Fantastic - stainless steel rat (part 3).

                                                            
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  I took another sip of beer and thought seriously.  to me
it took several tedious hours to compose
this puzzle. That the Bishop used chess symbols
ku for my business card, made me dig into
books about chess.  Let's assume that he or she, because no one
has never determined the sex of an Elephant, although it is generally assumed
that the criminal is a man - has an interest in chess.  If only
he needed additional information, he would contact
to the same books as me. It takes a little effort and you
you will see that there are two ways to designate chess
moves.  The oldest one I used is called
square vertically and the chess piece whose name
this vertical is named. (As you should know, "ranks" are
rows of cells that are located from one side to the other
we know the chess field, the “verticals” are rows of cells thatstretch from one player to another.) Thus, the cell
on which the white King stands is designated as King 1.
King 2 will be the cell above.  If you find it too much
abstruse - don't play chess, because it's the simplest
in this game! However, there is a second way to designate
niya moves.  The entire board is divided into 6 squares, and Knight X can
stand either on 21 or 8 or 22 or Ch5. Confused? I think so too.  I hope that the police will not guess that
that this is code, and will not puzzle over it. A in this ma-
hidden in a lazy chess problem was the date of my next
th crime when I was going to take the "elephant", that is
use his business card. What did it mean that I
I hope to convince everyone that I am an Elephant. Which also meant that
I highly appreciate the Elephant as a good safecracker.  I'm clear
imagined the whole scenario.  The police will think about it
with this chess move - then he will quit.  But the Elephant is in his ykpom-
nom shelter should not.  He'll probably be angry.  Done
a crime, and he is blamed for it. The money was stolen, but he didn’t
what was missing!  I hoped that he would begin to reflect on
move, he will understand that this is a code and solve it. Will realize that
Horse is an omohum to the word night [Horse (kmight) and night (might)
they sound the same in English].  Night H - what could this mean?
read?Fourth night of the Peli Contemporary Music Festival
Gates, that's what. And this fourth night is at the same time
forty-fifth day of the year, that is, Ch5 square on a chessboard
board, one of the possible dispositions of Knight Ch. This check is not
will leave the Elephant in doubt that the crime will occur on Thursday
the fourth night of the Festival. A crime affecting a lot of children
neg, of course. I mentally spat three times over my left shoulder,
in the hope that it will be much more interesting for him to meet
me, than to warn the police about an impending crime. I
I still hoped that I had performed the entire combination correctly. Too
com is difficult for the police, but quite acceptable for the Elephant.  Him
there was still a whole week left to solve the problem and prepare
for the festival. This meant that I also had a week left,
to calm down a little, get a good night's sleep and get
the pleasure of developing plans and various devices
for a predatory raid on the public pocket.           
  It was raining on the appointed day - which went well with
my plans.  I turned up the collar of my black coat,
pulled his black hat onto his head, took out a black suitcase,
where the musical instrument was kept. Brass musical
tool.  This was clear to everyone, since the suitcase had
characteristic convexity at one end.  Public trans
the port took me to the main entrance totheater. Walking on tpoty-
aru, I suddenly discovered that I had merged with a crowd of people similar to me
musicians dressed in black and holding instruments in their hands. I
prepared a pass, but the doorman waved at us to hurry up
walked inside out of the rain.  It was unlikely that anyone
will begin to find out my identity because I was one of the 230.
Today was supposed to be the premiere of something that
was called a piece of music and what was impossible
listen, called "Collision of Galaxies", in which
201 wind instruments and 29 percussion instruments took part.  Composer,
My-Byfter Guillot, was known for her not-too-tender
discordant compositions.  The choice of this piece of music
Denia predetermined the choice of the one suitable for my operation
evenings;  just reading the score will give you a headache
pain.                                                       
  So many musicians were not enough available in the theater
dressing rooms, and they were circling everywhere, creating a lot of noise. Nobody
didn't notice how I left without saying goodbye, and made my way upstairs
back door.  The service personnel had long since left the premises.
tion, so I knew that no one would disturb me. Unless
this stupid music.  I hid in the utility room
closing the door behind you from the outside.  Hearing the first sounds of prelude,
diy, I pulled out my copy of the score of "Clash". Allstarted very calmly - at least the Galaxies need
introduce yourself to the public first before confronting. I follow
followed the course of the concert from the notes until the melody came to
the red mark that I put in them. Folded neatly
score, I put it in my pocket, carefully opened the door
and looked around.  The corridor was empty, as it should be
be. With a firm step I walked along the corridor, the floor of which
he was already beginning to tremble from the impending galactic
destruction.                                                    
  There was a sign on the door that read: “NO ENTRY TO TRESPASSES.”  I
pulled out a black mask from his pocket, took off his hat and fished out the keys
from the door from another pocket, put the mask on himself. I don't xo-
I wanted to waste time fiddling with the master key, so I had to
I decided to make a key while I was exploring the area. Putting it in
into the door lock, I purred to myself as I rushed out of the hall
diyu - if you can imagine it at all. At the very moment
After a disastrous collision, I opened the door and entered the office.
No one heard me come in, but my movements were noticed
an elderly person.  He turned around and stared at me, dropping
the pencil he was holding in his hands before I arrived. His
my hands flew up to the ceiling when I pulled out an impressive -
and a fake one - a revolver from the inside pocket.  Its toba-
the younger ones don't seem togot very scared and rushed to attack
ku.  And then he fell unconscious on the floor, receiving a blow and
breaking a chair as it fell.  All this happened without a single
sound. Or better yet, there were a lot of sounds, but none
one of them could not be heard through the music, which,
picking up a frantic pace, she now imitated someone’s trumpet voice.
I needed to move because the worst was approaching.
loud part of the piece.  I took two from my coat pocket
a pair of handcuffs and attached the elderly man's leg to his
table, lowering his hands so that they would not get tired. Then I did
the same with his sleeping friend.  It's almost time.  I
took out a plastic explosive from another pocket - in mine
the robe was full of pockets - and stuck it to the front door -
tse safe. They apparently felt safe here,
taking some precautions. The whole rich evening -
All income was locked in a safe in the presence of armed guards.
And remained locked until it was opened in the morning under
under the supervision of other armed guards.  By inserting into the explosive
radio fuse device, I went to the other end of the room,
where fire could not reach me and others.  Each loose
the object in the office jumped up and down to the beat of the music, and
the plaster began to crumble.  But the right moment is not yet
has arrived. This gave me the opportunity to cut the wires for nowtelevision
backgrounds so that before the end of the concert none of them could
speak on them.                                            
  Well, a little more!  Before my eyes stood naptuty-
ra, and I mentally followed the progress of the melody, and at that very moment
ment, when the Galaxies were finally about to collide, I
pressed the radio button.  The front wall of the safe is silent
flew off to the side.  I almost went deaf from the thunderous music -
cable junction - and not at all from the explosion - all that remained was
be surprised how many people are ready to go deaf
in the name of art. My amazement did not stop me from raking the bank -
sheet music from the safe into my musical instrument case.
When it was full, I waved my hat to my apectahtam, one
one with wide open eyes, another unconscious
condition, and left. The black mask returned to his pocket, and
I left the theater through a spare one hidden from prying eyes
output.  I quickly ran two blocks to the station entrance,
without attracting attention to yourself in the crowd of the same people hurrying along
rain of passers-by.  Down the stairs and further along the corridor, beyond
turn  Suburban trains have just left the platforms
us, and the corridor was empty. I entered the booth with the phone-auto-
obscenities and in exactly twenty-two seconds - strictly otpenetupo-
bahoe time - changed his appearance.  Tearing off the black pok-
digging from the suitcase, Iturned it into a white case. Character-
The bulge also disappeared.  I turned my hat inside out and it became
white, black mustache and beard disappeared into the space intended for them
pocket.  Now I could turn my coat inside out, and it was completely
That's right, it also turned white. Dressed in this way, I walked
to the station and, leaving with the arriving passengers on the street
Tsu, I found myself at a taxi stop. Short wait; arrived
cab, and its doors opened welcomingly. I climbed inside
and smiled in response to the wide grin of the robot driver.       
  - My daragoy, atvezi menya to Arbolast Atel, - very po-
I guess I imitated the Zuringar accent - because at this very moment
At that time the train from Zyringar arrived at the station.                 
  “Message not accepted,” the machine said.                 
  - Ar-bo-last A-tel, metal idiot! - I shouted. -
Ar-boy-bo-last!                                             
  “I see,” she said, and the cab moved forward.          
  Just great.  All conversations are stored in molecular
memory cabs for a month. If they follow my trail,
they will discover this recording.  And I booked a place at the hotel with
its terminal in Zyringia. Maybe I was too careful
- but my motto was IMPOSSIBILITY. Be too careful
nym, I mean. The hotel was very expensive and tastefully decorated
painted artificial arbolast [finishingmaterial],
present in the decoration of corridors and rooms.  I'm with podboct-
Rasty was escorted to his room, where the arbolast served
floor lamp - and the robot receptionist slid away with a five-dollar
coin in the tip slot.  I put my suitcase in the bedroom
took off his wet coat, took beer out of the refrigerator -
and then there was a knock on the door. So soon! If this is an Elephant, then he
just a wonderful detective, because I don’t feel at all
trailed his tail behind him.  But who else could it be? I call
dabbled, but then I realized that there is only one way to
make it clear.  With a smile on your face, in case it turns out that
The Elephant came, I opened the door. The smile immediately disappeared.         
  “You are under arrest,” said the detective police agent, exposing
forward your precious icon. His assistant aimed at me
a huge revolver to make sure I understood what
speech.                                                       
  “What... What...” I muttered something like that.  But
the officer did not seem impressed by my wit.           
  - Put on your coat. And come with us.                    
  Completely stunned, I stumbled across the room and...
fulfilled his order.  It would be better to leave the coat here
but I had no desire to contradict. When they start searching -
If they find him, they will find the mask and the keys and everything else that
The fisherman will give me away.What about money?  They didn't mention o
suitcase.                                                   
  As soon as I put my hand in the sleeve, the policeman clicked on
handcuffed my wrist, attaching the second one to my own
hand. And I had nowhere to go. I have nothing or almost nothing
could have done it - at the point of a revolver in the hands of someone standing three
steps behind us kohboupa.  We went out the door, walked along the
corridor to the elevator and down into the hall.  Thank God the policeman
was kind enough not to leave me at a great distance -
tion, and I did not feel the handcuffs.  Huge black and ominous
the car was parked in the middle of a no-parking zone.  Drive
he didn't even bother to look in our direction.  Although, how
As soon as we climbed inside and the doors closed behind us, he
set off on the road.  I didn't dare say a word - my nonyt-
The girls, apparently, were also not in the mood for conversation. B full
in silence we drove along the rainy streets, past the police
sections, which was completely unexpected, and suddenly stopped
were at the Federal Government building.  So this is a security service
news!  My heart sank.  I was, of course, right, I reasoned
It's amazing that solving puzzles and arresting me is too much for the locals
police.  But I didn't think about a planetary investigation bureau.
With obvious displeasure, I realized my mistake.  After a long time
years of silence The elephant suddenly appears on the surface.Why? And
What does this chess nonsense mean? The cryptographer is connected.
Wow, bravo, the date and location of the next npec-
warming.  The case is being transferred to federal authorities from hekomne-
The police are tentative in these matters. The cash register is monitored by
with the latest electronic equipment. The criminal is being pursued
sulking on his heels to check if anyone else is involved
anyone.  Then a sudden seizure. I'm so depressed
I realized that I could hardly move my legs. I almost fell when-
yes, our small procession stopped in front of the heavy one
a door with a sign "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION", where
just below in smaller letters was written “DIRECTOR
FLYNN." We made our way inside in single file.                       
  - Here it is, sir.                                            
  - Wonderful. Tie him to a chair.                       
  The one who spoke towered massively above the massive table.
An overweight man with slicked black hair, who
a large amount of fat surrounding him on all sides,
gave even greater obesity. Chin, or rather, chins,
hung down to the very chest, a massive mountain towering above
the surface of the table, on which thick sausages lay
the fingers of his clasped hands. B answer to my fluent confused
look, he looked at me sternly and coldly. I'm not npotec-
when I wasthey led me to a chair, sat me down, and I
felt the handcuffs snap around the back, then
Retreating footsteps and the slamming of a closing door were heard.
  “You are in a very unpleasant situation,” he said.       
  “I don’t know what you mean,” I said in a fit of non-
guilt, but reduce the squeak and trembling in my voice
whether this impulse.                                              
  - You know perfectly well what I mean. You committed a gr-
beige tonight, clearing the public purse of
means given by completely deaf music fans:
But this is not the most important thing in your stupid prank, young man.
catcher For your information, I can inform you that you stole so-
the same good name of another person, the Elephant.  You're playing out
yourself as someone you really are not. Come on, catch it!     
  Steal your good name?  What the hell is he talking about? I'm on
momentum caught the keys in the air.  Stared at them in amazement,
then looked at him even more amazed, clumsily trying to unbutton
remove the handcuffs.                                             
  - So you don’t... That is, the arrest, this office, the police...
You...                                                       
  He patiently waited for my next words with a blissful smile.
Coy on the face.                                                
  - You... You are the Elephant!- Exactly so. As I understand from hidden in your primitive
code note, you wanted to see me. For what?                  
  I sat up in my chair, and a monstrous figure appeared in his hands.
a huge revolver aimed straight at my forehead. I'm down
in place.  The smile, like the warmth in his voice, immediately disappeared.
whether.                                                         
 - I wouldn’t want to be imitated, and I wouldn’t want to,
so that jokes can be made on me.  I don't like it, I pacce-
wives  You have three minutes to explain to me what
deal before I kill you and go to your hotel room,
to pick up the money you stole today. But first,
what you have to do is reveal to me the place where you keep
the rest of the amount stolen on my behalf. Speak!         
  I spoke - or rather tried to do so, but I could not
just helplessly mumble something. This sobered me up a little...
th. He might have killed me, but he wasn't going to erase me in
powder right on the spot.                                       
  I cleared my throat and tried to start.                         
  “I don’t think you’re in a hurry to kill me, just as you’re not
I think I can meet the time period you allotted -
neither.  If you had delayed the execution of me a little, I would have
I tried to accurately and clearly explain to you the motives for my actions.
ka. Do you agree?By speaking in this way, I was taking a certain risk - but
The bishop was an honest player, I understood that now.  Expression
his face did not change, but he nodded slightly, as if yielding
a pawn for me.  Knowing for sure that my King will not get anywhere from him
no.                                                      
  - Thank you. I never thought that you would end up
a cruel person. In fact, when I found out about your cy-
In honor, I chose you as a role model,
example of professionalism. What you managed to do, what you
managed to achieve, has no analogues in the entire history of the world
development. If I insulted you by stealing money in your name,
I ask you to forgive me.  I will return all this money to you in advance.
according to your requirement.  But if you think about it, I just don't
there was another way to find you.  So I had to help
tpoutb everything is so that you find me yourself, which is what you did.
I counted on your curiosity - and on your mercy - and
that you will not reveal to the police who I am,
unless you meet me in person.                            
  With the next nod, he gave me another pawn.  motionless
the new muzzle of his revolver told me that I was still on
sight.                                                    
  - You are the only person in the world who establishedmy personal
ness,” he said. - Well, tell me why I shouldn’t
kill you.  Why did you need to look for a meeting with me?
chi?                                                         
 - I already explained - out of a feeling of admiration.  I decided that
the career of a criminal will most fully reveal all my talents.
But I'm self-taught and very vulnerable.  I'd really like to be yours
student.  And start learning from the very beginning.  Enter
Supreme Criminal Academy to study this completely
an unknown part of social life. I will pay
lessons, whatever fee you demand from me for the privilege
to be near you. Although I will now need some
time to restore your cash reserves, if before
the moves from my last two operations will be transferred to you.  Here we go
everything.  This is who I am.  And if I work hard, I
I would like to become like you.                            
  His softened gaze and fingers thoughtfully scratching
chin, they said that for some time he would remove
I'm under siege. But the game could not yet be considered won -
Yes, I didn’t want to win. A draw was enough for me.     
  - Why should I believe your words?  - finally asked
he.                                                         
  - Why should you doubt?  What other respectful
could I have a reason?“It’s not your motives that concern me at all.” I'm thinking about the possibility
the possibility of the existence of someone else's interests in this
le, most likely the interests of the responsible police officer,
who used you as a pawn to find me. Che-
The catcher who manages to arrest the Elephant will rise to the top
the top of his chosen path.                                
  I nodded in agreement, frantically wondering what to say.
Then he smiled, sighing with relief.                       
  - You are absolutely right - this is the very first thing that could
come to your mind. Your office in this building is also designated
It seems that you occupy a considerable position in the field of planting
ness, such a rank that allows you to check whether it is true
this.  Or - which further proves your genius - you
were able to use their channels and means to penetrate
into the police information network at any level and, fooling
them, with their help to arrest me. Congratulations sir! I
knew that you were a genius in your field - but what you managed
to accomplish is on the verge of fantasy!                   
  He nodded his head slowly, accepting my praise as due.
no. Did my words force him to lower his revolver? Showed-
Is there a draw on the horizon? I rushed to the attack. 
  - My name is James di Gris, I was born a little overseventeen
years ago in this very city in a hospital for the unemployed
shepherds of pig-like creatures.  The terminal that I see in front of you is
certainly contains official documents of this level. Nay-
give me my details!  And check for yourself that what I told you
- the true truth.                                          
  I made myself comfortable in the chair while he typed in the commands.
keyboard. I didn’t distract him with anything while he carefully cleaned
Tal.  I was still nervous, but I tried to look calm.
Finally he finished.  He leaned forward and calmly
looked at me.  I didn't notice his hands move
places, but the revolver disappeared from them.  Draw! But the figures are still
remained on the board, and a new game began.               
  - I believe you, Jim, and thank you for your kind words. But I'm ra-
I work alone, and I don’t need apprentices. I prepared to kill
you in order to keep your real appearance a secret. But those
Now I see that this is not necessary. I'll just take c
I give you my word that you will never try to find me again.
nod - or you won't use my name for yours anymore
crime                                               
  - I will immediately fulfill all your requests. I stood on some
swarming with an Elephant just to get your attention.  But
I beg you, change your mind and accept me intomembers
your highest criminal academy!                         
  “Such an educational institution does not exist,” he said, c
struggling to his feet. - The reception is closed.                  
  - Then let me put my request in other words -
“Mi,” I said hastily, clearly feeling that I had left
a little time. - Allow me to touch on something personal and forgive me -
those if I cause you any trouble with this. I can-
lod, I’m not yet twenty, and you’ve already lived on this planet
more than eighty years. I've only been practicing for a few years
early profession.  And in that short time I discovered that
completely alone. What I do I have to do myself
and for yourself. I have no friends among criminal elements.
cops, because everyone I've met in my life is absolutely
disgusting unprofessionals.  So I had to leave them. A
if I'm lonely - then I dare to assume that you are lonely too -
ki in your life?                                           
  He was still standing motionless, leaning one hand on the table,
yctabub looking at a blank wall, as if through a window, at something not-
visible.  Then he sighed loudly and, as if releasing co
with a sigh, part of the force holding him on his feet was heavily lowered.
leaned onto the chair.                                              
  - You speak the truth and only the truth, my boy. I have
no desire to discussthis question, but your caustic remark
hit the nail on the head. But despite this, everything will remain the same
as is. I'm too old to change my habits. I'm pro-
I say goodbye to you and thank you for a very interesting week.  As in
good old days.                                      
  - Think, please!                                  
  - I can’t.                                                
  - Give me your address, I will send you money.              
  - Keep them for yourself - you earned them.  But in the future, mine
them under a different name. Give the Elephant the opportunity to calmly enjoy
give in to old age.  I will add only one thing to this - a small
advice.  Reconsider your life's purpose. Force your remarkable
talents to work in a more socially acceptable field.  Then
you will be able to avoid that endless loneliness that
you already mentioned rum.                                        
  - Never!  - I shouted loudly.  - Never.  I'd rather be
rot in prison for the rest of my life than I'll take upon myself
the role of a respectable member of society - which I gave up so long ago
but also completely refused.                                   
 - You can still change your mind.                               
  “This is simply impossible,” I shouted into the void.  The door behind
closed on him, and he disappeared.                                  
  Well, that's all. Incomparably oppressivedespondency, ovla-
what happened to me brought me down from the heights of enthusiasm. I did everything
what he intended to do.  My convoluted plan worked perfectly
sunrise.  I pulled the Elephant out of oblivion and made him an offer -
an offer he shouldn't have given up. But that's the point
the thing is that he refused. Even the satisfaction from the glorious strangulation
The ongoing robbery did not bring joy now. Dollars are gone
poured out of my hands like ashes. I ate in my hotel room
le, peering into his future, and saw nothing but
endless emptiness. I counted the money until the amounts stopped
does it matter to me?  While making my plans I thought
about everything except one thing - that the Elephant will refuse me. This
It wasn't easy to go through.                                      
  When I returned to Billeville the next day, I was still
was in an extremely depressed state and was immersed in
self-pity that I could no longer bear. I looked
at myself in the mirror and saw there a grief-stricken face with empty
eyes, then I showed my tongue sticking out to the reflection.          
 - Mumble! - I said. - Mama's boy, crybaby, indulgent
his whims, - and added a bunch of insults, which
Only I had the strength to invent it. Having freshened the air, I did
get yourself a sandwich and a cup of coffee - no alcohol, so as not to
clog up the brainwaves, and sat down to think about the future. What's next?
Nothing.  Byat least nothing constructive at that moment
I couldn't think of it.  All my thoughts stopped...
in front of a blank wall that I could neither go around nor overcome.
fly. I fell into a chair and snapped my fingers, turning on the charger. On e-
Early on, a commercial channel appeared, and before I could
switch the program, a speaker appears in all three dimensions
rheniumx and in color. I didn't turn it off because it would-
La is quite cute in her light thin bathing suit -
meh.                                                         
  - Hurry to where the gentle sea breeze blows, lure-
she said.  - Join me on the silvery shores
beautiful sandy Batukaho Beach, where the sun and waves are oc-
take your soul...                                          
  I turned off the device.  My soul was in great shape and
the beautiful forms of the announcer only added to my sorrowful feelings -
thinking.  First the future, then heterosexual love.  But
the commercial channel nevertheless gave me the beginning of an idea.  Vacation?
A little respite? Why not - lately I've been...
chatted more than any businessman whom I didn’t want to
moose become. Crime pays, and quite a price
personally, so why don't I spend a small amount
earned through hard work?  I still can't get away from everyone
my problems.  I already knew from experience thatphysical release
does not bring relief. My troubles have always accompanied
me, like an ever-present and nagging toothache. But I could take them
with me to some place where I might find time
at your leisure and a way to get rid of them.  Where?  The terminal issued
I got a weekend guide, and I quickly skimmed through some
mu eyes.  Nothing attractive. Beach? Only if for the sake of
in order to meet that girl from the commercial channel there
la, which seemed unlikely. Luxury hotels, expensive cruises
museums, museum excursions, all this was the same
the best thing is the delicious yuk-end at the ranch co pig-
mi. Maybe this was what I needed - I needed a global
fresh air flow. Like a farm boy I saw in my
life a large number of fun picnics in the open air
heh, more than a bunch of pork you know what. Here's one like this
the lowdown, I rushed into the wide open arms of the big
of the city - and so he remained in it.                         
  This must be the answer to my question. Ko-
Of course, not back to the ranch, but to some wilderness.
Away from people and things, closer to Mother Nature.  Than
The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea. And
I knew where I would like to go, the desire to get there
Yes, it appeared to me when I barely reached the scruff of my neck nopoceh-
ka.Cathedral Mountains. Their snow-covered peaks were
strapped into the sky like giant church towers, in every way
In fact, they left such an impression in my childhood dreams.
Wonderful, isn't it? It's time to make your dreams come true.
  Buying a backpack, sleeping bag, insulated tent, bowlers,
flashlights - all the necessary equipment - was part of the
Have a fun adventure. Having equipped myself in this way, I did not
waste time waiting for the next passenger liner,
and took off by plane to Raphael.  When we landed I
I stared at the high mountains for a long time, waiting for my luggage. I
I studied all the maps and knew that the path to the pass crosses the
horn at the foot of the mountain north of the airport.  I needed
wait for a special bus that would take me
there, instead of drawing attention to yourself with a trip
in a taxi, but I was impatient.                               
  - It's very dangerous, boy, I mean going out on the path in
alone,” the elderly taxi driver smacked his lips, starting
eagerly describe to me all sorts of consequences of this step.
- It's easy to get lost.  If you don't get eaten by hungry wolves.
Landslides and snow avalanches. And...                              
  - ...and meeting with friends.  With twenty.  From the team under
poctkoboro tourist club in Nizhny Apmmnute.  We collect-
We wanted to have a lot of fun - not for longthinking, I composed.      
  “I haven’t seen any teenagers here for a long time,” he muttered.
he said with idiotic suspicion in his voice.              
  “You couldn’t even see them,” I continued to lie, sitting down
into the back seat and quickly glanced at the maps. -By-
because they took the train to Boscone, got off there at
closest to the place where the path and rails intersect,
stations. They will be waiting for me along with the guide and the rest.
nym. I'd be afraid to be alone in the mountains, sir.             
  He grumbled something else, and when I forgot to tip him,
he grumbled even louder, but then chuckled with joy,
Well, foolishly, I overpaid him by a lot, barely holding back
desire to slip him counterfeit dollar coins.  The sound of mo-
the tora died away in the distance, and I looked at a clearly visible path, from
winding up the slope - and realized that it was still
not a bad idea. There is no point in showing too much en-
tysiasma about Grand Picnics. It's like skiing
jax - you're rolling, you like it and there's no need to talk about it
this. This is what usually happens. My nose is burnt, the ants are
They were digging into my bacon.  The stars were incredibly bright and close in
nights, and the clean air was very beneficial to my lungs. I'm bro-
walked along the paths and climbed up, cooling off in the icy mountains
flows - and I managed to completely forget about all mytroubles.  They were completely out of place in this outdoor
world.  Renewed, fresh, tired and happy, as well as
a little tired, I came down from the mountains ten days later and
walked, stumbling, into my hole, where I reserved for myself
place.  The hot bath was a true blessing, and not
A lesser blessing was the cold beer.  I turned it on again
memory and grabbed a piece of information message, sat down noy-
I listened more carefully and with half an ear to what they were saying, being too lazy to
switch channel.                                            
  - ...report an increase in ham exports by four
percent in the first half of the year. Trade in pigtail quills is
but it stalls, and the government finds itself face to face with a mountain
needles, which is already causing a lot of criticism.           
  - And lastly, a computer robber who penetrated into
FBI information network, will go to court tomorrow
shania. Federal prosecutors see this as the most
serious crime and require capital punishment from the court -
nia. However...                                        
  As soon as the announcer's face disappeared from the screen and in its place
the figure of the criminal himself appeared, taken into custody in
police house, his voice stopped reaching me.  It was
a very massive man and very corpulent, with a mane of white hair
los.  I got a seizure inchest, just in the place where,
as I assumed, there should have been a heart. Hair color
another - but the hair was not the most important thing here.  Impossible
I had to admit it.                                            
  It was the Elephant!                                             
  I jumped out of the bath and, running across the room, began hitting
air conditioners.  I'm surprised I didn't get electrocuted. Trembling
from the cold and hardly feeling it, I scrolled back the news,
going into great detail.  I caught a shot of him
turned over his shoulder for a moment and zoomed in on it. It was
he is without any doubt.  By the time I wiped c
himself with foam and water and got dressed, he already clearly imagined
further action plan. I need to get back to the city, find out
find out what happened to him and see what can be done,
to help him.  I coped with plane departures right away
there will be one mail flight after midnight. I booked myself a month
then, I had a little refreshment and rest, paid all the bills and
was among the first to find himself on board the plane.                    
  At dawn I entered “my” office in Billville.  Bye
the computer printed out the latest news and details for me
news of the arrest, I prepared a cup of coffee. Bread little by little -
reading and reading, I felt that my initial inspiration
laziness comes to naught. This was indeed the manco-
whom I knew as the Elephant, although here he performed under the name
Bill Wayne.  And he was detained in the Federal Bureau building,
where he had a computer built into the information network
yuter-interceptor, which he used to include in
top secret stream of documents. All this happened next
the next day after I set out on my flight from
actually a voyage. It suddenly dawned on me that everyone knew this
chilo.  Guilt took over me because I was the one
the man who sent him to prison.  If I hadn't
began to implement his crazy plan, he never
would begin to contact Federal documents.  He did
this is just to check if mine are
robberies are part of a well-established police operation plan
ranks.                                                  
  - I put him behind bars - so I have to get him out
from there!  - I shouted, jumping to my feet and spilling coffee on
floor  Wiping up the spill, I calmed down a little. Yes, I want-
I would like to get him out of there.  But can I do this? Why not? I already had some experience organizing
escape from prison. And, probably, it would be much easier to sneak-
going inward from the outside than vice versa. But after thinking a little more, I
decided that I shouldn't get too close to the prison,
let the police take you outhim to me.  He should have been brought
to be taken to court using some means of transportation.  But
very soon I realized that everything was not so simple. It was per-
a major criminal in recent years, whom
managed to catch, and there were too many cye-
you.  Instead of putting him in the city or peruo-
nal prison, the Elephant was imprisoned in a cell in the building itself
Federal Bureau. I couldn't get close to him even for a short time
distance.  And the precautions taken when he was taken to
The boardroom was just incredible. Armed vans
us, patrol, motorcycles, police hovercraft
ke and helicopters.  I couldn't get close to him here either.  This
meant that all my plans were instantly upset.  I was
interested in this case, just like the police - but not at all
for another reason. After a long investigation, they discovered
did the real Bill Wayne leave the planet for twenty years?
back.  All official records of this fact disappeared from the computer.
yuter file - and all that was left was a short note that
I guess Wayne himself tweeted to his relative, which is what he discovered
his own disappearance.  So, if the person arrested is not Wei-
fis, then who is he? When their prisoner was interrogated,
according to a report given to the press: "He answered a question
only silence and a discreet smile."  Now theycalled
prisoner none other than Mr. X. No one knew who he was
such - and he preferred not to dwell on this topic -
du.  A trial date was set - no earlier than eight
days. This was made possible due to the fact that Mr. X
refused to plead guilty or not guilty, not
will defend himself because he refused public
defender The prosecution, eager for sentencing, said:
that the matter was completed, and asked to complete it as soon as possible
justice. The judge, who also wants to quickly get to the center,
attention, went along with this request and scheduled a meeting
tion for next week.                                    
  I couldn't help it!  Pressed against the wall, I admitted
his defeat, but only for a while.  I'll wait until
completion of the trial. Then the Elephant will be
then one of the prisoners, and he will finally be taken out of the building
Federal Bureau.  When he is safely hidden behind bars,
ku, I can organize his escape. Just before arrival
the next spaceship, which will take him away from here
to refresh the mind and purify the spirit.  They, of course,
chick to apply all possible miracles of modern science in order
turn him into an honest and respectable citizen, but,
knowing him, I was sure that he would rather die than this
will happen.  I have tointervene.  But it was very difficult for
make me.  I couldn't find a way to get into the hall
court during the hearing.  Therefore, I, like other residents of the
nets, I watched them on television when they started. And
ended suspiciously quickly.  All the morning of the first day is gone
to read out a well-documented list of all his
crimes. It was just terrible. Official crime
tion, damage to the data bank, intrusion into the information
network, treachery, hiding important documents - it was
just a nightmare.  Witness after witness read their statements.
ideas, which were immediately taken into account and included in
accusation.  But the Elephant seemed not to see or hear everything
this.  He looked somewhere into the distance, as if he was looking at something
more interesting than the simple action that is taking place
lo here in the courtroom.  When all the witnesses have testified,
the judge struck his gavel and announced that the court was leaving
for lunch. When the court resumed work - after a break, which
that would be enough for a substantial banquet of seventeen courses with after-
leading dances and girls - the judge was in a cheerful mood
marriage of the spirit. He kept nodding his head in agreement when...
Yes, the accusation was read out, thanked the entire crowd of lawyers for
a job well done and they left.  Then he pos-
looked at those present with the gaze of the Pope andspoke
with large gaps in speech for the convenience of reporters.     
 - This matter is so clear that it is simply obvious. Gocy-
the gift criminal faces so many charges that
No defense could withstand them.  That the defender was not
in demand, only confirms the correctness of my words.  A
the truth is that the defendant committed intentional
pehho, with special cruelty and thoughtfulness, all those npec-
the murders of which he was accused.  This is not necessary
doubt. But despite this, I will continue to discuss this
question all day and evening. He'll get his chance until...
to show himself from the best side, which he had refused earlier.
I won't make a final judgment until tomorrow morning,
when we all gather here again.  Then I will announce the preparation
thief Justice will be done, and you will see it.           
  “Yes, a little justice,” I muttered through my teeth and
I was about to turn off the TV.  But the judge has not yet
finished.                                                     
  - I have information that there is a lot of interest in this case -
The Galactic League was formed. The spaceship has already launched
and will be here in a couple of days. The prisoner will come out from under
our guardianship, and we, please understand my emotions correctly and forgive me,
let's get rid of him.                                          
 My jaw dropped and I stared blankly at the screen.  All
it's over. Only two days. What can I do in two days? Could-
Could this be the collapse for the Elephant - and the collapse of my barely begun
pursuing a criminal career?                                 
  I wasn't going to give up. I should have at least...
try even if I fail and get caught myself.  By
It's my fault he ended up in such a stupid position. And I swore
I told myself that I would do everything possible to save him. But what am I
could you do? Get closer to him in the Federal building
the Bureau was simply impossible, just like on the way to the hall
meetings and in the courtroom itself. Court. Court? Court. Court! Court - by
Why didn’t I think about the trial?  What was it about him that
It’s my interest that scraped in my medulla oblongata,
trying to give me an idea?  Well, of course!  Hooray! I jumped up
with delight and ran around the room in circles, waving his arms
and making loud noises with his throat, imitating how everyone likes it
hangs on nukhukax - a guinea who has fallen into hunting.            
  - So what about the trial? - I asked myself, and to this question I
There was already an answer.  - I'll tell you what the trial is.  This is old
the building, claiming to be ancient architecture, is located under
state protection.  Perhaps in the basement there are some
some archival rooms, and without a doubt, full
bats onattic.  During the day it is guarded like a coin
yard - but it's empty at night!                                  
  I reached into the equipment closet and began to dump out the necessary
washed things on the floor. Set of tools, master keys, flashlights, pro-
wires, voice recorders and bugs - all those devices that
might be needed at work.  Now a car - or better
a van would be very useful, since I most likely
You will need a vehicle for two.  I took care
about this too. I had a few places that I had my eye on.
as a last resort. And it came. Although the day was still in full swing
re, trucks and vans of Crumb-Bakery were in their
garages, where they were prepared for the pre-dawn bustle of the following
th morning.  It so happened that one of the vans was parked on the street
not far from the gate.  I jumped into it, drove out onto the road and
rushed towards the city lights.  When cymep came down
ki, I was already on the country road, having entered Peli Gates c
the onset of darkness, and a little later I was already entering from the black
th entrance to the courthouse.  There was an anti-burglar alarm
very ancient, capable of resisting only children or ymc-
inherently defective - most likely due to the fact that in the building
there was nothing worthwhile that could be pulled off.  Boopy-
married with a circuit that I made myself during the process, I
went straight into the hall.  Room six. I stood therethreshold and look-
breathed into a dark room.  Orange lights came through from the street
here through the high windows.  I silently went inside and sat down on
the judge's seat and looked at the witness box. Then I
looked for the dock where, during the trial,
shaney the Elephant sat and where he will sit at the end of them - and
this is the very place where he will stand to hear his
talk  His huge hands will grab the railing here.
That's exactly it. I looked down at the wooden floor and yxsoap-
nulsya.  Then he tapped it.  Then I took out a drill, and my plan
began to be implemented.                                 
  Oh, it was too restless a night!  I had to cleanse
clear the basement under the courtroom of all kinds of boxes and crates,
sawing and hammering, and sweating, and even
leave the building for a long time to find
some sports store and get there. But sa-
my deciding factor - I had to develop and prepare a plan
retreat.  The escape itself should not be too hasty -
but it must be safe and insured against any un-
expectations. If I had time, I would do a little
shoy tunnel. But there was no time. Therefore, instead of manual work
you needed to use your head.  Having settled down noy-
Moreover, I began to think and almost fell asleep. Never! Me again
got out ofbuilding, found a 24-hour restaurant, equipped
sullen robots, and drank two cups of coffee with a high
the desired caffeine concentration. This helped to generate ideas
and increased heart rate. I staggered out of the restaurant, and
went to the outerwear store.  When will I add again?
rushed to the meeting room, I simply collapsed from exhaustion
tee.  With shaking hands, I locked all the doors to hide my traces.
of your presence.  With the first ray of the rising sun I
did all the work.  Clumsily acting with tired fingers, I
locked the basement from the outside, hobbled across the room to the canvas
mat, set the alarm clock - and, lying down on the floor, immediately nor-
fell into a doze.  I woke up in pitch darkness,
Married by the mosquito squeak of his alarm clock. For a moment I
I panicked, but I remembered in time that the basement had no
windows  Outside, the day should have been in full swing. This-
We'll see in an hour.  I lit a flashlight, made it more comfortable -
then turned on the TV monitor.  Wonderful!  appeared on the screen
color image of the courtroom, projected onto the monitor through
a special surveillance device that I installed
last night upstairs.  Several employees were wiping the dust from
furniture and swept the floor.  The meeting will begin in an hour. TV
the visor continued to work, but the last time I checked, it did not
I worked all the previous night in vain.No, everything is fine
line, everything was functioning... all I could do was wait. What
That’s exactly what I did, sipping cold coffee and having difficulty
chewing on a dried-out sandwich from the previous day's supplies.  Tre-
bora of waiting ended when the doors of the hall opened and
The large public and press poured in.  I could perfectly them
see on the monitor screen, listening to the shuffling of feet above
head. There was a muffled noise of voices, which died down only
when the court arrived. All eyes were on the judge, and
everyone's ears perked up as he cleared his throat and began to speak.
boputb.  First, he bored everyone to death by stopping in detail
based on the previous day's testimony, then
added his fullest agreement with all the accusations and observations
people.  I stopped paying attention to his drone
los and looked at the Elephant, who was sitting with his head raised high
head.  They never got anything out of him.  Facial features
he was motionless, he even looked bored.  But in his
in my eyes I noticed a glimmer of hatred bordering on contempt.
I eat.  A giant defeated by ants. The firm line of his chin
family talked about what they could imprison
his body, but his soul remained free. The truth is not enough
go, if the judge acts in the same spirit. There's something here
The judge's voice caught my attention.  He's finally finished
its longpreamble. He cleared his throat again and pointed to
Elephant.                                                      
  - Defendant, stand up for sentencing.           
  All eyes turned to the prisoner.  He continued to sit
without moving.  A quiet murmur arose in the hall.  The judge started
pour paint, hitting with your hammer.                
  “I will force you to submit to the court,” his voice boomed.
- The defendant will either stand up or be forced to do so.
this. Should this be clear?                               
  I started to sweat.  If only I could tell him
do not cause additional difficulties.  What can I do
if he is held by big ugly policemen?
Two of them had already headed towards him at the judge's signal.  Only
then the Elephant slowly looked up.  His eyes were full
undisguised contempt, capable of frightening any worthy
a respectable gentleman, and not just a stupid judge; they had
so much disgust that it could destroy the lower beings
va. But he got up! The police stopped halfway when
Yes, he stretched his huge hands forward and grabbed them by the
town.  She creaked when he leaned on her and lifted her
their massive forms, straightened to their full height.  He's high
held his head, letting go of the railing and dropping his hands.  It's time!  I co
I pressed the button with all my might.  No gapswere loud.  But
the effect was dramatic.  They knocked out two bolts that
held the corner of the hatch in place. Under the incredible weight of Slo-
The hatch swung open and he fell down like a bomb.  I'll instantly
climbed up the ladder just as he fell down
behind me, - still managing to look at the last moment
courtroom on screen. Silence reigned there when he disappeared from
fields of view.  The springs slammed the hatch door, and I pushed
heavy steel locking bolts into the holes underneath.  All
it happened so quickly that the horizontal figure of the Elephant
was still bouncing up and down on the tarp when I
turned up and looked at him.  I went down the stairs to his
that moment when he stopped and looked at me with his
with impassive eyes, he spoke.                           
  - Ah, Jim, my boy. How nice it is to see you again, -
he grabbed my outstretched hand, and I helped him lower-
sit on the floor.  Pandemonium began above us;
screams and squeals that could be clearly heard through the floor. I'll let you
took one triumphant look at the screen, at the judge with
with wide eyes, at the policemen milling around.        
  “Very impressive, Jim, very,” said the Elephant, also delighted.
being stolen by the scene depicted on the screen.                      
  - To the right! - I commanded. - Take a look at this when you-
you want to shootyour clothes.  We have very little time, then
I'll explain everything.                                                
  He didn’t hesitate for a second and pulled everything off himself before
than I said my last words.  His massive figure remains
dressed in rather attractive purple lingerie
colors.  He raised his hands at my command, and I climbed onto
the stairs, threw an oversized dress over him.             
  “Here’s the coat,” I said. - Put it on now. Dress up-
goes to the ground, so you don't have to change your shoes.  Now
a big hat, like this, a mirror and lipstick, while I'm away...
I break down the doors.                                                
 He did everything as I said, not a word in
sign of protest. The elephant disappeared and a truly gigantic lady appeared.
ski sizes.  There was a knocking and rumble above her head, but
she completely ignored him.                             
  - Let's go!  - I called, and he trotted across the room to co-
in a completely feminine manner. I kept the door closed until he
came up to me, using these seconds to
explain something to him.                                      
  - They are now somewhere on the stairs leading to
basement - but they are locked.  We will take a different path -
I pulled the police helmet on according to the shape that
was on me.  - You are a prisoner under myarrest.  Let's go out -
come on!                                                      
  I took him by the hand and we turned left along the dusty road.
ridoru.  Behind us we could hear crashes and screams from behind the blocked
staircase bathroom.  We hurried further to the boiler room,
and through it along a short flight of stairs to the heavy entrance
no door.  With heavily greased hinges and key
well. She opened at my one touch, and we
They stepped out of it onto the alley path. Almost at the very back of the poly-
Tseisky, who stood guard here. He was alone. Study
the situation took me no more than a moment.  narrow alley
was opened at the very end.  There was a dead end behind us.  People - and
salvation - they were on the street, behind the back of the policeman.  There's an Elephant
he stumbled behind me, and something creaked under his foot.
The policeman turned his head to look. I saw how
his eyes widened - this was what had to happen, because
that the lady behind me looked impressive. I took advantage
his distracted attention, jumped forward and extended his hand,
trying to keep his head in the same turned position.
He grabbed me with his strong hands - which immediately
they hung helplessly as soon as I twisted him with a Tongan trick
neck back forty-six degrees and he lost consciousness. I
lowered him to the ground and stopped the Elephant with his raised palm,
sweepinglywalking along the alley.                        
  - Not here.                                                
  On the door of the building opposite - it was a store - it was written
"SERVICE ENTRANCE" and it was closed. I opened it with
pre-prepared keys.  Waving to my friend, I'm in
at the same time he took off the helmet from his head and threw it towards the police
Tseysky I closed the door from the inside and took off my uniform jacket.
A scarf appeared around my neck, and I found myself dressed in wide
pants and a simple shirt. I put my mustache in my pocket and we
joined the crowd of shoppers.  Absentmindedly looking at
counters, but, of course, without wasting time shopping. I
noticed several surprised glances thrown at my
companion, but it was a very decent store, and no one here
I wouldn’t allow myself to stare at her with rudeness.  I'm the first
walked to the exit, holding the door and letting it go forward, and
we joined the crowd passing by.  Behind us, becoming
getting louder as we moved away, we could hear screams and
alarm sirens.  I allowed myself a weak smile.  Throwing
a quick glance back, I noticed that my companion did something
same thing.  She even had the impudence to allow herself a wink.
tell me.  I instantly turned back - I couldn’t encourage that...
some things - then turned the corner into a side street, where we
The bread van was waiting.“Stay here and look in the mirror,” I said, unlocking
door.  I climbed inside, barely having time to move when
a powerful figure climbed into the van after me.                
  “No one is visible...” he breathed out with difficulty.              
  - Wonderful.                                              
  I jumped out, bolted the door securely, walked through the
denier of the driver, climbed onto it and started the engine.  Van
moved forward, slowly making his way through the crowd of pedestrians,
and, after waiting for the traffic light, pulled out onto the street. I thought it was
walk past the courthouse, but it was too dangerous bang-
waltzing.  Better to just sneak away quietly.  When the street
empty, I turned in the opposite direction and rushed to
side of the city outskirts. I knew all the bypass roads well
gi, so we will probably have time to escape before they
the airways are blocked.  We were still not completely safe, but
nevertheless, I felt some self-satisfaction. Why
no matter what!  I did it! Organized the escape of the century to save
criminal of the century! Nothing can stop us now!            
  For the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon I drove the car, trying to
Trying to drive further away from the city, avoiding major highways
and staying on secondary roads.  Although our path is not
has undergone some changes in direction, we
stillinvariably moved south, trying to do everything
possible to bring a little feeling and emotion into the PR
Square.  Sound familiar?  Yes, for sure, because this must be
the only theorem that everyone remembers from school.
The area of ​​a circle is equal to the square of the radius times Pi. By-
the only theorem that everyone remembers from school.
The area of ​​a circle is equal to the square of the radius times Pi. By-
therefore, with each revolution of the wheel of the bread van, the
was the area of space that needed to be carefully
search to find the fugitive. Another four hours later we would-
are already far from their pursuers. Taking into account
the fact that all this time the Elephant was locked in the back
van and knew absolutely nothing about my future plans,
it would be quite appropriate to clarify something, and also to 
give. I was hungry, and given his size, he must have
feel the same.  With this in mind, I turned towards the preparation
to the native toprobomy center, noticing names along the way
fast food restaurants, and parked in the far
corner of the parking lot.  The back is against a blank wall. The elephant is good
blinked stuffily when I opened the door, letting in fresh air
and light.                                                     
                                                            
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