Chapter 24 Chapter 8 A Traitor

Ali.Rodès and Altleble exercised power naturally and without wasting a moment in Le Corgi's absence, while Le Corgi did his best to slow down Patagonia's progress during this period. They should Thanks to the wise strategy of its leader, the enemy was delayed for four days, which gave them enough time to arrange the defense of the city. Two large and deep trenches, with soil dug behind to form a parapet, sheltered bullets and made surprise attacks impossible.The southern ditch is about 2 kilometers long. It starts from the river and turns back in a semicircle, encircling the city until it stops at the swamp. It is a natural and insurmountable obstacle. The other northern ditch is only about 500 meters long. Also from the river it disappears in the marshes and crosses the road through Liberia and New Town.

In this way, the city is protected in all directions. To the north and northeast, there are swamps, where horses will sink and cannot come out, and cavalry cannot pass through. From northwest to southwest to south, there are temporary fortifications. In the west, there are rivers. , forming a water barrier. The inhabitants of Newtown had all been evacuated to Liberia, taking everything they could and demolishing their houses. Since the first night, before all the work was done, when the situation was far from serious, sentries had been placed with great vigilance, on the parapets and on the slopes of the embankment, at intervals of thirty meters. A sentinel, of whom more than fifty persons in the whole city are constantly employed, keeps watch over the surrounding area, and sends out signals at the first sign of trouble.In addition, there were one hundred and seventy-five men, armed with the remaining guns, gathered in the center of the city to recharge their batteries and prepare for orders. All citizens were also assigned to several teams to perform their duties.

There is no better defensive work than this, with fifty sentries at the front, and at a fixed time, a reserve force of one hundred and seventy-five to replace them, and the remaining inhabitants of Liberia only need to hear the alarm signal, They were gearing up and eager to try, eager to go into battle immediately.Speaking of weapons, these people really don't have any, they only have sticks, big knives and other things, but these should not be underestimated, they can come in handy in hand-to-hand combat. All citizens were required to take part in the sentry, and no one could escape, and Paderson was therefore compelled to attend, like the rest, and, whatever his feelings, he seemed to submit to the drudgery with great pleasure, in fact, in his heart. With such a contradiction, I couldn't tell whether I was angry or satisfied.

Thinking about this question while he was standing guard, this was the first time in his life to analyze the situation. He is dissatisfied with his compatriots, the city of Liberia, and the entire Khost Island, and even hates it to the bone. But hatred only ranks third in Padson's heart. Deep hatred, like true love, requires a warm and gentle heart. Among the broad range of emotions, greed comes first, followed by fear. However, he is connected with the fate of his compatriots and shares weal and woe. All Liberia people should be united in the same hatred and unity. If the city he hates is really burned by raging fire, he may be very happy, but first he has to hurry Get out of this sea of ​​fire, and now he has nowhere to run.On the island, the Patagonians are roaming in search, and they are known to be fierce, so to protect the city is to protect yourself.

After careful consideration, although standing guard made him feel uncomfortable all over, especially during night watch, being alone in the company of the night was not only not fun, but also very dangerous. He opened his eyes wide in the dark, observing the movement, holding the Gun, trigger in hand, watching everything vigilantly, he willingly went to stand guard, and became an excellent sentry. The first four days passed without incident, but the situation changed on the fifth day, when at noon the Patagonians were seen camping on the south side of the city.The work of standing guard is extremely tense, and the enemy is threatening them right under their noses.That night, as Paderson had just taken over the northern parapet between the Newtown road and the river, a strong light flashed across the harbour, and, disillusioned, the Patagonians began to leap into the front of the attack. Dance, maybe they are getting impatient, and they are about to attack, and it seems to be right across from him.Suddenly, his fear disappeared. The road was cut off by a ditch, and the river was brought in to fill it. He had been confident in the fortification during the day, but now it seemed vulnerable. He saw people wear Cross the ditch, climb the parapet, the city is invaded

However, his hypothetical attacking force stopped to rest by the side of the ditch, and Paderson was too far away to hear what they were saying, understanding that they would be talking for a long time, and there was a fuss afterwards, and they brought planks, planks, and poles, so that Create a temporary channel.After a while, Paderson felt relieved.For now he saw the newcomers marching in file, and there were many of them, the guns shining in the light of the fading daylight, and the first man was of great stature, and the others crowded round him, his The name everyone knows is none other than Le Corgis.

Paderson saw him and hated and loved him at the same time.Hate that he hated Le Corgi more than anyone else; love that he was relieved to have so much added to his armament. If Le Corgi came this way, it was because he did manage to come from Newtown.When he saw the fire that burned the new town in the dark, Le Corgi impromptu decided on an action plan and led his small team to pass three kilometers upstream of the river, across the fields, and toward the direction of the fire that guided the direction like a lighthouse. go ahead. According to the countless bonfires in the shining camp on the west side of the city, he estimated that the enemy's large army camped there. If this is true, then there will only be a small group of enemies in the direction of New Town. Enter Liberia via the road.

Things went exactly as he expected, and those who had caused the burning of the port were startled at their arrival, when they, dispirited at finding nothing of value to take away, were busy destroying houses, and met no resistance, Everywhere was empty.They were relieved, and even thought it unnecessary to stand guard. Le Corgi's squad appeared before them like an army of heaven, bullets rained from all directions, and the Patagonians fled in confusion, leaving fifteen muskets and five guns to the victor. captive.At the same time gunshots were heard from the other side of the river. A counter-offensive battle was chilling. The Khosts entered Liberia without delay. The battle lasted less than ten minutes.

Le Corgi's unexpected return left Paderson terrified, and three days later he was terrified again, with dire consequences. This time it was his turn to be on duty. From 6:00 pm to 2:00 am, he was on duty on the river embankment 100 meters away from the northern parapet that was just built. Between the parapet and them, there were three sentries in sequence. , it's not a bad position, there's cover in front, back, left, and right. It was still daylight when Paderson arrived at his post, and he seemed to find the situation reassuring.But as night fell, his sense of fear resurfaced spontaneously.He pricked up his ears, and then scanned around with his eyes, trying to find any suspicious clues.

He looked far away, but the danger was close at hand, and suddenly he heard a person calling him in a low voice, I hope he is not frightened! Paderson!The voice was within a stone's throw of him. He almost lost his voice in shock, but he held back his cry.The man ordered in a terrible whisper: Be quiet! the man asked again. Did you recognize me? The Irishman couldn't utter a word, and was speechless. Siri Dai.In the darkness someone said. Paderson finally breathed a sigh of relief. The man who spoke was his partner, and Siriden expected to meet him here. Siri Dai?He repeated it in a skeptical tone.

Yes, be careful and keep your voice down. Are you alone?No one around you! Paderson looked around with his eyes. nobody.He said. do not move!Xi Ridai ordered again, stand still and don't let people see you and me coming, don't turn around towards me. There is a man in the grass on the embankment. I'm here.Siriden lay on the ground and said. Paderson still risked a glance at the uninvited man, who he was sure was well concealed from head to toe. Where are you fromHe asked again with his old attitude. From the other side of the river I am now with the Patagonians. Stay with the Patagonians!Paderson marveled quietly. Yes!When I left Khost Island a year and a half ago, the Indians took me across the Beager Canal, and I wanted to go to Penta Arras, and from there to Argentina or something, but in The Patagonians hijacked me on the way. what did they do to you became a slave. slave!Paderson repeated, though, I seem to think you're free. look!Siriden said bluntly. Padson followed the trend and found that what the other party pointed to seemed to be a rope tied around his waist. After moving the rope, Sirius recognized that it was a thin iron chain. look!This is my freedom.Siridey added, that's not enough, there are two Patagonians hiding in the water with only their heads peeping at me a few steps away, and they hold one end of the chain in their hands. I break the chain, and they'll catch me soon, before I'm gone. Paderson trembled so badly that Siridi saw it. What’s wrong with you?he asks. These Patagonians, Padson was terrified to death, tongue-tied. Don't be afraid!Siridean said, they will do nothing to you, they need us, I told them, I can count on your help, that's why they sent me here to give you a message. what do they wantPaderson stuttered. There was a moment of silence. You put them into the city. I!Paderson protested. Yes, you must listen!This, to me, is a matter of life and death.When I fell into their hands, I became a slave, and they tortured me countless times.One day I accidentally said a few words, and they learned that I was from Liberia, and they had the idea of ​​using me to come and rob the city.If I can help them, they will set me free.I, you understand? Shut up!Paderson cut him off. A sentry nearby, tired of standing still, came towards them, but stopped at a distance of fifteen meters from the two whisperers, because he had reached the police line. It's a bit chilly tonight, said the Khorst man, before heading back home. Yes!Paderson answered with a lump in his throat. Good night, man! Good night! The sentinel turned around, walked away, and disappeared into the darkness. Siriden said at once: I, you know, I said yes and they organized this expedition.They took me and watched me day and night, and now they force me to do what I say, and they lost a lot of people because they didn't find easy access.They threw a tantrum tonight, and I told them I had an insider in town, and a friend wouldn't refuse to help me out.I recognized you from a distance If they found out I was lying, I would be finished, even killed. When Siriday told Padson about his affairs, Padson fell into deep thought.Evidently he took pleasure in seeing all the people of the city, especially their leaders, killed, or fleeing, but what dangers would be run in such an operation!After much deliberation, Paderson chose to focus on safety. what can I do?he asked coldly. Help us there, Siriden replied. You don't need my help.Paderson retorted, the proof is that you got here. If you come alone, you won't be noticed.Xi Ridai retorted, five hundred people is another matter. Five hundred people! Of course!You think I'm begging you for a walk around town?For me Liberia is still a dangerous city, Patagonian soldiers just ask Be quiet!Paderson suddenly ordered. People heard a sound of footsteps coming, and soon three people walked out of the darkness, one of them walked up to Padson, and shone the lantern in his coat on the sentry's face. Nothing?The newcomer was none other than Altleble. No. everything is safe Yes! Those few people continued to move forward. you say?Paderson asked as they walked further. I said: just ask, how are the others doing? who else? Doric? died! Fry.Demore? dead! William, Moore? died! Gosh!What about Kennedy? Just like you and me, alive! impossible!Then he settled the matter! possible! No one even suspects him! Think of it this way, since he's been jumping up and down the ground freely the whole time. where is he now He stands guard somewhere, this way or that, I don't know where? can you inquire no!I can't leave the post, and what are you looking for Kennedy for? Ask him for help, since you don't seem interested in my suggestion. Do you think I will help you?Paderson protests, you think I'm going to help the Patagonians come and kill us all! No danger!Siridene affirmed that our people had nothing to worry about. On the contrary, we helped and could share the loot, which was agreed. Oh, and Paderson doesn't seem convinced. However, he began to waver. He not only took revenge on Horst, but also robbed them of their wealth. It was worth a try, but he believed in the words of these savages and cautiously prevailed. All this is empty talk!He said in a firm tone that neither Kennedy nor I could have put the five hundred people in, even if people wanted to. It is not necessary to let them all come in at once, Xi Ruidai objected, 50 or even 30 people are enough, and when the first group of people take over, the rest will come! Fifty, thirty, twenty, ten or too many? These are the last words? The first sentence is also the last sentence. That won't work! no. There is nothing more to say!Siridel came to a conclusion, and he began to crawl towards the river. But almost immediately, he stopped and looked up at Paderson. Paderson, Patagonians have to pay, you know that? How many? After Paderson spit out this sentence, Siridei came closer again. A thousand piastres, he said. A thousand piastres!Five thousand francs!Although this is a large sum, Paderson is not dazzled or dizzy. The river has benefited him a lot, but now he has nothing. Twenty-five pia in exchange for a year of hard work and hard work. Stereo, poor twenty-five piastres, was all the property at this moment.There is no doubt that he will increase rapidly in the future, and there are many opportunities to make money.His experience tells him that the most difficult thing is the initial capital.However, one thousand piastres, one and a half years of hard work, can earn forty times as much in a short while, and maybe even get a better price.Because bargaining in the market is a traditional law. It's not bad!He said in a critical tone that for a job that risked his life, he should pay two thousand In that case, goodbye.Siriday once again pretended to leave. Or at least fifteen hundred.Paderson continued, unfazed by threats to leave. Now that he has got his wish, he started to negotiate. He is very good at buying and selling. The object of the bet can be commodities or conscience, but it is always a relationship between buying and selling, and the buying and selling are subject to eternal laws. He knows this well.As we all know, the usual method is that the seller asks for a high price, and the price is evened out after calculation and bargaining. Due to time constraints, Paderson had to drop it from two thousand piastres to fifteen hundred at once. No, Siri Dai flatly refused. At least one thousand and four hundred, Paderson backed down a step, can also be discussed!but a thousand piastres Just one thousand, not a cent more, Siriden continued to walk back and said firmly. Paderson is indeed as people say: too much appetite. Well, forget it!he announced calmly. Ciri was in a hurry, seeing that he was done, would he let it be abandoned halfway due to hundreds of piastres?He took a few steps back. You and I both give up a little, he suggested, twelve hundred. Paderson agreed. It's just to make you happy too, he finally accepted, then twelve hundred piastres! Okay, it's a deal?Siriday asked. It's a deal!Paterson sure. However, there are payment details to discuss. Who pays me?Paderson asked again, the Patagonians have so much money, would they give me twelve hundred piastres? On the contrary, very poor.Siriden retorted, but they would give it, because they didn't know that Liberia's purse would give them more than a hundred times. It's none of my business, my business is to pay.How to pay me?Is it before or after? Pay half upfront and half when it's done. no.Paderson claims that my condition is to pay eight hundred piastres tomorrow night where?Xi Ridai grabbed the words and asked. Wherever I stand guard, I will be there, find me, and the rest will go to ten people first according to the agreement.At the same time, hand me the money, and if you don't pay, I will shout, and if you pay, I will slip aside to let it pass. It's a deal!Xi Ridai agreed, so when can the rest go? After today, it will be the fifth night, when it will be the new moon. where? In my house, within my walls.Paderson explained that my family's house was washed away by the river a year ago.But we don't need a house, the fence is enough, and I'll fix it. Very good.Siriday said, see you tomorrow! tomorrow.Paderson replied. He heard a rustling in the grass, and then a slight gurgle, gurgle, and he knew that Siriden had entered the river carefully, and the night was still very quiet. The next day, people were surprised to find that Paderson had begun repairing another half-destroyed fence surrounding his original land. That night, due to the accident of his shift, he stood guard on the southern parapet, facing the mountains that rose up here, and he came here to stand guard without saying a word, waiting patiently for the event. Today he stood guard earlier than yesterday, and it was still bright.Cirendai thus easily approached the parapet, unless. Unless the chef of the Jonathan made a random suggestion, in short, it is impossible for him to let Paderson drill, and he will be fooled like this?The Irishman was soon relieved on this matter that there was Siridi, directly opposite him, hidden among the bushes, where no one could see him but those who had been appointed. The sky gradually darkened, the moonlight fell, and only at dawn did a crescent moon rise outside the sky.When darkness fell, Siridai crawled to his accomplice. Everything is carried out strictly according to the agreement. After tonight, another four days.Paderson said with relief. It's a deal.Siri Dai replied. Don't forget Piastre!Nothing works without it. Don't worry! After concluding in a few words, Siridei went away, and before walking, he placed a bag under the traitor's feet, which made a crisp sound when it touched the ground. This was the promised eight hundred piastres, which was Judah's reward.