Track out camps wake forest: Track Out Camps | Year Round School

Wake Track-Out Camps & Discovery Days

2022 Fall Camp Schedule

Now that fall is upon us, you’ve got plenty of teacher workdays, intersession breaks, and holidays to plan for! We know there are plenty of different school calendars out there, and we do our best to run fall programming for as many as we can. If your school isn’t listed below, let us know and we’ll add it!

In our Wake Track-Out Camps, we know that some kids play easily with others, some walk intrepidly into adventure, while others may fear the unfamiliar. At Schoolhouse of Wonder, every kid matters. Each person, young or old, is different. We love that. Every Schoolhouse camp provides a unique environment of kindness, respect, and learning. Our award-winning, nature-based outdoor camps have different themes each season, but they are all inspired by our core values. Low camper-to-staff ratios allow campers a sense of freedom while providing a safe and nurturing environment.

Campers (8-12 years old), Counselors in Training, and staff can also challenge themselves to grow and learn by earning “Growth Rings” in areas like fire making, whittling, plant lore, and snake identification and handling.

Visit our Wake Summer Camps section to find Track Out camps taking place from June – August.  

Oh, and by day’s end, we’ll return your kids dirty, tired, and happy. Guaranteed. 

Questions? Check out our Wake Camp FAQs.

Discovery Days

Campers love the fun and parents love the convenience of our Discovery Days — one-day, outdoor camps available on Teacher Work days and most Holidays.

• $84/day (Teacher Work Days and Select Holidays)
• Ages: 5-12 years old
• Check In: 8:15a to 9:00a.
• Pick Up: 5:00p to 5:30p.
• Alternative Early Pick Up: 3:00 to 3:30p (advance notice required)

Track-Out Camps At-a-Glance

We are proud to offer Track-Out Camps for both the spring and fall season. We run these week-long camps at Umstead State Park and Harris Lake County Park.

• $424 per week
• Ages: 5-12 years old
• Camp Week: Monday through Friday 9:00a to 5:00p.
• Check In: 8:15a to 9:00a.
• Pick Up: 5:00p to 5:30p.
• Alternative Early Pick Up: 3:00 to 3:30p (advance notice required)

Locations

Umstead State Park (Reedy Creek entrance Exit 287 I-40), 2100 North Harrison Ave. Cary, NC 27513. This is the general address for both our Amphitheater and Whispering Pines location.

Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr, New Hill, NC 27562

Discounts

Most programs are eligible for a discount when you register for two or more programs for the same child or siblings in the same household in the same order.

Multi-camp

You will automatically receive a $15 discount off the cost of a second and any additional camp seat purchased in the same order. This discount applies to Discovery Days and partial-week camps.

Sibling

You will automatically receive a $25 discount off the cost of second and subsequent camp seats for siblings from the same household purchased in the same order. This discount only applies to full-week camps.

Please note that it is possible to receive both of these discounts on the same order, though it is not possible to receive both of these discounts on the same camp. Here are some examples of how discounts work.

Leadership Training for Teenagers

Want to nurture your 13-17 year old’s leadership skills? Learn more about our Counselor in Training program

Questions?

If you have any questions about what to pack for camp or any of our policies, please see our Wake Camp FAQs or our Parent Handbook. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have. Call 919-477-2116 or email us at [email protected].

Policies

For our program policies, click here.

Community Services | Lifelong Learning with Community Schools

The Triangle Camps, Track-out, and More directory was created by parent request. The biannual directory offers valuable information to parents about camps, track out programs, enrichment activities, and more for children in the Triangle region.

Explore the many opportunities available for your children below.

Triangle Camps, Track Out, and More Online Directory

Search:

Showing results for: Show All, All Locations

Camp Kanata

	Contact www. campkanata.org
	13524 Camp Kanata Rd

Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer

Jovie

Mathnasium, the Math Learning Center

	Contact mathnasium. com
	7920 Skyland Ridge Parkway, #130 7713 Lead Mine Road, #53 2456 Wycliff Road 14460 New Falls Of Neuse Road, #181 117 Timber Drive 7264 Gb Alford Highway 8761 Holly Springs Road 962 Us Highway 64, #15a 489 James Jackson Avenue 10120 Green Level Church Road, #214

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Over The Moon Play Space

	Contact overthemoonplay. com/camps
	653 Cary Towne Blvd

Schoolhouse of Wonder

Sonshine Gymnastics

The Resource Room Learning Center

	Contact resourceroomnc. com
	2100 Crossway Lane

Town of Cary

Triangle Rock Club

	Contact 102 Pheasant Wood Court, Morrisville, NC 27560, 919-463-7625 6022 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh, NC 27612, 919-803-5534 919-463-7625 www. trianglerockclub.com
	102 Pheasant Wood Ct 6022 Duraleigh Rd

YMCA of the Triangle

Autism Society of North Carolina

	Contact http://trianglerunwalkforautism. com
	5121 Kingdom Way

Champion Art – Portfolio Art, College Prep, Creative Art

Champion Camp – Diverse, Cutting-edge, Project-based Camp

Champion Learning Academy – After School, STEAM Club, and AP Tutor

	Contact www. championlearningacademy.com
	106 Pheasant Wood Ct.,

Cohen Lab-(UNC-CH) ADHD Research Study

Conundrum Escapes School Holiday Camp

First Tee — Triangle: Golf & Character Education

	Contact www. firstteetriangle.org
	TriGolf Facility: 12201 Leesville Road

Grade Power Learning

Marbles Kids Museum Camps

PlanMyKids

Contact www. planmykids.com/wcpss

Pump It Up Parties, Play & More

Raleigh Redhawks

Starpath Dance Academy

Triangle Chess

	Contact 919-272-8017 trianglechess. com/
	5920 S Miami Blvd

Summer & Track Out Camps

Creating Memories &

Providing Experiences
that Last a Lifetime.

Youth Day Camps at Granite Falls

Our award-winning, fitness focused youth camps are offered to children 4 – 11 years old. Each weekly session is centered around a different theme that fills each day with new experiences and exciting activities. Full and half-day options are available.

* Half day option only available during     summer camp

**4 year olds half day & summer camp ONLY

Note: If you are a new Non-member Participant in our camps please call the front desk to set up your account (919)562-8895. 

Session Dates

2022 Spring Track-Out Camp:
March 7th – May 20th

2022 Summer Camp:
May 23rd – August 19th

2022 Fall Track-Out Camp:
August 22nd – December 2nd

2022-23 Winter Track Out Camp:
December 5th – March 3rd

* Weekly Sessions (Monday – Friday) 

Pricing Information

Summer Camp Pricing:

Member Full Day: $240
Member Half Day: $175

Non-Member Full Day: $285
Non-Member Half Day: $205

Track Out Camp Pricing:

Member Full Day: $230
Non-Member Full Day: $275

* Per Week

Early Registration Discounts

2022 Fall Track-Out Camp:

15% Discount – Register July 11th- July 17th

Camp Policies, FAQs & Details

Summer Camp flier HERE.

Summer Camp policies, FAQ HERE.

Fall Track Out Camp policies, FAQs HERE.

Winter Track Out Camp policies, FAQs HERE.

Spring Track Out Camp policies. FAQs HERE. 

COVID-19 Camp Protocol

COVID Procedures

Anyone showing signs of illness of any kind or who may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not be in the day camp facility.

Symptoms of COVID-19:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Additional symptoms include chills, loss of taste or smell, vomiting/diarrhea (children only). While symptoms in children are similar in adults, children have milder symptoms.

*Fever is determined by a reading 100.4 or higher or by subjective signs such as flushed cheeks, fatigue, extreme fussiness, chills, shivering, sweating, achiness, not eating or drinking. *

Preventing the spread of the virus in the camp facility:

• We will be following proper hygiene guidance for adults and children such as washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Face coverings:
  • We recommend that campers wear face coverings when feasible while inside of the building.
• Staff will be encouraging campers to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
• Hand sanitizing products with 60% alcohol will be used in lieu of handwashing when outdoors if hands are washed upon return indoors. Hand sanitizer will be stored out of reach of children when not in use.

Children who develop symptoms during the day:

• • If a child develops any symptoms of COVID-19, parents will be notified immediately requesting pick-up as soon as possible.
  • While waiting for a sick child to be picked up, staff will stay with the child in a room isolated from others.

Campers and staff should be excluded from camp until they can answer YES to all of the following questions if they believe they have/had COVID-19 or any illness:

• Has it been at least 10 days since you first had symptoms?
• Have you been without a fever for three days (72 hours) without any medicine for fever?
• Has it been three days since you symptoms have improved?

Daily Health Screening:

Please review these questions with yourself and children before drop off at camp. A staff member may also ask these questions upon drop off:

• Do you or do any of the children you are dropping off have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea?
• Have you or any of the children you are dropping off:
  • Had any of these symptoms since last time you were here?
  • Been in contact with anyone with a fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea?
  • Potentially been exposed to COVID-19 or have reason to believe you/they have COVID-19?

Screen children by:

• Make visual inspection of the camper for signs of infections such as flushed cheeks, fatigue, or irritability

Kids Camp Activities | The Little Gym of North Raleigh/Wake Forest

Choose Your Adventure

Camps at The Little Gym come in all shapes and sizes. Super Quest camps and Grade School Skill Thrill camps give your adventurer something unique.

Super Quest Camps

Your child will spend three adventure-filled hours a day on a unique, exciting quest with their friends. Each week revolves around an interactive learning theme with different, creative lesson plans that will keep your child engaged.

Ages 3-8

Grade School Skill Thrill

Thrill seekers wanted! Your child will take their gymnastics skills to the next level through a special three-hour program, focusing on specific beginner, intermediate or advanced moves. By the end of the summer they’ll stick the landing when they handspring back to school.

Ages 6-12

Camps

Pricing: Camps start at $60 per session

Give us a call at (919) 846-9760 to book your camp!

Camp & Track-out Programs – Family Fun Carolina

Music Camps – Falls River Music

Summer Music Camps in Raleigh NC

Falls River Music offers exciting Summer Music Camps for the Beginning / Intermediate student (about a year+ experience on an instrument or voice). These exciting Music Day Camp programs are for kids and teens, ages 8 and up. We have had students and campers from all over the North Carolina triangle area, from Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Wake Forest and beyond. We are conveniently located right off the 540 freeway in N Raleigh.

These day camps feature extensive individual Music Lesson instruction and a wealth of experience in playing and creating music and singing in a group band setting. Students are assembled in bands based on their age and experience levels, and then the fun begins! Students will do all of the following and more during these informative and confidence-building Summer Music Camp sessions:

Music Camp Activities

• Name their Band
• Take Band Photos
• Learn the skills to play popular songs of their choosing
• Learn to play, write and record music as a Band, using our on-site Stage and digital recording Studio
• Learn music fundamentals and simple music theory
• Learn about recording software and sound mixing and engineering
• Receive valuable individual and group Instruction from many of our professional Musician/Teachers, on a variety of instruments
• Perform a Concert for family and friends at the end of the week, on an awesome Stage!
• Have lots of FUN, and make new friends!

These week-long Summer Music Camps are held at our convenient North Raleigh music store location from 9am to 3pm Monday through Friday for one full week, with a Concert performance on Friday! Full stage in-store with PA, mics, lights, amps, drums, keyboards etc. Everything needed to rock out and have fun!

Call or email us now for more information about our 2022 Music Camps…

or Submit your info to reserve a Summer Camp spot here

Falls River Music

10930 Raven Ridge Road 103
Raleigh, NC 27614
Map: Click here

Phone: 919-637-0526
Email: [email protected]

Refreshments and snacks are available for purchase from our Snack Bar, and water is always available free of charge throughout the day. Students can bring a lunch (with their name written on it) or money to spend at the Snack Bar or any of the convenient restaurants here in the Falls River Town Center. Our microwave, freezer and refrigerator are all available for use during Camp. A 1-hour Lunch social Break is given each Day from 12 to 1pm

Students will be fully supervised and taught throughout the day by our patient, professional and highly experienced Instructors and Staff. We specifically offer individual and group Music Instruction for Guitar, Drums, Piano, Bass, Violin, Voice, Cello, Brass and Woodwinds… but all instruments are welcome in these Music Camps. Students DO NOT need to take Music Lessons at Falls River Music to attend these Summer and Track-Out Music Camps. All are welcome!

SUMMER Music Camp Schedule for 2022

(INTERMEDIATE Music Camps are for students with around 1 year of consistent experience on an instrument. Our BEGINNER Music Camps are open to all students…

(Intermediate Camps are for ages 8 and up)

NOTE: We reserve the right to Cancel any Camp up to 2 weeks prior to its Start Date, if a minimum of 4 Participants are not signed up- to ensure a totally beneficial Camp experience for all. Camps are limited to no more than 8-10  participants, to allow ample time to guide and instruct each Camper fully throughout the Camp

Intermediate-level Summer Music Camps cost $295.00 per week-long Camp- for the 30 hours of Camp instruction and participation, student Concert, Photos and Recordings. A 10% Deposit needs to be paid in advance to reserve your spot in the desired Camp, once an acceptable week has been chosen. If you later need to cancel, No refunds can be given, but credit towards Music Lessons or future Camps is gladly offered.

A 10% discount is offered for current Falls River Music students or for multiple students from the same household signed up for a specific Camp. All Camps are offered for ages 8 and up (individual Music Lessons are offered for younger students, depending on the instrument studied).

one of our MUSIC CAMP Bands performing at their end-of-week Concert!

Call or email us now for more information about our 2022 Music Camps…

or Submit your info to reserve a Summer Camp spot here

Falls River Music
10930 Raven Ridge Road 103
Raleigh, NC 27614
Map: Click here

Phone: 919-637-0526
Email: [email protected]

90,000 signal fencing of the camp in the forest

Diamond_D 02/27/2017 – 10:28

moved from the disaster and survival in crisis situations

moved from the survival of

A welcome to comrades. I propose to discuss ways of timely notification of unauthorized approach to the place of lodging for the night in the forest. Whether it’s a tent or just outdoors.

For example: Wilderness (Northern Urals, Karelia, Kola Peninsula, Siberia, Kamchatka, etc.)

Composition of the hike/expedition participants 2-3 people
Set up a camp for overnight stay.

There are many wild and curious animals in these regions. Some of them pose a threat to humans. like a bear.

The question is: Are there any effective ways to alert you when animals are approaching camp while you are sleeping?

When he served in the army, everything is clear there, sentries (secrets) are posted along the perimeter and they change after a time determined by the group commander. If there are not enough people to cover the entire perimeter, then tripwires with signal mines or MON-50 are installed in especially dangerous areas.

Or electronic devices with IR beams that notify the operator if the beam has been interrupted by an intruder?
But what about ordinary people (not the military), who do not have signal mines and such electronic devices?

Are there any “civilian” electronic devices with similar functions?

Or civilian signal mines and so on. To wake up in advance and be ready to meet an unexpected guest with a weapon in hand.

I am interested in order not to be injured / eaten by some dangerous animal at night in a tent or when you go out sleepy at night “before the wind”

Please share your experience.

boga 27.02.2017 – 11:02

a friend from a long time ago showed a stretch from the hunter’s signal, the design is as follows:
The hunter’s signal is taken plastic (!) for metal with a key ring in the hole.
A cut is made in the body in the region of the extreme rear position of the striker.
The striker is cocked without moving the trigger lever to the side and is fixed with a plate with a ring through the slot. When the plate is pulled out of place, the entire system is triggered.
The hunter’s signal is attached either to a bush/tree or to a peg from a tent and into the ground. A thick fishing line is tied to the ring and passed through the desired area. I think, in addition to standard rockets, you can use a regular gumbo capsule to create noise, but I’m not good at hunter signals, look on the Internet
, a small plate with a hole is taken, in his case it was a piece of cloth from a hacksaw with a key ring in the hole.
A cut is made in the body in the region of the extreme rear position of the striker.
The striker is cocked without moving the trigger lever to the side and is fixed with a plate with a ring through the slot. When the plate is pulled out of place, the entire system is triggered.

I can hardly imagine this construct. Visually look.

boga 27.02.2017 – 12:29

everything is simple there… , to a depth of approximately 1/4…1/3 of the section of the device body

Werewolf_Zarin 27.02.2017 – 12:31

It complicates, I just replaced the handle with a long screw to the fishing line AND EVERYTHING and everything is fine. There is a photo somewhere.

boga 27.02.2017 – 12:40

Werewolf_Zarin
Complicates

I also thought so, too many manipulations.
I would probably drill 2 holes with a thin drill and insert a pin from an unbent paper clip with a fishing line.

diamond_d 02/27/2017 – 12:51

Werewolf_Zarin
Complicates, I just replaced the handle with a long screw to the line AND EVERYTHING and everything is fine. The longer the screw, the higher the sensitivity, then with all stops. ))
You can take a peg from the tent with a flat hole in it and screw the signal to the peg through it, but this is heavy and obviously superfluous.

Sergey can I have a photo of your device? and what length of fishing line can be used with such a device?
Is one device enough to protect a perimeter with a diameter of 20-30 meters?

hirurg_zz 02/27/2017 – 12:52

diamond_d
I can hardly imagine this construct. Visually look.

A bunch of videos on the tube on this topic. Like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0kp2POad4g .
By the way, the line for stretch marks is not good at all. Better steel or Chinese fishing braid.

But it’s better to scare away the thieving aborigines from the camp during short absences. And then if there is nothing better than a hunter’s signal. For an overnight stay, a simple string with tin cans will often go.

If you are serious about being paranoid, you can make a remote signaling with motion sensors and a gas siren.

diamond_d 02/27/2017 – 13:17

hirurg_zz
If you are serious about paranoia, then you can shove a remote signaling with motion sensors and a gas siren
9006 weight4

So maybe you know such ready-made devices?

diamond_d 02/27/2017 – 13:27

found an interesting video on the topic.

hirurg_zz 02/27/2017 – 13:33

diamond_d

the weight is large. So maybe you know such ready-made devices?

In principle, people use ready-made and inexpensive ones from thieves: http://www.camping.ru/catalog/…zatsiya_cyclop/

Reviews are not always flattering and marriage occurs, but in principle the signaling is quite working.

Stayn 02/27/2017 – 13:45

diamond_d
So maybe you know such ready-made devices?

Here you can order ready-made steel CO-signals: http://guns.allzip.org/topic/242/1426826.html

(Not an ad)

hirurg_zz
In principle, people use ready-made and inexpensive ones from thieves: http://www.camping.ru/catalog/. ..zatsiya_cyclop/

Reviews are not always flattering and marriage occurs, but in principle the signaling is quite working.

in the forest, the wind can work or a bat.

MRAK111 02/27/2017 – 13:56

STAYN 02/27/2017 – 14:10

9000 Diamond_D

Thank you for the tip.

No way.

Recently, by the way, they began to produce threaded sound cartridges “Thunder”.
Suitable for all starting COs.

hirurg_zz 27.02.2017 – 14:32

diamond_d

in the forest, the wind can work or a bat.

This is if they are misaligned from the factory, that is, there is a marriage. Normally, not every cat or crow reacts.

strateg 02/27/2017 – 17:22

I saw some other crap.
http://hitrogadget.ru/product/signalizatsiya-mops

In principle, this is not difficult to make.

I have infrared as discussed above, I use it for car camping. So far no one has been caught 😊
I liked the idea of ​​small mousetraps, I saw it for a long time, I made five pieces – I can’t take it to the open air to try it. Cheapness captivates – a consumable actually.
They wanted to take the water lily to Kamchatka in the fall, but decided that it was too healthy. I slept lightly 😊

diamond_d 27.02.2017 – 18:30

strateg
I have infrared as discussed above, for car camping I use

what kind of device do you have? please share.

Vasyok 02/27/2017 – 19:07

STAYN
Steel coils

Ture the check – I need a large
U instead of a hinge handle set a screw 3×309 and cut a level under the screw
in the case in the case. strengthened the CO in the peg from the tent
cheap and cheerful

so that the screw does not break the body of the CO, put a piece of the rod from a fountain pen on it
the screw gives a large lever, reducing the effort of actuation
also the absence of a bend in the socket platoon (it is written clumsily, but it can be seen well in the photo)

Werewolf_Zarin 27.02.2017 – 20:53

diamond_d

Sergey can I have a photo of your device? and what length of fishing line can be used with such a device?
Is one device enough to protect a perimeter with a diameter of 20-30 meters?

I’ll look for a bolt)))))))))))) that’s enough, everything will be envy from how you pervert with fishing line, I advise you to buy threaded rings in the store, it is screwed into a tree by hand.

Vasek, slap you on the back of the head for copyright) even a refill from a fountain pen))))

sigmen 27. 02.2017 – 22:00

As I understand it, the bolt does not work as a check. According to the principle – a standard launcher with an increased turning lever? Accordingly, a movement of several mm is necessary for operation. Is the line tied behind the head of the bolt? If the span of the line is 10m. and a strong wind broke out, vibrations of the fishing line will not trigger the mechanism? The most interesting – how does it all work in the rain?

diamond_d 27.02.2017 – 22:06

Werewolf_Zarin
I advise you to buy threaded rings in the store, screwed into the tree by hand.

good advice. Thanks.

Mixel75 27.02.2017 – 22:08

diamond_d
Are there any effective ways to alert you when animals are approaching the camp while you sleep?

Break type: Signal mine –

Liana –

Water lily – https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=MRqt0hhbQWU
analogue of homemade –

With motion sensor:

P.S. For aesthetes 😊 https://www.aliexpress.com/item…0308.4.2.OIk0Fp

strateg 27.02.2017 – 22:26

diamond_d

what kind of device do you have? please share.

.

diamond_d 27.02.2017 – 22:32

Mixel75
0009

I know about such mines. Are there civilians?

Mixel75
P.S. For aesthetes https://ru.aliexpress.com/item…0308.4.2.OIk0Fp

is expensive.

Andrey1982 02/27/2017 – 22:40

In the neighboring branch there was

Werewolf_zarin 02/27/2017 – 22:47

9000 Sigmen
I understand it does not work as a check. According to the principle – a standard launcher with an increased turning lever? Accordingly, a movement of several mm is necessary for operation. Is the line tied behind the head of the bolt? If the span of the line is 10m. and a strong wind broke out, vibrations of the fishing line will not trigger the mechanism? The most interesting – how does it all work in the rain?

Rain is ok, just fill the rocket with paraffin. It is clear that the lever, if this is not needed, then you can tie it to the middle of the bolt, etc. the fishing line is better, of course, the old braided one, its extensibility is almost 0, you hang it with a slight sag, a large animal will not figure it out, it will break into a break, it doesn’t matter. the wind was constant, so if a twig falls, etc., then yes, panic for no reason.

But the usual not thick fishing line is hardly suitable, it stretches over large spans.

boga 02/27/2017 – 23:36

I didn’t think that this thing was so popular in local circles.
Then a couple of questions

Were there really cases when it worked on an animal?
I found footprints in the camp only in fresh snow and even when there was something small running around like a beaver or otter by the water

Do you use rocket charges or noise with a primer?

maior 0763 02/28/2017 – 06:12

well, you give … yeah, offer anti-tank mines too 😊
that’s cheap and angry, 20 p thing.
is airtight, but you can still pour paraffin at the neck where the check is:
http://ropiko.ru/shop/moshchny…_upakovka-5865/
works by pulling out the ring.
drawback for the bear – operation after 5 seconds – that is, most likely from behind.
people usually poop on the spot – the sound of her explosion at night is especially kick-ass.
don’t like it? go to the fireworks store and take everything that works right away from pulling out the checks – starting with an elementary firecracker for 10 r, which you then stuff with something fuel (although it also bangs loudly at night) and ending with Roman or Greek fire like a falshweyr . .

boga 02/28/2017 – 07:57

maior 0763
disadvantage for the bear – operation after 5 seconds – that is, most likely from behind.

so that he ran away exactly through the tent, for fans of hot in total 😊

Diamond_D 02/28/2017 – 08:09

BOGA

so that he ran away exactly through the tent in total

Nah, we don’t need such happiness)) it’s necessary that the bear crap on the spot, but it’s better to grab a myocardial infarction))))

hirurg_zz 02/28/2017 – 08:17

maior 0763
well, you give … yeah, anti-tank mines still offer 😊
that’s cheap and angry, 20 r little thing.
is airtight, but you can still pour paraffin at the neck where the check is:
http://ropiko. ru/shop/moshchny…_upakovka-5865/
works by pulling out the ring.

No, these garbage, because they are extremely unreliable. They are ignited by friction, i.e. it is necessary to pull out the lace sharply enough, which is unacceptable for stretch marks. Dampened by the moment.

Then stretch like this

https://airsoft-rus.ru/catalog/1160/98747/
https://airsoft-rus.ru/catalog/1160/98746/

There you can try to trick the retarder.

sigmen 02/28/2017 – 08:46

Werewolf_Zarin
In the rain, ok, just fill the rocket with paraffin. It is clear that the lever, if this is not needed, then you can tie it to the middle of the bolt, etc. the fishing line is better, of course, the old braided one, its extensibility is almost 0, you hang it with a slight sag, a large animal will not figure it out, it will break into a break, it doesn’t matter. the wind was constant, so if a twig falls, etc. , then yes, panic for no reason.
But the usual not thick fishing line is unlikely to fit, it stretches over large spans.

The line is definitely braided and the thinner the better. I’m thinking not with paraffin, but with nail polish to cover the top of the racket and around the capsule. Today I’ll check this for a week and put it in the water.

Diamond_d
so that the bear is crap on the site of

GS …

Lucmann 02/28/2017 – 09:30

Diamond_D

It is necessary to open on the spot,

Do you really need it? In a normal situation, the bear will smell the snoring, hear it and calmly dump it if grubs are not sketched. And in an inadequate situation, it will act inadequately. It is a dangerous occupation to frighten someone suddenly. 😛

strateg 02/28/2017 – 10:10

Lukoman forester

Do you really need it? In a normal situation, the bear will smell the snoring, hear it and calmly dump it if grubs are not sketched. And in an inadequate situation, it will act inadequately. It is a dangerous occupation to frighten someone suddenly. 😛

+1

maior 0763 02/28/2017 – 10:18

hirurg_zz

No, these garbage, because they are extremely unreliable. They are ignited by friction, i.e. it is necessary to pull out the lace sharply enough, which is unacceptable for stretch marks. Dampened by the moment.

– they ignite very well – pulled a little and pshshsh.
about dampening, it’s actually plastic and where the check is closed, but just in case, I filled it with paraffin.
all summer I dragged 4 pieces just for stretch marks and where I didn’t put it, even left it in the rain – everything is fine.
on this NG burned-worked all four.
bought new ones today.
and about running to the camp – why are these grenades good – at first they are 4 seconds pshshshsh, a person will not hear, but the bear can immediately leave or stop and be alert.
and what about rockets and woods… in the taiga, let’s say for a rocket, well, or a hunter’s signal can be received from both rangers and hunters – everything burns from it, unlike firecrackers…

hirurg_zz 02/28/2017 – 11: 17

major 0763

– they light up very well – pull a little and pshshsh.
about dampening, it’s actually plastic and where the check is closed, but just in case, I filled it with paraffin.

A little pull – it’s very subjective. Well, of course, it is in a plastic case, but the lid is not close to airtight, it must be planted all over the sealant then.

Exactly the same ones were dabbled in post-shootings in autumn. Lit up as I said, it is necessary to pull. I didn’t pull – the rope pulled out and that’s it. The next day, these grenades standing under the awning of the tent – just half did not light up. Damp. Pampering, in short.

Hvost 02/28/2017 – 12:24

hirurg_zz

No, these are garbage, because they are extremely unreliable. They are ignited by friction, i.e. it is necessary to pull out the lace sharply enough, which is unacceptable for stretch marks.

the issue is solved by a slightly more complex design – the firecracker cord is fixed not directly to the extension, but to a bent elastic branch, the position of which, in turn, is blocked by a pin from a peg or something similar. Threaded through a key ring, for example, to which a firecracker cord is tied on one side and a branch on the other. The stretching pulls out the pin and the branch, sharply straightening, pulls the cord.

Kovbasyuk 02/28/2017 – 12:36

A mousetrap with a gem is enough.

maior 0763 02/28/2017 – 15:38

ok 😊
here.
everything is within the limits of the law – if a construction cartridge or primer chewed ….

a tube in a tube and a construction cartridge in it – even if it does not hold on even with glue, plant it . ..
feet to stick into the ground.
tube with a cartridge under its own weight falls on the striker when pulling out the pins and broads …
reusable.

tomat 02/28/2017 – 18:18

And the red tube goes into the atmosphere with speed. And yes, multiple times.

maior 0763 28.02.2017 – 18:39

what a fright if the cartridge is in the tube?-everyone is so smart… construction.0056 boga
So that he runs straight through the tent, for those who like it hot in general

It is this prospect that confuses me in all these signal ideas. Moreover, relatively safe mousetrap solutions threaten this – to turn a simply wandering and perhaps not even curious animal into a frightened animal and xs where to run. All other launchers can also potentially warp and fire somewhere in the wrong place, it’s good if not in a lobeshnik or a firecracker under the ear, or a racket burning in the crown of the Christmas tree above the tent. IMHO, these shortcomings must be taken into account, and for me personally, they outweigh everything else. The only thing I would consider is an electric fence.

tomat 02/28/2017 – 19:56

and not a blank construction one.

Werewolf_Zarin 28.02.2017 – 20:36

sigmen
The line is definitely braided and the thinner the better. I’m thinking not with paraffin, but with nail polish to cover the top of the racket and around the capsule. Today I’ll check this for a week and put it in the water.

Paraffin is better, you can use it a couple of times, and they fill the cartridges with it. And about thin thick, probably better thick, it can be seen well.

Werewolf_Zarin 02/28/2017 – 20:50

V1
The only thing I would consider is an electric fence.

You won’t have enough electricity, by the way, how will it be in English, electric fence?

sigmen 02/28/2017 – 21:40

Werewolf_Zarin
Paraffin is better, you can use it a couple of times, and they fill it with cartridges.

Possibly. But fixing the capsule with varnish is already a rolled back technology. Cartridges – yes, paraffin is the first thing. Even now I am considering the new “BaM”, it is like a light-noise one specially for this.

V1
It is this prospect that confuses me in all these signaling inventions. Moreover, relatively safe mousetrap solutions threaten this – to turn a simply wandering and perhaps not even curious animal into a frightened animal and xs where to run.

Based on my modest life experience, I will assume that not one living being will go towards the danger, which is the shot. Any animal, guided by the principle of self-preservation, will run away in the opposite direction from danger or at a slight angle to it. Based on this, I think that such an arrangement of pyrotechnics, noise charges, sound horror stories is the most optimal and does not present any difficulty. At the same time, it absolutely guarantees that no one will run into the tent, due to the fact that the shot will be in front of him. I imagine, many will say about a wild beast rushing at the enemy, BUT, this happens when the beast feels the hopelessness of his situation, just like that, out of fear, no one rushes at anyone, but runs away. IMHO.

V1
racket burning in the crown of the Christmas tree above the tent

Therefore, not a racket, but a light-noise firecracker for CO is optimal. Well, or self-recharging CO, also works very well based on the information on YouTube.
Guided by the experience of hunting in the steppes of Kalmykia and fishing in the Astrakhan region, I can say that there is no bear there, but from wild Homo sapiens wandering around at night in search of prey, this is the very thing!

Werewolf_Zarin 02/28/2017 – 22:13

when I’m not too lazy I put only one, but in 99. 9% laziness. I don’t go hiking around villages, I don’t set up camp in city parks, which I advise everyone to do.

And a person with a high degree of probability will simply step over your ingenious trap))))))))))))))))))))))))

sigmen 02/28/2017 – 22:29
And a person with a high degree of probability will simply step over your ingenious trap)))))))))))))))))))))))) )))))))))))))))). If the thread is raised by 20 cm, I think it will not cross. In remote steppe places, it is important to feel control over the situation. Often a fox comes to visit or there were cases in Kalmykia – you sleep and wake up from the sound of a motorcycle driving up. All sleep was taken away as if by hand, you lie and wait for someone to visit, hell knows from which side and with what intentions …. And if there was insurance around the camp, everything is calmer. No need to wait, it will work by itself … if he goes to visit and he is a little shocked that it is in our favor . .

sigmen 02/28/2017 – 22:41

andrey85634
And you have some kind of pocket mortar.

V1 01.03.2017 – 12:13

sigmen
Therefore, not a racket, but a light-noise firecracker is optimal for CO.

Did they all work for you? If yes, then there is more to come. Very amusing fireworks happen, especially from battered rackets, with spitting pieces of burning substances in all directions.

Werewolf_Zarin
You can’t save enough electricity, by the way, how will it be in English, electric fence?

electric fence, there are already quite compact ones, but naturally expensive ones. And the emnip is also not backpack weight yet. We don’t have a lot of spawning rivers in AB, 😛 more precisely, there aren’t any at all, so I’m not worried. I know those who climb into the mountains to the grizzlies, and so they stir up an electric fence around the STATIONARY camp.

sigmen
Based on my modest life experience, I will assume that not one living creature will go towards the danger that a shot is. Any animal, guided by the principle of self-preservation, will run away in the opposite direction from danger

According to my modest experience of shooting at and near any animal, it is absolutely impossible to predict where it will rush with a big fright. And it’s not a fact that it won’t fly into another, next, your own stretch and will completely begin to rush about. Nuevonakh, it’s calmer without minefields – so at least they are not frightened. And in the pictures, yes, it is beautiful. The main thing is not to undermine yourself by going to piss. 😀

Well, from your homo sapiens, you yourself watch what will help you.

andrey85634 03/01/2017 – 12:31

V1
Well, from your homo sapiens, you yourself will see what will help you.

The best defense is an attack. 😊

I was drunk, set a trap for a bear… I wanted to lure stewed meat – here is a can. Oifoncheg fell right into a trap – by accident, I have been looking since morning. And … a woodpecker with amputated handles – who the hell knows, if he survives – I’ll make the tent wash off the blood! 😊

qwerty12 03/01/2017 – 04:16

sigmen
Based on my modest life experience, I will assume that not one living being will go towards the danger, which is the shot. Any animal, guided by the principle of self-preservation, will run away in the opposite direction from danger or at a slight angle to it.

This is because the experience is modest. Bang is a very loud and very short sound. In most cases, the animal (and the person) cannot figure out in which direction it shandarakhnulo. Especially – when very close. Do not forget about the reflection of sound if it’s not in a flat field. Therefore, where the frightened couple of centners will run – x.z.

V1 03/01/2017 – 05:35

qwerty12

This is because the experience is modest. Bang is a very loud and very short sound. In most cases, the animal (and the person) cannot figure out in which direction it shandarakhnulo. Especially – when very close. Do not forget about the reflection of sound if it’s not in a flat field. Therefore, where the frightened couple of centners will run – x.z.

+45-70, 45LC, 455Webley and 12 gauge to boot. Exactly.

About self-shooters. I’m reading a memoir here as one not the most stupid and not the most armless person put a crossbow on a hesitant mudved and almost blew his own head off. I am categorically against everything self-shooting, without the participation of the head and hands of a person. As technically elegant as this idea may seem. Because

Vasek
pull out the pin – you need a lot of effort

and xs from what it will happen, and in what direction. (And your device with a peg, dear Vasek, should be patented under the name of the egg shooter. 😀)

qwerty12 03/01/2017 – 09:40

In general, suddenly (unexpectedly for him) to scare a large animal is not a good idea.

sigmen 03/01/2017 – 09:41

V1
Did they all work for you? If yes, then there is more to come.

Right now I am planning to start applying this, and therefore I am participating in this topic. I have not even bought them yet, only in plans for the summer season.

V1
And it’s not a fact that it won’t fly into another, next, your own stretch and will completely begin to rush about. Nuevonakh, it’s calmer without minefields – so at least they are not frightened. And in the pictures, yes, it is beautiful.

Therefore, the discussion, so to speak, obtaining information…

V1

I’m thinking about this too… On the other hand, it’s okay to stagger at night, then piss, then take a shit, and then the smells attract animals… 😊 Sleep and only sleep!!!

V1
Well, from your homo sapiens, you yourself will see what will help you.

So this is the problem, so that in the puff and confusion with prosony not to scare him so that it would be impossible to resurrect him. Rouge is always at hand. I’m more afraid of this than the beast running through the tent!

andrey85634
The best defense is an attack.

Well, then the prosecutor will be interested in arguments about the best defense 😊

qwerty12
Bang is a very loud and very short sound. In most cases, the animal (and the person) cannot figure out in which direction it shandarakhnulo. Especially – when very close. Do not forget about the reflection of sound if it’s not in a flat field. Therefore, where the frightened couple of centners will run – x.z.

Also true!

V1
I am categorically against everything self-shooting, without the participation of the head and hands of a person.

I agree. In connection with all the pros and cons of pyrotechnics, I switched to considering a bicycle alarm, the main thing is not afraid of water, relatively of course. I think with a few modifications it’s quite tolerable. I don’t know howling in decibels, but it’s difficult to stand in a meter.

Triggered by vibration, shock, not very strong touch, I think having disassembled it, you can attach a pin to close the contact. You have to take it apart and see. Ali already has it with a remote control, when I took it with a remote control it was not))

Basurman 03/01/2017 – 12:59

Let’s say I’m walking along the path in the evening or in the morning, and then some broads ali or my utter utter disturbs the thoughtful idyll, or worse than that, intends to tickle me with a vile current…..

But I’m mischievous and rich in fantasy. And if I suddenly noticed a stretch mark on my beloved, Hanzo-prepper was frightened by a fierce bear.
😊

Well, how do you imagine, the one who created it will have a restful sleep?
😊

And then I have a topic when I shy away on the lake on a boat, the dog performs security functions under the car. At night, next to me in a tent, it sometimes signals well to any incomprehensible rustle.

sigmen 03/01/2017 – 16:07

Basurman
Well, how do you imagine, a restful sleep will come to the one who created it?

For such inadequate “unfortunate GANZ survivalists” roaming around at night, just about anywhere is the story about “Explanations to the prosecutor” why someone suddenly started killing me at night and why after that they could not bring him to his senses. And to hell with him, that the excess of self-defense, but alive. Yazh wrote above, a ruzhishko, it is always at hand.

diamond_d 03/01/2017 – 16:23

sigmen
Yazh wrote above, a little gun, it is always at hand.
edit log

exactly.

qwerty12 01.03.2017 – 16:27

sigmen
I agree. In connection with all the pros and cons of pyrotechnics, I switched to considering a bicycle alarm, the main thing is not afraid of water, relatively of course. I think with a few modifications it’s quite tolerable. I don’t know howling in decibels, but it’s difficult to stand in a meter.

I was given a garden signal to scare away bears. Yelling scary. As a result, it worked on my belt when I went to bed in a tent. I woke up about 50 meters from the tent. I don’t know about a bear, but passion scares a person like that.

boga 03/01/2017 – 16:51

qwerty12
As a result, it worked on my belt when I went to bed in a tent. I woke up about 50 meters from the tent.

it seems to me that I just realized what prompted the Dyatlov group to tear down the tent to run 1.5 km in a snowstorm at a frost of -30 Especially if it is also on the belt … you run, but it does not lag behind 😀

Basurman 01.03.2017 – 17:06

sigmen
why someone suddenly started killing me at night ….

crunch branches on different sides.

And it’s better not to say for a gun at hand in the lands, because there are “Rules of hunting” for this.

V1 01.03.2017 – 17:09

Basurman
The dog performs security functions under the car. At night, next to me in a tent, it sometimes signals well to any incomprehensible rustle.

(Hello!)
Or it creates the same rustles. I almost shot my friend’s dog who decided to fucking walk in the moonlight and got to our garbage bag removed from the camp at night. This is also our fault – they removed what is called an island at the mouth of the river without much vegetation, but the fact took place.

Basurman 03/01/2017 – 17:17

V1
(Hello!)
Or it creates the same rustles …..

(And you won’t be sick!)
No, you put up my tent like a current, so he asks for it, there are no mosquitoes there, and they lie more freely on the sleeping bag. Although he also stared me once, it was like he was by the fire, and I went down to the spring for water, I went back and there was a rustle on the side, shone a flashlight, and there the eyes from the darkness were heading towards me. …

Werewolf_Zarin 01.03.2017 – 18 :00

Did the vole mouse go on the attack?

sigmen 03/01/2017 – 18:31

qwerty12
I don’t know about a bear, but passion scares a man.

That’s the goal itself!, a healthy animal will not climb into the camp if certain rules are observed.

Basurman
And for the gun at hand in the grounds it is better not to voice, because there are “Rules of hunting” for this.

Why? I’m in tents in different holes only in the season. Out of season there is nothing to do. I’m not sick – in the summer in the heat in the swamp among the reeds in a tent to spend the night, I’m just more like a duck. And in the season without a gun in any way …

Basurman
it’s more fun to make some noise in the bushes and growl in the ravine, from time to time to crunch branches from different sides.

There was a case in Arkhyz many years ago. We set up camp in the valley of the Sofia River, at about 3 o’clock at night a flock of jackals descended from the mountains, began to sob. It was quite creepy, naturally woke up, the men got up and went with lanterns. Then they knew nothing about self-defense except for a cudgel and a scorched blow. We stood prudently removing all the food for the night, that is, it was not she who attracted them. As soon as we flickered across the clearing and the trail caught cold, only the heels were seen.
More than one animal will not – crunch, growl and kind of scare, well, unless of course it takes the camp residents for a female! 😊 Gee..but that’s another story. An animal not a man thinks much more rationally.

V1
Here is our fault – they removed what is called

I fully support it, often a person himself attracts adventures to his famous point. Mostly out of ignorance, but also out of negligence it happens.

We got off topic…
I propose to return to its course.

V1 03/01/2017 – 19:03

I personally have nothing to add – fuck these minefields and alarms at the same time.
Why – see above.
Good luck to everyone.

Stayn 01.03.2017 – 20:02

The alarm system around the camp is needed not to scare away the bear (or mouse vole) when triggered, but in order to wake up and scare the shit out of this bear (or mouse vole) terrible motherfuckers. 😊

P.S.
I don’t use any signaling myself, I sleep lightly, I swear loudly and scary. I don’t know about mice, voles, but bears get scared and run away. No kidding.

V1 01.03.2017 – 20:16

Stayn
I don’t use any alarms myself, I sleep lightly, I swear loudly and scary.

I have the same “method”. 😊

alfabravo 03/01/2017 – 20:23

nothing will help if the bear breaks into the tent and breaks everyone.

Stayn 03/01/2017 – 20:35

Nothing can help, we will die!
Scary as much horror, no more in the forest with a foot. 😊

V1 03/01/2017 – 20:59

alfabravo
nothing will help if the bear breaks into the tent and breaks everyone.

All these minefields just increase the likelihood of this, in life, an EXTREMELY unlikely scenario.

Werewolf_Zarin 03/01/2017 – 22:42

alfabravo
nothing will help if the bear breaks into the tent and breaks everyone.

Yes, of course, they are like wolves surrounding the camp and looking where else they can break in and who to break, well, like a tradition!

andrey85634 03/01/2017 – 22:54

Stayn
Nothing can help, we will die!
Scary as much horror, no more in the forest with a foot.

What a fool.

Stayn 03/01/2017 – 23:03

andrey85634
What a fool.

I hear from a fool.

qwerty12 03/02/2017 – 03:10

Werewolf_Zarin
Is the vole mouse attacking?

Either a mouse or a vole. Vole mice do not exist. There is a very significant difference between mice and voles, greater than between humans and gorillas. 😊

qwerty12 02.03.2017 – 03:17

sigmen
a healthy animal will not enter the camp if certain rules are observed.

Very controversial statement. I can assure you that at least bearish healthy youth will climb into the camp very easily. Even if there is nothing to eat there. Just out of healthy curiosity.
In my opinion, it is impossible to scare away a raccoon at all.

sigmen 03/02/2017 – 09:50

Damn, I read and I think that the bear will soon force the person out of its habitat based on posts. Damn, only bears …. there are no more animals or what? From me, for example, there are no bears in the next few thousand about km!
You can’t insure yourself against everything, but “God saves the safe.” I drew conclusions for myself, defined a further strategy.

Basurman 03/02/2017 – 10:40

The presence of a security system will create a certain psychological setting for the body.
But all systems have the possibility of a false alarm, and even worse failure. (when a textile cord gets wet/dry, there is a change in its length/tension, a metal wire will also respond well to temperature changes, an optical “gatehouse” can easily block an insect).
For example, “it didn’t work”, and the vacationer lies relaxed in a baby’s sleep, grabbing his boobs in a dream ….

line of defense,” then there will be no time to rest.

As an option, I will offer “wolf flags” used in paid hunting, it is possible in two rows. But they recommend special storage conditions.
😊

strateg 03/02/2017 – 14:40

sigmen
Damn, I read and I think that in our country the bear will soon force the person out of its habitat based on posts. Damn, only bears …. there are no more animals or what? From me, for example, there are no bears in the next few thousand about km!

There are a lot of animals, but squirrels with raccoons are usually not particularly afraid.
Bear, tiger – the most dangerous when encountered on the territory of the Russian Federation. Lynxes and other wolverines will not be interested in you. The wolf – well, fig knows. Most likely not in the tourist season.
Distance does not matter now, within a day you can find yourself in the habitat of absolutely any animal on the planet. Almost.

V1 03/02/2017 – 17:06

strateg
but squirrels with raccoons are usually not particularly feared.

By the way, in vain – they fuck, spoil things and food only on the way. 😀 Squirrels especially like to tear up all sorts of woolen and fibrous things on their nests. You won’t have time to look, and there is already some kind of patagonia piper or icebreaker. (EDIT: But this shit mostly happens in stationary camps or day trips. Biladi chipmunks are still the same. Especially in the mountains – many times they strove to gnaw on the greasy handles of trekking poles. )

strateg 02.03.2017 – 18:07

V1
By the way, in vain – they fuck, spoil things and food only on the way. 😀 Squirrels especially like to tear up all sorts of woolen and fibrous things on their nests. You won’t have time to look, and there is already some kind of patagonia piper or icebreaker.

from this point of view, yes, some kind of bastard ate a piece of Izhevsk rug once 😊 Raccoons dig everything, in Crimea, cats climbed into tents. But all this belongs to the category of pests, and is solved by simpler methods. A stretch from a squirrel is, apparently, either a force field or a network – a terrible, all-penetrating beast 😊
Another thing is when you yourself can be hamstered.

diamond_d 03/02/2017 – 18:58

Stayn
The alarm system around the camp is needed not to scare away the bear (or mouse vole) when triggered, but in order to wake up and scare the shit out of this bear (or mouse vole) terrible cursing.

well, who is swearing, and who is AKMm))))

alfabravo
nothing will help if the bear breaks into the tent and breaks everyone.

so for this we set the extensions to wake up and have time to remove the fuse when the bear enters the tent for a light)))

Basurman
“block all approaches” and make a double “line of defense” then there will be no time to rest.

therefore it is necessary to stop for the night not when it is dark, but in advance. With feeling, with sense, with arrangement.

Lukoman forester 03/02/2017 – 19:27

diamond_d

so for this we put stretch marks to wake up and have time to remove the safety when the bear enters the tent for the light)))

Nah, if the bear shows interest , then it will not enter the tent. He swaddles the fireworks lover with his tent so that even if you remove the safety catch, there will be nowhere to shoot. And he will begin to devour with a sense of plainly with the arrangement. 😊

V1 03/02/2017 – 19:39

diamond_d
therefore it is necessary to stop for the night not when it is dark, but in advance. With feeling, with sense, with arrangement.

Preferably in the morning. 😀

Well, if you have nothing else to do, play your war games for health. For me, it’s better to spend time not on this nonsense, but on methods already tested for decades, moreover, not much different from the usual practices of ordinary Nesvinsky nature users, i.e. done in passing with the usual affairs of the camp.

sigmen 02.03.2017 – 20:21

strateg
tiger – the most dangerous when you meet

It’s even boring to think about this, not like with buns and in the night. They just won’t be scared, damn cat…

strateg
It’s another matter when you can be hamstered yourself.

Maybe??? If so!, then it’s better to stay at home…

diamond_d
diamond_d

Well, I agree with everything, there is nothing to add.

Lukoman forester
And he will start to devour with feeling and really with the arrangement.

And what really happens? how often? what are the reasons??

V1
for me is better to spend time … For decades already tested by decades

, share information …

V1 03/02/2017 – 21:47

9000 Sigmen
Share information. ..

Look. Already written many times. But bear fear in severe forms still continues to cause recurrences of outdoor militarism.

diamond_d 02.03.2017 – 23:18

V1
But bear fear in severe forms still continues to cause relapses of outdoor militarism.

what’s wrong with that?

sigmen
diamond_d

Well, I agree with everything, there is nothing to add.

What exactly do you agree on?

Lukoman forester
No, if the bear shows interest, he won’t enter the tent. He swaddles the fireworks lover with his tent so that even if you remove the safety, there will be nowhere to shoot. And he will begin to devour with a sense of plainly with the arrangement.

Oh, I’m begging you for your immortal bear. There are no such.

Here is the case when the bear came to the tent.

there would be signal streamers, it would be possible to shoot him on the outskirts.

a bear attacked a family with a six-year-old child
a man, two women and a six-year-old boy were sleeping peacefully in a tent set up about two hundred meters from Lake Raduzhnoye, in the forest. (It is forbidden to set up tents near the reservoir – young cedars have been planted there, and they are waiting for them to take root). We were not worried about anything, it seemed – what could happen? All together, side by side, a roof over your head…

They woke up from the feeling that someone was climbing into the tent. A second later, one of them realized awake – a bear! People yelled wildly in horror…

– Most likely, because of the cry, the bear began to randomly wave its paws in different directions, – says Olga. “You can see it in the nature of the wounds he inflicted. One of the women suffered the most – she had serious head and face injuries. The little boy has wounds on his thigh and abdomen. The second woman suffered less, the man seems to be intact.

According to Olga Tishchenko, most likely the bear was not going to tear people to shreds. He went for food. The day before, a heavy downpour began in the park, the family climbed into the tent, leaving the remnants of food in the clearing – fragrant sausage and canned food. The bear came to their smell.

– The bear finished the sausage, the tin can, we saw later, just flattened it into a cake with its paws. It seemed to the bear that the food was not enough, and, apparently, the smells also came from the tent, – says Olga.

At the cries of the unfortunate climbers jumped out, whose tent was a few tens of meters away. Frightened by screams, noise, light of flashlights, the predator fled into the taiga. People called rescuers. They rushed very quickly, promptly called and landed a helicopter in the taiga. The wounded were taken by air to the hospital of the nearest large city – the capital of Khakassia, Abakan.

According to eyewitnesses, the bear was not big, but just huge. Now he poses a threat to other vacationers – once smelling blood, he will attack again. Now the employees of the natural park ‘Ergaki’ are looking for it in order to destroy it.

By the way, the guys who drove the bear away were supposed to rest in ‘Ergaki’ until June 15th. But after the incident, they decided to return home. Uncomfortable. They’ve seen enough, they say…

– You can meet the owner of the taiga almost at any moment and in any place, – the administration of the reserve warns. – The number of bears in the park is quite high, and they move very widely: from river valleys to glaciers and snowfields, and often prefer to use already beaten paths and roads.

IMPORTANT!

If a bear attacks you in your tent, fight back!

The official website of ‘Egraki’ even has a separate section: ‘relationships with the bear’. This once again shows how likely it is to meet a predator in the reserved taiga. How to get a chance for salvation?

– Stay in a group of people (4 people or more).

The larger the group, the lower the risk of a bear attack. Move in groups, do not stretch along the path, so that there is no impression of many groups of one person – otherwise the “group phenomenon” will not work.

– Be observant

Watch your surroundings for fresh footprints.

Stay away from the remains of dead animals, piles of fish. Make your presence visible by talking or clapping your hands.

– Burn or take away food scraps

Leftover food waste is a source of food for the bear, and it will follow you until the end of your hike.

Remember:

Standing bear is not aggressive Bears can get very close while deciding what to do.

Move out of the way while looking towards the bear.

It is better not to look into the eyes, hide behind a fold in the terrain or climb a reliable tree, but do not think that adult bears do not climb trees – this is an erroneous opinion.

Be calm

If there are no shelters and shelters nearby, you must face the danger face to face. If a bear approaches, speak to it in a low voice. If tension builds, shout and wave your arms. This is how you tell the bear that you are not intimidated. Stand with the whole group shoulder to shoulder, creating the impression of one large creature.

If the bear attacks…

– Fall on your stomach on the ground and protect your face and neck. If the bear doesn’t stop, resist vigorously.

– If a bear attacks you in your tent, fight back.

source http://www.krsk.kp.ru/daily/26393.4/3270373/

here are a couple more links

https://www.pravda.ru/news/acc…10-turistami-0 /

V1 03/02/2017 – 23:40

diamond_d
and what’s wrong with that?

The fact that this is

only increases the chances of being dealt with

, and not only from animals. Why – I have already explained above. Increases the amount of not even useless, but even harmful and potentially dangerous junk carried, creates a FALSE sense of security, and it wastes time. Enough?

V1 03/02/2017 – 23:48

How to get a chance to save?

Beach. It is not necessary to get chances for salvation, but to prevent such situations.

smelling blood once, it will attack again

Not blood, but sausage. And he will not attack, but will hide in another camp. And only then. Most likely, he has already fed there and this is not his first garbage raid, just the loudest. This is not an indicative case at all, IMHO, just because of the scene of action and most likely a lured animal.

diamond_d
there would be signal streamers

They themselves, their children or neighbors could blow themselves up on them, but no one can guarantee how the bear would react and how it would end:

diamond_d
According to Olga Tishchenko, most likely the bear was not going to tear people to shreds. He went for food. The day before, a heavy downpour began in the park, the family climbed into the tent, leaving the remnants of food in the clearing – fragrant sausage and canned food. The bear came to their smell.

The animal goes to the place where he firmly knows what there is zhorevo and intends to get it. And received. People stuck between the beast and HIS (yes, already HIM) ZHOREV. This situation is a guaranteed conflict in itself.
And now, let’s yob, I ask for the expression, he has a firecracker under his ear (or at first it chewed, and then the firecracker – completely UNCONTROLLED, on the machine, without taking into account where it will fly and where the broads will come from in relation to the positions of the tent and the beast) and look at reaction. Praying before that, that he would run to the right place. Not on a tent or other firecracker, but only then on a tent, getting lost with fright even more. We add more of his frustration from the lost food and we get a completely explosive mixture. Yes, well, such “protection” in her asshole.

Sandro61 03/03/2017 – 12:17

diamond_d
Burn or take away food waste

Disagree. When burned, the smell intensifies and spreads further. In everything else, I agree. I will add, try to seem more than you are. With your arms raised, stretch any piece of clothing. And yet, if you saw a bear trail, but you need to set up a camp – move away from the trail lower and further away, at night the wind blows from the hills to the lowland as a rule. Camping on the trail is the height of stupidity. Well, yes, as a rule, skirmishes with bears happen when a person does not behave correctly. Memorize what diamond_d wrote and you will have happiness and a restful sleep.

Sandro61 03.03.2017 – 12:20

V1
Most likely he has already fed there and this is not his first slop raid

there are traces of a bear.

V1 03.03.2017 – 12:21

Sandro61
Disagree. When burned, the smell intensifies and spreads further.

+45-70. I am also not a supporter of burning.

Sandro61
what diamond_d wrote

KP wrote. 😛 Moreover, it is well known to anyone who takes this issue seriously. You can talk about the details for a long time, but basically.

V1 03.03.2017 – 12:22

Sandro61
Run away from such places

Exactly.

Sandro61 03/03/2017 – 12:25

V1
KP wrote.

Sorry, I didn’t know. I’ll fix it.
All these signals, streamers. mines, etc. waste of money, time, and most importantly of your own nerves.)

qwerty12 03.03.2017 – 03:12

V1
strateg

but squirrels with raccoons are usually not particularly afraid.

By the way, in vain – they fuck, spoil things and food only on the way.

And they are also natural reservoirs of a lot of sores. As has been repeatedly written, small rodents in the forest are much more dangerous than large predators.

sigmen
strateg

tiger – the most dangerous when meeting

Who did you hear such nonsense from?

V1
Not blood, but sausage. And he will not attack, but will hide in another camp.

Wow!!! Gold words !!!

qwerty12 03. 03.2017 – 03:14

sigmen
strateg

tiger – most dangerous when encountered

The tiger even leaves its crush when a person approaches.

V1 03.03.2017 – 06:05

qwerty12
They are also natural reservoirs of a lot of diseases.

Absolutely right. That is why they spoil because they climb with their dirty muzzles and bite everything that they can bite.

That’s what I think is worth clarifying.

Despite the fact that

V1
I’m not a fan of incineration either.

because it often really smells, and if you burn it, make sure everything burns down, sometimes you burn it. In places where people visit once every five years, we ourselves do not stand for a long time and the fire on the bank, which the river drowns and cleanly sweeps several times a year, is it not to be burned.

The same with trails. We need to weigh the options. There was once a case: we got up somehow at the mouth of one “golden river”. A friend says – damn it’s getting dumb here – there are bear tracks. I tell him – Misha, they are EVERYWHERE. This is a natural funnel where the paths and ways of moving animals converge simply because of geography. There is a TRAIL everywhere. Today here on the spit, tomorrow along the edge of the forest, in a week there along the water’s edge. The alternative is to sleep anywhere and anyhow for two nights (they planned to stand for so long) or now half the night to engage in logging to get parking in the bushes where you can’t see anything around and for 10 meters (the jungle is not weak there), but “not on the trail.” It’s okay – we bazaar, we cook, we set up, ALL the food from the tents and on the tree in germs, on the sidelines, we don’t click our beaks and keep our guns at the ready and “sleep peacefully.” 😛Human noise and a clean camp make spending the night even in such places much safer.

maior 0763 03.03.2017 – 06:33

in general, of course, all these firecrackers and stuff 😊
it would be better if they just came up with some kind of deodorant so that the bears and others would not like the smell.
all the same, the bear feels the smell of food when cooking for at least a kilometer.
and then after cooking, one way or another, there is a smell in the camp – rinsed the dishes and poured it out, and here you have the smell, no matter how you get out, but a pot-bellied little thing climbs from the taiga and finds something to eat.
in the taiga, small birds especially get it 😊
and so … I used to bet on a bike because there were precedents from bipeds – you don’t always go to wild places.
and now I put the signaling on big for such things and forgot…

V1 03.03.2017 – 07:27

maior 0763
anyway, the bear feels the smell of food when cooking for at least a kilometer.
and then after cooking anyway there is a smell in the camp – rinsed the dishes and poured out

Of course not without it. But this is a clean camp with drops spilled from a plate when washing is still better than an open lying sausage. As for cooking, washing and pouring – you can not do this next to the tent and choose a place for the kitchen under the wind. So that even when someone comes in the wind, someone does not stumble about us sleeping. 😊

maior 0763 03.03.2017 – 07:37

sausage ok but when they throw cans of stew into the fire, the smell of fried meat is far felt.
it is necessary not only to clean the jars, but also to rinse at least a little and then into the fire.

qwerty12 03.03.2017 – 07:57

maior 0763
sausage is okay, but when they throw cans of stew into the fire, the smell of fried meat is far felt.

What an outrageous luxury – a can of stew with the remnants of fat and meat! 😊

maior 0763 03/03/2017 – 08:02

since as a rule fat remains in the bank…

V1 03.03.2017 – 08:39

real stingers wash the fat out of the jar (with boiling water) and pour it either into a plate or into a saucepan. 😀

sigmen 03.03.2017 – 08:45

diamond_d
what exactly do you agree on?

it is written diamond_d:
well, who is swearing, and who is AKMm))))

it is written diamond_d:
so for this we put stretch marks to wake up and have time to remove the fuse when the bear enters the tent for a light)))

written diamond_d:
so you should stay for the night not when it’s dark, but in advance. With feeling, with sense, with arrangement.

Something like this, here … with the above written.

strateg 03.03.2017 – 08:52

qwerty12

The tiger even leaves its crush when a person approaches.

We read carefully what I wrote. Carefully. Then we write.

strateg 03.03.2017 – 09:03

qwerty12
They are also natural reservoirs of a lot of diseases. As has been repeatedly written, small rodents in the forest are much more dangerous than large predators.

Do not confuse hygiene issues with physical security issues.
And I would like to see how you put stretch marks from mice (considering the title of the topic)

Basurman 03.03.2017 – 09:13

V1
real misers wash the fat out of the jar (with boiling water) and pour it or into a plate or in a saucepan. 😀

Eat jerboas with a can!

But let’s model the situation again:
Such a law-abiding citizen (ka) is walking along the path, collecting mushrooms, and suddenly notices a wire at the level of the knee or a little lower, and at one end it is tied to incomprehensible garbage. And since the above-described subject of all sorts of militants and programs about terrorists has seen enough, he also decides to appear on TV in the news (grabbing publicly) and stepping aside will start calling “where he should” …
After some time, “Masks of the show” in broniks will arrive and start asking stupid questions, but as a rule they ask questions first after warming up a little (free training).
😊

alfabravo 03.03.2017 – 09:55

I think that there are some military developments to protect the camp from a bear that annually takes human lives to its lair.

Basurman 03. 03.2017 – 10:08

alfabravo
I think that there are some military developments to protect the camp from a bear that annually takes human lives to its lair.

Yes, it’s called a sentry with a goloshmat 😊

qwerty12 03/03/2017 – 10:16

strateg
Read carefully what I wrote. Carefully. Then we write.

Reading:

strateg
Bear, tiger – the most dangerous when encountered on the territory of the Russian Federation.

strateg
Do not confuse hygiene issues with physical security issues. And I would like to see how you put the stretch marks from mice (given the title of the topic)

I agree here – off topic.

strateg 03/03/2017 – 10:41

It seems that he directly wrote “at the meeting” (s).
To say that a tiger is an absolutely safe animal when you meet, I think you won’t. The fact that the probability of meeting him is low is the second question. But. Considering that the tiger is an object of poaching, what do you think, as an inhabitant of the profile region, is there a chance that a wounded animal that cannot hunt normally will be interested in a hundred kg of easily accessible meat about two legs? And by how much is this probability different from zero? Will he spit on his principle of dumping aside?

In the summer, I might go to the Far East, if persuaded, for work. For a year. Of course, I will not miss the opportunity to wander around the taiga. I fear entih cats more than the bears I have met and have a rough idea of ​​what to expect.

Lukoman forester 03/03/2017 – 10:51

diamond_d

They woke up from the feeling that someone was climbing into the tent. A second later, one of them realized awake – a bear! People yelled wildly in horror. ..

It’s lucky that the bear climbed into the tent from the side of the entrance and not from the other side. I could bring down the tent on the sleepers and poke around, looking for something that interested me by smell, in this situation, the op might not help much.

When I was young, I read a lot of material about bears. An experienced bear biologist once found himself in this situation. The bear dragged him in the tent for several meters, I don’t remember the details, I read it for a long time.

I had an exciting encounter with a female bear who had cubs. In Karelia, he foolishly approached a grazing family. I saw them from afar, I thought that the sheep decided to pass by to see, there should not have been any housing on the map. When I saw a bear cub running out of the bushes, I was taken aback, only one thought sat in my head, if only he hadn’t thought of running up to me, then the bear would have attacked. He began to sideways go to the side, after about thirty meters a drainage groove passed there, jumped down and reached into his backpack for a camera, also with dope. The shots turned out badly, the camera focused on nearby branches that I didn’t notice in excitement.

As I said earlier, a bear should not be placed in an inadequate situation so as not to cause him to act inappropriately. In a normal situation, without baiting food, the bear will always leave.

Basurman 03.03.2017 – 11:00

Sandro61
… I’ll add, try to appear bigger than you are…..

😊

Forester Lukoman 03.03.2017 – 11:16

diamond_d

Remember:

Standing bear is not aggressive Bears can get very close until they decide what to do.

When a bear stands on its hind legs, if I’m not mistaken, you should look at its front legs. Paws turned out with pillows and claws forward are a sign of the bear’s fighting stance, he is angry and ready to attack.
You can’t let a bear close, he can attack even from his own fright.

diamond_d 03.03.2017 – 11:46

Lukoman forester
You can’t let a bear get close, he can attack even from his fright.

I think he should NEVER be allowed near. And keep your weapons ready. It is better to be safe and shoot in his direction in order to scare him away, and if it doesn’t work, then discharge everything that is into him.

I don’t want to find out his true intentions (peaceful or aggressive).

qwerty12 03.03.2017 – 11:47

strateg
I don’t think you will say that a tiger is an absolutely safe animal when you meet it.

Of course not. There are no absolutely safe animals.

strateg
As an inhabitant of the profile region, do you think it is likely that a wounded animal that cannot hunt normally will be interested in a hundred kg of readily available two-legged meat? And by how much is this probability different from zero? Will he spit on his principle of dumping aside?

Based on personal experience, which is small – 1 time (this is about the wounded), with an abundance of bipeds around, he avoided them, although he actively hunted 4-legged ones (including a bear).

strateg
I’m more afraid of entih cats than bears, whom I’ve met and have a rough idea of ​​what to expect.

The bear, IMHO, is much more dangerous (also because it is less cautious, which leads to close, unexpected for both, contacts).

Sandro61 03.03.2017 – 12:23

Watch a film by Mikhail Krechmar (Hanzovian) about bears. Helpful and informative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bozVyRZ2eSI

diamond_d 03/03/2017 – 12:27

Sandro61
Watch a film by Mikhail Krechmar (Hanzovian) about bears. Helpful and informative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bozVyRZ2eSI

I will definitely look. I would also like to read his book. But it’s a pity to pay 1500-2000 rubles.

Sandro61 03. 03.2017 – 12:29

Basurman
I’m the one in short pants…

What can I say. Impressive.) Me, and even young bears will impress. But if you meet the owner, it will not hurt to open the jacket with raised hands.)) The owner can be more ill.

strateg 03/03/2017 – 12:48

diamond_d

I will definitely look. I would also like to read his book. But it’s a pity to pay 1500-2000 rubles.

There is nothing in the book that is not in open sources. All the same. Therefore, if there is no desire to have a paper version, there is no point in spending money.
Z.Y. I had, and about cats, and about bears. Sold without regret.

strateg 03/03/2017 – 12:59

qwerty12
Of course not. There are no absolutely safe animals.

.

Well, I wrote “the most dangerous bear and tiger.”
These are the largest predators in the Russian Federation. Like and not stupidity froze. Or not? 😊

Sigmen 03/03/2017 – 13:59

Sandro61

… I will add more than you are …..

Basurman

😊
I am the one in short pants …

I think it makes no sense to seem to you anymore)))) The bear is already obsolete … 😊

Basurman 03.03.2017 – 14:08

sigmen

I think it makes no sense anymore)) )) The bear is already pissed off… 😊

So I say, fuck these signaling.

Our bears in the Leningrad region are too small, the paw width is more than 15 cm…

sigmen 03.03.2017 – 15:07 paws over 15 cm are not found . ..

Well, really, what am I talking about … what a trifle … 😊 made a peg with backlight 😊
built in it a light diode flashlight module from FixPrice
to find his tent any night in any condition))))
and so that other drinking buddies do not stumble about it

diamond_d 04.03.2017 – 23:24

Vasek
so that other drinking buddies do not stumble about it

we are for a sober lifestyle. we don’t take drinking companions with us into the forest)))

Antid 03/05/2017 – 13:20

http://www.ebay.de/itm/New-Pir…nkAAOSw4GVYPrVq

hirurg_zz

In principle, narcotics from thieves use ready-made and inexpensive ones: http://www.camping.ru/catalog/…zatsiya_cyclop/

Reviews are not always flattering and marriage occurs, but in principle alarm is fully functional.

Thank you. Been looking for something like this for a long time. On eBay, I bought from the Chinese from another manufacturer.

PS: I don’t need a backpack from bears, but a backpack from bipeds, etc. in the “camp” to insure … while I’m rummaging through the woods nearby for a hobby …

ploskyi 03/10/2017 – 11:58

In order not to frighten anyone when the signaling is triggered, it would be better if it transmits a signal to the bracelet, and the bracelet on the arm vibrates.
The Alan-777 radio is quite suitable for these purposes.
It is the size of a matchbox and has a vibration motor.
All that remains is to attach the strap and put it on your hand.
No noise.
Even an intruder will not understand that he has been spotted.

diamond_d 10.03.2017 – 14:37

ploskyi
a signal to the bracelet, and the bracelet on the arm will vibrate

You may not wake up from this vibration after a hard day’s transition.

borsek 10.03.2017 – 15:39

Liana-

I use this one, but only on a boat if I go somewhere or by car and sleep not in them, but on foot, without any signaling, I sleep well)

ploskyi 10.03.2017 – 17:36

diamond_d

You may not wake up from this vibro after a hard day’s transition.

Well, then it is necessary not on the hand, but on the forehead – it will definitely wake you up.

seven-eight 03/11/2017 – 09:35

maybe already – somehow I came across a video with grating firecrackers: pull the string and voila stretch marks as you like
penny price tag (should be – in the package there are several dozen bundles)

sigmen 03/11/2017 – 12:58

So you can get to the usual Soviet firecrackers, also a thread, also a penny price tag. Bonus beautiful paper fireworks))) 😊

diamond_d 13.03.2017 – 18:14

Werewolf_Zarin
))))))))

so at night a person does not see these traps.

diamond_d 13.03.2017 – 18:44

bought today a set of alarm towers for perimeter protection.
A signal cartridge is screwed in

when the stretch is broken, a shot occurs, “the Red Rocket takes off” (from the song) and the violator gets a myocardial infarction or obsessed right on the spot))))

ploskyi 13.03.

The check would do well to smoke.
Too sparkling.

diamond_d 13.03.2017 – 19:10

ploskyi
The check would do well to smoke.
Too sparkling.

can be covered with leaves or branches.

andrey85634 13.03.2017 – 19:45

ploskyi

ty… what a vulgar platitude. at least close the electric shock in the ass…

people learn to think. 😞

V1 14.03.2017 – 12:07

diamond_d
Bought today a set of alarm towers for perimeter security.
A signal cartridge is screwed in

when the tension is broken, a shot occurs, “the Red Rocket takes off” (from the song) and the intruder

“Whatever you do with a man, he stubbornly crawls to the cemetery.” 😀

diamond_d 14.03.2017 – 12:11

V1

What are you talking about, comrade?

andrey85634 03/14/2017 – 01:38

diamond_d
Is that what you are talking about right now comrade?

So quiet, not Russian? Yes? listen, I’m talking in Russian – don’t understand!

and yes, when a word is used too often, it loses its hypothetical meaning

qwerty12 03/14/2017 – 03:51

diamond_d
What are you talking about right now comrade?

I think that this missile will ALWAYS hit someone (most likely “his own”) in the groin or muzzle of the face. Practice shows that if some unlikely bullshit can happen, then it will definitely happen.

V1 14.03.2017 – 06:24

diamond_d
What are you talking about, comrade?

Comrades (and comrades) on the other side of the Amur.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, then about this one

qwerty12
I think that this rocket will ALWAYS fly into someone’s groin or muzzle (most likely “your own”). Practice shows that if some unlikely bullshit can happen, then it will definitely happen.

Here, where a specific case is analyzed,

V1
warp and zafigat somewhere in the wrong place, it’s good if not in a lobeshnik or a firecracker under the ear, or a racket burning in the crown of the Christmas tree above the tent.
…
All these minefields just increase the likelihood of this, in life, an EXTREMELY unlikely scenario.
…
They themselves, their children or neighbors could blow themselves up on them, but no one can guarantee how the bear would react and how it would end:
…
The animal goes to the place where he firmly knows what is zhorevo and intends to get it. And received. People stuck between the beast and HIS (yes, already HIM) ZHOREV. This situation is a guaranteed conflict in itself.
And now we’ll yobn, I ask for the expression, he has a firecracker under his ear (or at first it chewed, and then the firecracker – completely UNCONTROLLED, on the machine, without taking into account where it will fly and where the broads will come from in relation to the positions of the tent and the beast) and look at reaction. Praying before that, that he would run to the right place. Not on a tent or other firecracker, but only then on a tent, getting lost with fright even more. We add more of his frustration from the lost food and we get a completely explosive mixture. Yes, well, such “protection” in her asshole.

and other things in post 94 and others, about the uncontrolled launch of any dangerous rubbish in itself. The bottom line is that there are more potential and very real problems than the (hypothetical) benefits of solving a (highly unlikely) problem.
Or will you explain everything on your fingers again?

Nick Brake. the next couple of months, and the inhabitants of the nearby villages, burned down in the resulting forest fire, will be very grateful for such joyful changes in their lives.

ploskyi 03/14/2017 – 10:53

Okay, okay, they attacked a person…
The racket is replaced with a chewing cap and everyone is safe and sound.

Nick Brake 14.03.2017 – 11:13

ploskyi
The racket is replaced with a chewing gum cap and everyone is safe and sound.

Oh, that’s another matter.
The main thing here is not to crap yourself at night when it works. 😛

diamond_d 03/14/2017 – 11:41

andrey85634
So, not Russian? Yes? listen, I’m talking in Russian – don’t understand!

russian, russian, just kina had seen enough of a khokhlyatsky move like Liquidation with V. Mashkov face muzzle. Practice shows that if some unlikely bullshit can happen, then it will definitely happen.

Well, in these cases, he himself is an evil pinocchio.

Nick Brake
…and the Ministry of Emergency Situations will have something to do in the next couple of months, and the inhabitants of the nearby villages, burned down in the resulting forest fire, will be very grateful for such joyful changes in their lives.

I didn’t think about that.

ploskyi
Okay, okay, they attacked a man. ..
The racket is replaced with a chewing cap and everyone is safe and sound.

can you tell me more about this? Where? what? for what?

Lukoman forester 03/14/2017 – 13:10

It seems 😊 the most dangerous object will be a novice hunter who has wandered in the forest for a little while and is now getting out in the dark, shuddering from every rustle and therefore ready to shoot back from the dark forces to the last throne. 😀
I think with such a protective perimeter it is better not to get further than some thread of the forest park.

Kastras 14.03.2017 – 13:28

Lukoman forester
shuddering from every rustle and therefore ready to shoot back from the dark forces to the last throne

to the penultimate
Last – it is
😊

Diamond_D 03/14/2017 – 14:54

Forester Lukoman
Think The most dangerous object will be a novice hunter for a little one and now selected in the dark, trembling, trembling from every rustle and therefore ready to shoot back from the dark forces to the last potron.

did you see a lot of novice hunters wandering at night, for example, in the taiga?

Nick Brake 03/14/2017 – 15:13

A couple of years ago I was also puzzled by such a signal fence, when I realized that I began to get out into the forest alone more often than in a group hike.

Wild bears (as well as domestic ones) are not to be feared in our area, the biggest danger is wild vagabonds who make their living by taking clothes and food at tourist camps.

I immediately discarded all sorts of “hunter signals” and chose between classic tin can barriers and electronic ones, both based on proximity sensors and buttons for wireless calls.

Hands never reached the sensors and buttons (although I thought over the design of the sensor based on the button). The only thing – I bought a green spool of fishing line, and several times I took it with me to the forest. On the Internet, I carefully studied the designs and the principle of operation of all kinds of traps for small game, which use home-made “gatehouses” made of twigs, flyers and knots with hooks, triggered by thread tension, and experimented with them in my spare time in the parking lot.
The actuation of the “gatehouse” was supposed to release a pre-bent strong branch, or a load on another fishing line, (as an option – an elastic band or a spring), to which fishing bells or similar rattles are tied (from children’s toys, or for pets).
In the simplest version, you can tie the rattle directly to the fishing line.

Forester Lukoman 14.03.2017 – 16:29

diamond_d

Have you seen a lot of wandering novice hunters at night, for example, in the taiga?

I haven’t seen it, it’s hard to see at night, I don’t use flashlights and night vision devices, so I like to sleep. 😊

V1 14.03.2017 – 16:49

diamond_d
Have you seen a lot of wandering novice hunters at night, for example, in the taiga?

The chances of meeting them in places are greater than having problems from bears. 😀

Nick Brake
fisherman’s bells or similar rattles

Why sleep then? All the same, they won’t give it, they will strum even from the wind, they will hesitate and / or you will stop paying attention to them. This is where your protection and defense will end. 😊 Of the pluses, it just doesn’t shoot.

Nick Brake 14.03.2017 – 16:59

V1
Why sleep then? They won’t give it anyway, they’ll strum even from the wind,0009

That’s what the “trigger” is for. So that the bells in the “on cocked” position do not hang freely and do not strum, but are temporarily fixed with something.
For example, like a hand grenade stretcher: in the initial position, the bell is stuffed into an empty tin can (you can – into a cut-off water bottle), lies there and does not flutter. And when the line is pulled, it pulls out from there and begins to “dance” on the suspension.

True, in my experiments they did not strum even without this. Probably the wind was too weak… 😊

Nick Brake 14.03.2017 – 17:33

Too lazy to draw, I’ll try to explain the idea in words.

Two closely standing trees are taken (if there are none, then a couple of pegs are stuck), on the approaches to the tent (across the path or clearing), from
one of the edges, about a meter apart. Any rope is pulled between them (better – a piece of elastic band
from underpants). A loop is made in the middle of its length, where a small stick is inserted at a right angle
, like a propeller on an axis. Then on that stick near
the middle is attached to a fishing bell on a clothespin, so that
in a free state it dangles and rang. Better yet, spin this stick with the
bell on the rope axle like a rubber motor. Then a fishing line is stretched from the other side of the clearing, tied at one end to the neck or bottom of a plastic bottle. And in this
neck we push one end of the ‘propeller’ stick, together with the bell,
so that the stick cannot unwind or hang freely, and the bell is
is pressed and didn’t ring. And the opposite end in a taut state is behind a tree or a peg at the opposite end of the clearing. The one who pulls the fishing line with his foot will pull off the neck of the bottle from the ‘propeller’, and together with the bell he will either hang on the rope or spin
(if the stick was twisted according to the principle of a rubber motor).

There are fishing bells on a clothespin and a spring leg. Then the first part (with a rope) can be skipped, and you can fasten this bell to a clothespin on an L-shaped flyer peg or a branch, and put the bottle directly on it.

V1 14.03.2017 – 19:52

Nick Brake
That’s what the “trigger” is for. So that the bells in the “on cocked” position do not hang freely and do not strum, but are temporarily fixed with something.

Well, maybe.

qwerty12 03/15/2017 – 06:07

I think that if you somehow counteract the bear, then you can try to distract it away from the camp. Some kind of stinker, replaced by 200 meters. Pure theory, I haven’t tested it in practice.

flatskyi 03/15/2017 – 06:40

Exactly!
Spread a bucket of meat at a distance from the camp!

Basurman 15.03.2017 – 10:53

diamond_d

you saw a lot of wandering novice hunters at night…

😊
Last autumn, mid-October.
Walked through the forest with a rifle, came across a beaver forest, decided to watch, as it got dark, sat for three or four hours, … to the car / lake km three, to the nearest village km 25. Returned late, on the first night, drank a glass, drank the leftovers tea from a thermos and lay down without lighting a fire. A little later he began to roll over, stuck his head out of the sleeping bag, saw the reflection of a lantern. At first I thought from the lake, but no, it scratches directly to me through the forest, the dog didn’t react to the light from afar, he sensed it in steps for half a hundred meters …
Two guys, standing on the other side of the lake, decided to ride on the Niva, drove about seven kilometers from their camp and planted the car, grub-clothing on the shore, and so they began to wander in search of salvation….

Three years ago in the same in some places there is a similar situation, but only in spring and at dawn, they tracked me down on the trail of the UAZ… So that the bells in the “on cocked” position do not hang freely and do not strum, but are temporarily fixed with something.

V1
Well, maybe.

By the way, somewhere in some paper publication I came across information about the inefficiency of bells. They meant those that should strum on the go.

Basurman 15.03.2017 – 17:09

Fishermen in carp fishing have electronic tweeters, they react to line tension.

strateg 03/15/2017 – 19:08

qwerty12
I think that if you somehow counteract the bear, then you can try to distract it away from the camp. Some kind of stinker, replaced by 200 meters. Pure theory, I haven’t tested it in practice.

I slept nervously for half the night because of rustling and crackling in the forest, about a hundred meters away. The tent was on the beach. In the morning I went in that direction, to look – and sure enough, a bunch of rotten fish heads and intestines, and bear tracks all around. Apparently, the tourists carried it away from the parking lot (the fishermen would have thrown it into the water, but here, apparently, someone “smart” did not want to pollute the river. Spawning 😊).
That is, the method seems to work, but I thought – a certain skunk will attract Misha, he will be disappointed and will go to look for something more interesting nearby. It’s good that in my case I didn’t stick to the camp. And so, go know ..

V1 03/15/2017 – 22:06

I would not experiment in this direction either. 200m is nothing compared to the distance at which the beast smells the heat.

Nick Brake 03/15/2017 – 22:52

V1
By the way, somewhere in some paper publication I came across information about the inefficiency of bells. They meant those that should strum on the go.

Whose move?

V1 03/15/2017 – 22:59

Human.

Nick Brake 03/16/2017 – 02:04

V1
Human.

Do you think that intruders should walk around the taiga at night with bells already attached to them? 😀

I remember that mice dreamed of this… 😊

V1 03/16/2017 – 02:27

Don’t attribute your strange thoughts to me, please. Bell for noise and notification of any little animals about their approach. Very popular with any green and greenish public.

But people are automatically recorded as intruders and creatures from whom barriers are needed (and supposedly will help 😀) only victims of the 151st section.

Nick Brake 03/16/2017 – 10:52

V1
Don’t attribute your weird thoughts to me, please. Bell for noise and notification of any little animals about their approach. Very popular with any green and greenish public.

I understand that you made a mistake with the topic. You yourself have confirmed this.

The bells offered here are not to scare the animals away from the pale green public.
And in general – not to scare. And as an alarm clock for the owner of the tent when strangers appear on the territory of the camp.

V1
But only the victims of the 151st section automatically register people as intruders and creatures from whom barriers are needed (and supposedly will help).

This is not Canada for you.
You are terribly far from reality.

Werewolf_Zarin 16.03.2017 – 11:46

Nick Brake
This is not Canada for you.
You are terribly far from reality.

Well, yes, our bears ride bicycles on Red Square and play balalaikas!
And the bells are from squirrels!

Nick Brake 03/16/2017 – 12:01

Werewolf_Zarin
Well, yes, our bears ride bicycles on Red Square and play balalaikas!
And the bells are from squirrels!

The bells are from the homeless.

I don’t know the problems of tourists who encounter bears. Well, I don’t go to such places – what can I do? Taiga is too far away from me.
That’s why I don’t discuss them. There is someone to discuss besides me.

On the other hand, I am well aware of the problems of tourists whose homeless people or alcoholics from the local population 3,14 brought things and food from parking lots.
And stray dogs also contribute.
That’s why you have to come up with ways to deal with them, which I suggested above.

Nick Brake 03/16/2017 – 23:07

V1

Geography has nothing to do with it. And what about reality

Well, yes, if you do not take reality into account, then nothing to do with it.

V1
very few in this section are attracted by the prospect of “tourism” where the homeless roam.

Holy truth!
And also a lot of people on this forum are not attracted by the prospect of living in the city or area where they live. And work at the job where they work. But they have even less choice. That is why they live and work.

I am also not very attracted by the prospect of walking only along the Karelian Isthmus. I would love to walk, for example, in the mountains of New Zealand. Or Tahiti. But I don’t confuse fantasy and reality. 😛

True_Hunger 03/17/2017 – 12:18

flatskyi
Exactly!
Spread a bucket of meat at a distance from the camp!

I hope you were joking. Lure the clubfoot to the camp yourself. As in the case of fish giblets, it can be considered a competitor and will defend its feeding.
I’m generally fatalistic about mice – if you want to get sick, nothing will help. In general, they are peaceful and are often much closer to us than we imagine. They are quiet, you will still hear the hell.

PS. Werewolf, great trip by the way (Kola from north to south). I really would not be so sure about the fact that no one has ever walked like this, but it does not matter – this is not the purpose of such a trip =).
Well, it’s nice to see a change in attitude towards wildlife from the early “expeditions” (this is when you put streamers on the path to the Chapomsky waterfall and drove waders there, well, wildness – the kids go for a walk there, and you put streamers right on the trail and along the waders shoot… =) and to the current, meaningful attitude 😛.

diamond_d 03/17/2017 – 13:47

True_Hunger
I treat mice with fatalism in general – if he wants to grumble, nothing will help.

a multi-shot semi-automatic carbine helps against the bear.

PLOSKYI 03/17/2017 – 13:49

Well, yes, the pump of course will not help …

True_hunger 03/17/2017 – 14:24

PLOSKYI
Well, the pump will not help. ..

diamond_d
a multi-shot semi-automatic carbine helps against the mouse.

Well, yes, it will help. Only that’s not always the case.
It’s idealized like this – in an open field you see a bear, he slowly walks at you and receives from the pump and this time he flies off already dead … You don’t see the white light, the breeze even blows in your face, and you go nose to nose at the Master. He will attack from surprise – you will have time to do something. Or it will purposefully hunt down – you will notice the hell before it’s too late.
I’m not talking about the psychological factor. It’s easy to argue here – a pump / carbine, but in reality, whoever … you freeze from your place and don’t budge, what kind of carbine to hell is there or something. Then, for a couple more hours, he will shake in the wasteland and smoke an unlit cigarette. I’m not talking about the bait that rubs around the villages, but normal bears.
I do not count bear cubs / wounded animals

diamond_d 17.03.2017 – 15:07

True_Hunger
This is idealized like this – in an open field you see a bear, he slowly walks at you and receives from the pump and this time he flies off already dead.

Well, I have no illusions that it will be like in a shooting range))))

True_Hunger
But in fact – you crawl so sickened for the whole day – gnat, swamp, ryuk pulls. You don’t see the white light, the breeze even blows in your face, and you go nose to nose at the Master.

When I wander through the woods in bear-prone places, the carbine always hangs on a belt with a cartridge in the chamber ready for use.

True_Hunger
You will attack in surprise – you will have time to do something.

well, yes, it’s hard to argue how the chip will fall.

True_Hunger
Or he will purposefully hunt down – you’ll see the hell before it’s too late.

how does he do it? again, keep your weapons ready

but the topic is not about how you walk through the woods and meet a bear, but about when you have already set up camp, go to bed, set up a signal fence around the perimeter, put your weapon next to you and sleep.

In the event of an alarm, you immediately grab your weapon and are ready for almost any scenario.

Antid 17.03.2017 – 20:04

ploskyi
In order not to frighten anyone when the alarm is triggered, it would be better if it transmits a signal to the bracelet, and the bracelet on the arm vibrates.
The Alan-777 radio is quite suitable for these purposes.
It is the size of a matchbox and has a vibration motor.
All that remains is to attach the strap and put it on your hand.
No noise.
Even an intruder will not understand that he has been spotted.

Thank you! I will study this topic further, as soon as I receive a signal from China. How does he do it? again keep weapons at the ready

but the topic is not about how you walk through the forest and meet a bear, but about when you have already set up camp, go to bed, set up a signal fence around the perimeter, put your weapon next to you and sleep.

In the event of an alarm, you immediately grab your weapon and are ready for almost any scenario.

Fu, everyone is as fast as diarrhea, prepared, sleeping half an eye, that’s someone in the subject of rustling in the bushes …. probably spent the whole night on the glasses.

Guys, when do you rest? 😀 This is not a hike, but some kind of continuous torment. Tactical character! 😀

Basurman 21.03.2017 – 09:46

Werewolf_Zarin

Guys, when do you rest? 😀 This is not a hike, but some kind of continuous torment. 😀

“And the eternal battle, we can only dream of peace” (c)

As for the theme of the singalka:
The call is wireless, just modify the button a little, make it permanently closed, between the lamellas, a piece of plastic film like a gatehouse, a thin fishing line to it ( 0.1) – stretching.

😊

Werewolf_Zarin 03/21/2017 – 10:49

Yeah, on the one hand, a call, on the other, F1, increasing fault tolerance, and so on in three rows.

boga 21/03/2017 – 11:33

diamond_d
again, keep weapons ready

but the topic is not about how you walk through the forest and meet a bear, but about when you have already set up camp, go to bed, set up a signal fence around the perimeter, put your weapon next to you and sleep.

In the event of an alarm, you immediately grab your weapon and are ready for almost any scenario.

If I wanted to start doing tourism and read these lines, I would immediately stop wanting to do it. Hiking is like going to war, damn it … guns, streamers. I have a marching MP-18 over there, but I have it to protect myself from birds, and now the routes are more and more in places where animals run from people, and not vice versa.

boga 21.03.2017 – 11:41

Lukoman forester
a novice hunter who wandered in the forest for a bit and now gets out in the dark, shuddering from every rustle and therefore ready to shoot from the dark forces to the last throne.

I took 150 rounds for my first hunt about 10 years ago, there was both shot 5/7/1 and buckshot with a bullet))))) oh, and I was dangerous at that time 😀

Basurman 21.03 .2017 – 11:51

Werewolf_Zarin
Yeah, on the one hand there is a bell, on the other hand F1, increasing fault tolerance, and so on in three rows.

Why, put a bell and a sign like “Ring Vasya three times, he has a loaded gun under his pillow.”
😊

Nick Brake 03/21/2017 – 19:04

Basurman
The bell is wireless, just modify the button a little, make a piece of polyethylene film permanently closed between the lamellas as a watchdog, to it a thin (0.1)-stretch line.

Wow, that’s exactly what I suggested. 😛

And wrap the button from dew and rain in a plastic bag.

Antid 21.03.2017 – 20:50

Received signaling. They yell loudly and there is no volume control … so they can hear garbage …)) 8 m distance of the turn-on. In a week, maybe I’ll get out into the forest and test it, for falling branches, etc.

Antid 03/21/2017 – 22:39

Yeah, on the one hand, a call, on the other, F1, increasing fault tolerance, and so on in three rows.

Then F5 is better right away… 😊

Werewolf_Zarin 03/21/2017 – 23:57

F 1 has a much larger radius of destruction, f5 is offensive, childish, suddenly a bear in a bulletproof vest, what an incident will happen!

Antid 03/22/2017 – 03:16

So, I think about myself more…))

V1 03/22/2017 – 06:31

diamond_d
When I wander through the forest in bear-prone places, the carbine always hangs on a belt with a cartridge in the chamber ready for use.

It will waver and pass. And then you will wander more and you will distinguish between places where you need to be on the lookout, and where you don’t need to or you can not be. In no bearish places and no bears can be EVERYWHERE at once. And crowds. There are not many of them simply because they are at the top of the food pyramid. 😀

Werewolf_Zarin
Guys, when do you rest? This is not a campaign, but some kind of continuous torment

Basurman
“And the eternal battle, we only dream of peace” (c)

In, exactly. 😀

qwerty12 03/22/2017 – 08:45

V1
In no bearish places and no bears can be EVERYWHERE at once. And crowds.

Not everywhere. But in places of baiting it can be crowded. On the other hand – how about setting up a camp there? To write the book “My life among the bears. All two days.” ?
On the other hand, I met people who are quite capable of putting up a tent both under a tilted tree and in a narrow place where it is impossible to bypass it.

V1 22.03.2017 – 16:03

Of course, all sorts of gangways on a drowned elk that has melted out of the ice or spawning rivers are an exception. But if there is a ‘crowd’ of wise bears around, you don’t have to worry too much about them.

Rotmestr 10.04.2017 – 17:06

boga
an old acquaintance showed a stretch from the hunter’s signal, the construct is as follows:
A plastic hunter’s signal is taken (!)

You can’t do this. A racket can cause a crown fire if in the taiga. If only in an open area away from trees. the best way to leave a campfire and change every 2-4 hours

Werewolf_Zarin 10.04 .2017 – 18:31

And if you go solo with whom to change? 😊 Yes, even together.

maior 0763 10.04.2017 – 18:39

and my friend got a bear, it turns out in the fall.
just found out today, a friend told me: they were walking together in the taiga on a hunt, both with weapons, the distance between them was 20 meters.
the one in front fired and successfully – from the first shot he hit and laid down the bear, but the comrade didn’t care – the bear crushed the skull and almost tore off his head …
rest in peace to him – somehow I remember he went with us to the taiga.

Rotmestr 11.04.2017 – 11:51

maior 0763
from what was ahead, I hear you say a huff from behind, turns around and a friend lies and a bear is above him.
the one in front fired and successfully – hit the first shot and laid down the bear, but the comrade didn’t care anyway – the bear crushed the skull and almost tore off the head

probably the cannibal bear was. lay near the path and waited, and then with a paw on the back of the head. They often do this. In general, a bear is a much better hunter than a man

Vasek 04/13/2017 – 13:05

maior 0763
and a friend of mine got a bear, it turns out in the fall.

in Udmurtia, Mikhail Potapych recently sent huntsmen to the country of eternal hunting
but they themselves are to blame – they violated all safety rules
https://izhevsk.ru/forummessage/110/5436322-0.html

maior 0763 . – 15:20

Earth rest in peace …
read and look, from there the quote: Yes, indeed, the first shot was a miss, the second hit the right side of the chest and pierced the lung (Ivan said: “a lot of blood is bubbling and fat is far from go away!” I had 5 rounds (BENELLI ARGO 9ka 4+1) there are three left! I HAVE ALL THREE SHOT!!! The first, while the bear ran diagonally into the right forearm, the other two into the right shoulder and into the back of the forearm perpendicularly, one bullet hit the spine, the second went through the soft tissues.

like this … somehow one hunter told me this: if you have never hunted a bear, then you can kill him only by chance, and then when he did not hunt you and you met by chance, and if the bear started hunting for a man and he is not a hunter, then the bear will always win, but if he is a hunter, then the bear will also win . ..
my friend shot a bear at a distance of 100 meters – a hit in the heart, it simply tore it apart and still the bear rushed at him ..
and then a misfire and, according to the law of meanness, the cartridge was skewed when reloading – everything is in a hurry ..
seconds 3- 4 away says to reload and the bear was already 5 meters away from him and with a second shot in the head he killed him… . The wind was strong and it did not work on the swaying foliage of trees and thank God no one got caught (although there were presumably badger burrows nearby), BUT, I myself got into the field of its action twice in the park and was frightened … then, swearing, I searched for a remote control in my pocket to turn it off…)) But nevertheless, from a positive point of view, my heart was calm for the camp, when I moved away from it at a distance where it was out of sight and hearing… 😊

P.S. Signaling on the right, at the top of the photo.

Rewell 04/20/2017 – 09:04

Vasyok, tell me, how did that story end? The tragedy with the hunter has already happened, but the hunter was under investigation. And what is the result?

Antid, interesting thing, useful. Useless for cycling. We are armed.

Vasyok 04/20/2017 – 10:16

Rewell
Vasyok, tell me, how did that story end? The tragedy with the hunter has already happened, but the hunter was under investigation. And what is the result?

did not follow this story, I do not know how it ended

Rotmestr 04/20/2017 – 12:50

Werewolf_Zarin
😀 This is not a hike, but some kind of continuous torment. Tactical character! 😀[/B]

What do you want? you are not supposed to rest, or spend the night in huts, dugouts, caves, etc. where the entrance to strangers can be blocked. Either walk in a crowd and change around the fire every 2-4 hours. Or they will eat you and piss you out. Se-la-vie, as the guardians say

V1 20. 04.2017 – 16:47

How scary. (I beg you…)

Antid 04/20/2017 – 19:36

Antid, interesting thing, useful. Useless for cycling. We are armed.

I have loved bikes since childhood, but about twenty years ago “a good bike was stolen from me under my nose … therefore, while I go to the forest by car … although, I think I need to buy a moped too …) The thing seems to be nothing ..

Rewell 04/21/2017 – 07:59

So that you don’t poke while you sleep, and you want to adapt something scary. Now they are poking so that past thefts seem like childish pranks.
My bike was taken away “twenty” years ago, it was a shame. But because of this, there was no thought to stop cycling, let the thieves ride, and I ride 😊 Of course, I would have caught it – I would have drilled my knees with a drill. Well, otherwise – don’t get caught, and ride on your health)))

qwerty12 21. 04.2017 – 09:36

Rotmestr
Or walk in a crowd and change around the fire every 2-4 hours. Or they will eat you and take you out .

What terrible horrors !!!!

V1 21.04.2017 – 17:41

And don’t talk.

sigmen 21.04.2017 – 18:58

Antid
In general, I was in the forest today and tested the Chinese signaling

Cool thing, I confirm. Now I use something like this. Thing!!!! I bought more to protect the camp from bipeds, but it turned out to be a good thing for protecting a boat with a motor in the parking lots and at the bases of the semi-wild in Astrakhan. You can’t drag the boat into the house! And so the boat under the rays is calmer !!! Once at night it worked, they ran out of the house for yelling so that it raises the dead, the boat was a few meters from the original place. Saved the boat. A friend ordered one right away.

Antid 21.04.2017 – 22:57

Yes, it screams loudly… I’m thinking of painting it like a tree…

Werewolf_Zarin 04.22.2017 – 11:19

two-legged , on the other hand, you will forget it yourself)

Werewolf_Zarin 04/22/2017 – 11:21

Rotmestr

means they will eat it.

It’s strange, for some reason they didn’t eat it, although I’m not on duty around the fire, I never even thought of this. 😀 Maybe tasteless!?

Rotmestr
[B] And here is the taiga, it’s not supposed to rest here,

What are you doing in it? Spontaneous felling of huts, digging dugouts, round-the-clock campfire duty – rest in work!
You are strange.

andrey85634 04/22/2017 – 11:58

You are confusing concepts. Like children – warm, soft …
In the case of the hunter – the men did not want to strain. The bear is not the first, the wound looks heavy, why collect dogs, check weapons – just follow the trail and finish shooting. And in most cases it is so, because the man was experienced and knew what he was doing. But there’s always the possibility that things will go awry.
So – in the taiga with bears – shitty – this is the end of everything.

Everyone is resting. But who is smarter – while not relaxing.

Werewolf_Zarin
Spontaneous felling of huts, digging dugouts, round-the-clock campfire duty – rest in work!
You are strange.

Cyclists are also strange – constant tension, then a root, then a log on the path, then dogs from the garbage … morons – you need to relax! O! Fisherman – well, this is sawing complete scumbags without a tower. He put on rubber underpants, climbed into the swamp and speared with a spinning rod. Go to the gym, and in nature you need to relax!

Nya!

qwerty12 22.04.2017 – 16:38

Rotmestr
That’s right, be afraid!!!!!!!!!

I won’t go to TAIGA. Everyone there is evil. You have to be on duty there. And I love to sleep at night. I will go to the coniferous-deciduous forest. All are good there.

CodeF 22.04.2017 – 16:58

sigmen
Cool thing, I confirm. Now I use something like this.

Give me a link to the model! On the previous pages did not miss.

Antid 22.04.2017 – 19:45

On the one hand, less attention of bipeds, on the other, you will forget it yourself)

I still have one …) I don’t set up camp on the paths and there can be stray bipeds for months don’t walk. ..)

Give me a link to the model! On the previous pages did not miss.

http://www.ebay.de/itm/New-Pir…nkAAOSw4GVYPrVq

CodeF 04/22/2017 – 21:15

Ali found the same secret police
https://www.aliexpress.com/ite..
Any garbage usually happens when a person is confident, not afraid, has tried more than once and knows what he is doing.
Error price? Especially if one … So here’s the mistake – it’s just a matter of time.
One person is insured out of the blue… The other is not insured. The first will make a mistake with the fact that the place is flat – well, not very pleasant, but nothing fatal. The second one will make a mistake – and that’s it … Argh chavk chavk.
The hunter also thought that the place was flat. And smarter than many here in this matter was a man.

Who is smarter – learn from the mistakes of others. Well, who is dumber – they say yes, they always did it, no need to piss! And how at school – to call an opponent a coward, like what – pissed, weak? Yes. ..

maior 0763 04/23/2017 – 12:16

and again, no offense, but you say survival and it worries me.
not a single inhabitant of this section will say, I survive, and even more so an inhabitant of the taiga.
we live in nature, but we can only survive in 151 sections.
I’m going to the taiga soon, to live there for a week, but I can’t survive in any way …
by the way, I live here – there is no door, all the more constipation ..
I often live alone.

sigmen 04/23/2017 – 12:28

CodeF
Give me a link to the model!

Please:
https://ru.aliexpress.com/item…0608.0.0.BtygHS

maior 0763 23.04.2017 – 17:22

OF COURSE-HOW? Well, I’m in the parking lot for a maximum of 2-3 days, then I left the food supply there and went further, and why spend the night under the open sky? I want to live in the taiga and not survive. go there and stay there for at least a week, wander around the taiga.
By the way, this particular tent is always parked in a cache.

Werewolf_Zarin 23.04.2017 – 17:57

sigmen
Please:
0064

What about false positives around the clock, have you tried it?

Tranklukator 04/23/2017 – 18:22

Flacks and a bite alarm:

Werewolf_zarin 04/23/2017 – 18:34

I would not have woke me up.

CodeF 24.04.2017 – 07:34

Is there anything that works in silent notification mode to replace the screaming signaling? Those. so that the keychain in your pocket, for example, vibrates, or makes quiet sounds. But the security sensor itself did not yell with a siren.

Tranklukator 04/24/2017 – 11:22

Werewolf_Zarin
Wouldn’t wake me up.

Xs…
When I was young, my wife couldn’t wake me up when she pounded on the door with a log and screamed.
Then in the morning she made a scandal, not believing that I slept soundly… 😊
Now I’m a bit sleepy.
I can even hear the floorboards creaking.

sigmen 24.04.2017 – 16:25

Werewolf_Zarin
What about false positives around the clock, have you tried it?

Yes, she did very well. I didn’t try it on the leaves, because where we usually go there is no forest. Round the clock also did not try, there was no need. Only at night… The real radius is 5 meters with new batteries. I am very satisfied. At the house on the base, it works in general perfectly.

Werewolf_Zarin 24.04.2017 – 17:41

My project is lying around, since the year before last, I can’t cope with false positives (

Antid 24. 04.2017 – 20:32

What about false positives around the clock, have you tried it?

Yes, it was all right…) I was with her last week in the forest and as I wrote on page 7 of the camp photo that she did not react to the leaves and only I myself got caught 2 times… I caught her hung on a branch of a tree, approx. 2 m and this signaling has a range length of 8 m, in any case, remotes (2 pieces) on / off. from 8 m. The wind was sometimes strong and the signaling hung 3 – 5 m from the vegetation …

———-

Major, you have a great camp!) You should also find such a place to store a tent, canned food, a shovel, etc. Only here the forests are mostly like nature protected parks…

maior 0763 04/24/2017 – 20:46

yes, it’s all about the fact that they wanted to put a hut there, but ….
in general, sometimes locals in those places inhabitants appear who sooner or later will burn down the hut.
because the hut is in another place, and here there is only a canopy, but we hide the tent in a cache.
is convenient because no one will naturally spend the night with us there 😊

Antid 24.04.2017 – 21:29

Hmm, probably to each his own…) I don’t plan to set up an additional hut, but for one or two days of overnight stay, a tent, etc. it won’t hurt to have it in a cache … As a hobby in the forest, after 3-4 hours there’s no more digging in the ground, but oh, how I don’t want to leave, if, moreover, I’m still lucky in this place … plus weather conditions can always change quickly , so you won’t spend the night well on one hammock .. There are already 2 signaling, so it remains only to go to reconnaissance. 😊

Bond, James Bond 04/25/2017 – 13:26

to all those who use the hunter’s signal, keep in mind that they shoot low and fall burning because of non-condition, I almost burned out

shot, the star fell, after 10 seconds the fire was in grass after 30 seconds ring of fire diameter 10 m in tall grass and heat minute ring 20 meters, using a fire extinguisher, shovels and action 8 EIGHT !!!! people barely put out the ring with a diameter of 40-45, while 2-3 minutes passed and another 5 minutes to put out the newly flaring fires

one I just could not cope with would be a scribe what kind of forest fire

Antid 04/25/2017 – 14:07

fired, the star fell, after 10 seconds a fire in the grass after 30 seconds a ring of fire with a diameter of 10 m in tall grass and heat minute ring 20 meters, using a fire extinguisher, shovels and action 8 EIGHT !!!! people barely extinguished the ring in diameter 40-45 while it took 2-3 minutes and another 5 minutes to put out the newly flaring fires

one I just could not cope would be a scribe what forest fire

Therefore, I personally chose a Chinese cheap sound “signal for movement”, which is not so a pity to forget, and there will be no nix from it like you have . .. Over the hill, if you start a fire in the forest, and if they figure out the arsonist , then until the end of days you can pay a fine …

andrey85634 04/25/2017 – 15:39

Well, if I were a thief … If I decided to rob tourists … If I had brains .. I would take a club stick with me. And how do they sleep?
So. I’m going, I mean – I’m looking at the parking lot. Boat, tent. I go further – it’s empty. You’ll get bored with the boat, if only you could cut your phone or camera, but you have to take what you have.
I’m following the boat. And here dick – wee wee wee!!!
Further 2 options for the development of the situation.
1. AAAAAA!!!! Nasty!!! and a marathon run through the woods at night, losing poop.
2. Yes, beat up! almost freaked out! So you want the bad – okay. Whoever is trying to stick out the slurp from the tent – with a club!
Get up, bad person! tried to pull the gun – asshole. Na more!
Now push the boat!

Signaling must be on the approaches. And on a boat or a motor, you can hang it just triggered by shaking – you can easily go to the toilet.

I think.

Bond, James Bond 25.04.2017 – 16:16

Antid you won’t be here… Over the hill, if you start a fire in the forest, and if the arsonist is found out, then you can pay a fine until the end of days… :55

Bond, James Bond
to all who use the hunter’s signal, keep in mind that they shoot low and fall on fire because of non-condition, I almost burned out

shot, the star fell, after 10 seconds the fire in the grass after 30 seconds the ring of fire diameter 10 m in tall grass and heat minute ring 20 meters, using a fire extinguisher, shovels and action 8 EIGHT !!!! people barely extinguished a ring with a diameter of 40-45, while 2-3 minutes passed and another 5 minutes to put out the newly flaring fires

one I simply could not manage would be a scribe what a forest fire

This is exactly what I was talking about earlier in the topic. And the crown of the tree would have caught fire – and eight people would not have been enough, even with an excavator and not with shovels, and everything would have happened even more dynamically.

Rotmestr 27.04.2017 – 05:33

Bond, James Bond
to all who use the hunter signal, keep in mind due to non-condition shooting low and falling on fire I almost burned out

fired, the star fell, after 10 seconds a fire in the grass after 30 seconds a ring of fire with a diameter of 10 m in tall grass and a minute ring of fire 20 meters, using a fire extinguisher, shovels and action 8 EIGHT !!!! a person barely put out a ring with a diameter of 40-45, while it took 2-3 minutes and another 5 minutes to put out the newly flaring fires

one I just couldn’t cope would be a scribe what kind of forest fire

Here I am talking about too , I try to explain to them. They do not understand

Kovbasyuk 27. 04.2017 – 07:45

Bond, James Bond
there would be a forest fire scribe

No need for a cartridge with an asterisk, the chewing gum is enough.

Stayn 27.04.2017 – 15:10

Bond, James Bond
to all who use the hunter signal, keep in mind due to non-condition shooting low and falling burning I almost burned out CO. They are called “Sound Threaded Cartridge” GROM “”. I wrote about them on the first page of this thread.

V1 27.04.2017 – 16:35

I may upset you, but it happens that the noise ones also “gray” and burn. Or rather lazily clapping, scattering smoldering and hot. The “brilliant” idea to set up shooters also creates the conditions for this – moisture, dew, precipitation, and here are all the conditions for increasing the likelihood of such a turn of events.

And about “just chewed” see. post?45.

Stayn 27.04.2017 – 18:46

No, you definitely won’t upset me. 😊 I already said everything I had to say in #72 message about my signaling.

gavia 27.04.2017 – 23:27

The motion sensor is certainly good, but you need a lot of them to protect the perimeter.
And the simpler the device, the better. When it is not possible to put pyrotechnic extensions, I use this little thing: https://ru.aliexpress.com/item…0608.0.0.flhmOL
If you pull the ring, the check flies out and the device screams with a force of 120 dB. do not put a check in place. Cheap, lightweight, easy to use to protect things.

Antid 29.04.2017 – 11:24

Regarding unsafe “alarms”:

In Siberia, residents continue to provoke forest fires

The head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Puchkov, calls negligence the main cause of fires, due to which a state of emergency has been declared throughout Siberia. In Buryatia, fire threatened fifty settlements. New foci also appear in the Irkutsk region.

http://classic.newsru.com/russia/29apr2017/puchkovfires.html

Werewolf_Zarin 02.05.2017 – 23:21

Sekor

You, comrade, are also very good at lying. I will not speak for the whole country and all regions, but specifically in our Leningrad region. it is the local shit at home. I ride a quad and everywhere the forests are littered. Why do I blame the locals? Yes, because it is unlikely that “tourists” from the city bring old refrigerators, sofas, TVs and all sorts of construction waste with them. And just the urban ones are more cultured in matters of cleaning up after themselves after outdoor recreation. How many times I have seen how the local gopota gathers on the lakes and leaves srach behind. So there is no need to roll a barrel on the city – rummage in your garden first.

Do the “tourists” like the grass fall in the spring too?

Support! 😊

KETSALOKOTL 05/04/2017 – 10:02

And how harmless it all began – “The signaling of the camp in the forest”. )))

REWLL 05/04/2017 – 10:29

based , came to the conclusion that an electronic autonomous signaling is optimal. If the Hunter’s Signal is used, peat fires may start with the arrival of oppressors from Moscow. Correct me if I misunderstood.

andrey85634 05/04/2017 – 10:52

Rewell
Correct me if I misunderstood.

almost everything
Let’s start with the concept. Optimally is a word in itself meaningless. What is optimal, for what conditions is it optimal? Is it optimal for everything? So it’s not optimal when a versatile tool.
In general, what is good for a Russian is death for a German. 😊

In general, passive defense is always doomed.

this is optimal http://guns.allzip.org/topic/204/3.html

PS And about the oppressors – when life is good, no one from the oppressed complains about something . ..
But what’s worse – they immediately begin to look for who is to blame? Well, right, it’s not about me, is it?!
So someone is spoiling everything on purpose. They are to blame!

That’s interesting, electronics that hear footsteps with seismic sensors. And then, at the request of the user, either flares, or directional mines, or a squeaker in a tent. 😊
But this is most likely not to be found, and for the better, otherwise it will be completely scary to wander through the forest in the evening.

Howk 05/04/2017 – 11:37

http://www.atlant-nsk.ru/prod.php?man=215
http://nikiret.ru/index.php?pa… mart&Itemid=199
http://nikiret.ru/index.php?pa…mart&Itemid=199
http://nikiret.ru/index.php?pa…mart&Itemid=199

take the idea and sculpt from one dollar scarf from aliexpress, if on a camping trip. or generally limit yourself to bite alarms, infrared motion sensors alarms, pieces of motorcycle alarms (for example MS) and batteries from tablets (lithium), with charge boards and solar batteries for charging. otherwise it is unbearable both in weight and in price.

Resident114 13.05.2017 – 01:56

We take a fishing line, a tin can.

Werewolf_Zarin 13.05.2017 – 08:47

Resident114

A German patrol with dogs along the line. (watching a movie about WWII) 😀

strateg 05/13/2017 – 16:24

I returned from a kind of rally-raid through the waterfalls of the Krasnodar Territory. Densely used a signalization with an infrared motion sensor. The thing is useful.
But when we went downstairs and stood at the parking lot on the seashore, and the breaks were rummaging around, pretending to collect brushwood around our parking lot (and there were no fires after that, we were reconnoitring who had arrived. There were nets in the sea), for the night I wanted a sensor four in put all sides, FIG knows what they will do. In the mountains, you can only approach from one direction, covered by one sensor, and in a pine-oak grove, on the coast, from several. I’ll buy the same breakage signaling in the appendage.
In general, I am satisfied. The car is facing the path, everyone who walks along it is indicated.

diamond_d 15.05.2017 – 20:03

Comrades! Everything that is not related to the topic was deleted.
Please write only on the topic. Comrade Rotmestr limited the ability to write in this thread.

Read online “Morkh”, Alexander Werner – LitRes, page 18

The story took only a few minutes, and about the same time it took the leader of the hunters to think.

– So he scattered you like kittens? – not believed Haori.

– He played with us. If I wanted to, I could have killed at any moment, as I did with Kitchen, ”Helen said calmly.

– Is he really that strong? The leader couldn’t believe it.

“I have never met a stronger opponent,” Hal admitted.

– And what do you think? Let the girl go and get rid of him? By allowing them to continue to kill with impunity? Haori asked.

– There is no point in killing her: he will take revenge. Might start tracking us one by one. It’s easier to let go. If he attacks the camp, we may lose many good hunters,” the girl said.

– You can let her go and try to track him down while he tracks her down. Attack him the same way he attacked us. Done right, the surprise effect could help us deal with him without casualties,” Graham suggested.

“Then the girl will definitely run away,” said Haori.

– To hell with her! the huntress flared up. The main thing is to get rid of this monster.

“Okay, I’ll think about it,” the leader said, signaling that the conversation was over.

His best fighters left his quarters, and he was left alone again, alone with his thoughts. What should he do? Letting the girl go is not an option. Try Graham’s suggestion? Still, this is the future possible leader of the hunters. Risky. You can lose both werewolves. Execute her? Then the werewolf will either leave or begin to take revenge. Execute and ambush him? It is unlikely that he will wait long, but they can sit in ambush in the camp as long as they like. Leto could be consulted, but… no. The old man will persuade him to help the girl, but he was not going to help the offspring of demons. It’s decided. In the evening he will execute the girl, and then they will arrange a hunt for this creature. He will personally lead the hunt. And no one has escaped him yet.

***

Kelly was kneeling in the very center of the camp with her head down. His hands, tied behind his back with a special rope with runes, went numb. The girl could not move, and only tears dripping from her chin to the ground showed the hopelessness of the situation. Above her stood the leader of the hunters, Haori, holding a sword in his right hand. Hunters crowded around, eager to watch the massacre of a werewolf, like children at a performance. Larry, Helen and Graham stood a little apart, thus showing that what was happening to them was not to their liking. The sky in Morkh had already completely darkened, announcing the coming night. This is the end of her story.

Suddenly, Haori twitched. Kelly felt a strange energy all around – she automatically turned around and noticed a shadow on the edge of the camp. Her sensitive hearing picked up strange sounds… demons. She was about to warn the hunters when a light flashed brightly outside the camp. A moment later, the body of one of the hunters that guarded the perimeter fell right in front of them.

– Demons! shouted one of the guards.

– The camp is under attack! shouted the second.

– Everyone to arms, prepare the defense of the camp, quickly! Gergel shouted.

Everyone was busy. The girl was perplexed: who in their right mind would attack the hunters’ camp? She looked at Haori and saw that he was looking at her, ignoring the madness going on around her. He silently raised his sword, and Kelly closed her eyes. The plan must be fulfilled, no matter what. For some reason, she imagined Crowe’s face and mentally apologized to him.

She caught the moment when the sword began to move. I heard the sound of a sword cutting through the air. And shuddered all over the body at the moment of impact.

***

Haori took a deep breath. He made his choice.

“Time to get to work,” said the leader of the hunters, looking around the camp.

Chapter thirty-eight.

The pen rolled across the table, and the detective, who had dozed off, swore before he could catch it. He looked at the pen and had no desire to bend down to pick it up. Go to hell, you damn pen.

Richard was sitting at the chief detective’s desk, the same one that Jess had sat at just a short time ago. Where is she now? Nobody knew this.

It had been several hours since the interrogation, and he had been thinking about Crowe’s words. Have they really missed the real killer and is he still on the loose? Have they been on the wrong track all this time? It just can’t be. There are no clues. Not even a hint of another killer besides Crowe. But is it right to arrange a trial without understanding the case to the end? How easy it was when he was Jessica’s bodyguard… did she really have to solve such problems all the time?

Richard got up from the table and warmed up a bit. Sedentary work is not for him. What’s the point of sitting and writing papers when you have to catch criminals? He will never understand this.

He glanced at the clock hanging over the office entrance. It’s almost midnight – we should check on this Crow. Just in case. You can also ask about that killer. That’s right, if Crowe wants to get out of this mess, let him tell you where to look for a real maniac.

The man nodded to himself and left the office.

***

What a wonderful place the hunters have chosen for their camp! Around a beautiful forest, where every leaf and every blade of grass is lit by the sun. Birdsong and the complete absence of city noise. Isn’t that wonderful! True, in Morkh the picture was much poorer. Greediness and wretchedness. Bare broken sticks along the slope, and instead of a beautiful sunny clearing, this ugly camp.

After returning to the world of shadows, David quickly followed Kelly’s trail and went to the camp. The ability to hide in the forest has always been his best quality, and therefore no one managed to find him.

One of the guards from the perimeter was sitting not far from him and did not even suspect that a werewolf was in his line of sight. Here are the hunters, terrible and invincible. Only people. The werewolf at first thought to kill the boy, but then decided to wait. If they have some form of communication and verification, then he will only give himself away. Better to just wait. Attacking the camp itself was also risky. Still, there are too many hunters, and who knows what surprises await him in their lair.

He waited and admired nature. Kelly was in the camp, no doubt about it. I wonder why they keep it? Are they trying to set a trap for him or are they just interrogating her? He did not know this, and ignorance annoyed him.

He looked away from the camp, watching the sunset. Ah, this play of light! Those red tones, like fresh blood.

The sun gradually went below the horizon, and the shadows covered this world, finally forcing out the light.

There is a certain revival in the camp. Bah, yes, this is Kelly’s sweetie, and that guy with the sword, apparently, decided to arrange a demonstration execution. David didn’t know what to do. Attack and beat her back? But then they will pile on in a crowd, and he may not survive: after all, there are about forty hunters there. What to do?

The decision came by itself. He smelled demons, but what! Higher. Great, while they are at war with each other, he will steal his long-awaited dinner.

David glanced at the hunter at his post. He turned towards the camp, apparently out of interest in what was happening. “But it’s you, little one, in vain,” the werewolf smiled.

Chapter thirty-nine.

Jessica risked jumping into Morh just before the police station, after checking the area for demons beforehand. Everything is clear. She entered the ruined building and climbed to the second floor. She easily navigated the building. After so many years of working in it, she could navigate here with her eyes closed.

That’s it. In front of her was an empty room, in which it was as if a grenade had exploded. The girl looked into the world of people and saw him. Lies quietly and looks up at the ceiling. Was she chasing after him all this time? Laughter, and nothing more. The elusive Rudolf Crow sits to himself, locked in a cage.

The girl decided not to rush and took a closer look at the man who had occupied her thoughts all the last days. Tall, blue-eyed, blond, rather handsome, quite her type. Yes, and a doctor of sciences, an archaeologist, a professor. These don’t roll on the road. Oh, if it weren’t for the circumstances… “So. Stop it, Jess, that’s not what you came here for.”

After making sure that the corridor on both sides was empty, she jumped back to our world.

– A couple of days ago I wanted to put you behind bars, and now I’m pulling you out of here. Life is pretty unpredictable after all,” Jess said with a smile.

Crow jumped on the bunk in surprise and almost fell to the floor. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Jessica almost laughed. Yeah. This Crow obviously doesn’t look like a killer.

– Who else are you? asked the historian in surprise.

“Your salvation,” the former policewoman chuckled playfully.

“Wait, I know you,” Crow said peering at the guest. You are the same cop.

“Bingo,” the girl scoffed. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to get you out of your cell.”

– But why? Rudy wondered.

“I’m working with Stevenson now, he’ll explain the rest to you,” Jessica said, looking around the camera. – Can you move to Morkh?

“Could have—wouldn’t have been behind bars,” snapped Crowe.

“That makes sense,” the girl nodded. – So what’s the problem?

Crowe stood up and pointed to his stomach.

– The leader of the hunters put a seal on me that forbids me to move between worlds.

– So, we have to get out of the site in the world of people? This greatly complicates the task, – Murdoch thought. – Come to me. I’ll try to take it off.

– You? Rudolf raised his eyebrows.

“Just do what they say,” Jess snapped.

Crowe walked over to the bars and Jessica put her hand on his stomach. She felt a certain power, but did not know what to do. It’s like seeing the mechanism and in theory knowing how everything works, but which of the cogs to turn? She did not understand this.

– No, I don’t understand how to remove it. Damian will understand. Soooo, – thoughts rushed about in her head, but she did not see the ideal solution. – If I start to conjure, I can cripple you, and the whole precinct will run to the noise. We need to find the key.

– Can’t you just open the door with magic, since you already know how to do magic? Crowe asked.

The girl thought. It’s a pretty simple solution – and why didn’t she think of it right away? Because she had never seen such a spell in the books. Well, let’s try.

Jessica put her hand on the lock of the camera and tried to feel the thread, anything. In battle, knowledge overwhelmed her, but now everything seemed to evaporate.

Footsteps were heard.

“Someone is coming,” Jess said. – I’ll hide for now.

And she moved to Morkh, her eyes continuing to observe the world of people.

The big man Richard came up to the camera. Jess had time to notice that the key to the cell was with him.

– What are you doing? the jock asked sternly, watching Rudy, who was standing in the middle of the cell.

“Nothing, I can’t sleep,” Crow lied.

“I have a question,” Richard changed the subject.

Rudolf looked at the policeman in surprise.

“Well then, ask,” the historian said calmly.

– You said you weren’t the killer. Tell me who it is, and you can be sure that I will find him,” the big man said confidently.

Are you sure? But I doubt something, – Crowe said smiling.

– This is your only chance, Crow. Otherwise you will rot in prison,” Richard tried to intimidate him.

“I don’t think so,” Rudy replied calmly and ostentatiously lay down on the bunk, hinting that the conversation was over.

– Idiot! shouted the policeman.

Jessica thought she could try talking to Richard. She will always be able to knock him out. She again moved to the world of people, noticing that each time it is given more and more difficult. Moving is new to her, and she kept forgetting that it takes a lot of energy.

She appeared at the wall at seven o’clock from Richard, behind him.

“Easy, Richard,” the girl sang soothingly.

The policeman turned around and turned white, as if seeing a ghost. Although, in a sense, it was true: they had already managed to bury her in absentia, writing her down as missing.

– Murdoch? – her former subordinate barely uttered.

She looked at him with a calm, even look, and his knees were shaking. Plus in her favor.

– Hello, Rich. Will you help me out of old memory? Jess asked with a smile.

– But how? What is here … – the new detective could not understand what was happening.

“It’s too long to explain, and it’s better if you don’t know, Rich,” the girl said.

The big man straightened up at attention and, moving his eyebrows, said:

– You will always be my commander – give orders.

“Open the camera and help me get Crowe out of here,” Jess said.

She saw how a variety of emotions struggled in the policeman, but he overcame himself and, without asking further questions, took out the key and unlocked the camera. Crowe walked slowly out into the corridor and stood next to the witch.

“Richard,” the girl turned to the big man. “Crow is innocent. I now know the whole truth and… you are a good person and I hope you have a bright future. You don’t have to get into all this. I will do everything myself. The price is I will never be able to live a normal life again. So promise me that you will never get involved in this case. Destroy all evidence and forget about everything. This is my last order.

“That’s right,” Richard choked out, gritting his teeth. – What about Pete? he asked hopefully.

– Most likely, he is dead, – the girl whispered softly, lowering her eyes.

The big man lowered his eyes and froze for a moment. The girl understood how he felt. Both of his mentors left him, and she also does not want to let him in on the matter. She did not know what to say, but the historian suddenly helped.

“My artifact…” Crow managed uncertainly.

– Artifact? Jess asked.

– Are you talking about that figurine that looks like a ritual knife? Rich asked, coming to his senses.

– Yes, do you have it? I can’t do without him.

– Is he really that important? – Turning to Rudolf, the girl asked. She had no idea what artifact they were talking about, but after everything that had happened to her, she understood that they should definitely take the artifact with them.

Crowe looked at the policeman, and the girl realized that he couldn’t say everything in front of him.

“Very important,” said the historian.

– Good. Richard,” Jess said to her former subordinate. – Can you get it?

– Yes, no problem. It’s in my desk drawer. I will bring it now. And you wait here and don’t make noise.

– Would you like to teach me? the witch asked smiling, and the big man, smiling, nodded and walked down the corridor towards her former office.

“In your desk drawer, you say?” the girl thought to herself. She was glad that he already called this table his own. Of course, he will not soon get used to his new duties, but this will do for a start.

“Is this artifact,” Jessica began, “something like a weapon?”

– Yes. And very powerful,” the man replied.

– Good.

Richard returned a few minutes later. A black cloak hung on the big man’s arm, and the girl instantly remembered that she had seen Crowe in the library in it.

“Here, take this,” the policeman handed Rudolph the cloak and the artifact. “I brought my coat too. I don’t think you mind.

– Of course you don’t mind, thank you! Crowe beamed.

– Won’t you get hit by your raincoat? the blonde asked.

– The figurine, in theory, should have been in the evidence box, and not in my office. If Crowe had stolen his figurine on the run, it would be strange if he didn’t take his cloak as well, the big man reasoned.

“It makes sense, you did a great job,” she decided to praise the big Jess.

“We have to go,” said Crowe, pulling on his cloak. – If they get on my trail …

– Yes, we have to go. Richard, distract the guards at the post. Just be careful: you should not be suspected of complicity.

“Now everything will be fine,” the big man said with a smile and turned his back to them. “I was glad to see you, Jess. Goodbye.

The policeman disappeared around the bend at the end of the corridor, and Jess and Rudy slowly began to approach the stairs leading to the first floor. Suddenly, the lights went out throughout the area.

– This is Rich. Run to the exit, I’m through Morkh just in case, – ordered Murdoch.

“Good,” Crowe agreed, and quickly began to descend the stairs, trying not to make too much noise.

The former policewoman followed Rudy in Morh, watching him across the edge of the worlds. The darkness helped them by creating panic and hiding them from prying eyes. However, problems arose at the very end.

– Stop, don’t move! shouted the attendant at the very exit.

Crowe raised his hands: the attendant was standing behind him with a gun pointed at him. Murdoc appeared right behind the policeman and knocked him out with one blow. The attendant collapsed to the floor. Rudy turned around and looked respectfully at the girl.

– Good hit.

“No time, let’s go,” Jessica urged him on.

They left the police station and ran into the night.

When the police station was out of sight, they heard three shots in the sky and Richard’s furious shout:

“I’ll get you, Crowe!”

“And he is a good actor,” Rudolf smiled.

– He has great potential. I hope he can handle it,” the girl said softly.

– By the way, since we’ve already got out…

– Speak already.

– Cameras. I clearly saw them throughout the building, but judging by the fact that no matter how much I waved, they never came to me, and they checked me all the time …

– On the second floor, the cable burned out and all the cameras were somewhere then a week ago. They did not manage to fix it – the cameras work only on the first floor. That’s why Richard put out the light.

– That’s how it is. Good luck.

– Yes, I agree. Well, if we continue to be as lucky.

Two figures walked under the night sky of the human world. Jessica led them down the streets, knowing full well the route they would take without being looked for. The library was still far away.

Crow’s heart suddenly stung, causing him to twitch and stop.

“Kelly,” Rudy said aloud even to himself.

Chapter forty.

The girl shuddered and opened her eyes. Is she still alive? Kelly looked down at her hands and then up at the hunter.

“Time to get to work,” Haori said as he looked around the camp. Help us, we’ll help you. I give you my word.

The girl nodded and rose to her feet.

***

The camp is in a commotion caused by demons. By the way: now he can safely pick up his dinner.

David glanced at the sentry, who had been nearby all this time, and at the moment decided to help his brothers (the hunter was running towards the camp with a gun at the ready). Sorry sight. Perhaps it will come down to an aperitif.

The werewolf disappeared and the headless hunter collapsed, spraying the ground with ruby ​​drops.

***

The camp is in motion. All the hunters took their positions and prepared for battle. There was real chaos all around. No one living today remembered such impudence: the last time the camp was attacked was decades ago. Haori, of course, had heard from his mentor about the heroic battles under the walls of the camp, but he could not imagine that the demons would ever dare such a thing again. And this was his great omission: their camp had not looked like a fortress for a long time, they would not be able to hold the defense.

They were lucky that in training they also taught how to defend the camp; more for discipline, of course, but now it was very useful. Everyone knew the weaknesses of the camp, knew where to go and what to do. No one panicked or wandered aimlessly around the camp. And Gergel made sure that everything was done not only with high quality, but also as quickly as possible.

Two lookouts from the east landed next to him, signaling that the east was clear. In the northern part of the camp, near Leto, Larry and Samir, both lookouts of the north appeared. North is clear. In the southern part, having hastily made a semblance of a barricade, Juth, Kyle, Gergel and five more hunters settled down, standing with their backs to the leader and therefore unrecognizable. The main forces were at the main gate in the western part of the camp. A flash of light came from there, which means that they will attack in the forehead.

One of the southern watchmen joined the main force, the other was not visible. So, he is already dead – the enemies are bypassing the camp from the flanks. They are surrounded – it is worth expecting a blow from any side. And there is nowhere to run if something happens.

“Be vigilant,” Haori called out. The camp is surrounded.

The message from the leader went down the chain, and those hunters who were at the very borders of the camp split in two to monitor both the gate and the space outside the walls.

There were flashes in the west. The leader guessed that this second sentinel, instead of retreating to the camp, held back the enemy forces in order to give his own time to prepare.

Forty-nine hunters survived after Kitchen’s death. Eight of them were now outside the camp on missions. Three more have died on duty now. So, together with the werewolf, thirty-nine units will have to defend the camp. Not so bad.

The flashes in the west subsided, and after a couple of moments, a figure in black appeared on the palisade next to the gate with the head of a sentinel in outstretched hand. Judging by the red glow from under the hood and the demon’s physique, it was Lucig. Higher.

West Detachment fired a volley, but all charges missed; the figure vanished into thin air before the balls of light reached their destination.

The runes on the gate that forbid the demons from entering the camp glowed brightly and faded. Someone’s magic was able to break Letho’s runes. Not good. After a couple of seconds, new runes appeared on the gate, angular and black, with a red border. Magic Gargant. Haori caught her breath. At that moment, the gate shattered into pieces and demons poured through the resulting hole in an unceasing stream. The battle has begun.

***

Kelly never imagined that she would one day be involved in a battle between hunters and demons, and even on the side of the hunters. But now she stood next to the leader of the camp side by side. It’s all like a bad dream. How she would like to wake up.

Air movement. The girl turned around and caught the shadow again. Only now has it come to her.

– Boggarts! the girl shouted, and Haori was the first to react to the scream.

The hunter turned around and threw a pebble forward. A demon appeared immediately, a moment later torn apart by two real shots.

– Do not relax! the leader shouted.

The girl used her werewolf vision to see the creatures and gave a tip to Haori, who dealt with them with lightning speed. Now they are in a fight.

One of the lookouts standing next to them dropped his gun, Kelly turned to him and saw the horror in his eyes. The guy grunted, trying to say something, but did not have time to utter a word. The hunter’s head shattered like an overripe watermelon. A few drops of red fell on the girl, and she froze, her eyes covered with a scarlet veil.

Slap.

Don’t you dare panic! Haori shouted straight into her face and immediately turned around to give another volley from the gun.

Exactly, confusion, even for a moment, could cost her her life. As soon as she noticed another movement of air, the girl rushed to him and with two quick blows tore a piece from the Boggart, forcing him to come into the world to become a victim of the sentinel.

Demons climbed out of all the cracks. But how many are there?! There is no end in sight.

Abrupt movement of air. That smell… Kelly instantly jumped to the side, but the enemy was not aiming at her: he was aiming at the most dangerous of opponents, Haori.

David was about to cut off the head of the leader of the hunters, when suddenly Haori slipped under the werewolf’s arm and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, putting the muzzle of the gun to the back of the new opponent.

A shot rang out.

Haori stood with a torn beige cloak in his hand. Turning around, he looked at David, who was standing calmly a few paces behind.

“You are fast,” said the leader.

“And you will die soon,” retorted the werewolf.

***

It was hell at the gate.

More than twenty hunters held back the demonic horde. Luckily for the demons, many of the soldiers couldn’t disperse at full strength for fear of hurting their brothers. Homer donned the impenetrable armor that was part of his abilities. Helen and Graham, as the most experienced, took over the center. Volleys, explosions, flashes of light, and there is no end in sight to the creatures.

Rare demons made their way through the defense, but immediately fell under the shelling of the southern and northern posts covering the rear.

– Will they ever run out or not? Helen screamed.

“When we kill everyone, sure,” Graham shouted back.

– Yes, you are a wit! Vincent intervened.

– Are you going to chat, or where? – Homer besieged them.

Suddenly, the flow of demons weakened and three figures appeared in the gate. A demon in a black hoodie in the middle, and two in red on the sides.

“I’m taking the lady in red,” Vincent called out. Bob, can you help?

Next to him, a hunting dog barked loudly.

– Then my second one! shouted the blacksmith.

“Well, what do we have left,” Helen said, putting her hand on Graham’s shoulder.

“So be it,” the figure in black boomed loudly.

***

Larry took aim and fired. Another demon fell, turning to dust in seconds.

Lowering the gun, he rubbed his temples. Who knows what’s going on in his head right now. So many emotions. Anger, love, hope, despair – all this pressed on him like a vise, making it difficult to concentrate. But what bothered him the most was something else. Exorbitant rage mixed with contempt emanating from somewhere in the north. So, what they see now in the camp is not all. Soon help will come to them, very angry and strong help. Goosebumps ran through the empath’s body.

– Is everything all right? Summer asked him.

“Yes, it just seems to me that something is approaching from the north,” the guy admitted.

– Yes, you don’t think so. And it would be good to deal with these before he comes,” the oracle said calmly.

– Did you foresee all this? Larry asked.

– No. And that scares me the most,” Leto admitted.

– What should we do?

– Same as always. Just do your job.

The young hunter took a deep breath and took aim again.

***

Two men exchanged blows, but neither of them reached the target. Kelly already understood that Haori’s ability was super-speed, that’s why he was not inferior to David, but she also understood that David had not yet begun to fight seriously, so far he was only playing.

The speed of the attacks increased, even with her werewolf eye, the girl could not keep track of all their attacks and movements. However, she saw that the werewolf was beginning to push the leader of the hunters. She decided to intervene and help Haori, but her first attack turned out to be a failure: David simply brushed her off, and she flew away.

“Don’t get in the way,” he shouted without looking at her.

The girl looked up and saw movement.

– Haori, sideways!

The hunter turned ninety degrees and fired, the charge missed the target, but the ball of water thrown in pursuit hit the bullseye: the Boggart screamed and shattered into pieces. Behind him immediately appeared the second Boggart. David disappeared, there was a flash of light, and the second demon evaporated.

– So you are not with them? the leader remarked.

“I only need a girl, I don’t care about your showdown,” the werewolf said calmly.

Taking advantage of the moment, the lookout, who had been dealing with the Boggarts coming from the east all this time, shot at David. Haori realized how it would end, and rushed to the guy, but did not have time. The sentinel stood with his arm torn off and his throat slit. The hunter leader turned around, but David was already a few paces behind him. The watchman tried to say something and fell silent, slowly falling to the ground. In his dying gaze, Haori read only an apology for the failure.

“Bastard,” Haori whispered softly as he pulled out a black dagger from his scabbard.

“Yes, come on, I’ve been waiting for it,” David said cheerfully.

Haori is missing. There was a thin whistle, and he appeared far behind the werewolf. Now that’s speed! It all happened in less than a second. Just unbelieveble. The werewolf looked down at himself and smiled. Several small cuts.

Is that all? he scoffed, but grimaced a moment later. His wounds glowed green.

– Yes. It’s all. You’re in deep trouble.

The leader stood holding a dagger stained with David’s blood in his hand, and in his other hand a toad artifact glowed.

***

After the arrival of the commanders, the battle at the gates broke out in earnest. The hunters quickly realized that before that they were dealing with extras, designed to exhaust the enemy. Now, seasoned soldiers of the demon world came into action: Morlocks, Lutsigs and Wurds, who wield magic and do not fall with one shot.

After several futile attempts to attack the Gargant, Homer went on the defensive. He decided to focus the attention of the higher demon on himself in order to give the young hunters who decided to help him a chance to carry out a successful attack, but all he achieved was the loss of one of his brothers.

Graham and Helen not only managed to hold back the onslaught of Fayam and his entourage, but also managed to help their own, mow down the enemies in the vicinity along the way. However, the Lord of the Lucigs himself could not be caught: he disappeared even before the couple began to attack him. Of course, there was a peculiar plus in this: the old warrior Graham, being an excellent strategist, hoped to exhaust the demon in this way, because he cannot always jump between worlds.

Vincent and Bob had the hardest time fighting the second Gargant. All that the big man could oppose to the high demon was direct massive attacks to the forehead, created with the help of his lens. But none of these attacks left a scratch on him. After another attack, reinforced by Bob (the dog’s ability was to call the wind with a bark) and scattered all the demons around the highest, Vincent began to retreat towards the center of the camp. The gargant seemed to be cheerful, the hunter seemed to be only amusing him, which gave the impression that the demon had not yet begun to fight in earnest.

Four people in black were already lying on the ground, and the flow of demons only intensified.

***

The south post, behind the barricade, fired on the demons to the west and the Boggarts to the east. Gergel terrified the enemies on both sides of the camp: not a single one of his attacks had yet passed by. Twice already, squads of demons tried to attack them from the south, through the palisade, but were instantly undermined by Kyle, whose ability was to summon fire, which he learned to compress under high pressure, thus creating something like bombs.

“Gergel, look,” one of the brothers pulled him up, pointing to the east.

In the east of the camp, just a few meters from Haori, something was wrong. The stockade turned black and crumbled to dust, and then a whole horde of Boggarts, led by a huge figure in black, appeared along the entire length of the southeastern part of the camp. Eyes glowing red, a gap instead of a face, shreds of a living mantle, mottled with barely perceptible smoldering black runes. No doubt it was superior. An elder of the Boggarts, irremovable for many decades. Gergel had already fought with him once and barely got away. Steps. Shadow lord.

There was no time to think.

– Kyle, Jute. Continue to hold the position. The rest follow me,” the hunter shouted authoritatively, and no one dared to challenge his order. Let’s show these creatures who’s boss!

Hunters rushed into battle without hesitation. Gergel himself was with them, which means they could not lose.

Read “Chronicle of Zaref: Stepson of Fate; Beginning (SI)” – Gromov Methodius – Page 18

By evening the forest stood on its ears. Even in the most remote thicket, if you listened, you could hear footsteps and swearing in the distance. Or maybe I was already paranoid by that time and it seemed like God knows what. For the whole day I overcame, well, if the league. Constantly checking the sun and the mountains, we followed to the southeast. Your obedient servant did not leave blindfolds and stunned ones behind him, leaving unsuspecting robbers to bypass our shelter, who by the end of the day were clearly tired of running after the illusory pair all over Verloren. Before my eyes, there was even a serious dispute between a subordinate and some commander: – …Damn the baldhead, I’ll shag the bushes for another shift! And so at night he roamed on the light! – Flippers in crabs, broom in the ass and get on the wheels! Do you think I want to turn over here!? Bardo’s order! We didn’t have a week of soaking anyway! Come on, get out of here!.. After listening to the end of the conversation, I again went deeper into the forest farther from the road, near which the bandit camps were located every now and then. Yes, how many are there? Hundreds? What do the workers of the knife and ax feed on if, as they say, there has been no natyr for a long time? Busy with thoughts, sitting on a tree, I did not immediately notice something was wrong. Something was noisy. Someone was running towards me. Leaning forward, I peered into the darkness, trying to track down a human silhouette, but… Those were not human steps. I listened for a dozen more heartbeats, when suddenly I froze. Having descended to the ground, or rather, simply fell head over heels on the grass, his feet carried the owner into the thicket. Where did these bastards get dogs from!? The barking, which informed the pursuers about the prey, spread through the forest, catching up with my heels with every moment. Bursting into the thorny bushes at full speed, we repeatedly stumbled, but after a confident roll, we again rushed through the forest. Your own shadow whispered about danger from all sides and promised to avert the eyes of enemies, but you don’t know how to hide smells, sister! The branches whipped on the forehead, face, eyes, neck, but we did not pay attention to such trifles, because the barking caught up with incredible speed. Fortunately, my sister did not feel anyone on the sides or in front. Suddenly, once again rolling over a fallen tree, a violent pain burned through the calf muscle. With a cry through my teeth, I fell to the ground, and the creature had already jumped on my chest in an attempt to cling to my throat. Claws slashed across his chest, tearing flesh and mixing it with mud. But from imminent death, I managed to move my mouth away with my forearm and hit my throat with a dagger. Blood spattered, flooding my chest and face, but I did not stop, again and again driving steel into the neck of the enemy. – Die, creature!!! Gritting through my teeth, I threw the body aside and started to run. Pain cut through my leg, an anvil was pounding in my head, but I ran, knowing with my mind that I couldn’t go far. The fastest and most agile creature overtook everyone by several tens of fathoms and paid the price by entering into battle with a driven rat. Fighting for life, the rat gnawed the throat of the offender and, hiding behind the trees, began to wait for the others. Sweat covered his face, mixing with his own and others’ blood. And a short respite seemed to have become a loaf of bread to a starving foreigner. The rat met the next creature with a stab in the stomach when it rushed at the victim. Whining, the dog recoiled a little, and the rat rushed like a greedy berserker at the weakened hunter, instantly ending his suffering. With the third reptile, the rat bared its fangs and rushed first, receiving several bites itself. – Stop! He is here! A speech suddenly stuck into his ears, forcing a person to wake up and rush to run away further. The pain in the wounded limbs responded sharply, and the legs began to go numb. Looking back at the sounds, the body itself jumped over the windbreaks, meandered between the trees, confused the tracks, but… – Agh!!! The bandit who flew out from behind the bushes slashed backhand with his sword, trying to cut off his head, but the exhalation from the blow betrayed him earlier. On reflexes, throwing his head back, the body bent at the waist and knees, furrowing on the latter along the ground. The blade passed within one finger of the chin, and my stylet found the most correct way to the man’s heart – through his stomach. Ignoring the blind man’s blind man, he rushed on, noting that I was surrounded. From two sides and from behind was heard the swearing and trampling of many pairs of feet, and only in front the path was clear. Cursing at ungrateful nature, I rushed down the slope, hoping not to break my legs. After a couple of heartbeats, arrows flew into such a beautiful target from behind, digging into the trees. I had to zigzag away from the arrows, hiding for a moment behind the trees on a steep slope. But it couldn’t go on like this for long. My foot slipped unsuccessfully on a branch overgrown with moss and I rolled down, only miraculously avoiding trees, sharp stones, cobblestones and fractures. Hitting the ground, he jumped up and, with his head spinning, tried to run, but immediately tripped over a tree root and again plowed the ground with his nose. However, the root became my savior, as several arrows dug into the place where I had just been. The respite allowed the head to come to order, and before the eyes it was already blurring not so much. Pushing off with my hands, I flew into the bushes from a low start, once again scratching my forearms. For a few more heartbeats, the pursuers fired arrows blindly, and a couple even whistled past my ear, causing my head to sink into my shoulders. Having lost track of time, the cottony legs carried the owner, independently jumping over mounds, fallen trees and cobblestones. Due to the loss of blood, the speed decreased, my consciousness became dim and I had to focus my eyes with force, constantly rubbing my eyes. But it was impossible to remain in this state for a long time. Cena for a moment glided with a pale tongue over the enemy on the right, and the world immediately faded. Frightened by the sudden appearance of prey, a healthy fellow did not have time to draw his sword and clearly drove into the jaw with his left. The blow was not serious, but the guy’s knees buckled and he flew into the bushes, as if demolished by a battering ram. The man stared dumbfounded for some time at the bushes behind which the guy’s body was hidden, and then he came to his senses and yelled: – Bros, I took him to the galangal! All come here! Approving whistles were heard, and, having released the steel from its scabbard, he parted the bush with an armed hand. Finding the stranger’s legs with his eyes, he smiled and bent over the prey, trying to quickly pick his pockets before the others arrived in time. It was very difficult to see anything in the dark, but the bearded man was ready to swear that the prey was wearing the clothes of a robber. But the sling on the belt with things and a small dagger spoke of their own. Turning the insensible body on its back, blood smelled in the nose and the robber grimaced. Disgustingly wiping his bloodied hand on the prisoner’s trouser leg, the man reached for the trophy scabbard. The sound of steel being released reverberated through the silent forest like thunder. Bringing the blade to his face, squinting, in the dim light of the young moon, the bearded man began to examine the blade. Smiling contentedly at a good trophy, he unfastened the scabbard from the stunned one and began to fasten it to his belt. Fastening the buckle, he checked the work and suddenly his Adam’s apple cracked from a sudden lunge from below. Having lost the ability to breathe, the man clutched his throat, rolled his eyes and tried in vain to grab air with his open mouth. The next terrible lunge caught my eye. From the monstrous pain, the bandit wanted to tear his vocal cords, but he was not able to do this, which made it even more terrible. Pulling back, he rolled onto his back. Immediately, a knee strike hit the solar plexus. The pain suddenly subsided, consciousness began to fade. With the last of his strength, the peasant somehow opened his eyes, from which streams of blood flowed. Red squirrels mercilessly burned the air, prolonging the torment. But the bandit was able to focus his eyes and managed to examine an indifferent face with emotionless eyes. – You’re unconscious… – the stunned killer wanted to say, but incoherent sounds escaped from his throat: – A-g-h-h-h! and stuck on the very guard in the heart. A moment, and the wheezing stopped. As if on cue, the chase reached the victim, and the enemy who jumped out with a sword unsheathed stopped, wondering who it was sitting on top of the corpse.

Hoyti-Toyti | Library SERANN

I. EXTRAORDINARY ARTIST

Busch’s huge circus in Berlin was overflowing with spectators. Waiters scurried silently along the wide tiers like bats, carrying beer. Mugs with open lids, which meant unsatisfied thirst, they replaced full ones, placing them directly on the floor, and hurried to the call signs of other thirsty ones. Portly mothers with overgrown daughters unwrapped parchment paper bags, took out sandwiches, and ate black pudding and sausages in deep concentration, never taking their eyes off the arena.

To the credit of the spectators, however, it must be said that it was not the self-tortured fakir or the frog-swallower who attracted such a huge number of people to the circus. Everyone was looking forward to the end of the first part and the intermission, after which Hoity-Toity was to perform. Miracles were told about him. Articles were written about him. They were interested in scientists. He was a mystery, a favorite and a magnet. Since he appeared, a full house was posted at the circus box office every day: “Tickets are all sold.” And he managed to attract such an audience to the circus that had never looked there before. True, the gallery and the amphitheater were filled with ordinary visitors to the circus: officials and workers with their families, merchants, clerks. But in the boxes and in the front rows sat old, gray-haired, very serious and even gloomy people in somewhat old-fashioned coats and mackintoses. Among the spectators of the first rows there were also young people, but just as serious and silent. They did not chew sandwiches, did not drink beer. Enclosed, like a caste of Brahmins, they sat motionless and waited for the second section, when Hoiti-Toiti, for which they had come, would come out.

During the intermission, everyone was talking only about the forthcoming appearance of Hoity-Toity. The pundits in the front row perked up. And finally, the long-awaited moment has come. Fanfares sounded, circus uniformists in red and gold liveries lined up in a line, the curtain at the entrance parted widely, and to the applause of the public he came out – Hoity-Toity. It was a huge elephant. On his head was a cap embroidered with gold, with cords and tassels. Hoity-Toity walked around the arena, accompanied by the leader, a small man in a tailcoat, bowing to the right and left. Then he walked to the middle of the arena and stopped.

“African,” the gray-haired professor said into his colleague’s ear.

– I like Indian elephants better. Their body shapes are rounder. They produce, so to speak, the impression of more cultured animals. African elephants have rougher, pointed forms. When such an elephant stretches out its trunk, it becomes like some kind of bird of prey…

A little man in a tailcoat, who was standing near the elephant, cleared his throat and began to speak:

— Gracious madams and merciful sovereigns! I have the honor to introduce you to the famous elephant Hoiti-Toiti. The length of the body is four and a half meters, the height is three and a half meters. From the end of the trunk to the end of the tail – nine meters …

Hoity-Toity suddenly raised his trunk and waved it in front of a man in a tailcoat.

“Sorry, I made a mistake,” said the leader. – The trunk is two meters long, and the tail is about one and a half meters. Thus, the length from the end of the trunk to the end of the tail is seven and nine tenths of a meter. He eats daily three hundred and sixty-five kilos of greens and drinks sixteen buckets of water.

— An elephant thinks better than a man! – a voice was heard.

– Did you notice – the elephant corrected his leader when he made a mistake in counting! said the professor of zoology to his colleague.

“An accident,” he replied.

“Hoiti-Toiti,” continued the leader, “the most brilliant of the elephants that ever existed on earth, and probably the most brilliant of all animals. He understands the German language. .. Do you understand, Hoyty? he turned to the elephant.

The elephant nodded his head importantly. The audience applauded.

– Tricks! Professor Schmitt said.

“Just look what happens next,” Stolz objected.

– Hoity-Toity can count and distinguish between numbers …

– Enough explanation! Show! someone shouted from the gallery.

“In order to avoid any misunderstanding,” continued the man in evening dress imperturbably, “I ask several witnesses to come down here to the arena who can testify that there are no tricks here.”

Schmitt and Stolz looked at each other and left the arena. And Hoity-Toity began to show his amazing talents. Large square pieces of cardboard with figures drawn on them were laid out in front of him, and he added, multiplied and divided, choosing from a pile of pieces of cardboard the numbers that corresponded to the result of his calculations. From single digits to double digits and finally to three digits; the elephant solved the problems unmistakably.

— Well, what do you say? Stolz asked.

— Let’s see, — Schmitt didn’t give up, — how he understands numbers. – And, taking out a pocket watch, Schmit held it up and asked the elephant: – Would you tell us, Hoity-Toity, – what time is it?

With an unexpected movement of his trunk, the elephant grabbed the watch from Schmitt’s hand and brought it up to his eyes, then returned the watch to its bewildered owner and made up the answer from pieces of cardboard: “10.25”.

Schmitt looked at his watch and shrugged his shoulders in confusion: the elephant had correctly indicated the time.

The next number was reading. The leader laid out large paintings in front of the elephant, which depicted various animals. On other sheets of cardboard, inscriptions were made: “lion”, “monkey”, “elephant”. The elephant was shown the image of the animal, and he pointed with his trunk to the cardboard on which the corresponding name was written. And he never made a mistake. Schmit tried to change the conditions of the experiment: he pointed out the words to the elephant, forced him to find the corresponding image. Elephant and it performed unmistakably.

Finally, the alphabet was laid out in front of the elephant. Choosing letters, he had to form words and answer questions.

– What’s your name? asked Professor Stolz. “Now Hoity-Toity,” replied the elephant.

— What does “now” mean? Schmitt asked in turn. “So you were called differently before?” What was your name before? “Sapiens

*

Sapiens (Lat.) – reasonable, wise

,” replied the elephant.

– Perhaps even Homo Sapiens

*

Homo Sapiens – “reasonable person” – the scientific name of a person, according to the classification belonging to the class of mammals

? Stoltz said with a laugh.

“Perhaps,” the elephant answered enigmatically.

Then he began to choose letters with his trunk and made up the words from them: “That’s enough for today.”

Bowing to all sides, Hoiti-Toiti left the arena, despite the protesting exclamations of the leader.

During the intermission, the scientists gathered in the smoking room, split into groups and started a lively conversation.

In the far corner, Schmit was arguing with Stolz.

— Do you remember, dear colleague, — he said, — what a sensation a horse named Hans made at one time? She did square roots and other complicated calculations, pounding out the answer with her hoof. And the whole thing came down, as it turned out later, to the fact that the owner of Hans trained him so that he tapped his hoof, obeying the hidden signals of the owner, in the account he understood no more than a blind puppy.

“That’s just a guess,” Stolz objected.

— Well, what about the experiments of Thorndike and Yorkes? All of them were based on the formation of natural associations in animals. A number of boxes were placed in front of the animal, and only one of them contained food. This box, for example, could be second from the right. If the animal guesses the box in which the food is located, the feeder automatically opens and it receives food. In this way, animals should develop approximately the following association: “The second box on the right is food.” Then the order of the boxes is reversed.

– I hope your pocket watch does not have a feeder? Stoltz asked ironically. – How do you explain the fact in this case?

– But the elephant did not understand anything in my watch. He only raised a shiny circle to his eyes. And when he began to pick up the numbers on the cardboard, he obviously obeyed the instructions of the leader, invisible to us. All of these are tricks, starting with the fact that Hoity-Toity “corrected” the leader when he made a mistake in calculating the length of the elephant. Conditioned reflexes – and nothing else!

— The director of the circus allowed me to stay with my colleagues after the end of the show and do a series of experiments with Hoiti-Toiti, — said Stolz. – I hope you will not refuse to take part in them?

“Of course,” Schmitt replied.

II.

When the circus was empty and the huge lamps were extinguished, except for the one hanging over the arena, Hoiti-Toiti was brought out again. Schmit demanded that the leader not be present at the experiments. The little man, who had already taken off his tailcoat and was wearing a sweatshirt, shrugged his shoulders.

“Don’t be offended,” said Schmitt. – Excuse me, I don’t know your last name…

– Jung, Friedrich Jung, at your service…

– Don’t be offended, Mr. Jung. We want to frame the experience so that there is no suspicion.

“Please,” the leader said. Call me when you need to take the elephant away. And he started towards the exit.

Scientists have begun experiments. The elephant was attentive, obedient, unmistakably answered questions and solved problems. What he did was amazing. No training and no tricks could explain his answers. It was necessary to admit that the elephant really was endowed with an extraordinary mind – almost human consciousness. Schmitt, already half defeated, argued only out of stubbornness.

The elephant is obviously tired of listening to this endless argument. He suddenly deftly extended his trunk, took out a watch from the pocket in Schmitt’s vest and showed it to its owner. The arrows stood at twelve. Then Hoity-Toity, returning the watch, lifted Schmitt by the scruff of the collar and carried him through the arena to the exit passage. The professor screamed furiously. His colleagues laughed. Jung ran out of the passage leading to the stables and started yelling at the elephant. But Hoity-Toity did not pay any attention to him. Having finished with Schmitt, who was put out in the corridor, the elephant looked meaningfully at the scientists who remained in the arena.

“We’re leaving now,” said Stolz, addressing the elephant as if he were a human. – Please do not worry.

And Stolz, followed by other professors, embarrassed, left the arena.

“You did well, Hoity, to send them out,” Jung said. “We still have a lot to do. Johann! Friedrich! William! Where are you?

Several workers entered the arena and started cleaning: they trimmed the sand with a rake, swept the aisles, carried away poles, ladders, hoops. And the elephant helped Jung move the scenery. But he didn’t seem to want to work. He was somewhat irritated or perhaps tired from the second session, at an unusual time. Snorting his trunk, he turned his head and rumbled moving scenery. He pulled one of them with such force that it broke.

– Hush you devil! Jung yelled at him. Why don’t you want to work? arrogant? You know how to write, count, so you don’t want to do physical labor? There’s nothing you can do, brother! This is not your almshouse. Everyone works in the circus. Look at Enrico Ferri. The best rider, with a world name, and when not his number, comes out in the livery “parade alle” to portray and stand in line with the grooms. And he straightens the arena with a rake. ..

It was true. And the elephant knew it. But Hoity-Toity did not care about Enrico Ferri. The elephant snorted and headed across the arena towards the passageway. – Where are you going? Jung suddenly got angry. – Stop! Stop, they tell you! And, seizing a broom, he ran up to the elephant and hit him with a broom stick on his thick thigh. Jung has never beaten an elephant before. True, the elephant had never shown such disobedience before. Hoity suddenly roared so that little Jung sat down on the ground and clutched his stomach, as if this roar turned his insides over. Turning back, the elephant grabbed Jung like a puppy, threw him up several times, catching him in the air, then put him on the ground, took a broom with his trunk and, walking around the arena, wrote in the sand: “Don’t you dare beat me! I am not an animal, but a man!”

Then, leaving the broom, the elephant went to the exit. He walked past the stalled horses, walked up to the gate, leaned his huge body against it, and shrugged his shoulder. The gates creaked and, unable to withstand the terrible pressure, shattered into smithereens. The elephant was released…

The director of the circus, Ludwig Shtrom, had to spend a very restless night. He was already beginning to doze off when the footman knocked cautiously on the bedroom door and announced that Jung had come on urgent business. The employees and workers of the circus were well trained, and Shtrom knew that something extraordinary had to happen in order to dare to disturb him at such an inopportune time. Wearing a dressing gown and shoes on his bare feet, he went out into the small living room.

— What happened, Jung? the director asked.

— A great misfortune, mister Strom!.. The elephant Hoiti-Toiti has gone mad!.. — Jung rolled his eyes and helplessly shrugged.

— Are you… quite healthy yourself, Jung? Strom asked.

— You don’t believe me? Jung was offended. I’m not drunk and out of my mind. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Johann, and Friedrich, and Wilhelm. They saw everything. The elephant snatched the broom from my hands and wrote on the sand of the arena: “I am not an animal, but a man.” Then he threw me up to the dome of the circus sixteen times, went to the stables, broke down the gate and ran away.

— What? Ran away? Hoity-Toity ran away? Why didn’t you tell me about it right away, you stupid man? Now it is necessary to take measures for his capture and return, otherwise he will cause trouble. “Shtrom has already seen before him police ticket receipts, long bills of farmers for injury, and subpoenas for the recovery of sums for the losses caused by the elephant.

— Who is on duty at the circus today? Were the police informed? What measures were taken to capture the elephant?

“I am on duty and have done my best,” replied Jung. “I didn’t tell the police, they’ll find out for themselves. I ran after the elephant and begged Hoity-Toity to return, calling him a baron, a count, and even a generalissimo. “Your Excellency, come back! I shouted. “Come back, your grace!” Forgive me for not recognizing you right away: it was dark in the circus, and I mistook you for an elephant. Hoity-Toity looked at me, contemptuously blew his trunk and went on. Johann and Wilhelm are chasing him on motorcycles. The elephant went to Unter den Linden, passed through the entire Tiergarten along the Charlottenburger Shosse and headed to the Grunewald forestry. Now bathing in the Gafel.

The telephone rang. Shtrom approached the apparatus.

— Hello!.. Yes, I… I already know, thank you… Everything possible will be done by us… Firefighters? I doubt it… It’s better not to annoy the elephant.

“They called from the police,” Shtrom said, hanging up the phone. – They suggest sending firefighters to drive the elephant with hoses. But Hoity-Toity must be handled very carefully.

“A madman must not be annoyed,” said Jung.

— Jung, the elephant knows you better than anyone else. Try to be near him and kindly lure him to the circus.

— Of course, I’ll try… Call him Hindenburg, perhaps? The elephant bathed for a long time at Peacock Island, then made a raid on the garden, ate all the cabbage and carrots, ate apples in the neighboring garden and headed to the Friedensdorf forestry. All the reports said that the elephant did not touch people, did not cause unnecessary destruction, and generally behaved quite well. When he walked, he carefully walked around the gardens so as not to crush the grass, he tried to go only along the highway or country roads. And only hunger forced him to feast on vegetables and fruits in gardens and orchards. But even there he behaved very carefully: he did not trample the ridges in vain, he ate the cabbage carefully, bed after bed, and did not break fruit trees.

At six o’clock in the morning Jung appeared, tired, dusty, with a sweaty dirty face, in wet clothes.

— How are you, Jung?

– Still the same. Hoyti-Toyti does not give in to any persuasion. I called him “Mr. President”, and he got angry and threw me into the lake for it. In elephants, megalomania apparently proceeds in somewhat different forms than in humans. Then I began to convince him with reasonable arguments: “Perhaps you imagine,” I asked him, fearing to title him, “that you are in Africa? This is not Africa, but fifty-two and a half degrees north latitude. Well, well, now it’s August, everywhere there are a lot of fruits, fruits, vegetables. What will you do when the cold comes? You won’t eat bark like goats, will you? Keep in mind that your great-great-grandfathers, mammoths, lived here in Europe, but died because of the cold. So wouldn’t it be better for you to go home to the circus, where you’ll be warm, fed and dressed?” Hoity-Toity listened attentively to this speech, thought, and… doused me with water from his trunk. Two baths in five minutes! Enough for me! If I don’t catch a cold, it will be amazing…

III. WAR IS DECLARED

All attempts to morally influence the elephant were in vain, and Strom was forced to agree to drastic measures. A detachment of firefighters with steam pipes was sent to the forestry. Firefighters, led by the police, approached the elephant ten meters, lined up in a semicircle and directed the strongest jets of water at the huge animal. But the elephant loved the shower. He only turned first one side, then the other, snorting noisily. Then a dozen fire pipes, connecting the jets into one, sent this powerful stream to the elephant’s head, right into the eyes. The elephant didn’t like it. He roared and moved on the firemen so decisively that the attackers faltered and, throwing their hoses, fled. At one point, the hoses were torn, the cars were turned over.

From that moment on, the bills that Strohm had to pay began to increase rapidly. The elephant was angry. A war was declared between him and the people, and he tried to show that this war would not come cheap to the people. He drowned several fire trucks in the lake, broke the forest lodge, caught one policeman and threw him high into a tree. And if earlier he showed caution in his actions, now he was unbridled in his sabotage. But even in this destructive work, he showed the same extraordinary mind, and he could cause much more harm than an ordinary, albeit enraged, elephant.

When the police president received a report about the events in the Friedendorf forestry, he gave the order: to mobilize large detachments of police, arm them with rifles, cordon off the forestry and kill the elephant. Shtrom was in despair: there was no other such elephant to be found. In the depths of his soul, the director has already come to terms with the fact that he will have to pay for the tricks of the elephant: Hoity-Toity will return everything with a vengeance, if only he would come to his senses. Strohm pleaded with the police president to delay the execution of the order, still hoping to somehow master the obstinate elephant.

“I can give you ten hours,” the police president replied. – All the forestry will be cordoned off in an hour. If necessary, I will call the troops to help the police.

Shtrom called an emergency meeting, in which almost all the artists and employees of the circus took part, the director of the zoological garden and his assistants were also present. Five hours after the meeting, the forest area was covered with camouflaged pits and traps. Any ordinary elephant would fall into these cunningly placed traps. But Hoity was Hoity. He bypassed the barriers, breaking the disguise of the holes, did not step on the boards, which were connected to a heavy blank suspended on a rope. Such a blank, falling on the head of an elephant, could stun and knock him down.

Time expired. Strong detachments squeezed the blockade ring more and more tightly. Police officers with rifles approached the lake, near which there was an elephant. Already between the trunks, the huge carcass of Hoyti was visible. He took water into his trunk and, raising it up, let out a whole fountain, which crumbled in the air and fell like rain on his broad back…

— Get ready! the officer commanded quietly. And then he shouted, “Fire!”

A volley fired. The forest thicket responded with multiple echoes. The elephant jerked its head to the side and, covered in blood, headed straight for the people. The police fired, and the elephant, ignoring the bullets, continued to run. The police were good shots, but they were not familiar with the anatomy of an elephant, and their bullets did not touch the vital centers of the elephant – the brain and heart. From pain and fear, the elephant roared wildly, stretched its trunk forward, then quickly rolled it up: the trunk is a very important organ, without a trunk the animal dies; and therefore elephants use it only in the most extreme case, as an instrument of defense and attack. Hoity ducked his head, and his huge tusks, two and a half meters long and weighing fifty kilograms each, were aimed at the enemies like terrible battering rams. He was terrible. But discipline still held back the people: they continued to stand still, firing continuously.

The elephant broke the chain, escaped from the blockade and fled. A chase was organized for him, but it was not so easy to catch and even overtake him. The police detachments were forced to move along the roads, and the elephant went ahead, now not sorting out the path, through gardens, vegetable gardens, fields, forests.

IV. WAGNER SAVE THE SITUATION

Strohm walked around the office and repeated in despair:

— I’m ruined! I’m ruined!.. I’ll have to throw away a fortune to cover the losses caused by the elephant, but Hoyti-Toyti himself will still be shot. What a loss! What an irreparable loss!

– Telegram! – said the servant who entered, handing Shtrom a piece of paper on a tray.

“Over! the director thought. – Probably, this is a notice that the elephant has been killed … A telegram from the USSR? Moscow? Weird! From whom would it be?..”

“Berlin Bush circus to director Shtrom I just read a telegram to the newspaper about the flight of the elephant period Ask the police immediately to cancel the order to kill the elephant period Have one of your employees give the elephant the next colon quotation marks Sapiens Wagner arrives Berlin return Bush circus period quotes. If the comma doesn’t listen, you can shoot the dot Professor Wagner.”

Shtrom read the telegram again.

“I don’t understand anything! Professor Wagner obviously knows the elephant, because he refers to his former nickname Sapiens in the telegram. But why does Wagner hope that the elephant will return after learning about the professor’s arrival in Berlin? .. One way or another, but the telegram gives a small chance to save the elephant.

The director has started to act. Not without difficulty, he managed to persuade the police president to “suspend hostilities.” Jung was immediately sent to the elephant in an airplane.

Like a real parliamentarian, Jung waved a white handkerchief and approached the elephant and said:

— Dear Sapiens! Professor Wagner sends you his regards. He comes to Berlin and wants to see you. The date is the Bush Circus. I declare to you that not a single person will touch you, if only you return back.

The elephant listened attentively to Jung, thought, then picked him up with his trunk, put him on his back, and with measured gait set off on his way back north to Berlin. Jung thus found himself in the role of a hostage and guardian: no one dares to shoot an elephant, because a man is sitting on his neck.

The elephant was on foot, while Professor Wagner and his assistant Denisov flew to Berlin in an airplane and therefore arrived ahead of him and immediately went to Strom.

The director has already received a telegram saying that Hoity-Toity, at the mere mention of Wagner, has again become meek and obedient and is going to Berlin.

– Please tell me, under what circumstances did you acquire the elephant and do you know its history? Wagner asked the director.

– I bought it from a certain Mr. Nix, a dealer in palm oil and nuts. Mr. Nicks lives in Central Africa, in the Congo, not far from the city of Matadi. According to him, the elephant himself came to him one day when his children were playing in the garden, and began to perform extraordinary tricks: he rose to his hind legs and danced, juggled with sticks, stood on his front legs and, resting his tusks on the ground, raised his hind legs and at the same time wagged his tail so funny that Nix’s children rolled around in the meadow with laughter. They named the elephant Hoiti-Toiti, which in English, as you probably know, means “playful, frisky”, and sometimes an interjection – something like “well, well!” The elephant got used to the nickname, and we left it when we got it. Here are all the purchase documents. Everything is perfectly legal, and the deal can hardly be disputed.

“I’m not going to dispute the deal with you,” Wagner said. Does the elephant have any special features?

– Yes, there are large scars on his head. Mr. Nicks assumed that these were traces of wounds received by the elephant during his capture. Savages catch elephants in a rather barbaric way. Since these seams somewhat spoiled his appearance and could cause an unpleasant feeling in the public, we put on his head a special cap, embroidered with silk and decorated with tassels.

– So. There is no doubt that it is him!

– Who is he? Strom asked.

– Elephant Sapiens. My missing elephant. I caught him when I was on a scientific expedition in the Belgian Congo and trained him. But one night he went into the forest and never returned. All searches were unsuccessful.

— So you’re still claiming the elephant? the director asked.

— I don’t, but the elephant itself can make some claims. The fact is that I trained him with new methods that give truly amazing results. You yourself could see what an extraordinary development of the mental abilities of an elephant I managed to achieve. I would say that the Sapiens elephant, or, as it is now called, Hoity-Toity, has a high degree of personality consciousness, so to speak. When I read in the newspapers about the amazing abilities of the elephant that performed in your circus, I then decided that only my Sapiens was capable of such things: to read, count and even write, because I taught him all this. And while Hoity-Toity peacefully amused the Berliners, apparently pleased with his fate, I did not consider it necessary to interfere. But the elephant rebelled. So he was unhappy about something. I decided to come to his aid. Now he must decide his own fate. He has a right to it. Don’t forget that if I hadn’t arrived on time, the elephant would have been dead long ago – we would both have lost it. Forcibly, you will not force the elephant to stay with you, I hope you have already convinced yourself of this. But don’t think that I want to take the elephant away from you at all costs. I’ll talk to him. Maybe if you change the regime, eliminate what annoyed him, he will remain with you.

– “I’ll talk to the elephant!” Has this been seen? Shtrom spread his hands.

– Hoity-Toity is generally an unprecedented elephant. By the way, is he coming to Berlin soon?

– Tonight. He seems to be in a great hurry to meet you; he goes, as I was telegraphed, at a speed of twenty kilometers an hour.

On the same evening, after the performance at the circus, Hoity-Toity had a meeting with Professor Wagner. Shtrom, Wagner, and his assistant Denisov were standing in the arena when Hoity-Toity entered through the artistic passage, still with Jung around his neck. Seeing Wagner, the elephant ran up to him, extended his trunk like a hand, and Wagner shook this “hand”. Then the elephant removed Jung from his back and put Wagner in his place. The professor lifted the elephant’s huge ear and whispered something into it. The elephant nodded his head and began to quickly—quickly wave the end of his trunk in the face of Wagner, who was closely following these movements. Shtrom did not like this secrecy.

— So what did the elephant decide? he asked impatiently.

– The elephant expressed a desire to take a vacation so that he could tell me some things that were interesting to me. After the vacation, he agrees to return to the circus, if only Mr. Jung apologizes to him for being rude and promises never to resort to physical measures again. Blows for an elephant are insensitive, but he fundamentally does not want to endure any insults.

— I… beat an elephant?.. — asked Jung, making a surprised face.

“Broom stick,” Wagner continued. “Don’t deny it, Jung, the elephant doesn’t lie. You must be polite to the elephant as if he were…

-…the President of the Republic himself?

-…as if he were a man, and not an ordinary man, but filled with his own dignity.

– Lord? Jung asked sarcastically.

– Enough! Shtrom shouted. “You are to blame for everything, Jung, and you will be punished for this. When does Mr. Hoity-Toity think to go on vacation and where?

“We’ll take him on a walking tour,” Wagner replied. – It will be very nice. My assistant Denisov and I will sit on the broad back of an elephant, and he will take us south. The elephant expressed his desire to graze in the Swiss meadows.

Denisov was only twenty-three years old, but despite his youth, he had already made several scientific discoveries in the field of biology. “You will be good,” said Wagner and invited him to work in his laboratory. The young scientist was incredibly happy about this. The professor was also pleased with his assistant and took him everywhere with him.

– “Denisov”, “Akim Ivanovich”, – all this is very long, – Wagner said on the first day of their joint work. – If I address you every time: “Akim Ivanovich”, then I will spend forty-eight minutes a year on this. A lot can be done in forty-eight minutes. And so I will generally avoid naming you. If I need to call you, then I will say: “Den!” – briefly and clearly. And you can call me Wag. Wagner knew how to condense time. By morning everything was ready. On the wide back of Hoiti-Toiti, Wagner and Denisov were freely placed. Of the things captured only the necessary.

Shtrom, despite the early hour, saw them off.

— And what will the elephant eat? the director asked.

“We will show performances in towns and villages,” Wagner said, “and the audience will feed the elephant in return. Sapiens will feed not only itself, but also us. Goodbye!

The elephant walked slowly through the streets. But, when the last houses of the city were passed and the lane of the highway stretched before the travelers, the elephant accelerated without prodding. He did at least twelve kilometers per hour.

– Den, you now have to deal with an elephant. And in order to better understand him, you must get to know his not quite ordinary past. Here, take this notebook. This is a travel diary. It was written by your predecessor Peskov, with whom I traveled to the Congo. One tragicomic story happened to Peskov, which I will tell you about someday. For now, read on. – Wagner sat down closer to the elephant’s head, laid out a small table in front of him and began to write in two notebooks at once – with his right and left hand. Wagner never did less than two things.

— So, tell me! he said, apparently addressing the elephant. The elephant stretched out its trunk almost to Wagner’s ear and began to hiss very quickly with short breaks:

– F-ff-ff-ff-ff-ffff …

“Just Morse code,” thought Denisov, opening a thick notebook in oilcloth binding .

Wagner wrote down what the elephant dictated to him with his left hand, and wrote a scientific work with his right hand. The elephant continued to walk with an even step, and the smooth swaying almost did not impede writing. Denisov began to read Peskov’s diary and quickly became interested in reading.

Here is the contents of this diary.

V. “THE RING CANNOT BE A HUMAN”…

“March 27th. It seems to me that I ended up in Faust’s office. Professor Wagner’s laboratory is amazing. What is not here! Physics, chemistry, biology, electrical engineering, microbiology, anatomy, physiology … It seems that there is no field of knowledge that Wagner, or Wag, as he asks to call himself, would not be interested in. Microscopes, spectroscopes, electroscopes… all sorts of “scopes?” that allow you to see what is inaccessible to the naked eye. Then come the same “weapons” for the ear: ear “microscopes”, with the help of which Wagner hears thousands of new sounds: “and the reptile of the sea underwater passage and the vegetation of the valley vine.” Glass, copper, aluminium, rubber, porcelain, ebonite, platinum, gold, steel – in a variety of forms and combinations. Retorts, flasks, serpentines, test tubes, lamps, coils, coils, cords, switches, switches, buttons… Doesn’t all this reflect the complexity of Wagner’s own brain? And in the next room there is a whole panopticon: there Wagner grows the tissues of the human body, nourishes a living finger cut off from a person, a rabbit’s ear, a dog’s heart, a ram’s head and … a human brain. Living, thinking brain! I have to take care of him. The professor talks to the brain by pressing his finger on the surface. And the brain is fed with a special saline solution, the freshness of which I must monitor. For some time now, Wagner has changed the composition of the solution, began to “strengthen nourish the brain,” and – amazingly! The brain began to grow very quickly. It cannot be said that this brain, the size of a large watermelon, is a beautiful sight.

March 29th. Vag is conferring intensely with his brain about something.

March 30th. Wag said to me tonight:

– This is the brain of a young German scientist, Ring. A man died in Abyssinia, but, as you can see, his brain continues to live and think. But lately, my mind has been fuzzy. The eye that I have attached to the brain does not satisfy him. He wants not only to see, but also to hear, not only to lie still, but also to move. Unfortunately, he expressed this desire somewhat late. If he had told him about it earlier, I might have been able to satisfy this desire. I could find a corpse in the anatomy theater that was the right size and transplant Ring’s brain into his head. If only that person died of a brain disease, then with a transplant of a new, healthy brain, I would be able to revive the dead person. And Ring’s brain would have received a new body and all the fullness of life. But the thing is, I did the tissue expansion experiment, and now, as you can see, Ring’s brain has grown so much that it won’t fit into any human skull. Ringu can’t be human.

– What do you mean by that? That Ring could be anything other than human?

— Exactly. He can be, well, at least an elephant. True, his brain has not yet grown to the size of an elephant’s brain, but this will come with time. You just have to make sure that Ring’s brain takes the right shape. An elephant skull will be sent to me soon; I will plant a brain in it and continue to build up its tissues until they fill the entire cavity of the skull.

– You don’t want to make an elephant out of the Ring, do you?

— Why not? I’ve already spoken to Ring. His desire to see, hear, move and breathe is so great that he would even agree to be a pig and a dog. And the elephant is a noble animal, strong, durable. And he, that is, Ring’s brain, can live another hundred or two hundred years. Is this a bad prospect? Ring has already given his consent…”

Denisov stopped reading his diary and turned to Wagner:

— Tell me, is it really the elephant we are riding…

— Yes, yes, it has a human brain, — Wagner answered, not stopping writing. “Read on and don’t bother me.

Denisov fell silent, but he did not immediately return to reading the diary. The idea that the elephant they were sitting on had a human brain seemed monstrous to him. He looked at the animal with a sense of uncanny curiosity and almost superstitious horror.

“March 31st. The elephant skull arrived today. The professor sawed the skull lengthwise through the forehead.

— This is for, — he said, — to put the brain in and to make it more convenient to take it out when it will be necessary to transfer it from this skull to another.

I examined the inside of the skull and was surprised by the relatively small space that is meant to be filled with the brain. From the outside, the elephant seemed much smarter.

“Of all land animals,” Wag continued, “the elephant has the most developed frontal sinuses. See? The entire upper part of the skull consists of air chambers, which the layman usually takes for the brain box. The brain, relatively quite small, is hidden very far away from the elephant, that’s where: approximately it will be in the ear area. That is why shots aimed at the front of the head usually do not reach the target: bullets pierce several bony partitions, but do not destroy the brain.

Wag and I made several holes in the skull in order to pass through the tubes that supply the brain with a nutrient solution, and then carefully inserted Ring’s brain into one of the halves of the skull. The brain is still far from filling the room intended for it.

— Nothing, it will grow on the way, — said Vag, moving the other half of the skull.

I confess that I have very little faith in the luck of Wag’s experiment, although I know about many of his extraordinary inventions. But here the matter is extremely complicated. Huge obstacles must be overcome. First of all, you need to get a live elephant. It would be too expensive to get him out of Africa or India. Moreover, the elephant may, for one reason or another, be unsuitable. Therefore, Wag decided to take Ring’s brain to Africa, to the Congo, where he had already been, to catch an elephant there and perform a brain transplant operation. Make a transplant! Easy to say! It’s not like moving gloves from pocket to pocket. It will be necessary to find and sew all the endings of the nerves, all the veins and arteries. Despite the similarities in human and animal anatomy, the differences are still great. How will Vag be able to solder these two systems together? And after all, this whole complex operation must be done on a living elephant … “

VI. MONKEY FOOTBALL

“June 27th. You have to write in one gulp for a number of days. The journey was rich in more than just pleasures. Already on the ship, and especially on the boat, mosquitoes began to annoy us. True, when we drove along the middle of the river, still wide as a lake, there were fewer of them. But it was enough to swim closer to the shore, as we were surrounded by a whole cloud of mosquitoes. While bathing, black flies stuck around us and sucked blood. When we landed on the shore and moved on foot, we began to be pursued by new enemies: small ants and sand fleas. Every evening we had to inspect the legs and sweep away these fleas. Snakes, centipedes, bees and wasps also caused a lot of trouble.

It was not easy to get around in the forest. And in open places it was almost more difficult to walk: the grass is thick, the stems are thick, up to four meters high. You walk between two green walls – you can’t see anything around. Creepy! Sharp leaves scratch the face and hands. You crush the grass with your feet – it gets confused, wraps around your legs. When it rains, water accumulates on the leaves and pours on you like from a tub. We had to move in single file along narrow paths laid in forests and steppes. Such paths are the only means of communication in these places. There were twenty of us walking, eighteen of them were porters and guides from the Negro tribe of Fans. Finally we are at the target. We camped on the shore of Lake Tumba. Our guides are resting. They are passionate about fishing. With great difficulty we have to tear them away from this occupation in order to force them to help us settle in a new place. We have two big tents. The place for the camp was chosen well – on a dry hill. The grass is low. Visible all around. Ring’s brain has safely endured the journey and is doing well. Looking forward to returning to the world of sounds, colors, smells and other sensations. Vag consoles him that now there is not long to wait. He is busy with some mysterious preparations.

June 29th. We’re in a turmoil: the fans found fresh lion footprints not far from our camp. I unpacked the crate of guns, handed out guns to those who said they could shoot, and did some practice shooting this afternoon. This is something terrible! They put the stock of a gun to their stomach or knee, tumble under the recoil, and shoot bullets off target by one hundred and eighty degrees. But their passion transcends all boundaries. The scream is incredible. This cry, perhaps, will bring hungry animals to us from all over the Congo basin.

June 30th. Last night the lion was very close to our camp. After him, material evidence remained: he tore to pieces a wild pig and ate it almost without a trace. The skull of the pig is split like a walnut, and the ribs are crumbled into small pieces. I would not want to get into such a bone crusher!

The fans are scared. As soon as evening comes, they gather at our tents, light fires and keep the flames burning all night. I began to understand the fear of primitive man in front of a terrible beast. When a lion roars—and I have already heard his roar several times—something is wrong with me: the fear of distant ancestors wakes up in my blood and my heart stops in my chest. I don’t even want to run, but I want to sit huddled up or burrow into the ground like a mole. And Vag does not seem to hear the lion’s roar. He is still making something in his tent. Today after breakfast he came to me and said:

— Tomorrow morning I will go to the forest. The fans said that an old elephant trail leads to the lake. Elephants went to a watering place not far from our camp. But they often change pastures. The “clearing” they had made in the forest had already begun to overgrow. So they’ve gone somewhere else. Will have to look for them.

— But do you know, of course, that a lion came to us? Don’t risk going alone without a gun, I warned Vaga.

— I am not afraid of any animals, — he answered, — I know this word, conspiracy. And his thick mustache began to twitch with a hidden smile.

— And go into the woods without a gun?

Vag nodded his head in the affirmative.

July 2nd. Interesting things happened during this time. At night, the lion roared again, and my stomach tightened with horror and cold under my heart. In the morning I was washing at my tent when Vag came out of the next one. He was wearing a white flannel suit, a pith helmet, and sturdy boots with thick soles. The suit is marching, but no bag, no gun over his shoulder. I greeted Wag with good morning. He nodded his head to me and, as it seemed to me, cautiously stepping, moved forward. Gradually, his step became more and more confident, and, finally, he walked with his usual even and quick gait. So he came to the descent from our hill. When the road began to become sloping, Vag raised his hands up and … then something extraordinary happened that made me and all the fans scream in surprise.

Vag’s body began to spin slowly at first, and then faster and faster in the air, as if he were somersaulting on a trapezoid in an extended position; for a moment it assumed a horizontal position, then the head was below, and the legs were above; Describing circles, legs and head continued to change places. Finally, the rotation of his body increased so much that the legs and head merged into a misty circle, and the middle of the torso stood out like a dark core. This continued until Vag reached the foot of the hill. Having tumbled a few meters already on level ground, he straightened up and walked towards the forest with his usual step. I could not understand anything, the fans – even more so. They were not only surprised, but also frightened: after all, what they saw, of course, was a supernatural phenomenon for them. For me, this tumbling was only one of the riddles that Vag often asked me.

But riddles are riddles, and a lion remains a lion. Didn’t Vag rely too much on himself? I know that a dog can be frightened by a “supernatural” phenomenon: try to tie a thin thread or hair around the bone and throw it to the dog. When she wants to take the bone, pull the string. The bone will suddenly move across the floor, as if running away from the dog. The dog will be frightened by this extraordinary event and, tail between his legs, will run away from the “revived” bone. But will the lion run away, with his tail between his legs, from Vag tumbling in the air? This is a big question. I can’t leave Vag unguarded.

And, taking the guns, in the company of four of the most courageous and intelligent fans, I went after Vag. Without noticing us, he walked ahead along a rather wide forest clearing, paved by elephants. Thousands of animals that went to the watering hole compacted it. Only in some places came across small fallen trunks or branches on the way. Every time such an obstacle was encountered, Vag stopped, somehow strangely raised his leg up – much higher than required – and took a wide step. Sometimes, after this, his body, without bending, leaned forward, then leveled off in an upright position, and he continued to walk. We followed him for some distance. A bright light appeared ahead. The road widened and went out into a forest clearing.

Vag stepped out of the shadows and was already walking across the illuminated clearing when I heard some strange rumble or grunt, which could only belong to a large angry or disturbed beast. But this rumble was not like a lion’s roar. The fans whispered the name of the beast, but I didn’t know the local names. Judging by the faces and movements of my companions, they were as afraid of the beast making that grunt as they were of the lion. However, they did not lag behind me, and I, sensing something unkind, quickened my pace. When I went out into the clearing, I saw a curious picture.

To my right, about ten meters from the forest, a gorilla cub, as tall as a ten-year-old boy, was sitting on the ground. At some distance from him – a grayish-red gorilla – a female and a huge male. Vag walked rather quickly across a flat clearing and, obviously, before noticing the animals sitting on the grass, he found himself between the cub and his parents. The male, seeing the man, made that grumbling hoarse sound that I had heard back in the forest. Vag had already noticed the animals: he was looking in the direction of the male gorilla, but continued to walk at his usual pace. The little gorilla, seeing the man, suddenly squealed, barked, and hurriedly climbed up a low tree that stood not far from it.

The male made a second warning sound. Gorillas avoid humans, but if need forces them to fight, they show fearlessness and extraordinary ferocity. Seeing that the man did not go back, and, obviously, fearing for his cub, the male suddenly got to his feet and assumed a warlike pose. I do not know if there is a beast more terrible than this ugly likeness of a man. The male was huge for an ape, no less than the average height of a human, but his chest seemed to me almost twice as wide as a human. The body is disproportionately large. Long arms are thick as logs. The hands and feet are of exorbitant length. Under strongly protruding brow ridges, fierce eyes are visible, and a bared mouth flashes with huge teeth.

The Beast began to strike his barrel-shaped chest with his shaggy fists with such force that his insides hummed like an empty forty-pail barrel. Then he growled, barked, and, leaning on the ground with his right hand, ran towards Vag. I confess that I was so excited that I could not take the gun off my shoulder. And in a few seconds the gorilla ran across the space separating it from Vag and … but then something extraordinary happened again. The beast hit some invisible barrier with all its might, roared and fell to the ground. Vag did not fall, but rolled over in the air, as if on a trapezoid, with his arms raised up and his body stretched out. The failure further angered the beast. He got up again and once again tried to jump on Wag. This time it flew over his head and fell again. The male went berserk. He roared, barked, growled, began to spit foam and pounce on Vag, trying to wrap his monstrously long arms around him. But between the gorilla and Vag there was some kind of invisible, but reliable barrier. Judging by the position of the gorilla’s hands, I realized that it must be a ball. Invisible, transparent as glass, without any glare, and strong as steel. This is what Vaga’s next invention consisted of!

Convinced of its complete safety, I began to follow this extraordinary game with interest. My fans danced with admiration and even dropped their guns. And the game was getting livelier. Gorilla – female, it seems, with no less curiosity than we, followed her frenzied husband. And suddenly, uttering a warlike howl, she ran to his aid. And then the game took on a new character. In their excitement, the gorillas attacked the invisible ball, and it began to fly from place to place, like a real soccer ball. It’s not fun to be inside this ball if gorillas act as gambling players! Vag’s body, stretched out to a string, was increasingly spinning like a wheel, flying from place to place. Now I understand why his body is elongated, and his arms are raised up: with his feet and hands he rests on the walls of the ball so as not to break. The walls must be extremely strong. When the gorillas attacked the ball from two sides at the same time and “squeezed” it up from a run, it bounced about three meters and still did not break, falling to the ground. However, Vag, apparently, began to get tired. It is impossible to hold out in an extended position with tense muscles for a long time. And then I saw that Vag suddenly bent over and fell to the bottom of the ball.

The matter was taking a serious turn. It was no longer possible to remain only spectators. I shouted to the fans, made them pick up their guns from the ground, and we went to the ball. But I forbade the natives to shoot without my order, fearing that they might accidentally hit Wag: I did not know if an invisible ball could withstand a bullet. Moreover, the ball could not be solid – otherwise Vag would have suffocated – there must be holes in the ball through which bullets could penetrate into it.

We approached with noise and shouting to draw attention to ourselves, and we managed to achieve this. The first male turned his head in our direction and roared menacingly. Seeing that this did not make an impression, he moved towards us. When he moved away from the ball, I fired. The bullet hit the gorilla in the chest – I could see it from the stream of blood that flooded the greyish-red hair. The beast screamed, grabbed the wound with his hand, but did not fall, but ran towards me even faster. I fired again and hit in the shoulder. But at that moment he was already near me and suddenly grabbed the muzzle of my gun with his paw. Drawing the gun with extraordinary force, the beast bent the barrel before my eyes and broke it. Not satisfied with this, he grabbed the barrel in his teeth and began to gnaw it like a bone. Then, suddenly staggering, he fell to the ground and began to convulsively twitch his limbs, not releasing the mutilated gun. The female hastened to hide.

— You didn’t suffer much? – I heard the voice of Vag, as if coming from afar. Did I become hard of hearing because the gorilla crushed my sides?

I looked up and saw Vag standing over me. Now that he was near me, I noticed that around his body there was, as it were, a misty shell. Looking even more closely, I was convinced that I was not seeing a shell that was absolutely transparent, but traces of gorilla paws and in some places dirt adhering to the surface of the ball. Vag apparently noticed my gaze fixed on these spots of his invisible sphere. He smiled and said:

– If the soil is wet or dirty, then some marks remain on the surface of the ball, and it becomes visible. But neither sand nor dry leaves stick to it. If you can, get up, let’s go home. On the way, I will tell you about my invention.

I got up and looked at Wag. He, too, suffered a little: bruises were visible in some places on his face.

— Nothing, it will heal before the wedding, — he said. This is science for me. It turns out that you cannot go into the wilds of African forests without a gun, even if you are in a kind of impregnable ball. Who would have thought that I would be inside a soccer ball!

— Did you come up with such a comparison?

– Of course. So listen. Have you ever read that a special metal was invented in America, transparent as glass, or glass as strong as metal? From this material, they say, a military airplane is built. Its convenience is quite understandable: it is almost invisible to the enemy. I say almost, because the pilot must be visible, just as I am visible through my balloon. So, I have been thinking for a long time about how to arrange such a “fortress” that would not prevent me from seeing everything, observing the life of animals and protecting me if the animals see and attack me. I did a few experiments and reached the goal. This ball is made of rubber. Oh, people are still far from using all the qualities of this extraordinarily useful material! It was rubber that I managed to make transparent like glass and strong like steel. Despite today’s not entirely pleasant adventure, which could have ended even more unpleasantly if you had not come to my aid in time, I consider my invention very successful and expedient. What about gorillas? Who would have thought that I would meet them here? True, this is a rather wild place, but gorillas usually live in even wilder impenetrable wilds.

— But how do you get around?

– Very simple. Don’t you see? I step with the sole of my foot on the inner wall of the ball and with the weight of my body make it roll forward. On the surface of the ball there are holes for breathing. The ball consists of two halves; I enter it and close it, pulling on special straps made of transparent rubber. Perhaps some inconvenience is that on the slopes it can be difficult to hold the ball, it starts to roll quickly, and then you have to do physical education. But why not do it?”

VII. INVISIBLE BOTTLE

“July 20th. Another break in my diary. The elephants have obviously gone very far. We had to leave the camp and follow the elephant trail for several days, until we finally met more recent herd tracks. And two days later, our fans found the place of the elephant watering place. Fans are experienced elephant hunters, they know many ways to catch them. But Wag preferred his original ways. He ordered a box to be brought to the elephant path and began to take out something invisible from it. Fans in superstitious horror looked at the hands of a person who made such movements, as if they were taking something and shifting it, although it was “something?” was invisible as air. They probably consider Wagner to be a great magician. Vag hasn’t said anything to me yet, but I already guessed that he was taking out fishing gear from the box, made, like the ball, from the same invisible material.

“Come and try,” Wagner told me, seeing that I was dying of curiosity.

I approached, felt the air and suddenly clutched a cord no less than a centimeter in diameter in my hand.

— Rubber?

– Yes, one of the countless varieties of rubber. This time I made it flexible like a rope. But the strength of steel and invisibility remain the same as in the material of the ball. From these invisible fetters we will make loops and lay them out along the path of the elephant. The animal will become entangled and will be in our hands.

It cannot be said that it was an easy job to spread invisible ropes on the ground and tie them into loops. We ourselves fell more than once, catching our foot on the “rope”. But by the evening the work was finished, and we had only to wait for the elephants.

It was a beautiful tropical night. The jungle was filled with unknown rustles and sighs. Sometimes it was as if someone were crying, perhaps a small animal that was parting with its life; sometimes peals of wild laughter were heard, from which, like a jet of cold air, the fans shivered.

Elephants approached imperceptibly. The huge leader walked somewhat ahead of the herd, stretching out his long trunk and constantly moving it. He absorbed thousands of night smells into it, classified them, noting those that were fraught with some kind of danger. A few meters before our invisible barriers, the elephant suddenly stopped and stretched out its trunk in a way that I had never seen before. He sniffed hard at something. Perhaps he heard the smell of our bodies, although, on the advice of the fans, we bathed in the lake shortly before sunset and washed our clothes: after all, at the equator one has to sweat all day.

“Bad business,” Vag whispered. — The elephant sniffed out our presence; and I believe he smelled not our bodies, but rubber. I didn’t think about that…

The elephant was obviously indecisive. Obviously, he had to get acquainted with some new smell for him. What threatens this unknown smell? The elephant hesitantly moved forward, perhaps in order to get to know the source of the strange smell better. He took a few steps and hit the first loop. He jerked with his front leg, but an invisible obstacle did not let go of his leg. The elephant began to pull the “rope” more and more. We saw the skin tighten a little above his foot. The giant leaned back with his whole body so that his butt almost touched the ground. The skin – the enormous thickness of elephant skin – could not stand it: it burst from the pressure of the “rope”, and thick dark blood flowed down the leg.

And Vaga’s “rope” withstood extraordinary stress. We have already celebrated victory. But then the unexpected happened. The thick tree, to which the “rope” was tied, collapsed, as if cut by an axe. The elephant fell back in surprise, quickly got up and, turning, disappeared, trumpeting in alarm.

— Now the case is gone! Wagner said. – Elephants will not come to the place where we will stretch our invisible, but tangible for them by the smell of the net. Or I’ll have to do some chemical deodorization. Chemical… Hm… Smells… so…” Wagner thought deeply about something. – Why not? he continued. – You see, what idea came to my mind: we could try to use chemical means to capture the elephant, for example, a gas attack. We should not kill the elephant – that would be easy to do – but bring him into an unconscious state. We will arm ourselves with gas masks, take a gas cylinder with us and let the gas go on this forest path. The surrounding greenery is very dense – it is a real green tunnel; the gas will be quite well preserved. .. But there is an even simpler way!.. – Wagner suddenly laughed. Some thought struck him as very amusing.

– Now we just need to track down where the elephants will go to drink. They are unlikely to return here…”

VIII. ELEPHANT VODKA

July 21st. The fans have found a new watering place. It was a small forest lake. And when the elephants, drunk, went into the thicket, Vah, I and the natives set to work. We undressed, entered the water and began to drive stakes into the bottom in a close row, blocking off a small part of the lake. Then we covered the underwater wall tightly with clay. It turned out something like a garden. The dam separated part of the lake just in the place where the elephants came to drink.

“Excellent,” Wag said. “Now we just have to “poison” the water. For this, I have a very good remedy, completely harmless, but stronger than alcohol.

Wag worked for several hours in his laboratory and finally brought out a bucket of “elephant vodka”, as he put it. This vodka was poured into water. We climbed a tree and prepared to watch.

— Will elephants drink your vodka? I asked.

– I hope they find it tasty enough. After all, bears drink vodka. And even become real alcoholics. Shh!.. Someone is coming.

I looked at the “arena” – it was very large. I’ll make a small digression. I must say that I was always amazed by the landscape and architectural diversity of the rainforest. In some places you walk through the “three-story” forest: a small undergrowth of shrubs and low trees barely covers your head. Above this forest rises a second forest, the height of which is approximately the same as in our northern forests. Finally, a third forest rises above it, consisting of huge trees. Between the first and second rows of crowns there are empty spaces filled only with threads and ropes of various creeping plants. Such a triple forest presents an extraordinarily beautiful sight. High overhead are green caves, green waterfalls falling from ledge to ledge, green mountains rising up. And all this is colored with feathers of birds and bright flowers of orchids.

Then you immediately find yourself like in a majestic Gothic temple with a forest of gigantic columns rising from the mossy ground to a barely visible dome. A few more steps – and a new change: you are in the thicket, in the impenetrable wilds. Leaves side, front, back, top. Moss, grass, leaves, flowers below – up to the shoulders. As if he found himself in a green whirlpool. Feet get tangled in soft greenery or trip over fallen trees. And now, when you are completely exhausted and it seems that you are hopelessly bogged down in a swamp of solid greenery, you suddenly push the bushes apart and stop, amazed: you are in a huge round cave with a green vault. An incredibly thick “pillar” supports the dome of this cave. On the ground – not a blade of grass, at least play croquet. The giant tree, with its shadow, destroyed all the vegetation around, not letting in a single ray of the sun. Its branches descended to the ground and grew into it. It is dark and cold here. More than once we had to rest in the shade of such giants – baobabs, rubber trees, Indian fig trees. The same huge tree gave us shelter on its branches. It stood very close to the water, and thus all the animals walking along the elephant path had to go through the “arena” before reaching the shore. In this “arena”, obviously, a lot of forest dramas took place. Gnawed bones of antelopes, buffaloes and wild boars were visible here and there. The steppes began not far off; therefore, animals of the savannas often came here to drink.

A wild boar entered the arena. Behind him appeared a boar and eight little boars. The whole family went to the water. A minute later, five more females appeared, apparently belonging to the same family. The boar went to the water and began to drink. But he immediately raised his snout, snorted disapprovingly, and moved to another place. I tried it – I don’t like it. He shook his head.

“He doesn’t drink,” I whispered to Vag.

“I didn’t get it,” he answered also quietly.

He was right. Soon the boar stopped shaking his head and began to drink water. But the boar was worried and, as it seemed to me, shouted to her boars not to drink. However, she soon got the hang of it. The wild boar, females and boars drank for a very long time – longer than usual. Intoxication affected the boars first of all: they suddenly began to squeal, rush at each other, and run around the “arena”. All six females got drunk after the boars. They staggered and, squealing, began to perform extraordinary movements – kicking, rearing, rolling on the ground and even somersaulting over their heads. Then they fell down and fell asleep with the piglets. But the boar turned out to be violent in hops. He grunted ferociously, attacked a huge tree trunk that stood in the middle of the “arena”, and plunged dagger-fangs into the bark with such force that he could hardly pull them out later.

We were so interested in the tricks of the drunken boar that we didn’t notice the elephants approaching. Stepping at a measured pace, one by one they came out of the green clearing. At this time, the area around the trunk really looked like a circus arena. But not a single circus has seen such a huge number of four-legged artists. I confess, I was afraid of so many elephant carcasses. Elephants looked like huge rats to me. There were over two dozen of them.

But what is this drunken boar doing! Instead of escaping in a good way, he suddenly grunted menacingly and rushed towards the herd of elephants like an arrow. The big elephant in front obviously did not expect the attack. He lowered his head and looked at the running beast with curiosity. And the boar, running up to the elephant, hit him with a tusk in the leg. The elephant quickly rolled up its trunk, bent its head even lower and, hooking the boar on its tusks, threw it so far that it fell into the water.

The boar grunted, floundered, climbed ashore, hastily drank a few more sips, as if for courage, and again ran to the elephant. But the elephant was more careful this time; he expected a boar with lowered tusks. The boar jumped on the tusks and was ripped open. The elephant shook off the dying beast from the tusks and stepped on it with his foot. Only the head and tail remained of the boar. The torso and legs were ground into porridge.

With the same calm, measured gait, as if nothing had happened, the leader elephant passed through the “arena”, carefully bypassed the wild boars and wild boars lying on the ground, went down to the water and plunged his trunk into it. We watched with curiosity to see what would happen next. The elephant began to drink, then raised his trunk and began to fumble around in the water, apparently comparing its taste in different places. He walked a few steps and lowered his trunk into the water outside our fence. There the water was not poisoned by the intoxicating drink.

– Our idea is gone! I whispered. But at the same moment, he almost cried out in surprise. The elephant returned to its old place and began to drink “elephant vodka”. She apparently liked him. Other elephants lined up next to the leader. But our dam was not very large, and therefore part of the elephant herd drank ordinary water. It seemed to me that this water drinking would never end. I saw his flanks swell monstrously. He drank, drank endlessly. In half an hour the water level in our dam had dropped by half; an hour later, the leader and his comrades sucked all the liquid to the bottom. The elephants began to sway before they had finished drinking. One of them suddenly collapsed into the water, raising a whole wave. He blew his trumpet, rose, and again fell on his side. Putting his trunk on the shore, he snored so that the leaves trembled and the birds frightenedly flew to the tops of the trees. The huge leader moved away from the lake, snorting loudly. He stopped. His trunk hung like a rag. Ears rose up, then fell lifelessly. The elephant swayed slowly and evenly – forward, backward. Around him, his comrades fell like bullets. And those who did not drink “vodka” looked with surprise at this strange case. Sober elephants trumpeted anxiously, walked around the drunk ones, even tried to lift the fallen ones. The big elephant went up to the leader and anxiously felt his head with her trunk. The elephant responded to this gesture of concern and caress with a weak wagging of its tail, without ceasing its swaying. Then he suddenly raised his head, snored and fell to the ground. Sober elephants crowded around him in confusion, not daring to go without a leader.

“It will be bad if the sober stay here,” Vag said already loudly. – Kill them, right? Let’s wait and see what happens next.

The sober elephants were conferring about something. They made strange sounds, constantly moving their trunks. This meeting went on for quite some time. The dawn began to flare up, when the elephants chose a new leader for themselves and slowly, one by one, left the “arena” where the “corpses” of their comrades lay.

IX. RING BECAME AN ELEPHANT

“I had to get down from the tree. I looked with some excitement at the “arena?”, which now resembled a battlefield. Huge elephants lay on their sides interspersed with wild boars. But how long will this intoxication last? What if the elephants come to their senses before we finish the brain transplant? And the elephants, as if wanting to frighten me even more, from time to time waved their trunks and sometimes squeaked through their sleep.

But Vag paid no attention to all this. He quickly climbed down from the tree and set to work. While the fans were busy exterminating sleeping boars, Vag and I took care of the operation. We already had everything prepared. Vag had pre-ordered surgical instruments that could overcome the ivory fortress. He approached the leader, took out a sterilized knife from the box, made incisions on the head of the elephant, turned away the skin and began sawing the skull. The elephant twitched its trunk several times. It made me nervous, but Vag calmed me:

Don’t worry. I vouch for the effect of my anesthesia. The elephant will not wake up until three hours later, and during that time I hope to take out his brain. After that, it will be safe for us. And he continued methodically sawing the skull. The instruments proved to be good, and soon Wag lifted part of the parietal bone.

“If you have to hunt an elephant,” he said, “then keep in mind that you can only kill him if you get to this little place here. – And Vag showed me the space between the eye and the ear, the size of no more than a palm. “I already warned Ring’s brain to keep this place safe.

Vag quickly emptied the elephant’s head from brain matter. But then something unexpected happened. The elephant without a brain suddenly began to move, sway with its heavy body, then, to our surprise, got up and walked. But he apparently did not see anything in front of him, although his eyes were open. He did not go around the comrade lying in the way, stumbled and fell to the ground. His trunk and legs began to twitch convulsively. “Is it dying?” I thought, regretting that all the work was in vain.

Wag waited until the elephant stopped moving, then proceeded to continue the operation.

“Now the elephant is dead,” he said, “as befits an animal without a brain. But we will resurrect it. It’s not that hard. Let’s quickly Ring’s brain. Just don’t bring infection!..

Having thoroughly washed my hands, I took out Ring’s overgrown brain from the brought elephant’s skull and handed it over to Vag.

“Come on…” he said, dipping his brain into the elephant’s skull.

Suitable? I asked.

– A little undersized. But it does not matter. It would have been worse if the brain had outgrown and not entered the cranium. Now the most important thing remains – to sew the nerve endings. Each nerve that I will stitch will be a connection between Ring’s brain and the elephant’s body. Now you can rest. Sit and watch, but don’t disturb me. – And Vag began to work with extraordinary speed and thoroughness. He was truly an artist in his field, and his fingers resembled the fingers of a virtuoso pianist during the performance of the most difficult piece. Vag’s face was concentrated, both eyes were fixed on one point, which happened to him only in cases of exceptional attention strain. Obviously, at that moment, both halves of his brain were carrying out the same work, as if controlling each other. Finally, Vag covered the brain with a skull cap, fastened it with metal brackets, then covered it with pieces of skin and sewed the skin together.

– Excellent. Now he – if he survives safely – will only have scars on his skin. But Ring, I think, will forgive me for that.

“The ring will forgive!” Yes, now the elephant has become Ring, or rather Ring has become an elephant. I approached the elephant, which had a human brain in its head, and looked curiously into its open eyes. They seemed as lifeless as before.

Why is that? I asked. – After all, Ring’s brain must be fully conscious, and meanwhile his eyes … his (I could not say either an elephant or Ring) seemed to be glassy.

“Very simple,” Vag replied. “The nerves coming from the brain are stitched together, but not yet fused. I warned Ring not to try to make any movements until the nerves were completely healed. I have taken steps to make this happen as soon as possible.

The sun was already beginning to set. The fans sat on the shore and, having laid out fires, roasted boar meat and ate it with pleasure. Some preferred to eat it raw. Suddenly one of the drunken elephants began to trumpet loudly. This sharp calling sound woke up the rest of the elephants. They started to get to their feet. Wag, me and the fans hurried to hide in the bushes. The elephants, still staggering, approached the operated leader, felt and sniffed him for a long time with their trunks, and said something in their own language. I imagine how Ring must have felt if he could already see and hear. Finally the elephants left. We approached our patient again.

“Be quiet and don’t answer,” Wag said, addressing the elephant as if it could speak. “All I can allow you to do is blink your eyelids, if you already have the strength to do so. So, if you understand what I’m saying, blink twice.

The elephant blinked.

— Very good! Wag said. “Today you will have to lie still, but tomorrow I may let you get up.” To prevent elephants and other animals from disturbing you, we will block the elephant path and light fires at night.

July 24th. Today the elephant got up for the first time.

— Congratulations! Wag said. – What is your name now? After all, we cannot disclose our secret to outsiders. I will call you Sapiens. Is it coming?

The elephant nodded his head.

“We will explain ourselves,” Vag continued, “with facial expressions, in Morse code. You can wave the tip of the trunk: up – a dot, sideways – a dash. And if you feel more comfortable, you can signal with sounds. Wave your trunk.

The elephant began to wave, but in a strange way: the trunk turned in all directions, like a dislocated joint.

– You are not used to it yet. Because you never had a trunk, Ring. Can you walk?

The elephant began to walk, and the hind legs, apparently, obeyed him better than the front ones.

“Yes, you do have to learn how to be an elephant,” Wag said. “Your brain doesn’t have much of what an elephant has. You will learn to move your legs, trunk, ears pretty soon. But in the brain of an elephant there are still natural instincts – the quintessence of the experience of hundreds of thousands of elephant generations. A real elephant knows what to fear, how to defend against various enemies, where to find food and water. You don’t know any of this. You would have to learn from personal experience. And this experience cost the lives of a considerable number of elephants. But do not be embarrassed and do not be afraid, Sapiens. You will be with us. As soon as you finally recover, we will go to Europe. If you want, you can live in your homeland – in Germany, or you can go with me to the USSR. There you will live in a zoo. But how do you feel?

Sapiens – Ring was obviously easier to signal with a sniff than with a movement of his trunk. He began to make short and long sounds with his trunk. Vag listened (at that time I did not yet know Morse code) and translated to me:

– I seem to see a little worse. True, from the height of my torso I can see farther, but my field of vision is rather limited. But my hearing and sense of smell are unusually thin and sharp. I could never imagine that there are so many sounds and smells in the world. I feel thousands of new unusual smells and their shades, I hear an infinite number of sounds, for the expression of which, perhaps, there are no words in the human language. Whistling, noise, crackling, squeaking, chirping, squealing, groaning, barking, screaming, rumbling, rumble, clanging, crunching, spanking, clapping… perhaps a dozen more words, and the human lexicon that conveys the world of sounds is exhausted. But beetles and worms drill into the bark of a tree. How to convey this discordant, distinctly audible concerto? And the noise!

“You’re making progress, Sapiens,” Wag said.

— And the smells! Ring went on describing his new sensations. – Here I am completely lost and cannot convey to you at least approximately what I feel. You can only understand one thing, that every tree, every object has its own specific smell. – The elephant lowered its trunk to the ground, sniffed it and continued: – It smells like earth. And it smells of the grass that lay here, perhaps dropped by some herbivore going to the watering hole. Then it smells of wild boar, buffalo, copper … I don’t understand where. Here! There’s a piece of copper wire lying around here, which you probably threw away, Wagner.

— But how could that be? I asked. – After all, the subtlety of sensations is determined not only by the subtlety of the perceiving peripheral organs, but also by the corresponding development of the brain.

— Yes, Vag replied. “When Ring’s brain adjusts, it will feel like an elephant. Now he feels, probably many times worse than a real elephant. But the subtlety of the auditory and olfactory apparatus already gives Ring an enormous advantage over us. Then he turned to the elephant: “I hope it won’t be too much of a burden for you, Sapiens, if we return to our camp on the hill, sitting on your back?”

Sapiens graciously agreed with a nod of his head. We loaded some of the luggage onto the elephant’s back. He lifted me and Vag with his trunk – the fans walked – and we hit the road.

– I think, – said Wag, – in two weeks Sapiens will be completely healthy, and then he will take us to Boma, and from there we will move home by sea.

When we set up camp on the hill, Vag said to Sapiens:

— There is more than enough stern here. But I ask you not to go too far from our camp, especially at night. You may be threatened by various dangers that real elephants would handle very easily.

The elephant nodded his head and began to break branches from neighboring trees with his trunk.

Suddenly he somehow squeaked and, pulling back his trunk, ran up to Vag.

— What happened? Wag asked. The elephant stretched out its trunk almost to his face.

– Aw! ouch! Vag drawled reproachfully. “Come here,” he said to me, pointing to the finger-like protuberance of the trunk. – The sensitivity of this “finger” exceeds the sensitivity of the fingers of the blind. This is the most delicate organ of the elephant. And look, our Sapiens managed to injure his “finger” with a thorn.

Vag carefully pulled the spike out of the trunk.

“Be careful,” he said admonishingly to the elephant. – An elephant with a wounded trunk is a disabled person. You will not even be able to drink water, and you will have to enter a river or lake every time and drink with your mouth, instead of, as elephants usually do, taking water into the trunk and pouring water out of the trunk into the mouth. There are many thorny plants here. Walk a little further. Learn to distinguish breeds.

The elephant sighed, shook his trunk and went to the forest.

July 27th. All is well. Elephant eats a lot. At first he understood food and tried to send only grass, leaves and the thinnest tender branches into his mouth. But since he was not satisfied, he soon, like a real elephant, began to break and put into his mouth branches almost as thick as an arm. The trees around our camp have the most miserable appearance, as if a meteorite fell here or an all-devouring locust flew by. On the bushes of the undergrowth and on the lower branches of large trees – not a leaf. The branches are broken, exposed. The bark is torn off. On the ground – rubbish, droppings, pieces of branches, trunks of fallen trees. Sapiens is very sorry for these destructions, but … “the situation obliges”, as he said to Vag with the help of his sound signals.

August 1st. Sapiens didn’t show up this morning. At first, Wagner was not worried.

– Not a needle – there is. What will be done with him? Not a single animal dares to attack him. He must have gone too far overnight. However, hours passed after hours, and Sapiens did not appear. Finally, we decided to go looking. Fans are excellent trackers, they quickly attacked the trail. We followed them. The old fan, looking at the tracks, quickly read aloud these letters left by the elephant.

– Here the elephant ate grass, then he began to eat young bushes. Then he went on. Here he seemed to jump up – he was frightened of something. That’s what scared him: the leopard’s footprint. Bounce. The elephant is running. Breaks everything in its path. And the leopard? He also runs … from the elephant. On the other side.

The elephant’s tracks took us far from the camp. Here he ran through a swampy clearing. The footprints filled with water. The elephant failed, but fled, apparently pulling its legs out of the swamp with difficulty. Here is the river. This is Congo. The elephant jumped into the water. He had to swim across to the other side.

Our guides went in search of a village, found a boat, and we moved to the other side. But there were no elephant tracks. Has he died? Elephants can swim. But could Ring swim? Did he manage to master the art of swimming like an elephant? The fans speculated that the elephant swam down the river. We swam several kilometers downstream. There are no traces and no. Wag is upset. All our labors have been in vain. And what happened to the elephant? If he is alive, how will he live in the forest with animals? ..

August 8th. We spent a whole week looking for an elephant. In vain! He disappeared without a trace. We had no choice but to pay off the fans and go home.”

X. FOUR-LEGED AND BIO-LEGED ENEMIES

“The diary is over,” said Denisov.

“Here is the continuation of the diary,” Wagner replied, clapping the elephant’s neck. “While you were reading the diary, Sapiens, aka Hoity-Toity, aka Ring, told me an amusing story of his adventures. I no longer hoped to see him alive, but it turns out that he himself managed to find a way to Europe. You must decipher and transcribe my verbatim notes of what the elephant told me.

Denisov took Wagner’s notebook, full of dashes and commas, began to read and then write down the story of the elephant, told by himself. Here is what Sapiens said to Wagner: “I can hardly convey to you everything that I have experienced since I became an elephant. I never even dreamed that I, Professor Turner’s assistant, would suddenly turn into an elephant and live in the wilds of African forests. I will try to describe the whole course of events in sequence.

I walked away not far from the camp and peacefully plucked the grass on the lawn. He tore out bunches of succulent grass, chopped off the roots to beat off the adhering earth, then devoured. Having finished with the grass, I went through the woods to find another lawn. It was a fairly bright moonlit night. Luminous beetles, bats and some night birds unknown to me, similar to an owl, were flying. I moved forward slowly. I walked easily, not feeling the weight of my body. I tried to make as little noise as possible. Sniffing with my trunk, I felt that both to the right and to the left of me there were animals – what, I did not know. It would seem, whom should I be afraid of? I am the strongest of all animals. The lion himself had to make way for me. Meanwhile, I was terribly afraid of every rustle, every sound, a running mouse, some animal that looked like a fox. When I met a small boar, I gave way to him. Perhaps I have not yet realized my strength. One thing reassured me: I knew that there were people nearby, my friends, who could come to my aid.

So, walking carefully, I came out into a small clearing and already lowered my trunk to grab a bunch of grass, when suddenly I smelled the smell of an animal, and my ears caught a rustle in the reeds. I lifted my trunk, folded it carefully for safety, and began to look around. And suddenly I saw a leopard, which hid behind the reeds that grew near the stream, and looked at me with greedy hungry eyes. His entire body tensed for the jump. Another minute – and he will throw himself on my neck. I don’t know, maybe I wasn’t used to being an elephant yet and I felt and reasoned too humanly, but I was unable to overcome my insane fear. I trembled all over and started to run.

Trees cracked and broke in my path. Many predators were frightened by my frantic running. They jumped out of the bushes and grass and ran in different directions, frightening me even more. It seemed to me that the animals of the entire Congo Basin were chasing me. And I ran – I don’t know how long and where – until, finally, I was stopped by an obstacle – the river. I can’t swim – I couldn’t when I was a man. But the leopard was catching up with me, so I thought, and I threw myself into the water and began to work with my feet, as if I were still running. And I swam. The water somewhat cooled and calmed me. It seemed to me that the whole forest was full of predatory hungry animals that would attack me as soon as I went ashore. And I swam hour after hour.

The sun was already up and I was swimming. Boats with people began to meet on the river. I was not afraid of people until a shot was heard from one boat. I could not imagine that they were shooting at me. I continued to swim. Another shot rang out, and suddenly I felt as if a bee had stung me in the neck. I turned my head and saw that a white man, who looked like an Englishman, was sitting in the boat, which was driven by the natives. It was he who shot at me. Alas! people turned out to be no less dangerous to me than animals.

What else could I do? I wanted to shout to the Englishman, to ask him not to shoot, but I could only make a squeaking sound. If only the Englishman hits the target, I’m dead… You pointed out to me a dangerous place in the skull for me – between the eye and the ear, where the brain was located. I remembered your advice and turned my head so that the bullets did not hit this place, and tried to swim to the shore as soon as possible. When I got ashore, I presented an excellent target, but my head was turned towards the forest. And the Englishman probably knew the rules of elephant hunting so much that he considered it pointless to shoot at the rear. He didn’t shoot again, probably waiting for me to turn my head towards him. But I, no longer thinking about the animals, rushed into the thicket.

The forest was getting thicker. Lianas blocked my way. Soon they entangled me in such a net that even I was unable to break them and was forced to stop. I was so dead tired that I fell on my side, not caring whether or not it was supposed to be done in my elephantine position.

I had a terrible dream: as if I, an assistant professor at the university and an assistant to Professor Turner, were in Berlin, in my small room on Unter den Linden. Summer night. A lone star shines through an open window. The smell of blossoming lindens wafts, and on the table a red carnation smells fragrant in a Venetian cut glass of blue glass. And among these pleasant smells, like an uninvited guest, some very tart sugary smell, reminiscent of the smell of black currant, bursts in. But I know it’s the smell of the beast… I’m getting ready for tomorrow’s lecture. I bow my head over the books and fall asleep, continuing to smell the linden, the carnation, the beast. I have a strange dream, as if I have turned into an elephant and I am in a tropical forest … The smell of the beast is getting stronger. He worries me. I am getting up. But this is no longer a dream. I really turned into an elephant, like Lucius into a donkey

*

Lucius is the hero of the satirical story of the ancient Roman writer Apuleius “The Golden Ass”

, by the power of the magic of modern science. The smell of a two-legged beast. Smells of African native sweat. This smell is joined by the smell of a white man. This is probably the one who shot at me from the boat. He’s following me. Perhaps he is already standing behind a bush and pointing the muzzle of a gun at a dangerous place between the eye and ear …

I quickly jump up. Smells right. So you have to run to the left. And I run, breaking and pushing the bushes. Then – who taught me this? – I do what elephants do when they want to throw the pursuer off the trail. After a noisy retreat, the elephant suddenly calms down. The pursuer does not hear a single sound and thinks that the elephant has stopped in place. But the elephant continues to run away, stepping so carefully and pushing the branches apart, That even the cat could not have passed more quietly.

I ran at least two kilometers until I finally dared to turn around to sniff the air. People still smelled, but they were far away, I think, no less than a kilometer from me. I continued my run.

A tropical night has come, stuffy, sultry, dark as blindness itself. With darkness came fear. He surrounded me on all sides and was as hopeless as the darkness. Where to run? What to do? Standing still seemed scarier than moving. And I walked with a relentless, steady gait.

Soon water splashed underfoot. A few more steps – and I went ashore … what? rivers? lakes? I decided to swim. On the water, I could at least be safe from the attacks of lions and leopards. I swam and, to my surprise, very soon felt the bottom under my feet and came to a shallow place. I went further.

On the way – some streams, rivers, swamps. In the grass, invisible animals hiss at me, huge frogs jump fearfully. I wandered all night, and in the morning I was forced to admit that I had completely lost my way.

A few days have passed and I am no longer afraid of many things that used to inspire fear in me. Funny! In the first days of my new existence, I was afraid even to injure my skin with thorns. Perhaps I was frightened by the story of the pricked finger-like process of the trunk. However, I soon became convinced that the sharpest and strongest thorns did not cause me the slightest harm – thick skin protected me like armor. Then I was afraid of accidentally stepping on a poisonous snake. And when this happened for the first time, and the snake wrapped itself around my leg, trying to sting me, my huge elephantine heart went cold with fear. But at once I was convinced that the snake was powerless to harm me. From that time on, I even found pleasure in crushing the snakes I met on the way with my feet, if they did not get out of the way in advance.

However, there was something left that aroused my fear. At night, I was afraid of the attack of large predators – a lion, a leopard. I was stronger than them and not worse armed than they were, but I had no personal experience in the fight and no instincts that would prompt me my role. And during the day I was afraid of hunters, especially white ones. Oh those white people! They are the most dangerous of animals. I was not afraid of their traps, snares, traps. It was difficult to drive me into a corral, scaring me with fires or rattles. The only thing that threatened me was the possibility of falling into a camouflaged hole, and I carefully examined the path before me.

I felt the smell of the village from a few kilometers away and tried to bypass any human habitation far away. By smell, I even distinguished native tribes. Some of them were more dangerous for me, others were less dangerous, others were not dangerous at all.

Once, pulling my trunk, I heard a new smell – an animal or a person – I even find it difficult to say. Rather, a person. I was seized with curiosity. After all, I studied the forest and should have known about everything that could threaten me with danger. I followed the scent as if by a compass, moving forward very carefully. It was at night, at the hour when the natives sleep most soundly. I crept as quietly as possible, while at the same time carefully examining the path ahead of me. The smell got stronger. By morning I went to the edge of the forest and, hiding in a dense thicket, looked at the clearing. The pale moon stood over the forest and poured its ashy light over the low pointed huts. Such a hut could only cover a seated person of average height. It was quiet. Not even the dogs barked. I approached downwind. I was perplexed: who can live in these small huts, as if made by playing children?

Suddenly, I noticed that some kind of human-like creature crawled out of a hole in the ground. Rising to his feet, he whistled. The whistle was answered by another creature, jumping down from a branch of a tree. Two more came out of the huts. They met at a large hut, one and a half meters high, and began to deliberate about something. When the first rays of the sun illuminated the sky and I could see the “gnomes” – as I called the strange creatures – then I was convinced that I had come across a settlement of pygmies, the smallest people that exist on the globe. They had light brown skin and almost red hair. Their figures were very slender and proportionately built. But their height did not exceed eighty to ninety centimeters. Some of these “children” had beards, thick and curly. The pygmies were talking quickly about something in squeaky voices.

It was a very interesting sight, but I was afraid. It would be better if I met giants than these terrible dwarfs for me. Perhaps I would prefer to meet a white man. Pygmies, despite their insignificant growth, are the most terrible enemies of elephants. I knew this before I became an elephant. They are excellent archers and spear throwers. They use poisoned arrows, one stab of which is enough to kill an elephant. They can silently sneak up on the elephant from behind and throw fetters on their hind legs, or they can cut the Achilles vein with a sharp knife. Around their villages they scatter poisoned thorns and sticks.

I suddenly turned my whole body and rushed to run away with the same haste as when I ran away from the leopard. Behind me I heard a scream, followed by the sound of a chase. I would have left them if there had been a level road ahead of me. But I had to run in a dense forest, now and then avoiding insurmountable obstacles. And my pursuers, agile as monkeys, agile as lizards, and tireless as greyhounds, ran as fast as if obstacles did not exist for them. The chase was getting closer. Several spears were thrown at me. Luckily, the thick greenery protected me. I was out of breath and ready to collapse from exhaustion. And the little men, not falling, not stumbling, not lagging behind a single step, followed me.

I learned from bitter experience that it is not easy to be an elephant, that the whole life of even such a large and strong animal as an elephant is a continuous, never ending struggle for existence. It seemed incredible to me that elephants live to be a hundred or more years old. With such unrest, really, they should have died before people. However, real elephants, perhaps, do not worry as I did. I had a too nervous, easily excitable, human brain. I assure you that death itself at that moment seemed to me better than life, with death always chasing at its heels. Stay? Substitute my chest under the blows of the poisoned spears and arrows of my two-legged tormentors? .. I was ready to do it. But at the last minute my mood changed: I suddenly inhaled the strong smell of an elephant herd into my trunk. Will I find fear among the elephants?

The dense forest thinned out and gradually turned into savannas, overgrown here and there with large trees, which gave me the opportunity to hide from the arrows of my pursuers.

I ran in zigzags. Here the pygmies fared worse than in the forest. Although I was paving a wide road, the strong stems of steppe plants and grasses still prevented them from running. The smell of elephants grew stronger, although I still couldn’t see them.

On my way there were huge pits, where the elephants lay like chickens digging in the sand. There was litter in places. Here are the first trees. I can already see some elephants floundering on the ground. Others stand near the trees, hold large branches in their trunks and fan themselves with them like fans, waving their tails at the same time. Their ears are raised like umbrellas. Others swim peacefully in the river. I ran against the wind and the elephants did not smell me. The alarm rose only when the extreme elephants heard my stomp. What happened here! Elephants rushed along the river bank, desperately trumpeting. The leader, instead of defending the rear, ran first, threw himself into the water and swam across to the other side. Child-loving mothers protected their children, who were not much different from adults in height. The females had to protect the rear. Did my appearance really frighten the elephants, or did they, in my crazy run, feel a different danger than the one that made me run myself?

I threw myself into the water with all my might, swam across the river before many females with their cubs and tried to run ahead so that elephant carcasses would be between me and my pursuers. This, of course, was already selfish of me, but I saw that other elephants, with the exception of mothers, did the same. I heard the pygmies run up to the river. Their squeaky voices merged with the trumpet sounds of elephants. Some kind of tragedy was taking place there, but I was afraid to turn back and continued to run across the open plain. I never found out how the battle near the river ended between dwarfs – people and giants – animals.

We ran for many hours without stopping. Since I was tired from running, I could hardly keep up with the elephants, but I did not want to fall behind the herd for anything. If only the elephants will take me into their company, I will be relatively safe among them, since they know the terrain and their enemies better than I do.

XI. IN THE HERD OF ELEPHANTS

Finally, the elephant running in front stopped, and the others followed him. We turned our heads back. Nobody followed us. Only two young elephants, accompanied by their mothers, ran towards us!

It was like no one paid any attention to me. However, when the last stragglers arrived and the herd gradually calmed down, elephants began to approach me, sniffing with their trunks, inspecting, walking around. They were asking me something, uttering a low grunt, and I could not answer them. I didn’t even know if that grumbling meant disapproval or pleasure.

Most of all I feared the leader. I knew that “I” was the leader of the herd before Wagner performed the operation. What if I got into the same herd and the new leader starts arguing with me because of power? I confess that I was very worried when the leader, a big strong elephant, came up to me and, as if by chance, pushed me in the side with a tusk. I submitted. He pushed me again, as if challenging me to a fight. But I did not accept the fight and only stepped aside.

Then the elephant rolled up its trunk, put it in its mouth and held it lightly with its lips. Subsequently, I learned that elephants thus express confusion and surprise. The leader was obviously puzzled by my obedience and did not know what to do. But at that time I did not know the language of elephants, and thinking that he thus greeted me, I also put my trunk in my mouth. The elephant squeaked and moved away from me. Now I understand every sound the elephant makes. I know that a quiet grunt, as well as a squeak, means pleasure. Fear is expressed by a strong roar, sudden fright – by a short sharp sound. It was with such a sharp sound that my arrival greeted the herd.

When angry, hurt or preoccupied, elephants make deep throat sounds. One elephant, left on the river bank, screamed like that during the attack of the pygmies. Perhaps he was mortally wounded by poisoned arrows. And when attacking an enemy, elephants emit a strong squeal. I conveyed only the basic “words” of the elephant language, expressing their main feelings. But these “words” have many shades.

At first I was very afraid that the elephants would guess that I was not a real elephant and would throw me out of the herd. Perhaps they felt that something was wrong with me, but they turned out to be peaceful enough. They treated me like a handicapped overgrowth, whose head is not all right, but who does no harm to anyone.

My life was pretty monotonous. We always traveled in single file. From ten to eleven o’clock in the morning until three in the afternoon they rested, then again began to graze. At night they rested again for several hours. Some elephants lay down, almost all dozed, and one guarded.

I could not accept the fact that I would have to spend my whole life in a herd of elephants. I missed people. Even though I look like an elephant, I prefer to live with people, calmly, without worries. And I would gladly go to the white people, if I were not afraid that they would kill me for my tusks. I admit, I even tried to break the tusks in order to devalue myself in the eyes of people, but nothing came of it. The tusks were indestructible, or else I did not know how to break them. So I wandered with the elephants for more than a month.

One day we were grazing in an open area, among the boundless savannas. I stood guard. The night was starry, moonless. The herd was relatively quiet. I moved a little aside so that I could better listen and sniff the smells of the night. But it smelled only of various herbs and small reptiles and animals harmless to us. And suddenly, far, far away, almost on the horizon, a light flared up. It went out, then flared up again and flared up.

Several minutes passed, and a second flared up to the left of the light, then a third, a fourth at some distance. No, these are not hunters camped for the night. The bonfires lit up at an equal distance from each other, as if a street had been laid across the steppe and lanterns lit. At the same time, on the other side of me, I noticed the same flashing fires. We were between two lines of fire. Soon, at one end of this road, between two lines of fire, beaters will crackle and scream, and at the other end, pits or corrals will be waiting for us, depending on what the hunters set their goal: to take us alive or dead. In the pits we will break our legs and be fit only for slaughter, and in the pens the life of slaves awaits us. Elephants are afraid of lights. They are generally cowardly. When the noise wakes them, they rush to the side where there are no lights and noise – there they are waiting for a silent trap or death.

I am the only one in the whole herd who understands the situation. But does it give me any advantage? What should I do? Go to the lights? There I will be met by armed men. Maybe I can break the blockade. This risk is better than certain death or captivity. But then I will have to part with the herd and start the life of a hermit elephant. Sooner or later, I will still die from a bullet, a poisoned arrow, or the fangs of an animal …

the awakened herd, running away, did not carry me away with a whirlpool of bodies towards trouble.

Beaters are already screaming, beating drums, crackling, whistling, shooting. I blow a deep trumpet call. The elephants wake up and stagnate in fright, trumpeting with all their might. There is such an extraordinary roar that the earth trembles. The elephants look around, see the fires, which seem to be approaching (they are being carried closer and closer), stop roaring and rush in one direction, but there they hear the noise of approaching beaters. The herd turns and runs in the opposite direction… towards its doom. True, this death is not so close. The hunt will continue for several days. The fires will get closer and closer, the beaters will come closer and closer to the elephants and drive them forward until, finally, the elephants fall into the pens or pits.

But I don’t go with elephants. I stay alone. The panic terror that gripped the whole herd is transmitted to my elephantine nerves, and from them to my human brain. Fear darkens consciousness. I’m ready to run after the herd. I call for help with all my courage, all my will. So no! My human brain will conquer the elephant’s fear, will conquer this huge mountain of meat, blood, bones, which drags me to death.

And I, like a driver, turn the steering wheel of the “truck” and turn right into the river. A splash, a cascade of splashes, silence… The water cooled my boiling elephant blood. Reason won. Now I firmly hold my elephant legs “in the hands” of the mind. They dutifully trample on the muddy bottom. I decided to do a thing that ordinary elephants don’t do: to sit in the water, plunging into it like a hippopotamus. I will try to breathe only with the tip of my protruding trunk. I’m trying to do this. Water fills the ears and eyes unpleasantly. From time to time I raise my head and listen. The beaters are getting closer. I dive back into the water. Here the beaters passed by without noticing me. I’ve had enough of the constant worry and fear. Let it be what will be, but I will not go to people – hunters. I will go down the Congo and look for one of the trading posts, of which there are many between Stanley Pool and Baume. I will go to a trading post or a farm and try to show the peaceful people that I am not a wild elephant, but a trained one, and they will not chase me away or kill me.

XII. IN THE SERVICE OF POACHERS

This plan proved to be more difficult to carry out than I had imagined. I soon found the main channel of the Congo and went downstream. During the day I made my way along the coast, at night I swam with the flow. My journey went well. In this section, the river is navigable, and wild animals are afraid to come close to the banks. During my journey downriver—which lasted about a month—I only once heard the distant roar of a lion, and once I had a rather unpleasant encounter, literally and figuratively, with a hippopotamus. It was at night. He sat in the river, submerged to the very nostrils. I did not notice him and, while swimming, ran into the clumsy animal like an iceberg. The hippo plunged even deeper into the water and began to beat me unpleasantly in the belly with his blunt muzzle. I hurried to the side. The hippo emerged, snorted angrily, and chased after me. But I managed to swim away from him.

I sailed safely to Lukunga, where I saw a large trading post, judging by the flag – Belgian. I left the woods early in the morning and walked towards the house, nodding my head. However, this maneuver did not help me. Two huge great danes with furious barking began to rush at me. A man in a white suit came out of the house, saw me and quickly ran into the house. Several Negroes ran screaming through the yard and also disappeared into the house. Then…then I heard two gun shots. I did not wait for the third and was forced to turn towards the forest and leave.

One night I was walking through a sparse, gloomy forest. There are many such forests in Central Africa. Dark greenery, swampy ground underfoot, black tree trunks. It has recently rained heavily, and the night was rather cool and windy for the equator. Despite my thick skin, I, like other elephants, am quite sensitive to dampness. In rainy and wet weather, I do not stand still, I move to keep warm.

I had been walking at an even pace for several hours, when suddenly I saw a fire in front of me. The place was pretty wild. There were not even villages of blacks here. Who could light the fire? I went faster. The forest ended, the savannah began with low grass. Apparently, there was a forest fire here not so long ago, and the grass had not yet had time to grow. At a distance of half a kilometer from the forest, an old tattered tent was visible. A fire was burning near him, and two people, apparently Europeans, were sitting by the fire. One of them was stirring something in a pot hanging over the fire. The third – obviously a native, half-naked handsome – stood like a bronze statue, not far from the fire.

I slowly approached the fire, keeping my eyes on the people. When they saw me, I knelt down the way trained elephants do when they put their backs under the load. A small man in a pith helmet suddenly grabbed a gun with the obvious intention of shooting. But the native at the same moment shouted in broken English:

– Don’t! It’s good, it’s a domestic elephant! And he ran towards me.

— Get out of the way! Otherwise, I will make a hole in your body! Hey you, what’s your name? shouted the white man, taking aim.

“Mpepo,” the native replied, but did not move away from me, but ran even closer, as if wishing with his body to protect me from the shot.

– You see, Bana

*

Bana – Mr.

, manual! he said, stroking my trunk.

– Get out, monkey! shouted the man with the gun. – I’m shooting! One, two…

“Wait, Bakala,” said the second white man, tall and thin. Mpepo is right. We have enough tusks, and delivering them even just to Matadi will not be easy and expensive. This elephant, apparently, is tame. Whose he is and why he wanders around at night, we will not ask about this. It can be very useful to us. An elephant lifts a ton, although with such a load it will not go far. Well, let’s say half a ton. Simply put, one elephant can replace thirty or forty porters for us, you know? And it won’t cost us anything. And when the time comes and we no longer need him, we will kill him and add his beautiful tusks to our collection. It’s clear?

The one called Bakala listened impatiently and tried to shoot several times. But, when the interlocutor calculated how much it would cost them to hire porters who could be replaced by an elephant, he agreed to these arguments and lowered his gun.

– Hey you! What is your name? he turned to the native.

“M…pepo,” he answered. Subsequently, I became convinced that Bakala always addressed the native: “Hey you, what is your name?”, And he invariably answered with a small stop at the letter “M”, as if he himself could hardly pronounce his name: “M … pepo” .

– Come here. Lead the elephant.

I willingly obeyed the gesture of Mpepo, who invited me to come closer to the fire.

– What shall we call it? BUT? Truant is the right name for him, don’t you think, Cox?

I looked at Cox. He was all gray. In particular, I was struck by his nose, as if it had just been taken out of purple paint. A gray shirt was worn on a gray body, unbuttoned at the chest, with sleeves rolled up above the elbow. Cox spoke in a hoarse and, it seemed to me, also in a blue-gray voice, lisping and burring. That hollow voice seemed to fade, as did his shirt.

“Well then,” he agreed. “Let Truant be.

*

Truent (English) – a tramp, loitering

.

Rags stirred near the fire, and someone’s very weak but thick bass voice was heard from under it:

— What happened?

Are you still alive? And we thought he was already dead,” Bakala said calmly, turning to the rags.

The rags stirred more strongly, and a large hand suddenly appeared from under it. The hand dropped the rag. A large, well-built man got up and sat down, propping himself up on his arms and swaying. His face was very pale. The red beard is tousled. It was evident that the white man – his face was as white as snow – was ill. Dull eyes looked at me. The patient chuckled and said:

– A fourth was added to the three vagabonds. White skin – black soul. Black skin – white soul. One honest and that bakuba! The patient collapsed helplessly.

“Delirium,” Bakala said.

“That’s something offensive,” Cox replied. – Makes riddles. One honest, and that Bakuba. Do you understand what that means? After all, our Mpepo is from the Bakuba tribe. You can verify this by looking into his teeth: according to the custom of the bakuba, his upper incisors are knocked out. It turns out that he alone is honest, and we are crooks.

– including Brown himself. His skin is whiter than ours; so the soul is blacker, for that matter. Brown, are you a crook too?

But Brown did not answer.

– Again without memory.

— So much the better. And it will be even better if he does not come to his senses at all. He is of little use now, and he ties us hand in hand.

– Get better – one of us will cost two.

– That’s not much fun either. Don’t you understand that he’s superfluous?..

Brown mumbled in his delirium, and the conversation fell silent.

— Hey you, what’s your name?

– M … pepo.

Tie the elephant’s feet to a tree so that it doesn’t run away.

“No, the elephant won’t leave,” Mpepo replied, stroking my leg.

The next morning I got a better look at my new owners. Most of all I liked Mpepo. He was always cheerful and smiling, showing white teeth, somewhat disfigured by the absence of two upper incisors. Mpepo apparently loved elephants and looked after me very carefully. He washed my ears, eyes, legs and skin folds. He brought me treats – some delicious fruits and berries that he was looking for for me.

Brown was still ill, and I could not form a more or less complete picture of him. I liked his face and his directness when he spoke to his companions. But I definitely didn’t like Bacala and Cox. Bakala made a particularly strange and unpleasant impression. He wore a dirty, tattered suit of the best material and best cut. This suit could belong to some very rich tourist. And it seemed to me that the suit and the tent went to Bacala by criminal means. Perhaps he killed some noble English traveler and robbed him. A magnificent gun could also belong to this Englishman. On a wide belt, Bakala wore a large revolver and a knife of frightening size. Bacala was either a Portuguese or a Spaniard, a man without a homeland, family and specific occupations.

Gray Cox was an Englishman who did not get along with the laws of his country. All three were poachers: they hunted elephants for ivory, regardless of any laws and borders. Mpepo was their guide and instructor. He, despite his youth, was an excellent expert on elephants and elephant hunting. True, his methods of catching elephants were rude, barbaric. But he didn’t know the others. He applied the methods he had learned from his fathers. And the poachers were deeply indifferent to how to exterminate elephants. They surrounded them with a ring of fires and finished them off half-suffocated from smoke and scorched, caught them in pits with sharp stakes at the bottom, shot, cut the veins on their hind legs, stunned them with a log falling from above, and then finished them off. Mpepo was very helpful to them.

XIII.TRUENT IS FUCKING

Once, when Brown began to recover, but was still too weak to take part in the hunt, Cox and Bacala set off, sitting on my back, several tens of kilometers behind the tusks of an elephant killed the day before. Nobody heard them, and I was only a pack animal, and therefore they spoke frankly among themselves.

– That chocolate monkey – what’s his name? “We will have to dump, by agreement, a fifth of the booty,” Bakala said.

“It will be fat,” Cox replied.

– And the rest will have to be divided into three parts: you, me and Brown. If we assume that a kilogram of bone will give us seventy-five – one hundred marks …

– In no case will they give us so much. You don’t understand anything about this. There is the so-called soft or dead bone and hard or living bone. The first is only called soft, but in fact it is very dense, white and tender. Billiard balls, keys, combs are made from it. This bone is highly valued. But the local elephants do not have such a bone. For soft bone you have to go to East Africa. But there, your hard bones will be made soft before they let you kill even one elephant. And the bone of the local elephants is solid, lively, transparent. From it you can only make some handles for sticks and umbrellas and cheap combs.

— And what happens? Bakala asked gloomily. What have we been doing for nothing?

— Why waste it? Something will remain. If four of us hunt, and only divide the prey in half, then it will not be bad at all …

— Let the elephants trample me to a cake, if I myself did not think about the same.

— One should not think, but do. Brown is not today – tomorrow he will finally get on his feet, and then he will not be able to cope with him. Bullish strength in this red devil. And Mpepo is a spinner like a monkey. They must be destroyed immediately. Better at night. And to be sure, get drunk. We still have some alcohol left. They’ve had enough.

— When?

— We have arrived…

An elephant was lying sideways in a huge pit. The unfortunate man ran his belly on a sharp stake three days ago, but was still alive. Bacala shot him, went down into the hole with Cox and began to cut down the tusks. They worked almost all day. The sun was already sinking towards the west. After tying the tusks to my back with ropes, they set out on their return journey.

The tent was already visible when Cox said, as if continuing the interrupted conversation:

— And there is nothing to postpone. Tonight.

But they were disappointed. To their surprise, they did not find Brown in the camp. Mpepo explained that the “bana” felt so well that he went hunting and might not return for the night. Bakala cursed softly. I had to postpone the murder until another time.

Brown returned only in the morning, when Cox and Bacala were sleeping. He went up to Mpepo and touched him on the shoulder. The native who stood at the clock smiled cheerfully, baring his teeth. Brown waved his hand and led the young man to the elephant, ordering him to sit down. Mpepo made a sign to me with his hand, I knelt down, they climbed on my back, and I drove them along the edge of the forest.

– I want to give them a present. They think I’m sick, but I’m perfectly healthy. Tonight I managed to kill an elephant – a big elephant with magnificent tusks. You will help me cut them off. Bakala and Cox will be surprised.

In the light of the rising sun on the bank of the river, among the thickets of coffee bushes, I saw a huge bloated carcass of an elephant lying on its side.

With the tusks finished, we set off back to our doom. Brown and Mpepo were doomed to a quicker death, and a little later I had to share their fate. However, I could always run away from people. But I did not do this, since I was not in immediate danger, and I wanted, if possible, to save Brown and Mpepo from death. I felt especially sorry for Mpepo, this cheerful young man with the body of Apollo. But how do you warn them? Alas, I did not have the opportunity to tell them about the threatening danger … But what if I refuse to carry them to the camp? I suddenly turned sharply off the road and headed in the direction where the Congo flowed. It seemed to me that they could meet people on the river and Brown would be able to return to cultured countries. But he could not understand my stubbornness and began to hit my neck very painfully with a pointed iron stick. The point pierced my skin. And my skin is very sensitive and prone to suppuration. I remembered how long the wound caused by the bullet of an Englishman who was hunting me from a boat had not healed. I heard Mpepo begging Brown not to stab my neck, but Brown was enraged by my disobedience and stabbed harder and deeper.

Mpepo tried to coax me with the sweetest words in his language. I did not understand the words, but the intonations of the voice are understood equally by all people and animals. Mpepo bent down and kissed my neck. Poor Mpepo! If only he knew what he was asking me for!..

— Kill him, nothing else! Brown said. “If Truent doesn’t want to take him, then he’s not needed for anything else, but to chop off his fangs. Corrupted elephant! A true “true”. He left some owners, now he wants to get away from us. But he won’t succeed. I’m going to put a bullet between his eye and ear now.

I trembled when I heard those words. Brown, the hunter of elephants, will not miss while sitting on an elephant … Die himself or betray them to certain death? I heard Mpepo beg Brown to spare me. But the Englishman was adamant. He was already taking the gun off his shoulder. At the very last moment, I suddenly turned to the camp. Brown laughed.

“You would think that the elephant understands human language and knows what I wanted to do,” he said.

I dutifully walked a few steps, then suddenly grabbed Brown with my trunk, pulled him off my back, threw him to the ground and quickly ran towards the forest together with Mpepo. Brown screamed and cursed. He was not badly hurt, but after the illness he was still weak and could not immediately rise to his feet. I took advantage of this and ran to the forest. “If you can’t save both,” I thought, “then I’ll save at least Mpepo.” But even the native did not want to leave the camp. No wonder he hunted elephants for several months, risking his life. Now he should have been rewarded. I had to hold Mpepo with my proboscis; I did not think of doing this, thinking that he would not dare to jump from the height of my back. But the young man, dexterous as a monkey, acted differently: when I was walking near the forest, he grabbed the branches and jumped onto the bough. I could not reach Mpepo and stood by the tree until I heard the smell of Brown sneaking up behind me. Then, without waiting for Brown to start shooting, I ran into the thicket.

They left. But I didn’t want to leave these people to their fate. And after waiting a little, he went on his way. I walked around and arrived at the camp before them. Cox and Bacala were very surprised to see me without riders, but with good tusks on my back.

– Did elephants or wild animals help us get rid of Brown and Mpepo? said Cox, untying the ropes.

However, their joy was premature. Cursing Brown and Mpepo soon arrived. Brown, seeing me, burst into a new stream of curses and curses. He told his comrades what a trick I had played on them and urged them to finish me off at once. But the prudent Cox was against it and again began to make his calculations. Cox and Bakala assured that they were very happy about the recovery and the return of Brown, and even with a pair of beautiful tusks.

XIV. FOUR CORDS AND IVORY

They went to bed early. Mpepo was not on duty that night and fell asleep like a baby. The tired Brown also fell asleep soundly. Cox stood guard, and Bacala tossed and turned under the covers, but apparently did not sleep. Several times Bacala raised his head, looking inquiringly at Cox, but he shook his head negatively: “too early. ”

The crippled moon appeared from behind the forest, illuminating the clearing with a dull glow. Somewhere in the forest, some animal screamed plaintively, like a baby, having fallen on the teeth of a predator. Brown was not awakened by this sound, which means that he is fast asleep. Cox nodded his head in the affirmative. And Bacala, who had followed Cox’s every gesture, stood up at once and put his hand behind his back, evidently drawing a revolver from his back pocket. I decided that I needed to take action. I did the trick that Indian elephants usually resort to when they want to frighten the enemy: they press the opening of the trunk tightly to the ground and begin to blow hard. It turns out a strange, frightening sound: crackling, gurgling, snoring. This sound could wake the dead. But Brown wasn’t dead.

— Who the hell is playing the trombone here? he said, raising his head and widening his sleepy eyes. Bakala squatted down.

Are you dancing? Brown asked.

— I… damned elephant woke me up! Pshel away!

But I didn’t leave, and after a while, when Brown fell asleep again, I repeated my trick. Cox was already approaching Brown, revolver in hand, when I trumpeted with all my might. Brown jumped up, ran up to me and hit me painfully with the edge of his hand on the tip of the trunk. I quickly rolled up my trunk and walked away.

– I’ll kill you, damn animal! he shouted. “That’s not an elephant, but some kind of devil, Mpepo!” Drive the elephant out of here into the swamp! .. Why do you have a revolver in your hands? Brown suddenly asked, eyeing Cox suspiciously.

– I wanted to shoot Truant once or twice to get him out of the way.

Brown had already fallen to the ground and was beginning to fall asleep. I took a few steps back, continuing to watch the camp.

– Damned elephant! I heard Cox hiss, shaking his fist at me.

“He can smell the beast,” Mpepo replied. The young man wanted to justify my actions, not suspecting how close he was to the truth. Yes, I roared because I could smell the beasts—bipedal, merciless beasts. Quite early in the morning, Cox nodded his head to Bacala. They quickly ran: Cox to the sleeping Brown, Bacala to Mpepo, and both fired at the same time. Mpepo screamed plaintively and piercingly, like the animal that had screamed at the beginning of the night, got up, shook itself, fell down and began to twitch its legs quickly, quickly, but Brown did not make a single sound. Everything happened so quickly that I did not have time to warn the unfortunate …

However, Brown was still alive. He suddenly got up, leaned on the elbow of his right hand and fired at Cox, who was bending over him. He fell like a wreck. Hiding behind his corpse, Brown began shooting at Bakala. Bakala shouted:

– A – a! Red deceiver! He fired once and started running. But, having taken a few steps, Bakala suddenly turned in one place, as happens with people when a bullet hits them in the head, and fell to the ground. Brown took a deep breath and leaned back. The pungent smell of blood hung over the clearing. Everything was silent. Brown just wheezed. I walked up to him and looked into his face. His eyes were already cloudy. But he made another convulsive movement and fired again. The bullet easily scratched the skin at the knee of my right front leg.

XV. SUCCESSFUL MANEUVER

Finally – it was in Matadi – I was lucky. It was evening. The sun was sinking over the tops of the mountains separating the Congo Basin from the ocean. I walked through the forest near the river, indulging in sad reflections. I was already beginning to regret that I had not run with the herd to the pen. Now I wouldn’t be an exile: either all my earthly suffering would end, or I would turn into an honest working elephant. To my right, through the thicket of the coastal forest, in the rays of the setting sun, the river burned with rubies. To the left grew gigantic rubber trees with cuts in the bark. Judging by these incisions, there must be people nearby.

I walked a few hundred meters more and came to cultivated fields of cassava, millet, bananas, pineapples, sugarcane and tobacco. Stepping carefully, I walked along the boundary between the sugar cane and the tobacco field. The boundary led me to a large clearing with a house in the middle. There was no one to be seen near the house, and in the clearing not far from me children were frolicking: a boy and a girl of seven to nine years old, playing serso.

I went out into the clearing, not noticed by them, and suddenly, rising on my hind legs, I squeaked as funny as possible and danced. The children saw me and froze in surprise. And I, rejoicing that they did not cry and did not run away in the first minute, did such funny things that a trained circus elephant probably never dreamed of. The boy was the first to be delighted and began to laugh. The girl clapped her hands. I danced, tumbled, stood on my front legs, then on my hind legs, did kurbets.

The children grew bolder and approached me. Finally, I carefully held out the trunk and invited the boy to sit on it and rock. The boy, after some hesitation, made up his mind and, sitting on the end of the bent trunk, began to swing. Following this, I shook the girl. I confess that I was so glad in the company of these cheerful little white people that I myself became interested in the game and did not notice how a tall, thin man with a yellowish face and sunken eyes approached us, indicating that he had recently suffered an attack of tropical fever. He looked at us with indescribable astonishment and seemed to be speechless. Finally the children saw him.

– Dad! the boy shouted in English. – Look how we have a walk-to-walk!

— Go-go-go?! repeated the father in a hollow voice. He stood with his hands down, and decidedly did not know what to do. And I began to bow kindly to him and even … knelt before him. The Englishman smiled and patted my trunk.

“Victory! Victory!.. — I rejoiced…”

This is where the story of the elephant ends. In essence, this can be the end of his story, since the further fate of Hoity-Toity is not of particular interest. Slon, Wagner and Denisov made a good trip to Switzerland. The elephant, surprising tourists, walked in the vicinity of Vewe, where in the old days Ring liked to visit. Sometimes the elephant bathed in Lake Geneva. Unfortunately, it got cold early that year, and our tourists had to return to Berlin in a special freight car.

Hoity-Toity continues to work in the Bush circus, honestly earning his daily 365-kilogram ration and surprising not only Berliners, but also many foreigners who specially come to Berlin to look at the “brilliant elephant”. Scientists are still arguing about the reasons for this genius. Some say – “focus”, others – “conditioned reflexes”, others – “mass hypnosis”.

The elephant is cared for by Jung, extremely polite and helpful. Jung, deep down, is afraid of Hoity-Toity and suspects that there is some devilry here. Judge for yourself: an elephant reads a newspaper every day, and once pulled out of Jung’s pocket a box with two decks of cards for solitaire – and what? – when Jung accidentally came to the elephant, he found him playing solitaire on the bottom of a large barrel. Jung did not tell anyone about this incident: he does not want to be considered a liar.

Based on the materials of Akim Ivanovich Denisov. I.S. Wagner, after reading this manuscript, wrote:

“It was all. Please do not translate this material into German. The secret of the Ring must be kept, at least for the public.”

How to escape from a bear in the forest: run away, scare away, defend yourself.

March 29, 2022

How to escape from a bear in the forest: run away, scare away, defend yourself.

If a person who does not have the goal of hunting finds himself in the forest, then meeting with a bear will become an unpleasant and very dangerous event for him. In this article, we will analyze how to protect yourself from a bear, how to hide from it, and what to do if it was not possible to avoid a collision with a predator.

Why does the animal attack?

If a bear sees a person in the forest, most likely the forest dweller will try to hide, because he will be frightened. Often attacks occur for no apparent reason. However, there are a number of situations that make bears fight people.

The need for defense and protection. Like any other creature, the owner of the forest feels threatened. He may regard the approach of a person as a danger if there are cubs nearby or he has found food. In this situation, he may scratch you with huge claws or bite you with large teeth. An animal can inflict non-life-threatening wounds, even if it didn’t intend to kill you. To prevent this from happening, you need to know how to escape from a bear in the forest.

Predation. This type of attack is the most dangerous, because it is in this case that the bear is aimed at inflicting mortal wounds on its victim. According to statistics, male black bears attack people most often. This is due to the fact that they have either never met a person, or are not afraid of him and see him as affordable food. Connecting rods are especially dangerous – predators that did not hibernate or were disturbed.

How to avoid danger?

One must be very careful in the forest and pay attention to the little things that indicate the presence of a bear. Here are the tips to follow to prevent an animal encounter.

Leave the bear trail, which consists of two rows of shallow holes.

Move in groups. Make noise, talk loudly, bang spoons on iron mugs, use a bicycle bell.

Avoid thick bushes. A predator can hide in them.

Do not cook near the tent, store food away from the camp. Bears approach by the smell of food.

Do not take smoked meats into the forest, burn garbage and wash dishes thoroughly. An animal should not associate available food with a person.

Take your dogs with you. They can not only scare away an angry predator, but also divert his attention.

If you see cubs, do not play with them. Their mother will see you as a threat.

When fishing, cut the line if you feel the presence of a bear. He will think that you are encroaching on his food.

Remain calm when attempting to leave a dangerous area. Don’t show your fear.

If you meet a curious bear, show him that he sees a person. Raise your hands, speak in a calm voice. Don’t be scared if he gets up on his hind legs. This means that it is not dangerous.

Don’t try to run away. The bear develops a speed of up to 60 km / h and kills the victim in 90% of 100%. The best way to scare a bear away from a camp is with noise. By running, you, on the contrary, awaken instincts in him.

If an attack is imminent, you will have to shoot. Aim for the spine or brain, in extreme cases, the chest.

Attack strategies.

Bears, as a rule, show aggression towards humans only in a state of irritation. There are three ways to attack.

– Persecution. In this case, the predator moves in the same direction as the prey, after which it suddenly attacks the person. There are cases when a bear tracked people on the trail of an all-terrain vehicle.

– Ambush. The predator waits for a prey in a certain place, most often not far from human habitation.

– Open attack. The animal moves very fast, attacking on 4 legs. It moves by jumping. At the same time, the ears are pressed to the head, and the hair stands on end. The bear bares its teeth in a grin and growls.

How to run away from a bear?

If you can’t avoid the encounter, don’t try to run away. These animals run faster than Olympic champions. Don’t be comforted by the fact that you were the best cross-country racer in school. This will not help you to be saved!

Remember the advice given by experienced hunters: “The only people who run away from a bear are those who do not understand that this will only provoke him to attack.” If you want to hide from a predator, then you need to move slowly, without turning your back on him. In this case, you can not make sudden movements.

Continuing the story of how to protect yourself from a bear in the forest, let’s remind you of what else you can’t do. Don’t try to climb the tree. Bears are great climbers, which means the animal is more likely to follow you. As a result, the predator will catch you anyway.

Ways to scare off the owner of the forest.

How can you scare away a bear? The most effective way is noise. You should stick to the route and move mainly on flat areas in order to be able to notice the intruder from afar. In this case, you can scare him with loud conversations and roll calls. To create noise, use a bicycle bell or a spoon with an iron pot.

Why is it so important to make noise in the forest? Bears have an excellent sense of smell and eyesight, but their hearing is not so well developed. Therefore, if you are quiet, an unexpected meeting can provoke an attack. If he hears you in advance, he may even prefer to avoid meeting with a person.

Some people take bicycles to the forest. It’s not the best idea. The fact is that while riding a bike you move faster than walking, but you do not make loud noises. Moreover, there is a chance that you will go along the animal path, and this is guaranteed to lead to a meeting with the owner of the forest. If you decide to ride your bike into the woods, yell and make noise from time to time.

If a meeting is unavoidable.

How to protect yourself from a bear without a weapon? The first thing to understand is that you have a predator in front of you that should not be underestimated. When meeting, you need to behave calmly, but confidently. Show him that you spotted the beast. There is a good chance that the bear will stand up on its hind legs to examine you. If he doesn’t start moving in your direction, try to retreat diagonally.

Remember that an animal is afraid of beings that are larger than it. You can put a backpack next to you. If you went to the forest with a group, climb onto each other’s shoulders and wave various objects, clap your hands. You can join hands, forming a single whole. All this will scare the predator.

How to protect yourself?

If none of the ways to scare away a bear at a meeting did not help, you can pretend to be dead. How? Lie on the ground with your stomach down, cover your head with your hands. Do not move even when the predator starts sniffing you. Wait a while after he leaves, and only then change position. At this point, you can not give any signs of life, because this can provoke an attack. Remember that this method can be used when encountering a brown bear. Black bears, on the contrary, will show curiosity towards you or take you for available prey.

Pepper spray can be used. It is used only when the predator is very, very close to you. Otherwise, on the contrary, it will irritate the animal. It’s the same with weapons: shoot if you’re sure you can kill an aggressive bear. Aim for the head: eyes or nose.

Encounter with a sleeping predator.

The first thing to remember is that a sleeping bear must not be disturbed under any circumstances. Do not try to take a picture of it or take a closer look! If you stumble upon it, immediately leave as far as possible. Try to move very quietly so that the animal does not wake up. How to escape from a bear in the forest if you find him sleeping? Do not touch him, because the awakened predator will be furious, which means that his attack can be fatal for you.

If the bear is eating.

If you are unlucky enough to witness a bear meal, then you need to freeze and show with your whole appearance that you are not interested in his food. Loud talking is what you can scare away a bear in the forest if you caught him at dinner. Remember: by making different sounds, you only buy yourself time to increase the distance between yourself and the predator. Back away slowly, moving diagonally. Don’t make sudden movements. Be as calm as possible.

If there are several bears.

The possibility of encountering a group of predators cannot be ruled out. This can happen in several cases:

– The female is raising her cubs.

-The mother drove away the young animals, but they are still moving in a group.

– The rutting period has begun.

In the latter case, the animals fight to the death, because they are very aggressive. Both females and males are dangerous.

If you come across a group of young bears, then you have a better chance of escaping. Yes, they have not yet seen people and may attack, but there is a chance to scare them away.

Danger will overtake you if you meet a she-bear and her brood in the forest. If the female thinks that the cubs are in danger, she will fight with anyone. Therefore, when you see a bear cub, hurry to retreat – his mother is always nearby.

Meeting with a hunter.

Even if you are an experienced hunter, you need to know how to escape from a bear in the forest, because a meeting with this predator can be deadly. You cannot predict at what point an animal will appear in your field of vision.

If you notice that his figure has flashed nearby, do everything possible so that he does not notice you. If the bear has scented you, try to drive it away. To do this, you need to clap your hands loudly and shoot in the air. Do not aim at the animal, because a wounded predator is dangerous.

What can not be done?

How to escape from a bear in the forest? To do this, you need not only to know how to act in a given situation, but also to have an idea of ​​what cannot be done. It is forbidden to do the following:

– Play with the cubs.

-Climb trees. Brown bears will be able to catch up with you even there.

– Sneak up on a predator. If it seems to you that he does not notice you, you are deeply mistaken. The animal will think that you are attacking it and will start to defend itself.

– Run away. We have already written that bears develop tremendous speed.

– Turn your back. This action will be regarded as a signal to attack.

– Make sudden movements. This will be perceived as aggression, which will lead to a bear attack.

-Look the animal in the eye. The predator will think that this is a challenge, and then the attack is inevitable.

Thus, bears are dangerous animals that can attack a person and even kill him. There are different ways to escape from a bear in the forest, but none of them guarantees safety, because a predator can behave unpredictably. Most attacks occur due to human negligence, so it is very important to be extremely careful in the forest.

“Leader of the Redskins” O. Leader of the Redskins

Two adventurers – the narrator Sam and Bill Driscoll – have already made some money, and now they need a little more to start speculating in land. They decide to kidnap the son of one of the wealthiest residents of a small town in Alabama, Colonel Ebenezer Dorsett. The heroes have no doubt that dad will calmly pay two thousand dollars for his beloved child. Having seized the moment, the friends attack the boy and, although he “fought like a brown bear of medium weight”, they take him away on a wagon to the mountains, where they hide in a cave. However, the boy is delighted with his new position and does not want to go home at all. He declares himself the leader of the Redskins, Bill – the old hunter Hank, a prisoner of the formidable Indian, and Sam receives the nickname Snake Eyes. The child promises to scalp Bill, and, as it turns out, his words do not differ from his deeds. At dawn, Sam is awakened by wild screams. He sees that a boy is sitting on Bill and is trying to scalp him with the knife they used to cut the brisket. Bill has his first doubts that anyone in their right mind would be willing to pay money for the return of such a treasure. However, having gone on reconnaissance, Sam really does not notice signs of anxiety in the Dorsett house.

Meanwhile, the situation in the camp is heating up, and the battered crooks are helpless in front of the antics of their captive, who has perfectly entered the role of the leader of the Redskins. At the insistence of Bill, on whose shoulders the main burden of protecting the captive falls, the ransom is reduced to one and a half thousand. After that, Sam goes with a letter to the nearest mailbox, and Bill remains to guard the child.

Upon his return, Sam learns that Bill could not stand the test and sent the boy home. “I rode all ninety miles to the outpost, not an inch less. And then, when the settlers were rescued, they gave me oats. Sand is an unimportant substitute for oats. And then I had to explain for an hour why there is emptiness in the holes, why the road goes both ways and why the grass is green. Bill admits his guilt to his partner, but assures that if the child had remained, he, Bill, would have to be sent to an insane asylum. But Bill’s happiness is short-lived. Sam asks him to turn around, and behind his back his friend discovers the leader of the redskins. However, the case is drawing to a close. Colonel Dorsett thinks that the kidnappers asked too much. For his part, he makes a counteroffer. For two hundred and fifty dollars he is ready to take his son back. He only asks to bring the child under the cover of darkness, since the neighbors hope that he is missing, and the father does not vouch for what they can do with those who bring him back. Sam is outraged, but Bill begs him to accept Colonel Dorsett’s generous offer (“he’s not only a gentleman, he’s also a spendthrift”).

Exactly at midnight, Sam and Bill betray the boy they brought home by deception to their father. Realizing that he was cheated, he clings to Bill’s leg with a death grip, and his father rips him off, “like a sticky plaster.” When asked how long the colonel can hold the child, Dorsett says that his strength is no longer the same, but in ten minutes he vouches. “In ten minutes,” says Bill, “I’ll cross the Central, Southern, and Midwestern states and make it to the Canadian border.”

Chief of the Redskins

It seemed like a profitable business was turning up. But wait, let me tell you first. We were then with Bill Driscoll in the South, in the state of Alabama. There we had a brilliant idea about the kidnapping. It must have been, as Bill used to say later, “a temporary obscuration of the mind” – only we guessed about it much later.

There is a small town there, flat as a pancake, and, of course, it is called “Peaks”. The most harmless and contented redneck lives in it, which is fit only to dance around the May pole.

Bill and I had a combined capital of six hundred dollars at the time, and we needed exactly two thousand more to carry out a fraudulent land speculation in Western Illinois. We talked about it, sitting on the porch of the hotel. Love for children, we said, is strongly developed in semi-village communities; and therefore, as well as for other reasons, the plan of kidnapping will be easier to carry out here than in the range of the newspapers, which raise a fuss on such cases, sending out correspondents in disguise in all directions. We knew “the town couldn’t send anything worse than constables and some sentimental sleuths and two or three accusatory notes in the Farmer’s Weekly Budget after us.” It sounded pretty good.0005

We chose as our victim the only son of the most prominent of the townspeople, named Ebenezer Dorset.

Papa was a respectable and stingy man, a lover of overdue mortgages, an honest and incorruptible church collector. The son was a boy of about ten, with prominent freckles all over his face and hair about the color of the cover of the magazine you usually buy at a kiosk on your way to the train. Bill and I were counting on Ebenezer to give us two thousand dollars for our son, no less. But wait, let me tell you first.

About two miles from the city there is a low mountain covered with dense cedar forest. There is a cave in the back slope of this mountain. There we put provisions.

One evening, after sunset, we rode in a chariot past old Dorset’s house. The boy was outside throwing stones at a kitten sitting on the fence.

Hey boy! Bill said. – Do you want to get a bag of candy and ride?

The boy hit Bill in the eye with a piece of brick.

It’ll cost the old man an extra five hundred dollars, Bill said as he climbed over the wheel.

This boy fought like a medium-weight brown bear, but in the end we stuffed him into the bottom of the chaise and drove off. We took the boy to the cave, and I tied the horse in a cedar forest. When it got dark, I took the charaban to the village where we hired him, about three miles from us, and from there I walked to the mountain on foot.

I see Bill putting sticky plaster on scratches and abrasions on his face. A fire is burning behind a large rock at the entrance to the cave, and a boy with two hawk feathers in his red hair is watching a boiling coffee pot. I come up, and he aims a stick at me and says:

Ah, damned pale-face, how dare you come to the Redskin Chief’s camp, storm of the plains?

He’s still fine now, says Bill, rolling up his pants to see the abrasions on his shins. – We play Indians. The circus, compared to us, is just views of Palestine in a magic lantern. I am old hunter Hank, a prisoner of the Chief of the Redskins, and will be scalped at dawn. Holy martyrs! And this boy is healthy to kick!

Yes, sir, the boy seemed to be having a lot of fun. He liked living in a cave, he forgot to think that he himself was a prisoner. He immediately christened me Snake-Eye and Spy, and announced that when his brave warriors returned from the campaign, I would be roasted at the stake as soon as the sun rose.

Then we sat down to supper, and the boy stuffed his mouth with bread and brisket and began to chat. He made a dinner speech like this:

I really like it here. I have never lived in a forest; but I had once a pet opossum, and on my last birthday I turned nine years old. I can’t stand going to school. The rats ate sixteen eggs from Jimmy Talbot’s aunt’s pockmarked hen. Are there real Indians here in the forest? I want more gravy. Why does the wind blow? Because the trees sway? We had five puppies. Hank, why is your nose so red? My father’s money is apparently invisible. Are the stars hot? On Saturday I beat Ed Walker twice. I don’t like girls! You can’t really catch a toad, except with a string. Bulls roar or not? Why are oranges round? Do you have beds in the cave? Amos Murray – six-fingered. The parrot can talk, but the monkey and the fish can’t. A dozen is how much?

Every five minutes the boy remembered that he was red-skinned, and, seizing a stick, which he called a gun, he crept on tiptoe to the entrance to the cave to hunt down the scouts of the hated pale-faced. From time to time he let out a war cry that made the old hunter Hank shudder, Bill was intimidated by this boy from the very beginning.

Leader of the Redskins, I tell him, don’t you want to go home?

Well, what did I not see there? he says. – There is nothing interesting at home. I don’t like to go to school. I like living in the forest. You won’t take me home. Snake Eye?

Not going yet, I say. – We’ll live here in a cave.

Okay, he says. – That’s great! I’ve never had so much fun in my life.

We went to bed at eleven o’clock. They spread woolen and quilted blankets on the ground, laid the Leader of the Redskins in the middle, and themselves lay down on the edge. That he would run away, we were not afraid. For three hours, not letting us sleep, he kept jumping up and grabbing his gun; at every crack of a twig and rustle of leaves, it seemed to his young imagination that a gang of robbers was creeping up to the cave, and he squealed in my ear, then Bill: “Hush, mate!” In the end, I fell into an uneasy sleep and dreamed that I was kidnapped and chained to a tree by a ferocious red-haired pirate.

LEADER OF THE RED SKINS

He had an amazing gift for imagination. O. Henry once wrote to his little daughter:

“Do you remember me? I am Murzilka and my name is Aldibirontifostifornikofokos. If you see a star in the sky and before it sets, you manage to repeat my name seventeen times, you will find a diamond ring in the first footprint of a blue cow. A cow will walk in the snow – after a blizzard – and crimson roses will bloom all around on tomato bushes. Well, goodbye, it’s time for me to leave. I ride a grasshopper.”

The blue cow and crimson roses on the tomato bushes were fantastic, but perhaps the most implausible was the simple phrase: “I have to leave.” Because O. Henry wrote this letter while sitting in a hard labor prison. Several years of life spent in the striped clothes of a prisoner were the reason why O. Henry, becoming a famous writer, carefully concealed his past. The short pseudonym he had chosen seemed not much less mysterious than Murzilka’s name of twenty-eight letters.

Only after the death of Oh Henry were some details of his biography revealed. O. Henry’s real name was William Porter. He was born in a remote American town, in a poor family of a doctor who was fond of the fruitless invention of some fantastic machines. The dream of distant travels and wonderful adventures took possession of William early on. At the age of ten, he ran away from home determined to devote himself to whaling. He was returned. And soon William was forced to go to the people in order to get his own bread by ordinary craft.

The time has come for a hard struggle for life. Like his contemporary Jack London, Porter tried many professions. First he worked as an assistant in a pharmacy, later – a cowboy on a farm, served as a clerk, draftsman, actor, newspaperman, bank teller. The last position for Porter was fatal. The bank found embezzlement; Porter was blamed for it without any reason. He fled to South America, led a wandering life for a long time, visited Argentina and Peru, Honduras and Mexico, but, having learned about the illness of his wife, he returned to his homeland. He was sentenced to a hard labor prison – to five years of unbearable deprivation and immense humiliation. “Consumption and suicide are as common here as a runny nose and a picnic in the wild,” Porter wrote from prison. Here, on scraps of wrapping paper, he wrote his first story. It was not published, but the forty-year-old Porter came out of prison, firmly knowing that his only calling was literature.

During the remaining ten years of his life, O. Henry wrote three hundred novellas – short and fascinating stories. In each of these stories, he put grains of various knowledge accumulated over the years of his difficult and unusual life. A writer who knew how to roll pills and throw a lasso, make up a newspaper and shoot while sitting in the saddle; and prisons, – he introduced new heroes into literature and spoke about them in a new language – concise, expressive, sharp and mocking.

“All life belongs to me. I draw from it what I want, and I transform it as best I can,” O. Henry wrote in one of his books. And he did it with the art that won him, a wanderer, a man of casual professions, the place of America’s first novelist.

A. Roskin

LEADER OF THE RED SKINS

It looked like a good deal… But wait, let me tell you.

We were down south in Alabama when this very idea of ​​child stealing hit our heads. It happened, as Bill Driscoll always put it afterwards, in a moment of temporary clouding of our brains. But this was only discovered later.

So, there was this town – flat as a pancake, and, of course, called only Sammit.

Bill and I both had about six hundred dollars together, and we needed exactly another two thousand to start one scam with city lots in Western Illinois. We brainstormed this business, sitting on the porch of the hotel. Love for your young, we reasoned, must be especially strong in such half-towns, half-villages. Why, and for other reasons as well, is the project of kidnapping a cub here a thousand times more reasonable than within the reach of the newspapers, which immediately dispatch reporters in civilian clothes to the scene. And Sammit, we knew, couldn’t send us anything more terrible than a couple of constables and maybe a few more lousy bloodhounds and a couple of abusive articles in the Farmer’s Weekly. In other words, everything seemed to be going well.

We have targeted the only child of an eminent citizen, one Ebenezer Dorset, as a victim. Papenka was the most respected usurer and spider in the city, and the most principled opponent of all collections and donations.

The boy was ten years old. His face was bas-relief of freckles, and his hair was the color of the cover of that magazine you buy on the go from the kiosk at the station when you run to jump on the train. Bill and I decided that Ebenezer would go all out and pay two thousand dollars for his son to the last penny. But wait – let me tell you to the end.

About two miles from the town there was a mountain overgrown with thick cedar thickets. On the other side of this mountain was a cave. In this cave, we prepared a supply of provisions.

One fine evening we drove up in a cabriolet to Ebenezer Dorset’s house. The boy hung out in the street and threw stones at a cat sitting on the opposite fence.

Hey baby! Bill said. “Do you want to ride properly and get a bag of candies in addition?”

The boy nearly hit Bill in the eye with a broken brick.

It will cost the old man another five hundred dollars, Bill said and got out of the convertible.

The boy was floundering like a teddy bear. Somehow we managed to shove it into the bottom of the convertible and off we went. We took him to a cave, and the horse was tied up in a cedar thicket.

I returned the convertible to the next village, three miles away, where we had hired it, and walked back.

It was as if a profitable business was turning up. But wait, let me tell you first. We were then with Bill Driscoll in the South, in the state of Alabama. There we had a brilliant idea about the kidnapping. It must have been, as Bill used to say later, “I found a temporary clouding of the mind,” only we guessed about it much later.

There is a town there, flat as a pancake, and, of course, it is called Peaks. The most harmless and contented redneck lives in it, which is fit only to dance around the May pole.

Bill and I had a combined capital of six hundred dollars at the time, and we needed exactly two thousand more to carry out a fraudulent land speculation in Western Illinois. We talked about it, sitting on the porch of the hotel. The love of children, we said, is strongly developed in semi-village communities, and therefore, as well as for other reasons, it will be easier to carry out a kidnapping plan here than in the radius of the newspapers, which raise a fuss on such cases, sending out correspondents in disguise in all directions. We knew the town couldn’t send anything worse than constables and some sentimental sleuths or two or three accusatory notes in the Farmer’s Weekly Budget after us. As if it didn’t work out well.

We chose as our victim the only son of the most prominent of the townspeople, named Ebenezer Dorset. Papa was a respectable and stingy man, a lover of bad mortgages, an honest and incorruptible church collector. The son was a boy of about ten, with prominent freckles all over his face and hair about the color of the cover of the magazine you usually buy at a kiosk on your way to the train. Bill and I were counting on Ebenezer to give us two thousand dollars for our son, no less. But wait, let me tell you first.

About two miles from the city there is a low mountain covered with dense cedar forest. There is a cave in the back slope of this mountain. There we put provisions.

One evening, after sunset, we rode in a chariot past old Dorset’s house. The boy was outside throwing stones at a kitten sitting on the fence.

– Hey boy! Bill says. “Do you want to get a bag of lollipops and go for a ride?”

The boy hit Bill in the eye with a piece of brick.

“It’s going to cost the old man an extra five hundred dollars,” Bill said as he climbed over the wheel.

This boy fought like a medium-weight brown bear, but in the end we stuffed him into the bottom of the chaise and drove off. We took the boy to the cave, and I tied the horse in a cedar forest. When it got dark, I took the charaban to the village where we hired him, about three miles from us, and from there I walked to the mountain on foot. I see Bill putting sticky plaster on the scratches and abrasions on his face. A fire is burning behind a large rock at the entrance to the cave, and a boy with two hawk feathers in his red hair is watching a boiling coffee pot. I come up, and he aims a stick at me and says:

“Ah, damned pale-face, how dare you come to the Redskin Chief’s camp, storm of the plains?

“He’s fine now,” Bill says, rolling up his pants to show the abrasions on his shins. We are playing Indians.

Compared to us, the circus is just views of Palestine in a magic lantern. I am old hunter Hank, a prisoner of the Chief of the Redskins, and will be scalped at dawn. Holy martyrs! And this boy is healthy to kick!

Yes, sir, the boy seemed to be having a lot of fun. He liked living in a cave, he forgot to think that he himself was a prisoner. He immediately christened me Snake-Eye and Spy, and announced that when his brave warriors returned from the campaign, I would be roasted at the stake as soon as the sun rose.

Then we sat down to supper, and the boy stuffed his mouth with bread and brisket and began to chat. He made a dinner speech like this:

– I really like it here. I’ve never lived in the woods before, but I’ve had a pet opossum once, and on my last birthday I was nine years old. I can’t stand going to school. The rats collected sixteen eggs from Jimmy Talbot’s aunt’s pockmarked hen. Are there real Indians here in the forest? I want more gravy. Why does the wind blow? Because the trees sway? We had five puppies. Hank, why is your nose so red? My father’s money seems to be invisible. Are the stars hot? On Saturday I beat Ed Walker twice. I don’t like girls! You can’t really catch a toad, except with a string. Bulls roar or not? Why are oranges round? Do you have beds in the cave? Amos Murray – six-fingered. The parrot can talk, but the monkey and the fish can’t. A dozen is how much?

Every five minutes the boy remembered that he was red-skinned, and, seizing a stick, which he called a gun, he crept on tiptoe to the entrance to the cave to hunt down the scouts of the hated pale-faced. From time to time he let out a war cry that made the old hunter Henk shudder. Bill was intimidated by this boy from the very beginning.

“Leader of the Redskins,” I tell him, “don’t you want to go home?”

– Well, why didn’t I see them there? he says. “There is nothing interesting at home. I don’t like to go to school. I like living in the forest. You won’t take me home, Snake Eyes, will you?

“Not going yet,” I say. “We will live here in a cave.

“Okay,” he says. – That’s great! I’ve never had so much fun in my life.

We went to bed at eleven o’clock. They spread woolen and quilted blankets on the ground, laid the Leader of the Redskins in the middle, and themselves lay down on the edge. That he would run away, we were not afraid. For three hours, keeping us awake, he jumped up and grabbed his gun: at every crack of a twig and rustle of leaves, it seemed to his young imagination that a gang of robbers was creeping up to the cave, and he squealed in my ear, then Bill: “Hush, buddy !” In the end, I fell into an uneasy sleep and dreamed that I was kidnapped and chained to a tree by a ferocious red-haired pirate.

At dawn I was awakened by Bill’s terrible screeching. Not screams, or screams, or howls, or roars, as one would expect from the vocal cords of a man – no, downright obscene, terrifying, humiliating squealing, which women squeal when they see a ghost or a caterpillar. It is terrible to hear a fat, strong man of desperate courage squeal incessantly in a cave at the dawn of the morning.

I jumped out of bed to see what was being done. The Chief of the Redskins sat on Bill’s chest, one hand clutching at his hair. In his other hand he held a sharp knife, with which we used to cut the bacon, and in the most businesslike and unambiguous way he tried to scalp Bill, fulfilling the sentence that had been passed on him last night.

I took the knife from the boy and put him to bed again. But from that very moment, Bill’s spirit was broken. He lay down on his side of the bed, but never closed his eyes again in all the time the boy was with us. I was about to doze off for a short time, but by sunrise I suddenly remembered that the Leader of the Redskins had promised to burn me at the stake as soon as the sun rose. Not that I was nervous or afraid, but still I sat down, lit a pipe and leaned against a rock.

– Why are you up so early, Sam? Bill asked me.

– Me? I say. “Something hurts my shoulder. I think maybe it will be easier if you sit a little.

“You’re lying,” Bill says. – You are afraid. He wanted to burn you at dawn, and you are afraid that he will do so. And I would burn it if I found matches. It’s just awful, Sam. Do you really think that someone will pay money to bring such a little devil home?

“I think,” I say. “These are the kind of hooligans that parents adore. Now you and the Chief of the Redskins get up and make breakfast, and I’ll go up the mountain and do some reconnaissance.

I climbed to the top of a small mountain and looked around. In the direction of the city, I expected to see burly farmers, with scythes and pitchforks, prowling in search of vile kidnappers. Instead, I saw a peaceful landscape, and it was enlivened by a single person who plowed on a gray mule. No one wandered with hooks along the river; the horsemen did not gallop back and forth and inform their disconsolate parents that nothing was yet known. The sleepy stillness of the forests emanated from that part of Alabama that stretched before my eyes.

“Perhaps,” I said to myself, “it has not yet been discovered that the wolves have taken the lamb out of the pen. God help the wolves! And I went down the mountain to have breakfast.

I come closer to the cave and see that Bill is standing against the wall, barely breathing, and the boy is going to fuck him with a stone almost the size of a coconut.

“He shoved a hot potato down my collar,” Bill explained, “and crushed it with his foot, and I kicked his ears. Shotgun with you, Sam?

I took the stone away from the boy and somehow settled this misunderstanding.

– I’ll show you! the boy says to Bill. “No man has yet hit the Chief of the Redskins without paying the price. So – beware!

After breakfast, the boy takes a piece of leather wrapped with twine out of his pocket and walks out of the cave, unwinding the twine as he goes.

– What is he up to now? Bill asks anxiously. “Do you think, Sam, he won’t run home?”

“Don’t be afraid,” I say. “He doesn’t seem to be such a homebody at all. However, we need to come up with some plan for a ransom. There doesn’t seem to be much concern in the city about his disappearance, or maybe they haven’t gotten wind of the kidnapping yet. His family might think that he stayed overnight with Aunt Jane or one of the neighbors. In any case, today it should be missed. By evening we will send a letter to his father demanding a ransom of two thousand dollars.

And then we heard something like a war cry, which David must have emitted when he knocked out the champion Goliath. It turns out that the Leader of the Redskins pulled out a sling from his pocket and now twisted it over his head.

I dodged and heard a dull heavy thud and something like a horse’s sigh when the saddle is removed from it. A black stone the size of an egg hit Bill on the head just behind his left ear. He immediately went limp and fell headlong into the fire, right on a pot of boiling water for washing dishes. I pulled it out of the fire and poured cold water on it for half an hour.

Little by little Bill came to his senses, sat down, felt behind his ear and said:

– Sam, do you know who my favorite character in the Bible is?

“Wait a minute,” I say. “Slowly, you will come to your senses.

“King Herod,” he says. “You won’t leave, Sam, won’t you leave me alone?”

I came out of the cave, caught the boy and started shaking him so that the freckles clattered against each other.

“If you don’t behave properly,” I say, “I’ll send you home this minute. Well, will you obey or not?

“I was only joking,” he said pouting. “I didn’t mean to offend old Hank. Why did he hit me? I will obey, Snake Eyes, but don’t send me home and let me play scouts today.

“I don’t know this game,” I said. “That’s for you to decide with Mr. Bill. Today he will play with you. I’m leaving for a short time on business. Now go make peace with him and ask for forgiveness for hurting him, otherwise you will go home at once.

I made them shake hands, then took Bill aside and told him I was going to Poplar Cove, three miles from the cave, and try to find out how the kidnapping was viewed in town. Besides, I think it would be better to send a threatening letter to old Dorset the same day, demanding a ransom and directing how it should be paid.

“You know, Sam,” Bill says, “I was always ready for you through fire and water, didn’t bat an eye during earthquakes, poker games, dynamite explosions, police raids, train attacks and cyclones. I never feared anything until we stole that bipedal rocket. He finished me off. You’re not leaving me with him for long, are you, Sam?

“I’ll be back by tonight, something like that,” I say. “Your job is to keep the child busy and calm until I return. And now you and I are going to write a letter to old Dorset.

Bill and I took paper and pencil and began to compose a letter, while the Chief of the Redskins, meanwhile, paced back and forth, wrapped in a blanket and guarding the entrance to the cave. Bill tearfully asked me to set a ransom of one and a half thousand dollars instead of two.

– I am not at all trying to humiliate the morally famous parental love, but we are dealing with people, and what kind of person would find the strength to pay two thousand dollars for this freckled wild cat! I agree to take a risk – let it be one and a half thousand dollars. You can credit me with the difference.

To console Bill, I agreed, and together we concocted this letter:

“To Ebenezer Dorset, Esq.

We hid your boy in a safe place far from the city. Not only you, but even the most dexterous detectives will look for him in vain. The final, only conditions on which you can get it back are as follows: we demand fifteen hundred dollars for its return; money must be left today at midnight in the same place and in the same box as your answer – where exactly will be said below. If you agree to these terms, send your answer in writing to one person by half past eight. Beyond the ford across Owl Creek, on the road to Poplar Grove, there are three large trees, one hundred yards apart, near the hedge that goes past the wheat field, on the right hand side. Beneath this fence post, opposite the third tree, your messenger will find a small cardboard box.

He must put the answer in this box and immediately return to the city.

If you try to betray us or fail to comply with our demands, as stated, you will never see your son again.

If you pay the money as instructed, it will be returned to you safe and sound within three hours. These terms are final and if you do not agree to them, all further communications will be terminated.

Two villains.”

I wrote down the address of Dorset and put the letter in my pocket. When I was about to leave, the boy comes up to me and says:

– Snake Eyes, you said that I can play scout while you are away.

“Play, of course,” I say. – Here Mr. Bill will play with you. And what kind of game is this?

“I am a scout,” says the Chief of the Redskins, “and I must ride to the outpost, warn the settlers that the Indians are coming. I’m tired of being an Indian myself. I want to be a scout.

“Well, okay,” I say. “I don’t think it will do any harm. Mr. Bill will help you repel the attack of the ferocious savages.

– What should I do? Bill asks, eyeing the boy suspiciously.

“You will be a horse,” the scout says. – Get on all fours. And then how can I get to the outpost without a horse?

“You’d better keep him busy,” I said, “until our plan is set in motion. Cut yourself a little.

Bill gets on all fours and his eyes look like a rabbit caught in a trap.

– Is it far to the outpost, kid? he asks in a rather hoarse voice.

“Ninety miles,” replies the scout. “And you’ll have to hurry to get there on time.” Well, go!

Scout jumps on Bill’s back and digs his heels into his sides.

“For God’s sake,” says Bill, “come back, Sam, as soon as you can!” It is a pity that we appointed such a ransom, we should not have more than a thousand. Listen, stop kicking me, or I’ll jump up and hit you hard!

I went to Poplar Cove, looked at the post office and the shop, sat there, talked to the farmers who came to buy. One bearded man heard that the whole town was alarmed because Ebenezer Dorset’s boy was missing or stolen. This is what I needed to know. I bought some tobacco, inquired in passing how much the peas were today, slipped the letter into the drawer imperceptibly, and left. The postmaster told me that in an hour a postman would drive by and pick up the city mail.

When I returned to the cave, neither Bill nor the boy was anywhere to be seen. I made reconnaissance in the vicinity of the cave, I dared to backfire twice, but no one answered me. I lit my pipe and sat down on a mossy tussock to await further developments.

About half an hour later there was a rustle in the bushes and Bill rolled out into the clearing in front of the cave. Behind him crept the boy, stepping noiselessly, like a scout, and grinning from the full breadth of his face. Bill stopped, took off his hat, and wiped his face with a red handkerchief. The boy stopped about eight feet behind him.

“Sam,” Bill says, “you might think I was a traitor, but I just couldn’t stand it. I am an adult, capable of self-defense, and my habits are courageous, but there are times when everything goes to dust – both conceit and self-control. The boy is gone. I sent him home. Its end. There were martyrs in the old days who were more ready to accept death than to give up their beloved profession. But none of them were subjected to such supernatural torture as I was. I wanted to remain true to our predatory charter, but I did not have enough strength.

– What’s wrong, Bill? I ask.

“I rode the whole ninety miles to the outpost, not an inch less,” Bill replies. “Then, when the settlers were rescued, they gave me oats. Sand is an unimportant substitute for oats. And then I had to explain for an hour why there was nothing in the holes, why the road went in both directions and why the grass was green. I tell you, Sam, there is a limit to human patience. I grab the boy by the collar and drag him down the mountain. On the way, he kicks me, all my legs from the knees down are bruised, I have to burn two or three bites in my arm and thumb. But he left, – Bill continues, – went home. I showed him the way to the city and even kicked him eight feet forward. It’s a pity that we lose the ransom, well, but it’s either this or I’m going to a madhouse.

Bill huffs and puffs, but his bright pink face expresses inexplicable peace and complete satisfaction.

“Bill,” I say, “you don’t have heart disease in your family, do you?”

“No,” says Bill, “nothing chronic, except malaria and accidents. And what?

“Then you can turn around,” I say, “and see what is behind you.

Bill turns around, sees the boy, turns pale at once, flops down on the ground and starts senselessly grabbing grass and small wood chips. For a whole hour I feared for his sanity. After that I told him that I thought we should finish this business immediately and that we could get a ransom and leave before midnight if old Dorset agreed to our proposal. So Bill cheered up a little, so much so that he forced a smile at the boy and promised him to portray the Russians in the war with the Japanese, as soon as he felt a little better.

I figured out how to get a ransom without any risk of being captured by the other side, and my plan would be approved by any professional kidnapper. The tree, under which the answer, and then the money, was to be placed, stood by the road itself; there was a fence along the road, and behind it on both sides were large bare fields. If a gang of constables lay in wait for the one who came for the letter, he would be seen from afar on the road or in the middle of the field. So no, doves! At half past eight I was already sitting on this tree, hiding as well as a tree frog, and waiting for the messenger to appear.

Exactly at the appointed time, a teenage boy rides up on a bicycle, finds a cardboard box under a pole, puts a folded piece of paper in it and rolls back to the city.

I waited another hour until I was sure that there was no catch. He climbed down from the tree, took out a note from the box, crept along the hedge to the very forest and in half an hour was already in the cave. There I opened the note, sat down near the lantern, and read it to Bill. It was written in ink, very illegible, and the essence of it was this:

“Two villains.

Gentlemen, I received your letter in the mail today regarding the ransom you are asking for the return of my son. I think that you are asking too much, and therefore I am making you a counteroffer from my side and I believe that you will accept it. You bring Johnny home and pay me two hundred and fifty dollars in cash, and I agree to take him out of your hands. Better come at night or the neighbors think he’s missing and I’m not responsible for what they do to the man who brings Johnny home.

With perfect respect

Ebenezer Dorset.

– Great pirates! I say. – Why, such impudence …

But then I looked at Bill and fell silent. In his eyes I noticed an expression of pleading that I had never seen before in either dumb or talking animals.

“Sam,” he says, “what is two hundred and fifty dollars, after all? We have money. One more night with this boy and I’ll have to be taken to a lunatic asylum. In addition to being a real gentleman, Mr. Dorset, I think, is also a spendthrift when he makes us such a generous offer. After all, you are not going to miss such an opportunity, are you?

“To tell you the truth, Bill,” I say, “this treasure is something and it gets on my nerves!” We’ll take him home, pay the ransom, and run somewhere far away.

The same night we took the boy home. We persuaded him: we told him that his father bought him a rifle with a silver notch and moccasins, and that tomorrow we would go hunting for a bear.

It was exactly twelve o’clock in the morning when we knocked on Ebenezer’s front door. Just at the very moment when I was to extract fifteen hundred dollars from the box under the tree, Bill was counting out two hundred and fifty dollars into Dorset’s hand.

Here is an introduction to the book.
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pages: 1
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It was as if a profitable business was turning up. But wait, let me tell you first. We were then with Bill Driscoll in the South, in the state of Alabama. There we had a brilliant idea about the kidnapping. It must have been, as Bill used to say later, “I found a temporary clouding of the mind,” only we guessed about it much later.

There is a town there, flat as a pancake, and, of course, it is called Peaks. The most harmless and contented redneck lives in it, which is fit only to dance around the May pole.

Bill and I had six hundred dollars of combined capital at the time, and we needed exactly two thousand more to carry out fraudulent land speculation in Western Illinois. We talked about it, sitting on the porch of the hotel. The love of children, we said, is strongly developed in semi-village communities, and therefore, as well as for other reasons, it will be easier to carry out a kidnapping plan here than in the radius of the newspapers, which raise a fuss on such cases, sending out correspondents in disguise in all directions. We knew the town couldn’t send anything worse than constables and some sentimental sleuths or two or three accusatory notes in the Farmer’s Weekly Budget after us. As if it didn’t work out well.

We chose as our victim the only son of the most prominent of the townspeople, named Ebenezer Dorset. Papa was a respectable and stingy man, a lover of bad mortgages, an honest and incorruptible church collector. The son was a boy of about ten, with prominent freckles all over his face and hair about the color of the cover of the magazine you usually buy at a kiosk on your way to the train. Bill and I were counting on Ebenezer to give us two thousand dollars for our son, no less. But wait, let me tell you first.

About two miles from the city there is a low mountain covered with dense cedar forest. There is a cave in the back slope of this mountain. There we put provisions.

One evening, after sunset, we rode in a chariot past old Dorset’s house. The boy was outside throwing stones at a kitten sitting on the fence.

Hey boy! Bill says. – Do you want to get a bag of candy and ride?

The boy hit Bill in the eye with a piece of brick.

It will cost the old man an extra five hundred dollars, said Bill, climbing over the wheel.

This boy fought like a medium-weight brown bear, but in the end we stuffed him into the bottom of the chaise and drove off. We took the boy to the cave, and I tied the horse in a cedar forest. When it got dark, I took the charaban to the village where we hired him, about three miles from us, and from there I walked to the mountain on foot. I see Bill putting sticky plaster on the scratches and abrasions on his face. Behind the large rock at the entrance to the cave, a fire is burning, and a boy with two hawk feathers in his red hair is watching a boiling coffee pot. I come up, and he aims a stick at me and says:

Ah, damned pale-face, how dare you come to the Redskin Chief’s camp, storm of the plains?

He’s still fine now, says Bill, rolling up his pants to see the abrasions on his shins. – We play Indians. The circus, compared to us, is just views of Palestine in a magic lantern. I am old hunter Hank, a prisoner of the Chief of the Redskins, and will be scalped at dawn. Holy martyrs! And this boy is healthy to kick!

Yes, sir, the boy seemed to be having a lot of fun. He liked living in a cave, he forgot to think that he himself was a prisoner. He immediately dubbed me Snake-Eye and Spy, and announced that when his brave warriors returned from the campaign, I would be roasted at the stake as soon as the sun rose.

Then we sat down to supper, and the boy stuffed his mouth with bread and brisket and began to chat. He made a dinner speech like this:

I really like it here. I’ve never lived in the woods before, but I’ve had a pet opossum once, and on my last birthday I was nine years old. I can’t stand going to school. The rats collected sixteen eggs from Jimmy Talbot’s aunt’s pockmarked hen. Are there real Indians here in the forest? I want more gravy. Why does the wind blow? Because the trees sway? We had five puppies. Hank, why is your nose so red? My father’s money seems to be invisible. Are the stars hot? On Saturday I beat Ed Walker twice. I don’t like girls! You can’t really catch a toad, except with a string. Bulls roar or not? Why are oranges round? Do you have beds in the cave? Amos Murray – six-fingered. The parrot can talk, but the monkey and the fish can’t. A dozen is how much?

Every five minutes the boy remembered that he was red-skinned, and, grabbing a stick, which he called a gun, he crept on tiptoe to the entrance to the cave to hunt down the hated white-faced scouts. From time to time he let out a war cry that made the old hunter Henk shudder. Bill was intimidated by this boy from the very beginning.

Leader of the Redskins, I tell him, don’t you want to go home?

Well, what did I not see there? he says. – There is nothing interesting at home. I don’t like to go to school. I like living in the forest. You won’t take me home, Snake Eyes, will you?

Not going yet, I say. – We’ll live here in a cave.

Okay, he says. – That’s great! I’ve never had so much fun in my life.

We went to bed at eleven o’clock. They spread woolen and quilted blankets on the ground, laid the Leader of the Redskins in the middle, and themselves lay down on the edge. That he would run away, we were not afraid. For about three hours, not letting us sleep, he kept jumping up, grabbing his gun: at every crack of a twig and rustle of leaves, it seemed to his young imagination that a gang of robbers was creeping up to the cave, and he squealed in my ear, then Bill: “Hush, buddy !” In the end, I fell into an uneasy sleep and dreamed that I was kidnapped and chained to a tree by a ferocious red-haired pirate.

At dawn I was awakened by Bill’s terrible screeching. Not screams, or screams, or wails, or roars, as one would expect from the vocal cords of a man – no, downright obscene, terrifying, humiliating squealing, which women squeal when they see a ghost or a caterpillar. It is terrible to hear a fat, strong man of desperate courage squeal incessantly in a cave at the dawn of the morning.

I jumped out of bed to see what was being done. The Chief of the Redskins sat on Bill’s chest, one hand clutching at his hair. In his other hand he held a sharp knife, with which we used to cut the bacon, and in the most businesslike and unambiguous way he tried to scalp Bill, fulfilling the sentence that had been passed on him last night.

I took the knife from the boy and put him to bed again. But from that very moment, Bill’s spirit was broken. He lay down on his side of the bed, but never closed his eyes again in all the time the boy was with us. I was about to doze off for a short time, but by sunrise I suddenly remembered that the Leader of the Redskins had promised to burn me at the stake as soon as the sun rose. Not that I was nervous or afraid, but still I sat down, lit a pipe and leaned against a rock.

Why are you up so early, Sam? Bill asked me.

Me? – I say. – Something hurts my shoulder. I think maybe it will be easier if you sit a little.

You’re lying, says Bill. – You are afraid. He wanted to burn you at dawn, and you are afraid that he will do so. And I would burn it if I found matches. It’s just awful, Sam. Do you really think that someone will pay money to bring such a little devil home?

I think, I say. – It’s just such hooligans that parents adore. Now you and the Chief of the Redskins get up and make breakfast, and I’ll go up the mountain and do some reconnaissance.

I climbed to the top of a small mountain and looked around. In the direction of the city, I expected to see burly farmers, with scythes and pitchforks, prowling in search of vile kidnappers. Instead, I saw a peaceful landscape, and it was enlivened by a single person who plowed on a gray mule. No one wandered with hooks along the river; the horsemen did not gallop back and forth and inform their disconsolate parents that nothing was yet known. The sleepy stillness of the forests emanated from that part of Alabama that stretched before my eyes.

Perhaps, I said to myself, the wolves have not yet discovered that the lamb has been taken from the pen. God help the wolves! – And I went down the mountain to have breakfast.

I come closer to the cave and see that Bill is standing against the wall, barely breathing, and the boy is going to fuck him with a stone almost the size of a coconut.

He put a piping hot potato down my collar, Bill explained, and crushed it with his foot, and I kicked his ears. Shotgun with you, Sam?

I took the stone away from the boy and somehow settled this misunderstanding.

I’ll show you! the boy says to Bill. “No man has yet hit the Chief of the Redskins without paying for it. So – beware!

After breakfast, the boy takes a piece of leather wrapped with twine out of his pocket and walks out of the cave, unwinding the twine as he goes.

What is he up to now? Bill asks anxiously. – Do you think, Sam, he will not run home?

Don’t be afraid, I say. He doesn’t seem to be such a homebody at all. However, we need to come up with some plan for a ransom. There doesn’t seem to be much concern in the city that he’s missing, or maybe they haven’t sniffed out about the kidnapping yet. His family might think that he stayed overnight with Aunt Jane or one of the neighbors. In any case, today it should be missed. By evening we will send a letter to his father demanding a ransom of two thousand dollars.

And then we heard something like a war cry, which David must have emitted when he knocked out the champion Goliath. It turns out that the Leader of the Redskins pulled out a sling from his pocket and now twisted it over his head.

I dodged and heard a dull heavy thud and something like a horse’s sigh when the saddle is removed from it. A black stone the size of an egg hit Bill on the head just behind his left ear. He immediately went limp and fell headlong into the fire, right on a pot of boiling water for washing dishes. I pulled it out of the fire and poured cold water on it for half an hour.

Little by little Bill came to his senses, sat down, felt behind his ear and said:

Sam, do you know who my favorite character in the Bible is?

Just wait, I say. – Little by little you will come to your senses.

King Herod, he says. – You won’t leave, Sam, won’t you leave me alone?

I came out of the cave, caught the boy and started shaking him so that the freckles clattered against each other.

If you don’t behave properly, I say, I’ll send you home this minute. Well, will you obey or not?

I was only joking, he said pouting. – I didn’t mean to offend old Hank. Why did he hit me? I will obey, Snake Eyes, but don’t send me home and let me play scouts today.

I don’t know this game, I said. – It’s up to you to decide with Mr. Bill. Today he will play with you. I’m leaving for a short time on business. Now go make peace with him and ask for forgiveness for hurting him, otherwise you will go home at once.

I got them to shake hands, then took Bill aside and told him I was going to the village of Poplar Cove, three miles from the cave, and try to find out how the kidnapping was viewed in the city. Besides, I think it would be better to send a threatening letter to old Dorset the same day, demanding a ransom and directing how it should be paid.

You know, Sam, says Bill, I’ve always been ready for you through fire and water, didn’t bat an eye during earthquakes, poker games, dynamite explosions, police raids, train attacks and cyclones. I never feared anything until we stole that bipedal rocket. He finished me off. You’re not leaving me with him for long, are you, Sam?

I’ll be back in the evening, something like that, I say. – Your business is to occupy and calm the child until I return. And now you and I are going to write a letter to old Dorset.

Bill and I took paper and pencil and began to compose a letter, while the Chief of the Redskins, meanwhile, paced back and forth, wrapped in a blanket and guarding the entrance to the cave. Bill tearfully asked me to set a ransom of one and a half thousand dollars instead of two.

I am not at all trying to humiliate the morally famous parental love, but we are dealing with people, and what kind of person would find the strength to pay two thousand dollars for this freckled wild cat! I agree to risk – let it be one and a half thousand dollars. You can credit the difference to me.

To console Bill, I agreed, and together we concocted this letter:

“To Ebenezer Dorset, Esq.

We hid your boy in a safe place far from the city. Not only you, but even the most dexterous detectives will look for him in vain. The final, only conditions on which you can get it back are as follows: we demand fifteen hundred dollars for its return; money must be left today at midnight in the same place and in the same box as your answer – where exactly will be said below. If you agree to these terms, send your answer in writing to one person by half past eight. Behind the ford across Owl Creek, on the road to Poplar Grove, there are three large trees, one hundred yards apart, near the hedge that goes past the wheat field, on the right hand side. Beneath this fence post, opposite the third tree, your messenger will find a small cardboard box.

He must put the answer in this box and return to the city immediately.

If you try to betray us or fail to comply with our demands, as stated, you will never see your son again.

If you pay the money as said, it will be returned to you safe and sound within three hours. These terms are final and if you do not agree to them, all further communications will be terminated.

Two villains.

I wrote down the address of Dorset and put the letter in my pocket. When I was about to leave, the boy comes up to me and says:

Snake Eyes, you said I could play scout while you were away.

Play, of course, I say. – Here Mr. Bill will play with you. And what kind of game is this?

I am a scout, says the Chief of the Redskins, and I must ride to the outpost, warn the settlers that the Indians are coming. I’m tired of being an Indian myself. I want to be a scout.

Well, okay, I say. – I don’t think it will do any harm. Mr. Bill will help you repel the attack of the ferocious savages.

What should I do? Bill asks, eyeing the boy suspiciously.

You will be a horse, says the scout. – Get on all fours. And then how can I get to the outpost without a horse?

You’d better keep him busy, I said, until our plan is set in motion. Cut yourself a little.

Bill gets on all fours and his eyes look like a trapped rabbit.

Is it far to the outpost, kid? he asks in a rather hoarse voice.

Ninety miles, the scout answers. “And you’ll have to hurry to get there on time.” Well, go!

Scout jumps on Bill’s back and digs his heels into his sides.

For God’s sake, Bill says, come back, Sam, as soon as possible! It is a pity that we appointed such a ransom, we should not have more than a thousand. Listen, stop kicking me, or I’ll jump up and hit you hard!

I went to Poplar Cove, looked at the post office and the store, sat there, talked to the farmers who came to buy. One bearded man heard that the whole town was alarmed because Ebenezer Dorset’s boy was missing or stolen. This is what I needed to know. I bought some tobacco, asked casually what the price of peas was today, quietly dropped the letter into the box, and left. The postmaster told me that in an hour a postman would drive by and pick up the city mail.

When I returned to the cave, neither Bill nor the boy was anywhere to be seen. I made reconnaissance in the vicinity of the cave, I dared to backfire twice, but no one answered me. I lit my pipe and sat down on a mossy tussock to await further developments.

About half an hour later there was a rustle in the bushes and Bill rolled out into the clearing in front of the cave. Behind him crept the boy, stepping noiselessly, like a scout, and grinning from the full breadth of his face. Bill stopped, took off his hat, and wiped his face with a red handkerchief. The boy stopped about eight feet behind him.

Sam, Bill says, you might think I’m a traitor, but I just couldn’t stand it. I am an adult, capable of self-defense, and my habits are courageous, but there are times when everything goes to dust – both conceit and self-control. The boy left. I sent him home. Its end. There were martyrs in the old days who were more ready to accept death than to give up their beloved profession. But none of them were subjected to such supernatural torture as I was. I wanted to remain true to our predatory charter, but I did not have enough strength.

What’s wrong, Bill? I ask.

I rode the whole ninety miles to the outpost, not an inch less, Bill replies. – Then, when the settlers were saved, they gave me oats. Sand is an unimportant substitute for oats. And then I had to explain for an hour why there was nothing in the holes, why the road went in both directions and why the grass was green. I tell you, Sam, there is a limit to human patience. I grab the boy by the collar and drag him down the mountain. On the way, he kicks me, all my legs from the knees down are bruised, I have to burn two or three bites in my arm and thumb. But he left, – Bill continues, – went home. I showed him the way to the city and even kicked him eight feet forward. It’s a pity that we lose the ransom, well, but it’s either this or I’m going to a madhouse.

Bill huffs and puffs, but his bright pink face expresses inexplicable peace and complete satisfaction.

Bill, I say, you don’t have heart disease in your family, do you?

No, says Bill, nothing chronic except malaria and accidents. And what?

Then you can turn around, I say, and see what’s behind you.

Bill turns around, sees the boy, turns pale at once, flops down on the ground and starts senselessly grabbing grass and small wood chips. For a whole hour I feared for his sanity. After that I told him that, in my opinion, we should finish this business immediately and that we would have time to get a ransom and be gone before midnight if old Dorset agreed to our proposal. So Bill cheered up a little, so much so that he forced a smile at the boy and promised him to portray the Russians in the war with the Japanese, as soon as he felt a little better.

I figured out how to get a ransom without any risk of being captured by the other side, and my plan would be approved by any professional kidnapper. The tree, under which the answer, and then the money, was to be placed, stood by the road itself; there was a hedge along the road, and behind it on both sides were large bare fields. If a gang of constables lay in wait for the one who came for the letter, he would be seen from afar on the road or in the middle of the field. So no, doves! At half past eight I was already sitting on this tree, hiding as well as a tree frog, and waiting for the messenger to appear.

Exactly at the appointed time, a teenage boy rides up on a bicycle, finds a cardboard box under a pole, puts a folded piece of paper in it and rolls back to the city.

I waited another hour until I was sure that there was no catch. He climbed down from the tree, took out a note from the box, crept along the hedge to the very forest and in half an hour was already in the cave. There I opened the note, sat down near the lantern, and read it to Bill. It was written in ink, very illegible, and the essence of it was this:

“Two villains.

Gentlemen, I received your letter in today’s mail regarding the ransom you are asking for the return of my son. I think that you are asking too much, and therefore I am making you a counteroffer from my side and I believe that you will accept it. You bring Johnny home and pay me two hundred and fifty dollars in cash, and I agree to take him out of your hands. Better come at night or the neighbors think he’s missing and I’m not responsible for what they do to the man who brings Johnny home.

Yours truly

Ebenezer Dorset.”

Great pirates! I say. – Why, such impudence…

But then I looked at Bill and fell silent. In his eyes I noticed an expression of pleading that I had never seen before in either dumb or talking animals.

Sam, he says, what is two hundred and fifty dollars, after all? We have money. One more night with this boy and I’ll have to be taken to a lunatic asylum. In addition to being a real gentleman, Mr. Dorset is, in my opinion, also a spendthrift if he makes us such a generous offer. After all, you are not going to miss such an opportunity, are you?

To tell you the truth, Bill, I say, it’s a treasure and it’s getting on my nerves! We’ll take him home, pay the ransom, and run somewhere far away.

The same night we took the boy home. We persuaded him: we told him that his father bought him a rifle with a silver notch and moccasins, and that tomorrow we would go hunting for a bear.

It was exactly twelve o’clock in the morning when we knocked on Ebenezer’s front door. Just at the very moment when I was to extract fifteen hundred dollars from the box under the tree, Bill was counting out two hundred and fifty dollars into Dorset’s hand.

As soon as the boy discovered that we were going to leave him at home, he raised a howl like a ship’s siren and clung to Bill’s leg like a leech.