Chapter 2 Chapter two
"We're on our way," said Marcel Ronan, "onward to..."
"The mysterious world," said Jean Tagona. "It is said that something new must be found in order to find it."
"The mysterious world? . . . Do you expect to encounter the mysterious world during the short voyage from France to Africa, that is, from Seth to Oran?"
"I'm not talking about this short voyage of thirty or forty hours, Marcel. I don't want to argue with you that Oran was the first or only stop on this journey. But when we set off, Do we know for sure where to go?"
"Of course, Jean. When the steamer takes you where you're going, there's at least some danger at sea."
"Come on, Marcel. Who told you this?" replied Jean Tagonne with contempt. "There will be accidents at sea, such as hitting rocks, capsizing, machine explosions, drifting on a desert island like Robinson Robinson for 20 years, etc. Very unusual experience! But I am not talking about these. It is such a mysterious thing, it It is the unknown of human life, it is the secret engraved on the skin of ancient humans, it is the secret contained in the Bible, it is the secret that the most profound scholars cannot read, it is hidden in the earthen bowl, and it is held by hand. An interpretation of life drawn by luck."
"Stop mystifying!" cried Marcel Ronan, "you're driving me crazy."
"It's a mystical set behind the curtain."
"That's enough... that's enough! Don't be so impulsive as soon as you hit the road, don't be so cloudy, don't talk too far!"
"Look, you seem to be saying very mysterious things now."
"You're right, Jean, but we should all calm down and come back to reality. What we've done is not a fluke. We're sailing from Seth to Oran for only 1,000 francs each, We also have to enlist in the 7th African Cavalry Regiment. Therefore, we must act very rationally and live very simply. As for the 'mysterious world' you mentioned, no matter how exciting it is, it will never appear."
"Who knows?" Jean Tagona drew a big question mark with his index finger.
This conversation on the quarterdeck revealed the distinct personalities of the two young men.Their eyes turned from the bench by the fence to the foredeck, and finally stopped on the top of the bridge.The deck between the mainmast and foremast can be seen from the top of the bridge.
A dozen or so travelers occupied the side benches and camp chairs, shaded from the sun by tents suspended from halyards.
Among these travelers can be seen Mr Deslander and his son.The former walked up and down the deck excitedly, sometimes putting his hands behind his back and sometimes stretching them into the air.Presently he put his hands on the railing again, carefully watching the track of the Ajielai, as if Mr. Dardento appeared as a dolphin in the foam rising behind the ship.
His son, Akatok, remained indifferent and insensitive to the misfortune which had frightened and annoyed his parents.
Passengers unresponsive to the ship's sway, which was still slight, were walking, talking, smoking, and alternately using binoculars to gaze at the undulating coastline flying by, admiring the splendor of the Pyrenees to the west. scenery.Others, unaccustomed to the swaying of the ship, sat in wicker chairs in the corners of the deck, as they probably preferred to do throughout the voyage.Several women, wearing shawls, appeared to be in unbearable pain, with very depressed faces.The ladies and their children took the place under the bridge.This position is close to the center of the ship, so the shaking of the ship can be felt less.They looked pitiful, as if hoping to get through the 50-hour voyage quickly.
Around the female passengers are the ship's maids; around the male passengers are young cadets.They watch every passenger's gesture or movement, and run to provide service - the essential efficient service.
How many of these travelers were able to sit at a restaurant table two hours later when the dinner bell rang?This was the invariable question asked by the Ajielai's doctor.The doctor estimates that 60 to 70 percent of passengers skip their first meal on board.
The doctor is a short and stout man, flexible, good at talking, carefree, and often has some amazing things.Although he is 50 years old, he eats and drinks a lot; he has also collected many strange folk remedies and prescriptions for seasickness.However, he himself did not believe in the efficacy of these prescriptions.He would say a lot of comforting words, and he was so considerate to the patients among the tourists that even the patients on the alien planet would smile at him after vomiting.
"It doesn't matter..." said the doctor. "Exhale when you feel the boat go up, and inhale when you feel the boat go down... When you get to land you will be healed... You will be very healthy in the future and you will have a lot less disease !...It’s best to go to the hot spring for 3 months.”
Two young men were the first to notice the energetic, chatty little man called Dr. Bruno.Marcel Ronan said to Jean Tagona:
"This ridiculous doctor probably doesn't have the ability to save lives!"
"But at least it can cure a disease that kills no one!" said Jean Tagonne.
As for Mr. Eustache Oriandal, he has not yet appeared on deck.Is his stomach churning?Or, in the sailor's words, is he clearing out the "household" in his belly?These unfortunates "have a lot of money," but not under a box.
This is not the case.The gentleman with the somewhat artistic name is not sick.He had never been ill at sea and never would be.When he entered the dining room from the after-deck vestibule, he went to the best end of the table, sat in the seat he had chosen, and did not leave until dessert was served.Who is going to compete with him for this priority?
Whenever Dr. Bruno appeared, it caused a thrill to the passengers on the quarterdeck.It was his pleasure and his responsibility to get to know all the passengers on board.He made inquisitive inquiries to find out where the travelers came from and where they were going.Innocent and curious like Eve's daughter, talking like a chirping sparrow.He ran from one end of the ship to the other like a scurrying weasel.He congratulated the passengers who had the honor of being on the "Ajilai".Because this is the best ship on the Algerian route, with the best equipment and the best conditions.On this ship commanded by Captain Bukarash was a—he did not name, only hinted at—a doctor like him Bruno...blah,blah,blah.Later, he assured the female passengers that there would be no danger at sea... He said that the "Ajielai" had only encountered a storm... During the entire voyage in the Mediterranean Sea, the bow of the ship had never touched sea water... Etc., etc.He gave the children some sugar-coated pills, and the children were happy to take them, what a cute little angel! ... he said, the cabin was full of these sugar-coated pills ... blah, blah, blah.
Marcel Ronan and Jean Tagona smiled at the doctor's tricks.They know people like the doctor.They are not uncommon on ocean liners, and they are the kind of people who are outright criticizing among sailors and overseas immigrants.
"Well, gentlemen," said the doctor, when he came up to the two young men, "it is the duty of the ship's doctor to know all the passengers, and you don't mind."
"Very willingly, doctor," replied Jean Tagonne, "and since we place ourselves in your hands—I mean cure, not death—we are glad to hold your hands."
The three shook hands warmly with each other.
"If my hunch is correct, am I having the honor of talking to a Parisian?"
"Yes, a Parisian," replied Marcel Ronan, "a Parisian from Paris."
"From Paris, that's great," exclaimed the doctor, "from the city of Paris, not the suburbs..., is it from the center of Paris? . . . "
"From the bank district," replied Jean Tagonne. "If you ask me to be more specific, we come from 133 Rue Montmartre in Paris, on the fourth floor, the door on the right..."
"Gentlemen," said Dr. Bruno, "my question may be imprudent... but it is the duty of a doctor to know everything, even everything that is invisible to the eye... you will forgive me."
"You are too polite," said Marcel Ronan.
So the doctor's mouth was like a spinning windmill, and his words were like the castanets of the windmill.He said he had made the acquaintance of this or that passenger, he laughed at the Deslanders, he laughed at the Dardento who missed his appointment; Ari Islands; where he can relax for a few hours, and for the traveller, a few hours of leisurely relaxation.In short, he had fully displayed his talkative nature, or, in medical terms, a kind of endless, nonsense polyglotism.
"Gentlemen, did you take a look at the city of Set before embarking?" asked the doctor, rising.
"I'm sorry, doctor. We don't have time," said Marcel Ronan.
"It's a pity! The city is worth seeing! . . . Have you ever visited Oran?"
"No, not at all!" said Jean Tagonne.
At this time a cadet sailor came and told Dr. Bruno to go to Captain Bukalash.The doctor did not forget to say a lot of kind words when he left, and promised to continue the conversation, because he still had a lot of things to ask.
What the doctor did not understand was the past and the present of these two young men.It should be briefly described below.
Marcel Ronan and Jean Tagona are cousins.Their mothers are sisters, both born in Paris.The brothers lost their respective fathers when they were very young.They grew up in poverty and went to secondary school; they went on to school after graduation, with Jean Tagona at the Ecole de Commerce and Marcel Ronan at the law school.Both belonged to the petty bourgeoisie of Paris engaged in business, and neither had much ambition.The two live in the same family like brothers. Although their personalities are very different, their relationship is deep and their friendship is unbreakable.
Marcel Ronan was thoughtful, focused, rule-based, and early on made his own living.
In contrast to him, Jean Tagona is a full-fledged naughty ghost, romping around like a pony all day long, carefree, more or less a little lazy.He brings joy to the family, but also unrest and chaos.If reprimanded for his untimely vivacity, he humbly asks forgiveness.Like his cousin, he has as many advantages as his cousins.
Both are kind, cheerful, forthright, and honest, and both respect their respective mothers.One can still forgive Madame Ronan and Madame Targona for being a little too spoiled for their children, since neither child was spoiled.
When they were 20 years old, they caught up with the reduction of service years and only served in the army for one year, and this year was also spent in the cavalry regiment very close to Paris.In addition, these two people were lucky enough to be assigned to a company and a dormitory; getting along with each other did not bring them the slightest bit of unhappiness.They are full of enthusiasm and optimism about their work.Both were excellent soldiers.The commendations from the officers and the love and affection from their comrades made them feel no dissatisfaction with the life in the barracks.Since childhood, they have had their dreams come true and everything went smoothly.Although they were incarcerated during the leave--a soldier who was never incarcerated is something to look down upon--they were rated "excellent" after serving in the barracks.
Back home, Marcel Ronan and Jean Tagona were 21 years old.They understand that it is time to get to work.After obtaining the consent of their respective mothers, they decided to work together in a reputable company, to practice business first, and then seek development.
Both Ronan and Tagona's mothers encouraged their children to acquire wealth in this way.For their beloved son, this future was assured.They hoped with joy that after a few years, they would have a successful career and a happy marriage; they would be promoted from ordinary employees to partners to managers in the company; although they were still very young, their careers would flourish and the glorious name of their ancestors would continue to Future generations, blah, blah.In short, this is the dream of all mothers and their greatest wish.
The two mothers really shouldn't expect their dreams to become reality.A few months after the boys returned home from the military, and before they wanted to start their lives in a company, disaster befell two affectionate cousins.
An epidemic spread to several districts in the center of Paris, and Madame Ronan and Madame Tagauna were killed only a few weeks apart.
The disaster was like a bolt from the blue, and the two families were left with only the two of them at once, making them terrified and afraid to face the reality caused by the disaster.
However, the future must be considered.Each of them received an inheritance of about 100,000 francs, which means that due to the decline in bank interest rates, each of them only had an annual interest income of about 3,000 to 3,500 francs.This ordinary income does not allow them to live a life of ease, and they do not want to live it.Should they have risked this small sum of money in a business that was difficult to make money in those days?Or try your luck in industry or commerce?Or continue to work hard according to the goals set by the mother?It's a pity that Mrs. Ronan and Mrs. Tagona can no longer advise them...
Their family has an old friend, a retired military officer who served as a company commander in the African Cavalry Regiment.At this point he appeared before the children and had an influence on them.Major Borrécabo was straightforward about his own opinion: Never risk your inheritance, but trade it for stable French railway bonds, and go into the army, because camp life doesn't make a bad impression on them.After joining the army, he quickly became a junior officer. After passing the examination, he entered the Saumur Military Academy and became a second lieutenant after graduation.A beautiful, attractive and noble life path unfolds in front of the two young people.In the words of Major Beaulecabo, isn't it the most enviable income for an officer, not counting his salary, to have an annual interest income of 3,000 francs?And will be promoted, honored, and honored in the future... In short, this is everything a veteran in Africa can think of.
Were Marcel Ronan and Jean Tagona fully convinced that a military career could fulfill their hearts' desires? …did they also "straightforwardly" answer the suggestion made by Major Burrough Carbo? ... When they talked privately, did they agree that this was the only path to honor?Or, on this road of honor, can they have a chance to be honored?
"We must risk something?" said Jean Tagona to Marcel Ronan, "perhaps the simple old soldier is right? . . . since he recommended us to the 7th Cavalry Colonel, we'll start for Oran...Anyway, we'll have time to think about it on the way...When we get to Algeria, we'll decide whether or not to join the army."
"It's a trip, but I add that it's a waste of money." Marcel Ronan showed his reason.
"Yes, I think so too!" replied Jean Tagonne, "but at the cost of a few hundred francs we can travel around another part of France! It is worth the money for that alone, my lord." Marcel! . . . At least what will happen in the future, who knows?"
"What do you mean, Jean?"
"Just say it, there is no other meaning..."
In short, Marcel Ronan was persuaded without difficulty, and he agreed that the two brothers should go to Oran together, bearing a letter of recommendation from the commander of the cavalry company to his friend the colonel of the seventh infantry regiment.At Oran they would decide according to the circumstances; and Major Burruckabo would be convinced that their decision was based on his opinion.
Even when the time came to sign their military contracts, they could change their minds and return to Paris to find another career.Even if their trip came to nothing, Jean Tagona believed in a "journey around the world".But Marcel Ronan didn't understand the meaning of "travel around" at first.
"I mean," explained Jean Tagona, "that it's better to take advantage of this opportunity to visit the country."
"so what?"
"Take one route when you go and another route when you come back. It doesn't cost much, but it's a lot of fun! For example, we take a boat from Sète to Oran and return from Algiers To Marseilles..."
"That's a good idea."
"That's a very good idea, Marcel! I'm just speaking for Thales, Pythagos, Baias, Cleobras, Priande, Karen, and Solon."
Marcel Ronan did not want to argue any longer about the unquestionable decision made by the aforementioned seven sages of ancient Greece, and on April 27 the two cousins boarded the "Agerie".
Marcel Ronan was 22 years old, a few months older than Jean Tagona.The height is above average, only 2 to 3 centimeters taller than his cousin.He was gentle, lovely, with dark eyes of deep sorrow, and a beard of gold--to carry out his orders, he was ready to die.
If Jean Tagona did not have the outward advantages of his cousin, if he did not have, like his cousin, what the petty bourgeois called a "handsome knight," we must still believe that he was a lovable man. The man: brown hair neatly combed, beard turned up at both ends, radiant, eyes sparkling with extraordinary vitality, demeanor gentle, and a cute face like a child.
We now know the appearance and character of the two young men.There was nothing special about their trip either.They were in the same situation as other passengers on the ocean liner going to Oran.Can they change this situation?Can they become 2nd class cavalry of the 7th cavalry regiment?
"Who can know?" said Jean Tagonne.He believes luck plays a vital role in changing lives.
The "Ajielai" has sailed for 25 minutes and has not yet reached the highest speed.The breakwater has fallen 1 mile behind.The ocean-going ship is constantly adjusting its direction to the southwest.
At this time, Dr. Bruno was standing on the back deck, holding a telescope, watching a moving object in the direction of the port.The object is shrouded in billows of black, smoky white vapor.
After staring at the object for a few seconds, Dr. Bruno suddenly screamed, ran to the port side ladder, rushed to the deck, ran all the way to the conning tower, came to Captain Bukalash, interrupted the captain's work, and was out of breath. , impatiently handed the binoculars to the hands of the captain, and it took only half a minute for Dr. Bruno to do everything.
"Captain, look!" The doctor pointed to the object that was getting closer and getting bigger.
After looking at it for a while, the captain said: "It must be a small motorboat."
"It seems to me that this little motorboat is trying to overtake us," said Dr. Bruno.
"It must be so, doctor. Well, tell the ship ahead to signal..."
"Did you order the ship to stop?"
"I don't quite know whether I should do this! . . . What is this motorboat for? . . . "
"You won't know until the motorboat approaches..."
"I can't help it!" Captain Bukalash seemed reluctant to stop the ship.
Dr. Bruno continued to speculate:
"I think it may be the late passenger who is chasing the Ajielai! . . . "
"Could it be Dadang Tuo Zhusheng...the one who didn't catch up to board the ship?..."
"Perhaps this man is chasing our ship in a motorboat! . . . "
This explanation is quite reasonable.Because it is certain that the motorboat is trying to catch up with the ocean liner at maximum speed, and has entered the deep sea area.The belated passenger would certainly have done so, considering the state of grief the Deslanders had felt for the late passenger.
Captain Bukarash was not one to go to the trouble of stopping the boat for a few minutes just to get a first-class ticket.He cursed a few words in the loud voice unique to southerners, and gave the engine room an order to stop the ship.
The ocean-going ship rushed out more than 200 meters by inertia, slowed down slowly and finally stopped.The ocean liner swayed even more as waves came in from the side of the ship.Those seasick men and women passengers are also more miserable.
The launch caught up.It was so fast that the bow of the boat was exposed in the foaming water.One could see a man standing on the deck waving his hat.
At this moment, Mr. Deslander ventured up to the conning tower, and said to Dr. Bruno, who did not leave the captain:
"What are you waiting for?"
"A motorboat," replied the doctor.
"What is it for?"
"Another passenger. Must have been a passenger who had missed the ship."
"Mr. Darden?"
"Yes, if he's called that."
Mr. Deslander seized the telescope handed to him by the doctor, and after many fruitless efforts at last caught sight of the launch in this remarkably nimble instrument.
"It's him . . . it's him!" exclaimed Mr. Deslander.
Then he hurried away to tell Akatok's mother the good news.
The launch was only three chains away from the Ajielai.The waves became smaller and the boat stabilized.The steam ejected from the valve, accompanied by the deafening sound of the machine, filled the entire hull.
The motorboat came close to the ocean liner.At this moment, Mr. Deslander, who had just run to inform his wife and turned pale, appeared on the deck again.
A rope ladder with wooden rungs was lowered down the side of the ocean liner from above the rail.
The traveler is paying the captain of the motorboat for his fare.It can be seen that this man is doing this very seriously, because the captain of the motorboat thanked him: "Thank you, sir!"
A few seconds later, the hero of the story, followed by a servant carrying a box, strode up the rope ladder and jumped onto the deck.The man had a cheerful face, with a smile on his face, and stood gracefully upright, saluting those around him.
Then he saw Mr. Deslander, who was about to reprimand him.
"It's all right, I'm still here, fat old man!" he said loudly, and gave Mr. Deslander a hard pat on the stomach.
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