文章the sniper 翻译 和Irish dance
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Type of Work and Year of Publication.......“The Sniper,” Liam O'Flaherty's first published work, is a short story. It was printed in London inthe January 12, 1923, issue of a weekly socialist publication, The New Leader.Setting......."The Sniper" takes place in Ireland's largest city, Dublin, on the country's east coast on DublinBay, an inlet of the Irish Sea. The time is nightfall in June after the establishment of the Irish FreeState in 1922. The sniper posts himself on a rooftop in central Dublin near the Four Courts building,which houses the high courts of Ireland, and O'Connell Bridge, which spans the River Liffey. TheLiffey divides the city into two sections as it runs eastward to Dublin Bay.CharactersIRA Sniper: Man posted on a roof in Dublin.Opposing Sniper: Enemy gunman posted on a roof across from the IRA sniper.Turret Gunner: Man shot by the IRA sniper.Old Woman: Informer who betrays the position of the IRA sniper to the turret gunner.Unseen Machine Gunner: Person who fires at the IRA sniper after the latter leaves the roof.Point of View.......O'Flaherty wrote "The Sniper" in limited third-person point of view, in which he presents thethoughts of the IRA sniper but does not present the thoughts of any other character. He wrote "TheSniper" while Ireland was embroiled in sectarian conflict..Historical Background.......In 1919, the newly formed Irish Republican Army launched guerilla warfare during the Irish War of Independence to liberate Ireland from the British. Unable to contain the rebels, London agreed in the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty to create an Irish Free State. However, the agreement would recognize the Free State only as a dominion in the British Commonwealth of Nations. Moreover, it would permit six counties in northern Ireland to withdraw from the Free State, allow the British to maintain ports in the south, and require the Free State to pay part of the debt Britain incurred in waging the war. Consequently, not all Irishmen accepted the agreement, the provisions of which became effective in 1922. (The six northern counties seceded, as expected.) Once-united Irish fighters were now split into two factions—disgruntled IRA members and supporters of the Free State—and fought a civil war. O’Flaherty, himself a member of the IRA, centers his short story on a scene of fighting in Dublin in which an IRA sniper shoots at Free Staters from a rooftop.sa.Plot SummaryBy Michael J. Cummings...© 2007........At nightfall in Dublin, heavy guns and small arms boom and crack intermittently near the River Liffey as Republicans battle Free Staters. From a rooftop near O’Connell Bridge, a Republican sniper with fanatical eyes observes the scene while eating a sandwich and swigging whiskey. .......When an armored car pulls up fifty yards ahead, he does not shoot at it, realizing that bullets will not pierce heavy armor. An old woman stops to inform the car’s turret gunner of the position of the sniper. When the gunner emerges from his dome, the sniper kills him, then the woman. The armored car speeds away........Gunfire from the opposite roof then wounds the sniper in the arm. He drops his rifle as bloodoozes from his wound, although he feels no pain. His arm is numb. He opens a first-aid kit and drips iodine onto the wound. Now there is pain. Then he places cotton on the wound, bandages it, and thinks about his predicament. He can no longer handle his rifle. He has only his revolver to defend himself. If he tries to get off the roof, he will be an easy target for the gunman across from him. A plan occurs to him, and he executes it immediately. Placing his hat on the muzzle of his rifle, he pokes the barrel over the roof parapet. A bullet zings through the hat. The sniper tilts the weapon so that the hat falls onto the street. Then he hangs his left hand limply over the roof. A moment later, he drops the rifle to the street and slumps to the roof, dragging his hand back over the parapet........After crawling to a new position, he peeks out and sees his enemy standing up and looking across, apparently believing he killed the IRA man. The latter brings his revolver into position, holds his breath, and fires. The enemy reels on the roof, drops his rifle to the street, and falls to the pavement........The sight drains the sniper of his “lust for battle,” the narrator says. “Weakened by his wound and the long summer day of fasting and watching on the roof, he revolted from the sight of the shattered mass of his dead enemy. His teeth chattered, he began to gibber to himself, cursing the war, cursing himself, cursing everybody.”.......In disgust, he throws the smoking revolver to the roof. It discharges, sending a bullet past his head. The shock of the near miss sobers him, steadies his nerves. Then he laughs, swigs whiskey, and gets off the roof via a skylight and a house beneath. On the quiet street, he is curious about the other sniper, who was a very good shot. Who was he? Could he have been a member of his own company before the army split into rival factions. He decides to have a look at the man. When he dashes across, a machine gun opens fire but misses him. He drops to the pavement next to the body as the gunfire ceases. When he turns over the body, he sees the face of his brother..Author's Background.......Novelist and short-story writer Liam O'Flaherty was born on August 28, 1898, in apoverty-stricken village on Inishmore Island in County Galway on the western coast of Ireland. He was the ninth of ten children of Michael and Margaret O'Flaherty. A good student, he studied for a time for the Roman Catholic priesthood. However, he later renounced his religion........In 1915, he enlisted in the British Army during the First World War and suffered a serious injury two years later in a bomb explosion at Langemarck, Belgium. After he recovered, the army discharged him because he had developed severe depression. He traveledwidely, visiting South America, North America, and the Middle East and working at various odd jobs........When he returned to Ireland, he embraced communism, became an atheist, and joined the Irish Republican Army in its campaign to liberate Ireland from British rule. In 1921, Britain and Ireland forged a treaty creating an Irish Free State. But because the document made the new Irish state part of the British Commonwealth of Nations rather than a fully independent entity, O'Flaherty and his IRA compatriots broke with fellow Irishmen who supported the treaty. Several ofO'Flaherty's novels center on the effects of war, revolution, and social upheaval in Ireland in the early twentieth century and in the nineteenth century. O'Flaherty died on Sept. 7, 1984, in Dublin...ThemesWar reduces human beings to mere objects. They have no names, no faces. They are targets, nothing more, to be shot at from a distance. To support this theme, O’Flaherty refrains from naming any of his characters.War knows no boundaries—age, sex, location, time of day, family ties. The IRA sniper is a young man, and the informer is an old woman. The fighting takes place in the heart of a city after sundown. The IRA sniper unwittingly shoots and kills his own brother.Climax.......The climax occurs when the IRA sniper discovers the identity of the enemy sniper.StyleRat-a-Tat Prose.......O’Flaherty’s prose is straightforward and easy to understand. In "The Sniper," he frequently uses short sentences to maintain suspense, as if the sentences are quickening heartbeats. Here is an example:The turret opened. A man's head and shoulders appeared, looking toward the sniper. The sniper raised his rifle and fired. The head fell heavily on the turret wall. The woman dartedtoward the side street. The sniper fired again. The woman whirled round and fell with a shriek into the gutter.Here is another:There was a small hole where the bullet had entered. On the other side there was no hole. The bullet had lodged in the bone. It must have fractured it. He bent the arm below the wound. The arm bent back easily. He ground his teeth to overcome the pain.Sound and Sight ImageryO'Flaherty's sound and sight imagery is likewise uncomplicated and easy to understand, as the following examples illustrate:Here and there through the city, machine guns and rifles broke the silence of the night, spasmodically, like dogs barking on lone farms.His face was the face of a student, thin and ascetic, but his eyes had the cold gleam of the fanatic. There was a flash and a bullet whizzed over his head.The sniper could hear the dull panting of the motor.The sniper fired again. The woman whirled round and fell with a shriek into the gutter.Then the dying man on the roof crumpled up and fell forward. The body turned over and over in space and hit the ground with a dull thud.The Ironic Ending.......The story ends ironically when the IRA sniper realizes that the enemy he killed was his own brother. But there are larger ironies here: first, that all of the sniper’s Free State enemies are his brothers, for they had been comrades in arms fighting for the same cause; second, that all men are brothers as descendants of Adam and Eve. When they fight, they become Cain and Abel. No doubt, the IRA sniper wonders about the identities of the turret gunner, the old woman, and the person manning the machine gun.Study Questions and Essay Topics1. After researching the life of O’Flaherty, write an informative essay explaining the extent to which he based “The Sniper” on his own.experiences.2. Does urban warfare, like that in "The Sniper," affect the outlook and mental stability of combatants differently than battlefield fighting?3. Is modern Ireland still influenced by the outcome of the violence in the early 1920s?4. In an informative essay, write a short psychological profile the IRA sniper.5. Can the tactics of urban guerrillas—sniping, sabotage, terrorist bombings—be morally justified?。
喜欢的狙击手英语作文I have always been fascinated by snipers. The skill and precision they possess is truly remarkable. The way they can take out a target from a distance with just one shot is both impressive and terrifying. It takes a special kind of person to be a sniper, someone who is patient, disciplined, and has a steady hand.The first time I saw a sniper in action was in a movie. The way they moved stealthily, blending into their surroundings, was captivating. It was like they were a part of the environment, invisible to the naked eye. I couldn't help but be in awe of their ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations.Snipers have to be masters of camouflage. They know how to blend into their surroundings, using natural elements to their advantage. They can lie still for hours, waiting for the perfect moment to take their shot. It's a game of patience and precision, and only the best can excel at it.What sets snipers apart from other soldiers is their ability to make split-second decisions. They have to assess the situation quickly and determine the best course of action. There is no room for error in their line of work. Every shot counts, and they have to be confident in their abilities.Being a sniper is not just about shooting skills. It's also about mental strength and discipline. They have to be able to block out distractions and focus solely on their target. It's a mentally demanding job, and not everyone is cut out for it.I admire snipers for their dedication and sacrifice. They put their lives on the line to protect others and ensure the success of their missions. It's a selfless act that deserves recognition and respect.In conclusion, snipers are a unique breed of soldiers. Their skill, precision, and mental strength set them apart from others. They are the silent heroes, the ones whostrike fear into the hearts of their enemies. I have a deep respect for snipers and the sacrifices they make for the greater good.。
The Snipers两个狙击手作者:〔爱尔兰〕利亚姆·奥弗莱厄蒂张白桦/译来源:《英语世界》2021年第11期The long June twilight faded into night. Dublin lay enveloped in darkness but for the dim light of the moon that shone through fleecy clouds, casting a pale light as of approaching dawn over the streets and the dark waters of the Liffey. Around the beleaguered Four Courts the heavy guns roared. Here and there through the city, machine guns and rifles broke the silence of the night,spasmodically, like dogs barking on lone farms. Republicans and Free Staters were waging civil war.六月漫长的暮光渐渐隐没于夜色之中,都柏林笼罩在黑暗里,只有从朵朵轻云中透出的淡淡月光映照着一排排街道和利菲河黑黝黝的河面,有如黎明之光。
重型大炮在被围困的四法院周围轰鸣,机枪声和步枪声像空寂农场里的狗吠声似的在城市各处响起,时断时续,打破了夜晚的寂靜。
共和派和自由邦派正在打内战。
On a roof top near O’Connell Bridge, a Republican sniper lay watching. Beside him lay his rifle and over his shoulders was slung a pair of field glasses. His face was the face of a student, thin and ascetic, but his eyes had the cold gleam of the fanatic. They were deep and thoughtful, the eyes of a man who is used to looking at death.一个共和党人的狙击手趴在奥康奈尔桥附近的一个屋顶上观察着,他的身旁放了一支步枪,肩上挎了一副战地望远镜。
狙击手观后感550字作文英文回答:The Sniper is a powerful and moving short story that explores the themes of war, violence, and humanity. Thestory follows a young sniper during the Irish Civil War as he takes part in a deadly game of cat and mouse with an enemy sniper. The story is told from the sniper's point of view, which gives readers a unique insight into histhoughts and feelings.One of the most striking things about The Sniper is its use of imagery. O'Flaherty uses vivid and graphic languageto describe the horrors of war, including the death of the sniper's comrade and the sniper's own near-death experience. This imagery helps to create a sense of realism and immediacy, and it forces the reader to confront thebrutality of war.The Sniper is also a story about humanity. Despite theviolence and bloodshed, there are moments of tenderness and compassion. The sniper's relationship with his comrade, for example, is one of the most touching aspects of the story. The sniper also shows compassion for his enemy, as he hesitates to kill him when he has the chance. These moments of humanity help to remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope for redemption.Overall, The Sniper is a powerful and moving story that explores the complex themes of war, violence, and humanity. O'Flaherty's use of imagery and his ability to capture the human experience make this story a timeless classic.中文回答:神枪手是一个有力且感人的短篇故事,探讨了战争、暴力和人性的主题。
The Sniper(狙击手)七月漫长的黄昏渐渐溶入夜色之中,都伯林虽然被黑暗所笼罩,但微弱的月光还是透过稀薄的云层把一种朦胧洒在了街上。
咆哮的机枪声从被围的福尔考茨周围传来,街上的其余地方也不时有机枪和步枪声刺破城市寂静的夜空,就如同偏远的农场夜晚的狗叫声。
共和党人和自由国家战士正在进行内战。
一位共和党的狙击手正埋伏在奥克诺尔桥附近的屋顶上,他的狙击步枪静候在身旁,一幅野外望远镜挂在他的胸前。
他脸上还带些学生气,但眼中放射着一种冷峻的狂热之光,深沉而若有所思。
这是一双对死亡已然熟视无睹的眼睛。
此刻,他正在狼吞虎咽地吃一块三明治。
因为他一整天都兴奋得有点忘乎所以,他从早至晚滴水未进。
三明治吃完了,他从衣袋里掏出了一瓶威士忌,少喝了一点就又装了起来。
他安静了片刻,盘算着能否冒险过一下烟瘾。
这很危险,因为敌人肯定在暗中埋伏着,火光在黑暗中很容易曝露。
他决定冒险一试,他先把烟叼在嘴上,划着了一根火柴,紧张而急促地狂吸了一口,马上灭火。
说时迟那时快,一颗子弹呼啸着击中了他靠着的屋顶矮墙,他又猛吸了一口,将烟灭了,轻声骂了一句,向左侧爬去。
他小心翼翼地起身向墙外张望,火光一闪,一颗子弹从他头顶呼啸而过。
他赶紧蹲下身子,他看到了火光发出的地方,就在街道对面。
他就地顺着屋脊一滚滚到了后侧的一个烟囱旁,慢慢地从其后立起身来,直到自己的目光与屋顶的矮墙高度相同。
除了夜空映衬下对面屋顶的轮廓,什么也看不清。
敌人在暗中守候着。
恰在那时一辆装甲车从桥上开过来,向街道这边缓缓驶来,然后停在了离他约五十码的对面街上。
狙击手能听到装甲车发动机的突突声,他感觉自己心跳加快,这是一辆敌方的车。
他想开火,但他知道他的子弹对于那坚硬的装甲只是挠一下痒而已。
这时他看到装甲车的炮塔被掀起来,露出了一个人的头和肩部,并且似乎在向他这个方向张望,狙击手举枪就射,那颗头一下就沉重地耷拉在了炮塔边上。
突然一颗子弹从对面屋顶飞过来,狙击手呻吟了一声,枪哗啦一声掉在了屋顶上。
狙击手300字英语作文In the heart of the battlefield, where chaos reigns supreme, there exists a breed of warrior whose skill and precision have become legendary. The sniper, a lone wolf operating from the shadows, wields a weapon of unmatched accuracy, capable of turning the tide of a conflict with a single, decisive shot.The sniper's role is not for the faint of heart. It demands unwavering patience, unwavering focus, and an intimate understanding of both the weapon and the environment. Each mission requires meticulous planning, from choosing the perfect vantage point to calculating the exact trajectory of the bullet. The sniper must anticipate every variable, from wind direction to the target's movement, in order to execute a successful shot.The gear carried by a sniper is a testament to their specialized role. The high-powered rifle, equipped with a telescopic sight, allows them to engage targets fromdistances that would be impossible for ordinary infantry. Camouflage suits and ghillie coverings help them blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them almost invisible to the enemy. Rangefinders and ballistic computers provide precise calculations to ensure every shot finds its mark.While the sniper's primary mission is to eliminatehigh-value targets, their versatility extends far beyond this role. They can provide reconnaissance, gathering vital information about enemy positions and movements. They can also disrupt enemy communications and supply lines, sowing chaos and demoralizing the opposition.Beyond the battlefield, the sniper's skills have found application in civilian life as well. Law enforcement officers rely on snipers for hostage rescue operations and counter-terrorism missions. Wildlife biologists use specialized rifles to tranquilize animals for research and conservation purposes. And in the realm of sports shooting, long-range precision shooting competitions challenge marksmen to test their abilities at extreme distances.The sniper embodies a unique blend of skill, discipline, and stealth. Their ability to operate independently and strike with pinpoint accuracy has earned them a reputation as both a formidable adversary and a valuable asset in modern warfare. As the battlefields of the future evolve,the role of the sniper will only become more critical, as they continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of conflicts around the globe.。
狙击手观后感作文六百字左右英文回答:The Sniper is a short story by Liam O'Flaherty that follows the story of a young Irish Republican Army (IRA) sniper during the Irish Civil War. The sniper is taskedwith defending a hotel from Free State troops, and he must use all of his skills and cunning to survive.The story is told from the sniper's point of view, andit provides a unique insight into the mind of a soldier at war. The sniper is a skilled marksman, but he is also a man with a conscience. He is aware of the brutality of war, and he does not take pleasure in killing. However, he also knows that he must do what he must do to protect his country.The Sniper is a powerful and moving story that explores the themes of war, violence, and the human cost of conflict. It is a classic of Irish literature, and it continues to beread and studied today.中文回答:狙击手是利亚姆·奥弗拉赫蒂创作的一篇短篇小说,讲述了爱尔兰内战期间一名年轻的爱尔兰共和军(IRA)狙击手的故事。
狙击手电影英文观后感作文The Sniper is a thrilling and intense movie that keptme on the edge of my seat the entire time. The actionscenes were so realistic and well-executed, I felt like I was right there in the middle of the action.The character development in the movie was also verywell done. I found myself really caring about the main character and what happened to him. The emotional depth of the story really added to the overall impact of the film.The cinematography in The Sniper was absolutely stunning. The way the camera captured the intensity of the battle scenes and the beauty of the landscapes was truly impressive. It added a whole other layer of depth to the movie.The soundtrack of The Sniper was also a standout for me. The music really heightened the tension and emotion of the film, and I found myself getting chills during some of themore intense scenes.Overall, The Sniper is a must-see for any action movie fan. It's a thrilling, emotional rollercoaster that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.。
观看狙击手有感英语作文The sniper movie is so intense! The way the sniper takes down his targets with such precision and skill isjust mind-blowing. It really makes you appreciate the amount of training and focus it takes to be a sniper.The movie also shows the psychological toll that being a sniper can take on a person. The constant pressure, the need to make split-second decisions, and the isolation all contribute to the mental strain that snipers experience.It's a side of warfare that we don't often think about, but it's an important aspect to consider.The relationship between the sniper and his spotter is really interesting to watch. They have to trust each other completely and communicate effectively in high-stress situations. It's a unique bond that is crucial to the success of their missions.The movie also highlights the ethical dilemmas thatsnipers face. They have to weigh the value of their targets and make difficult decisions about who to take out. It's a reminder of the moral complexities of war and the difficult choices that soldiers have to make.The action sequences in the movie are incredibly well-done. The way the sniper moves through the environment and takes out his targets is so thrilling to watch. It really gives you a sense of the skill and precision that snipers possess.Overall, the sniper movie is a gripping and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the intense and demanding world of snipers. It's a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges that soldiers face, and it's definitely worth watching.。
远距离狙击英语作文Title: The Art of Long-Range Sniping。
In modern warfare, the role of the sniper has evolved significantly, with long-range engagements becoming increasingly common and crucial on the battlefield. Long-range sniping requires a unique set of skills, equipment, and tactics to execute effectively. In this essay, we will explore the intricacies of long-range sniping and its importance in contemporary military operations.First and foremost, proficiency in marksmanship is paramount for long-range sniping. A sniper must possess exceptional accuracy, precision, and consistency in shooting over extended distances. This proficiency is honed through rigorous training, including mastering the fundamentals of marksmanship such as breathing control, trigger squeeze, and sight alignment. Additionally, understanding external factors like wind speed, humidity, and atmospheric pressure is essential for making preciseadjustments to compensate for bullet trajectory deviations.Secondly, equipment plays a crucial role in long-range sniping. High-quality rifles with specialized opticscapable of magnifying distant targets are indispensabletools for snipers. These rifles are often customized tomeet the specific needs of the sniper, with features suchas adjustable stocks, match-grade barrels, and advanced ballistic calculators. Optics like telescopic sights withmil-dot reticles allow snipers to measure distances and make elevation and windage adjustments accurately. Moreover, ammunition selection is critical, with snipers typically using high-caliber, precision-engineered rounds optimizedfor long-range accuracy.Furthermore, effective camouflage and concealment techniques are vital for snipers to avoid detection and maintain their position for extended periods. Ghillie suits, camouflage netting, and natural vegetation are employed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment, makingit difficult for enemy forces to spot the sniper's presence. Additionally, snipers must exercise patience and disciplineto remain motionless for hours on end, waiting for the opportune moment to take their shot without revealing their position.In terms of tactics, long-range sniping often involves strategic planning and reconnaissance to identify high-value targets and select optimal firing positions. Intelligence gathering through surveillance, aerial reconnaissance, and human intelligence is essential for identifying enemy movements and vulnerabilities. Once a target has been identified, snipers must carefully plan their approach, considering factors such as line of sight, escape routes, and potential counter-sniper threats. Coordination with spotters or forward observers is also critical, as they provide valuable information and assistance in adjusting fire for maximum accuracy.Moreover, communication and teamwork are essential components of successful long-range sniping operations. Snipers must maintain constant communication with their support team to relay target information, environmental conditions, and situational updates. This collaborativeeffort ensures that snipers can capitalize on opportunities swiftly and effectively while minimizing the risk of friendly fire or unintended collateral damage.In conclusion, long-range sniping is a complex and demanding discipline that requires a combination of technical proficiency, specialized equipment, and tactical expertise. As modern warfare continues to evolve, the role of the sniper remains indispensable in providing precision fire support and disrupting enemy operations from afar. By mastering the art of long-range sniping, military forces can maintain a strategic advantage on the battlefield and achieve their objectives with precision and efficiency.。
The Sniper(狙击手)七月漫长的黄昏渐渐溶入夜色之中,都伯林虽然被黑暗所笼罩,但微弱的月光还是透过稀薄的云层把一种朦胧洒在了街上。
咆哮的机枪声从被围的福尔考茨周围传来,街上的其余地方也不时有机枪和步枪声刺破城市寂静的夜空,就如同偏远的农场夜晚的狗叫声。
共和党人和自由国家战士正在进行内战。
一位共和党的狙击手正埋伏在奥克诺尔桥附近的屋顶上,他的狙击步枪静候在身旁,一幅野外望远镜挂在他的胸前。
他脸上还带些学生气,但眼中放射着一种冷峻的狂热之光,深沉而若有所思。
这是一双对死亡已然熟视无睹的眼睛。
此刻,他正在狼吞虎咽地吃一块三明治。
因为他一整天都兴奋得有点忘乎所以,他从早至晚滴水未进。
三明治吃完了,他从衣袋里掏出了一瓶威士忌,少喝了一点就又装了起来。
他安静了片刻,盘算着能否冒险过一下烟瘾。
这很危险,因为敌人肯定在暗中埋伏着,火光在黑暗中很容易曝露。
他决定冒险一试,他先把烟叼在嘴上,划着了一根火柴,紧张而急促地狂吸了一口,马上灭火。
说时迟那时快,一颗子弹呼啸着击中了他靠着的屋顶矮墙,他又猛吸了一口,将烟灭了,轻声骂了一句,向左侧爬去。
他小心翼翼地起身向墙外张望,火光一闪,一颗子弹从他头顶呼啸而过。
他赶紧蹲下身子,他看到了火光发出的地方,就在街道对面。
他就地顺着屋脊一滚滚到了后侧的一个烟囱旁,慢慢地从其后立起身来,直到自己的目光与屋顶的矮墙高度相同。
除了夜空映衬下对面屋顶的轮廓,什么也看不清。
敌人在暗中守候着。
恰在那时一辆装甲车从桥上开过来,向街道这边缓缓驶来,然后停在了离他约五十码的对面街上。
狙击手能听到装甲车发动机的突突声,他感觉自己心跳加快,这是一辆敌方的车。
他想开火,但他知道他的子弹对于那坚硬的装甲只是挠一下痒而已。
这时他看到装甲车的炮塔被掀起来,露出了一个人的头和肩部,并且似乎在向他这个方向张望,狙击手举枪就射,那颗头一下就沉重地耷拉在了炮塔边上。
突然一颗子弹从对面屋顶飞过来,狙击手呻吟了一声,枪哗啦一声掉在了屋顶上。
他弯腰去拾枪,却怎么也拿不起来。
他的小臂失去了知觉,他独自嘀咕道:“中弹了。
”他匍匐着又向矮墙爬过去。
他用左手摸了摸受伤的右小臂,血正从衣袖中渗出来,可是感觉不到疼痛,只有一种木木的感觉,手臂似乎早已被砍去一样。
他迅速从衣袋中抽出刀子,抵住墙把刀子弄开,再把衣袖挑破,他看到子弹射入的地方有一个小孔,而手臂的另一侧却看不到孔。
子弹肯定击碎了骨头又被卡在里面了。
他试着活动了一下伤口以下的部分,还能动。
他感到疼了,他咬紧牙关忍住疼痛。
他拿出自己的野战急救包,用刀子挑开包装,把碘酒瓶的脖颈部打破,然后让其中的液体滴入伤口之中。
一阵剧烈的痛感一下传遍全身。
他用绷带裹紧伤口,再借助牙齿扎紧绑好。
他静静地靠着矮墙躺下,闭上眼睛,努力地以自己的意志来战胜疼痛。
下面的街上静得出奇。
那辆装甲车带着那颗悬在外面的机枪手的脑袋,早已驶过桥去,不知去向。
狙击手躺了好长时间,一边等疼痛缓解,一边盘算脱离险境的办法。
决不能让敌人在早晨发现他这样受着伤躺在屋顶上。
他的退路被对面屋顶的敌人封锁了,他必须得消灭这个敌人,可是他现在又不能使用狙击步枪,他只能靠一把左轮手枪来完成这个使命。
这时,他的脑海中冒出一个大胆的念头。
他脱下帽子,挑到枪尖上,慢慢举起使它高过矮墙,使街对面屋顶的敌人能看得到。
帽子刚一露头就是一声枪响。
狙击手让枪向前倾斜,这样帽子落到下面的街道上了。
然后他左手抓住枪的中部,使自己的手耷拉在墙外,似乎是奄奄一息地吊着,一会儿之后,他松开手让枪掉到街上。
随后他伏下身子,慢慢缩回手臂。
他迅速向左侧爬去,从那儿的角落向外看去。
他的计谋凑效了。
对面的狙击手看到帽子和枪都落到街上,就以为对手已经被打死。
他现在正站在一排烟囱的前面向这边张望着,西边天空的微光把他的头映衬得清晰可见。
这边共和党的狙击手窃笑着把他的左轮手枪举到墙沿上。
距离大约有五十码,如此微弱的光线下这将是一次高难度的击发,而此时他的右臂疼得他微微发抖。
他努力镇静自己,瞄准目标,他能感觉到自己手指急切的抖动。
他咬紧牙关,深吸一口气,扣动枪机。
枪声差点将他震聋,后坐力也使他的胳膊猛晃了一下。
烟雾散去,他向对面一看,惊喜地叫了一声。
敌人被打中了。
他正极度痛苦地在对面的墙边扭动着。
他想使自己站稳脚跟,但还是慢慢地向前倒下,如同一个梦境中的舞者。
他的步枪已经从手中脱落,撞在墙上,掉了下去,人行道上传来砰的一声。
枪的主人也随之从屋顶向前倒下,身体在空中转了几转,掉在地上。
沉闷的落地声之后,四周一片寂静。
看到对手从屋顶落下,狙击手自己也开始发抖。
要在战场撕杀的强烈欲望从心底消失了。
一种悔恨之情噬咬着他的心。
他浑身大汗淋漓。
伤口的剧痛,漫长夏日的厌食,屋顶长时间的潜伏观察,已经使他虚弱不堪,而看到被自己击落的敌人的尸体,更使他对一切都心生厌恶。
他的牙齿不由自主地抖个不停。
他开始诅咒这场战争,诅咒自己,诅咒每个人。
他一边咒骂,一边看着还在冒着青烟的手枪,把它狠狠地扔在脚边的屋顶。
没想到左轮枪走火,子弹一下子擦着他的头皮飞过。
他被这声巨响震得醒过神来。
精神不再紧张了,恐惧的乌云从他的心头散去,他笑了起来。
他从衣袋里掏出威士忌酒,一饮而尽。
在酒精的作用下他感到自己无所畏惧。
他决定离开屋顶回去向他的司令官报告。
四周一片寂静,这时在街上行走应该不会有什么危险。
他检起左轮手枪装进口袋,然后借着微弱的天光向下面的屋子爬去。
狙击手终于到了街上,这时他突然产生了一种强烈的好奇心,他想去确认一下那个被他击毙的敌方狙击手。
他确信,不管对方是谁,他都是一位不错的射手。
他想知道自己是否认识对方。
或许在部队分裂之前他们还是同伴呢。
他决定冒险过去看个究竟。
他向奥克诺尔街角扫视一下,在远处的上街区隐约传来密集的枪声,而此处却悄无声息。
狙击手迅速向街对面跑去。
忽然,一串机枪声在他身边猛然响起,尘土飞扬,但他逃脱了。
他爬倒在尸体旁边,机枪声停了。
狙击手把脸朝下爬着的尸体翻了个身,这时,他看到了哥哥的面孔。
天空已露出晨曦的银色光芒,与海水的绿色鳞波交相辉映。
这时,船上岸了,泊靠在埃塞克斯海岸的哈维奇港,人们从船中很快走出来,乱糟糟地,像苍蝇一样四散乱飞。
在这熙熙攘攘的人群中,有我们必须要追随的一个人,这个人,无论如何也说不上引人注目。
当然,他也不希望自己多么引人注目。
在他的身上,几乎找不出有什么值得注意的地方,但是除了一点,那就是,他身上散发着假日愉快气息的华丽服装和那张满脸的严肃神色有点不太相称。
他身穿一件瘦小的浅灰色夹克,里面是一件白色背心,头上戴着一顶系有灰蓝色丝带的银白色草帽,在衣服与草帽的映衬之下,他瘦削的脸庞显得黑黝黝的。
这个人长着一撮西班牙式的黑色短须,使人联想起伊丽莎白时代的皱须。
他的嘴里叼着一根点燃的香烟,脸上表现出一副游手好闲人士的认真。
他浑身上下没有一个地方能够暗示一个的事实:在他的灰色夹克里面,藏着一把装满子弹的左轮手枪,此外,在他的白色背心里面,还藏着一个警察证。
还有一个我们必须知道的事实:他头上的那顶草帽掩盖的是欧洲最有能力,最有才智的非凡人物之一。
他就是瓦伦丁,巴黎警察局局长,世界上最有名的侦探。
他这次从布鲁塞尔来到伦敦,是为了执行本世纪最伟大的一次逮捕行动。
大盗弗兰博已经逃窜到了英国。
三个国家的警察费尽周折追捕这个犯罪老手,从比利时的根特追到了布鲁塞尔,又从布鲁塞尔追到了荷兰的胡克港。
根据警方推测,他可能会利用当时正在伦敦召开的“圣体会议”,在与会人彼此不熟悉的混乱情况下,乔装打扮成与会议相关的低级神职人员,或者秘书人员,从而蜗居伦敦。
不过,瓦伦丁对这种推测并不是十分有把握。
可以说,对于弗兰博的行动,没有人会有绝对的定论。
这个犯罪头目从当初突然停止犯罪活动至今,已经有许多年了。
当初他停止犯罪活动之后,正如有些人打的形象比喻一样:罗兰好像死了,地球上异常平静。
但是,弗兰博在他的鼎盛时期(当然,我的意思是说在他的猖狂时期),他的形体像雕像一样人尽皆知,他的国际影响甚至可以和恺撒大帝媲美,是一个全球皆知的人物。
几乎每天早上,日报上都会刊登关于他的新闻,说他已经逃脱上一次罪行的应有惩罚,并且又开始了另一个罪大恶行。
弗兰博是个身材高大的加斯科涅(法国西南部)人,他的胆量和他的躯体一样大。
一些最激动人心的故事讲到了他在行动中所引发的幽默:他如何在兴致上来之际,把一名教育官员倒提起来,让他头顶着地倒立着,用弗兰博的话就是“清醒他的头脑”;他又是怎样每只胳膊各挟着一名警察,在利沃里的路上大步飞跑。
这些都归功于他那令人难以置信的体力,不过,他的这些体力一般都用在一些尽管有失公家体面但没有酿成流血惨案的情况下。
他在现实中的犯罪行为主要是一些富有创造性的大规模抢劫案。
他的每一次盗窃都堪称一次新奇的冒险,每一次作案都足以构成一个奇妙的故事。
他曾经在伦敦经营过一家赫赫有名的泰洛林牛奶公司,而这家公司没有奶牛场,也没有送奶车,更没有牛奶,却有将近一千个订户。
他只是靠把别人门前的小奶罐,放在自己的主顾门前,以这种简单操作来为他的订户送奶。
也正是弗兰博,在截取偷看了一位年轻女士的全部信贷函件后,把他自己写的信用照相机拍成胶片,印在显微镜的载物片上,印得非常小,以和她保持通信关系,使她既莫名其妙又甩不掉。
这样对她搞了一个非同寻常的恶作剧。
不过,弗兰博的很多行窃行为的普遍特点是简单明了的。
据说,有一次他在深夜把一条街的门牌号码全部重新漆过,仅仅是为了把一个旅客引入他设置的圈套。
一个十分肯定的事实是,他发明了一种轻便邮筒,他把这个轻便邮筒放在那些僻静郊区的各个角落里,等待着有人往里边投入汇款单。
最后需要提醒的一点是,据人们所知,他还是一个令人称奇的杂技演员。
他尽管是个大块头,却能像蚱蜢那样轻便自如地跳跃,也能像猴子一样隐匿在树顶。
因此,当大侦探瓦伦丁出发来找弗兰博的时候,他的心里非常清楚,即使找到了他,自己的冒险行动也远远没有结束。
但是,现在关键的一步是怎样才能找到他,对此,大侦探瓦伦丁仍然在苦思冥想,心中依然没底。
现在只有一点是可以肯定的,那就是,不管弗兰博伪装得多么巧妙,也无法掩盖他那独特的身高。
假如瓦伦丁凭借他敏锐的眼光看到一个高个子的卖苹果的女摊贩,或者一个高个子近卫兵,甚或于一位雍容富贵的高个子公爵夫人,他都可以当场逮捕他(她)。
可不幸的是,在他的一路旅途中,还真就没有看到一个可能是弗兰博伪装的人,一只长颈鹿是伪装不成一只猫的。
对于船上的人,他已经弄得很清楚了,这一点还算令他满意。
在哈维奇及中途上车的人当中,身高肯定都不到六英尺。
有一个身材矮小的铁路部官员旅行到终点,三个矮小的蔬菜农场主在车开动后两站路上,一个十分矮小的寡妇从埃塞克斯的一个小城上车,还有一个矮个的罗马天主教神父从埃塞克斯的一个小村子上车最后的这个人,瓦伦丁放弃了观察,几乎要喷笑出来:这个矮小神父具有那么多东方平原人的特征,他的脸又圆又呆板,像诺福克汤圆,眼神像北海一样深邃。