Chapter 18 eighteen

The braying of the donkey woke Mason from his deep sleep.The other donkeys immediately joined in the chorus, and Mason opened his eyes with a smile on his face. It was still a little cool at dawn.Only a bright star or two could be seen, there was not even a trace of moisture in the sky to form a cloud, and there was not a drop of dew outside the sleeping bag.The mountains in the east in the distance are like a long and narrow black ax knife, gradually sinking into the darkness under the slightly greenish blue sky.It was too early to distinguish colors, and everything around the camp was gray.

Mason sat up, his back and shoulders protruded from the sleeping bag, and the heat from the sleeping bag dissipated into the cold air around him, and Mason slipped back into the warm sleeping bag. The donkey saw him move and tiptoed over to Mason's sleeping bag.Mason felt the soft nose touch his ear, and then the lips licked his hair. Mason laughed itchy, climbed out of the sleeping bag and put on his clothes.Apparently the braying of the donkey did not wake up the others. In the dim light of dawn, these sleeping bags are like motionless mounds. Mason felt even colder as he put on his clothes.There was no wind, but the mountain air was icy cold.He looked around to find some food for the donkey, but he couldn't find anything, and the donkey didn't seem to want to eat much.Apparently they just wanted a human companion, just to see the camp come to life again.Once Mason moved, the donkeys put on a look of satisfaction, their ears drooping and their heads bowed.

Mason broke some dried Artemisia sprigs, lit them with a match, and soon a fire was lit.He was looking for some food but saw Yan Dinger.Bowers stepped out from behind the rock with the revolver slung seriously on his hip. Yan Ding'er nodded to Mason, obviously not wanting to speak for fear of waking up the others.He went to the donkeys, felt their necks and ears, poured cold water from the kettle into the basin, washed their faces, and put coffee on the fire.As Mason washed his face, the cold water stung his face and hands. It's cold in here.He said. It's cold at night, Yan Ding'er said, come here, and when the sun rises, you won't feel cold anymore.

Mason helped cook and saw Della.Streeter's sleeping bag was writhing, and she had to get dressed in it.After a while, she also came to the fire. Fell asleep?Mason asked. Fell asleep!She said loudly, this is the best sleep I have ever had in my life. I usually fall into a deep sleep and wake up in a daze.But now I feel refreshed from the inside out.when do we eat Soon.Yan Dinger said. The east is already a dazzling orange, the edge of the distant mountains seems to be inlaid with gold tassels, and the boundless desert is gradually covered with a layer of light color.Seeing that more firewood was needed, Mason folded some crisp, dry sage and brought it to Yan Dinger's side.Yan Dinger is cutting bacon with a sharp knife.

The sun leapt out from behind the mountains, as if in a preparatory pose, and then flooded the camp with a warm golden light.For about fifteen minutes, Mason was so busy preparing breakfast that he didn't pay attention to the changes around him, and suddenly felt that the weather was getting hotter. The coffee mixed with the aroma of smoked bacon wafted out.Wilma.Dr. Staller and Dr. Kenward also crowded around the fire.In a little while they were eating russet cakes covered with melted butter and covered with syrup, and strips of bacon with the skin burnt on the outside.Dark brown coffee with full flavor.

Where did you get so many delicious foods?Wilma.Did the food rationing cause you a lot of trouble, Staller asked with a smile? Yan Dinger smiled, Banning.Clark has a secret vault of canned goods not far from here. Did he file taxes on these things?Mason asked. Of course I did.Between now and the first half of 1976 they could rip half the food ration coupons off his books.He likes his own food, and he doesn't want to carry too much on his donkey, so he transports the stuff halfway in a cart, and then asks the donkey-carrier to bring it into the desert.You'd be amazed how long cans of butter last when buried in a cool place.Vacuum-packed coffee can also be stored for a long time.For city people, food rations can be arranged. Yan Dinger keeps talking more and more, but when a prospector enters the desert, he must bring enough food to ensure that he can survive in the desert for several months. He can't survive on rationed things down.He has to bring canned and dry food oh we're ok, we have food stored here, you can eat whatever you want, stay as long as you want, it doesn't matter.

Yan Dinger, thank you for being so hospitable, after breakfast we will go to Mojave. Della glanced at Mason, trying to hide her surprise. Better go and see Nell.Sims.Yan Dinger said. We are about to go. She might drop by today with a pie.She said she was coming. Presumably Pete came with her too? Yan Dinger's lips were drawn into a line, and he said: I don't know. You don't care much about Pete, do you? He's fine. Mason laughed and said: Oh, I'm going to see Mojave. You don't know when the funeral is, do you? I don't know, Yan Ding'er, they can't let people move the corpse for a while.Why don't you have to wait until tomorrow.

Yan Dinger suddenly stretched out his hand and said: Thank you. They said goodbye to each other, loaded the car, and drove on the dusty, winding road.It's Della.Streeter was driving. I thought you were planning to stay for a day or two.Della said. That's what I thought, Mason admitted. I didn't want to run away, but I didn't want to be caught and questioned before the truth came out.If I don't get the stock out, I'm in trouble; if I do, it's obvious the signature is forged.But there's another thing I'm not sure about. If Mrs. Bradison finds out that the other will is gone, she'll know right away who has it.You think he knew I couldn't have gone into that room and fallen asleep because she had just left there before I was found.

Boss, what will she do when she finds out about these situations? I have no idea.In this way, her whereabouts cannot be guessed, and she may want to act before me.Anyway, I think it's better to hide for a while.But with the ipecac, well, if they do, we can fight back. Then you're going to be in dire straits again.She spoke to Mason after driving quietly for a while. I'm already in scalding water, Mason admitted, and the temperature is still rising, and it won't be long before the water boils. Then what? Then I will be cooked. You should be warned for saying such things, she said solemnly, and I will put your mouth in prison.

That made sense, he said, hiding his head behind the curtains of the car and closing his eyes, I deserved to be shot. Mason dozed off as their car sped along the dusty road.Soon, the car was on the flat road and headed towards Mojave at high speed.Across the small plateau, Mojave City can be seen in the desert in the distance.From a distance, the small town looks so tired, like a dry bone under the sun. Oh, said Della, easing off the gas pedal, here, where? Mason closed his eyes and said: Nell.Sims' restaurant. Should be able to find the restaurant, right? Mason laughed: Her return should be a major event in the history of Mojave City.There would be a sensation, and a man of such a unique character would not go unnoticed.

This section of road runs parallel to the railway.Della.Streeter said: "It looked like it had snowed. Mason opened his eyes.Clumps of black-fleshed quinoa in the desert are covered with snow-white paper. The rails are here.Mason was talking and gesticulating, that's where the wind comes from, and you can only see what it is when you get to the Mojave.Papers were dropped from the train, and the wind blew them onto the quinoa thorns. The wind was too strong, and the papers stuck to them. This was accumulated over the years.Not far from here, there is a hat farm. Hat Farm?Della said. Yes.It was so hot in the desert that travelers stuck their heads out of the window, and many hats were blown off, like tumbleweeds on the ground, onto the quinoa stalks at the door of the man who ran the farm.His neighbors tried to make a living by clearing wasteland and growing crops, but they all starved and ran away.And this person does not open up wasteland but let the stalks grow wildly, and makes a living by picking up hats for money every year. Della.Streeter laughed. No kidding, Mason told her, it was the truth.You can just ask anyone here if there is such a thing. Are you serious? This is true.You ask them. The car went down a slope, turned a corner, and entered Mojave City.As they approached, they gradually saw clearly the busy streets of the small desert city. There was a time, Mason said, that the only people who lived here were people who didn't have enough money or courage to leave the small town.The level of civilization in this small town prevents people from enjoying the real benefits of the desert. After all, it is a small town in the desert. Now, with air conditioners and refrigerators, life is much better, and you can see the changes in the appearance of the city.That's where we're looking, right up ahead.Did you see those words? A colorful flag spans the sky above the road.It read in large red letters at least three feet high: NELL IS BACK! Della.Streeter stopped the car.Mason opened the car door, and she also left the steering wheel, and got off the station beside Mason. Do we need to make up a saying in advance?Della asked. No, we'll just go in and talk. Mason opens the restaurant's door for Della.They entered the house suddenly from the desert under the sun, and adjusted their eyes for a long time before they could see clearly what was in the house.The first thing they see is the long, narrow banner hanging on the mirror behind the lunch counter that reads: Because my restaurant is slightly better, this place is full of people. Mason said: This is it. From the dim shade beyond came Nell.Sims' exclamation: Oh, my God!What are you two doing here? Just a cup of coffee and a pie, Mason said with a smile, going up to shake hands, how are you? I'm fine, you must have come to drop by. isn't it?Della laughed. It's a little early for me to go get a pie from the pastry stand, Nell.Sims apologized, but there are some pies in the oven, and they will be out of the oven in a minute.Fancy another slice of apple pie topped with ice cream and a generous slice of cheese on the side? can you do this do what? Can pie, cheese and ice cream be served together? Not allowed, but I can.In this place where the sky is high and the emperor is far away, everyone is very hospitable, but they don't care about the latest regulations of the government.Sit down, I'll get the pie out in a minute or two, you'll love it, I added a lot of sugar.Avoid half-sweet or sweet desserts.I also added quite a bit of butter and cinnamon.Although I can't make too many pies, the taste I bake is absolutely top-notch. What's new here?Mason sat by the counter and asked casually. The discovery of a new mine caused quite a stir.But I think it's a little weird. What?Mason asked. The prospector hesitated to speak. Do you mean the man who found the mine? The man who claimed to have found the mine. What's the matter with him?Mason asked. He is too lazy.If he's a prospector, I'm a diplomat.Still, he has gold.It's showing off. What is he doing now?Mason asked. Drinking most of the time. Where? Drink everywhere, wherever there is parking and drinking, that's where he is.The rancher followed him, and they had fun together. Where is your husband?Mason asked. I haven't seen him since I got here.Do you know when the funeral will be held? I don't think anyone knows.I don't know when the autopsy and other cumbersome procedures will be completed. What a nice guy!Nell.Sims said it was wrong to die like this.He was like a big brother to me and now I'm the only one left heartbroken.Presumably they haven't found out who killed him yet, my God!I almost forgot my pie. She rushed into the kitchen, there was a sound of the oven door opening, and after a while, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pies entered their nostrils. The door of the restaurant opened and two people entered.Della.Streeter glanced toward the door, grabbed Mason's arm and whispered, "It's Paul.Drake and Harvey.Brady. Hi!Paul.Drake's yell was surprisingly loud, and one could tell that the alcohol was not over, and his voice was out of control of his thoughts. Mason felt a tightness in his back. Mrs. Paul.Drake's grinning, not-quite-talking voice is said to have turned a new page in the life of the community thanks to the celebratory event of your return to a place where you once enjoyed great popularity.Seriously, ma'am, they say you make a great pie. Harvey.Brady said: "Unless there's something wrong with my nose, I could already smell the pie coming out of the oven. Mason turned around slowly. Brady gave him a casual look as if he were a stranger. Paul.Drake took a few unsteady steps forward, staring at Mason with squinted eyes as if struggling, and said, Hi, stranger, let me introduce myself, my name is Drake, and I own what was found in the history of mining in the West. Half the assets of the richest gold mine, I'm happy.And you, my man, you look hungry and thirsty.You are not very satisfied with life.In a word, my friend, you look like a Republican on the Appropriations Committee.I can't improve your wretched situation by refreshing you here, but I can buy you a pie to show our Western hospitality. His pies are already booked.Nell.Sims said. Drake nodded and said: How many pies did you order? piece.Mrs Sims said. Oh well.I buy him a second pie.He paid for the first piece himself, and I paid for the second piece. Drake turned to Harvey.Brady said: Come on, partner.Come sit here at the counter and eat the pie together.Let it change your life!I'd better say the word again, he said, taking a deep breath, what the heck is life changing when you eat pie?We're going to eat pie, madam, or so you must say, Skittles, because we'll all die tomorrow without pie. Nell.Sims said: This citation is incorrect. What should I say then?Drake asked defiantly. Eat, drink, and be merry, because the rest of the day will be spent in such a boring way. Derek rested his head on his hands and pondered for a long time, you are right.He finally admitted it. Mrs Sims said: "I just took the pie out of the oven, I'll bring the pie later. She went back to the kitchen again. Paul.Drake leaned forward and whispered, "Look, Perry, let's make some extra money together."I know a real prospector who's working on a mine he doesn't think is worth much.His gold rush trough often left some black stones.Perry, you scrape off the black stuff and you'll see that these stones are natural nuggets.The poor guy doesn't know any of this yet.I don't want to cheat him of all the mines, but I'll get half of the profit. Mason ducked back and said, Paul, you've been drinking all day. I just drink all the time.Paul belligerently said, how can I not drink?How do you pretend to be an alcoholic without drinking?People in the city are watching your every move.hell!Now I'm famous! Nell.Sims took out the pie and served it to Della.Streeter and Mason's table, and then cut two small pies for Brady and Drake. Rancher Brady shook Mason's arm quietly in a reassuring gesture, and sat down at the table with Drake. Drake turned to Mason again, and said with all the vigor that only a drunk would have: One more thing is, hey, how come his pie has ice cream and ours doesn't? It's a government order, Nell.Sims said, at least I think so.They told me so when I opened the restaurant. What happened to him then?Drake persisted and pointed at Perry.Mason said. Nell.Without batting an eye, Sims said: He has preferential treatment from the local war council. Drake stared at Mason with wide eyes and said loudly: Then I'm a gangster! Mason took the opportunity to whisper, "Paul, we'll meet alone when we get out of here." Brady also whispered: Perry, all the people in Mojave want to see him alone.Looking outside the door, ten to fifteen people appeared to be loitering on the sidewalk.The problem is no matter where we go, these ten or fifteen people Brady's words were interrupted by the knocking of the door.A frightened man entered and headed straight for the kitchen. Hi Pete, Paul.Drake yelled, jumped up, and said warmly and kindly: Over here, over here, old friend Pete! peteSims didn't know if he didn't hear it or just ignored it, Nell!He was almost screaming, Nell, you gotta help me!you The door slammed open again.Gregory's figure is tall and burly in the sun. Drake looked at Mason sadly, and said sadly: Oh, my God, this is the guy who will sell me half of the mine.