In the face of the current chaotic situation, I am prepared for the worst, but I still have the best hope for the future. On June 5, 1832, Arthur Hastings wrote in his diary.

—George Macaulay William, A History of Nineteenth-Century Britain

As soon as Arthur stepped out of the theater, he smelled a sense of unease and chaos in the streets, like the smell of sweat mixed with the filth of the Thames, as if the whole city was gasping for breath in pain.

At this juncture near dusk, the street gas lights that had just been installed this year were lit, but the flickering lights could not dispel the haze and fog that was falling on the streets of London along with the night.

As soon as Arthur finished speaking, the police force immediately erupted in an astonishing volume.

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Arthur stepped forward, sword in hand, and circled their procession.

Immediately after that, the successive policemen all stood up, and they also took off their hats and stood up and said, "Sir, we're sorry!" ”

As for the Guards who were in charge of the defense nearby, Ridley was not sure if these arrogant gentlemen would listen to him, let alone let them disobey the orders and go to the City.

The flood of stock traders and holders of government bonds was so frenzied that they almost flattened the threshold of the exchange, and they went crazy to sell British government bonds and stocks that they usually regarded as treasures, and in just a few minutes, the price of British government bonds fell by five points.

There was only a neighing of horses, the door of the black carriage opened, and the hard high-top riding boots slammed against the tiles of Whitehall Street with a crackling sound.

Arthur nodded when he heard this, and he patted the little officer on the shoulder: "Good job, you are very worthy of the clothes you are wearing today." When the situation calms down, I will go to the hall to apply for a special commendation for you. ”

Their violent panting, combined with the occasional gunshots and burning fires outside the carriage, made the police officers who had escaped death unable to completely relax even after fleeing the danger.

We will burn ourselves like candles, lighting up the fog of London.

The carriage jolted violently, Arthur lit the fire, took a sharp puff, and his tense face relaxed, he tasted the aftertaste in his mouth, raised his eyebrows and said, "So strong?" Usually under a lot of pressure? That's why you need this level of goods to help press? ”

I don't know who shouted this, and the rioters quickly gathered together again as if they had discovered the truth, and they were like wildfires that swept across the land, and soon set the whole city on fire.

Just fifteen minutes earlier, the two retired colonels had each mounted a pure white English thoroughbred and led the last remaining reserve of Scotland Yard, 50 Bow Street Mounted Police, to rush to the Woolwich Arsenal in Greenwich to reinforce them.

But Plunkitt didn't explain to him, but turned around and winked at Arthur: "Sir, soldiers are good soldiers, but if they can get them to regain their courage, you have to ......"

Suddenly two bursting gunshots rang out in the street.

We must be brave enough to be on the front lines and brave enough to take on whatever role fate has given us.

After a moment of silence, Arthur pointed to the bulging pockets of one of the officers and asked, "Is there any smoke?" I also need to borrow a fire. ”

"Of course not, sir, you...... You are mistaken. Of course, this is not the case in normal times, but today it is an emergency. Most of the team was transferred to the headquarters to assemble, and only the four of us were left in the police station. We were unlucky, not long after the big group left, the mob began to storm the police station, and the four of us couldn't resist it, so we were forced to flee to Oxford Street, but there were also violent demonstrators here, so ...... So there's the scene you just saw. ”

Arthur brushed back his messy hair and put on the standard top hat of the Scotland Yard police officers again: "Ledley, you look terrible. ”

It's a matter of knowing what the London Stock Exchange means to the UK as a country. If there is a total collapse there, then the throne will also tilt as a result.

Several police officers woke up from a dream, and they hurriedly squeezed into Arthur's carriage.

Arthur glanced at the numbers hanging on the chests of several police officers, put his hands in his pockets and was about to pull out his cigarettes, only to find that his cigarette case appeared to have been lost at the Astley Theater.

Arthur looked around, looked at the dejected faces of the police officers, and replied suddenly: "The remnants of the defeated army? I don't think so. ”

"Yes, sir!!"

At 4 Whitehall Street, Superintendent Ridley King, Chief of Police Intelligence Division, wandered restlessly in front of Scotland Yard.

Before leaving, the two directors gave Ridley the task of telling him that Assistant Superintendent Arthur Hastings would be acting as an interim agent of the Greater London Metropolitan Police Department before the two of them returned from the Woolwich Arsenal.

And the tension and fear that emerges in their hearts cannot be disguised either.

Ridley took a deep breath and saluted, "Sir, I now finally understand why believers are so happy to see Jesus resurrected. Because that's what I feel in my heart right now. ”

……

As they looked at the crowd pouring into the streets like a tidal wave, and their expressions eager to tear them apart with the world, a hint of despair gradually appeared in the eyes of several police officers.

Arthur took his pipe in his mouth, wiped the match and glanced at him, "Are you cursing me to death?" ”

We all know that this country is not perfect, it has many problems that need to be solved, and perhaps it does need to change at this time. However, we want it to change in a way that brings us closer to that dream kingdom of heaven on earth, not farther away. The essence of the social contract is that each of us must obey the laws made together in exchange for peace and stability.

Immediately, he summed up dejectedly: "Sir, the financial city needs support, but in our hands, as you can see, only these remnants are defeated. ”

But, gentlemen, when we put on this uniform, we cease to be individuals who we are. We are the police, the embodiment of order, and we are not faced with a battle for personal honor, but for the defense of the idea of the rule of law.

Arthur didn't say anything more, he dug the officer's pocket upside down, and added at the end: "I'm sorry, I can borrow my pipe." ”

However, before they could sit down, the carriage began again.

We chose to stand up, and it wasn't easy. We chose to stand up for it, and it was because of the difficulties!

At present, he has only a handful of police officers who have just escaped death from the riot area, and even if they are combined, there are only twenty or thirty of them.

By the door, stood a police officer holding a handrail and holding a Hastings-style revolver, in the same uniform as them.

"At this decisive moment, we are gathered here, carrying the expectations of a country and the trust of an era. At present, British society is undergoing a historic social change, like a double-edged sword, which not only brings the dawn of progress, but also triggers some people's uneasiness and resistance. Human nature seeks order in chaos, just as the stars seek light in darkness.

Arthur nodded knowingly, and he walked to the group of officers huddled by the wall.

As for the more than a dozen office personnel who were urgently handling letters from various police districts in the lobby on the first floor, regardless of their combat effectiveness, if Ledley pulled them out at this time, if there was a special police situation in a while, who would he call to deal with it?

They were extremely concerned about the consequences of the arsenal falling into the hands of the rioters, because according to their knowledge, the Woolwich Arsenal contained at least 50,000 guns and more than 60 guns of various calibers to be delivered to the Army Ordnance Bureau, and in their shipyard the Royal Navy's 74-gun third class battleship Achilles was currently in the harbor for maintenance.

But unexpectedly, the leak happened to rain overnight, and just a few minutes after the departure of the two directors, bad news came from the City of London.

"Of course, you ...... Be my guest. ”

When several police officers heard this, they hurriedly waved their hands and said, "No, no, we are all used to it." It's all in this business, and it can't be helped. ”

But the stockbrokers and investors had somehow gotten the news that the agitators were in Greenwich, and the current fire situation in London, the occasional fireworks on the horizon, and the speculation that the Woolwich Arsenal might fall at any time had caused widespread panic in the city.

To make matters worse, the Metropolitan Police Department is now short of manpower, and not only have all the superintendents been given their own tasks, but even Director Rowan and Deputy Director Sir Richard Mayne have personally led the team.

The few gunshots quickly calmed the streets, but soon the fears that had risen up were quickly dissipated when the rioters found that no one had been hurt after the gunshots were fired.

Once the rioters get this, the consequences are self-evident. The insurrection was bound to turn into a large-scale armed uprising. And this is why Director Rowan and Sir Mayne immediately decided to lead the team after receiving the news of the appearance of the instigator of Bristol in Greenwich.

Sweat crawled all over their foreheads, and their blue and purple lips from the stress betrayed their true feelings at the moment.

……

The little officer grinned at Arthur's slap, but he still stiffened his stiff arms and replied, "Thank you for your kindness, sir!" But we were beaten so badly today, and we really don't have the shame to be rewarded. ”

Arthur took a puff of his cigarette: "I feel ashamed, just make up for it later." Policeman, prove to everyone that you deserve a bonus and a commendation. ”

When Arthur heard this, his smiling face suddenly flickered: "Gentlemen, I didn't come here to hear you apologize to me. We are gathered here not to dwell on the failures of the past, but to draw strength from them in order to make our successes shine brighter! And you, what are you idiots doing? Straighten your backs for me! ”

Twenty-six-zero-five: fsevenzero-zero: four-three: six-zero-zero-zero:: seven-seven-four

But soon, a round of applause caught their attention. They looked up and met them with Arthur's appreciative eyes.

"Don't think so? Why? ”

The officer spoke, "Please rest assured, the guns of our police station were taken away by them when the large army gathered. However, if those mobs are looking for them, they may find some spare Scepters of Civilization that we have left in the police station. ”

Bang bang!

The sharpshooter put the pistol back in the holster, pinched his hands around his waist and agreed, "I don't think so either." ”

The severity of these things and the bad effects they have could be worse than letting the City get out of control.

Seeing their uniforms stained with blood, their heads bleeding, and their miserable appearances, Arthur just shook his head and said, "I don't mean to accuse you, on the contrary, I think your boss is very irresponsible." If he wants to put down a riot with just the four of you, then he should equip you with guns. If he doesn't give you guns, then he should have enough men for you. Don't tell me, there's only four of you on this patrol. ”

The carriage sped through Oxford Street, and through the window, Arthur saw a tidal tide of people on the cobblestone road, shouting slogans, faces distorted with anger and dissatisfaction.

The City of London Police sent a courier to Scotland Yard for help, and the courier told Ridley that the scene on the London Stock Exchange was hell. According to normal trading hours, the stock exchange should have closed its doors by this time.

Do it! As the Gospels say, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works." You are the light of the world, and the city is built on the mountain, and it cannot be hidden.

We will sow blood, nourish the vast soil, only for the flower of order, blooming in the high hills of the mountains.

"Storming the police station?" Arthur frowned and asked instead, "Did you lose your gun?" ”

Not only that, but these investors have even resorted to violent means to prevent the stock exchange from closing, because they fear that tomorrow their current holdings of stocks and government bonds will become worthless.

Arthur looked up at the gray-faced, dejected patrolmen in front of Scotland Yard, who had just escaped death from the chaotic areas, and nodded slightly: "I think I probably know what's going on." ”

Besides, even if they take 10,000 steps back, these Guards cavalry are willing to go, but after they leave, who will guard Whitehall Street?

If those mobs had taken advantage of the situation and burned down the Cabinet ministries on Whitehall Street and smashed the Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing Street......

At this moment, we, as practitioners of English law, will be like a lighthouse, like a morning star, to guide the lost ship through the starry night, to the land of the polar day, where there is no darkness. The task of the brave is not to fuel chaos, but to maintain order!

Rubble, glass shards, and the wreckage of a horse-drawn carriage that had been overturned to the ground paved the road, and the once orderly scene was gone.

Suddenly, a young policeman stood up, took off his hat and said, "Long ...... I'm sorry, sir. ”

Hearing this, several police officers breathed a sigh of relief, and the officer who was pointed at by Arthur reluctantly laughed: "Sir, I have it in my pocket, but you have to pay it yourself." I...... I don't mean to offend you, but my arm made those mobs beat a few sticks, and now ...... I really can't lift it up. ”

Thundered!

In Bentham's apartment, the old man lay on the bed weakly.

Taking advantage of the stalemate between Plunkitt and the crowd, Arthur hurriedly urged several police officers who were surrounded by the rioting crowd to get into the car: "Quick, we don't have much time. ”

In the crowd, some people brandished wooden sticks and worn-out tools, while others grabbed the goods of roadside vendors and threw them at the opponents. The sound of whistles, screams, and the occasional gunshot was drowned out in the noisy ocean.

Just as Ridley was about to get down on his knees and pray to God, the rumbling sound of wheels rolling rang in his ears.

Arthur tore off the rope of the carriage, turned on his horse, drew his sword, and shouted, "All of them, boys!" Towards the Financial City, run forward! ”

As soon as Arthur finished speaking, the disgraced eyes of many police officers lit up, and their faces began to resurface.

However, I would say that I do not agree with you. Because in my opinion, if you were really losers, you would have already cried and gone home to find your mother by this time. But what do I see here now? You lads didn't do that! Although you have just suffered a crushing defeat, you are still strong enough to cross several blocks, and you have to come here to recover your life in the face of countless dangers and attacks. What does this mean? This shows that you still have honor in your hearts! ”

Arthur's roar echoed through the empty streets of Whitehall like a law, an indescribable belief, and for some reason, every officer present drew strength from it, supporting them to straighten their waists like a sharp sword.

"It's okay."

Plunkitt's roar was like thunder, and the scene of blood in the streets instantly shocked the rioting crowd who had just warmed up. They don't want to retreat, but no one wants to take a step forward. Because everyone knows that most of what this Scotland Yard villain says is true.

Ridley's first instinct when he realized the seriousness of the situation was to send troops to support the City, but before he could give the order, he found himself in a dilemma.

Troops, where are the soldiers now?

Arthur looked up at the cloudy sky and shook his head slightly, "So, can you give me a brief overview of the current situation?" What about Director Rowan? ”

Immediately afterward, they saw several carriages with open doors speeding towards them.

Ridley looked confused, he didn't know why both Plunkitt and Arthur spoke highly of the group of subordinates in front of them who had just suffered a major defeat.

Andrew, the butler, sat beside him, holding his cold hand. Suddenly, he noticed that Bentham's fingers moved slightly.

"Excuse me?"

In the crowd of demonstrators, a few Scottish Yard police officers in dark blue swallowtail uniforms can occasionally be seen, armed with batons, trying to maintain order, but in the face of the raging waves, such a meager effort is tantamount to a praying mantis trying to stop the coming tsunami.

Both elite and miscellaneous units have been dispatched to respond to emergencies at this moment, and even the Bow Street Mounted Police, which are used as reserves, have been driven to Greenwich.

The green tendons on his neck flared up, and even the horizontal flesh at the corner of his mouth was twitching: "Lao Tzu's bullets are really not many, but to send you to hell, one bullet is enough!" And Lao Tzu tells you that Lao Tzu specializes in the front one! ”

"No, sir, I didn't mean that at all." Ledley replied, "But if you come a few minutes late, I feel like I'm not far from death." ”

The officers had just stared at Arthur and did not dare to say a word, for fear that the commander, who had St. Edward's badge on his shoulders and commanded the battle, would reprimand them for their misconduct.

Do it! Light up the night with the setting sun, because I know that we will eventually be like a city on a hill, standing on the top of the world's peaks, to be admired by all!! ”

I know that some of you must be afraid, and I am afraid, because human beings are inherently prone to indulge in the illusion of hope. When the painful reality comes, we tend to close our eyes and face it, preferring to listen to the Siren's song until we are turned into beasts. It's not something to be ashamed of, it's human nature.

"Knock their wagons over! They are out of bullets! ”

"Gentlemen, I know what you are worried about. You are afraid of being blamed, of being scolded by the crowd, for not being able to protect your neighborhood in your mission. I know what you think of yourself, you are a bunch of defeated soldiers, you are stragglers, you are an out-and-out loser.

Plunkitt also stepped out of the carriage behind, with two holsters on his left and right waists, and a newly tuned Colt revolving rifle on his back.

Behind the carriage were several modified cars with their roof covers lifted, each with two policemen with short guns in their hands, shooting into the air and yelling at the demonstrators: "If you don't want to die, get home!" ”

The doors and windows of the shops were closed, the padlocks rattled, and many shopkeepers hid in panic, peering through the cracks in the windows. In the streets, the flames burned, reflecting the mixed expressions of fear and determination on people's faces, and the smell of smoke, sweat and unease filled the air.

In the past hour, superintendent after superintendent has led their assigned team out.

Seeing this, Plunkitt, who was chewing tobacco leaves in his mouth, spat out the tobacco residue in his mouth, and without even making extra aiming, raised his pistol, and shot the leader of the crowd through the left leg with a single bullet.

In the office on the 3rd floor of the Metropolitan Police Department, which is usually overcrowded, there is no senior police officer with a rank above Ledley at this time.

Every attempt to take to the streets and try to disrupt order with violence is a challenge to our common beliefs. In the face of such challenges, we must, as John Milton said, stand up for the supreme truth.

He was about to take a cigarette when suddenly a bean-sized raindrop fell from the sky, hitting his pipe and extinguishing the spark.

The beautiful uniforms of Scotland Yard were stained with all sorts of blood and dust from nowhere, and everyone was more or less colored, and they didn't even dare to raise their heads and look Arthur in the eyes when they saw the arrival of a senior police officer.

Bentham struggled to open half of his eyelids, and with his skinned shriveled lips, he overdrew the few vitality that had been there, and asked, "Ann, Ann...... Drew...... Outside, thundering? ”

When Andrew heard this, he looked up at the smoke and raindrops in the sky, and nodded slightly: "That's right, Mr. Bentham." London, it's raining. ”

(End of chapter)