Chapter 3 third chapter

The hero's full name is Clovis Dardento.Born 45 years before this story begins at Nogi Square 4 in the ancient city of Lussino.The city of Lussino was once the capital of Roussillon, which is today the capital of the Northeast Renees region - a famous city of Perpignan with a patriotic tradition. Men like Clovis Darantot were not uncommon in large provincial towns.Such a man is characterized by an upper middle height, broad shoulders, strong bones, muscular development, and a quick mind—that is to say, a perfect balance of physical and mental strength; this gentleman has a round head, short gray hair, and a fan-shaped brown beard. , with piercing eyes, a big mouth, full of impeccable teeth, firm steps, flexible hands, and well-trained body and mind; like a cute child who is somewhat willful, cheerful, eloquent, easy to deal with, and quick to respond; In short, he is a southerner who was not born in Provence, where the characteristics of southern France are concentrated, but has all the characteristics of southerners.

Clovis Dardento was a true celibate master.It is unimaginable that in a society where a man and a woman are married, there will be such a man who has never had a honeymoon on the horizon of his life.He's not a misogynist because he likes being around women too.But it is a strong misanthrope.He believes that a man who is both mentally and physically sound has no time to think about marriage once he devotes himself to his career.He cannot accept servile marriages, ceremonial marriages, marriages for personal gain, money or some reason, marriages under public ownership or distribution of property, in short, any form of marriage in this secular society .

Furthermore, being a celibate does not mean that he is at ease all day long and has nothing to do.Clovis Dardento was like that.If a person has a wealth of 2 million francs, it is either left by his ancestors or acquired by inheritance.But Dardento earned it entirely by himself.He invested his funds in many businesses and industries, such as cooperage, marble, corkscrews and the production of wines from Rivesaltes.Because of his proficiency in various businesses, he has made considerable profits.He has devoted most of his time and talent to the cooperage, which is so vital to the region. At the age of 40, after he had earned a fortune and had a steady income, he quit all careers.He didn't want to be a miser who was trying to save money.Since retiring, he has no worries about food and clothing, and his interest in traveling has not diminished, especially the trip to Paris, which he goes very frequently.Not only does he have a good body, but he also has a good appetite that even the most famous bird in southern Africa can't match.

He is the only one left of our Perpignan family.From the ancestors of his family to the descendants, and continues until the end of his generation.He has no immediate relatives, no descendants, no collateral relatives—unless you count to the 26th or 27th degree of relatives, or so.For, according to the statisticians, all Frenchmen can only be traced back to the time of Francis I, and the rank of kinship does not include collateral relations.Otherwise, the history of a person's relatives can be traced back to the first year of AD, and the number of his ancestors will reach 139 trillion. Clovis Dardento was not proud of it.He could not be unhappy if he did not have a family in which everyone had a family.It never occurred to him to start a family in the familiar way, but he intended only to embark on a ship for Oran, and to arrive safely in the capital of a large province of Algeria.

He believes that one of the most important reasons why the "Ajielai" can successfully complete the voyage is that a Perpignan man boarded the ocean liner.In the past, he traveled to Algeria - a country he liked - from Marseilles.For the first time he felt he preferred the route from Sete. An ocean liner can be lucky enough to send him himself, the important thing is to satisfy him on the journey, and he can arrive safely after a short and smooth voyage. As soon as Clovis Dardento stepped on deck, he turned to his servant and said: "Patrice, go and confirm cabin 13." "You know, sir, that the space has been fixed by telegram, and there will be no problem."

"Then pack your bags, and get me as good a seat as you can get in the dining room, not too far from the captain. I'm already hungry." Patrice could understand the latter sentence so-so, but he hoped that his master could say "Hunger is unbearable".You could see from his pursed lips that he was not very satisfied, but despite his dissatisfaction, he walked towards the quarterdeck. At this moment, Clovis Dardento saw the captain of the "Ajielai" who had just come down from the conning tower, and said bluntly: "Hey, Captain! Why don't you wait patiently for a late passenger? . . . Is your ocean liner really impatient to stretch its arms and legs?"

This metaphor is not a maritime term, because he is not a seaman.He just said it out of his imagination.His words are sometimes erroneous upper-class language, and sometimes unsavory slang. "Sir," said Captain Bukarash, "our ship set sail on time. Company regulations do not allow us to wait..." "Neither would I want you to!" said Clovis Dardento, holding out his hand to the captain. "I don't want to!" replied the captain, "but I was compelled to stop..." "Then let the ship stop!" said the Perpignan man. He shook Captain Bukarash's hand with the firmness of an old cooper used to barrel shafts and sinks.

"You know," continued Dardent, "if my motorboat can't keep up with your ocean liner, it's going to go all the way to Algeria... If I can't find the motorboat then, I'll jump into the water from the pier , swim after you! That's what I am, dear Captain Bukarash!" Clovis Dadant was a fine man, and the two young men were delighted to hear the exact words.They showed their admiration for him with a smile. "That's a good job!" whispered Jean Tagonne. At this time, the "Ajielai", which had been delayed for a quarter of an hour, was heading towards Cape Ajid.

"By the way, Captain Bukarash, a very important question." asked Mr. Dadant. "Please say." "What time does dinner start?" "5 o'clock." "There are 45 minutes left, not too early and not too late!" Mr. Dardento wore a vest of fine denim with large metal buckles.To the uppermost clasp was fastened, by a thick gold chain, an extraordinary reed watch.He glanced at his watch, turned and walked away hastily. To describe this man in the exact words, he is dressed very "fashionably".A floppy hat slanted over the ears, a sleeveless Scottish coat, binoculars slung over the shoulders, a tourist sleeping bag hanging from the shoulders to the waist, baggy shorts, leather leggings with metal grommets, and a double-layered hunting jacket boots.

He said in a high-pitched voice as he walked: "Even if I didn't make it to the boat, I made it to dinner. As long as your head chef cooks it carefully, you'll see how I taste it..." Suddenly he turned to another person. Mr. Deslander had just gone to tell Mrs. Deslander that their companions, who had arrived so late, had just arrived here. "Well, my dear friend," cried Clovis Dadante, "how is Madame Deslander? Where is Your Majesty now? How is the fairest Acatoc?" "Don't worry, Dardento," replied Mr. Deslander. "We're not late, but we're not full, and the 'Ajielai' shouldn't be sailing!"

"Is it an accusation, my friend?" "Really, you are to blame! . . . How much you worry us! . . . Should we leave you and disembark at Oran and go to Madame Elisani's?" "I'm very angry, too, Deslander. It's all from that bastard in Pigolin. He left me to taste his old Corfussa. When we got to Vieux Port, the 'Ajielai' was just coming out of the port access channel. Now that I'm on board, it's useless to say anything. Don't stare at me with salmon eyes..., everything is moving with the ship's swing It's over! How is your wife?" "She's been in bed all day, sort of..." "uncomfortable?" "A little," sighed Mr. Deslander, "her eyelids trembled, and so did I." "Advice from a friend, my good fellow!" said Clovis Dardento. "Don't talk... Try to keep your mouth shut... Go out and give it a try." "That's an idea," murmured Mr. Deslander. "You can say what you like! The voyage is to reach Oran. Well, if it were not for the future of Acatoc, Deslantes and I Madam Dave won't suffer this crime!" Of course, everything is for the future of the only heir of the Deslander family.An old friend of the family, Clovis Dardentot came every night to play bridge at their house in Bobignier.He had watched the child be born, and watched him grow up--at least physically--and he said this because the child's intellect always lagged behind his physical development.Akatok had poor grades in middle school and was one of the lazy, stupid students.No gift of one kind or another was found in him.Doing nothing is his ideal in life.One day he will receive an annual interest income of almost 10,000 francs from his parents.It was something of a fait accompli, and the Deslanders dreamed of their son's future income.The family knew the Elissae family, who had lived in Perpignan and had gone to Algeria.Mrs. Elisani is a 50-year-old widow of a wholesaler who lives a carefree life on the property left to her by her husband.After her husband retired, he settled down in Algeria.The widow has a daughter, Louise Elisani, 20, who is living in her boudoir.Whether in South Oran or in the North-Eastern Rhines region, at least in the Bobignier family, there was a beautiful Miss Louise who was to be married.Could there be a better marriage than that of Acatoc Desrande and Louise Elisani? But it is essential to have a blind date before marriage.Although Akatok and Louise have known each other since they were children, I'm afraid they don't have much memory now.Since the people who lived in Oran did not want to come to Perpignan—because Madame Elisani did not want to travel at all—the people from Perpignan had to go to Oran.Although Mrs. Deslander suffers from severe seasickness, even seeing the waves on the beach can't bear it, and although Mr. Deslander-a proud person-has a weak will, he has to go to sea for this. okay.Now a word about Clovis Dardento.Traveling was common to the Perpignan native, and he would not refuse to accompany his friends on excursions.Perhaps he did not know the value of this marriage.But he thinks every man can be a husband.Whether Akatok could satisfy the heiress was a personal matter.Miss Louise Elisani is indeed very lovely... In short, when the Deslanders arrive in Oran, when Miss Louise appears before the reader, the reader will then join the suitors, and Squeeze out Akatok this guy. Now we know the purpose of the Perpignan party on the "Adjelai", and why they have undergone this Mediterranean sea voyage. While waiting for dinner, Clovis Darantot came to the after deck, where all the first-class passengers gathered.At this time, the swaying of the hull had not yet affected their cabin.Mr. Deslander, paler than ever, followed Dardent, and sat down on a long chair. Akatok came over. "Well, boy, you have a better face than your father's," asked Mr. Dardento. "Can you stand it?" Akatok replied, "It's holding up." "Great! Grit your teeth and walk from one end to the other! Don't look like window paper or pumpkin paste, and don't wobble when you walk!" "Don't be afraid!...There is nothing to be afraid of!...The sea is not scary, it won't bully children!" Clovis Dardento did not think it proper to visit Mrs. Deslanders in her cabin.The lady already knew he was on board, and that was enough.And it wouldn't do much to say something comforting to her.Mr. Dardento was one of those odious people who like to make fun of seasick people.They excuse that they are not seasick, and they are willing to admit that others are seasick!These men should be put on high masts! The "Ajielai" is at the same level as Cape Ajid.At this moment a bell rang on the foredeck, exactly five o'clock, and it was time for dinner. At this time, the heaving and swaying of the ship is not very strong. Although the waves are a little bit strong, it is still tolerable for most passengers. The "Ajielai" bravely advanced in row after row of huge waves.It can be said that there will be no fewer guests in the restaurant. The passengers, including five or six female passengers, descended from the double ladder on the rear deck and sat in pre-booked seats. Mr. Eustache Oleandal sat in his seat already looking impatient.He has been waiting there for two hours! . . . but anyone would believe that the occupant of the best seat would return to the deck as soon as dinner was over, and that he would not hold it till he landed. Captain Bukarash and Dr. Bruno stood at the end of the restaurant, fulfilling their duty of honoring the guests.Clovis Dardento, Mr. Deslander, and his son came over the table.Marcel Ronan and Jean Tagauna wanted to take a closer look at the different types of Perpignan, and sat down next to M. d'Argentet.The other guests took their favorite seats.There are 20 people in total.Several people were seated close to Mr. Oriandal.Because this location is closest to the operating room, when the restaurant foreman orders the meal to be served, all the dishes will arrive here first. Clovis Dardento quickly made the acquaintance of Dr. Bruno.It's safe to say that the conversation around Captain Bukarash will never be cold, thanks to these two chat freaks. "Doctor," said Monsieur Dardento, "it is an honor... a great honor to hold your hand, which is as tainted with germs as your colleagues..." "Don't be afraid, Monsieur Dardento," replied Dr. Bruno with equal joy. "I just washed my hands with boric acid oxidized water." "Come on! I don't give a damn about germs and microbes!" exclaimed Mr. Dardento. "I've never been sick, even for a day or an hour, my dear. I've never had a cold, not even Haven't had a cold in 5 minutes! I've never had a sip of a potion or swallowed a pill!...Trust me, I'm not going to start a doctor's appointment with you and ask you to write a prescription!...Oh, I Very happy company with doctors! They are all very nice people! There is only one downside, and that is when a doctor feels your pulse, or looks at your tongue, he is sure to wreck your body!  … Closer to home, I am very It is a pleasure to dine by your side, and if the supper is good, I shall have a great appetite!" Dr. Bruno was not nervous about being talked down, but he thought he was more talkative than the other party.In terms of defending the doctor's profession, he didn't fight back too much against an opponent in full armor.After a while, the soup came up, and everyone just wanted to warm their stomachs that were aching from the sea breeze. At first, except for Mr. Deslander, whose face was as pale as a napkin, the jolt of the ship did not affect the appetite of the guests.Everyone can't feel the side-to-side swing and up-and-down floating of the ship.If this situation does not change throughout the meal, the various services will be blamelessly very successful! Suddenly there was the first crash of cutlery.The restaurant's chandeliers then swung from side to side over the heads of the guests, causing concern.The rocking and undulating caused general confusion among the guests.Their seats were terribly reclined, and they couldn't grasp the firm and safe place in their frantic movements.Glasses are difficult to bring to the mouth, and the fork is often stuck in the face or chin. Most of the guests can't stand it.Mr. Deslander was the first to leave the table, and with a conspicuous haste to go out into the fresh air, the other guests followed.It was a real mess, despite Captain Bukarash's constant exhortations: "It's nothing, gentlemen. The shaking of the Ajilai won't last long!" "These people escaped one by one!" "They've always been like that!" said Captain Bukalash with a wink. "I don't understand," said our Perpignan man, "if they've just vomited their guts out!" To admit that this sentence does not violate the laws of human society.Even if they do spit out their internal organs, these respectable people will not recover, because they will spit up again soon.When the foreman of the restaurant served cold dishes, there were only about 10 brave guests on the table.In addition to Captain Bukarash and Dr. Bruno, who are accustomed to the chaos of the restaurant, there are Clovis Dadant who sticks to his seat; Akatok who is indifferent to his father's escape; The brothers Ronan and Jean Tagona, and finally Monsieur Eustache Oliandal at the other end of the table.He was staring at the dishes, questioning the waiter, not complaining about the unpleasant shaking of the "Ajielai", and was still choosing bread. After the frightened guests fled, Captain Bukarash cast a strange look at Dr. Bruno, who responded with a strange smile.Both of them understood, and their eyes and smiles turned to the indifferent face of the restaurant head waiter. At this moment Jean Tagonne pushed his cousin's arm and said in a low voice: "It was nothing more than a 'trick'." "I think so too." "It's mine!" said Jean Tagona, slicing a tender fillet of frogfish onto his plate.This is the fresh fish fillet that Mr. Oriandal, who was sitting next to him, didn't bother to enjoy. Here's a simple explanation of this "trick": The captain--not all captains--seemed for an understandable purpose, at the beginning of the dinner, to change the direction of the steamer a little, to move the rudder a little, and that's all.Are they to be blamed for that?Is it not even allowed to encounter a few minutes of wind and waves for the steamer?Wouldn't it even be possible to save a fortune on dinner due to the pitching and pitching of the ship? ...and even if this is the case, don't be surprised! This chaos did not last long.Although ocean liners have become smoother and more docile, guests don't want to go back to their old seats. There were only a few real diners left for dinner.They continued with their dinner in the most comfortable conditions.At this point no one worried about the unfortunate guests who left the restaurant, all clustered on the after deck, in various forms of distress.

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