Chapter 39: Fortune and Honor Are Seeked in Danger
In order to learn etiquette, the commandos have been wearing formal attire when going in and out these days, which has made many people's eyes light up. Even the police chief August Russell proudly lamented that there is a group of gentlemen in the police station.
Yes, a group, not just one person, but all the commandos. August Russell was looking forward to the time when the commandos in dress uniforms would surprise other bigwigs, which would represent August Russell's good leadership.
Rock did not have this awareness. When the commandos were receiving etiquette training, Rock and Anton were wearing the work clothes commonly worn by the Boers and recognizing people in a wooden building in Tuis.
The work clothes were the same cheap clothes sold in Jewish stores, including a peaked cap, a striped shirt, a double-sided suit jacket with extra thickening on the elbows, overalls, and suede shoes with slightly frayed edges. The quality was not very good and the fabric was a bit stiff, but the advantage was that they were cheap, sturdy and durable.
"There are four of them in total. They came to Cape Town three days ago. When Aunt Mary brought them food, she heard that they were plotting to sneak into the dinner at the Governor's Mansion and create chaos. They rented a house in Aunt Mary's. Are we going to arrest them now?" Christian was eager to try, without considering whether Rock and Anton could do it.
Christian is one of the three informants who have not been heard from for a long time. Rock thought that the three of them had absconded with the funds given by Rock. Unexpectedly, Christian has been working for Rock. Today's news was provided by Christian.
After the police attack case was over, Rock no longer went to the temporary resting point at the dock. Of course, Rock did not give up on Christian and the others. Zack would go to the temporary resting point on Rock's behalf every day to see if Christian and the others had any news to send back. Rock was ready to do the job of informant for a long time. To do the job of a policeman well, informants were very important. As far as Rock knew, Rock was the only one in the Cape Town Police Department who had developed a Boer informant. Even though Henry knew that Rock was doing this, Henry did not try it. If things continued like this, Rock would sooner or later become the most efficient policeman in the Cape Town Police Department.
In fact, it doesn't need to be too high. If other people have a 10% crime-solving rate, Rock's 20% is enough. If he is better than that, he will be punished by God.
"Don't worry about things that are not your business. You did a good job this time. Here is your reward." This news was very important. Rock was not stingy. He raised his hand and threw two one-pound gold coins over, which was double what Rock had promised before.
"Thank you, thank you sir, I will work hard." Christian was overjoyed. It was not easy for the Boers to make a living these days, especially for people like Christian who had a criminal record. The British never hired people with criminal records, and now most of the jobs in Cape Town are provided by the British.
Rock and Anton stayed in the attic of the house opposite Mary's house for a whole morning, but they didn't see the four people that Christian mentioned go out. Rock was not in a hurry, but Anton couldn't help being anxious.
"Let's go back and get some people to catch them all in one fell swoop." Anton finally lost his patience. Following the arrogant British for a living, he would inevitably be influenced by their habits. Even if he had no evidence, he would still arrest those who should be arrested.
"Not yet. Let's just remember the people and catch them when they try to sneak into the banquet." Rock wants to play the long game to catch the big fish. He's not fishing for these rebels, but for the big shots who are attending the banquet.
It is an obvious fact that, regardless of the principle of catching thieves and dirty tricks, solving a serious crime that has not yet been committed and stopping a serious crime that is about to happen on the spot are two completely different things in terms of merit. Rock had an idea after hearing the news. If he was not worried about accidents when arresting people, Rock even wanted Christian to provide this group of people with some more destructive equipment, so that Rock's credit would be greater.
"When they try to sneak into the banquet - wo n't seem like we are not doing our job well?" Anton still had concerns and didn't understand why Rock would indulge in crime.
That's right. In Anton's opinion, Rock is now condoning crime. As a policeman, he clearly discovered the criminals but did not arrest them. If the British knew about it, Rock would definitely be in trouble. Dismissal would be the lightest punishment. He might even be imprisoned on Robben Island. That would be a big trouble. Sharma would probably wake up laughing in his dreams.
"If you don't tell me and I don't tell you, who will know?" Rock was not worried about this problem. He and Anton communicated in Chinese, and in Cape Town, no one could understand it except the Chinese.
It was impossible for Christian to speak in front of the British. He didn't have the channel. Even the Chinese police, except Rock, no one else would look at Christian straight in the eye. For example, after Anton knew that Christian had a criminal record, he looked at Christian with disgust.
The reason why Rock doesn't arrest people is also a problem of working style. In the same company, doing the same job, some people work hard but the leader just can't see it, while some people hang around in front of the leader whenever they have time. Often, the one who hangs around gets more trust from the leader.
This is called simplicity in the emperor's heart.
Of course, Rock could also arrest people now, which would also be a merit, but merits are divided into different sizes. Military medals are divided into special, first, second, and third classes. If he arrests people now, it can be considered a third-class merit, but if he arrests people when this group of people are about to sneak into the banquet, it would be a first-class merit. If weapons of mass destruction can be seized on the spot, it would be a special-class merit.
Of course, the "weapons of mass destruction" here are not the ones of the 21st century. The Boers cannot make them now. Nowadays, a homemade bomb can be called a weapon of mass destruction. It is not difficult to make it. There are mines everywhere in the Cape Colony and there are plenty of explosives.
"Hiss, Locke, you are so brave." Anton is not stupid. He can understand what Rock wants to do after a little thought.
"Hehe, fortune and honor are achieved through risk. You don't want to be a private for your whole life, do you?" Rock knew that the greater the risk, the greater the reward. The key was whether you dared to do it.
For Rock, following the British to make a living is not his only way out. Rock now has some assets. Even if he leaves Cape Town, he is confident that he can make a name for himself in other places. Therefore, no matter what Rock does, he will not be restricted.
"Yes, wealth and honor are sought amidst dangers, our ancestors' words make sense." Anton was touched by the saying "wealth and honor are sought amidst dangers". Deep down, Anton was not a person who would settle down. It could even be said that the Chinese who could make a living under the British were not people who would settle down. People who were truly content would never take the first step. As long as the first step was taken, they would have to continue on the path ahead with determination and perseverance.
