Chapter 18 Chapter 18 The Navigator on the Danube

After Radko's figure gradually disappeared in the night, Dragos was at a loss for a moment, not knowing what to do next.The night was still long, and I stood alone on the border of Pissarabia, carrying a dying prisoner on my shoulders.Duty would not allow him to leave his captives alone, and his situation made the body appear to be in the way.It was obvious that if he did not seek help, reinforcements would not come automatically.So he had to make a choice.Time is very tight, one hour or even one minute may decide Radko's life or death.Dragos still decided to leave the prisoner temporarily, and Ogul remained unconscious, and was tied so tightly that he would not be able to escape even if he woke up.So Dragos left his captives on the shore, and withdrew himself and ran upriver, as fast as he could, provided the way was not too difficult.

After running for half an hour, the surrounding area was still deserted, and he couldn't help worrying whether he had to run all the way to Kiria.At this moment, he finally found a house by the river. This looks like a big farm, but it is not easy to open the door of this house.The mistrust of others at this time and place is entirely justified, and the owner of this house does not seem to welcome him in.What's even more difficult is that these farmers speak a dialect, and even a language like Dragos can't understand them.Dragos played by ear and created a native language, of which Romanian, Russian and German each accounted for one third, barely coping with it, and finally gained their trust.The closed door was finally opened for him.

After entering the door, he had to answer a series of intensive inquiries from his master. Fortunately, he must have dealt with it, because he was brought back to Ogul in a carriage less than two hours before he disembarked. Ogul hadn't come to his senses yet, and he didn't even feel the slightest bit when he was carried from the grass by the river to the car.The carriage immediately set off for Kiria.The road to the farm is very difficult, and we can only walk slowly step by step, but there is a road after passing the farm. To be honest, although the road is very bad, we can always speed up our pace.

After all these twists and turns, it was past midnight when Dragos arrived at Kilia.Everything in the city is asleep.It was not easy to find the city's chief of police, but he did, and called the senior official.The police chief had to take orders from Dragos without showing much impatience. Dragosh asked the chief of police to hold Ogul, who had begun to open his eyes, in a safe place.Now that Dragos had no worries, he could finally try to capture the rest of the bandits.In fact, perhaps what he was more anxious to do was to rescue Radko. From the first step, Dragos encountered a series of insurmountable obstacles.In the first place, Kylia had not a single steamer; moreover, the Chief of Police steadfastly refused to send his men to the river.This tributary of the Danube is jointly administered by Romania and Turkey, and the official had every reason to fear that his meddling would provoke protests from the Turkish government, which would have serious consequences at a time when the clouds of war were gathering. It is a shame that.If the Romanian official had been able to look up the history of fate, he would have seen that this war was a historical necessity and would break out in a few months; knowing this, he might not be so timid.Yet, with no way of knowing the future, he shuddered at the thought that he might somehow become involved in a diplomatic dispute, so he stuck to the wise motto: Nothing is better than nothing.Who doesn't know, this is the creed of all state officials.

The most the police chief dared to do was to advise Dragos to go to Sulina and tell him who would take him on the difficult journey of nearly fifty kilometers across the Danube Delta. Run to wake this man up, persuade him to make up his mind, hitch the carriage, and drive the carriage to the right bank.These things took a long time. It was nearly three o'clock in the morning before the detective got into a carriage, which was pulled by a pony. Fortunately, the physique of the horse was much stronger than it looked. Chief Kilia was right in saying that crossing the Danube Delta was indeed difficult.The road was full of mud, and sometimes there was even several centimeters of accumulated water. The car moved forward with great difficulty. If the driver hadn't been clever and skilled, he would have lost his way several times on this plain without any road signs.Walking like this, their speed cannot be fast at all, not to mention they have to stop frequently to let the exhausted horses take a breath.

It was already noon when Dragos arrived in Sulina, and in a few hours it would be the deadline set by Radko!Dragos didn't care about taking a break, so he hurried to contact the local authorities. Sulina became part of Romania after the signing of the Treaty of Berlin.When the story of this book happened, it was still under the jurisdiction of Turkey. At that time, there was tension between the Turkish Sultan's court and the Western powers.Dragos is Hungarian, and although his mission concerns the interests of the Danube countries, don't expect to be popular there.His reception was slightly better than he had feared, and he was not surprised by the meager support from the authorities.

The local police station told him that they did not have any special boats for his use, and he could only rely on the customs surveillance boats. In this case, the customs should assist, because the theft group often cooperates with the smuggling group.Unfortunately, the customs inspection ship, a fairly fast steamer, was not in port at the moment, but was out on patrol, but certainly not too far from the coast.Therefore, Dragos only needs to charter a fishing boat, and as soon as he drives out of the breakwater, he is sure to meet the customs ship. Disappointed at his incompetence, the detective had to adopt the idea, and at half past one in the afternoon he set sail, rounded the jetty, and set off in search of the customs steamer.Now, there are only 150 minutes left before Radko's agreed time!

During the period when Dragos went through all kinds of twists and turns, Radko was executing the plan he had booked step by step. All morning he hid the boat among the reeds on the shore, watching the enemy, making sure that the barge showed no sign of being ready to sail.He might have taken Ogul a little recklessly last night, but he had no choice but to stop the barge from sailing.As he expected, without a navigator, Striga did not dare to set sail rashly, because this section of the river is densely covered with sandy beaches, and navigation is very difficult. Without unique driving experience, it is simply impossible to move a single step.It is conceivable that the bandits couldn't figure out how their navigator suddenly disappeared, so they had to grab another navigator as soon as possible to replace it.Kylia, however, had very few navigators; and before eleven o'clock in the morning there was no other boat on the river except the immobilized barge and the boat hidden in the reeds.It was not until eleven o'clock that two boats came from the sea.Radko took a closer look through the binoculars and found a navigator on board one of the ships. The rescue that Striga was anxiously waiting for seemed to be at hand, and it was time for Radko to show up.

The small fishing boat came out of the reeds and approached the barge. Hello!barge!When Radko's voice could reach the barge, he shouted. oh!Someone on the barge answered. A man appeared on top of the deck.This person is Striga.When Radko saw this fierce and stubborn enemy, the anger in his chest suddenly swelled up. It was this despicable guy who robbed him of his happiness and held Nadya in his hands for so many months! However, this meeting of enemies was designed by himself now, so he has already made psychological preparations.He forcibly restrained himself and buried his anger in his heart.

Do you want a navigator?he asked in a calm tone. Striga didn't answer, but covered the sun with his hands, and looked at the caller for a long time.To be honest, he recognized who it was at the first glance.However, the person in front of him was actually Nadya's husband. He felt it was unimaginable, and it could be said that it was unexpected, so that he hesitated in the face of the obvious facts. You are not Serge of Rousse.Radko?He finally asked a question. That's right, it's me.replied the navigator. Don't you know me? Unless I'm blind, Radko retorted.I can see clearly that you are Ivan.Striga.

Then you still come to my door to serve me? why not?I'm the navigator!Radko said coldly. Striga weighed it for a moment: the person he hated the most in the world was delivered to his door for free and at his mercy, how wonderful it is!But are there any traps in it?But what trouble can he make, single-handedly, against so many able men on our ship?So what if he's the one to take the boat to sea, since he's so stupid to suggest it!Once at sea, just wait and see! come up!The pirate made up his mind.He grinned and let out a cruel smirk, which made his mouth deformed.Radko saw all this clearly. Before waiting for the second invitation, Radko approached the boat and boarded the barge, and Striga came up to him. May I, he said, express my surprise to you?I did not expect to meet you at the mouth of the Danube. The navigator was silent. Ever since you disappeared in Ruse, continued Striga, everyone thought you were dead. He spoke sarcastically, but the result was still the same as before. What did you do?Striga was not discouraged, and kept asking. I have been around the Black Sea.Radko finally answered. What a faraway place!Striga sighed. Radko frowned.These words gradually aroused his anger, but in order to act according to plan, he suppressed his impatience and explained calmly: In the years of war and chaos, it is not easy to earn some money. Striga looked at him with a mocking look. People say you are a patriot!He scoffed loudly. I've stopped talking about politics.Radko said dryly. At this time, Striga's eyes fell on the small fishing boat, which had been washed behind the barge by the current.He shivered violently.He could not be mistaken, for it was the same boat which he himself had used for more than a week, and which he had found at Semlin's shore.Then Radko claimed that he had not left the Danube Delta just now, wasn't he lying? After you left Ruse, did you really not leave this area?Striga asked in a strong tone, while carefully observing the other party's expression. Yes.Radko replied. I'm a little surprised when you say that.Striga said. Why?Have you seen me anywhere else? do youno, no.This boat, though, I swear I've seen it upriver. That's quite possible, Radko replied nonchalantly.I bought this boat three days ago from a man who said he was from Vienna. What does this person look like?Striga asked, he now suspects that the man is Dragosh. A man with brown hair and wearing sunglasses. ah!Striga said thoughtfully. The navigator's answer obviously made him at a loss.He didn't know what he was supposed to believe, but his mind quickly got rid of these anxieties.All in all, what's so great about these?Regardless of whether Radko was telling the truth or not, he was still in his control anyway.This idiot, he actually threw himself into the tiger's mouth!He's on the barge, and there's no way he'll get out of here alive.For months he had lied to Nadya that she was already a widow, a lie that would become true as soon as the boat was in the sea. let's sail!He said, as if drawing a conclusion to all his thoughts. Wait until noon to sail.Radko replied calmly, then took out dry food from a pocket in his hand, and began to eat lunch. The bandit made a gesture of impatience, which Radko pretended not to see. I must tell you, said Striga, that I must be at sea before dark. Can't delay.The navigator affirmed that he had no intention of changing his mind. Striga walked towards the bow.Judging by the thoughtful expression on his face, he must still have doubts in his heart.Isn't it an incredible coincidence that a husband volunteered to pilot the ship that happened to be holding his wife imprisoned?Indeed, the fact that Radko was one to six on board, and six outlaws at that, could not be changed.Striga can stop thinking too much.However, he couldn't stop himself from thinking about it.He urgently needs to know whether the news of Nadia's disappearance has reached the ears of the main person involved.His strong curiosity makes him never give up until he reaches his goal. Is there any news from home since you left Ruse?He turned back to the navigator who was eating quietly and asked. No news at all.replied the navigator. Doesn't this silence strike you as strange? Why should I be surprised?Radko replied, staring closely at his opponent. No matter how daring the robber was, he couldn't help but feel awkward under the gaze of this firm gaze. I thought, he stammered, that you left your wife at home. And I think, Radko snapped back dryly, that a change of subject would be more appropriate between us. Striga had to keep silent. As soon as twelve o'clock passed the navigator gave the order to weigh anchor, then hoisted the sails and made the sheet fast.He himself steered the tiller himself.At this moment Striga approached him and said: I have to tell you that barges are meant to be driven in deep water. It was unladen, Radko dismissed it, and two feet of water was enough. The water must be six feet deep.Striga said with certainty. Six feet!The navigator cried out, and Striga's words had given him away. It turns out that the reason why the Danube Gangsters have not been hunted down so far is because their boats were handled skillfully.The part that sticks out of the water is just a deceptive appearance.The real barge is hidden under the water.The property they looted is placed in this secret place.Radko's personal experience also told him that this secret place can be transformed into an impregnable cell if necessary. It is six feet.Striga repeated it in reply to the navigator's exclamation. All right.Radko said, no more theory. During the time when he just set sail, Striga was still a little uneasy, and he never let down his vigilance for a moment, closely monitoring the actions of the navigator.However, Radko's attitude reassured him.Radko operated very attentively, without any appearance of ulterior motives, fully proving that his extraordinary ability is by no means in vain.Under his control, the barge tamely rounded the reefs, and sailed along the winding channel with mathematical precision. Slowly, even the last scruples of the pirate faded away.The barge went on without a hitch.Soon to be in the sea. At four o'clock in the afternoon, I finally saw the sea.There is one last bend of the river left.After passing, the water and the sky meet at the end of the horizon. Then Striga said to the navigator: Here we are, I suppose?Now can you hand over the helm to your usual helmsman? Not yet, Radko replied, the most difficult part is not over yet. As the barge approached the seaport, a wider sea came into view.At this moment the barge just formed the active apex of this triangle with its arms constantly open.Striga stood at the bow, staring intently at the sea.Suddenly, he grabbed a long telescope and pointed at a small steamship with a load of about four or five hundred tons, which was rounding the northern cape.Striga watched carefully for a moment, then ordered a banner to be hoisted to the masthead.The steam turbine immediately answered with the same signal.Then it sailed on the starboard side and slowly approached the mouth of the river. At this moment, Radko turned the tiller full to port, and the barge turned sharply to starboard, cutting across the current, and slipped southeast, as if approaching the right bank. Startled, Striga looked at the navigator, but he was reassured by the firm composure of the navigator.Perhaps there was one last shoal hidden in the channel, forcing the barge to take such an odd course. Striga's guess was not wrong.Indeed, there was indeed a dark beach in the river bed, but Radko held the tiller firmly with one hand, and instead of sailing towards the sea, he rushed straight towards the dark beach. Suddenly, there was an earth-shattering impact, and the barge shook even to the bottom.With such a blow, the mast snapped in two from its mounts and fell down.The sail fell to the deck in one piece.The wide canvas covered all the people standing in the bow.The barge was immediately and irretrievably stranded on the dark bank, unable to move at all. All the people on board fell on their backs, and Striga was no exception. He stood up unsteadily, furious. He first searched for the figure of Radko with his eyes, and the navigator seemed indifferent to the accident.He had let go of the tiller, put his hands in his pockets, and stared at the enemy without blinking, waiting for everything that was about to happen. asshole!Striga snarled, and at the same time raised his pistol, and ran towards the stern. He fired a shot three paces away. Radko had already bent over, and the bullet flew over his head, missing.He immediately stood up and jumped, and rushed to his opponent, the dagger in his hand pierced the enemy's heart.Striga fell to the ground like a rock. The scene progressed so quickly that the remaining five crew members had not yet understood what was going on, let alone they were still under the canvas and had no time to participate in the struggle.When they saw that the leader had fallen dead, they all howled desperately. Radko threw himself on the bow deck and charged them head-on.He commanded the deck condescendingly.The five crew members were fleeing here and there in a panic. Back up!he shouted, holding two guns in his hands, one of which was pulled from Striga just now. The guys back off.They had no weapons on them, and to get them they had to sneak into the deck, in other words, to get under the fire of the enemy. Listen up guys!Radko went on to say that the muzzle of the black hole threatened them. I have eleven rounds, which is more than enough to kill you all.I tell you, if you don't get back to the bows immediately, I'll shoot right away! The crew discussed among themselves, unable to make up their minds.Radko knew very well that if they rushed together, he might kill some, but he himself would be caught by the others. Notice!I counted to three, he said aloud, not giving them any more time to think, one!They are still standing still. two!the navigator continued. There was a movement in the crowd.Three men assumed a posture of attack, while the other two began to retreat. three!Radko jerked the trigger. One man fell headlong and was shot in the shoulder; the rest immediately ran away with their heads in their hands.Without leaving his position, Radko glanced at the steamer which was following the signal from Striga, and which was now less than a nautical mile away.If the ship came up on the barge, the crew of the ship joined the robbers, because they were always accomplices.At that time, the situation will become very serious. 【Note】One nautical mile is equal to 1852 meters. The ship was still approaching, and it was less than three [Note].Suddenly, it turned to starboard, made a big arc, and headed out to sea.What does this move mean?Was it scared off by something Radko couldn't see? [Note] A chain is about 200 meters. Radko's heart was pounding, waiting for new news.A few minutes later, another steamer emerged from the southern headland, puffing smoke from its funnel.It was coming straight toward the barge at full speed.Radko quickly recognized the friendly face on the bow, which was his passenger Mr. Jaeger, that is, detective Carl.Dragos, Radko is finally saved! Moments later, the police swarmed the deck of the barge, and the crew surrendered without the slightest futile resistance. At this time, Radko rushed to check the deck cabins one by one. Only one door was locked. He knocked open the door with his shoulder and stopped at the door, ecstatic. Nadya, being snatched back, opened her arms to him.