The Shadow of Great Britain

353: Chapter 215 The Elegant Connoisseurs of the 19th Century (5K6)_2 353: Chapter 215 The Elegant Connoisseurs of the 19th Century (5K6)_2 Arthur stood by his side and listened, his face not turning red nor his heart skipping a beat as he nodded in agreement, “That’s right, that’s how we do it in Britain.

Perhaps you could consider starting a similar medical equipment company in the United States after you return, bringing back a touch of advanced civilization.”

Colt pondered for a moment but eventually shook his head in resignation, “Forget it, I’m still more interested in firearms; the gap between them and medical equipment is just too great.”

Arthur replied calmly, “No, no, I think they’re not that different actually.”

Colt was curious, “How so?”

Arthur took out his pipe, lit it, and took a puff before saying, “Your Colt Revolver and this intestinal treatment device, essentially, they’re both about opening eyes, though the principles behind them may differ slightly, the outcomes are highly consistent.”

Arthur was mid-smoke when, unfortunately, the association member Andrew, who had climbed up from the embankment, quickly spotted this London gentleman carrying a large quantity of medical supplies.

Eagerly, Andrew said, “Sir, may I buy some of your tobacco?”

Clasping the tin full of tobacco in his hand, Arthur hesitated for a moment before hestiated for a moment before tactfully persuading him, “This tobacco of mine was purchased on Jermyn Street, genuine stuff from Santo Domingo.

Wouldn’t it be a waste to use it for intestinal therapy?”

Upon hearing this, Andrew responded with a sense of duty, “Sir, what are you talking about?

This is about saving the lives of the citizens of London.

Besides, we’re not asking for it for free.

If you’re not willing to sell, please make way quickly, as I need to go to the shop behind us to stock up.”

Hearing this, Arthur was about to step aside when he caught sight of the volunteers rescuing drowning victims in the tumultuous waves of the Thames River.

Suddenly, an idea popped into his head.

He held the other man’s hand and slapped the tobacco tin into it, “As an old smoker, although it’s difficult for me to part with my favorite indulgence, as an upright Scotland Yard officer, I do feel obliged to uphold the safety of the general public.

To speak frankly, I’ve encountered a drowning case these past few days where the victim unfortunately perished.

If that lady had come across you at the time, she surely would have been saved.”

After hearing this, Andrew expressed his regret, “I’m sorry to hear about this.

In the end, it all comes down to our association being short-handed.

Even though we have someone on patrol by the Thames every day, at most we can only cover the area from Covent Garden to the West India Docks.

I guess the woman you mentioned didn’t fall into the water in this area, did she?”

Arthur’s eyes widened slightly as he replied, “Sir, are you sure everyone who falls into the water in this area can be saved?”

Andrew shook his head, “Certainly not, but if someone falls into the water in this area, our association keeps records.

And as you mentioned, the lady fell into the water recently, and in our association’s records for the last fortnight, there were no cases of drowning victims dying.

That’s why I’m certain the lady you mentioned couldn’t have fallen into the water here.”

Arthur smiled upon hearing this and continued to inquire, “But I’ve heard that after drowning victims die, their bodies tend to be swept downstream.

So, are you saying that in this stretch of river from Covent Garden to the West India Docks, there haven’t been any bodies found that were washed downstream during this time?”

“Washed downstream?” Andrew replied, “Of course, that happens every day.

But when you’ve been in this business for a while, you can usually tell how long the body’s been in the water.

Those that have been washed downstream, you can generally tell at a glance.

As for the details, I won’t describe them to you; the state of a body after soaking for too long is just too disgusting.”

Hearing this, Arthur couldn’t help but take out another tobacco tin from his pocket and slap it into the other man’s palm, “I appreciate your enthusiastic help, good citizen.

The two things you’ve just said are very important to me.

If I need more information later, I will come visit your association again.

There are a few mint candies inside this tobacco tin, remember not to overexert yourself while helping others, and keep a cool breath at all times.”

Andrew was perplexed by Arthur’s words but simply looked up to remember the gentleman’s face, offered his thanks, and then hurried back down the Thames embankment with the tobacco tin.

Watching him move off, Arthur then patted the American young man, Colt’s, shoulder, “Alright, Mr.

Colt, while I’m in a good mood, let’s go have some tea nearby.

And you can tell me more about your revolver with the rotating drum magazine.

I heard from a guard that your handgun seems to burst at the barrel quite easily.

Why don’t you carefully consider making some improvements to the firing-pin mechanism, or maybe add a rifled barrel?

By the way, I have yet to ask, what’s the caliber of your handgun?

It couldn’t be better if it can accommodate conical bullets in shell casings.

My needs are indeed quite unique; some tasks I undertake don’t afford many opportunities or much time to fire, so it would be best if each shot were lethal.”

…

In the evening at a café near Whitehall, an elegant crystal chandelier cast a soft, orange glow, while melodic music accompanied by the phonograph wafted through every corner of the café.

Sir Peel, holding a silver spoon, stirred his coffee cup while listening to the music and laughing, “As a piano étude, the ‘Bell’ is certainly excellent and also very popular at balls, but its rhythm is too vigorous, clearly unsuitable for a café environment like this.

Arthur, perhaps you could consult Mr.

Mozesales or Sir Mendelssohn for some advice on composing classical music.

That way, your vinyl record sales are sure to jump a great deal more.

I know you can do it, Arthur; your records always have something delightful to offer, whether it’s the ‘Bell’ or that one you sent me the other day.”