Chapter 16 Chapter Sixteen

Five minutes later, Serge.Radko and Carl.Dragos entered the urban area. At that time, although Ruse was an important commercial town, there were no street lights.Therefore, it would be too difficult for them to have a general understanding of the city this time.The city is centered on a big pier, with scattered buildings scattered around the pier, surrounded by many dilapidated shacks, some used as warehouses, some as inns, but they don’t actually plan to go to Tour the city.Radko walked quickly, his eyes staring forward, as if attracted by a shining target in the night.Dragosh followed the navigator with all his attention. When he passed through an alley, he didn't even see two people coming out of the alley.

The two men parted ways on the road along the river, and one of them turned to the right, farther down the river. goodbye!The man said goodbye in Bulgarian. goodbye!The other answered, turning to the left, walking exactly in Dragos' direction. Hearing the man's accent, Dragosh shivered in surprise, instinctively slowed down, hesitated for a second, then decided to abandon his pursuit, stopped abruptly, and turned around backwards. For a police detective to have the ambition to be resigned to a junior position, he must possess a unique set of skills, either innate or acquired.Yet of the many advantages one should have, the most precious is the precise memory of ear and eye.

This advantage of Dragos can be described as unparalleled.His auditory and optic nerves were veritable recording instruments, and their responses to sound and light would never fade from his memory, no matter how long the time had passed.Even after months or years, he can still immediately recognize a certain face he has seen or a certain sound that has shaken his eardrums, even if the sound has only been heard once. Just now, what he heard was such a familiar voice.Here and now, he will soon be face to face with the speaker, and he will not be mistaken. that clue.His conjectures about his companions on the ship, as ingenious as they may seem, were in the end nothing more than hypotheses.On the contrary, the voice he heard just now was unmistakable.If you choose one between possibility and certainty, do you still need to hesitate?That's why the detective gave up on tracking the navigator and jumped on this newfound lead.

Good night, Ticha!As the man approached, Dragos greeted him in German. The man stopped in his tracks, trying to see each other clearly in the dark. Who is talking to me?he asked. I.Dragos replied. who are you? Max.Reynolds. do not know. But I know you, how else would I know your name? That's true, Ticha admitted, but what a good eye my brother has! My eyesight is really good. After a short break in their conversation, Ticha added: What do you want from me? Talk to you, said Dragos, to you and another person, that's why I came to Ruse. Then you are not from Rusetown? No, I just got here today.

What a good time you picked.Ticha sneered, probably alluding to the current chaotic situation in Bulgaria. Dragos made a gesture of indifference, and continued: I am a Gran. Ticha said nothing. Have you ever been to Grand?Dragos said seriously. No. It's strange that I didn't go for a walk when I got to the vicinity of Grand. nearby!Ticha repeated, how do you know that I have been near Grand? of course!Dragos said with a smile, Villa Hagno is not far from Grand! Now it was Ticha's turn to be surprised and shiver.However, he tried his best to deny it. Villa Hagno?He tried to test it in a joking tone, man, just like I don't know you, I don't know the place.

Really?Dragosh spoke with a sting, so, Pilish Glade, you know? Ticha hurried over and grabbed the opponent's arm. Keep your voice down!This time he didn't hide his nervousness.You are crazy for shouting so loudly! Anyway, no one.Dragos disagreed. That's not sure, Ticha retorted, and then he asked: What on earth do you want! ? Talk to Radko.Dragos replied, without lowering his voice. Ticha's nerves tightened again. Hush!He looked around in horror, you are trying to get us all taken away! Dragos laughed. Oops!He said that if we spoke dumb, we would not be able to hear each other.

However, Ticha reprimanded in a low voice, in the middle of the night, it is impossible to just chat with others without saying hello, some things are best not to be said on the street. I don't necessarily want to talk to you on the street, retorted Dragos, let's go somewhere else. where? Anywhere will do. Is there a hotel near here? It's just a few steps away. Let's go. All right, Ticha agrees, come with me. After walking about fifty meters, the two came to a small square, and there was a window in front of them that showed a faint light in the dark night. right there.Ticha said.

The door opened, and they strode into the deserted hall.It's a small cafe with a dozen or so tables. This place is very nice.Dragos said. The boss didn't expect that there would be customers at this time, so he rushed over. What shall we drink?I'll pay the bill?The detective patted his pocket and said. How about a glass of strong liquor?Ticha suggested. Okay, let's have a glass of strong liquor!Would you like some more juniper wine? Or, a little juniper wine.Ticha agrees. Dragos turned to the shopkeeper who was waiting for orders and said: Friend, did you hear that?Bring it to me, hurry up!

When the shop owner went to serve the wine, Dragos glanced at the opponent he was about to fight, and weighed the guy's weight.The man has broad shoulders.He has a thick neck like a bull, and his narrow forehead is covered by thick gray hair. In a word, the person sitting opposite him is a typical low-class footman, a full-fledged brute. The boss quickly brought some bottles of wine and two glasses, and Ticha continued the topic just now. You mean, you know me? Don't you believe it? You also know what happened to Grand? Of course, we worked hard together! impossible! This is true.

I don't get it, Ticha muttered, trying to remember that day, but it was just the eight of us Sorry, Dragosh interrupted, I was there, so there were nine of us. Did you join in too?Ticha asked incredulously. Yes, I went to the cottage, and to the glade.I was the one who took the cart away. Are you with Vogel? It was with Vogel. Ticha thought about it. That's impossible, he objected, and with Vogel was Keselik. No, it's me, argued Dragos unhurriedly, Keselik is with the rest of you. Are you sure? Absolutely.Dragos said with certainty. Ticha looked a little shaken.The bandit's brain is indeed not that good.Before he knew it, he had already asked the so-called Max.Reynolds revealed two accomplices, Vogel and Keselik.Thought Reynolds knew their names too, and took that as evidence of his involvement that day.

Have a juniper wine!Dragos suggested. we do.Ticha said. So, I drank a glass of wine in one gulp. It's a strange thing, he muttered half-believingly, that we're bringing in a stranger for the first time. Everything has a beginning, Dragos replied, and now that I'm in the gang, I'm no longer a stranger. What kind of guy? I will be with you!Don't lie to me, brother, I tell you, it's settled. Who did you talk to? Talk to Radko. Shut up, Ticha cut him off roughly.I have already told you not to mention this man's name. That was on the street, argued Dragos, why, not here? Not here, not anywhere, not anywhere in this city, hear? Why?Dragos followed suit. But Ticha remained wary. And if you're asked, he said timidly, answer you don't know, man.You know many things, but not all, as I see it.Don't you try to get any secret out of the mouth of an old fox like me. Ticha was wrong, how could he beat a master like Dragos!The old fox met the old hunter.Ticha is a person who can't put down the glass once he picks it up. As soon as the detective finds out his weakness, he makes every effort to open a gap from here and smash his defense line.Dragos toasted frequently, and the bandit declined his thanks, but his attitude was not tough. He drank juniper berry wine and strong liquor one after another, and the alcohol had already begun to work on Ticha, and his gaze became It's blurry, the tongue doesn't work, and the vigilance is relaxed.As we all know, after drinking too much alcohol, people seem to be sliding downhill, unable to stop, the more they drink, the more they want to drink. As we said just now, Ticha repeated the old story, his voice was a bit vague, and we have already negotiated with the boss? It's settled, Dragos said. He's doing the right thing, Ticha said, and under the influence of the alcohol he's started calling him you: You seem like a genuinely nice guy. You could say that, Dragos was talking to his tune. But alas!You won't see him here our boss. Why can't I see him? Before Ticha could answer, his eyes slipped to the white wine, he drank two full glasses by himself, and then said in a hoarse voice: Let's go. Is he not in Ruse?Dragosh asked immediately, looking disappointed. already left. leave?So he's back? Came back four days ago. What now? Continue sailing to the Black Sea by barge. When does he come back? Half a month later. After half a month!Bad luck!Dragos cried out. Are you itchy in your heart and eager to join the gang?Ticha laughed a little. No!Dragos said, I am a farmer, and I can make more money in one night than I can earn in a year in Grande. Have you tasted the sweetness?Ticha laughed heartily. Dragos noticed that the wine glass opposite him was empty and hastily filled it up. You don't drink, man?cried Dragos, Cheers! cheers!Ticha followed, and drank the contents of the cup in one gulp. The police detectives had a great harvest and obtained a lot of information.He found out how many Danube gangs there were, and according to Ticha there were eight.Knowing the names of three of them, if the boss is included, there are four names.It was found out that their destination was the Black Sea, and there was probably a ship there to pick up the stolen goods.They also found out that their base of activity was in the city of Ruse.If the criminal could not be arrested on the Danube, after half a month, when Radko returned to the city of Ruse, he would have already cast a net to ensure that he would not escape. However, there are still several doubts that have not been solved.Dragos thought that while his opponent was drunk, he might be able to clarify one of the doubts again.After a while he asked in a casual tone: Why didn't you let me mention Radko's name just now? Ticha must have been very drunk. Hearing his companion talking to him, his eyes were glazed over.He suddenly showed a soft-hearted look, and reached out to his drinking buddy. I'll tell you right away, he muttered, because of you, you're a friend. Yes.Dragosh said affirmatively, shaking hands with the drunk. a brother. Yes. A cool guy, a great guy. That's right. Ticha's eyes searched for the bottle. Another juniper wine!he said again. no more!Dragos said. The detective estimated that the other party was dying.He spilled the remaining wine in the bottle on the ground, fearing that he would be so drunk that he would become unconscious.But it didn't help Ticha, who grimaced regretfully, knowing that the juniper wine was gone. Then have a glass of strong baijiu!he pleaded. Give.Dragos agreed, pushing the wine bottle on his table forward, with a little baijiu still in the bottle.Be careful, man!Let's not get drunk. I will be drunk!Ti Qia said disapprovingly, and drank the wine to the bottom at the same time, I couldn't get drunk even if I wanted to. As we said just now, Radko Dragos reminded him to be patient and continue to guide around the bend to the established goal. Radko?Ticha repeated the name, unable to remember what he was just saying. Why can't you call his name? Ticha smirked. This, this is confusing you, boy!Because locally, his name is not Radko, but Striga, that's all. Striga?Dragosh repeated the name, as if in a fog, why is it called Striga? Because that's the man's name So what about you?what do you call your namehonestly! Reynolds. Yes, Reynolds!It is clear that you call him Reynolds and he is called Striga. Still, in Grand Dragosh asked. ah!Ticha interrupted him, saying that in Grand he was called Radkok and in Rousse he was called Striga. He blinked those sly eyes. It's good if you understand, people can't find him, and they can't recognize him. It is common for robbers to use false names when committing crimes, and the detective is not surprised by this.But why did he use the name Radko?How about the signature under the portrait on the boat? Yes, there was a man named Radko.Thinking of this, Dragos shouted impatiently. No!That's how clever it is, Ticha said. Who is this Radko? A fool!Ticha exclaimed. He has a grudge against you? No!He has nothing to me that Striga has. What happened to him and Striga? He robbed Striga's wife, Nadya the Beauty. Nadya!That's the name of the man in that portrait!Dragos was glad that he had found the right way this time, so he listened carefully to the inside story that Ticha said without concealing it. After that, they never wanted to be friends.That's what you want.The cunning boy Striga assumed his name. You have said so much, Dragos said, but you still haven't told me why the name Radko is not allowed to be mentioned. Because mentioning the name is dangerous.Ticha explained that there are other places in Grand, you know who the name Radko refers to, and here, it is the name of an anti-government navigator who dared to plot, the fool The streets of Ruse are full of Turkish people. What's the matter with him now?Dragos asked. Ticha made a gesture to indicate that he didn't know. He was gone, he replied, and Striga said he was dead. dead! This may be true, since Striga already has the woman. which woman? Beautiful Nadya!That woman is not happy about using someone else's name and stealing someone else's wife, poor little pigeon!At this moment, Striga had her locked up on the barge. Dragos understood everything.For so many days, the man who traveled with him was not a villain, but a patriot in exile.When the unfortunate man, after so many hardships, returned to his home, he found it deserted.How painful he must be at this moment!I have to help him. As for the gangsters, Dragosh now has insight into the inside story, and it doesn't take much effort to catch them all in one go. It's so hot!He let out a sigh of relief, pretending to be drunk. Very hot!Ticha echoed. Blame the hard baijiu.Dragos grunted. Ticha slammed his fist on the table. You can't drink enough.boy!He teased Dragos savagely, look how many more drinks I can have. I don't fight with you.Dragos surrendered to him. You little skylark!Ticha sneered and said, well, if you want to go, we won't drink. The boss was called.After paying the bill, the two of them walked out to the square.Walking around like this seemed to be not very kind to Ti Qia, and he would get even more drunk as soon as he went out.Dragos was terrified that he'd passed out. Say, he pointed down the river, is Radko over there? Which Radko? Is that the navigator, who lives down the river? No. Dragos turned and pointed to the side of the city. Is it over there? Nor is it. So, over here?Dragosh asked, pointing upstream. Yes.Ticha snorted. The detective dragged the drinking buddy along, staggering all the way, Ticha babbled nonsense, and after walking like this for five minutes, he suddenly stopped, trying to support his crooked body. What did Striga say?He stammered, did he say Radko was dead? What, what did you say? He is not dead.Look, there seems to be someone in his house. Ticha pointed to a room a few steps away, and a few lights shot out from the casement, marking the road into strips of light and shadow.Dragos hurried to the window, through which he and Ticha looked in. They saw a room that was not too spacious. The furnishings inside were good, but the furniture was scattered here and there, and there was a thick layer of dust on it.It can be seen that a fight took place here a long time ago. There is a large table in the center of the room, and a man sits beside it, with one elbow resting on the table, fingers inserted in the unkempt hair, as if lost in thought.From his facial expression, from his trembling fingers, it can be seen that he is in extreme pain, and big tears are streaming from his eyes. As expected, Dragos recognized it as his traveling companion.But he was not alone in recognizing the desperate brooder. it's him!Ticha said in a low voice, trying to shake off her drowsiness. he? Radko. Ticha touched her face with her hands, finally clearing herself up a bit. He's not dead, the bastard.He said through gritted teeth, but he's not much better. The Turks will pay me a good price for his hide, and Striga will be delighted!Don't get out of here, man.He said to Dragos, if he comes out, you knock him unconscious!You can call for help if necessary, and I'll call the police right away. Ticha didn't wait for Dragos to answer, and ran away, staggering while running, and finally, because of the high emotional excitement, he supported his drunken body and did not fall. When the detective was left alone, he went inside. Radko didn't move, and Dragos put a hand on his shoulder. The poor man looked up, but his mind was still wandering, his eyes were clouded, and he didn't even recognize his passenger.Nadya!Dragos yelled from the sidelines. Radko stood up abruptly, staring into Dragos' eyes as if his eyes were burning. Come with me, said the detective, let's get out of here!