Chapter 3 Chapter Three Ilya.brush passenger

This trip down the Danube has finally begun.Elijah.Brush would travel through one principality, the Duchy of Baden; two kingdoms: Württemberg and Bavaria; two empires: Austria-Hungary and the Turkish Empire; and three principalities of Hohenzollen, Serbia, and Romania.This unique fisherman does not need to worry about the slightest fatigue from the journey of more than 2,700 kilometers. The current of the Danube will be responsible for pushing him to the mouth of the sea.The flow rate of the river is about one mile per hour, which means about fifty kilometers per day on average. As long as there are no accidents along the way, the trip can be completed in two months.And what reason had Brush to delay?

He was driving a small flat-bottomed fishing boat, about twelve feet long and four feet wide at the midbelly.The bow arches a circular awning, which can accommodate two people.Under the canopy of the boat, there are two wooden boxes on both sides of the boat, which contain all the clothes of the owner, but there are only a few pieces, and the lid can be closed to make a bed.There is also a box at the stern, which can be used as a stool to sit on, and it is filled with various cooking utensils. Needless to say, the boat is equipped with all the gear a true fisherman needs.Elijah.Brush can't afford to dispense with these devices.Because, he announced to his colleagues at the awards ceremony of the competition that day that during the whole trip, he relied entirely on fishing to support himself, either eating fish for food, or selling the fish he caught for cash. Buying some other dishes to eat would not violate his original intention.

To this end, every evening, Brush will go to the city to sell fish.On both sides of the Danube, as long as his name is spoken, there will be no customers. This is how the first day passed.However, if someone can keep an eye on Brush, he will be very surprised to find that the champion of the Danube Association does not seem to be so enthusiastic about fishing, but if he had planned, fishing would have been his bizarre trip. the only reason.When he was sure that no one could see him, he dropped his rod hastily and took to the oars and rowed with all his might, as if he wanted nothing more than to hasten the boat's progress.On the contrary, as soon as spectators appeared on the shore, or a boatman came across, he immediately grabbed his fishing gear.Because of his superb skills, he quickly caught fresh and fat fish, which won applause from the audience.However, as soon as the change of terrain on the river bank blocks other people's sight and the boatman turns a corner and disappears, he immediately grabs the oars and adds new power to the heavy canopied boat based on the water current, so that the boat can travel smoothly. faster.

So did Brush, for some reason, want to cut the trip short?But no one compelled him to make such a trip: whatever it was, he was going pretty fast anyway.The water flow in the upstream area was much faster than that in the later section of the river. The boat was propelled by the turbulent water, and he swung a few oars whenever he had the opportunity, so he could advance eight kilometers per hour, or even more. The boat passed several unnamed towns and left Duttlingen behind.When crossing this small town, although many admirers on the shore waved their hands to invite him to rest on the shore, Bush still politely declined, unwilling to interrupt his drifting.

At 4 o'clock in the afternoon, he arrived near Friedingen, forty-eight kilometers away from the starting point.He really didn't want to dock there, just like the previous few small towns didn't dock there, but it was really hard to get over the kindness of the local residents.As soon as he appeared, several small boats sailed from the shore, and the people on board kept shouting ha ha, ha ha, and surrounded the glorious laureate. Brush approached them politely.Besides, he had to find a place to sell the fish he caught one after another.In his net pockets are herring, mullet, squid, stickleback, and many of the favorite mullets, all fresh and alive.Obviously, he couldn't eat so much fish by himself anyway.Furthermore, even if he wanted to enjoy the result alone, he couldn't do it, there were so many people who came to buy his fish!As soon as he stopped, more than 50 Baden people surrounded him, shouting his name and paying tribute to the champion of the Danube Association.

Hello!Come here, Brush! Have a beer, Brush! We buy your fish, Ilya.Mr. Brush! Give me this one, how about twenty Kreiser【Note】? [Note] Kleiner is the name of the old German coin. That one, I'll give you a shield! The fishing champion didn't know who to answer, and his fish quickly turned into a pile of cash.If the public can maintain this enthusiasm from the source of the river to the mouth of the river, his income from selling fish plus the prize money from the competition will be a fortune. Why should he not go on like this?People would no doubt scramble to snap up his catches, and wouldn't it be a great honor to get one from him?In fact, he never had to go door to door looking for buyers. Once he landed, everyone snapped up on the spot. This kind of business is indeed a genius idea.

That night, not only his fish were sold out quickly, but also many people came to invite him home as guests.But it seemed that Bush didn't want to leave his boat, so he declined the invitations one by one, and resolutely declined the kindness of others to invite him to the riverside tavern for a drink.His admirers had to give up and made an appointment to send him off early the next morning. But when they reached the shore the next day, the boat was gone.It turned out that Brush set sail without waiting for daybreak, and he seized the opportunity of being alone in the early morning and rowing desperately.The boat drove in the middle of the river, keeping an equal distance from the cliffs on both banks. Driven by the rapid current, he arrived at Zigmaringen at about 5 o'clock in the morning, only a few meters away from the fisherman's appointment.Maybe, later on, some members of the Danube Association will stand on the balcony of the hotel, leaning on the railing, waiting for the arrival of their proud colleagues.Of course, their waiting will be in vain. By that time, Bush's speed must be long gone.

Brush crosses the Danube's first tributary, the Luscha, a small stream that joins the Danube on the left bank a few kilometers downstream from Zigmaringen. The distance was far from the populated towns, and Brush took full advantage of the opportunity and rowed furiously all day, catching just what he could eat.At night, he moored the boat in the countryside, just upstream from the small town of Mendelzingen, but the residents of the city had no idea that he was nearby. On the next third day, the sailing was much the same.Before sunrise, Brush quickly drove past the city of Mendelzingen.It was still very early when we passed the important town of Ehingen.At four o'clock in the afternoon, he crossed the Iller River, an important tributary on the right bank, and before five o'clock, he moored at the wharf in Ulmbu.Ulm is the second largest city in the Kingdom of Württemberg, after the capital Stuttgart.

No one noticed the arrival of the famous fishing champion.In fact, he was not expected to arrive until the evening of the following day.As a result, there was no such thing as the usual spectacle of gallantry.Satisfied with his stealth, Brush decided to use the time before dark to wander around the city. However, it would be inaccurate to say that there was no one on the pier.At least, there's a walker on the pier.It was even quite evident that the walker was waiting for Brush, for as soon as the boat appeared he followed it on foot along the bank.Nine times out of ten, the champion of the Danube Association couldn't escape the usual welcome scene.

However, after the boat was moored at the pier, the person who was walking alone on the pier did not approach the boat.He stood at a certain distance, and seemed to be observing the boat, and was afraid that he would be discovered by the people on board.He was of medium height and thin, with piercing eyes despite being over forty years old; he was tightly wrapped in a Hungarian coat and carried a small suitcase in his hand. Brush, not noticing the man at all, fastened the hawser, closed the canopy door, checked the latch, jumped ashore, and headed for a street leading into the city. The man quickly put the suitcase in his hand on the boat, and immediately followed Brush and left.

The Danube River passes through the city of Ulm and divides the city into two. The left bank belongs to Württemberg and the right bank belongs to Bavaria, but this city across the river is completely German. Brush walked along the old street, and there were some old shops on both sides of the street. The shops had small windows, and customers never entered the shops, but traded through the windows.There are also heavy signboards hanging in front of the shop, made of bears, deer, crosses, crowns and other shapes.As soon as the wind blows, these iron signboards shake and make a pleasant clanging sound: After arriving in the old town, Brush walked through the butcher shop, the drying yard of the leather shop, and then walked to the church.This church is one of the most flavorful churches in Germany.It wanted to take on Strasbourg, but that ambition was shattered like many other human ambitions. Elijah.Brush doesn't like climbing sports, so he doesn't want to climb to the top of the church to have a panoramic view of the city.But if he did that, the stranger behind him would follow, too. This man followed Brush without him noticing.At least, the stranger had been at his heels as Brush entered the church, admiring the shrine and the clergy seats on either side of the altar.The shrine of this church was once compared by the French traveler M. Dupuy to a fortress with cells and emplacements; One by one, the two passed the city hall, a majestic twelfth-century building, and then turned back to the river. Brush paused on the side of the road before returning to the pier to watch a group of people approach on long stilts.Walking on stilts is a popular exercise for Ulm residents, but it is not compulsory.In the ancient university town of Tubinger, because the ground is wet and potholed, walking is extremely inconvenient, and people have to practice walking on stilts. The stilt walkers were performed by a group of young people and children, all of whom were smiling.In order to better appreciate the performance, Brush took a seat in a roadside cafe.The strange stalker didn't miss it either, and took a seat at an adjacent table.Both of them ordered a cup of famous local beer. Ten minutes later they got up to leave, but this time it was the stranger who stepped forward, with Brush walking his way behind without hesitation.When Brush got to the boat, the stranger was already on board, looking as if he had been waiting for the fisherman for a long time. It was still light, and Brush caught a glimpse of the uninvited visitor from afar, sitting comfortably on a wooden box in the stern with his own yellow leather case beside him.Brush was very astonished and couldn't help speeding up his pace. Excuse me, sir, said he, jumping on board, but you must be mistaken, I think. Yes, said the stranger, it is you I am looking for. Find me? Talk to you, Elijah.Mr. Brush. talk about what? Make a deal with you. Make a deal?The fisherman repeated in great surprise. Very nice deal.The stranger was sure.He pointed with his fingers and asked the other party to sit down. Of course, this way of inviting people to sit down is somewhat impolite.There is no reason for a guest to ask the host to sit down.But the man's decisiveness in his speech, his serene confidence in his demeanor, overwhelmed Brush.Without saying a word, he accepted the other party's inappropriate invitation.The stranger continued: I, like everyone else, understand your fishing plans.Float the entire Danube knowing your intention to live off your fishing income.I am myself an avid lover of the art of fishing and would very much like to be a part of your event. How to participate? I'll tell you right away.But before that, allow me to ask you a question.Approximately how much would you sell for the fish you catch on your trip? Do you mean the fish I'm going to catch? Yes, but only the part that can be sold, excluding the fish you keep for yourself. Maybe worth a hundred guilders. Well, I will give you five hundred guilders! Five hundred shields!Startled, Brush repeated. Yes, five hundred guilders in cash, paid in advance. Brush looked up and down the person who made such a weird suggestion, probably his eyes clearly showed his puzzlement, and the person answered the fisherman's inner question without waiting for the fisherman to speak. Don't worry, Mr. Brush, I mean no harm. So what is your purpose in doing this?The fishing champion is still mystified. I've already told you, the stranger explained, that I care so much about your feat that I even want to be a part of it.In fact, there is also a gamble element in this.I bet five hundred guilders on your good luck, and as you sold the fish one after another, I got my money back little by little every night, which is very interesting to me. every night?Brush emphasized those words.So, that means you want to take my boat? Of course, the stranger said, but the cost of the boat was not included in the sum just now.I will pay you another five hundred guilders.Still paid in advance.In this way, a total of one thousand guilders will be given to you, how about it? A thousand guilders!Bush grew more and more amazed. This suggestion is indeed very attractive.But, guessing that the fisherman preferred to be alone, he simply replied: Sorry, sir, I'm not interested in that. After hearing such a straightforward and irrefutable answer, most people can only give in.However, this ardent fisherman didn't seem to have that intention. He didn't seem to be ready to back down from the flat rejection, and asked calmly: Mr. Brush, may I ask why? There is no particular reason.I refuse, it's as simple as that, I think, it's my right.Brush replied, a little impatiently. Of course, you have the right to refuse, the stranger admitted calmly, but I am afraid that it is also my right to ask you to tell me the reasons for refusing these proposals.My suggestion does not hinder you in the least, it is the opposite, so should I be treated with civility? The tone of these words was so calm, without any anger, but the wording was so sharp, it could even be said to have a kind of majesty, which made Brush restrain his expression.As much as he liked to travel alone, he was probably even more reluctant to engage in an untimely argument, because that would immediately give his conduct ample reason to scrutinize it. You are right, sir, he said, and let me first tell you that I am very sorry for letting you take such a risk to travel with me. That's none of your business, it's my choice. Of course it's none of my business.Because I originally planned to fish no more than an hour a day. So what do you do the rest of the time? Row the boat, let the boat go fast. Are you in a hurry? Brush bit his lip and replied more bluntly: Whether it's urgent or not, that's how it is.You should understand that in this case, it would be an act of robbery for me to accept your five hundred guilders. I've expected you to think so, this is not robbery, and you don't steal or rob.The person who bought the space retorted, still calmly. That being said, Brush argues, I still have to fish every day, even if it's just for an hour.However, I am the last person who likes to be bound by some kind of obligation. I can do as I like, free to act! You are free, declares the stranger, you can fish if you want, and if you don't, you don't.This will add to the charm of the sport.What's more, I know that you are highly skilled, and if you are lucky, just fishing two or three times is enough to guarantee my profit.I have always been very optimistic, so I insisted on paying you five hundred dong fish money in advance, and a total of one thousand dong including the boat fare. But I insisted on refusing. Then I have to repeat my question: why? It is indeed a bit uninteresting for him to continue pestering like this. Although Brush is calm by nature, he will inevitably begin to lose patience. Why!Getting emotional, he replied, I think I've explained it.Since you still want me to tell the truth, I can add: I don't want anyone in my boat.I think that if you like quietness, you don't violate any prohibitions! of course.The man admitted that he was right, but he still had no intention of leaving the stool at the stern, as if it had been nailed to it.But you are with me as much as you are alone.I sit where I am and don't move about, and I can't even say a word if you ask me to. But what about at night?In a fit of rage, Bush retorted, Do you think my cabin would be comfortable for two? The cabin is big enough to accommodate two people.The stranger replied, besides, even if it is a little inconvenient, the income of 1,000 dong can more or less make up for it. I don't know if I can make it up.Bush became more and more angry, and retorted, I don't want to accept it, I don't want to!A hundred nos, a thousand nos!Is this always clear? It's clear.The stranger nodded yes. So said Brush, pointing to the pier. However, the man did not seem to understand the clear meaning of this gesture.He took a pipe from his pocket and carefully filled it with tobacco.Seeing him go his own way like this, Brush was furious. Do you want me to throw you on the pier?He yelled angrily. The stranger filled his pipe, and spoke, without a hint of timidity in his voice.He said: You are wrong.I say this for three reasons.First, if we started a quarrel, it would inevitably lead to the intervention of the police. In this way, we both had to go to the police station for interrogation.Of course, this is a bit of a disappointment for me, but for you, you want to shorten the travel time as much as possible, so I am afraid that it will not be as you hoped. Is this die-hard angler counting on this reasoning to work?If so, then he can be satisfied.Brush's attitude softened immediately, as if he was willing to listen to his reasoning.And the eloquent orator was too busy lighting his pipe to seem to notice the forceful effect of what he had just said. Just as he was about to continue his debate with Brush, a third person jumped into the boat.Still preoccupied with the dispute, Brush didn't notice anyone approaching.The newcomers wore a German police uniform. It's Elijah.Mr. Brush?the officer asked. it's me.The person questioned replied. Please show your ID. These words were like throwing a stone into a pool of still water. Brush was a little caught off guard and stood there in a daze. documents?he stammered.I don't have any documents, I, I only have a few envelopes, and a few receipts from Sarka for paying the rent, are these enough? These are not documents, the policeman seemed a little dissatisfied, and reprimanded, baptismal certificate, pass, work permit, passport, that are called documents!Do you have any of these documents? None.Brush said apologetically. Then you're in trouble, grumbled the policeman, looking very angry at someone making a mistake that shouldn't have been made. i will be in troubleBut I am an honest man, protested the fisherman, please believe it. I trust you completely.The police officer is candid. I am not afraid of anything.Besides, everyone knows me.That is, I won two first prizes in the last Danube Association Fishing Competition held in Ziegmaringen, which was reported in all the newspapers.Even here, I'm sure I'll find a guarantor. We will find a surety for you, don't worry, said the policeman, but before that, I have to ask you to come with me to the police station to verify your identity. Go to the police station!Brush cried out, what crime have I committed? No crime.The police officer explained, however, this is the rule.I was ordered to monitor the Danube River, and anyone found without valid documents would be escorted to the police station.Are you on the river?Yes.Do you have proof?No.Then I must take you away.As for the rest, it's none of my business. But this is an insult to me!Brush protested loudly, almost in despair. This is the case.The police officer said coldly. After the debate was suddenly interrupted, the person who asked for a boat turned his attention so completely to the conversation between the two men that he accidentally put out his pipe.Feeling that the time had come, he interrupted: If I come for Elijah.Mr. Brush vouches, what do you think? It depends on the situation, the policeman said, who are you? Here's my passport.The fishing enthusiast replied and handed him a certificate at the same time. The police officer glanced at the ID, and his attitude immediately changed 180 degrees. That's another matter.He said. The officer closed the passport, returned it to the bearer, and jumped onto the pier. Goodbye, gentlemen.After he finished speaking, he bowed respectfully to Bush's guarantor, turned and left. As for Brush, stunned by the sudden blow, he was also amazed by the quick way to solve the problem, and his eyes followed the retreating enemy. At this moment, his benefactor resumed the topic he had just interrupted, and said flatly: The second reason, Mr. Brush, is this: for reasons perhaps unknown to you, as you have just learned, the Danube is closely guarded.The further downstream you go, the tighter the security, especially Serbia and the Bulgarian provinces of the Ottoman Empire, which you may pass through, are on high alert.Because the situation there is very chaotic, and since July 1st, the war has broken out in full swing.I suspect that troubles will ensue on your journey.So you wouldn't mind an upstanding citizen giving you a little help if necessary.This citizen is blessed with some kind of influence. The value of the second reason was demonstrated before it was just stated.This reason was convincing, and the eloquent stranger was completely convinced of it.However, he probably did not expect to receive such perfect results immediately.Brush has been completely convinced, just waiting to find a step down.The only tricky thing is that the steps are hard to find. The third and last reason, at this time, the person who asked for the boat continued, I now speak to you in the name of your chairman, Mr. Miclesko, and your actions are supported by the Danube Association. Therefore, He will monitor your progress to make sure it is honest and trustworthy.When Mr. Miclesco learned that I wanted to take part in your travels, he gave me a rather formal commission.It is a pity that I declined the letter of introduction he asked me to bring to you, because I did not anticipate your refusal so gratuitously. Brush breathed a sigh of relief.Because he once rejected the other party's request so resolutely, now when he wants to change his attitude and accept it, can he find any better reason than this? You should have said this earlier!He exclaimed happily, that being the case, it is nothing to worry about.If I still want to reject your suggestion, it's my fault! So, do you agree? Yes. Very good!Said the amateur fishing fan.He finally got what he wanted, so he took out a handful of cash from his pocket and said: Here you are, this is a thousand guilders. Would you like to issue a receipt?Brush asked him. If not to trouble you. The fisherman found ink, a pen, and a book from a box, tore the paper from the book, wrote the receipt stroke by stroke in the afterglow of the setting sun, and read aloud at the same time: Received today, the pre-purchase payment for all fresh fish caught during the voyage from Ulm to the Black Sea and the cost of the boat space provided, the two items total 1,000 guilders, paid in one lump sum, payer Sir, what is your last name?he stopped writing and asked. Brush's passenger was relighting his pipe, and after taking a puff, replied: Jaeger, lives in Vienna, Leipzig Strasse 45. The passenger continued to puff on his pipe.