Sherlock Holmes Detective Episode Uncanny Valley Part II Dead Cool Guys

A person

　　On February 4, 1875, the weather was severely cold, and the canyon of Mount Gilmerton was covered with deep snow. However, thanks to the start of the steam minesweeper, the railway remained unimpeded, and the night train, which connected the long line of coal mines and the ironworking district, rumbled slowly from the Plain of Stagerville up the steep slope towards the town of Vermisa, the central part of the mouth of the Vilmissa Valley. The train travels here and down, via Barton Side Road, Helmdale, to the richly farmed Melton County. It's a monorail, but the countless wagons on each side line laden with coal and iron ore illustrate the richness of the mineral deposits. This rich mineral deposit has brought many rough people to this most desolate corner of the United States, and life has begun to boil.

　　It used to be a barren place. The first pioneers to come here for a detailed investigation could not have imagined that this picturesque prairie and lush pastures of water and grass would be a desolate land covered with black rocks and dense forests. On the hillside is a dense forest with black pressure that barely sees the light of day, and further up is the towering bare mountaintop, with snow and rock standing on either side, passing through a winding valley, and the train is slowly squirming upwards.

　　The bus in front had just lit its oil lamps, and in a long, rudimentary carriage sat twenty or thirty men, most of them workers, after a long day's toil at the bottom of the deep valley, and took the train back to rest. At least a dozen people, judging by their dusty faces and the security lights they carried, were clearly miners. They sat together smoking, talking in a low voice, occasionally glancing at the two men sitting across the carriage, who were wearing uniforms and badges that indicated they were police officers.

　　The rest of the passengers in the passenger carriage, several women of the working class, one or two passengers who may have been small local owners, in addition to this, there was a young man sitting alone in the corner of the carriage. Because it is this one who is related to us, it is worth explaining in detail.

　　This young man was of medium stature, but about thirty years old. A pair of large gray eyes with a sense of humor, from time to time, quickly turned curiously, looking through the glasses at the people around them. It is not difficult to see that he is a sociable, frank man who is keen to make friends with everyone. Anyone can immediately spot his sociable temper and talkative personality, he is quite witty and often smiling. But if one observes it carefully, one can discern from his lips and the corners of his mouth a look of determination and tenacity, knowing that this is a man of deep thought, and that this cheerful brown-haired young Irishman must have made himself famous in the society into which he entered.

　　The young man had a conversation or two with a miner sitting nearest him, but the other party spoke very little and rudely, and he was silent because his words were not speculative, and he stared at the fading scenery outside the window with depression and unhappiness.

　　The view cannot be pleased. The sky was getting darker, the hillside was glowing red with fire, and the slag and slag were piled up, faintly appearing on both sides of the hillside, and the shafts of the coal mine towered over it. Along the line are scattered low wooden houses, and the window lights flicker and faintly appear. The stop, which appeared from time to time, was crowded with dark-skinned passengers.

　　The valley of Vilmessa, which is rich in coal and iron, is not a place where idle people and cultured people often come and go. Everywhere there are traces of the most primitive struggle for survival, primitive and clumsy labour, of rough and strong workers.

　　The young traveler looked at the bleak scene of the small town, and the look of displeasure and curiosity on his face showed that the place was strange to him. From time to time he took a letter out of his pocket, looked at it, and scribbled some words in the blanks of the letter. Once he pulled something out from behind him, and it was hard to believe that it belonged to a gentle man like him. It was the largest naval revolver. As he turned the pistol sideways to the light, the copper bullets on the bullet wheel shimmered, indicating that the gun was filled with bullets. He quickly put the gun back in his pocket, but it was seen by a worker sitting next door.

　　"Hey, dude," said the worker, "you seem to be on guard." ”

　　The young man smiled unnaturally.

　　"Yeah," he said, "sometimes we need to use it where I came. ”

　　"What's that place?"

　　"I just came from Chicago."

　　"You're not familiar with this place yet, are you?"

　　"Yes."

　　"You'll find it used here too," said the worker.

　　"Ah! Really? The young man seemed to be concerned and asked.

　　"Haven't you heard of anything going wrong around here?"

　　"I didn't hear anything out of the ordinary."

　　"Hey! There are so many things going on here that you'll hear enough in a short time. Why did you get here? ”

　　"I've heard that people here who are willing to work always find work."

　　"Are you a member of the union?"

　　"Of course."

　　"I think then you'll have a job too." Do you have friends? ”

　　"Not yet, but I have a way to make friends."

　　"How about a confession?"

　　"I am a member of the Free Men's Association, there is no town that does not have its chapters, and as long as there is a chapter, I have friends to make."

　　The remark had an unusual effect on the other, and the worker glanced suspiciously at the others in the car to see that the miners were still whispering and two policemen were napping. He came over, sat down next to the young traveler, held out his hand, and said:

　　"Put your hand on it."

　　The two men shook hands against the code.

　　"I can see that you are telling the truth. But it's better to figure it out. ”

　　He raised his right hand and placed it to the edge of his right eyebrow. The young man immediately raised his left hand and placed it on the left eyebrow.

　　"The night is unpleasant," said the worker.

　　"For a traveling stranger, the night is unpleasant," replied another.

　　"Great. I am the Scanlon brothers of the Vilmesa Valley Trifecta Chapter. It's a pleasure to meet you here. ”

　　"Thank you. I am the John McMurdo brothers of the Chicago Twenty-Nine Chapter. Owner J. H． Scott. But I was lucky enough to meet a brother so quickly. ”

　　"Well, we had a lot of people nearby. You will see that in the Vermiza Valley, the Society is powerful, which is unmatched by anywhere in the United States. But we need many lads like you to make it. I really don't understand why an angry unionist like you can't find a job in Chicago. ”

　　"I've got a lot of jobs," McMurdo said.

　　"Then why did you leave?"

　　McMurdo nodded to the policeman and smiled, saying, "I think these guys will be glad to know." ”

　　Scanlon snorted sympathetically. "What's the trouble?" He asked in a low voice.

　　"It's a hassle."

　　"Is it a crime?"

　　"There are other aspects."

　　"It's not murder, is it?"

　　"It's too early to talk about something like this," said McMurdo, showing a look of surprise at what he had said, "and I have my own good reasons for leaving Chicago, so you should leave it alone." Who are you? How can you ask such a thing endlessly? ”

　　McMurdo's gray eyes suddenly revealed an angry fierce light through his glasses.

　　"All right, dude. Please don't be surprised. People don't think you've done anything bad. Where are you going now? ”

　　"To Vermiza."

　　"The third stop is here. Where are you going to live? ”

　　McMurdo pulled out an envelope and leaned it closer to the dim oil lamp.

　　"That's the address—Sheridan Street, Jacob Shefford. This is an apartment that I was introduced to by someone I met in Chicago. ”

　　"Oh, I don't know about this apartment, I'm not very familiar with Vermiza. I live in Hobson Territory and am here now. But before we break up, I'm going to tell you a word. If you have trouble in Vermiza, you go directly to the union and go to the chief, McGinty. He is the owner of the Vermesa chapter, and nothing can happen here without the permission of Blake Jack McKindy. Goodbye, brother, maybe we'll be able to meet in the chapter one night. But remember my words: if you get into trouble, go to Chief McGinty. ”

　　Scanlon got out of the car, and McMurdo fell back into thought. Now it was completely dark, and the flames from the blast furnace in the darkness were hissing and jumping and flashing. In the red light, some black figures are bending, exerting, twisting, and turning with the movement of the crane or the hoist, and the melody of sonorous and roaring sounds.

　　"I think hell must be like this," someone said.

　　McMurdo turned around and saw a policeman move and look out into the red-hot wasteland.

　　"At this point," said another policeman, "I think hell must be like this, and I don't think the devil there will be worse than we know." Young man, I think you've just arrived here, right? ”

　　"Well, how about I just got here?" McMurdo replied rudely.

　　"That is so, sir, I urge you to choose your friends with caution. If I were you, I wouldn't start out with Mike Scanlon or his gang. ”

　　Who am I making friends with, you! McMurdo snapped. His voice alarmed all the people in the carriage, and everyone was watching them argue, "Have I asked you to advise me?" Or do you think I'm an idiot who can't get anywhere without listening to your advice? Someone talks to you and you open your mouth again, if I were you, hey! Let's stay on the sidelines for a while! ”

　　He threw his face at the police, gritting his teeth like a dog barking wildly.

　　These two experienced and gentle policemen were surprised that such a friendly expression was rejected so strongly.

　　"Please don't be surprised! "Sir," said one of the policemen, "it seems that you have just arrived here. We warn you, and we're warning you for your own good. ”

　　"Although I am new to this place, I am not unfamiliar with your kind of goods," Cried McMurdo ruthlessly, "I see that you people are as black as crows in the world, put away your advice, no one needs it." ”

　　"We'll be meeting again soon," one of the policemen said with a sneer, "and if I were a judge, I would dare say you'd be a good thing out of a beat." ”

　　"I thought the same way," said another policeman, "and I think we'll have a period later." ”

　　"I'm not afraid of you, and you don't want to scare me." McMurdo shouted,

　　"My name is Jack McMurdo, you know?" If you want to find me, you can go to the apartment of Jacob Sheffield on Sheridan Street in Wilmisa, and I will never hide from you, and I will dare to see you guys day or night. Don't get this wrong. ”

　　This bold action of the newcomer aroused sympathy and praise from the miners, who whispered, and the two policemen shrugged helplessly and whispered to each other.

　　A few minutes later, the train pulled into a dimly lit station, which was a vast expanse, as Vermiza was the largest town on the railway line. McMurdo lifted his leather duffel bag and was about to walk into the shadows when a miner stepped forward to talk to him.

　　"Oh, man, you know how to speak to these cops," he said admiringly.

　　"It's a pleasure to hear you talk. I'll get you a travel bag and show you the way. I was passing the Sheft apartment on my way home. ”

　　As they walked over from the platform, the other miners all said goodnight to McMurdo in a friendly unison. So, although he was not yet here, McMurdo, the troublemaker, was already famous in Manville Misa.

　　The countryside is a place of terror, but in a way, the town is even more dull. But in this narrow valley there is at least a sense of gloomy spectacle, the flames reflecting the sky, the clouds of smoke changing, and the powerful and industrious people have created a well-deserved immortal deed on these hills, which are piled up by those who have piled up beside the great tunnels. But the town looked ugly and dirty. Passing traffic has rolled the wide street out of many muddy ruts. The sidewalks are narrow and rugged, and many gas lamps illuminate only a row of wood-paneled houses, each with a balcony facing the street, which is cluttered and dirty.

　　McMurdo and the miner approached the city center, where a row of shops was brightly lit, and the taverns and casinos were even more illuminated, where the miners squandered the money they had earned with their blood and sweat.

　　"This is the union," said the guide, pointing to a tall, inn-like tavern, "and Jack McGinty is the chief here." ”

　　"What kind of person is he?" McMurdo asked.

　　"How! Haven't you heard of the chief's name in the past? ”

　　"You know I'm very new to this place, how could I have heard of him?"

　　"Oh, I thought everyone in the union knew his name." His name is often in the newspaper. ”

　　"Why?"

　　"Ah," the miner lowered his voice, "something has happened." ”

　　"What?"

　　"Oh my God, sir, if I'm not afraid of your strangeness, you're such a freak, and you'll only hear one kind of thing here, and that's the thing about the cool guys."

　　"Why, I seem to have heard of the Dead Cools in Chicago. It's a gang of murderers, isn't it? ”

　　"Shhh, don't say it! Don't say it! The miner stood there in confusion, looked at his companion in amazement, and said loudly, "Dude, if you talk like this on the street, you won't live long here." Many people have died for something smaller than that. ”

　　"Well, I don't know anything about them, that's all I've heard."

　　"But I'm not saying that what you hear isn't the real thing." As the man spoke, he looked around nervously, staring closely at the darkness, as if afraid of seeing some hidden danger, "If it is a murder, then God knows, there are many murders." But don't associate this with Jack McInty's name. Because every whisper would reach his ears, and McKinty would not let it go easily. Well, that's the house you're looking for, the one behind the street. You will find that the homeowner, Jacob Sheft Sr., is an honest man in the town. ”

　　"Thank you," McMurdo said as he shook hands with his new acquaintance to say goodbye. Carrying his duffel bag, he walked heavily down the path leading to the house, walked to the door, and knocked hard.

　　The door opened immediately, but the man who opened it was unexpected. She was a young, beautiful German woman, with jade skin and ice muscles, golden hair, a pair of beautiful black eyes, looking at the visitors in amazement, and her white and tender face was blushing with shame. Under the bright street lamp in the doorway, McMurdo seemed to have never seen such a beautiful abundance; she was in stark contrast to the filthy and gloomy surroundings, and even more moving. Even if a violet were to be born on these black cinder piles, it would not be as surprising as this woman. He stood there in fascination and stunned, or the woman broke the silence.

　　"I thought it was my father," she said softly, with a German accent, "did you come looking for him?" He went to town. I'm looking forward to his coming back. ”

　　McMurdo was still looking at her with admiration, and in front of this reserved visitor, the woman bowed her head in panic.

　　"No, Mademoiselle," said McMurdo at last, "I'm not in a hurry to find him. But someone introduced me to your house. I think it was a good fit for me, and now I know it's a good fit. ”

　　"You also decided too quickly," the woman said with a smile.

　　"Unless you are blind, everyone will decide." McMurdo replied.

　　When the girl heard the words of praise, wan'er smiled.

　　"Sir, please come in," she said, "my name is Miss Itie Sheft, and I am Mr. Sheft's daughter. My mother was long gone and I managed the housework. You can sit down by the stove in the vestibule and wait for my father to come back. Ah, he's coming, and you can discuss something with him. ”

　　An old man walked slowly from the path. McMurdo explained his intentions in two words. In Chicago, a man named Murphy introduced him here. This address was given to Murphy by another person. Old Sheft fully agreed to come down. McMurdo did not hesitate to pay the room and immediately agreed to everything, apparently he was very rich, prepaying seven dollars a week for board.

　　So McMurdo, who openly claimed to be a fugitive, began to live in Sheft's house. This first step led to countless long and dim storms, and its end was in a foreign country at the end of the world.

　　2. Lord

　　McMurdo soon made himself famous. Wherever he went, the people around him knew it immediately. Within a week, McMurdo had become an extremely important figure in Sheft's apartment. There were ten or twelve boarders, but they were honest foremen or ordinary clerks of the shop, which was quite different from the temperament of the young Irishman. In the evenings, they got together, and McMurdo was always talkative and eloquent, and his singing voice was exceptionally good. He was a natural best friend with a charm that made those around him feel comfortable.

　　But time and time again, as he did on the train, he displayed superhuman intelligence and sudden rage, which was awe-inspiring. He never took the law and all those who enforced it in his eyes, which pleased some of his fellow sleepers and frightened others.

　　At the beginning, he made it obvious that from the moment he saw her beauty and elegance, the daughter of the owner of the house captured his heart. He was not a cowering suitor, and the next day he expressed his heartfelt feelings to the girl, and from then on he always turned over and over to say that he loved her, completely disregarding what she would say to discourage him.

　　"Who else?" He exclaimed, "Well, let him be unlucky!" Let him be careful! Can I give up my life's opportunities and the people I have longed for with all my body and mind? You can insist on saying 'no', Edie! But one day you'll say 'OK', I'm still young and can wait. ”

　　McMurdo is a dangerous suitor with an Irish-able mouth and a set of improvised, cajoling tactics. He also has a wealth of experience and mysterious charm, which can win the hearts of women and eventually get her love. He spoke of the lovely valleys of monaghan county, where he was born, of the fascinating remote islands, the low hills and the green meadows of the lake, and imagining the scenery from this place full of dust and snow seemed to make it more and more wonderful.

　　He then turned to life in northern cities, where he became acquainted with the emerging towns of Detroit and Michigan's logging districts, and finally to Chicago, where he worked in a sawmill. Then it is implied that there are affairs, about the strange things that have happened in that metropolis, and those strange things are so bizarre and so secret that they cannot be told in words. Sometimes he suddenly and thoughtfully moved away from the topic, sometimes the topic was abruptly interrupted, sometimes he flew into a magical world, and sometimes the ending was in this dull and desolate valley. And Itti listened to him quietly, and her big dark eyes shone with pity and sympathy, and these two moods must have turned into love so quickly and so naturally.

　　Because McMurdo was a well-educated man, he found a temporary job as a bookkeeper. This took up most of his day time, and he had no time to report to the head of the Free men's club. One night, mike Scanlon, a traveling companion he knew on the train, came to visit him and reminded McMurdo. Scanlon was short, thin-faced, dark-eyed, and a timid and fearful man. He was happy to see McMurdo again. After a glass or two of whiskey, Scanlon explained his intentions.

　　"Hey, McMurdo," said Scanlon, "I remember your address, so I took the liberty of coming to you, and I wonder why you didn't report to the Lord, why didn't you go to chief Man McGinty?" ”

　　"Ah, I'm looking for something, I'm too busy."

　　"If you don't have anything else to do, you'll have to find time to see him." Oh my God, man, after you got here, you didn't go to the union to register your name on the first morning, it was crazy! If you offend him, alas, you must not... Let's talk about it! ”

　　McMurdo was a little surprised and said, "Scanlon, I've been in the club for more than two years, but I've never heard of such an urgent obligation." ”

　　"Maybe not in Chicago!"

　　"Well, it's the same community there."

　　"Is it?" Scanlon stared at him for a long time, a fierce glint in his eyes.

　　"Isn't it?"

　　"You can make these things clear to me in a month's time later." I heard you had an argument with the police after I got out of the car. ”

　　"How do you know these things?"

　　"Ah, in this place, good things and bad things spread very quickly."

　　"Well, not bad. I told them what I thought of these guys. ”

　　"Oh my God, you're going to become McInty's confidant!"

　　"What? Does he hate these cops too? ”

　　Scanlon burst into laughter.

　　"Go and see him, my fellow," Scanlon said to McMurdo as he got up, "and if you don't look at him, then he's going to hate you not for the police, but for you." Now, please accept a friend's advice and go see him right away! ”

　　It happened that on the same night, McMurdo encountered a more urgent situation that forced him to do so. Perhaps because his concern for Itti was more pronounced than before, perhaps this concern was gradually perceived by the well-meaning German landlord. But for whatever reason, the landlord beckoned the young man to his room and unabashedly talked about the main topic.

　　"Sir, as far as I see," he said, "you are gradually falling in love with my Itty, are you?" Or did I misunderstand? ”

　　"Yes, exactly," replied the young man.

　　"Well, now I'll tell you straight, it's useless. Someone has already pestered her before you. ”

　　"She said that to me too."

　　"Well, you should believe that she is telling the truth. But did she tell you who this person was? ”

　　"No, I asked her, but she wouldn't tell me."

　　I don't think she'll tell you, little. Maybe she doesn't want to scare you away. ”

　　"Scared away!" McMurdo was furious.

　　"Ah, yes, my friend! You are afraid of him, this is not a shame. This man was Ted Baldwin. ”

　　"Who is this demon?"

　　"He's a leader of the Dead Cool Party."

　　"Dead Cool Party! I've heard of it before. There are dead cool parties here, there are also dead cool parties there, and they are always whispering! What are you all afraid of? Who are the Dead Cools? ”

　　The landlord instinctively lowered his voice, as everyone talked about the terrorist organization.

　　"The Cools," he said, "is the Free Men's Society." ”

　　The young man was taken aback and said, "Why? I myself am a freelancer. ”

　　"You! If I had known, I would never have let you stay with me—even if you gave me a hundred dollars a week, I wouldn't do it. ”

　　"What's so bad about this free man? The purpose of the chapter is to fraternity and enhance friendship. ”

　　"Some places may be like this. Not here! ”

　　"What does it look like here?"

　　"It's an assassination organization, exactly."

　　McMurdo smiled in disbelief and asked:

　　"What evidence do you have?"

　　"Proof! There are no fifty assassinations here to prove it! Aren't people like Millman and Van Scholster, and the Nicholsons, Mr. Hayham Sr., Billy James Jr., and others all evidence? And the evidence! Is there a man and woman in this valley who doesn't know about the Dead Cool Party? ”

　　"Hey!" McMurdo said sincerely, "I want you to retract what you said, or apologize to me." You have to do one of those things first, and then I'll move away. You put yourself in my shoes and think about it, I'm a foreigner in this town, I'm a member of a community, but all I know is that it's a pure community. You can find it everywhere across the country, but always a pure organization. Now, just as I was about to join the organization here, you said it was all a murderous society called the 'Dead Cool Party.' I think you should apologize to me, or else I'll ask you to explain, Mr. Sheft. ”

　　"All I can tell you is that this is known to the whole world, sir. The leader of the Free Men's Association is the leader of the Dead Cool Party. If you sin against this one, the other one will retaliate against you. We have too much evidence. ”

　　"It's just gossip! I want evidence! McMurdo said.

　　"If you stay here longer, you'll find the evidence yourself." But I forgot you were one of them. You'll soon become as bad as they are. But you can live elsewhere, sir. I can't stay here any longer. A die-hard guy came to seduce my Edie and I didn't dare to refuse, it was bad enough, can I take another tenant as my guest? Yes, really, after tonight, you can't stay here anymore. ”

　　As a result, McMurdo knew that he would not only be driven out of his comfortable quarters, but also forced to leave the girl he loved. That same night, he found Itie sitting alone in the house and confided in her about the trouble he had encountered.

　　"Admittedly, even though your father has ordered evictions," said McMurdo, "if it's just a matter of where I live, then I don't care." But, to be honest, Itti, although I have known you for only a week, you are already indispensable in my life, and I can't live without you! ”

　　"Ah, don't say it, Mr. McMurdo! Don't say that! The girl said, "I already told you, didn't I tell you?" You're too late. There is another person, even if I did not promise to marry him immediately, at least I must not promise anyone else. ”

　　"Itti, if I propose to you first, will that be all right?"

　　The girl covered her face with her hands and whimpered, "Oh my God, how I would like you to propose marriage first!" ”

　　McMurdo immediately knelt down in front of her and said loudly:

　　"Look at God, Itti, then do as you said!" Are you willing to destroy the happiness of your and my life for the sake of a gentle promise? My beloved, do as you please! You know what you just said, and it's more reliable than any promise you make. ”

　　McMurdo placed Itie's small, snow-white hand between his two large, strong brown hands and said:

　　"Say you're mine, and let's work together to deal with the unexpected."

　　"Let's not stay here, shall we?"

　　"No, just stay here."

　　"No, no, Jack!" McMurdo put his arms around her and she said, "Never be here." Can you take me far away and fly high? ”

　　McMurdo's face showed a hesitant look for a moment, but in the end he showed a look of determination and determination.

　　"No, stay here," he said, "Itti, we'll keep moving, and I'll protect you." ”

　　"Why don't we leave together?"

　　"No, Etty, I can't get out of here."

　　"Why, exactly?"

　　"If I think I've been chased away, I can't look up again. Besides, what's so scary about it? Aren't we free people in a free country? If you love me and I love you, who dares to intervene among us? ”

　　"You don't understand, Jack, that you've been here for too short. You don't know this Baldwin yet. You also don't know McKinty and his nemesis. ”

　　"Yes, I don't know them, but I'm not afraid of them, and I don't believe them!" McMurdo said, "I've been in the rough crowd, honey, not only am I not afraid of them, but on the contrary, in the end they are always afraid of me—always, It's always like that, Itti. At first glance this seems like crazy! If these people, as your father said, have repeatedly committed misdeeds in this valley, and everyone knows their names, then how can no one be punished by the law? Please answer my question, Itti! ”

　　"Because no one dares to come forward to testify." If anyone testified, he wouldn't even live a month. It is also because they have a large number of party members who always come out to give false testimony that the defendant has nothing to do with a certain case and a certain case. Jack, surely you'll see it all for yourself! I already knew that every newspaper in the United States reported on this aspect. ”

　　"Yes, I did see some of them, but I always thought it was all made up. Maybe there's always some reason these people do this. Maybe they have been wronged and have to do it. ”

　　"Oh, Jack, I don't like to hear that! That's what he said—the man! ”

　　Baldwin—did he say that too? Is it? ”

　　"That's why I hate him. Ah, Jack, I can tell you the truth now, I hate him in my heart, but I am afraid of him. I was afraid of him for myself, but it was mainly for my father that I was afraid of him. I knew that if I dared to speak the truth to him, our grandfather and son would be in great trouble. That's why I was half-truthful and perfunctory to him. In fact, our grandfather and son only have this little hope left. As long as you can take me away and fly high, Jack, we can take my father with us and get rid of these evil forces forever. ”

　　McMurdo's face showed a hesitant look again, and then he said flatly:

　　"You're not going to be in trouble, Itti, and so is your father. Speaking of the wicked, as long as we are alive, you will find that I am even more vicious than their most vicious people. ”

　　"No, no, Jack! I believe in you completely. ”

　　McMurdo smiled wryly, "Oh my God, you don't know me very well!" My dear, your pure soul cannot even imagine what I have experienced. But, hey, who's coming? ”

　　Then the door suddenly opened, and a young fellow walked in with a master's frame. It was a handsome, richly dressed young man, about the same age and body shape as McMurdo, wearing a large black felt hat, and did not even bother to take off the hat when he entered the door, and that beautiful face, with a pair of fierce and domineering eyes and a curved eagle hook nose, stared rudely at the young men and women sitting by the fire.

　　Itti jumped up at once, overwhelmed and terrified.

　　"I am glad to see you, Mr. Baldwin," she said, "and you have come earlier than I thought. Come and sit down. ”

　　Baldwin stood there with his hands crossed at the waist and looked at McMurdo.

　　"Who is this?" He asked rudely.

　　"Mr. Baldwin, this is my friend, the new tenant, Mr. McMurdo, may I introduce you to Mr. Baldwin?"

　　The two young men nodded in hostility to each other.

　　"Maybe Miss Itie has already told you about the two of us?" Baldwin said.

　　"I don't know what relationship you two have."

　　"Don't you know? Okay, now you get the idea. I can tell you that this girl is mine, and you see the weather is nice tonight, go for a walk. ”

　　"Thank you, I don't have the heart to go for a walk."

　　"Won't you go?" The man's eyelids burst into flames, "Maybe you have a duel in mind, Mr. Tenant?" ”

　　"I have this," McMurdo shouted as he jumped up, "your words are the most popular!" ”

　　"Look at God, Jack! Alas, look at the face of God! Poor Itie cried out in panic, "Alas, Jack, Jack, he will kill you!" ”

　　"Ah, call him 'Jack,' don't you?" Baldwin cursed, "Have you guys been so intimate?" Isn't it? ”

　　"Oh, Ted, be sensible, be merciful!" Look at my face, Ted, if you love me, forgive him with kindness! ”

　　"I suppose, Itti, that if you leave the two of us alone, we can settle this matter," said McMurdo quietly, "or, Mr. Baldwin, you can go down the street with me, and it's a good night, and there are many empty grounds in the neighborhood." ”

　　"I don't even need to dirty my two hands to kill you," said his enemy, "and you will regret that I should not have come to this house until I have you." ”

　　"There is no better time than now," cried McMurdo.

　　"I'm going to choose my own time, sir. You wait and see. Check it out here! Baldwin suddenly rolled up his sleeves and pointed to a strange mark on his forearm: a circle with a triangle inside it, "Do you know what that means?" ”

　　"I don't know, and I don't care to know!"

　　"Well, you'll know, I vouch for it. You won't live long either. Maybe Miss Itty can tell you these things. Speaking of you, Itti, you're going to kneel down to see me, hear me? Whoops! Get down on your knees! Then I will tell you what punishment you deserve. Since you have planted melons, I will see you eat your own fruit!" He glared at the two of them furiously, turned and left, and in the blink of an eye the door slammed shut behind him.

　　McMurdo and the girl stood silently for a moment. Then she stretched out her arms and hugged him tightly.

　　"Oh, Jack, how brave you are! But it doesn't work – you have to run away! Go tonight, Jack, go tonight! That's your only hope. He must harm you. I could see it in his fierce eyes, how can you deal with so many of them? Besides, behind them were the leader, McGinty, and all the forces of the chapter. ”

　　McMurdo broke her hands, kissed her, and gently lifted her to a chair and sat down.

　　"My dear, please do not be afraid of me, where I am also a member of the Free Men's Society. I've already told your father. Maybe I'm not much better than those of them, so don't treat me like a saint either. Maybe you'll hate me just as much. Now I've told you all about it. ”

　　"Hate you? Jack! As long as I live, I will never hate you. I've heard that I might as well be a freelancer anywhere but here, so why would I treat you like a bad person? But since you're a freelancer, Jack, why don't you make friends with McGinty? Oh, hurry, Jack, hurry! You have to file a complaint first, or this mad dog won't let you go. ”

　　"I think so too," mcMurdo said, "I'll go get some light now." You can tell your father that I am staying here tonight, and that I will find another place to live tomorrow morning. ”

　　The bar room at the McGinty Tavern was crowded as usual. Because it's the favorite paradise of all the rogue drunkards in town. McKinty was beloved because of his cheerful and rugged temperament, forming a false mask that completely obscured his true face. Not to mention, however, his fame, not only the whole town feared him, but no one in the entire valley within a thirty-mile radius, or on the hills on both sides of the valley, was not afraid of him. With this alone, his bar room was also overcrowded, because no one dared to neglect him.

　　In addition to the secret forces, McGinty was also a high-ranking government official, a member of the city council, and a road chief, all of whom were elected to the government by the rogue goons in order to gain shelter under him. Heavy taxes and fees are getting heavier; social welfare undertakings are unmanaged and even notorious; bribes are being paid everywhere to confuse the accounts; decent citizens are afraid of their open extortion and extortion, and they are all silent for fear of imminent disaster.

　　In this way, year after year, Chief Mackinty's diamond pins became more and more dazzling, the gold bracelet exposed under his very luxurious vest became heavier and heavier, and the taverns he opened in the town became more and more enlarged, almost occupying the market side.

　　McMurdo pushed open the funky door of the tavern and walked into the crowd inside. The tavern is filled with smoke, alcohol, and brilliant lights, and the huge and dazzling mirrors on the four walls reflect and add bright and dazzling colors. Some waiters in short-sleeved shirts were busy mixing drinks for the wandering slackers standing by the wide metal counters.

　　At the other end of the hotel, a tall, athletic man, leaning sideways at the counter, a cigar protruding obliquely from the corner of his mouth to form a sharp angle, was none other than the famous McGinty himself. He was a dark giant with a full beard and jet-black unkempt hair that ran straight up to his collar. His complexion was as dark as an Italian's, and his eyes were astonishingly dark, squinting contemptuously, making his appearance particularly sinister.

　　Everything about this man—his well-proportioned, good looks, and frank personality—fit the cheerful, honest look he pretended to be. One would say that this was a man of frankness and honesty, and that his heart was faithful and kind, no matter how rude he spoke. Only when his gloomy and cruel dark eyes were aimed at a man did he cringe into a ball, feeling that he was facing a potential infinite calamity, and behind the calamity was hidden strength, courage and cunning, making this calamity appear extremely deadly.

　　McMurdo looked carefully at the man he was looking for, and as usual, he didn't care, and he squeezed forward with audacity, pushing away the small pile of flattering men who were trying to flatter the powerful chief, echoing the most prosaic joke he had ever told, laughing heartily. The young visitor, with a pair of mighty gray eyes, looked fearlessly through his glasses at the pair of dark eyes that looked at him sternly.

　　"Hey, young man. I can't remember who you are anymore. ”

　　"I'm new here, Mr. McInty."

　　"Don't you have the habit of calling a gentleman a noble title?"

　　"He's Senator Mr McKinty, young man," a voice in the crowd said.

　　"I'm sorry, Senator. I don't understand the habits of this place. But someone asked me to come and see you. ”

　　"Oh, you're here to see me. I'm here with my head and feet. What kind of person do you want me to be? ”

　　"Oh, it's still a mile before you draw conclusions, but if your heart and mind can be as magnificent as your body, and your soul as good as your face, then I have nothing else to ask for," mcMurdo said.

　　"Oh, you have such an Irish tongue," said the owner of the tavern, not entirely sure whether he was accommodating this bold and arrogant visitor or defending his dignity. ”

　　"Of course," McMurdo said.

　　"Someone asked you to come and see me?"

　　"Who told you that?"

　　"It's the Scanlon brothers of the Three Hundred and Forty-One Chapters of Vermesa. I wish you good health, Sir Senator, and toast to our friendly acquaintance. McMurdo picked up a glass of wine, cocked his little thumb, raised it to his mouth, and drank it all.

　　McKinty watched McMurdo closely, raising his other thick black eyebrows.

　　"Oh, that's a lot like that, isn't it?" McKinty said, "I'm going to look it up again, your name is..."

　　"McMurdo."

　　"Examine it more closely, Mr. McMurdo, for here we will never accept people by credulity, nor will we fully believe what they say to us. Please follow me to the back of the bar. ”

　　The two men walked into a small room surrounded by barrels of wine. McKintie closed the door carefully, sat down on a wine barrel, thoughtfully biting the cigar, a pair of eyes looking at each other, and sat for two minutes without a word.

　　McMurdo smiled and squinted at McGinty's scrutiny, one hand in his coat pocket and the other twisting his brown mustache. McKinty suddenly bent down and drew a pistol with a frightening style.

　　"Hey, my man," mcInty said, "if I think you're playing tricks with us, that's your doom." ”

　　McMurdo replied solemnly, "It is rare for a freedman chapter leader to treat a foreign brother in this way. ”

　　"Hey, I'm asking you to show your identification," McGinty said, "and if you can't do it, don't be surprised." Where did you join. ”

　　"Chicago Twenty-Ninth Chapter."

　　"What time?"

　　"June 24, 1872."

　　"Who is the Owner?"

　　"James M. H. Sterko. ”

　　"Who is the Speaker of your region?"

　　"Bartholomew Wilson."

　　"Hooray! In this examination, you are very eloquent. What are you doing there? ”

　　"Like you, working is just a poor job."

　　"You answered pretty quickly."

　　"Yes, I always answer the question."

　　"Are you fast enough to do things?"

　　"People who know me know I have this business card."

　　"Well, we'll be trying you soon, but have you heard anything about the situation here?"

　　"I heard it collected good men as brothers."

　　"You're right, Mr. McMurdo. Why did you leave Chicago? ”

　　"I can't tell you about that."

　　McGinty's eyes widened, he had never heard such a rude answer, and couldn't help but feel amused, asking:

　　"Why don't you want to tell me?"

　　"For the brethren do not lie to their own people."

　　"Then this matter must be ulterior motive."

　　"You can say the same thing if you want to."

　　"Hey, sir, you can't expect me, as a master, to accept membership from someone who can't tell his resume."

　　McMurdo looked embarrassed, then took a slice of cut out old newspaper from his underwear pocket and said:

　　"Don't you leak to people?"

　　"If you say that to me again, I'll give you a few slaps." McKinty said angrily.

　　"You are right, Mr. Senator," said McMurdo meekly, "and I owe you an apology." I don't mean to say it. Well, I know it's safe under your hands. Take a look at this newspaper clipping. ”

　　McKinty took a cursory look at the report: In early January 1874, at the Lake Hotel on Market Street in Chicago, a man named Jonas Pinto was murdered.

　　"You did it?" McGinty returned the newspaper clippings and asked.

　　McMurdo nodded.

　　"Why did you kill him?"

　　"I help Uncle Sam mint gold coins privately. Maybe my gold coins aren't as good as his (1), but they look good and are cheap to mint. This man named Pinto helped me sell counterfeit money..."

　　"What to do?"

　　"Ah, that is to say, let the counterfeit currency circulate and use." Later he said he was going to tell the truth. Maybe he did tell the truth, and I didn't hesitate to kill him and fled to this coal mine. ”

　　"Why did you flee to the coal mines?"

　　"Because I saw in the newspaper that the murderers were not very conspicuous here."

　　McKinty laughed: (1) Uncle Sam's U.S. government nickname. - Translator's Note

　　"You're a counterfeiter first, then a murderer, and you're here because you want to be popular here."

　　"That's pretty much it," McMurdo replied.

　　"Well, I see that you have a bright future. Hey, can you still mint counterfeit money? ”

　　McMurdo took six gold coins out of his pocket and said, "This is not made by the Philadelphia Mint." ”

　　"Not necessarily!" McGinty stretched out his big furry hand like an orangutan paw, and raised the gold coin to the lamp to look closely, "I really can't see any difference!" Oh, I see you as a very accomplished brother. McMurdo friends, we don't have one or two bad guys in our gang, because we have to protect ourselves. If we don't push the person pushing us back, we're going to hit a wall right away. ”

　　"Well, I think I'm going to do my part with everyone."

　　"I see you're very bold. When I pointed my pistol at you, you didn't flinch. ”

　　"It wasn't me who was at risk."

　　"So, who is it?"

　　"It's you, Mr. Senator." McMurdo pulled a pistol with its nose open from his tweed top pocket and said, "I've been aiming at you." I don't think I'll shoot any slower than you. ”

　　McInty blushed with rage and then burst into laughter.

　　"Oops!" He said, "Hey, I haven't seen a horrible guy like you in years." I think the club will be proud of you... Hey, what the hell are you going to do? Can't I talk to a gentleman alone for five minutes? Why can't you disturb us? ”

　　The waiter in the bar stood there confused and reported, "I'm sorry, Mr. Senator. But Mr. Ted Baldwin said he must see you at this moment. ”

　　In fact, there was no need for the waiter to inform him, because the man himself had already poked his evil face into the servant's shoulder. He pushed out the waiter and closed the door.

　　"So," he glared at McMurdo, and said, "you got here first?" Isn't it? Mr. Senator, I have something to say to you about this man. ”

　　"Then say it here in front of me," McMurdo exclaimed.

　　"When I say it, when I say it, it's up to me."

　　"Whew, tbh!" McGinty jumped off the barrel and said, "Absolutely not." Baldwin, here comes a new brother, and we cannot welcome him like this. Reach out your hand, friend, and make peace with him! ”

　　"Never!" Baldwin said angrily.

　　"If he thinks I've rammed him, I'd suggest a duel with him," McMurdo said, "and you can fight with your bare hands, and if he doesn't agree to do it with his bare hands, he can do whatever he chooses." Well, Mr. Senator, you are the lord, please judge. ”

　　"What the hell is going on?"

　　"For a young girl. She has the freedom to choose her lover. ”

　　"Can she do that?" Baldwin cried.

　　"Since it was two brothers in our chapter who were to be chosen, I said she could do that," the chief said.

　　"Ah, that's your judgment, isn't it?"

　　"Yes, that's right, Ted Baldwin," said McKinty, glaring at him viciously, "do you still want to argue?" ”

　　"In order to protect a person who has never lived a life, do you want to abandon a friend who has been with you for five years?" You're not going to be the boss for the rest of your life, Jack McKinty, God has eyes, and the next re-election..."

　　McKinti pounced on Baldwin with hunger, grabbed Baldwin by the neck with one hand, and pushed him to a barrel, and if McMurdo hadn't stopped him, McGinty would have strangled Baldwin to death in a fit of rage.

　　"Slow down, Sir Senator! For God's sake, don't worry! McMurdo pulled him back.

　　McKinty let go of his hand, and Baldwin was dying of fright, trembling like a man who had escaped death, sitting on the barrel he had just bumped into.

　　"Ted Baldwin, you've been looking for this for days. Now you're finally satisfied," Cried McGinty, panting, "and maybe you think I can't be elected lord, and you can take my place." But as long as I am the chief here, I will never let a man raise his voice against me and disobey my judgment. ”

　　"I'm not against you," Baldwin muttered, caressing his throat with his hand.

　　"Well, then," said McKinty, pretending to be happy at once, and exclaiming, "everyone is good friends again, and this is the end of it." ”

　　McGinty took a bottle of champagne from the shelf and opened the cork.

　　"Now," McGinty continued, pouring the wine all over three goblets, "let's all toast to reconciliation." From now on, you understand that we cannot take revenge on one another. Now, my good friend, Ted Baldwin, I'm talking to you, are you still angry? Mr. ”

　　"The clouds are still hanging over."

　　"But it's going to shine forever."

　　"I swear, I hope so."

　　They drank, and Baldwin and McMurdo did the same.

　　McGinty rubbed his hands triumphantly and shouted, "Now all the grievances are gone." You will all abide by the discipline of the club in the future. Brother Baldwin, the rules are very strict, you know. Brother McMurdo, if you get yourself into trouble, you'll be out of luck soon. ”

　　"I vouch for it, I don't go into trouble easily," said McMurdo, stretching out his hand to Baldwin, "that I can easily argue with people and forget about it: they say that we Are Irish people prone to emotional impulses." It's over, and I won't take it to heart. ”

　　Because McKinty was staring at him fiercely, Baldwin had to shake MacMedo's hand perfunctorily. But his sullen countenance clearly showed that what McMurdo had just said had not touched him in the slightest.

　　McGinty patted both of them on the shoulder.

　　"Alas! Oh these girls, these girls! McGinty exclaimed, "If there is such a woman between our two brothers, it will be bad luck." Well, because this is not something that a master can judge, this problem will be solved by the beautiful person involved. Even God will approve of this. Cough, without these women we have enough. Well, Brother McMurdo, you can join the 341st Chapter. Unlike Chicago, we have our own rules and methods. We're going to have a meeting on Saturday night, and if you come, then we can make you share forever all the rights in the Valle de Vermiza. ”

　　Iii Vermisa 341 Chapter

　　There were so many exciting events that night that the next day McModo moved from Jacob Sheft's old home to the widow McNamara at the very end of town. Scanlon, his first friend on the train, soon moved to Vermiza, and the two lived together. There were no other tenants here, and the landlady was an easy-going old Irish woman who didn't interfere with their affairs at all. So they are free to speak and act, which is really good for these two people who share privacy.

　　Sheft was very kind to McMurdo, and when he was happy, he invited McMurdo to his house for dinner, so McMurdo and Itti's correspondence was not interrupted. On the contrary, as the weeks passed, their interactions became more frequent and intimate.

　　McMurdo felt that his new home was safe, so he moved the mold of his counterfeit coinage to his bedroom and started working, and some of the brothers in the chapter came to watch it, as long as they promised never to leak secrets. When each brother left, he had in his pocket some counterfeit coins, which were so delicately minted that they were never difficult to use and without any danger. McMurdo had this skill, but he still had to bend down to work, which was a mystery to his members. But McMurdo told everyone who asked him that if he didn't have any apparent income, the police would soon come to interrogate him.

　　A policeman did have his eye on McMurdo, but this trivial matter, coincidentally, not only did not cause the slightest damage to the adventurer, but it made his reputation very good. Since the first day of introducing him to the brethren, McMurdo had managed to go to McKinty's Tavern almost every night, where he would get to know the "brothers" more intimately, a term known to everyone as an honorific title for a group of dangerous people who haunted the area. McMurdo's resolute and courageous character and unscrupulous speech have long won the love of all his brothers. On one occasion, McMurdo defeated his opponent quickly and skillfully in a "freestyle" boxing match between bars, which won the great respect of these rough people. However, another small thing made McMurdo even more prestigious among the crowd.

　　One night, people were cheering and drinking, when suddenly the door opened and a man walked in, dressed in a plain blue uniform and wearing a pointed hat of a coal and iron ore mine policeman. Because the mining area is full of terror and organized atrocities, ordinary police are completely helpless in the face of this situation. The Railway Bureau and the mine owners recruited to form a special body of the Coal and Iron Mine Police to supplement the shortage of ordinary police. As soon as the policeman entered the door, everyone suddenly fell silent, and many people looked at him curiously. But in the U.S. states, the relationship between the police and the criminals is very special, so McKinty stood behind the counter, not surprised that the policeman was mixed among his customers.

　　"It's too cold tonight, let's get some pure whiskey," said the officer, "Mr. Senator, we haven't seen each other before, have we?" ”

　　"Are you the new captain?" McGinty asked.

　　"Yes, we are here to visit you, Mr. Senator, and the other chiefs, and ask you to help us uphold the law in this town." My name is Marvin and I am the captain of the coal and iron mine police. ”

　　"We're fine here, we don't need you to maintain it, Captain Marvin," said McKindy coldly, "we have our own police in town, and we don't need any imports." You are nothing but minions paid by the capitalists, except for sticks or guns against the poor people. What else can be done? ”

　　"Well, well, we don't have to argue about this," said the sergeant peacefully, "and I hope that we will all do our part in accordance with our own opinions." However, we are not entirely in agreement. He finished his drink and turned to leave, when suddenly his eyes fell on the face of Jack McMurdo, who was standing close and glaring at him.

　　"Hey! feed! Captain Marvin looked up and down at McMurdo and shouted,

　　"There's an old acquaintance here."

　　McMurdo walked away from him and said, "I was never born to be friends with you, nor have I ever been friends with any other evil cop." ”

　　"An acquaintance is often not a friend," the captain of the police grinned, "and you're Jack McMurdo of Chicago, not bad at all, and you don't deny it." ”

　　McMurdo shrugged his shoulders.

　　"I don't need to deny it," mcMurdo said, "do you think I'm ashamed of my name?" ”

　　"Anyway, you did something good!"

　　"What exactly do you mean by that?" McMurdo clenched his fists and roared angrily.

　　"No, no, Jack, don't be so angry with me. Before I got to this damn coal mine, I was a chicago police officer, a Chicago scoundrel, and I knew it at first glance. ”

　　McMurdo sank his face and said, "Don't tell me you're Marvin of the Chicago Police Department!" ”

　　"It is this same old Ted Marvin who is waiting for you. We have not forgotten that there was a shooting of Jonas Pinto there. ”

　　"I didn't shoot him."

　　"Don't you?" Isn't that conclusive evidence? Well, it's good for you to die that person, or they'd have arrested and jailed you for using counterfeit currency. Well, we can let these things pass. Because, only you know and I know,—— maybe I've overstated and said something extraordinarily important—they can't find strong facts against you, and tomorrow the doors of Chicago will be open to you again. ”

　　"I can live anywhere I want."

　　"Hey, I've revealed the news to you, but you're like an angry dog, and you don't know how to thank me."

　　"Well, I think you may have done so, and I really owe you a debt of gratitude." McMurdo said not very respectfully.

　　"As long as you are honest and honest, I will not go out," said the police captain, "but the emperor is on the top, if you don't follow the right path in the future, it will be another matter!" Good night and good night, Sir Senator. ”

　　Marvin leaves the bar, which soon makes McMurdo a local hero, as McMurdo's deeds in distant Chicago have long been discussed. McMurdo usually laughs at people's inquiries, as if he is afraid that people will insist on adding great names to him. But now the matter has been officially confirmed. The unemployed homeless people in the bar room gathered around McMurdo and shook his hand cordially. From then on, McMurdo had nothing to worry about in the gang. He drank heavily, and he didn't show any intention of drinking, but if Scanlon hadn't helped him home that night, the prestigious hero would have spent the night in the bar.

　　On Saturday night, McMurdo was introduced to the club. He thought he was a regular member of Chicago and didn't need to hold any ceremony to get through. But Vermiza has a special ceremony of which it is proud, and everyone who applies for membership undergoes this ritual. The assembly took place in a large room in the trade union building dedicated to such a ceremony, where more than sixty men from Vilmisa were gathered, but this was by no means the full membership of the place, for there were still some of their branches in the valley, and some branches on the hills on both sides of the valley. When doing a major business, they exchange personnel with each other, so that some crimes and evil deeds can be done by people they don't know in the local area. In total, no less than five hundred members were scattered throughout the coal mining area.

　　In the empty conference room, people gather around a long table. Another table next to it was filled with wine bottles and glasses, and some members were already salivating at them. McGinty sat in the chief, his unkempt black hair wearing a flat-topped black velvet hat and a sacred belt around his neck for the bishop's ceremonies, so he seemed to be a priest who presided over demonic rituals. McKinty is flanked by people in high positions in the congregation, including the murderous and handsome Ted Baldwin. Each of them wears a ribbon or badge to indicate their position. Most of them were middle-aged, and the rest were young people between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five, who were willing to do whatever it took as long as the elders gave orders. Many of the elders can be seen from their appearance as people who are cruel and lawless. But from the ordinary members alone, it is difficult to believe that these enthusiastic and frank young people are indeed a group of murderers who do not blink. They are morally corrupt to the extreme, they pride themselves on their ability to do bad things, and they worship famous people who are called "neatly done".

　　Because of this perverted character, they take the initiative to kill those who have never offended them; in many cases, there are also those whom they have never known, and regard this as a brave and chivalrous thing. After committing the crime, they also argued with each other about who hit the deadliest, and competed to describe the victim's screams and the twisted shape of the body's pain.

　　At first, when they arranged to do evil things, there was still some secrecy, but when they talked about these things, they made an exception to make these evil acts public. Because the law has repeatedly lapsed against them, it makes them feel that, on the one hand, no one dares to testify against them, and on the other hand, they have countless reliable false witnesses on call, and a full warehouse of gold and silver treasures that can be used to hire the most talented lawyers in the state as defenders. For ten years, they have done nothing wrong, but none of them have been convicted. The only danger that threatens the Diehards comes from their victims, who, although outnumbered or surprised, can and sometimes do teach the bandits a profound lesson.

　　McMurdo had been warned that a severe test was in front of him, but no one had told him what the test was. Now he was led to the outer chamber by two serious-looking brothers. Through the partition wall, he could vaguely hear the tongue-in-cheek voices of the attendees inside. His name was mentioned once or twice, and McMurdo knew that there was discussion about his membership. Later, he walked into an internal guard with a yellow and green shoulder strap and said, "The Lord has ordered that he should be led in with his arms tied and blindfolded." ”

　　The three of them took off McMurdo's coat, rolled up the sleeve of his right arm, and quickly tied his elbows with a rope. Then he fastened a thick black hat to his head and covered the upper part of his face, so McMurdo could see nothing. Finally he was ushered into the assembly hall.

　　After putting on his hat, McMurdo only felt pitch black and very unbearable. He heard only a rustle and the whispers of the people around him, and later through the things covering his ears, he vaguely heard McKinty's voice: "John McMurdo, are you an old member of the Free Men's Society?" ”

　　McMurdo nodded in agreement.

　　"Do you belong to the Twenty-Ninth Chapter of Chicago?"

　　McMurdo nodded again.

　　"The night is unpleasant," the other said.

　　"Yes, for the traveling strangers, the night is unpleasant," replied McMurdo.

　　"It's cloudy."

　　"Yes, the storm is coming."

　　"Are the brethren satisfied?" The owner asked.

　　There was a whisper of approval.

　　"Brother, based on your code words and answers, we know that you are indeed a man of your own," said McGinty, "but we want you to know that in this county and in the outer county, we have certain rituals and certain responsibilities." Are you ready to give it a try? ”

　　"I'm ready."

　　"Are you a determined and brave person?"

　　"Yes."

　　"Please take a big step forward to prove it."

　　At the end of this sentence, McMurdo felt two sharp things coming straight to his eyes, so this created a situation in which if he took a step forward, then there was a danger of losing his eyes. But McMurdo still plucked up the courage to stride forward firmly, so that the thing that pressed against his eyes retreated, and there was a low cheer.

　　"He was a firm and courageous man," said the voice, "can you bear the pain?" ”

　　"Like everyone else," McMurdo replied.

　　"Try him!"

　　McMurdo felt an unbearable tingle in his forearm, and he tried not to make himself scream. The sudden shock almost made him faint, but he bit his lip and clenched his hands to hide his extreme pain.

　　"I can tolerate it even if it's worse than that," McMurdo said.

　　This time, they received a loud applause. A newcomer received such a high acclaim, which has never been done before in this club. Everyone came over and patted him on the back, and then the hat covering his head was removed. He stood there with a wink and a smile amid the congratulations of the brethren.

　　"And finally, Brother McMurdo," said McKinty, "since you have sworn allegiance to the Society and kept it a secret, you certainly know that any violation of your oath will be punished by shooting." ”

　　"I know," McMurdo said.

　　"Then do you submit to the jurisdiction of your master in any case?"

　　"I accept."

　　"Then, on behalf of the Vilmissa Chapter 341, I welcome you to membership and to the privileges of the Association and to participate in the debates of the Association. Brother Scanlon, you can put wine on the table, and we have a drink for this worthy brother! ”

　　People had already given the coat to McMurdo, but McMurdo looked at his right arm before putting on the coat, and his right arm was still as painful as a pinprick. There is a circle on the forearm, and there is a triangle inside, and the branding is deep and red, like the marks left by the soldering iron. One or two men next to him rolled up their sleeves and let him see their own club markings.

　　"We all have this mark," one man said, "but not all of us treat it as bravely as you do." ”

　　"Well, nothing," McMurdo said, but his arm was still burning with pain.

　　When the initiation ceremony is over and the wine is gone, the discussion begins. McMurdo, accustomed to the boring situations of Chicago, listened attentively, and the more he listened, the more surprised he became.

　　"The first thing on the agenda is," said McKinty, "read a letter from Wendell, the head of the 249th Merton County Chapter." He said:

　　'Dear sir,

　　It is necessary to eliminate Andrew Ray, the owner of the mine in our neighbouring district of Ray and Sturmasch. You always remember last fall when you got into an entanglement with the police, and we sent two brothers to help. Please send two competent men, who will be received by the chapter treasurer Higgins, who you know his address, and Higgins will tell them when and where to act.

　　Your friend J. W． Wendell'

　　"Wendell never refused us when we asked to borrow one or two men, and we couldn't refuse him," McGinty paused, his gloomy, vicious eyes looking around the room and asking, "Who volunteered?" ”

　　Several young men raised their hands. The owner looked at them and smiled approvingly.

　　"You can go, Tiger Cormac. If you can do as well as you did last time, you won't go wrong. And you, Wilson. ”

　　"I don't have a pistol," the teenage boy said.

　　"You're doing this for the first time, isn't it?" Well, sooner or later you always have to gain experience, and that's a good start. As for the pistol, you will find that the pistol is waiting for you, otherwise I am mistaken. If you report on Monday, you've run out of time. When you come back, you will be warmly welcomed. ”

　　"Can I get paid this time?" Cormac asked if he was a sturdy, dark-faced, hideous young man who earned him the nickname "Tiger" because of his ferocity and brutality.

　　"Don't worry about getting paid. You are doing this out of honor alone. When it's done, maybe there's a little bit for you. ”

　　"What is the sin of that man?" Young Wilson asked.

　　"Of course, what is the sin of that person, this is not what people like you should ask. They have already sentenced him there, and that is none of our business. All we have to do is execute for them. They will do the same for us. Speaking of which, two brothers from the Merton Chapter will come to us next week. ”

　　"Who are they?" A man asked.

　　"You'd better not ask. If you don't know anything, you can testify that you don't know anything, and you won't cause any trouble. But they are the ones who do things neatly. ”

　　"Also!" Ted Baldwin cried, "Something should be settled." Just last week, three of our brothers were fired by the foreman, Blake. It was long past time to teach him, and he should have learned it a long time ago. ”

　　"What do you receive?" McMurdo asked in a low voice to the people sitting next to him.

　　"Give him a big bullet and you're done!" The man laughed and said in a loud voice, "What do you think we can do?" brothers. ”

　　McMurdo is now part of this community of innocent deeds, and his soul seems to have been assimilated by this spirit.

　　"I love it," McMurdo said, "and that's where the heroic boy comes in!" ”

　　People around who heard McMurdo speak praised him.

　　"What's going on?" The big black man sitting at the end of the table asked.

　　"Sir, our new brother thinks our approach is very much to his taste."

　　McMurdo immediately stood up and said:

　　"I dare say, Respected Lord, if there is a place for usefulness, I should be proud to be able to contribute."

　　Everyone cheered loudly, as if a sun had risen from the horizon. But for some older members, this achievement seems to be a little too fast.

　　"I propose," said a gray-bearded old man with a face as good as a vulture, sitting next to his master, and this was Secretary Harawi, "the McMuddo brothers should wait, and the chapter is glad to use him." ”

　　"Of course, I think so too, and I will obey the order." McMurdo said.

　　"Brother, I will soon use you," said the Lord, "and we already know that you are a willing person, and we are convinced that you will do a good job in this place." There's a little thing tonight that you can do if you want to. ”

　　"I would like to wait for more valuable opportunities."

　　"Anyway, you can go tonight, and that helps you understand what our group stands for." I will announce this proposition later. At the same time," he said, looking at the agenda, "I have one or two more things to say at the meeting. First, I would like to ask the Treasurer about the balances of our bank. A widowed pension should be given to Jim Canale. Kanawe was martyred in the line of duty, and it was our duty to take good care of her. ”

　　"Jim was killed last month when he went to assassinate Chester Wilcox of Mali Creek," mcMurdo's neighbor told him.

　　"There are a lot of deposits now," the treasurer said, holding a bank deposit book in front of him, "and these business houses have been very generous lately." The five hundred dollars paid by Max Linde have not yet been used. The Volcker brothers sent them a hundred dollars, but I returned them to them in my own right, asking them to pay five hundred dollars. If I don't hear back on Wednesday, their hoist drives will malfunction. Last year we burned down their mills and they only became a little more open. The Western Coal Company handed over its annual donation. We have enough money in our hands to meet all the debts. ”

　　"How about Archie Swinden?" A brother asked.

　　"He has sold his property and left the district. This old goddamn left us a note saying that he would rather be a free scavenger in New York than be a big miner under the influence of an extortion syndicate, oh my God! After he escaped, we received this note. I don't think he would ever dare to show his face in this valley again. ”

　　An old man with a clean shaved face, a kind face, with a pair of thick eyebrows, stood up from the other end of the table.

　　"Mr. Treasurer," he asked, "may I ask you, who bought the minerals of the man we drove away?" ”

　　"Brother Morris, whose minerals were bought by the State and Merton County Railroads."

　　"Who bought Todman and Lee's mines last year?"

　　"It's also this company, the Morris brothers."

　　"Manson iron ore, Schumann iron ore, Van der Ermet iron ore and Atrinder iron ore, have all recently been sold, and who bought it?"

　　"These iron mines were bought by West Gilmerton Mining Corporation."

　　"I don't understand, Brother Morris," said McGinty, "that since they can't take the minerals away from this place, who buys them has anything to do with us?" ”

　　"I have a lot of respect for you, my lord, but I think it has a lot to do with us. This process of change has been going on for a decade now. We have gradually driven out all the petty capitalists. The result? We find them replaced by large corporations such as the Railroad Company or the Coal and Iron Corporation, which have their directors in New York or Philadelphia, and ignore our intimidation. Although we can drive out their local foremen, this only means sending someone else to replace them, and we ourselves are in danger. Those little capitalists cannot do us any harm. They have neither money nor power. As long as we do not squeeze them too harshly, they can remain in our sphere of influence. But if these great corporations find that we are in the way of them and their interests, they will spare no effort to destroy us and sue us in court. ”

　　Hearing these unsophisticating words, everyone fell silent, looking depressed and gloomy. They had supreme authority in the past and had never been frustrated, so much so that they had no idea what retribution they would receive. However, even the most desperate among them was disappointed to hear Morris's thoughts.

　　"I advise you," Morris continued, "not to be too harsh on the petty capitalists in the future. If one day they are all forced away, then the power of our community will be destroyed. ”

　　Truth is not welcome. Morris had just taken his seat when he heard some people shouting and shouting. McGinty's eyebrows furrowed and she stood up gloomily and unhappily.

　　"Brother Morris," said McGinty, "you always report funerals everywhere. As long as we work together, there will be no force in America that can touch us. Yes, don't we often compete with people in court? I expected the big companies to find it much easier for them to pay us like the smaller companies than to fight us. Now, brethren," said McGinty as he took off his flat-topped velvet hat and the holy belt,

　　"Tonight's meeting is over, and there is only one small thing to mention before the meeting is adjourned. Now is the time for the brothers to raise a glass and have fun. ”

　　Human nature is indeed very strange. These are some people who regard killing as a writer's common meal, and have killed the parents of some families again and again without humanity, and when they see their wives and wives crying and their children are lost, they have no guilt or compassion, but when they hear the soft and urgent music, they will also be moved to tears. McMurdo has a beautiful tenor voice. If he had not previously gained the friendship and kindness of the brothers in the congregation, when he sang "Mary, I sit on the fence" and "On both sides of the Aram", they were deeply moved and could no longer suppress their kindness to him.

　　On this first night, the new member made himself the most popular member of the brethren, already symbolizing his imminent promotion and high position. However, to be a respected freelancer, in addition to these friendships, there is a need for another temperament, and before the night has passed, McMurdo has been described as a model of these qualities. After several rounds of drinking, the people were already drunk and blind, and then the owner stood up and spoke to them.

　　"Brethren," said McGinty, "there is a man in town who should be cut off, and you know he deserves to be punished. I'm talking about James Stagger of the Herald. Haven't you already seen him yelling at us again? ”

　　Then a whisper of approval erupted from the room, and some cursed and swore. McKinty took a newspaper from his vest pocket and read it:

　　"Law & Order!

　　This is the title that Stanger added.

　　'Reign of Terror in the Coal and Iron Mining Area

　　Twelve years have passed since the first assassination, which indicated the existence of a criminal organization in our region. Only since the beginning of the day, such atrocities have not ceased. To this day, they have reached the pinnacle of perfection, and they have brought shame to our people in the civilized world. How could our country have anticipated such an outcome when it welcomed the immigrants who fled from the European dictatorship? They wanted to bully the Benefactor on whom they depended that day, and they committed themselves to violence, and such a terrible tyranny and lawlessness, which was established under the cover of the Holy Spirit of the Star-Spangled Banner of Liberty, caused panic in our minds, like those who were in the most decaying eastern monarchy. Their names are well known. This organization is also public. When will we tolerate this? My character can live like this forever...'

　　"Enough, I've read enough of this nonsense!" McGinty threw the newspaper on the table and shouted, "This is what Stanger is reporting about us." The question I have to you now is, how do we deal with him? ”

　　"Kill him!" The voices of a dozen people shouted murderously.

　　"I am against this," said the Morris brother, who had a pair of thick eyebrows and a clean face, "brethren, I tell you that the means we have done in this valley are so cruel that they are bound to unite in self-defense to destroy us. James Stanger was an old man. He was revered in the town and in the district. His newspapers also have a strong foundation in this valley. If this person is killed by us, it will shake the whole country, and the final result can only be our destruction. ”

　　"How can they destroy us? "Mr. Coward," cried McKindy, "with the police?" Affirmatively, half of the policemen were hired by us and the other half were afraid of us. Maybe use the courts and judges against us? Haven't we seen it before? The result? ”

　　"Judge Lynch may have come to try this case," the Morris brothers said.

　　Everyone listened and shouted angrily.

　　"As long as I hold out my finger," cried McGinty, "I can send two hundred men into town to get rid of them completely." Then, furrowing his brows, he suddenly raised his voice, "Hey, Brother Morris, I've noticed you a long time ago. If you are unfaithful yourself, you will let others deviate from morality. Brother Morris, when your own name is on our agenda, it's your black day. I think I should put my honorific name on the agenda. ”

　　Morris immediately turned pale, his knees trembled, slumped down in his chair, trembled as he raised his beer glass, took a sip, and replied:

　　"Dear Lord, if I say something I should not have said, I apologize to you and to all the brethren in the congregation. As you all know, I am a faithful member, and I am afraid that misfortune will be brought in, so I say such worried words. But, My Honorable Lord, I absolutely believe your verdict more than I believe in myself, and I promise never to offend again. ”

　　When the Lord heard him speak so humbly, the anger on his face disappeared.

　　"Very well, Morris Brothers. Nor do I want to teach you a lesson. However, as long as I am in the position of leader, our chapter will be unified in words and deeds. Now, brethren," he continued, looking at the brethren around him, "I would like to say that if Stanger gets the punishment he deserves exactly, then we will cause more trouble. Once these journalists colluded, every newspaper in the country appealed to the police and the army. I think you can give him a pretty harsh warning though. Brother Baldwin, would you like to arrange it? ”

　　"Of course!" The young man responded enthusiastically.

　　"How many people are you going to take?"

　　"Six is enough, with two people guarding the door. Goyle, there you go; Mansell, and you; Scanlon, and you; and the Willabi brothers. ”

　　"I'll allow this new brother to go with me," McGinty said.

　　Ted Baldwin looked at McMurdo, and it was clear from the look in his eyes that he had neither forgotten nor forgiven.

　　"Okay, he can go if he wants," Baldwin said rudely,

　　"Enough is enough. The sooner we do it, the better. ”

　　Some of the seven men were clamoring and shouting, and some were drunk and humming a little tune and left the table. The bar room was still crowded with people feasting, and many of the brethren remained there. The young man was instructed to go down the street, and two or three men marched along the sidewalk so as not to attract attention. On this night, the weather was unusually cold, the stars were brilliant, and a crescent moon hung high in the cold sky. The men stopped in front of a tall building and gathered in the courtyard. In the middle of the bright glass windows are printed the words "Vermissa Herald Newspaper". From inside came the sound of a printing press.

　　"Here you are," Baldwin said to McMurdo, "you can stand under the stairs and guard the gate so that we can get out of the way." Arthur Willabi is with you. The rest of the people came with me. Brethren, beware, for we have more than a dozen witnesses who can prove that we are in the bar room of the union at this time. ”

　　It was nearly midnight, and there were no pedestrians on the street except one or two drunks who had returned home. The gang crossed the street and pushed open the newspaper door, and Baldwin and his party rushed in and ran up the stairs opposite. McMurdo and another man stayed downstairs. From the upstairs room came the cry for help, followed by footsteps trampling and chairs tipping over. After a while, a gray-haired man ran to the landing. But before he could run a few steps, he was caught, and his glasses clanged and landed at McMurdo's feet. Only to hear a thud, followed by a groan. The man fell face down, several sticks crackling at him. He tumbled and convulsed, his long, thin limbs trembling under the blow. Everyone else stopped, but Baldwin's ferocious face was still smiling, and the stick in his hand slashed at the old man's head, and the old man tried in vain to protect his head with his hands, but his white hair was already soaked with blood. Baldwin was still looking for a place where the victim's hands could not protect him. Then McMurdo ran upstairs and pushed him away.

　　"You're going to beat this man to death," McMurdo said, "stop!" ”

　　Baldwin looked at him in surprise.

　　"Damn it!" Baldwin shouted, "Who are you to dare to interfere with me?" Are you a new recruit? Stand back! He raised his stick, but McMurdo drew his pistol from the back pocket of his pants.

　　"Stand back yourself!" McMurdo shouted, "If you dare touch me, I'll shoot right away." Didn't the Lord have an order not to kill this man, and you didn't want to kill him? ”

　　"He said well," one of them said.

　　"Gee, you'd better hurry up!" The man downstairs shouted, "The lights are on in every window, and in five minutes the whole town will come after you." ”

　　At this time, there were shouts on the street, and some typesetting and printing workers gathered in the downstairs hall and plucked up the courage to prepare for action. The criminals left the editor's frozen body, swooped downstairs, and fled along the street. After running to the guild hall, some people mingled in the crowd at the McInty Tavern and whispered to the chief that things had been completely settled. Others, including McMurdo, ran down the street and went back to their homes from the remote paths.

　　IV Uncanny Valley

　　The next morning, McMurdo woke up and recalled his membership. Because I drank too much wine, my head was a little swollen and painful, and the burned wounds of my arms were also swollen and faintly painful. Since he had a special source of income, he had to work irregularly, so he ate breakfast late, and in the morning he stayed at home to write a long letter to a friend. Later, he flipped through the Daily Herald and saw a report in the column:

　　The Herald mob was seriously injured

　　It's a brief report, and McMurdo actually knows better than the reporter himself. The report concludes by saying:

　　"This matter has now been taken care of by the Police Department, and it is difficult to hope that they will be better than the results of these previous cases." Several of the mob are already known and are expected to be sentenced. The source of the atrocities is, in no uncertain terms, the infamous society with whom the Herald fought uncompromisingly, enslaving the inhabitants of the region for many years. The many friendships of Stangerjun were pleased to hear that although Staggejun was severely beaten and seriously injured in the head, he was not yet in danger of dying. ”

　　It is reported below that the newspaper was guarded by a coal-iron police force armed with Winchester rifles.

　　McMurdo put down the newspaper and lit his pipe, but his arm trembled a little because of last night's burns. At this time there was a knock at the door outside, and the landlady brought him a note saying that a child had just delivered it. The letter was unsigned and read:

　　"I have something to talk to you about, but I can't come to your house." You can find me next to the flagpole on Miller Hill. If you are willing to come now, I have something important to tell. ”

　　McMurdo read the letter twice in amazement, unable to think of who was or what his intention was. If it came from the hands of a woman, he could imagine that it might be the beginning of some adventure, and that he had not been unfamiliar with it in his past life. But this is the handiwork of a man who seems to be well educated. McMurdo hesitated for a moment, and finally decided to go and see it.

　　Mount Miller is a desolate park in the center of town. It is a popular place to visit in the summer, but it is extremely desolate in the winter. From the top of the hill, you can see not only the town's filthy and chaotic scene, but also the winding valley, lined with sparsely scattered mines and factories, and the nearby snow has been stained, as well as the densely forested slopes and snow-covered summits.

　　McMurdo strolls along a winding path through evergreen trees to a snubbed restaurant that is a center of entertainment during the summer months. Next to it was a bare flagpole with a man under the flagpole, his hat low, his coat collar up. The man turned back, and McMurdo recognized him as the Morris brothers, the same man who had angered the owner last night, and the two met and exchanged code words from the meeting.

　　"I want to talk to you, Mr. McMurdo," said the old man, looking in a dilemma, hesitantly, "and it is rare that you have come to see the light." ”

　　"Why didn't you sign your letter?"

　　"No one can be careless and cautious, sir. People don't know when it's going to be a disaster, and they don't know who can be trusted and who can't be trusted. ”

　　"Of course, no one can trust the brothers in the church."

　　"No, no, not necessarily," Morris exclaimed emotionally, "what we say, even what we think, seems to reach McKinty." ”

　　"Hey!" McMurdo snapped, "You know, I just swore an oath last night to be loyal to our lord. Are you going to make me betray my oath? ”

　　"If you think so," said Morris with a sad face, "all I can say is that I'm sorry to let you come and meet me in vain." Isn't it too bad that two free citizens can't talk to each other! ”

　　McMurdo looked at the other side carefully, relieved his concerns a little, and said, "Of course, I only say this for my own sake. You know, I'm a newcomer and I'm new to everything here. As far as I am concerned, there is no voice, Mr. Morris. If you have anything to say to me, I will listen to it. ”

　　"Then go report chief McGinty!" Morris said sadly.

　　"Then you have really wronged me," cried McMurdo, "and from my own point of view, I am loyal to the party, so I will tell you directly." But if I tell others what you say to me, I am a despicable slave. I want to warn you, though, that you don't expect my help or sympathy. ”

　　"I don't expect help or sympathy," Morris said, "and when I say these things to you, I've put my life in the palm of your hand." But while you're bad enough—I thought you'd be the worst person last night—you're still a novice and not as hard-hearted as they are, and that's why I wanted to talk to you. ”

　　"Well, what are you going to tell me?"

　　"If you betray me, you will be punished!"

　　"Of course, I said I would never betray you."

　　"Then, I ask you, when you joined the Free Men in Chicago and vowed to be loyal and fraternal, did you think in your heart that it would lead you down the path of crime?"

　　"Suppose you call it a crime," replied McMurdo.

　　"It's called a crime!" Morris shouted, his voice trembling with excitement, "You've seen a little crime, what else can you call it?!" Last night, an old man old enough to be your father was beaten to death with blood and gray hair, is this a crime? Do you call this a crime, or do you call it something else? ”

　　"Some people will say it's a struggle," McMurdo said, "it's an all-out struggle between two classes, so each side tries to hit the other." ”

　　"So, when you attended the Free Men's Conference in Chicago, did you ever think of such a thing?"

　　"No, I promise I didn't think of it."

　　"When I joined the club in Philadelphia, I didn't think about it either. I only know that this is a place where beneficial clubs and friends meet. Later I heard people mention this place, and I really hate the moment when this name first reached my ears, and I wanted to come here to make my life better! Oh, my God! Make yourself a little better! My wife and three children came with me. I opened a silk shop in the market and it was quite profitable. I was a freelancer member, and word quickly spread. Then I was forced to join the local chapter as you did last night. I had this mark of shame on my arm, but an even uglier mark on my heart. I realized that I had come under the command of a treacherous villain and was caught in a criminal net. What can I do? I wanted to do things kindly, but as soon as I spoke, they called me rebel, as they had done last night. Everything I have in the world is in the silk shop, and I can't go away. If I were to leave this community, I knew very well that I would be murdered, and God knew what would happen to my wife and children? Oh, friend, this is horrible, horrible! He covered his face with both hands, his body trembling unceasingly, sobbing and sobbing.

　　McMurdo shrugged and said, "You're too soft-hearted to do this kind of thing, and you're not fit to do it." ”

　　"My conscience and faith have not been lost, but they have made me one of their criminals. They chose me to do something, and if I backed down, I knew exactly what would happen to me. Maybe I was a coward, maybe I thought of my poor little woman and children, anyway, I was going anyway. I think this will always weigh on my heart.

　　"This is a lonely house on the other side of the mountain, twenty miles from here. Like you did yesterday, they told me to guard the door. Doing this kind of thing, they don't believe me yet. The others went in. When they came out, their hands were covered in blood. Just as we were leaving, a small child ran out of the room and cried behind us. This is a five-year-old who witnessed the murder of his father. I was so frightened that I almost fainted, but I had to pretend to be brave and put on a smiling face. Because I know very well that if I don't, the same thing will come out of my house, and the next time they will come out of my house with their hands covered in blood, my little Fred will cry and call his father.

　　"But I am already a criminal, an accessory to murder, forever abandoned in this world, and difficult to live in the next life." I am a kind Catholic. But the priest would not pray for me if he heard that I was a die-hard partyman, and I had turned my back on my religion. That's what I went through. I see that you are also walking this path, and I ask you, what will be the end in the future? Are you going to be a bloodthirsty murderer, or are we going to try to stop it? ”

　　"What are you going to do?" McMurdo suddenly asked, "You're not going to tip the whistleblower, are you?" ”

　　"I hope that doesn't happen!" Morris said loudly, "Of course, if I think about it, my life will be in danger." ”

　　"Well," said McMurdo, "I think you're a coward, so you take this matter too seriously." ”

　　"Too serious! Wait until you stay here for a longer time. Look at this valley! Look at this valley shrouded in smoke from hundreds of chimneys! I tell you, this cloud of murder is lower and thicker than the cloud of smoke that hangs over the heads of the people. It's a uncanny valley, Death Valley. From morning to night, people's hearts were terrified. Wait and see, young man, you'll figure it out for yourself. ”

　　"Well, when I know more, I'll tell you what I think," McMurdo said casually, "it's clear that you're not fit to live here, and you'd better resell your property sooner, and it'll be good for you." Rest assured what you say to me, I won't say it. However, the Emperor is on top, if I find out that you are a whistleblower, then it is..."

　　"No, no!" Morris cried pitifully.

　　"Okay, that's where we get to. I'll take your words to heart, and I'll probably get back to you in a few days. I think you're being kind enough to say these things to me. Now I'm going home. ”

　　"Before you go, I'll say one more thing," said Morris, "and we're talking together, and it's inevitable that someone will see it." They may want to inquire about what we are saying. "Ah, that's a good idea."

　　"I said I wanted to invite you to work as a clerk in my shop."

　　"I said I wouldn't say yes. That's what we're doing here. Well, goodbye, Morris Brothers. Good luck. ”

　　At noon that day, McMurdo was sitting by the fireplace in the living room smoking, and was in a state of contemplation when the door was suddenly slammed open, and the tall figure of Chief McGinty filled the door frame. He said hello and sat down across from the young man, glaring at him calmly and composedly for a long time, as did McMurdo.

　　"I don't come out to visit people easily, Brother McMurdo," said McKintie at last, "and I am always busy receiving those who visit me. But I think I've made an exception to visit you at your house. ”

　　"I am honored to be here, Mr. Senator," replied McMurdo affectionately, taking a piece of whiskey from the cupboard, "and it is my greatest honor." ”

　　"How about the arms," the owner asked.

　　McMurdo grimaced and replied, "Ah, I won't forget it, but it's valuable." ”

　　"It's valuable for those who are faithful and reliable, who perform rituals, who help with the affairs of the meeting. What did you say to the Morris brothers this morning near Mount Miller? ”

　　The question came so abruptly that, fortunately, McMurdo had prepared for it, so he laughed loudly: "Morris didn't know that I could make a living at home." He wouldn't have known at all, because he had overestimated the conscience of my kind. But he's a kind old guy. He thought I had no career, so he asked me to work as a clerk in a silk shop. ”

　　"Ah, was it for this purpose?"

　　"Yes, that's the thing."

　　"So did you refuse?"

　　"Of course. I work in my own bedroom for four hours, don't I earn ten times more than I would with him? ”

　　"Nice. But if it were me, I wouldn't have had much contact with Morris. ”

　　"I don't think I can tell you. Most people here understand. ”

　　"Maybe most people understand, but I don't yet, Mr. Senator," said McMurdo recklessly, "if you're a fair man, you'll know." ”

　　The big black man glared angrily at McMurdo, and his furry claws grabbed the wine glass at once, as if to throw it on the other person's head, and then he laughed happily and falsely.

　　"There is no doubt that you are indeed a freak," said McKinty, "well, if you must know why, then I'll tell you." Didn't Morris say anything against the Society to you? ”

　　"Nothing."

　　"Didn't you object to my words?"

　　"Ah, that's because he still can't believe you." But he was no longer a faithful brother in his heart. We knew this very well, so we paid attention to him, and we waited for the opportunity to warn him, and I think this moment is not far away. For in our sheepfold there is no shelter for the lowly sheep. But if you make friends with an unfaithful person, we have to think that you are also an unfaithful person. Do you understand this? ”

　　"Because I don't like this guy, I don't have a chance to make friends with him." McMurdo replied, "As for my infidelity, that is, it comes from your mouth, and if it were someone else, he would not have had the opportunity to say such a thing to me a second time." ”

　　"Well, don't say it again," said McGinty, who had finished his drink, "I have come in time to advise you, and you should understand." ”

　　"I'd love to know how exactly you knew I talked to Morris."

　　McGinty smiled.

　　"I know what's going on in this town," said McKinty, "and I think you should have known that nothing could escape my ears." Well, it's not too early, and I'll say..."

　　But a very unexpected situation interrupted his farewell words. With a sudden crash, the door opened, and three determined faces were glaring at them from under the brim of the police hat. McMurdo jumped up and had just pulled his pistol halfway out when his arm stopped halfway through as he spotted two Winchester rifles aimed at his head. A man in a police uniform walked indoors, holding a six-shot revolver in his hand. This man was none other than Marvin, who had been in Chicago before and was now the captain of the coal and iron mine security team. He shook his head and looked at McMurdo without smiling.

　　"Mr. McMurdo of Chicago, I think you've been arrested," said Marvin, "you can't get out, put on your hat, and go with us!" ”

　　"I think you're going to pay for it, Captain Marvin," McKinty said. "I would like to know what kind of person you are, who can break into people's homes and harass a loyal law-abiding person under such circumstances!"

　　"It has nothing to do with you, Mr. Senator," said the captain of the police, "that we are not here to hunt you down, but to hunt down this McMurdo." You should help us, not hinder us from discharging our duties. ”

　　"He's my friend, and I can vouch for his actions," McGinty said.

　　"In any case, Mr. McInty, in recent days you have only been able to vouch for your own actions," replied the police captain, "McMurdo was a scoundrel before he came here, and he is still restless." Sergeant, turn your gun at him, and I'll hand over his weapon. ”

　　"This is my pistol," said McMurdo coldly, "Captain Marvin, if you and I had met face to face each other alone, you would not have caught me so easily." ”

　　"What about your warrants?" McKinty said, "Oh my God! A man who lives in Vermisa is as much as he lives in Russia, and people like you come to lead the police station! This is an illegal means of the capitalists, and I reckon that I will hear more about this in the future. ”

　　"Think as you please, Sir. Senator. We do whatever we want. ”

　　"What crime have I committed?" McMurdo asked.

　　"The case of the beating of the old chief writer Stanger in the Herald newspaper has something to do with you. No one else has accused you of murder, and it's not because you don't want to kill. ”

　　"Ah, if you're only for this," McInty said with a chuckle, "stop now, you can save a lot of trouble." This guy was playing poker with me in my tavern until midnight, and I could find a dozen people to prove it. ”

　　"That's your business, and I think you can go to court tomorrow and say it." Go, McMurdo, if I don't want the bullet to go through your chest, you'll go honestly. You stand farther away, Mr. McKindy, and I warn you that there will never be any resistance in the performance of my duties. ”

　　Captain Marvin's look was so determined that McMurdo and his chief had to accept a fait accompli. Before the breakup, McKinty took the opportunity to whisper to the arrestees, "What about that thing..." He snapped his thumb, hinting at the mint.

　　"Arranged," mcMurdo whispered, having placed it in a safe secret place under the floor.

　　"I wish you all the best," said the chief, shaking hands with McMurdo and saying goodbye, "I'm going to get a lawyer from Reilly and go to the court in person." Believe me, they won't detain you. ”

　　"I don't want to bet on that. The two of you take the criminal well, and if he wants to play any tricks, shoot them. I'm going to search the house first and then withdraw. ”

　　Captain Marvin searched, but apparently found no trace of the hidden mint. He went downstairs and escorted McMurdo to the General Administration with a cadre of men. It was already dark and a strong blizzard was blowing, so there were few pedestrians on the street, and only a few people wandering behind them, boldly cursing the arrestees.

　　"Execute this damn cool guy!" They shouted, "Execute him!" "When McMurdo was pushed into the police station, they laughed at him. After a brief interrogation by the officer in charge, McMurdo was thrown into an ordinary cell. He found baldwin and the other three criminals from the night before were also here, all of whom had been arrested that afternoon and awaited trial tomorrow.

　　The free man's hand is long enough to reach into the prison. Later, a jailer brought in a bundle of straw to lay for them, and he took out two bottles of whiskey, a few glasses of wine, and a deck of cards from it. They drank and gambled, and they reveled all night, without the slightest concern for the events of the next morning.

　　They did not cause any trouble, and the outcome of the case was clear. The magistrate could not convict them on the basis of his testimony. On the one hand, the typesetters and printers had to admit that the lights were blurry, and they themselves were very confused and panicked, and although they believed that the defendant was among them, it was difficult to absolutely guarantee the face of the perpetrator. After some cross-examination by a clever lawyer arranged by McKinty, the testimony of these witnesses became even more ambiguous.

　　The victim has proven that he was so shocked by the surprise attack that he could not say anything but remember that the first person to beat him had a mustache. He added that he knew these people were die-hard party members because no one else in society hated him and had long been intimidated by threats from his party members because he often commented publicly.

　　On the other hand, six citizens, including Municipal Council Senator McKinty, testified in the presence of the defendants, whose testimony was resolute, consistent and clear that the defendants were playing poker in the union and did not leave until more than an hour after the grave breach.

　　Needless to say, the judge said something close to an apology for the annoyance suffered by the arrested person, while implicitly reprimanding Captain Marvin and the police for being nosy, and then released the defendant.

　　At this time, some observers in the courtroom applauded the verdict, and McMurdo saw many familiar faces in it. The brothers in the congregation all smiled and waved in greeting. But others sat there with their lips closed and their eyes gloomy as the criminals emerged from the defendant's seat; one of them, a man with a black beard and a resolute face, spoke his own and the others' thoughts as the freed criminals walked past him.

　　"You damn murderers!" He shouted, "We're going to pack up yours!" ”

　　V. The darkest hours

　　Jack McMadeau has made a name for himself in his gang since his arrest and acquittal. A man who did something on the night of his membership to get him to stand trial before a judge was unprecedented in this society. He had earned a high prestige, and he was considered a good drinker, a reveler of high interest, an arrogant man, who would never be insulted, and who would never give in even to the leader himself, who had supreme authority. But beyond that, he impressed his associates deeply: it was believed that no man's mind in the Whole Council could come up with a bloodthirsty conspiracy in the blink of an eye, and no man's hand could put the conspiracy into practice like he did. "He must be a sharp-handed fellow," the old guys argued, waiting for the moment for McMurdo to start playing.

　　McGinty already had enough tools in his hands, but he thought McMurdo was one of the most capable men, and he felt like a master who was strapped to a ferocious and bloodthirsty hound, using some inferior breed of dog to do small things, but one day he would let go of the beast to hunt. A few members, including Baldwin, were deeply dissatisfied with the rapid rise of the outsider, and even resentful, but they avoided him, because McMurdo was ready to duel with people as easily as he laughed.

　　But if McMurdo won the honor among his henchmen, but he lost another aspect, even more important to him, it was that Itie Sheft's father never dealt with him or allowed him to come to the door. Itti is deeply attached to her love for McMurdo, but her kind heart also feels that if she marries a mob, it is difficult to predict the consequences.

　　One night, Itti tossed and turned, staying up all night. In the morning, she decided to visit McMurdo, thinking that perhaps this would be the last time she would see him, to do her best to save him from the evil forces that had dragged him into the water. Because McMurdo often begged her to come to his house, she walked toward McMurdo and ran straight to his living room. McMurdo was sitting at a desk, with his back to the door, with a letter in front of him. Nineteen-year-old Itie suddenly flashed a naughty thought of a girl. Itti gently pushed the door open, and seeing that McMurdo was unaware, he crept forward and put his hand lightly on his shoulder.

　　Ittie had wanted to scare McMurdo, and he must have done so; but he didn't expect to be frightened himself. McMurdo jumped up like a tiger and grabbed his right hand to Itty's throat. At the same time, his left hand kneaded the letter in front of him into a ball. For a moment he stood there with an angry eyebrow. However, when I fixed my eyes on it, I couldn't help but be surprised, and immediately retracted the other fierce faces. Itti had been frightened and flinched back, for she had never encountered anything like this in her peaceful and gentle life.

　　"It was you!" McMurdo wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said, "I didn't expect you to come, my dear, I almost didn't strangle you." "Come on, my dear," said McMurdo, stretching out his hands, "let me pay you tribute. ”

　　Itty suddenly saw from McMurdo's expression that he was terrified by the crime. This left her terrified. Her woman's instinct told herself that McMurdo had not been frightened in vain to be like this. He is guilty of a crime – and that is the question – he is terrified of a sin!

　　"What happened to you?" Jack," said Edie in a loud voice, "why did I scare you like this?" Oh, Jack, if you had a clear conscience, you would never have looked at me like that! ”

　　"Yes, I was thinking of something else, so you walked in so gracefully..."

　　"No, no, it's definitely not only that, Jack," it was suddenly suspicious, "let me see the letter you wrote. ”

　　"Ah, Edie. I can't show you. ”

　　Itti was even more suspicious.

　　"It was written for another woman," she cried, "and I see!" Why don't you let me see it? That's a letter to your wife, right? How can I be sure you're an unmarried man? You are an outsider and no one knows you. ”

　　"I'm never married, Etty. Voila, I swear now! You are the only woman in the world I love. I swear by the cross of Jesus! ”

　　McMurdo was pale and pleaded with excitement that Itti had to believe him.

　　"Well, then," said Itti, "why wouldn't you want me to read that letter?" ”

　　"I tell you, my dear," said McMurdo, "that I have sworn not to show this letter to anyone, just as I will not break the oath I have made to you. Therefore, I want to keep my word to those who accept my oath. This is a matter within the club, and even to you, keep it a secret. When you put a hand on my shoulder, I am frightened, because it may be a detective's hand, don't you even understand this? ”

　　Itti felt that he was telling the truth. McMurdo took her in his arms and kissed her to dispel her panic and suspicion.

　　"Then, please sit next to me. This is the queen's strange throne, but it's the best thing your poor lover can give you. I think that one day he will make you happy. Are you in better spirits now? ”

　　"When I know you are one of the criminals, when I do not know which day I will hear your murder in court, how can I have a moment of peace in my spirit? Yesterday, one of our tenants called you something like this, 'McMurdo, this cool guy.' It was like a knife piercing my heart! ”

　　"Indeed, let them say it's okay to go, nothing remarkable."

　　"But they're telling the truth."

　　"Well, my dear, things are not as bad as you think. We are nothing more than poor people trying to use our means to fight for our power. ”

　　Itti wrapped her arms around her lover's neck. "Give it up! Jack, for me, for God, give it up! I'm here today just to beg you. Oh, Jack, look, I got down on my knees and begged you! I knelt before you and begged you to give it up! ”

　　McMurdo picked up Itie, put her head on her chest, and comforted her, "Of course, my dear, you don't know what your request means. If it means breaking my oath and turning your back on my accomplices, how can I give it up? If you could understand what I was doing, you wouldn't have asked me for it. Besides, even if I want to, how can I do it? Don't you think that the Dead Cool Party can allow a person to carry all its secrets and walk away? ”

　　"I thought of that, Jack. I completely planned it. Father saved some money. He was tired of this place, where the horrors of those people had dimmed our lives. Father was ready to leave. We fled together to Philadelphia, or to New York, where we were safe and didn't have to fear them anymore. ”

　　McMurdo smiled and said, "This party has a long hand." Do you think it can't stretch from here to Philadelphia or New York? ”

　　"Well, then, we go to the West, or to England, or to Germany, and Dad is there. Just leave this 'uncanny valley' and go anywhere. ”

　　McMurdo thought of the old Morris brothers.

　　"Really, this is the second time I've heard this valley called that," mcMurdo said, "and this haze does seem to weigh on many of you." ”

　　"It makes our lives miserable all the time. Do you think Ted Baldwin will forgive us? If it weren't for him being afraid of you, what would your luck be to us? All you have to do is look at the hungry eyes he looks at me! ”

　　"The Emperor is on top!" If I ever encounter him like this again, I must teach him a good lesson. But, little girl, I can't get out of here. I can't. Take my word for it. But as long as you let me figure it out for myself, I will definitely find a decent way out. ”

　　"It's not decent to do something like this."

　　"Well, well, that's just your opinion. But as long as you give me six months, I can get me out of here without being ashamed of others. ”

　　The girl smiled happily.

　　"Six months!" She said aloud, "Is this your promise?" ”

　　"Yes, it could be seven or eight months. But in a year at most, we can leave the valley. ”

　　There was nothing more to it than that, but it was important. This faint glimmer of light will drive away all the haze in the future. She returned to her father's house full of ease and happiness. She hadn't been in that mood since Jack McMurdo had broken into her life.

　　One might think that all that the Cools do will be known to its followers, but he will soon discover that this organization is much broader and more complex than the usual simple clubs. Even the owner, McGinty, knows nothing about many things. Because there was an official called the county representative, who lived in Hobson Territory, far from the city center, he exercised power by surprising and arbitrary means, ruling over various chapters. McMurdo had seen him only once, a cunning man, with some gray hair, sneaky in his actions, living like a rat, always squinting at people with malice. The man's name was Evans Potter. Even the great leader of Vilmesa felt some fear in front of him. Just as the extraordinary Danton felt weak in front of the treacherous Robespierre (1) (2).

　　(1) Danton (1759-1794) was a famous activist and lawyer of the French bourgeois revolution at the end of the eighteenth century. He said: "In order to defeat the enemy, we must be brave, brave, and brave." Later Dandong and his co-conspirators essentially became a counter-revolutionary party and were sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Tribunal on April 5, 1794. - Translator's Note

　　(2) Robespierre (1758-1794) A famous activist of the French bourgeois revolution at the end of the eighteenth century. Head of the revolutionary government of the Jacobin dictatorship (June 1793 – July 1794). - Translator's Note

　　One day, Scanlon, McMudeau's companion, received a note from McGinty with a letter from Evans Potter informing him that two competent men— Lawler and Andrews — would be sent to the neighborhood to act without elaborating on who they were doing. Can the owner give them a suitable place to live? McKinty wrote that no one could keep secrets in the union, so he instructed McMurdo and Scanlon to arrange for the two men to stay in their apartment for a few days.

　　That night, the two men came, each carrying a handbag. Lawler was older, a shrewd man, taciturn, relatively stable, dressed in an old gown coat, a soft felt hat, and a disheveled gray beard, which made people feel that he was a itinerant missionary. His companion Andrews was a half-grown child, with a frank face, a cheerful disposition, and a brisk and lively demeanor, as if he were going out on vacation alone, ready to enjoy himself for a minute. Neither of them drank alcohol and were out-and-out party members by all sides. They are the right tools and murderers of this homicidal society. Lawler had done fourteen such crimes, and Andrews had killed three of them.

　　McMurdo found that they were happy to talk about their past deeds, and they spoke proudly, with pride in the achievements they had made for the community. But it is tight-lipped about the tasks to be carried out.

　　"They sent us because neither me nor this kid drank," Lawler explained, "and they believed we wouldn't say what we shouldn't say." This is the order of the county representative, and we must obey it. Please don't be surprised. ”

　　"Of course, we're all in the same party," said Scanlon, McMurdo's co-occupant, as the four sat down to dinner.

　　"It's the truth, and we can talk without limit about how to kill Charlie Williams, or how to kill Simon Bird, and other cases in the past." But we can't talk about anything until we get our hands on it. ”

　　"There are six or seven of them here, and I'm going to teach them a lesson," McMurdo cursed, "I guess you're not tracking Jack Knox of Iron Mountain?" I think he deserves to be punished. ”

　　"No, it's not him yet."

　　"Or Herman Strauss?"

　　"No, it's not him."

　　"Well, if you won't say it, we won't force it, but I'd love to know."

　　Lawler shook his head and smiled. He was adamantly unwilling to speak.

　　Despite their silence, Scanlon and McMurdo decide to participate in what they call a "game." So, early one morning, When McMurdo heard them creeping downstairs, he woke Scanlon up and hurried to get dressed. By this time the door was wide open, and it was still dark, and they saw with the help of the light that the two men had already walked into the street, and McMurdo and Scanlon carefully followed the snow.

　　Their apartment was close to the edge of town, and the two men quickly walked to the intersection outside the town. The other three were already waiting there, and Lawlor and Andrews had a few hurried words with them and left together. As you can imagine, there must be something important, so it takes so many people. There were several trails leading to the mines, and these men took a path that led to Crow Mountain. The mines there were in the hands of an extremely powerful and capable man, and because the British manager, Joséa Dunn, was energetic and not afraid of evil, it had long been disciplined and orderly, despite the terror that hung over the valley.

　　It was already dark, and the workers slowly set out on the road, some alone, some in groups of three or five, walking along the dark path.

　　McMurdo and Scanlon walked slowly through the crowd, always keeping a glimpse of the person they were following. A thick plume of smoke rose, accompanied by a piercing scream of a whistle. This is the signal to start construction, and in ten minutes, the tank cage will be lowered and the labor will begin.

　　They came to the open space around the mine, where hundreds of miners were already waiting, and because of the cold, they kept stomping their feet and breathing at their hands. These strangers stood near the computer room. Scanlon and McMurdo climbed a pile of cinders, from which a panoramic view could be seen. They saw the mining technician, the bearded Scot named Menzies, coming out of the machine room, blowing the whistle, and directing the tank cage to descend.

　　At this moment, a young man with a long body, a sincere face, and a shaved face walked toward the mine. As he walked over, he glanced at the silent and motionless group of people standing by the machine room, who put their hats very low and put up their coat collars to cover their faces. For an instant, the manager had a premonition that Death had put his cold hand on his heart, but he was desperate to do his duty to expel these intruding strangers.

　　"Who are you?" As he walked forward, he asked, "What are you wandering around here?" ”

　　No one answered him, but the young Andrews stepped forward and shot him in the stomach. The hundreds of miners waiting to get to work did not move, standing there helplessly, as if they had been stunned. The manager covered the wound with both hands, bent down, and staggered to the side, but the other murderer fired again, and he fell to the ground, struggling to die between a pile of slag. The Scotsman Menzies saw this, roared, and raised a large iron wrench to the murderers, but he was immediately shot twice in the face and fell to his death at the killer's feet.

　　There was a commotion, and some of the miners rushed forward, but two strangers fired several shots at the heads of the crowd, and the crowd dispersed, and some of them ran straight back to Vermiza's own home.

　　Only a few of the most daring men rejoined and returned to the mines. The killers, who had disappeared into the morning mist, killed two lives in front of hundreds of onlookers without leaving a single piece of evidence.

　　Scanlon and McMurdo turned home. Scanlon was frustrated, because this was the first time he had witnessed the murder, and it was not a "game" as he had been believed. As they rushed back into town, the terrible cries of the murdered manager's wife lingered in their ears. McMurdo was greatly shaken and did not say a word, but he did not think much of it when he saw that his companion was so cowardly.

　　"Really, it looks like a war," McMurdo repeated, "what is not a war between us and them?" No matter where you are, as long as you can fight back, hit them back. ”

　　On that night, the club offices in the union building were reveling in revelry, celebrating not only the victory in the assassination of the manager and technician of the Crow Hill coal mine, which had allowed the party to do whatever it wanted against the blackmailed and stunned companies; but also the victory of the chapter itself over the years.

　　When the county representative sent five capable men to Vermiza to carry out the assassination, he demanded that Vermiza secretly send three men to kill William Hales of Stroyar as a reward. Hales is a well-known and beloved mineral owner in the Gilmertown area. He was convinced that he had no enemies in the world, for he was an exemplary employer in every respect. However, he was very efficient in his work, and he dismissed some drunken and idle employees who were members of the supremely powerful and die-hard party. Even if death threatened him, it could not shake his resolve. In a free and civilized country, he was killed.

　　After they killed, Ted Baldwin spread his limbs and lay half-down on the honor bench next to his master, who was the leader of the group. His crimson face and sluggish, bloodshot eyes showed that he had not slept or drunk too much. The first day he spent the night in the mountains with two accomplices. They don't trim their edges and are tired. But no hero who returned from the death squad received such a warm welcome as his accomplices.

　　They gleefully recounted their masterpieces over and over again, accompanied by shouts of excitement and wild laughter. They hid on the top of a steep hill, waiting for the man they were going to kill to come home at dusk, and they knew that this man would surely let his horse ride slowly here. Because of the severe cold, the victims wore fur clothes so that they could pull out their pistols in the future. They pulled him off his horse and shot him several times in a row. He had begged for forgiveness. This plea for forgiveness was turned over and over by the dead cool party as a joke.

　　"Let's hear how he screams again," cried the bandits.

　　None of them knew this man, but it was an endless drama of murderous pleasure, and they were meant to show the grimaces of the Gilmertown area that they were trustworthy.

　　There was also an accident, when they poured all the bullets from their guns onto the zombie corpse, and a couple of husbands were driving here. It was proposed that these two men be killed together, but the two men had nothing to do with the mine, so they ordered the couple not to be silent and to walk away quickly, so as not to suffer misfortune. Thus, the flesh-and-blood corpse was left there, warning the hardened mine owners, while the three illustrious avengers disappeared into the unexplored wilderness.

　　They got their hands on it, it was safe and secure here, and the praise and applause of their party members was incessant.

　　It was the day of the dead cool party, and the haze hung over the valley. But just as a resourceful general chooses the moment of victory and can double the results of the battle, leaving the enemy with no time to reorganize after a rout, the chief McGinty has a plan of battle in front of his sinister eyes, and a new ruse is planned to murder those who oppose him. That very night, after the half-drunk party members had dispersed, McKinty touched McMurdo's arm and led him to the inner chamber where they had first met.

　　"Hey, my fellow," said McGinty, "I've finally found you an errand worth doing." You can do it yourself. ”

　　"I'm proud to hear that," McMurdo replied.

　　"You can take two people with you, and those two people are Menders and Reilly. I've already commanded them. Without the exception of Chester Wilcox, we will never be at ease in this region. If you can kill him, you can win the thanks of every chapter in the coal-producing area. ”

　　"No matter what, I'll do my best. Who is he? Where can I find him? ”

　　McKinty took the cigar from the corner of his mouth, tore a piece of paper from his notebook, and began to draw a sketch.

　　He was the foreman of the Steel Company, a strong-willed man, an old Marine sergeant in wartime, with many wounds and gray hair. We tried to solve him twice, without success, and Jim Canale lost his life. Now please go ahead and finish it. This is the house, alone at the intersection of Steel, as you can see on this picture, and no one can hear the sound. It was not possible to go during the day, he was often on guard, shooting fast and accurately, and shooting without even asking. But at night—yes, he lived there with his wife, three children, and a domestic worker. If you want to do it, you will do it all, and there is no other choice. If you put a packet of explosives in the front door with a slowly leading fuse..."

　　"What did this man do?"

　　"Didn't I tell you he shot Jim Canale?"

　　"Why did he shoot Jim?"

　　"What does this have to do with you?" When Kanawi walked near his house at night, he shot and killed Himawi. You and I'll talk about it here. You can go and get this sort of thing right now. ”

　　"There were also two women and small children. Did they even kill them together? ”

　　"Kill him too, or how can we kill him?"

　　"They are not guilty, and it seems a little difficult to kill them together."

　　How stupid is that? Have you changed? ”

　　"Slow down, Mr. Senator, don't worry! When have I said or done anything that makes you think I don't take orders from my Lord? Whether it is good or not, it is up to you to decide. ”

　　"So, you go and finish it?"

　　"Of course I'm going to finish it."

　　"When?"

　　"Ah, you'd better give me a night or two, and I can look at the house, make plans, and then..."

　　"Great," said McGinty, shaking his hand and saying, "I've left it to you." When you bring the news back, we're going to celebrate. This is the last one, making them all bend to our knees. ”

　　McMurdo suddenly accepted such a commission and couldn't help but think deeply for a long time. Chester Wilcox lived in lonely houses, in neighboring valleys, about five miles from here. That very night, McMurdo went alone to prepare for the assassination. When he returned from scouting, it was already dark. The next day he went to see his two assistants, Menders and Riley, two reckless young men who were elated as if they were going to fight a deer hunt.

　　Two nights later, they met outside the town, and all three of them had weapons, one of them with a bag of quarry explosives. When they came to this lonely house, it was two o'clock in the middle of the night. At night, the wind is fierce, the clouds are rushing, and the half-round moon is faintly emerging. Fearing that a hound would come out, they walked forward very carefully, their bolts wide open. But only listen to the roar of the wind, do not be silent, only see the branches swaying, no movement.

　　McMurdo stood outside the door of the lonely house and listened for a while, and there was silence inside, so he put the explosive package by the door, dug a small hole with a knife, lit the fuse, and walked with his two accomplices to a distant safety zone and crouched down in the ditch to watch. The roar of explosive explosions and the muffled rumble of houses collapsing indicated that they had completed their mission. Never before in the bloody history of this society has there been such a clean masterpiece.

　　However, unfortunately, their careful planning and bold execution were in vain! It turned out that Chester Wilcox had heard the news that many people had been killed, knew that the Cools were going to murder him, and had moved his family to a safer place the day before. There was also a team of policemen defending there. All the explosives destroyed was an empty house, and the tough old Marine sergeant still strictly managed the miners at the Steel Works.

　　"When I come to collect him," said McMurdo, "give him to me, even if I wait for him for a year, it will definitely lead to him." ”

　　Everyone in the meeting expressed gratitude and trust in him, and the matter was temporarily closed.

　　A few weeks later, newspapers reported that Wilcox had been assassinated. And McMurdo is continuing to complete his unfinished business, which is already well known.

　　This is some of the tactics used by the Free Men's Club, and this is what the Die-Cools do. They ruled in terror over this vast and affluent region, and for a long time people lived in fear because of the terror of the Die-Cools. Why tarnish these papers with so many sinful facts? Haven't I fully articulated these people and their methods?

　　The actions of these people have been recorded in history, and people can see the details of the plot from the records. Readers can also read there that they also shot and killed police officer Hunter and Evans because they had the audacity to arrest two die-hard gangsters, two atrocities planned by the Vermesa chapter and brutally murdered two lonely and defenseless men; Standrus was murdered; one tragedy after another took place in this terrible winter.

　　The haze shrouded the uncanny valley. Spring is coming, the stream is babbling, and the grass and trees are sprouting. Nature, which has been bound for a long time, has regained its vitality; but the men and women who live in terror remain hopeless. The clouds above them had never been as dark and desperate as they had been in the early summer of 1875.

　　Six crises

　　Reign of Terror reached its peak. McMurdo had been appointed as a deacon in the congregation, and there was great hope that he would succeed McKinty as the candidate for dominance, and now his associates were seeking his advice so that nothing could be done without his guidance and assistance. But the greater his reputation in the Free men's Congregation, the more the commoners hated him as he walked along the streets of Vilmiza. Despite the threat of terror, they are determined to unite against those who oppress them. The Diehards heard the legend that the Herald newspapers had secret rallies and distributed weapons to law-abiding civilians. But McGinty and his men didn't mind. Because they are numerous, bold, and well-armed, while their opponents are scattered and powerless. The result must be the same as in the past, just aimless talk, mostly powerless to give up. That's what McGinty, McMurdo, and the braves say.

　　Party members often meet on Saturday nights. On a Saturday night in May, McMurdo was on his way to the meeting when the Morris brothers, known as cowards, came to visit him. Morris's face was full of sorrow, his brows furrowed, and his kind face looked gaunt and slender.

　　"Can I talk to you casually?" Mr. McMurdo. ”

　　"Of course you can."

　　"I have never forgotten that once I spoke to you from the bottom of my heart, and even when the chief himself came to ask you about it, you were very tight-lipped."

　　"Since you trust me, how can I not do this?" But that doesn't mean I agree with what you're saying. ”

　　"I know that. But I can only dare to speak to you, and I am not afraid of revealing it. Now I have a secret," he said, putting his hand on his chest, "and it makes me anxious. I want it to be imposed on any of you, and I only hope I am spared. If I had spoken out, there would have been murders. If I don't say it, it could lead to the destruction of us all. May God save me, I just don't know how to be good! ”

　　McMurdo looked at him earnestly, only to see his limbs trembling. McMurdo poured him a glass of whiskey.

　　"This is the medicine for people like you," said McMurdo, "now please tell me." ”

　　Morris drank the wine, and his pale face returned rosy. "I can make it clear to you in just one sentence." He said, "There are already detectives tracking us down. ”

　　McMurdo looked at him in amazement.

　　"How? Man, you're crazy! "Isn't this place often packed with police and detectives?" What damage do they do to us? ”

　　"No, no, it's not local. As you said, the locals, we all know, they can't do anything famous, but have you heard of detective Pinkerton? ”

　　"I've heard the names of a few people."

　　"Well, I can tell you that you don't care when they track you down. It was not a careless government agency, but a very serious think tank in the industry, determined to find out what was going on, and to come up with a result by any means. If a Pinkerton detective were to intervene in the matter, we would be ruined. ”

　　"We have to kill him."

　　"Ah, that's the first thing that comes to your mind! Then it must be brought up at the meeting. Didn't I tell you that there would be murders? ”

　　"Of course, what is murder?" Isn't it a very common thing here? ”

　　"Yes, yes, but I didn't mean to kill this man." My heart will never be at peace again. But otherwise, our own lives are also dangerous. God, what should I do? His body shook back and forth, hesitating.

　　McMurdo was deeply moved by his words. It's not hard to see that McMurdo agrees with Morris about the crisis and needs to deal with it. McMurdo caressed Morris's shoulder and shook him passionately.

　　"Hey, man," McMurdo said very excitedly, almost shouting loudly.

　　"It is useless for you to sit here like an old lady weeping and mourning. Let's swing the situation. Who is this person? Where is he? How did you hear about him? Why did you come to me? ”

　　"I came to you, because only you can teach me." I told you that before I came here, I opened a shop in the Western Region. There are some good friends of mine. I had a friend who worked at the Telegraph Office. This is the letter I received yesterday, and he wrote it to me. The top of this page is very clear, and you can read it yourself. ”

　　McMurdo read:

　　"What happened to your cool guys there?" I saw many reports about them in the newspapers. You know what I know, and I hope to hear from you soon. I heard that five limited companies and two railway bureaus took this matter very seriously. Since they have this plan, you can be sure that they must go there. They are directly involved. The Pinkerton Detective Company has been ordered to investigate, and the best of them, Berndie Edward, is in action, and these evil things can now be completely stopped. ”

　　"Please read the appendix."

　　"Of course, what I'm telling you is what I've learned from my day-to-day business work, so I can't go any further. They were using strange passwords, and I didn't understand what they meant. ”

　　McMurdo, holding the letter in his hand, sat listlessly for a long time, and for a moment a fog rose and appeared in front of him.

　　"Does anyone else know about this?" McMurdo asked.

　　"I didn't tell anyone else."

　　"But will this man, your friend, write to someone else?"

　　"Ah, I dare say he knows one or two people."

　　"Is it the people in the meeting?"

　　"Probably."

　　"That's why I'm asking this, because or he could introduce the shape of The Man Berndé Edward. Then we can begin to trace his whereabouts. ”

　　"Ah, that's fine. But I don't think he knew Edward. He told me the news, also from his daily business, how could he know this Pinkerton detective? ”

　　McMurdo jumped up violently.

　　"Oh my God!" He shouted, "I must catch him." I don't even know how stupid it is! But we were lucky! While he has not yet caused damage, we can clean him up first. Hey, Morris, would you like to leave this to me? ”

　　"Of course, as long as you don't bother me."

　　"I'll do it, you can let me do it." I don't even need to mention your name, I do things one by one, as if this letter was written to me. That's satisfying to you, isn't it? ”

　　"This is exactly what I want to do."

　　"Well, speaking of this, you have to remain silent. Now I'm going to the chapter, and we'll soon be able to get this old Pinkerton detective down. ”

　　"You're not going to kill this guy, are you?"

　　"Morris, my friend, the less you know, the more you can be unashamed. You'd better go to sleep, don't ask any more questions, and let it take its course. Now I'll deal with it. ”

　　As Morris left, he shook his head sadly and sighed:

　　"I feel like my hands are stained with his blood."

　　"In any case, self-defense is not murder," McMurdo sneered, "either we kill him or he kills us." If we let him stay in the valley for a long time, I think he will catch us all. Well, Brother Morris, we're going to elect you as the master, because you've really saved our entire Cool Party. ”

　　However, it is clear from his actions that although he said this, he was thinking very seriously about this newly obtained news. Perhaps he was ashamed; perhaps because of the prestige of the Pinkerton Organization; perhaps knowing that these large and wealthy limited companies had taken matters into their own hands to purge the Dead Cools, whatever his considerations, his actions showed that he had prepared for the worst. Before he left home, he destroyed every piece of paper that could implicate him in a criminal case. Then he let out a long breath of satisfaction, as if he felt safe. But danger was still on his mind, because on the way to the chapter, he stopped at the old Sheft's house again. Sheft had forbidden McMurdo to come to his house. But McMurdo knocked lightly on the window, and Itti came out to greet him. The look of cruelty in her lover's eyes vanished, but Itti saw from his serious face what was dangerously happening.

　　"Something must have happened to you!" Itti shouted, "Oh, Jack, you must be in danger!" ”

　　"Yes, my dear, but it is not a very bad thing. It would be wise for us to move our homes until things got worse. ”

　　"Moving?"

　　"Once I promised you that I would leave here in the future. I think the day has finally arrived. Tonight I got a piece of news, it was bad news, and I saw trouble coming. ”

　　"Is it the police?"

　　"Yes, a Pinkerton detective. But, my dear, you don't have to ask what's going on, and you don't have to know what this will do to people like me. This matter has too much to do with me, but I will soon get rid of it. You said that if I leave here, you will go with me. ”

　　"Ah, Jack, this will save you."

　　"I am an honest man, Itti, and I will not hurt a single hair of your beautiful body. You seem to be sitting on a golden throne in the clouds, and I often look at your face, but I will never drag you down an inch from there. Do you believe me? ”

　　Itti silently placed her hand in the palm of McMurdo's hand.

　　"Well, then, please listen to me and do as I say. Because this is really our only way to live. I am sure that something big will happen in the valley. Many of us need to be wary of that. Anyway, I'm one of them. If I leave here, day or night, you will come with me!" ”

　　"I'll definitely go after that, Jack."

　　"No, no, you must go with me. If I leave this valley, I will never come back, and perhaps I will have to hide from the eyes and ears of the police, and I will not even have the opportunity to communicate, how can I leave you behind? You must go with me. There was a good woman in the place where I came, and I settled you there and we got married again. Are you willing to go? ”

　　"Okay, Jack, I'll go with you."

　　"You believe in me like this, and God bless you!" If I fail to live up to your trust, then I am a devil out of hell. Now, Itti, please note that as soon as I bring you a note, and you receive it, you are to abandon everything and go straight to the waiting room of the station, where I will come to you. ”

　　"I get a note from you, no matter day or night, I'll go, Jack."

　　McMurdo was ready to leave, and feeling a little relieved, he walked toward the club. It was already full of people. He answered the code and passed the heavily guarded perimeter and internal guards. As soon as McMurdo walked in, he was warmly welcomed. The long house was crowded with people, and he saw in the smoke the messy long, dense black hair of his master, Baldwin's fierce and unfriendly expression, the vulture-like face of Secretary Harawi, and the leaders of a dozen chapters. He was glad that they were all here and could discuss the news he had received.

　　"Really, we're glad to see you, brother!" McGinty shouted,

　　"There is one thing here that requires a just ruling by Solomon." ①

　　(1) Solomon: (Solomon) Son of David, king of the ancient kingdom of Israel, known for his wisdom. - Translator's Note

　　"It was Rand and Egan," McMurdo sat down, and the man sitting next door explained to him, "that the two of them went to shoot old man Kreb in The Town of Stiles, and both of them were rushing for the bounty for the club. ”

　　McMurdo got up from his seat and raised his hands, the expression on his face that surprised everyone to notice him. There was a death-like silence, waiting for him to speak.

　　"Honorable Lord," McMurdo said gravely, "I have an urgent report!" ”

　　"Since the McMurdo brothers have an emergency report," McKinty said, "it is natural that the discussion should be given priority according to the rules of the meeting." Now, brother, please say it. ”

　　McMurdo took the letter out of his pocket.

　　"Honorable Lords and brothers," said McMurdo, "today I bring an unfortunate news. But it is better for us to know and discuss it in advance than to be caught naked. I have been informed that the richest and most powerful organizations in the country have banded together to prepare to eliminate us, and that a Pinkerton detective, a man named Berndy Edward, has come to this valley to collect evidence in order to put a noose around the necks of many of us and to send all of us to the cells of felons. That's why I said there was an urgent matter to report, so I would like to discuss it. ”

　　The room was suddenly silent, and finally the owner McGinty broke the silence.

　　"Brother McMurdo, do you have any evidence?" McGinty asked.

　　"I received a letter and it was in this letter that it was written," McMurdo said. He read the passage aloud and said, "I will keep my word, and I can no longer read out the details of this letter, nor can I hand it over to you, but I assure you that there is nothing more at stake in the letter." As soon as I received the letter, I came to report the matter to you. ”

　　"Allow me to tell you," said one of the older brothers, "I have heard of Bernard Edward, one of the most business-minded detectives in Pinkerton's private investigator company. ”

　　"Has anyone seen him?"

　　"Yes," said McMurdo, "I've seen him. ”

　　Suddenly there was a whisper of surprise in the room.

　　"I'm sure he won't be able to get out of the palm of our hand," McMurdo continued with a smile on his face, "if we do it quickly and quickly, we can get this sorted out soon." If you can trust me and give me some help, then we will have nothing to fear. ”

　　"But what are we afraid of?" How can he know about us? ”

　　"Mr. Senator, if everyone is as loyal as you are, you can say so. But this man has the millions of capital of the capitalists as a backer. Do you think that there will not be a weak-willed brother in our association who can be bribed? He'll get our secrets—maybe even got our secrets. There is now only one reliable countermeasure. ”

　　"That is to say, not to let him be born out of this valley!" Baldwin said.

　　"Well said, Brother Baldwin," said McMurdo, "you and I used to disagree, but tonight you were right. ”

　　"So, where is he?" Where can we meet him? ”

　　"Honorable Lord," said McMurdo enthusiastically, "I would like to suggest to you that this is a matter of life and death for us and is not for public discussion at the meeting." I don't distrust any of the brethren in this room. But as soon as a few words reach the ear of the detective, we will miss every opportunity to catch him. I asked the club to choose some of the most reliable people. If I could propose, Mr. Senator, count yourself one, and the Baldwin brothers, and find five more. Then I'm free to say everything I know and say what I'm going to do. ”

　　McMurdo's advice was immediately adopted. In addition to McKinty and Baldwin, the chosen ones included the vulture-faced secretary Harawi, the tiger Cormac, the murderous middle-aged murderer Treasurer Carter, and the life-and-death outlaw Willabi brothers.

　　For the first time, many people began to see that in the place where they had lived for so long, a dark cloud of revenge for the victims, the law, filled the clear sky. The horrors they inflict on others, which they used to think were far from retribution, are now to their surprise, and the results come so urgently that they weigh on their heads. Therefore, the party members' usual feasts were depressed this time, and it ended hastily. The party members walked away early. Only their leaders remained to discuss.

　　"McDermardo, now you say," said McKinty, sitting there alone with seven men.

　　"I just said I knew Berndy Edward," McMurdo explained.

　　"I don't need to tell you, you can imagine that he is not using this name here. He was a brave man, not a fool. Nicknamed Steve Wilson, he lives in Hobson Territory. ”

　　"How do you know?"

　　"Because I've spoken to him. I didn't think about it at the time, and if I hadn't received this letter, I wouldn't have thought about it anymore. But now I'm convinced that's that person. I went to Hobson's Territory on Wednesday and met him in the car. He said he was a journalist, and I believed him at that time. He said he was going to write for a New York newspaper, to know everything about the Die-Cools, to know what he called 'atrocities,' and he asked me all sorts of questions, intending to get some information. You can believe that I didn't leak anything. He said, 'If I can get material useful to my editing work, I'll pay a heavy reward,' and I picked up what I thought he liked the most, and he paid me a twenty-dollar note as an honorarium. And he said, 'If you can tell me everything I need, then I will add ten times the honorarium.' '”

　　"So, what do you tell him?"

　　"I can invent any material."

　　"How do you know he's not a newspaperman?"

　　"I can tell you that he got out of the car in Hobson Territory, and I got out of the car with me. I walked into the telegraph office, and he had just left from there.

　　"'Hey,' said the operator as he walked out, 'I think we should double the charge for this kind of telegram.'" I said, 'I think you should double your income.' We all thought the telegram sheet he filled out was as difficult to understand as Chinese. And the clerk said, 'He comes every day to send a telegram.' I said, 'Yes, this is the special news of his newspaper, and he is afraid that others will know.' That's what the telegrapher and I had in mind at the time. But now I'm thinking very differently. ”

　　"Oh my God! I believe your words are true," said McGinty, "but how do you think we should deal with this?" ”

　　"Why don't you go and pick him up right away?" One of the party members proposed.

　　"Oh, yes, the sooner the better."

　　"If I knew where he lived, I would do it immediately," mcMurdo said, "and I only knew he was in Hobson Territory, but I didn't know his apartment." However, as long as you accept my advice, I have a plan. ”

　　"Well, what's the plan?"

　　"I'll go to Hobson Territory tomorrow morning, and I'll go to him through the telegrapher." I think he could find out where the man lived. Well, then, I can tell him that I myself am a free man's member. I told him that as long as he was willing to pay a high price, I would tell him the secret of the club. He would definitely agree. That's when I told him that the material was in my house. Because there are people everywhere, it is inconvenient for him to come to my house during the day. He naturally knew that this was a minimum of common sense. I asked him to come to my house at ten o'clock in the evening to see the materials, and then we would surely be able to catch him. ”

　　"Is this good?"

　　"You can plan the rest for yourself. The widow McNamara's home is a solitary home. She was absolutely reliable and deaf as a stake. Only Scanlon and I lived in her apartment. If he promises to come, I will tell you that I will let seven of you come to me at nine o'clock. We put him in the house. If he could get out alive, well, he would be able to blow the whistle about Bernard Edward's luck for the rest of his life. ”

　　"Well, there should be a vacancy for the Pinkerton Detective Company. "Or I'm mistaken," mcGondy said, "and that's it, McMurdo." Tomorrow at nine o'clock we will come to you. When he walks in, you just have to close the door and we'll take care of the rest. ”

　　Seven Bernard Edward's brilliant schemes

　　As McMurdo puts it, the solitude of his residence was suitable for the kind of criminal activity they had planned. The apartment is located at the very edge of town, far from the main road. If it is a work of its own case, the murderers only need to call out the people who are going to be killed according to the old way and shoot all the bullets at him. But this time, they wanted to find out how many secrets the man knew, how he knew it, and how much information he had sent to his employer.

　　Maybe they were too late to act, and the other side had already sent the information away. If that were the case, they could at least take revenge on the informants. But they hoped that the detective had not yet obtained any very important information, otherwise why would he go out of his way to write down the worthless nonsense that McMurdo had fabricated. All of this, however, they want him to recognize with his own mouth. Once they got him in their hands, they would try to get him to speak, and it wasn't the first time they'd dealt with something like this.

　　When McMurdo arrived in Hobson's territory, the police seemed to be paying attention to him that morning, and while McMurdo was waiting at the station, Captain Marvin, who claimed to have been an acquaintance of him in Chicago, greeted him. McMurdo, unwilling to speak to him, turned and walked away, and at noon McMurdo returned from his mission to the union to see McInty.

　　"He's coming," McMurdo said.

　　"Superb!" McKinty said. The giant wears only a shirt, the bracelet exposed under the vest is sparkling, and the diamond pin is particularly dazzling. Opening taverns and playing politics made the chief both powerful and very rich. The night before, however, there seemed to be something terrible in front of him, such a terrible thing as prison and hanging.

　　"Do you reckon he knows a lot about our business?" McGinty asked anxiously.

　　McMurdo shook his head gloomily and said, "He's been here for a long time, at least six weeks. I don't think he's come to us yet to collect what he needs. If he had used railway capital as a backing, and been active among us for so long, I think he would have already gained something and passed it on. ”

　　"There is not a single weak-willed man in our chapter," Cried McKinty, "and everyone is as determined and reliable as steel." But, gosh! Only the hateful Morris. How is he doing? Once someone betrays us, it must be him. I wanted to send two brothers to teach him a lesson before dark and see what they could expect from him. ”

　　"Well, it wouldn't hurt to do that," replied McMurdo, "but I don't deny it, I like Morris, and I can't bear to see him hurt." He had told me about the chapters once or twice, and though he didn't think about them the same as you or me, he was by no means like a whistleblower. But I don't want to interfere with your affairs. ”

　　"I must end up with this old ghost!" McKinty swore, "I've been keeping an eye on him for a year. ”

　　"Well, you know this very well," replied McMurdo, "but you'll have to wait until tomorrow to deal with it, because we have to suspend other activities until the Pinkerton affair is settled." Time is available, so why do you have to alarm the police today? ”

　　"You're right," said McGinty, "we can find out from Bernard Edward's heart where he got the news from before we dig him out." Will he see through the trap we have set? ”

　　McMurdo was smiling.

　　"I think I caught his weakness," McMurdo said, "and if he could get a trail of the Dead Cools, he would even be willing to follow him to heaven and earth." I've got his money. McMurdo grinned and took out a stack of bills for everyone to see, "He promised to give more money after seeing all my documents." ”

　　"What file?"

　　"Ah, there are no documents at all. I told him that the registration forms and statutes of all the members were with me, and he expected to get all the secrets in his hands before leaving the place. ”

　　"Sure enough," grinned McGinty, "he didn't ask why you didn't bring the documents to him?" ”

　　"I said I couldn't take these out of the house, I was a suspicious person, and Captain Marvin had spoken to me at the station again that day.

　　"Yes, I heard that," mcGinty said, "I think you can take on this responsibility." After we kill him, we can throw his body into an old mine. But no matter what we do, we can't hide from the people who live in Hobson Territory, and you've been there again today. ”

　　McMurdo shrugged his shoulders and said, "As long as we handle it properly, they won't be able to find evidence of this murder." After dark, no one can see him in my apartment, and I will arrange for no one to see him. Now, Mr. Senator, I tell you about my plan and ask you to tell the others. You come together earlier. He came at ten o'clock, knocked on the door three times, and I went to open it for him, and then I closed the door behind him. Then he was in our pockets. ”

　　"It's easy."

　　"Yes, but the next step needs to be carefully considered. He's a tough guy to deal with and well-armed. I tricked him, and he was probably very wary. He had intended to talk to him alone, but if I had taken him straight to that room, there were seven people sitting in it. Then he will definitely shoot and some of us will be injured. ”

　　"And the gunfire will attract all the damn police in the nearby town."

　　"I think you're right."

　　"I must have been able to arrange it well. All of you were sitting in the big room where you had spoken to me, and when I opened the door for him, I let him into the reception room by the door and asked him to wait there, and I pretended to go get the materials and took the opportunity to tell you how things were going. Then I went back to him with a few fabricated sheets of material. While he was reading the material, I jumped in front of him and grabbed his hands so tightly that he couldn't let go of the gun. When you hear me shouting, you will run at once, and the sooner the better, for he is as strong as I am, and I will do my best to persevere, to make sure that I will persevere until you come. ”

　　"It's a brilliant plan," McGinty said, "and we won't forget your credit for it this time, and I think when I'm not the owner, I'll nominate you to take over." ”

　　"To tell the truth, Mr. Senator, I am no more than a new brother," mcMurdo said, but the look on his face showed that he would love to hear such words of praise from this powerful man.

　　McMurdo returned home and set about preparing for the night's life-and-death fight. McMurdo first wiped his Smith and Wesson revolver clean, oiled it, loaded it with bullets, and then examined the room where the detective was about to fall into the trap. The hall was spacious with a long table in the middle and a large stove next to it. There were windows on both sides, and there were no window panels on the windows, only some light-colored curtains. McMurdo examined it very carefully. There is no doubt that this house is very tight and suitable for such a secret appointment, and it is far from the main road and will not lead to adverse consequences. Finally McMurdo consulted with his accomplice Scanlon, who, though a sweltering partyman, was a harmless little man, extremely weak and incompetent, and did not dare to oppose the opinions of his accomplices, but sometimes he was forced to participate in some bloody assassinations, and in private he was extremely frightened and disgusted. McMurdo told him what was about to happen.

　　"If I were you, Mike Scanlon, I'd leave here tonight and be clean." There will be bloodshed here before the early morning. ”

　　"Really, Mike," Scanlon replied, "I don't want to do that, but I lack courage. When I saw dunn, the manager of the coal mine far away from here, killed, I could hardly stand it. I don't have the guts like you or McKinty. If the meeting does not harm me, I will do as you advise me, and you will take care of the evening by yourself. ”

　　McKinty and the others arrived as promised. They were decent-looking men, richly dressed and neatly dressed, but an observant could be seen in the corners of their closed mouths and the fierce and cruel gaze that they were eager to capture Bernard Edward. There was not a single man in the room whose hands had not been stained with blood many times before, and they had killed their servants with an iron heart, like a butcher slaughtering sheep.

　　Of course, judging by the appearance and evil of the intimidating owner, McKinty, he is the primary figure. Secretary Harawi was a scrawny man with a fierce heart, a long neck with a skin and bones, and a nervous spasm in his limbs, and he was very concerned about the source of funds for the chapter, but he did not care whether it was fair and legal. Scu Carter was a middle-aged man, cold, heartless, lifeless, with skin as yellow as parchment. He was a talented organizer, and the details of almost every criminal activity came from the man's evil mind. The Willabi brothers were doers, tall, young and strong, flexible, and determined. Their companion Tiger Cormac is a big black-faced man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, and even his accomplices in the meeting are a little afraid of his fierce and cruel disposition. These are the people who are preparing to kill Detective Pinkerton at McMurdo's apartment that night.

　　Their masters placed some whiskey on the table, and the men hurried to eat and drink. Baldwin and Cormac were already half-drunk, and when drunk, they revealed their ferocity and cruelty. Because the nights were still unusually cold, and there was a fire in the house, Cormac put his hands on the fire to keep warm.

　　"That's it," Cormac swore.

　　"Hey," said Baldwin, clutching the meaning of Cormac's words, "if we tie him up, we'll know the truth from him." ”

　　"Don't be afraid, we will know the truth from him," said McMurdo, who was born with a heart of stone, and although all the burden of such a great matter fell on him, he remained as calm and indifferent as usual. Therefore, everyone praised him.

　　"It's up to you to deal with him," said McGinty approvingly, "and he will be choked by you without vigilance." It's a pity that you don't have window panels on your windows. ”

　　McMurdo walked over, tightened the curtains on the windows, and said:

　　"Surely no one is coming to investigate us at this point." The time is also coming. ”

　　"Maybe he sensed danger, maybe he wouldn't come," Harawi said.

　　"Don't be afraid, he's coming," replied McMurdo, "and he is anxious to come here as soon as you are anxious to see him." Listen! ”

　　They all sat motionless like wax men, and a few of them were bringing their glasses to their lips when they also stopped. Only to hear the door ring three times.

　　"Don't make a sound," McMurdo raised his hand in warning, and the men were ecstatic and secretly clutched their pistols.

　　"For the safety of your lives, don't make a sound!" McMurdo whispered, stepped out of the room, and carefully closed the door.

　　The murderers all stretched their ears and waited. They counted the footsteps of the companion as he walked down the aisle, and heard him open the door as if to say a few words of greeting, followed by a strange sound of footsteps and the voice of a living person. After a while, the door slammed, followed by the sound of the key locking the door. Their prey has been completely caged. The tiger Cormac let out a sly laugh, and the chief, McGinty, covered Cormac's mouth with his large hand.

　　"Don't make a sound, you idiot!" McGinty whispered, "You're going to spoil our business!" ”

　　There was a vague whisper from the neighboring room, and the conversation was unbearable. Then the door opened and McMurdo walked in and put his finger to his lips.

　　McMurdo walked over to the table and looked at them. His countenance changed unpredictably, and at this moment his expression seemed to be that of a man who had set out to do something great, his face resolute and determined, and his eyes shooting out of the back of his glasses with a radiance of great excitement. He apparently became a leader. The men looked at him eagerly, but McMurdo didn't say a word, still looking at each of them.

　　"Hey!" McGinty finally shouted, "Is he coming?" Is Bernard Edward here? ”

　　"Yes," replied McMurdo unhurriedly, "Here is Bernard Edward. I am Bernard Edward! ”

　　After these few words were spoken, the room was suddenly as silent as if it were empty and empty, and only the boiling sound of the kettle on the stove could be heard. The seven men looked miserable and terrified, and looked at the man who had scanned them. Then, with the sound of the window glass breaking, many shiny rifle barrels came in from the window, and the curtains were all torn.

　　At this time, the chief, McGinty, like a wounded bear, roared and jumped to the half-open door. A pistol was aimed at him there, and the coal mine police captain Marvin's two big blue eyes were looking at him with burning intent. The leader had to retreat and collapsed on his seat.

　　"Mr. Senator, you're still relatively safe there," said the man they had been calling McMurdo, "and you, Baldwin, if you don't take your hand off your pistol, you won't need an executioner." Take my hand out, or I'll have to... Put it there, all right. The house is already surrounded by forty heavily armed men, and you can think for yourself of what chance you have to escape. Marvin, drop their pistols! ”

　　Under the threat of so many rifles, there is no possibility of resistance. The men were all disarmed, and they sat around the table with gloomy, docile, and astonishment.

　　"Before we part, I want to say a word to you," said the man who had set the trap for them, "and I don't think we'll see each other again unless you see me on the courtroom witness stand in the future." I want you to think back to some of the past and the present. You now know who I am. I can finally put my business card on the table. I am Bernard Edward of Pinkerton. People have sent me to crack down on your gang. I was playing a very tough and dangerous trick. No one, not even my closest people, knew what I was doing. Only Captain Marvin and a few of my assistants here knew about it. But tonight it's over, thank God, I'm victorious! ”

　　The seven men looked at him pale and stunned. There was an irrepressible hostility in their eyes, and Edward saw the look of this threat in them and said, "Maybe you think this matter is not over." Well, then I'll resign myself to fate. However, the hands of many of you will not be stretched too far, and in addition to yourselves, sixty people have been arrested and imprisoned tonight. I want to tell you that when I accepted this case, I did not believe in a society like yours, and I thought it was nonsense in the newspaper. But I should have figured it out. They told me it was going to have something to do with free people, so I went to Chicago to join the club. When I discovered that this social organization only did good things and did not do bad things, I was even more convinced that these were pure nonsense in the newspaper.

　　"But I'm still continuing to visit. Ever since I came to these coal-producing valleys, as soon as I arrived here, I knew that I had been wrong in the past, and that this was not some clumsy tale at all. So I stopped and observed. I've never killed anyone in Chicago, and I've never made counterfeit money in my life. The coins I gave you are all true, but I've never used it so well. But I know how to cater to your psychology, so I pretend to tell you that I broke the law and fled. It all worked as well as I imagined.

　　"I joined your demonic chapter, and I did my best to participate when you discussed things. Maybe people will say I'm as bad as you are, and they can say whatever they want, as long as I can catch you. But what about the facts? I attended the night you beat old man Stanger. Because I didn't have time, I didn't have time to warn him beforehand. But, Baldwin, when you were going to kill him, I took your hand. If I've ever suggested something, it's to keep my place among you, and it's something I know I can prevent. I failed to save Dunn and Menzies because I had no idea in advance, and yet I would see their killers hanged. I warned Chester Wilcox beforehand, so he went into hiding with his family as I blew up the apartment where he lived. There are also many criminal activities that I have not been able to stop, but if you look back and think about why the person you wanted to kill often went the other way home, or stayed in the town while you were looking for him, or when you thought he was going to come out, he was unable to do it, and you can see that this is exactly what I did. ”

　　"You goddamn traitor!" McGinty gritted his teeth and cursed.

　　"Hey, John McKindy, if that relieves your pain, you can call me that. You and you are the sworn enemies of God and the inhabitants of these places. Someone needs to come to you and the poor men and women under your control to find out what is going on. There is only one way to achieve this goal, so I have adopted this method. You call me an adulterer, but I think there are thousands of people who want to call me a savior and save them from hell. I spent three months investigating the whole situation on the ground, grasping everyone's sins and every secret. If I hadn't known that my secret had been leaked, I would have had to wait a while before I did it. Because the town has received a letter, it will sound the alarm bell for you. So I had to act, and I acted quickly.

　　"I have nothing else to say to you. I want to tell you that on the last day of my old age, I will die safely at the thought of what I have done in this valley. Now, Marvin, I'm not delaying you anymore. Arrest them. ”

　　A few more words need to be said to the reader. Scanlon was sent a wax-sealed letterhead to Miss Itie Sheft, and as he accepted the mission, he blinked and smiled knowingly. Early the next morning, a beautiful woman and a masked man, riding on a special express train sent by the railway company, quickly and non-stop left this dangerous place. This is the last whereabouts of Itie and her lover in this uncanny valley. Ten days later, the elder Jacob Sheft was married, and they were married in Chicago.

　　These die-hards are escorted to a distant place to be tried, their party members are unable to threaten the legal guardians there, they waste their time to move, they spend money like water to rescue (all this money is from the town of extortion, extortion, robbery), the result is still in vain. The testimony used to accuse them was very well written, clear and well-documented. Because the people who wrote this testimony knew every detail of their lives, their organization, and every criminal activity, their apologists could not save their fate from extinction. After so many years, the Dead Cools were finally broken and crushed. Since then, the valley has dispelled the dark clouds forever.

　　McKinty ended his life on the gallows, and the cries of mourning at the time of execution were in vain. Eight other first-inmates were also executed. More than fifty other party members were sentenced to various prison sentences. At this point, Bernard Edward was finished.

　　However, as Edward expected, the play was not over. There are others who want to continue to stage, and one after another. Ted Baldwin escaped hanging first, followed by the Willabi brothers, and several other ferocious and brutal members of the gang. They were imprisoned for only ten years before they were finally released, and Edward knew these people well, and he realized that the day the enemy was released from prison was the end of his peaceful life. These party members vowed to avenge their comrades and never give up until they killed him!

　　On two occasions they almost succeeded, and there was no doubt that a third would follow. Edward had no choice but to leave Chicago. He changed his name and moved from Chicago to California. Itti Edward died and his life lost its luster for a while. Once he was nearly killed, he changed his name again to Douglas and ran a mining partnership with an Englishman named Buck in a sparsely populated canyon, accumulating a large fortune. Finally, he found that the bloodthirsty hounds were tracking them again. He was well aware that the only way out was to move to England immediately. John Douglas later remarried a noble woman and lived five years as a gentleman in Sussex County. The miracles that happened at the end of this life have been described earlier.

　　Eight Epilogues

　　After a police hearing, the John Douglas case was transferred to a higher court. The district court acquitted the murder in self-defense and pronounced the verdict of release.

　　"He must be allowed to leave England at no cost," Holmes wrote to Edward's wife, "and here is full of dangers, even more dangerous than the ones he has escaped." In the UK, there is no safe place for your husband to live. ”

　　Two months have passed, and we have gradually forgotten about this case. But one morning, we received a wonderful letter in our mailbox. There were only a few simple words on the letter: "Oh my God, Mr. Holmes, oh my God!" "There is neither an address nor a signature. I looked at this bizarre and strange statement, and I didn't find it funny, but Holmes looked very serious.

　　"It must be a bad thing, Watson!" Holmes said, his eyebrows locked and he sat there.

　　It was late in the night, and our landlady Mrs. Hudson came in to inform her that a gentleman had something important to ask to see Holmes. Immediately after the briefing, Cecil Barker, a friend we had made at Berlestone Manor, walked in. Buck's face was gloomy and gaunt.

　　"I brought the unfortunate news, the terrible news, Mr. Holmes," Buck said.

　　"I'm worried too," said Holmes.

　　"Didn't you get the telegram?"

　　"I received a letter from someone."

　　"Poor Douglas. They told me that his real name was Edward, but to me he would always be Jack Douglas of Benito Canyon. Three weeks earlier, the couple had taken the ship Palmyra to South Africa together. ”

　　"Good value for money"

　　"Last night the ship arrived in Cape Town. This morning I received a telegram from Mrs. Douglas:

　　Jack landed in the sea in a strong wind near St. Helena Island. No one knows

　　How such an accident happened.

　　Ive Douglas'"

　　"Oops! I see! Holmes said thoughtfully, "Well, I'm sure it was carefully arranged and directed behind the scenes. ”

　　"You mean, you don't think it was an accident?"

　　"There are no such accidents in the world."

　　"Was he murdered?"

　　"Of course!"

　　"I think so too. These evil nemesis, this gang of damned revanchist criminals..."

　　"No, no, my good sir," said Holmes, "there is another mastermind here. This is not a case of using a truncated shotgun and a clumsy six-shot revolver. You could say it was done by an old rival. But I said it was Moriarty's trick. The criminal operation was directed from London, not from the United States. ”

　　"But what was his motive?"

　　"Because the person who poisons this is a person who is not willing to fail, the complete difference between this person is that everything he does must achieve the goal. Such a man of intelligence and a vast organization set out to destroy a man, like a hammer smashing a walnut, and it seems ridiculous to use too much force, but the walnut is naturally smashed easily. ”

　　"What does this man have to do with this?"

　　"All I can tell you is that we know these things, or that one of Moriarty's assistants leaked the news. These Americans are carefully considered. They, like other foreign criminals, want to commit crimes in England, and naturally they are in partnership with the master of the crime. From that time on, the fate of the people they were all about was doomed. Initially Moriarty sent his men down to find the person to be murdered and then instructed how to deal with it. As a result, when he saw reports of Baldwin's failed assassination, he took matters into his own hands. You've heard me warn your friend at Belstone Manor that the dangers ahead are far more serious than in the past. Am I right? ”

　　Buck clenched his fists angrily and banged his head, saying, "Are you saying we can only be at their mercy?" Are you saying that no one can defeat this demon king? ”

　　"No, I didn't say that," said Holmes, his eyes seeming to look far into the future, "I didn't say he couldn't be defeated. But you have to give me time – you have to give me time! ”

　　For a moment, all of us were silent, and Holmes's foresightly eyes seemed to want to penetrate the clouds.