Chapter 251: The Elegant Connoisseur of the 19th Century (5K6)

The Thames is still full of various transport ships today, but the water traffic situation is obviously worse than usual.

The reason for the traffic jam is also very obvious. Just look up to the east and you will know who is the culprit for the congestion on the river.

That is the old London Bridge with 19 arches, which has stood on the Thames for more than 600 years. This stone bridge rebuilt in 1209 contains the life memories of dozens of generations of Londoners.

As one of the strangest buildings in Europe, the old London Bridge is not just a bridge for Londoners to cross the river. Its shape is not only asymmetrical, but even its 19 arches are of different sizes. What's more strange is that the old London Bridge is also lined with various shops, residential buildings, and even a small church and a gatehouse with a traitor's head hanging on it.

Rather than saying it is a bridge, it is better to say that it is a small residential area in London. If you like, you can even live on this bridge that is not beautiful in appearance but has a strange enough design for your whole life.

However, perhaps it is precisely because the old London Bridge is crowded with all kinds of strange buildings that its original design purpose - the bridge function - has been greatly weakened.

After all, not every Londoner is willing to squeeze in the narrow bridge road waiting to cross the river. Many irritable, time-pressed, and daring citizens usually choose to cross the river by feeling the stones through the arch under the bridge.

Although most Londoners can cross here luckily, due to the rapid flow of the river here, there are always a few unlucky unlucky people every few days.

This is why London has a seemingly nonsensical folk self-help group called the "Thames Drowning Rescuers Association". From the statistical data, Londoners still have a strong demand for rescuing drowning people.

Of course, the parliament is not unaware of how heinous the old London Bridge is for Londoners who need to cross the river to work.

Since 1799, the parliament has begun to study and discuss the feasibility of building a new London Bridge. During this period, there have been several new construction plans that have been praised by everyone, but most of these plans were abandoned because the local parishes had doubts about its feasibility and the land area required for construction.

After a long discussion, the London City Government finally reached a compensation plan with the parishes in 1824, officially announcing that the government and local companies would jointly fund the project, and appointed the famous bridge construction engineer Mr. John Rennie to supervise the construction of a new London Bridge with a total length of 928 feet, a width of 49 feet, and a five-span structure made of granite.

Not long ago, after seven years of construction, the new London Bridge was finally completed and opened to traffic. The old London Bridge also completed its historical mission. After six centuries of vicissitudes, it finally suffered the same fate as its predecessor, the wooden London Bridge built by the Romans in 50 AD.

Yes, it was ordered to be destroyed by the government.

It will be sunk by explosives into the riverbed of the Thames, the real historical museum of Britain, along with the small shops and residential buildings located on it.

There, it will see Iron Age shields, Roman tiles, Viking battle axes, medieval clay pipes and Tudor leather boots.

Such a historic moment is naturally inevitable for London citizens who love to watch everything. I don’t know why, but they always like to go to crowded places.

But the explosives obviously have no eyes. After a while, several London citizens who were squatting not far from the arch of London Bridge and watching the excitement were blown into the river by the shock wave generated by the explosives.

Accompanied by the exclamations of gentlemen and ladies on the embankment, people only saw the volunteers of the "Thames Drowning Rescuers Association" who had been waiting here for a long time took off their shirts and went into the river to save people.

However, these enthusiastic gentlemen could not raise any good temper in the face of such things. The citizens only heard them cursing while swimming to save people.

"Can't these idiots grow some brains? Why don't they stay away from the fun? They are so close to each other. I think a few of them will fall into the river today!"

"If they listen to our advice, we won't have to wait by the river every day."

"Don't be idle, Martin and the others are going down to the river to save people, you guys hurry up and wash your pipes!"

"Mr. Morgan! Something happened!"

"What happened?"

"It seems that the tobacco we brought is not enough."

"Damn, it's really unlucky today. Andrew, take the money and go to the nearby store to buy a few more boxes!"

Arthur led Colt, who had just finished lunch in the cafe, to stand by the river.

Colt saw the scene on the dam below and felt that his three views were shocked.

These gentlemen who used their spare time to participate in social welfare activities were busy giving artificial respiration to the drowning people, while all men, women, young and old took out their pipes and stuffed them into their buttocks, then smoked in the lung cancer-like way, and blew smoke rings into the pipes.

Colt's upper and lower lips trembled. He looked at it for a long time before he gave a sincere compliment.

"This new technology is not available here. Although everyone has long known that tobacco has very high medical value and is indeed highly efficient in absorption through the intestines. But it is conceivable to use a tube to help drowning people absorb tobacco medicine. It seems very simple, but it is indeed an amazing idea. Although I don’t want to admit it, I still have to say that Britain currently represents the most advanced civilization in the world.”

Arthur stood beside him and heard this, and nodded without blushing: "Yes, we are like this in Britain. Maybe you can consider opening a similar medical device company in the United States after returning to China. Bring them back a little bit of advanced civilization.”

Colt thought about it for a while, and finally shook his head and gave up: "That's all, I'm still more interested in firearms. The gap between this kind of medical equipment and firearms is still too big."

Arthur said calmly: "No, no, I think there is actually no difference between the two."

Colt was curious: "How do you say this?"

Arthur took out his pipe and lit it, took a puff and said: "Your Colt revolver and this intestinal healing device, to put it bluntly, are nothing more than opening eyes for everyone. Although the principles are slightly different, the results are still the same. Highly consistent.”

Arthur was smoking, but unfortunately, Andrew, a member of the association who climbed up from the embankment, soon discovered this London gentleman who was carrying a large amount of medical supplies.

Andrew said eagerly: "Sir, can you sell me some of your tobacco?"

Arthur held an iron box filled with cut tobacco in his hand. He hesitated for a while, and then politely said: "I bought this cut tobacco on Jermyn Street. It is a genuine product from Saint-Domingue. It is used to make intestines." Would therapy be too wasteful?”

When Andrew heard this, he responded righteously: "Sir, what are you talking about? This is saving the lives of the majority of London citizens. Besides, it's not like we won't give you money. If you don't sell it, please give me some money as soon as possible." "Jean, I'm going to the back store to stock up."

When Arthur heard this, he was about to make way for him, but when he caught a glimpse of the volunteers who were rescuing people who fell into the water in the Thames flood, something suddenly popped into his mind.

He held the other person's hand and patted the cigarette box into the other person's hand: "As an old smoker, although it is very difficult for me to give up my favorite. But as an upright Scotland Yard police officer, I feel that I We are indeed obliged to protect the lives of the general public. To be honest, I have encountered a case of drowning in the past two days. If that lady happened to meet you at that time, she would definitely be saved. "

When Andrew heard this, he couldn't help but regretted: "I'm sorry to hear this news. After all, our association is still too short of manpower. Although we have people on duty by the Thames every day, at most we can only take care of science and technology." From Wente Garden to the river bank near the West India Pier, I guess the lady you mentioned did not fall into the water in this area, right?"

When Arthur heard this, his eyes widened slightly: "Sir, are you sure that all the people who fell into the water in this area can be saved?"

Andrew shook his head and said: "Of course not, but as long as someone fell into the water in this area, our association will keep statistics. And you just said that the lady fell into the water recently, and in the statistics of our association in the past half month, there was no There was no case of death by drowning, so I am sure that the lady you mentioned did not fall into the water in this area.”

When Arthur heard this, he couldn't help but smile. He continued to ask: "But, I heard that after a drowned person dies, the body is usually washed downstream by the river. Could it be that during this period, from Covent Garden to West Were there no bodies washed down in this area of ​​the Indian Pier?”

"Washed down?" Andrew replied: "Of course there are, they happen every day. But after we have been doing this for a long time, we can basically tell the length of drowning time. Those washed down corpses can basically be seen at a glance. You can tell. As for the specific situation, I won't describe it to you. The state of the corpse after it has been soaked for a long time is really disgusting. "

When Arthur heard this, he couldn't help but take out another cigarette case from his pocket and slap it on the palm of the other person's hand: "Thank you for your enthusiastic help, good citizen. The two paragraphs you just said are very important to me. . If necessary later, I will visit your association again. There are also a few mints in this cigarette box. While you are helping others, remember not to tire yourself too much and keep your breath cool at all times.”

Andrew was confused by Arthur's words. He just raised his eyes and took note of the gentleman's appearance, then thanked him, and then hurriedly climbed down the embankment of the Thames River with the tin box of tobacco.

Arthur watched him walk away, and then patted the American boy Colt next to him on the shoulder: "Okay, Mr. Colt, while I'm in a good mood now, let's go have some tea nearby. By the way, Tell me about your revolver with a rotating drum magazine. I heard from the guard before that your pistol seems to explode easily?

Why don't you think about it carefully and improve the primer-type impact bolt, or add a spiral rifled barrel? By the way, I haven’t asked yet, what is the caliber of your pistol? It would be great if it could be matched with cone-shaped bullets. My needs are quite unique. Some tasks do not have so many firing opportunities and time. It is best to kill with one shot. "

…

In the evening, in a cafe near Whitehall Street, the elegant crystal chandelier exuded a soft orange light, and the melodious music accompanied by the phonograph spread to every corner of the cafe.

Sir Peel held a silver spoon and stirred the coffee cup in front of him. While listening to the music, he smiled and said: "The Bell is of course an excellent piano exercise, and it is also very popular at the dance party, but its rhythm is too intense, and it is obviously not suitable for the environment of a cafe. Arthur, maybe you can go to Mr. Moscheles or Mr. Mendelssohn to ask for some classical music composition techniques, so that your vinyl record sales will definitely increase a lot. I know you can do it, Arthur, your records always bring me surprises, whether it is The Bell or the one you gave me the day before yesterday."

Arthur took off his hat and put it on the table. Of course, he knew what the record Sir Peel was talking about was.

It's just that it didn't record music, but the private conversation between Bernie Harrison, a member of Congress, and George Norton, the "philanthropist" husband, at the banquet.

Of course, in order to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, Arthur made some editing.

So, the recordings that Sir Peel heard were limited to the part where the two conspirators talked about the past of Home Secretary Viscount Melbourne and Lady Norton. However, that information was enough for him, the leader who was committed to reuniting the Tory Party.

Arthur put a piece of sugar cube into the coffee cup: "Sir, are you satisfied with my new song? By the way, you may not know that I am actually quite shy. I dare not show my new work to other people for trial listening. This is because many of my friends do not have the ability to appreciate art. Secondly, because they do not have influence, no matter whether they say it is good or bad, it cannot represent the mainstream evaluation of the public, that is, it is not for reference.

That is why I thought of giving you the new song to try first. You are not only experienced and appreciative, but also represent the artistic taste of old-school British gentlemen, and are also the forefront of observation of new trends in Britain. If you think this song is good, it means that this thing is really good. If you think this thing is bad, then no one will pay attention to it. I would like to apologize to you here. I took the initiative to disturb you with such an insignificant thing. I am really sorry."

When Pierre heard this, he first recalled a few key words in Arthur's words. Of course, what he cared most about was the record, and he was the first to try it.

Pierre smiled and raised his hand to signal Arthur not to mind: "Arthur, although I am not as tasteful as you say, if you want to hear my opinion, I am certainly willing to share some of my shallow opinions. You know, I always like to give advice to young people."

Arthur heard this and nodded with a smile: "You know, I always like to accept other people's suggestions."

Sir Pierre laughed heartily twice, and he said: "Of course, if it weren't for this, how could we talk together? Now looking back, it was a wise decision to let a young man with musical talent like you to form LPS."

Arthur also smiled and replied: "Sir, you should remember that I promised you Yes, I will bring my musical talent there. In my opinion, the Commanding Police Intelligence Bureau is actually no different from composing eight notes. Pay attention to the harmony of the melody at all times, and there is no need for unnecessary noise. This is the most important thing. "

Sir Peel nodded slightly: "Yes, I also agree with this point of view, and your new record has this problem. Some of the noise in it sounds too harsh. As an elegant piece of music to be appreciated by the British public, the notes in it are not harmonious enough. "

Arthur asked: "So, what is your suggestion?"

Sir Peel said: "Arthur, I admire your musical ability, but there is still some gap between this song and "The Bells" , and it uses some overly advanced techniques, which may be difficult for the British public to understand. But it's not your fault, new things are always like this, it takes some time to gain public recognition. But for now, I don't think it can be released. "Arthur heard this and agreed, "Sir, this is why I found you. I also think this song is not mature enough, but you know, I can't complete the modification of the score by myself. It's not just that I can't spare the time, you should know that the police officers of Scotland Yard have been hanging around the Thames recently, and the police officers have complained that our uniforms are stained by the water of the Thames and are dirty and smelly. By the way , Speaking of this, I have to trouble you with one more thing. Do you have any familiar and affordable perfumes to recommend? Director Rowan said that he plans to purchase some in a while and distribute them to everyone as welfare. "

When Sir Peel heard this, he took a sip of coffee and said, "Arthur, even if you didn't say it, I was going to send some perfume to Scotland Yard to comfort the police officers. I know that your work has been very hard and tiring recently. It's normal for police officers to have emotions, especially since swimming in the Thames should not be your job responsibility. "

After hearing Peel's assurance, Arthur finally put his mind at ease. He turned and asked, "What did you just say is your personal opinion, or the opinion of the old-school gentlemen in London?"

Peel replied: "It's my personal opinion, but I think even the oldest and most typical London gentleman like Earl Eldon would not be able to accept your new song. So don't worry, I'll tell you about the perfume." It will be done. The reason why high-end perfume is expensive is because of its excellent quality and the fragrance is popular with the public, not because of the brand or label on it. Arthur, you have to understand this.”

Arthur heard this, took a sip of coffee, tasted it for a while, and then said: "So, the perfume of the House of Commons...ah, no, will the label of the perfume be torn off? Scotland Yard police officers are actually not very useful. What kind of label does it need to be on? Police officers only use perfume for deodorizing purposes. If there is a label on it, we will feel a psychological burden when using it.”

When Sir Peel heard this, he noticed something was wrong. He asked, "Have you got the formula for the perfume?"

Arthur nodded: "I've only mastered part of it, but from the ingredient list I got so far, it seems that there are some things that shouldn't be in it."

When Sir Peel heard this, his eyes widened slightly, and his fingers on the table trembled slightly. It could be seen that although he still maintained the good upbringing of an authentic gentleman, he probably had a long time ago in his heart. Already mad.

Sir Peel clapped his hands, called the footman who was accompanying him, took the coat and hat from his hands, and dressed neatly again.

While he was adjusting his clothes, he said to Arthur: "Arthur, I have to make it clear to you about this matter. I really don't know about it."

"Of course." Arthur smiled: "If it weren't for this, I wouldn't ask you to listen to the new song."

Pierre nodded slightly: "As for the perfume, I will give you an answer in a week. After all, one song cannot make me completely decide whether to sever the purchase contract with the old supplier that I have used for a long time. And this matter, It has to be unanimously agreed by the other gentlemen. I don't like it, but if they like it, I can't force it to go against their will. Of course, I definitely don't want to hear discordant noise, but if it must be played, that's fine. It must come after all attempts by gentlemen have failed.”

Arthur stood up after hearing this. He put a hand on his chest and smiled and saluted: "Then, I will wait for your good news."