma'am," continued the doctor, reading her mind. "There is no doubt that human power is limited. You are sick and exhausted by many hardships, if it were not for a stranger, no! A friend of Professor Bathory who offered you a helping hand." , perhaps you are overwhelmed with burdens. If your old servant had not told me that you wanted to see me, I would never have mentioned this to you..." "Honestly, sir," replied Mrs. Bathory, "shouldn't I be grateful to Dr. Antekit?" "Why, ma'am? Is it because, five or six years ago, out of memory for Count Sandorf and his two companions, and to help you with your livelihood, Doctor Antekit had someone send you a sum of money?" A hundred thousand florins? Shouldn't he be honored to put it at your disposal? No, ma'am, on the contrary, if it will be used to help Étienne Barteau Li’s widow and son, then it’s up to me to thank you for accepting this gift!” Madame bowed to thank you, and then replied: "Anyway, sir, I want to thank you. This is the first reason why I want to see you. But there is another reason..." "What is the reason, ma'am?" "That is... to return the money to you..." "What, ma'am?..." The doctor asked hastily, "Don't you want to accept it?" "Sir, I don't think I have a right to the money. I have never known Dr. Antaiket before, or even heard his name mentioned. It is possible, then, that the money came from a charity of my husband's enemies, and that I loathe pity! I don't want to use it, not even for what Doctor Antekit has prescribed." "So...the money..." "Untouched." "What about your son?..." "My son will be on his own..." "And his mother!" The doctor continued, "She has a noble soul and a resolute character, which cannot but be admired and awe-inspiring." Madame Bathory got up, took a wad of banknotes from a locked cabinet, and handed it to the doctor. "Sir," she said, "take back the money, for it is yours. And please accept a mother's gratitude as if she had used it for the upbringing of her son." "The money is no longer mine, ma'am!" the doctor waved his hand in refusal. "I'm telling you again, it was never supposed to be mine!" "But if Pierre Bathory needs it..." "My son will find a position worthy of him. I can depend on him in the future, as he once depended on me!" "He will not refuse what his father's friends insist upon him!" "He will refuse!" "At least, ma'am, will you allow me to try? . . . " "Please don't do that, Monsieur Doctor," replied Madame Bathory; "my son doesn't even know I've received the money, and I hope he never does!" "Well, ma'am! . . . I can understand your feelings if you insist on doing this, since I was and am just a stranger to you! . . . Yes, I understand and appreciate this It's a feeling... but let me repeat, if the money isn't yours, it's not mine any more!" Dr. Antekit rose to his feet.Mrs. Bathory's refusal did not cause the doctor any displeasure.On the contrary, this noble sentiment aroused his infinite admiration.He bowed to his wife and was about to leave when the lady suddenly asked: "Sir, did you just say that Ladisla Zatemar, Étienne Bathory, and Count Sandorf were put to death by a shameful plot?" "What I say is the truth, ma'am." "But these traitors, no one knows who they are?" "Yes, ma'am!" "who knows?" "God!" Having said this, Dr. Antekit bowed to his wife for the last time, and left. Mrs. Bathory was lost in thought.A kind of good feeling that maybe she didn't know herself welled up spontaneously.She feels an irresistible attraction to this mysterious figure who knows all about the events of her life.Will she never see him again?If it is said that he came to Laguz on the "Sava Lena" to visit her on a special trip, then will he still go to sea and never return? At any rate, the next day the papers carried the news that an anonymous gift of one hundred thousand florins had been sent to the city almshouse. This is Doctor Antekit's charity, isn't it also Mrs. Bathory's charity?Because she was the one who rejected the gift that was meant for her and her son!