This is America

 (Narrative)


Hello, America !


It was deep of night.Stars dimly had shone above the tops of trees, hardly breaking through the clouds. After coming to, Sergey understood that he lies on the grass in the forest. There was a cobblestone near by. Apparently, against he was struck by head, after jumping out in motion from his car. Sergey with difficulty arose to the feet. He viewed. Around - forest. There was machine nowhere not evidently. Only track from it remained on the forest road. To the Mogilev highway there were kilometers seven. In other side had to be the village, where passangers ordered the way... These were two fellows. One of them only was freed from the conclusion on amnesty, and there can be, simply an escapee. But the second - his friend, who recently served in the army. In Minsk near their railroad station the taxi driver brought to Sergey, who stands in the expectation of passengers, and asked to service jacks, since in it very concludes operating time. Were twelve hour night. It did not be desirable to stay without the work. Especially because one fellow showed military certificate, having convincingly explained the need for being seen with the parents to his friend, who was freed from the conclusion. Sergey agreed. Route was simple: superhighway Minsk - Mogilev. Forty kilometers before town Mogilev, to roll up to the right to the forest road, which through nine kilometers will lead into the village. Here and everything. Path is paid for both directions: back and forth. Everything went well in the beginning of way. But when passed turning to the city Gomel, friends, who sat on the rear seat, began to drink vodka directly out of the neck of bottle, without having a snack. The attempts of Sergey to forbid the use of alcoholic did not succeed, but only made hopping mad of clients. Obscenity with the hints to the threats was carried. Sergey suffered,compressing by teeth... Finally, they rolled up to the forest road, which made it possible to go only in the third transfer. Forest tract and waste land "pressed" to the psyche, strengthening anxiety.
- It is still far to the village? - asked Sergey.
- No. But to us it is must further On the cemetery, to the parents to the bow. - answered a felon.
- I will not go on the cemetery. We did not negotiate. - stated Sergey.
- Hoots, son of bitch! You that me for padlo stand by? I will throw you on the lace now! - shouted felon, and threw belt on the neck of Sergey.
Sergey snatched out from under the seat of machine knife and slashed by it on the hand of opponent. Belt slid down from the neck. By other hand Sergey opened door and jumped out from the car....
Came to one's senses, Sergey went along the road to the side of village. Approximately throw kilomenr of way he has seen in front a light of the lamp. There is a village, in the center which on the post burnt electric bulb under the metallic cap. Not a single person was over the area, but on the opposite side of street he saw his car. They threw it with the open front door.Bamper and fron left wing of the car were rumpled, glass- headlight - it is broken. Sergey thoroughly looked around machine, by mounting he bent back the part of the damaged wing of the wheel and tried to neglect engine. Machine not immediately, but it were brought. On the soul it became more easily. After the fact that it survived, again appeared confidence in itself. It was necessary to have a nap a little before the return to Minsk, but Sergey had found the force in himself to overcome this desire was touched into the return route.
Yes, not always to tomcat carnival! Could not be earned this time. Apparently that taxi driver in Minsk did not simply thus propose to Sergey of these "swell fellows". Competition began from the very beginning of the formation of cooperative society "Guarantee" on the transport maintenance of the population of Minsk city. The taxi drivers did not like of the members of this cooperative, operating passengers more qualitatively, and often also it is cheaper. Sergey already three years worked by quotient predprinematelem in the cooperative "Guarantee" and on himself tested the "charms" of this competition. Methods of fight were different, but identical with respect to infamy. This is the perforation of tires during the selection of passengers on the "elite" stands. Frank impact by cam into the person to the driver through the open window of the door of the car. Relaxation of the clamp bolts of rear wheels for creating the emergency or the damage of frontal glass. But the most inoffensive method was the transfer of the unfavorable or dangerous route of maintenance to the terms of cooperative society "Guarantee". So once for Sergey it was necessary to winter to go into the Moscow hospital of Sklifasovskiy after body of dead girl, moreover round trip in the night time of day. In this trip it miraculously avoided the largest emergency near the town Vyazma. Sergey sorted out these cases in the memory along the road, returning to Minsk.
Nevertheless the matter there was nevertheless earner.At last time he could to save money to the acquisition of the new car. It remained to return its old of "Zhiguli" of the first model, and to instead of obtain information to the acquisition of new machine without the turn. This service gave population in the auto-store "Lada" on the Serova-street of the Minsk city.
After returning into Minsk, Sergey approached to realization of operation on the replacement of mashiny.A in the specific time it he became the happy owner of the automobile VAZ-2106. To work it began more easily. Passengers dispatch more willingly to the new car.
Somehow late in the evening near the restaurant "Kamenniy cvetok" the machine approached the company of foreigners with the request to carry to the hotel "Belarus". On the front seat has sat down man, and women went on the back seat.They gaily were discussed to rear, discussing something in the English. Sergey accurately could not dismantle that, about which they speak. But it grasped two words: "visa" and "America". When laughter and the conversations among them had silenced, Sergey asked in the man:
- Are you Americans?
- Yes. And that? - there was answer.
- It is simply interesting to meet with the people from the country of rotting capitalism.
- And what impression about us does remain in you?
- Merry and cheerful.
All of mansions ridiculed themselves.
- Here - here. This did not seem you,- answered american, continuing to smile.
- Something does not believe in the fact that you have always this glad life,- bent his Sergey.
- Certainly, this must be seen. By the way as your name?
- Sergey.
- Call me Michael. I propose to you, Sergey, to approach into the consulate of the USA, which recently was opened in Minsk on the Starovilenskaia- street. Attempt to obtain visa to USA. Then have you possibility everything see with its eyes.
- Thanks. I will think,- answered Sergey.
So they parted. However, not long. For intresting Sergey nevertheless decided to visit into this consulate. And when he arrived, then in the receiving they again were encountered. Michael learned Sergey and proposed to him to fill a form. At time of the interview Sergey, answering questions, said that he does not experience the special desire to go into America, perhaps recently as tourist, for cognitive purposes. It really it did not be desirable to leave somewhere to the edge of world. And although visa they nevertheless opened, he did not hurry to leave Belorussia.
Besides carriers trade Sergey worked as mechanic in the society of the limited responsibility "AvtoDinamo" to preparation for sale of second-hand automobiles. Work was interesting and not complex. The main thing - to support the marketable exterior view of automobile and the reliable starting of an engine.In sale there were the almost new reexport of VAZ-2109 and foreign brand of different model. All cares were proper. Sometimes it was necessary to recharge battery, to compressor wheels, to wipe bodies after rain or to remove any minor malfunction. Sergey loved machines, to its work he related honestly and were not gathered its forsake. But this work to leave nevertheless it was necessary. In connection with the liquidation SLR "AvtoDinamo" machines transmitted into another society, and regular workers discharged. To find new work was very complicated. To continue to be occupied further by the carriers trade of table is not safe. The intrigues of swindlers and attempt to take possession of automobile were increased in frequency by criminal elements. Here here Sergey thought above the realization of the visa of the USA.
Finally he sold his car VAZ-2106 and purchased airline tickets into New York - back and forth. One disturbed: where to go and where to stop on the arrival into New York. Encouraged the fact that there is a ticket to the reverse side. Imagination sketched fairytale flight above New York city. Most interesting top view on the coast of Atlantic Ocean, the mouth of Hudson.The Island with the Statue of Freedom. Manhattan with its digital streets, high-rise buildings and other sights. Nothing this Sergey did not see in reality. Aircraft arrived to New York tonight and were on top visible only the fires of large city. On the arrival, however, he passed the customhouse fast.Inspector anything asking, was placed the die in the passport, which resolves to be located to USA six months. In the hall of encounters and expectation the monitors and reference installations worked in the English only. To ask in those meeting anything was also useless.
Sergey went out to the street and approached the stand of taxi. Drove up a car.
Sergey asked something in English through the window to driver,and got an answer:
- Say in Russian. Where are you going?
- Itself I do not know. There, where it is possible to spend the night or to stop for the reasonable price.
- Sit down yourself... This is hotel "Malibo" on Broadway in the Manhattan. True, repair there occurs, then it is possible to find place from the price of 15 or 20 dollars in days. It does befit?
- Yes. Lets go. But to anything future cheaper it is possible to find?
- It is possible for 300 dollars to per month remove room on the declaration in the newspaper "Russian advertisement".
- How is far this hotel?
- Looking how to go. It is located on the intersection of Broadway and by 102-nd Street. Miles 15-20 it will be. Dollars thirty will be.
Machine for long looped along the countless roads of the territory of airport and finally took course on the Manattan.
- And by even what transport it is possible to reach into the Manhattan from the airport? - asked Sergey, in order not to keep silent.
- Here there is Subwey's station - so it is called here the metro. Treins of route "A" go through entire Manhattan up to the 209-th Street. A bus walks from each terminal of airport to the subwey.
That slain by fatigue, Sergey began all asleep. To him so was not impossible at this time to look night's New-York. Foe regret, it overslept entire expected and nurtured in itself romantic encounter with the great city - the Capital of peace...
When they drove up to the hotel, the chauffeur of taxi said to Sergey:
- Here with repair work of hotel deals master Ziga. You will try to speak with him. Maybe he will find a job for you. This will be good on the first time. Successes to you!
- Thanks,- thanked Sergey taxi driver.
Hotel "Malibo" has resided into smoll(on the measures of New York) building. The house was build one hundred years ago. There are close corridors with steep staircases. Walls were upholstered with dark brown wooden panels - outstanding asylum for mice and the cockroaches.
Sergey removed small single number for 20 dollars and straight lay to sleep.
The in the morning first, that made Sergey, so this it went to the street and in the first store purchased the newspaper "Russian advertisement". Newspaper was volumetric in a quantity sheet and contained several interesting articles, and rest - advertising declarations in all cases of life. Telephone in the number was defective. It was necessary to select the suitable declarations and to go to the administrator to ring from his telephone. At twelve P.M. Sergey finally has agreed with the mistress on the lease room in the region of the George Washington bridge. It was necessary to drive up six hours of evening and to look a room.
The following task for Sergey it was of finding master Ziga. He found his in other housing of the hotel, which was located on the corner of Broadway and by 101-st Street.
This was strong build a Pole. Ziga not only it led gang work, but also itself carried out the most complex and most critical works on repaint of the accomodations of house. Ziga said that he will be able to meet with Sergey after seven hour evening in the number of the hotel, where his lives.
The room, which Sergey took a trip to look, to like him. An apartment was isolated and good furnished: large cabinet, sofa-bed, table and flowers on the window. Sergey agreed with the mistress, that tomorrow in the morning he will move.
With the encounter with the Ziga Sergey had put the bottle of belovezhskaia and hors d'oeuvre, brought with itself from Minsk. Ziga was greatly pleased marinated edible boletus with the fat. As a result he promised to have a talk with the boss about the admittance to the work of Sergey for the period of the repair of floors in the rooms of hotel. It was only condition - this to acquire its tools: a hammer, a screwdriver, a knife, a tape-measure, a level and a drill.
Working here exactly month, Sergey obtained the wage of 1200 dollars without the taxes.
Thus, the most terrible and unpredictable period of adaptation and introduction into the American way of life for Sergey was unexpectedly completed successfully.               
                LEROY  STREET. 


               

          This is a small port’s street of the city New York in the centre Manhattan. If to go on the train "A" of subway  from the Uptown to stop West-4, and then to pass strictly to the west to Hudson in any way it is impossible to pass Leroy street.
          The street rests in West Street, on another side which the pier number 40 has hidden old in resignation. Gloomy emptiness of a mooring is especially appreciable on a background of cheerful high-altitude buildings of city and brisk movement of transport. Here has settled down Car-Wash, including fine repair, replacement of oil and wash motor vehicles. The washing complex works with full loading, bringing the owner and workers good money.
          For day Sergey passed Leroy Street twice: coming on work by 7 o'clock in the morning and leaving with works at 7.15 pm.  All change - 12 hours without interruption - he carried out on Car-Wash, missing through the hands up to three hundred cars. Usually eight workers worked in the change. There are three - on reception of cars in the beginning of the conveyor, four - on an output and one - on change of oil. Each car should be cleaned a vacuum cleaner inside to wash outside and to wipe dry. Then it must to drive away on parking and to hand over to the owner, having removed if necessary lacks. Work was intense and unsafe. However to receive it was uneasy. At reception test competition was arranged. The boss paid slightly: 3, 5 dollars for one hour. And if not tip which supplemented earnings approximately on third hardly it would be possible to exist on these pennies. But for illegals, living in America without the right on work, such work was the basic source of existence. 
           All life of the carwash was penetrated with fine intrigues. For example, was, for what to struggle at scheduling work in which days off and night shifts were reflected; mattered, from what board of the car it is better to become for work. The right to sit down a rudder and to drive away the car on parking or on a viewing hole especially involved workers. The driver received minute of rest and comfort which allowed relaxing. Such minutes especially liked Sergey. Having got in the car, he as if got in other world, in other life. Warmly, the cosines, music, gentle smells distracted from the rigid validity, reminded of that, as to you anything human is not alien.
           A variety of cars amazed. Practically there were no the automobiles similar against each other. All cars, even one type though something, yes differed. Limousines, jeeps, minivans, cabriolets, sports, police, antique …
          They a continuous stream passes on the washing conveyor. And though people in cars are not present, engines are included; the lever of the automatic device stands in position "Parking".
The conveyor should work constantly. It is business. Therefore ready cars should be cleaned quickly to not admit collisions.
          Sitting in the car, Sergey has quickly understood management. It was "Jaguar" with the lever of the automatic device below. The car was smoothly touched and rolled out on roadway Leroy Street. Having passed passing along the street, Sergey was developed and has driven in the next gate on a viewing hole. Having wiped a windshield, the forward panel, devices and having opened a cowl, he has left the car and has gone back to the conveyor. One month ago Sergey has received the letter from city of Albany - have sent a driver license of the professional of state New York. It gave him advantage before other guys who had no rights, - is quiet to sit down a rudder of any car. Certainly, to hand over on rights in New York it was uneasy. But also it is not more difficult, than houses - in Byelorussia. Traffic signs here appeared twice less, and the one-way traffic in general simplified driving. On preparation and delivery permit Sergey has spent theories of movement about three hours, and for delivery rood test was necessary to rent the automobile twice. Delivery has passed rather smoothly. But driver’s manual and department motorhwikls were remembered to him for a long time. Were remembered by simplicity and the precise organization.
      - What do you go so slowly? - Sergey has heard the indignant voice George. - We have not time to wipe. Go, become on my place.
          George has arrived from the Western Ukraine one year ago and worked on a carwash ten months.
       - Well. There is to me all the same where to work. And you need to receive a driver license, - Sergey parried and has borrowed a workplace on right board of “Toyota".
       They worked as double towels. On the spot there were washing machines in which towels were washed and dried.
          George has sat down a rudder and has sharply touched the car forward. And behind it already approached blue policeman’s "Chevrolet". Feature of police cars that alarm lanterns which complicate clean roofs are established on them. Policemen in New York are usually nice guys. They never swear also nobody humiliate.
          George did not beginning remove this car, and for a rudder sat Vitalik.
       - You take the risk, - Sergey has told to George, having nodded on "Òîóota". - Who sit down to drive without rights in America, it is considered a rudder a crime.
       - Go to hell! - has given up as hopeless George and has stepped to coming nearer «Dodge Caravan»
          All were amicably thrown on the minivan.
          To dinner the stream of cars has increased. To talk there are no time. Everyone has turned to the automatic device supplementing the conveyor. At the end of change workers have opened a casket with types. Everyone has got on twenty dollars. Day was difficult, but was already finished. The wet conveyor, Leroy Street, subway, 175-Th Street has remained behind.  And it is, at last, the bridge of G. Washington. Near the bridge Sergey removed a room for three hundred dollars per one month. Here he was waited with short rest-hours and supper which it was necessary to prepare still.               
 Sergey has arrived to New York four months back from Minsk, where, alas, might not find work. The visa to America was open for a long time - two years back. And, at last, he was solved on trip. It was difficult to get used to this mysterious and interesting country.
          Next day Sergey, having come in a changing room, has found all guys on a place. Uzek, George and Vitalik were with him in a shift to day. All of them have arrived to USA under the guest visa, without the right on work. Vitalik with the wife came from Ukraine. Uzek has invited and has borrowed him of money to air tickets. Uzek were here some years and soon should receive Green card (the document for permanent residing at America). Therefore money for Vitalik were necessary as never, money were necessary, and he worked not sparing himself, remaining sometimes and on the second shift.
          Having changed clothes in overalls, guys send to change a night shift which at this time divided types. Each of guys has got on fifteen dollars. It spoke what to sleep him there are no time at night. Uzek has gone along the conveyor - to supervise its technical condition. George examined territory from side Leroy Street and containers taking place there for dust. And Sergey with Vitalik have begun to wipe crept to this time "Chrysler". The machine was old, clumsy, with huge buffers. It did not go in any comparison with new design "Chrysler" and looked, perhaps, ridiculously. The owner of the machine was the black man; having sparkled eyes and a teeth, he has thanked for work and has left.
          The heads came by 9 o'clock in the morning. The manager on service and repair of automobiles was Pole Yanek. He has picked up to himself in assistants to several Poles. It beat Voitek, Uzek and Paul. They were engaged in repair of machines in depth of premise of car-care center and sometimes came to help to wipe machines; at the same time supervised quality of washing works. They were engaged in repair of the conveyor which demanded to itself the big attention.
           Responsible for readiness of the conveyor for work was Uzek. He has unexpectedly left because of appeared machine and has told:
          - Very weak outflow of water from a drain hole. It is visible, it will be necessary to put the pump for peek up waters.
            The next client was the limousine sparkling by a black paint. Limousines in New York represent a special kind of a taxi for elite. They are equipped with radio - communication, sometimes have the lengthened case and carry out only applications of the company. Drivers of these machines earn up to thousand dollars per one week. To be accepted on this work, it is necessary to have the limousine such as "Lincoln" in to increase till five years, to know the English language and to know well city. And as at Sergey of anything of it was not behind the back assiduously only it was necessary to rub     brilliant sides another's car.
          At 9 o'clock in the morning has appeared Yanek. He has examined a drain hole and has ordered to establish the pump for peek up waters.
       - The boss will come here today. Be attentive, - has told Yanek and has left in office.
          All were afraid of the boss. He penetrated into all trivialities of life carwash. When something was not pleasant to him, he on the spot accepted strict measures - down to clearing guilty from work. There was he from family of Russian Jews of earlier immigration. Business has got to him by right of succession.
          Sergey continued to work on the right side, occasionally sat down a rudder when everyone was occupied, and there are nobody to drive away the machine on parking more. Simultaneously he supervised washing machines, respelling with dry towels. Work was argued, and nothing foretold troubles.
           But the jeep "Blazer" has approached on a gate of the carwash brand new darkly - green. The machine was left by the young man and has asked in good English language, whether he may see the manager. Sergey has told him, that the manager is Jnek and what to find him it is possible at office, and has specified a door in a corner of a premise. The stranger has left.  Now Jeep “Grand Cherokee”, dazzling sparkling a white paint, gracefully came up on the working platform. Wiping glasses, Sergey has paid attention to levers of switching of a box of transfers and the amplifier of a jeep. Overwhelming majority of automobiles in USA is equipped with automatic transmission. Therefore boxes of transfers and a pedal of coupling seem already an anachronism. Having finished wiping a cowl, Sergey has departed to washing machines those them to reload. At this time the jeep “Grand Cherokee” has suddenly rushed from a place and, speeding up, has rushed off to green "Blazer". The deaf sound of collision of machines was a finale of this movement. There was all so unexpectedly and quickly, that those who saw this picture have stood. Of a white jeep has fallen out excited George. He has jumped on legs and has run away. As it was found out later, George has mixed pedals of a brake and coupling that to him dearly coasted. The forward right door of "Blazer" was deeply pressed inside. At the “Grand Cherokee» - are damaged the right headlight and bumper.
        Both drivers and Yanek have appeared near machines. Work was temporarily suspended. Each owner demanded the new machine, refusing from repair damaged. Jnek under pretext of clearing a washing platform has persuaded them to clean machines in depth of a premise of carwash. The conveyor has renewed work. George has replaced Voitek, which has come from workshop.
          The owner of one machine has asked Sergey to clean a dark oil stain on a cowl. Sergey with the help of solvent has removed a stain and consequently had not time to wipe the bottom part of a forward door, the machine has driven off. Here to Sergey has approached Voitek and has rebuked: he, say, slowly works and leaves places by the machine wet. Sergey's objections were not taken into account.
          Sergey not bad understood automobiles, loved engineering and had already time to work couple of weeks in an automobile repair shop " At Aaron and Naum " in Brooklyn. If to take into account still presence of a driver license of state New York he represented rather perspective worker for car-care center. And it Polish guys Voitek, Paul', and have quickly understood the same George. They have seen in Sergey of the possible contender. In life everyone happens, and here near at hand ready replacement, and the boss without serious consequences may expel for any fault though Voitek, though Paul. As the wages at them were almost twice more, than at the others. Sergey up to such ideas was still far and consequently did not understand some nuances in mutual relation between colleagues. He continued to work with the big interest and desire.
          The boss has unexpectedly appeared. It was high, harmonious, with taste the dressed person. He has closely examined workers and has gone inside of a premise. With him accompanied Jnek and assistant. The rest of day has passed quietly.
          Before the ending of change appeared Jnek and said:
          - Since tomorrow's day for a rudder that has driving license may sit only. Here expel machines may Paul, Sergey and mechanics on replacement of oil. Voitek tomorrow to eight mornings together with assistant will go on the gunk. George it is translated on a site of preparation of machines to washing and on cleaning of a drain hole.
           From conversation in a changing room it was found out, that George have not expelled only because he does not have money to repair of the broken machines. The guy has left to work - while he will pay off. Repair will do by the forces, and it will bypass in six hundred dollars. It was excellent variant for the benefit for George. It was visible, that someone was charged for him before the boss.
           All next days Sergey worked in high spirits. Work became more various and more interesting. He has tested all kinds of automobiles. He has entered direct contact to clientele. He has had an opportunity to communicate with people, using the poor lexicon and thus filling up it. Buttons “stops “and "Start-up" of the conveyor were trusted Sergey. And the main thing, he constantly has had an opportunity to leave on Leroy Street where the sun shined and there was the turn a life. There was also a return side of a medal - some risk. Sergey remembered it, was constantly vigilant and provident. All went well.
          Under the diagram Sergey had two days off per one week. It was Wednesday and Thursday. He went to these days on occupations on the English language which passed on the fifth floor of an angular building of 7-Th Avenue and 27-Th Street. Employments were carried out by students of the senior rates of universities. It was their pedigree practice. Forty hour in the monthly rate for two hours daily cost thirty five dollars.
          Feature of such rates was that before the group consisting of people of different nationalities (Poles, Chinase, Cubans, Dominicans, Spaniards and etc.), the teacher conducted a lesson in English, and all understood it.
           Unfortunately, Sergey might visit employment only on days off. It was not so effective, but enabled to get acquainted both with radical Americans, and with those who recently has arrived to USA. On employment acquaintances to representatives of many nations of the world were fastened. New familiar appeared, as a rule, simple people which did not recognize interethnic barriers. The English language of these people united.
          For two months of employment Sergey has not met any person from republics of former Soviet Union. But the big unexpectedness for him was the sincere attention of the American students - teachers to him personally. This attention appreciably allocated him from the environment of students. Special care and interest to Sergey showed black Sandra. She differed from other teachers the most precise technique of realization of employment. Gradually Sergey has understood that simple Americans concern to Russian not only with interest, but also with the big respect.
          The majority of the students visiting employment of the English language, there were Poles.
In general Poles have surprising ability to penetrate into all spheres of life of city of New York. However Sergey did not meet them at underpaid work (below six dollar per one hour). They lived preferred in Queens. One time in area of Greenpoint Sergey somehow dialed with agency on the employment, belonging Poles.
Employees of agency «Morris and Robert» for services to employ have taken from Sergey two hundred dollars. Three weeks kindly promised work, and then the agency was liquidated. There was only a phone which answering machine constantly informed, that employees have gone on leave. And it was not a unique case in life at Sergey when Poles kindly and promised much, but practically nothing made. However, courtesy always involved Sergey and even gained.
 As Poland is a neighbor of Byelorussia, also it seemed, is closer and more nice than Poles in America at Sergey of nobody were._
          From station of subway “28-th street” Sergey on train # 1 in half an hour has reached 181-th street. It was the Spanish area. Swarthy, noisy, mobile and cheerful people here lived. In a place of crossing of street with the Broadway the children a whirlwind rushed on roller skates and bicycles, and teenagers on the spot on the road showed a part game in basketball. Rhythmical Spanish music from everywhere reached. Passing on the Broadway and having curtailed on 178-th street to the bridge of G. Washington, Sergey appeared at the house. In a letter box he has found out the letter from Los Angeles, in which Registration Company Green cart offered for the further participation in draw of a lottery urgently to send a photo and the data with the signature. Two months back Sergey has sent in this company the data and money order for seventy five dollars.
Now the photo was necessary. Not excepting the next swindle which not a rarity in New York, Sergey nevertheless has overcome suspicion and has gone on a mail where had time to hand over before closing the letter.
          At last, Sergey appeared at home. He has warmed up a meal, has had a bite. Then has taken a shower, has washed linen and, having looked through records and the textbook on the English language, has departed to dream. Tomorrow he was waited with the next difficult working day.
          Sergey has got up in the morning, as always, at 5.30. Half of hour need cunningly on gathering and breakfast. The blessing, station subway was near to the house. Through forty minutes Sergey was already in Greenwich Village and then directed to Leroy Street.
          Weather for night has deteriorated. The wind drove dark clouds from ocean, and already there were first sparks of a rain. Sergey has gone to office and has noted time of the beginning of work in a card. Slowly, has changed clothes, has left to the carwash. Cars were not. The conveyor stood. On weather forecast in New York for all day will be a rain. And the weather service here never was mistaken.
          The taxi driver by the yellow car with a bulletproof partition inside interior has approached. The vein - hard worker has appeared then. Cars have washed up and carried out in way - road. The rain began, and the conveyor began. To a drain hole has approached George, the beginnings to collect tools and special accessories to its cleaning.
          At nine hours has appeared Yanek and has disposed to start in view of absence of work cleaning of a drain hole. In help George he has allocated till 12 Sergey and   Vitalek.
          George, standing in a hole, collected a shovel and loaded into buckets a liquid dirty with an impurity of pitch and oil, and Sergey and Vitalik dragged buckets on street and poured out a dirty in metal containers. Standard big buckets were heavy, and guys have soon adapted carriages for transportation of these buckets. But loading and unloading of carriages was done manually. Such job Poles did not like and tried to avoid it. Well and the others transferred it quietly.
          Exactly at 12.00 Sergey with Vitalik have stopped work, having left George one. Dirty overalls have removed and have put in the washing machine, have washed, have eaten the lunch. The working day for them was completed.
          Sergey has decided to go today on employment in to English lessons, and to write letters to relatives in the evening and to study advertisements in Russian newspapers "Courier" and " Russian advertising ," which yesterday had time to buy. Usually Sergey took newspapers with itself to read them in the car of subway. In one month term of stay of Sergey in the United States came to an end. But the basic purpose of trip - to earn something - was not achieved. It was necessary to arrange for prolongation of the visa for half-year.
          Typically for New York that the necessary information to receive here not so is simple. It can be overheard in casual conversation among Russian or to get in advertisements in the newspaper.
          Sergey thought of it while went on 7-Th Avenue on rates on the English language. Employment has passed, as always, interestingly and cheerfully. Sergey has leaded the rest of day, as planned.
          For night weather was not improved. A rain went. Americans’ people are practical. In rainy weather they cars do not wash. Though works was not expected, Sergey has arrived on the carwash in time. Having changed clothes, workers have gathered at the conveyor. The rain has amplified. Cars were not. Workers stirred about any other business. But first of all about difficulties in daily life. The prices for transport and food stuffs recently have grown. Tickets on the bus and the subway began to cost one and a half dollar, the cheapest bread - is more than dollar for an item. Have recollected precedents of earthquake in New York which ostensibly should transform city into ruins in 2000. But, despite of it, anybody did not stammer at all returning back, home. At all the decision to remain in USA for a long time has ripened.
          At last, Yanek has come and all workers have sent on houses, having left only the assistants.
          Sergey needed to visit in migratory agency, which address it subtracted in “Russian advertising ". The agency was on Kings Highway in Brooklyn. The young man by name Dima which has told has accepted Sergey, that they can prolong the visa for half-year, but it is necessary to pay hundred twenty five dollars. Having received necessary documents and money for service, Dima has asked Sergey to call him through three weeks.
          Vegetables and fruit were in Brooklyn always cheaper, than in other areas of New York.
Therefore Sergey has decided, despite of a rain, to come to Brighton Beach and to buy products for one week.
          Passing by restaurant “Russia”, Sergey has remembered film: “Deribasovskaja Street has good weather, on Brighton Beach again there are rains" which shootings passed and at this restaurant. Certainly, streets Deribasovskaja and Brighton Beach are absolutely not similar against each other. And people - people were the same. It seemed to Sergey, all population of Odessa has removed to Brighton Beach. Having bought products, Sergey on the train "D" has gone to him home in Manhattan.
           Manhattan is one of five areas of city New York. The island is washed by waters of three rivers: Hudson, Harlem and East which flow to Atlantic Ocean. The whole network of bridges and tunnels connects Manhattan to the other parts of city. Almost all bridges in New York are present samples of engineering art, beauty and pride of the nation.
          The George Washington Bridge, to whom Sergey went, is considered the mightiest and high. It not only connects among themselves two states of America: state New York and state New Jersey, but simultaneously this is the western window of city New York in huge open spaces of continent. Continuous, in some numbers, noising automobile streams in both directions and on two circles of the bridge leave impression of functioning of any powerful organism.
          Sergey liked to make walks on this bridge; it was pleasant to look from a foot path of the bridge through a handrail downwards - at the river Hudson. The height of the bridge bewitched, and the open spaces of the river leaving in vast Ocean, excited imagination.
          In the beginning of XX century, in one of autumn days here, a handrail of the bridge, had young man and with determination of despair peered at dark depth of Hudson. The soul was pulled out outside. To live it would not be desirable at all. The destiny severely has joked of him. More recently he, having received the inheritance, became the richest person in Ireland. And for short time has remained with anything. "Friends", women, a wine and cards have made the business: the inheritance has thawing in a drunken intoxication. Any steamship was hardly recollected. And, at last, another’s city, this’s country. Where to go? What to do? The answer, seemed, laid below, at the bottom of Hudson. And only the young man has rushed forward as whose strong hand has kept him for a shoulder. He has looked back. Strong gray-haired the man stood before him. Eyes of him shined and radiated heat.
          - Do not hurry up, at you all ahead. Be engaged in, - he has precisely made è has disappeared.
The young man has not believed the eyes and ears, but, nevertheless, has followed advice and has soon opened a butcher's shop on the York - Avenue in Manhattan.
          This history about the grandfather has told to Sergey Davis Edwards, having invited him on a visit on Christmas. The grandfather has left in the inheritance to the descendants the order: never to refuse in support to the fair person who has got in difficult position, and has left a butcher's shop and some small apartment houses which they successfully leased.
In one of such houses Sergey also removed a room in two bedroom’s an apartment. Davis was born and has grown in New York. He has overcome all steps of the American education and was up to roots of hair the businessman, convinced that each dollar should be fairly earned.
           Davis has already helped Sergey, giving him on couple of weeks a job in the shop. It was delivery of orders to the house from his shop“Subarban Meat”. The shop was glorified perfect, the highest quality by meat products. To visit apartments and to look at a life of true Americans it was very interesting. Sergey still has impression, that at home and an apartment at Americans - very convenient, safe and spacious. For expensive habitation ideal cleanliness, illumination in corridors and lifts, gardening, ventilation and an air conditioning, use of video cameras, a communication facility, the signal system, let alone high-speed lifts and vigilant doormen were characteristic.
 However anything similar was not in the house in which removed room Sergey.
          Having made change at a stop “125 Street» on train "À", Sergey, at last, has reached the home.
          In a Sunday weather has sharply changed. Morning was given out cloudless, and Sergey with good mood has arrived on work. But anybody from workers for some reason on a place did not appear. The conveyor worked. Machines were slightly, and Sergey began to work one, having hardly time to wipe bodies and to clean machines from the conveyor.
          By eight hours has appeared Voitek. He has resulted the new worker - Marek. Sergey began to work with him in pair.
          - Do you have a driver license? -  has asked Sergey at Marek.
          - No, not to may. I am the tank man. Can go by a self-feed, - has answered Marek.
         - This is very interestingly. Only in New York anybody on tanks does not go, - Sergey has explained.
          Gradually all workers have gathered. It appears, on the eve was big booze, and an alarm clock have put incorrectly. It mass delay on work spoke. Yanek has quickly understood with a problem and has declared:
          - Henceforth for delay it is more, than for fifteen minutes guilty will be dismissed.
          When were connected to work Uzek and Vitalik, Sergey has felt simplification, but also intensity of loading of the conveyor has increased. All worked silently. Anybody did not have desire to talk. Once only, expecting the next machine at a table with dry towels, Vitalik has thrown to Sergey:
          - Be more attentive. Voitek with George something against you plans.
          - And what have they against me? - Sergey was surprised.
          - Whence to me to know?
          Soon after lunch Uzek with Vitalik have for some reason begun to fuss came to Yanek, and the trace of them has caught cold. Nobody has come here to change. Yanek too somewhere has disappeared. Sergey with Marek continued to work together. After the several intense business hours there has come long-awaited calm. Sergey has stopped the container button " stop ", descended in a toilet and has returned to washing machines. Marek it was not visible anywhere.
          The conveyor has earned again. Newcomer "Mercedes" has seemed from the carwash. The paint up to that was good, that drops of water were not late almost on its surface. Sergey has quickly wiped the car from both sides and has sat down a rudder. The interior pleased an eye. Having smoothly touched, Sergey has taxied on parking where the car the owner already expected. It was the European, who not bad spoke in Russian. He has asked to wipe plastic elements of registration of interior and to grease rubber of wheels with a special solution. Sergey has promised it to make and has on the spot seen on work’s platform white "BMV". He has rushed to the car. Behind the conveyor already rolled on "BMV" minivans. In no event it was impossible to admit collisions of cars. Sergey was thrown to button “stop” and has pressed it. Minivans in meter from "BMV" has stopped. Sergey has jumped for rudder "BMV” has transferred the lever of a box of transfers with neutral in the first position, but the car from a place was not touched. The engine did not work. Sergey has turned a key of ignition. The engine was not started. Someone in the meantime has started up the conveyor. The machine behind has again come to life. And here Sergey has recollected, that in some German machines the engine is not started until will press a pedal of a brake. And only he has made it, as the motor has earned. "BMV" jerky has left forward. Sergey wanted to relax already as in a mirror of a back kind has noticed huge old veins which, terribly rocking, followed in two meters behind a minivan. 
          Having left "BMV" on parking near to "Mercedes", Sergey has run to a minivan. He did not begin to stop the conveyor, and jumped in minivans. The engine worked. Sergey has taken off the lever of the automatic device from position "Parking" and has touched the car forward. Behind the huge bare case a van only has flashed. Having driven away minivans on opposite side Leroy Street, Sergey has returned to a van and the beginnings to wipe it.
          From nowhere, has appeared Marek.
          - About, Marek! You just by the way, - were delighted Sergey, - go to "Mercedes", smear with shoe-polish of a wheel and rub panels inside interior. And I while shall wipe this tank.
          - Why the tank? - was surprised Marek.
          - Ask about it at Voitek, - Sergey has already guessed that planned against him Voitek and George. 
          Working on a site of preparation of cars to carwash, they have carefully planned operation on creation of conditions close to emergency, and have leaded it.
          Slightly it was necessary to Sergey to be late at service "Mercedes” and minivans would push on work’s platform "BMV" which further itself would start moving down - on the line of Leroy Street. And huge van should finish business, having superseded already minivans after "BMV". The responsibility for consequences would lie on Sergey. It became clear, that undeclared war began. On the nature Sergey was the peaceful person and to be at war with anybody did not gather. Therefore he has decided to engage in search of other work and in time to go way from here.
          Having left on street and having stopped veins at sidewalk, Sergey has looked round. In the sky the bright spring sun shined. And on the only thing here already green tree the nightingale sat and sang. And so sang, so sang, like in native Byelorussia. And any language barrier to it did not exist.
          “It is approves. - Sergey has thought. – Means, all is right ". 
               


               
          From Florida up to Long Island
               
               
               
   



New York’s “Labour exchange” represented a crossroads of 39-Th Street and 14-Th Avenue in Borough Park. The name “Labor exchange” had only symbolical character. Any office and the more so the organizations engaged in employment of the unemployed here did not exist. The crossroads of two streets at which corners were going wishing to earn additionally was only. Passing past the machine stopped, and their owners offered gathered work. At the mutual consent the worker leaved with the turned up machine. The crossroads was away from noisy highways and city centre. Local authorities did not penetrate into this spontaneous process of a labour market. But the police periodically ran here, dispersing gathered illegal residents. 
In searches of work Sergey assigned the big hopes for "Labor exchange". After has left with carwash on Leroy Street, he already next day was going to go in Borough Park. On the train "Â" he has reached to station the Fort Hamilton and, coming on 39-Th Street some blocks, appeared on the necessary crossroads. A people gathered here much, but offers were a little. The crowd rushed to each stopped car, and in this crush it was hard to appear the first. Sergey has vegetated there till three o'clock in the afternoon and with anything has left home. Viewing of announcements in newspapers of any result has not given. Something was suitable, but after specification by the phone was found out, that workers are necessary, but with the documents giving the right on work. The subsequent trip on «Labor exchange " was also unsuccessful, short of that Sergey have asked to help to transfer furniture from garage in the house. It has borrowed only one business hour, for what have paid six dollars. Having come back home, Sergey began to study fresh newspapers. Two advertisements have interested it him. In one work in hotels of Florida was offered. Here it is necessary to pay 100 dollars for service and at own expense to leave by the bus to Florida where the representative of the employer should meet. In the second announcement the lonely driver a vein for long trips on the big distances was required. In both cases paid on six dollars for one hour and was to have in quality ID the driver license enough. It suited Sergey. He has on the spot called on the phone numbers specified in announcements. There were that workers, really, are necessary there and there. About a meeting and specification of some details have agreed to call back next day. The mood at Sergey has risen, and he has decided to visit on employment on the English language. He liked both variants of the offered work as in both cases trips on the country were expected. And it for him was not only work, but also interesting cognitive travels. On employment he has come with delay, but on late nobody here is usual paid attention. He sat down near the Cuban, who has shown him the ropes and tasks. There was a preparation for simple dialogue.
After preparation Sergey had to fulfill dialogue with the same Cuban. Appeared, that his name is Luis. He has arrived to New York from Miami in hope, that here it is easier to find work. Sergey has shown him the announcement in the newspaper where workers in Florida were required. That has shaken a head and has in case given Sergey a phone number of the friend in Miami. In second half of employment teachers have organized tea with chocolate sweets. Tea drinking has pulled together people. There was a conversation. Closer others to Sergey there was one Slovak who not bad spoke in Russian. He was the good electrician and worked in the building company. Sergey has shown him both announcements. That esteemed them and has made:
- About Florida of anything can not tell, and about the lonely driver for distant trips heard, that the case when one guy simply was missing was. Anybody any more did not meet him.
- So, maybe, has moved?
- Is not present, speak, that it work of fellows which are engaged in extraction of «spare parts» of a human body. So it is possible to fall a victim in rescue of others.
- Well. This information is very valuable to me. Thank, the friend.
- There is no gratitude. I shall be glad, if all appears not so.
An employment ended. Sergey all evening thought about forthcoming work. There were many ambiguities. In the first case, will be problem on a new place.  Need to enclose money. Whether it will be possible them then not only to fulfill, but also something to earn?
In the second case, of risk in this respect was not. And the car is the car.
It nevertheless the roof above a head and is more than freedom. And if the good machine so it will be not work, and interesting travel comes across on the verge of rest. There are two roads and two ways. Which one to go? It appears, and itself it is possible to choose destiny the, certainly, on a separate site of life. With such ideas Sergey has gone to bed. In the morning he has called on both phone numbers. First number has not answered, on the second - have answered at once and have confirmed that the driver is required. It was necessary to address to the manager of auto shop on 83-Rd Street.
At last, and on the first phone number the woman with juicy voice has answered. She has offered to approach in the office located on 7-Th floor of Empire State Building. It is a corner of 33-Rd Street and 5-Th Avenue and to ask Larissa.
Sergey quickly gathered, has oriented on the map of Subway on what to go and soon was on 83-Rd Street. In auto shop he has found the manager. It was average growth of persons of the European origin. Sergey has shown the announcement and has told that he would like to receive this work. The manager has unexpectedly made in Russian:
- My name is Piatro. I would like to look, what you have documents.
 Sergey has shown him the driver License and card of a Citibank. The manager has closely considered both cards and has told:
- Documents correct, not false. And what you have experience of driving of the automobile?
- In the country, in Byelorussia, I worked as the taxi driver, and here in Manhattan couple of weeks carried delivery.
- By what machine?
- Minivans “Dodge Caravan”.
- Who is here from your relatives?
- Anybody. And it is very important?
- Yes. It is very important for us, that you did not try to return from distant trip home more quickly and quietly worked there where it is necessary for us.
- And in what distant edges it is necessary to go? - Sergey has asked.
- It is cities of Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago, Cincinnati and is farther up to Florida. Places interesting. One only Niagara Falls that costs - a fantasy!   
- What cargoes it is planned to transport, where parking, lodgings for the night, places of rest?
- Everything, that is connected to claims and guarantees of automobiles. These are spare parts and experts in repair and contract obligations. For parking, lodgings for the night and rest camping sites, hotels and base points of the company are used. On base points - lunch free-of-charge.
The phone has rung out. The manager has lifted a tube. After the accepted greetings in English it seemed to Sergey, what he has heard a question " who the following?” On what Piatro has on the spot answered, that will call back later and has hung up. He has finished shooting on the copier of a copy of documents of Sergey and has returned them to him. Then he has offered to look the machine. They send from office and have passed in a court yard. Here stood eight-local minivans of color silvery metal, just as new. It was “Ford Wind Stare”, the American new model.
- What age of this car? - Sergey has asked.
- In operation - two years, - has answered Piatro, - back sitting is if necessary removed. Both forward sitting are equipped with pillows of safety.
Sergey an interior has felt, that the car very good. He has sat down a rudder. Devices and handles looked simply and elegantly. On a speedometer was all about thirty thousand miles. Start of the engine has passed from a half-revolution. The engine in 220 horse powers under a cowl hardly it is audible hummed. The onboard computer specified serviceability of all systems and devices. Sergey has thought, that not bad would be to write down state number of the automobile. He has rummaged around himself on pockets, but the paper anywhere was not. Then he has switched off the motor, has opened a door and has jumped off on the ground. In a pocket of a covering of a door he has seen a scrap of a paper, has taken it, has written down on it number of the car and has put in a pocket. Piatro has approached.
- As the car? -  He has taken an interest.
- The car is good. Dream of the Samurai! - Sergey has answered.
- Well, Samurais now too have learned to make excellent different cars. But the answer yours I approve.
- And when in road?
- If nothing holds, start up tomorrow's day will be for rest and on gathering, and the day after tomorrow by nine o'clock in the morning come here and at once you will go to Buffalo. And there will tell where and when. It agrees?
- Yes, sir. Thank.
- Then good-bye.
- Good-bye, Mr. Piatro, - and Sergey has gone on station of the subway.
Now one more appointment to lady from Empire State Building was necessary him. This building constructed still before the Second World War long time was the highest not only in America, but also all over the world. However after construction of World Trade Center it has conceded a priority on height to towers to Twins. However from it became lower not. Sergey sat on stations “81-st Street” in train "Â", on which was necessary him to reach to a stop”34-th Street". At his order was a minute 20 to consider a detail of visit to auto shop. He has put a hand in a pocket and has come across a scrap of a paper. Has taken out it, again has read state number a minivan, has turned the leaf and suddenly on the return side has read an inscription:
“You are the following ".
“That it meant? - Sergey has thought. It is accident or the prevention? And it is valid; something is strange in this tempting offer. There are simple requirements at employment. His have not asked even the basic document in America: Social Security Card. Whether this fine automobile bait is? "
- The Thirty Fourth Street! - have declared by radio a stop.
Sergey has left the car, has got out of an underground and, passing two blocks, appeared before an entrance of well-known Building. Having chosen the necessary lift, he has risen on 7-th floor. In a corridor of a floor were three doors. The first door was closed. The second door - is open, and Sergey has come inside of a room. It was the big study trimmed under cherry. At the left there was a long ministerial table of persons on twenty, and is direct near a window behind a small computer table brightly made up woman sat a dense constitution with black magnificent hair. Sergey has made two steps forward and has asked:
- Excuse me, whether I may see Larissa?
- Yes, certainly, Larissa is I. - The woman answer.
- I called to you concerning the announcement in the newspaper in the morning.
- Also what you have decided? Documents are with you?
- Documents are, - Sergey, stretching cards, has told. - But I interest some details. You might not tell about operating conditions and a place of stay?
- As at you with English?
- I learn.
- Means, so, - Larissa in the firm voice has told. - All over again it is necessary to pay services to buy the ticket on the bus up to city of Miami and to inform me number of a place and a departure time of the bus. There you will be to meet. I shall call in Miami. And work may be anyone. Night cleaning in a supermarket, service and protection in hotels, loaders, drivers and so on are required.
When you will meet, and then will tell more precisely. For residing there is a place in a hostel or a separate room. Only the price is difference.
- As I shall find out those who will meet me?
- They will find you.
- When it is possible to leave?
- Tomorrow. The bus wills departure at 10.30 AM. Tickets are. Now may pay off with me. Then will go on bus station, here beside, buy the ticket, call me and inform number of a place.
Sergey has reflected. At last, it was necessary to choose one from two offers. Certainly, on the bank account he had some money. But for them especially to expect it was not necessary. It is not known still, that for him waits ahead. However, money is a business acquirable. With these ideas Sergey has taken out from a pocket of 100 dollars and has put on a table. Larissa has taken money, has written out receipt and together with documents has given his Sergey.
- Now all. Call. And a happy way! - Larissa has told.
Sergey has said goodbye and has left office. The bus station was at a corner of 8-Th Avenue and 41-th Street. In half an hour Sergey stood already near cash department and had hardly a talk with the cashier. When she has understood all, he has received the ticket with number of a place "13" on the bus sent in city of Miami tomorrow in 10.30 mornings. From a call box Sergey has called in office to Larissa and number of a place in the bus has informed her.
- About, number 13 is happy number, - has told Larissa.
- May be, for Americans, - Sergey has answered, - and for visitors this number of happiness does not bring. 
Sergey has hanged up and the Time Square - the place of Manhattan most beautiful and popular in the American film directors has gone on the area. He would like to take pleasure in shine of sparkling advertising, and at the same time to take advantage of station of subway to leave to itself home on 181-th Street. It was necessary to get ready for a trip.
In a letter box Sergey has found out letters from Albany. The department of Immigration and Naturalization informed, that to him have prolonged term of stay in America for six months. It was good news. Now it was necessary to collect things. Taking into account, that in Florida is much warmer, than in New York, Sergey has decided to not take warm things. Therefore all necessary should go in one a bag. He has decided to combine other things in a suitcase and to leave in a case. The room was paid up to the end of month. The mistress can not speak about departure and to call her then when all will be arranged. In the evening Sergey descended in Russian shop and has bought products on road. Then prepared for supper, he was washed up under shower and has gone to bed. He has fallen asleep quickly. At night dream dreamed him: as if he all time went on a minivan but where went both what for it was not known, and in general appeared, that he went not there, and it was necessary to go in the return side. At last, dream he has woken up. Just it is time already was to be going and go on bus terminal. When Sergey has approached to an airfield, the bus already stood, and passengers occupied places. It was high good Neoplan red - white color with the cozy interior equipped TV. The crew of the bus consists of two drivers, Dominicans by origin and the black stewardess. Near to Sergey of village the swarthy maiden of years of twenty five with black curly hair and correct features. Appeared call her Irina, and she has arrived to USA from Azerbaijan four years back as a refugee. She at once has liked Sergey.
At last, landing was finished; the stewardess has declared a route and time of movement. The distance up to Miami of 1300 miles will overcome the bus for 30 hours, passing on territory of nine states. The first stop will be in Washington. In city of Jacksonville the route will deviate from the coast of Atlantic Ocean and the bus will pass along coastal feature of Gulf of Mexico through cities of Tampa and Saint Petersburg. The bus already slid on a labyrinth of streets of Manhattan, trying to escape from this web on wide open spaces of highway. Sergey was presented Irina and has treated with her orange. In the answer she has thanked his kind friendly sight, such sight what occurs at people with related souls.
Sergey has smiled:
- Irina, do you not miss on the native land?
- I do not know as to tell. You see the native land at me already is not present. Of last time in Baku our family has started in pursuit. There came any people, threatened and demanded of us to leave an apartment. After disintegration of the USSR in city it was created present lawless. Nobody has maid help us. Well that had time though on cheap stuff but to sell an apartment. All have thrown and have left for Moscow where then it was possible to legalize papers for departure USA as to refugees. Certainly, here too uneasily but to live it is possible.
- And what structure of your family and due to that you exist? - found out Sergey.
- We live three together: mum, six-year Christina my daughter and I. Mum and the daughter receive benefit under the program velfer. And I earn additionally, where it is necessary.
- Irina, and you might not explain what such velfer more in detail?
- Yes, please. - Irina has answered - Velfer is a program of the help for immigrants of America.
- And what order of registration of this help also what in it enters?
- Generally this procedure humiliating. It includes photographing, removal of prints a finger and entering of all data on you in the computer. Except for that you all time supervise, that you were not employed or to you somebody has not arrived or itself somewhere has not left. But, when all will pass to you give two cards ID. On one you receive food stamps and money, and on another - medical ID.
The stewardess has approached and has offered coffee. Coffee appeared by the way. Fragrant and in a measure hot it has well warmed soul and has freshened a head. Behind a window parking planes of the airport in New Jersey flashed. The warm spring sun has shone, and road conducted directly in summer. Also day will not pass, as it will be possible to enjoy kinds on evergreen plants among which the present crocodiles and flamingo.
- Irina, and whether suffices for one month of this grant for residing your family? - has decided to renew conversation Sergey.
- Suffices only to make ends meet. For one month mum with Christina receive on a card about 200 food stamps and 208 dollars. For rents unpretentious of one bedroom apartments we pay 400 dollars per one month. Well, that 50 percents for an apartment it is paid for the account of velfer. So on habitation and products of the grant suffices. And on clothes and other services it is necessary to earn in addition. I for this purpose also work. It is necessary to take into account still that to us is impossible to live, together, as I bring additional income in family. For it deprive with the grant. Therefore I live and I work separately, and to here I arrive occasionally on a visit. In New York I work in one institution and we remove for two with one woman a room for 350 dollars per one month. Now, Sergey, you know all about me.
- There is no not all. You to me yet have not told, where and as you work.
- My work is not so interesting and to be distributed about it that is not desirable.
- Something confidential?
- Yes is not present. This is simply unusual from the point of view of morals concerning the man and the woman.
- If it is connected with erotic necessarily tell, - Sergey has insisted.
- It is good. You, probably, heard about French writer Arson Emmanuel and her same novels? - Irina has asked.
- I read her novel and the film looked.
- Means, you perfectly imagine what institutions visited Emmanuel. One of them also is my work. Such silent place is on 29-Th Street. Here on dear automobiles visitors gather by 8 o'clock in the evening. The entrance ticket costs 70 dollars. Singles do not miss. Necessarily there should be a pair; sometimes there come even married couples. The first room is a changing room. Then are shaver, pool, buffet with easy wines, juices and fruit. Halls for group games and rooms for single entertainments further are located. Naturally all participants of games should be in a naked kind and select to themselves partners for the taste. Access in a premise and servicing does not stop all night till 8 o'clock in the morning. Though many visitors do not maintain loading and leave this club earlier, than there comes morning.
- And you what there do?
 Casually, do you not the mass-inventor? - Sergey was not kept from a question.
- Is not present, - Irina has smiled. - I there work as the cleaner. And I have no any attitude to night orgies. We work in the afternoon from 9 o'clock in the morning till 7 o'clock in the evening in two changes, for 5 hours everyone. Two cleaners enter into change, the laundress and the sanitary technician - electrician. To work it is necessary quickly and qualitatively, without breaks. In these 5 hours so gets tired, that is more already than nothing would be desirable. More soon be to get home. The truth, per one week you have two days off under the diagram and pay rather well - 10 dollars per one hour without taxes.
- And at leisure than are you engaged?
- Too I earn additionally on cleaning in other places, I go on lessons of the English language. The blessing, those for refugees’ free-of-charge rates organize. Well, also I visit the relatives, as now.
- And long you are going to exist thus?
- Basically I was already involved and have got used to this way of life. You see the main thing that there is a work. Though hearings that Mayor Rudi Julianne is going to put things in order in city persistently creep and first of all too clear New York of night brothels and the clubs similar to ours. So there is a real opportunity to lose this work. And it is necessary to prepare for daughter Christinku for school in the summer. Here start study with six years. Therefore it will be necessary to look for new work and new habitation.
-             Means, behind external well-being sharp vital problems disappear.
- Yes who now lives without problems? But it seems already have arrived, - has told Irina glancing in a window.
And it is valid; the bus went on streets of Washington, going round the centre. The magnificent building of the Capitol in the distance seemed, and on the right floated office buildings D.Ñ.  The stewardess has declared that the bus through city centre will not go, and will stop near a well-known hundred-meter Column. Parking will be 20 minutes. Sergey has helped Irina to take out a bag from the bus and has asked: - Where now?
- To Baltimore, - Irina has responded. -  Is nearby. By the machine need of minutes forty driving. I shall take a taxi. Thank you for attention. I am very glad to a meeting with you. Slightly soul has removed. I like Byelorussians, such simple and kind people. Write down my phone number and as required call.
She is named number, and then has stopped a taxi. Sergey has helped her to ship a bag, and Irina has left. Sergey with sad looked following to the excluded machine. On soul it became melancholy. Then he has turned and slowly went to the bus. Thirst tormented. Sergey has paid attention to a monument facing in the middle of a huge green meadow. It very much reminded a monument to heroes of Great Domestic war on the area of the Victory in Minsk, but was incommensurable above and more elegantly. Americans are able to surprise and aspire to emphasize the superiority.
The bus driver has given a signal. It was necessary to borrow the places. When the bus was touched, Sergey has taken a bag and, having put it on an empty seat near to itself, has got products for lunch. Having a bite, he glanced in a window.
It is dear went on a slope of a small hill, and on the right below it is precise, as on the drawing, the correct pentagon was seen. It was a four-storied building of the Pentagon. As much floors of it the building has and under the ground. Speak, that in this building it is possible to live all life, not leaving from it. There is all necessary for daily life. Some graduates of military colleges, having come to serve in the Pentagon as lieutenants, serving up to the lieutenant colonel and abandon it only with a leaving on pension.
From the screen of the TV set was begun by the film-insurgent. Sergey has combined the staying products in a bag and has gone deep into viewing. All over again it was interesting, but the following film already to itself do not draw and Sergey glanced at road and floating behind a window landscapes more and more. It was dear very good, in a word highway. “One-storied America "began behind a window. High-altitude buildings and constructions already for a long time have remained behind, and all small houses, hotels and snack bars such as McDonalds now came across. The dark came. And after evening coffee Sergey began to be bedded down. He has cast away an armrest and almost with comfort lay on coupled chair. At three o'clock in the morning Sergey has woken up. The bus stood at station “South Carolina ". It was an accurate one-storied building from a red brick. At an entrance in a premise on a mast the flag fluttered dark blue with a white pine and a half moon. In adjoining territory grew small a pine and there were very many colors. Sergey has left the bus. In the street it is bright stars the moon. There was silent fine summer night. Deeply having inhaled some times fresh air, Sergey again got in the bus also was arranged in an armchair to sleep again.
In Jacksonville near to Sergey the guy something reminding Caucasian sat. The swarthy person of him was framed by black curly hair. He was harmonious enough and nice.
- How are you? - Sergey in English has asked.
- It is Excellent, - the guy has answered.
- My name is Sergey. I am from Byelorussia. And what your name and where are you from?
- My name is Malek. I am from Pakistan.
- Do you speak Russian?
- Yes, a few, - has answered Malek and slowly and loudly has made some obscene words in Russian at all not suspecting, that it is indecent.
- It is incredible, - Sergey was taken aback. - Also it is all?
- Yes.
- It is clear. Then will speak in English. Do you have a work?
- I live in St. Petersburg and I work in Salvador Dali museum. I am a security guard,-have answered Malek.
- Is it good work? - Sergey has asked.
- Salvador Dali is very good artist. His best pictures and some personal things are stored in a museum. I stand in a museum daily from 9 till 6 o'clock in the evening. One day in one week of day off. 7 dollars in one hour pay. Work is pleasant to me.
- It is Excellent. And what interesting is here, in Florida?
- Here all is interesting, - has answered Malek. - Now we go by Orlando. In this area there is a magic country, both for children and for adults. It refers to as the Disneyland. These are two huge parks with fantastic attractions what more anywhere you will not see. The entrance ticket in each park costs 40 dollars. But if you will visit attractions never, you will not regret that has given this money.
- Listen to me, Malek, - Sergey has interrupted his. - In New York to Brighton Beach too are class attractions. So to look them it is possible free-of-charge and to drive it is possible and for 5 dollars.
- Is not present, Sergey, that you saw in Brooklyn so it is a garbach in comparison with attractions of the Disneyland. Here you will see the present children's castle, the underground rivers with pirates, water hills with springboards, exotic animals along coast of the river on which you be floating by a boat, prompt run with the subsequent rise on the automobile, minitrains among rocky mountains and many another. 
- And the present alligators it is possible to see? - Sergey has taken an interest.
- About alligators I do not know. And crocodiles - yes. In Florida of them everywhere it is full.
- And what difference between them?
- Alligators are larger than crocodiles, prefer water more and it is more dangerous, - and has answered Malek.
- And what from itself represents city of Miami?
- Miami is a city of rest and entertainments of millionaires. There are magnificent solar beaches, cruises over Caribbean Sea and to Bahamas, island of Millionaires on which their villas with moorings for yachts are constructed. Beside is a zone with evergreen tropical plants where parrots live, a flamingo and monkeys. It is exotic. Tell, Sergey and why you go there?
- An agent promised to me to give work there.
- It is good. Because in Miami to find work very difficultly. I have already arrived. I wish you success. East or West at home is best. - has told Malek, rising with sitting. The bus taxied up on parking. At the left in a window the one-storied light grey accurate building with a semicircular turret above an entrance was considered. In the middle turrets on a violet square by the big letters it was written: “Salvador Dali - Museum”. Sergey has thanked Malek and has told:
- May be, still we shall meet. Good-bye.
 Soon the bus has gone further. Places really appeared picturesque. St. Petersburg is located on a coast of a bay Tampa. Through all bay there was a long bridge. The blue sky merged with a blue water smooth surface of Gulf of Mexico, covering horizon pale mist. And there, somewhere in the distance, behind horizon the river of Mississippi dumped water, forming huge delta in the size in a quarter of  state Louisiana - the invaluable treasure bought by Americans once together with bottomlands of the rivers and New Orleans of all for 15 million dollars is dear went along coast of a gulf. The monotony dulled consciousness, soft rocking of the bus drove at dream. So Sergey also tired has finished this trip. In Miami the bus arrived about 5 hours evening. Passengers began to leave the bus. Sergey has collected things in a bag and continued to sit on the place. All left the bus, but nobody has approached to Sergey. Then he has pulled out a sheet from a notebook, has written on it number "13", has attached it to the pocket of a shirt and has left the bus.
Any attributes of that someone meets him, he has not noticed. Sergey was captured with alarm. He was not ready to such script. Passengers be dispatched, and the bus has left from an airfield. Sergey has approached to the time-table of movement of buses. To New York buses were sent at 9 o'clock in the morning and at 5.30 h. of evening. Then he has found the public phone, has thrown in it two quartos and has dialed the number the phone of Larissa in New York. In a tube the woman has answered in English. Sergey has hardly understood that it is necessary to pay in addition 50 cents; he has rummaged in a pocket and has found two more quartos. He has thrown them in the phone. Long hooters have appeared, but nobody has answered. Sergey with disappointment has hanged up, and to his surprise the phone has returned all four quartos. The hour has passed. Anybody and has not come on a meeting. Sergey already began to think of where to pass away coming nearer night; he tomorrow has decided to call back to New York and to wait the next evening bus from New York to which, maybe, meeting will come. To remain here or in the street it was impossible, as homelessness are taken away usually with police. Sergey has found a phone number which has given him in New York Luis in a notebook and has called on it.
The guy in any foreign language has answered. Sergey having offered him to talk in English, has told, that he is a friend of Luis and has asked to help to find a shelter for the night. The guy has answered, that now may arrive on auto station for Sergey. They have agreed that he will find Sergey under number 13 on a pocket of a shirt. On soul it became easier. Hour has not passed, as the guy of the Latin American origin has approached to Sergey.
- I am Antonio, friend of Luis, - was presented he - What problem at you?
- My name is Sergey. I have arrived from New York to receive here work. But nobody has met me. I would like to find a shelter for the night for one night. Can you help me?
- Certainly. We now shall go to me home here nearby. About one hour to walk. I rent in the private house a small room in a basement. But you do not frighten. Nevertheless not in the street you will stay night, - Antonio has taken Sergey's bag. Despite of evening time, in the street was hot. On many passers - by there were blinkers. It would be desirable a cool.
- Antonio, and here it is possible to be expiated somewhere? - Sergey has asked.
- It is a problem - has told Antonio. - Circle beaches it is occupied with hotels or private persons. All is protected or forbidden.
- Why so? And where are the solar beach and Island of Millionaires?
- All this is, but money is necessary. On a beach it is necessary to go far by the bus, and on island - to be floating by a steamship. It is necessary to pay for all. But I know one place where it is possible to penetrate to ocean. We descend with you there tomorrow in the morning. And now we already came. This is my miserable den, - has answered Antonio and the beginnings to open the lock of the bottom lateral door of small two floor houses.
Having lowered downwards on a ladder and passing on a narrow corridor, Sergey has seen two doors. One door was conducted in a toilet and a washstand, and by the second - in small gray room which unique advantage was a pleasant cool. The room hardly contained a small table, the bed - single, an armchair - rocking chair with high backrest from a tribe Apaches, a small refrigerator, the phone and a hanger. Sitting in an armchair, Sergey has got from a bag two banks with beer, a circle of the Odessa sausage with a roll, has put them on a table. These supplies they with Antonio also had supper. Then have begun to be bedded down. Antonio has persuaded Sergey to go to bed on a bed and itself it was arranged in an armchair. The weariness has taken the, and Sergey has soon fallen asleep. Early in the morning Antonio has woken him and has offered to go to ocean to be expiated.
- Till 9 o'clock in the morning shall have time to return? - Sergey has asked.
- We shall have time, we shall have time. Gather. 
Approximately in half an hour they already were on a sandy coast of Atlantic Ocean. Water shone from beams of a rising sun. It was silent and is warm. Palma, growing along a coast, attention-getting bright greens were the present ornament of a beach.
- Something I do not see Bahamas, - Sergey has said with delight.
- They are there at ocean about 200 miles from a coast, - has explained Antonio.
After bathing they have returned to the house where have eaten up yesterday's sausage.
At 9 o'clock in the morning Sergey has asked at Antonio the sanction to call to New York.
- Give I shall dial number through the company. So will be cheaper - has offered Antonio.
He has dialed the number the phone of office of Larissa, but nobody answered. Slightly after he some more time dialed the number of this phone, but the answer and has not followed.
- It is similar, that you have thrown, - shacked shoulders Antonio.
- Yes, similar. Listen and it is the truth, what here it is very hard to be employed?
- It so. Reliable recommendations are necessary. I am practically the unemployed. I live only for the account garbage. Here unnecessary things expose or throw out directly on street. Sometimes come across good, new products. I select them, I shall clean and I carry in commission or any other shop and I sell them for some dollars. There is an opportunity less often to help somebody to bring in the house or to take out from a house something. For it too pay. So in day of 10-15 dollars it turns out. I pay for this room to the owner of 100 dollars per one month. Not smartly. But also I do not starve. I hope, that the God will give something is best.
- It is clear. Then I shall go on bus station. Probably, it is necessary to come back to New York. Thank you for all. Take 5 dollars for dinner, - Sergey has put money to a table and has gone to an exit.
- I spend you up to last crossroads. You will give greetings to my friend Luis. - has answered Antonio.
On a crossroads they have left. Before auto station
Sergey has gone to bank and has removed from account 100 of dollars. There is a ticket on the bus up to New York exactly so much. Then in Spanish shop has bought some products in road and fresh the newspaper. At auto station he has once again called to New York to Larissa. The phone has not answered. After that he has resolutely approached to cash department and has bought the ticket up to New York, which departure at 5 hour 30 minutes of evening. On the ticket at will of fate the place "21." Sergey was specified sat on a shop and the beginnings to look through the newspaper. His attention was involved one article, about the list of the reasons on which it is possible to be refused in work.
Under the order of the importance were given fifty the reasons, named businessmen as the bases for failure. It appears is useless to search for work in America to those people which have the lacks specified in reason.
At last, the evening bus from New York has arrived, but also to this flight nobody has come to meet the passenger at number thirteen. So, Sergey with clean conscience has come in the land in the bus sent to New York, has borrowed the window seat and without everyone already interest to travel has prepared for a long journey. This time the bus has gone on coast of Atlantic Ocean, by cape Canaveral and city of St. Augustine. The bus will go farther through Jacksonville on an old route.
Sergey has read the newspaper and after easy supper from coffee of the beginnings to be bedded down.
For night and the next day anything interesting has not taken place. It is dear there is a road.
The mood at Sergey was spoiled. It was a pity it is useless the spent money and time. But every cloud has a silver lining. Still it is not known, there were circumstances if he has gone to work as the driver on a vein. The main thing, that he is alive, healthy, and the rest somehow will develop.
To New York the bus has come in midnight and in one hour Sergey on the train "À" has reached to itself home. The weariness brought down from legs.
Hardly having had time to undress, Sergey has fallen on a bed and has fallen asleep. But he woke up early. At 7 o'clock in the morning he was already on legs. Quickly was having had a bite and having put in a bag a sandwich for lunch he has run to a subway. He nevertheless has decided to not lose time and to visit on   “Labor exchange ". It is necessary to give due New York subway. In the morning trains always went precisely and without delays. Yet there were no nine o'clock in the morning, and Sergey already stood on a crossroads which represented “Labor exchange ". Wishing to get a job today gathered much. Hardly away from crowd there were two guys, briskly about something conversing.
Sergey has approached to them and has greeted. They have answered a greeting, and one has taken an interest:
- From what area has arrived?
- I am from the top Manhattan, and you whence? 
- We from a hostel. Here beside. This is a corner of 39-Th Street and 10-Th Avenue.
- I, maybe, too need a hostel. Give, please, a phone number, - Sergey has asked.
 They have named a phone number of a hostel, and Sergey began to write down it in a notebook.
Suddenly all have rushed on the opposite side of a crossroads to the stopped machine. Sergey was late with a notebook also has remained on a place. He at all has not turned special attention to brown "Pontiac", which has approached on it him. The door has opened, and the man from the car has cried out:
- Repair of a house in Long Island. Pay 60 dollars per day. You agree?
        To the machine people already ran. Sergey has come round and with shout “Agrees!” has jumped on back sitting where someone already sat. The car has jerked from a place and has rushed off away from city.
        Long Island is the island stretched between the same gulf and Atlantic Ocean in east direction from New York. It serves as a zone of rest on which there was a plenty of country houses, villas and cottages. Along all island there passes a freeway - expressway.
        After a while "Pontiac" has got out of a city crowd on this road and has added speeds. Through 50 miles the machine has driven in small settlement, has slightly wound on streets and has stopped at one of houses. The big container stood near a house. All send from the car. The grown-up of command appeared the driver. He called Paul. He has addressed to the rests with words:
- We have the contract on repair of this house confiscated from the owner for infringement of conditions of the credit. It is necessary all furniture what is in the house to pull out and make in the container. We need to wash up windows and floors in rooms, to clear territory of a court yard and garage. All garbage will be to take out. Then it is necessary to make necessary repair and paint works in the house. Clearly? - He has made a small pause. - And now send we shall examine the house.
The house was usual what it is a lot of in countryside, constructed on the standard project. It was two floors and basement. It trims with a board, with a roof from metal. The input was from a court yard. The court yard appeared littered with packages, plastic bottles and details of bicycles. A line stood garage. Furniture in rooms was slightly. On kitchen are little tables and shelves. In a hall - one sofa above which the photo of the black person in the form of the military pilot facing near to helicopter hung on a wall. In a right bottom corner an inscription:  “Iraq, 1991 ". On the second floor in a bedroom there was a wide bed, two cases and a mirror. Opposite to a bedroom the started, dirty bathroom with a toilet. The bath was filled with the used medical tampons with dried purulent abjections. In the basement any domestic utensils, any broken tables and chairs contained. After survey all have quickly changed clothes and have on the spot begun to bear from house furniture. Then Paul has brought some the big black plastic bags and has told Sergey:
- These bags for the garbage. Start cleaning with the basement, then you will pass on the second floor and you will continue work from the top downward.
During all day Sergey was engaged in cleaning of rooms. The unpleasant sensation remained after cleaning a bathing room. These medical tampons and the small pillows filled white the powder, obviously, facilitated sufferings of that pilot which after war in Iraq of 1991 has found here the last a shelter.
At the end of a working day Paul has passed with Sergey on territory of a court yard to garage. The garage was completely filled up with the big black bags in which there was a slag and the other rests from a fire.
- Can you till 5 o'clock in the evening tomorrow drag all this in the container and in a court yard to collect the garbage? - Paul has asked.
- Bags are very heavy. And up to the container far. If there will be a wheelbarrow, this work can be made in time, - Sergey has answered.
- It is good, a wheelbarrow we shall find. And now we leave home. We shall take you to station “Flushing» of a subway. There is a final stop of train # 7. Tomorrow at 8 o'clock in the morning you should be on the same place where we shall land you.
In one hour with small the car has stopped near the Chinese shop opposite to which there was station "Flushing" Sergey has said goodbye to guys and has gone on station. Home he has reached in the tenth o'clock in the evening and has on the spot dialed the number the phone of a hostel in Bîrî Park. The owner of a hostel Michael has answered.
- May, you have empty seats? - Sergey has asked.
- Now is not present, but the day after tomorrow one is released, a bottom bed for 160 dollars per one month,
- My name is Sergey. Whether will leave for me this place?
- Whether you have work and what the documents confirming lawful stay in USA at you is? - Michael has taken an interest.
- A work is. Repair of a house under the contract. Documents everything is all right. There is Social Security Card, the Driver license, card of Citibank and fresh prolongation of the visa for half-year.
- Î.K! It is enough. Call after tomorrow evening, - and Michael has hanged up.
In two days at Sergey term of residing in this room came to an end and it was necessary to pay to the mistress for the next month. But he has spent this money for trip to Florida. Therefore the place in a hostel successfully solved a problem with residing.
He was not confused at all with that in New York there are hostels with bottom bed. He with simplification has taken a shower, has had supper, has prepared things and lunch for the next day and has quietly fallen asleep. In the morning by 8 he has arrived on station "Flushing", where he was waited already with the machine. When have approached on the house, guys send from the machine and at once have begun repair work.
- Sergey, take bags for the garbage and start cleaning territory of a court yard. I soon shall bring to you a wheelbarrow and then will load contents of garage in the container. The car behind the container will come at 5 o'clock in the evening, - Paul has told.
- It is good, - Sergey has answered.
He has taken bags, has changed clothes and has gone to clean a court yard.
Sergey already loaded into the container last bag with garbage when Paul approached. The wheelbarrow sticked out of a luggage his machine. Two of them have unloaded it from the machine. The wheelbarrow was on one big rubber wheel and very easy on the move. Paul has opened a gate of garage. Black bags with slag were stacked on all area of garage in two circles. Nobody knew whence they have undertaken and how many years here were stored. Each bag weighed about 30 kg. Sergey, not deliberating has seized the first got bag by unit and has felt that that began to be torn. From it slag fell down. Then Sergey has tried to take bag from below, enclosing under him hands. In this case the bag was not torn; contents from him did not get enough sleep also him it was quietly possible to put in a wheelbarrow. To take a bag in the container did not represent any difficulties. And to put bags in the container beside, the certain accuracy was required. If any bag also was torn in the container it was not so terrible. So, having adapted, Sergey worked, not noticing time. When the garage has half become empty, Sergey has seen, that from a house send guys. Paul has approached to him.
- We now shall go for lunch. We shall arrive in one hour. You too may have a bite and continue to work. - He has told and has gone to the car. "Pontiac" has left. Sergey has decided to finish the begun bottom line, and then take the lunch and is a little to have a rest. But the next bag appeared not such, as all others. It had the rectangular form, and contents were not similar to slag. Something was probed soft, as a flour or cement. Sergey with curiosity has cut a knife a bag. In it there were three cellophane packages with a white powder. Each package weighed approximately 10 kg. What it might be? Sergey made an incision in a package. He has taken a pinch of a powder, has taken fingers. Is not present on a flour and to cement it is not similar. He has tried slightly on a tongue. Aspirin. More truly, taste of aspirin. And there may be it - heroin? Sergey has spat out the collected saliva. He has got from a package with lunch a bottle with coca-cola. Has rinsed a mouth and has reflected. To not lose time, he has got a sandwich and the beginnings eat, washing down with Coca-cola. Simultaneously he thought. "If it is a drug actually three packages can be estimated not less than in 3 million dollars. For the sake of such money it is possible to risk to give up this work to go to catch a taxi or other machine, to take away with itself a bag with heroin and to leave. And what is farther? Where it to store? To whom it to realize? It is easier to run into police. Then ten – fifteen years of prisons it will be provided. Maybe need to report to Paul? Too it is possible to appear extreme when business will reach police. And suddenly it is not heroin? What to do?" Sergey, having finished with meal, has looked out on street. One minivan stood on the opposite side of street. It seemed to Sergey, that it somewhere saw this car, and has decided to descend to it on investigation. Coming closer and having looked on number of the machine, Sergey has understood, how the world is close. It was that of minivans on which he was arranged to work as the driver. At a rudder sat nice blondmen.
- Whence you? - Preliminary having greeted, Sergey in English has asked.
- From the moon has fallen, - the guy with Baltic accent parried.
- Laba dena? - Sergey has taken an interest.
- Laba, Laba. - The answer was.
- Vilnius? Kaunas? I am from Minsk. What is your name?
- Call me Ovidius. I am from Vilnius.
- You with whom have arrived and where are you going?
- I have arrived with supervisor. He wants to take away here any bag and we shall go back to New York.
- Listen, Ovidius, you only yesterday have received this work and at you here anybody is not present. Yes?
- Yes.
- Then life yours in danger. If not want to get under a surgical knife throw this of minivans as soon as possible. Give me your phone number and to nobody speaks that met me.
- I shall think, thank, - have answered Ovidius and have named the phone number.
On the spot they have left. The street was deserted. Any machine it was not visible. Sergey has returned to garage. For examination he took from a package some powder in little bag from under lunch also has hidden it in the bag. With packages of a powder he has shipped a bag on a wheelbarrow and has taken in the container, thinking that the big money bring the big problems. He has finally made decision nobody to speak about a find, and a drug to bury in the container, having put in pawn its bags with garbage. The command of workers together with Paul has soon returned, and all have amicably continued work. By five o'clock in the evening Sergey has released garage from bags and already began to sweep a floor in garage when the big lorry behind the container has approached. The house was left by Paul and has approached to Sergey in garage.
- Is at you all ready? - He has asked.
- Yes. All bags lay in the container.
- Î.K. Then I let off the machine, - he has made and has walked to the container.
      Sergey has finished to sweep has collected the rests of dust in a bag and has attributed it in the container. The driver already began to load the container on the machine. Paul signed any document. At this moment the supervise has approached from minivan and has addressed to Paul with a question:
- On what basis works in this house will be carried out?
       Paul has answered, that he has contract with bank on repair of a house and on a condition of the contract all things and furniture from a house should be taken out on a dump as they do not represent any value. Supervisor has returned to the machine and minivans has left. The machine with the container too has left. So, this difficult and unusual to Sergey day was finished. Guys have washed have changed clothes, a point have closed in garage and have sat to "Pontiac".
Paul has paid off with Sergey for two days of work and has offered him tomorrow even day to work in the house as the house painter. Sergey has agreed. At station “Flushing", Paul has told Sergey:
- I wait tomorrow in 8 mornings on the same place. Be healthy!
       In one and a half hour Sergey was already at home. It was necessary to call Irina. Despite of the big employment, he remembered all time her. He has dialed her phone number. Irina very much was delighted, having heard Sergey's voice.
- Yes, I have returned yesterday by evening bus and today already change have fulfilled. Everything is all right. And how do you an affair? You have got a job?
- In Miami of me nobody has met and consequently next day I had to come back by bus  to New York. Here to me was lucky to find work on Long Island. Each day we go with guys by the machine for 50 miles from New York. We are engaged there in repair of a house. Only has come from work. And tomorrow early in the morning it is necessary to leave on "Flushing" where the machine will wait. Still there is a problem with habitation. When the free time slightly shall understand and will appear, I shall call you. It would be desirable to meet. Do you not object?
- Is not present, certainly. Call me. And now it is time to have a rest. See you soon, - and Irina has hanged up.
 After these words Sergey, really, has felt huge weariness. Overcoming it, prepared for supper, and at the same time and breakfast for tomorrow, was rinsed under shower and has gone to bed.
All next day Sergey painted a ceiling, a walls and a cement floor of basemen in the house on Long Island. All over again put it was not so got on. For some reason the paint from the platen flied directly to face. But then after Paul's consultation business went. And by the end of day all rooms of the basemen shined, as new.
On it work at Sergey on Long Island was finished. Paul has paid to him the third working day and has advised to go to builders which warehouse was at a corner of 8-Th Avenue and 29-Th Street.
- In a warehouse may address to Ziama, Russian him name is Volodia. Send the regards to him from me and tell, I recommend you to them for work by the house painter. Tomorrow he will be there at 12 or in any other day at 8 o'clock in the morning.
In the answer Sergey has thanked him for everything, has said goodbye to guys and has gone on station of subway. Very important telephone conversation was coming with the owner of a hostel Michael tonight. Sergey at once has called after the arrival home. The tube was lifted by Michael.
- I call concerning an empty seat in a hostel. It is spoken by Sergey. I called to you the day before yesterday.
- Yes, yes. I remember. The place was released. May come though now, - Michael has answered.
- Already late. May I shall drop in tomorrow in the morning at nine o’clock? - Sergey has asked.
- It is good. Come in the morning. Good-bye.
Sergey has on the spot called the mistress of an apartment and has told her, that tomorrow in the morning he releases a room as has found a place more cheaply. He has thanked her for the given shelter and has asked to keep letters which will come for his name. Then he has dialed the phone number of Davis, the owner of a meat's shop to York Avenue which once has helped him and then invited home. Sergey has congratulated him on a coming holiday of "Easter" and has wished a sound health and successes in business, and also has informed, that moves in a hostel.
-   Have you problems? - has taken an interest Davis.
- Yes, were, but it became now easier.
- May, any help is necessary for you?
- Is not present, it is not necessary. Thank, I shall understand.
- It is good. Call from a new place when you will be arranged, - has said good bye Davis and has hanged up.
All evening Sergey prepared for forthcoming moving. Things it was collected slightly: a suitcase and a bag. It is quite possible to transport them in subway, that Sergey and has made in the morning next day. At a stop "9-th Avenue" of the train "Â" Sergey has left station and went one block up to 10-Th Avenue to the grey two-storied angular house has come. Near to the house towered steel an overpass on which with a roar electro trains of subway were carried by. At the second stage of this house the hostel also was placed. The owner waited for Sergey in the vestibule. As then appeared, this room was at the same time both a dining room, and kitchen, and in the evening, due to the TV set established by a huge table, served also as a room of leisure. Two huge refrigerators, two gas cookers and a table with shelves for utensils were placed in other part of a room. It was intimately. Michael has set Sergey for the big table and has asked to show documents. He has written out the necessary data from the cards showed by Sergey, has returned to their owner. Then he has instructed by rules of behavior and the safety precautions in a hostel, has shown, where there is a toilet combined with a bathroom and has led Sergey on narrow  corridor. In this corridor were five plywood self-made doors: two at the left, two on the right and one it is direct right at the end of a corridor. Behind this last door was the room no more a compartment of the car of a passenger train. On the left of the door to a wall were attached two-story stove benches: the top and bottom shelves are beds. On the right of the door there was a hanger for clothes, and under it - a place for luggage. Between a hanger and beds there was a small little table. Also there was even a small window with a kind on steel overpass mighty of subway.
- The bottom bed is for you. You will receive bedding in the evening and sleep quietly. To noise of an electro train you will get used. On the top bed guy is found one. He will appear in couple of days. Cost of yours bed 160 dollars per one month. Money gives forward.
Sergey has counted money, has given their Michael and has asked: - whether I can call from here?
- Yes. The phone is on a table in a dining room. To call it is possible only within the limits of city.
Sergey has passed on a corridor in a dining room and on a table, really, has found out the phone. He has dialed the number office of Larissa. The man has answered.
- Is it possible to talk to Larissa? - Sergey has inquired.
- With what Larissa? Here any Larissa is not present and never was, - has answered the man.
- It is strange, - Sergey has told, but in a tube short hooters were already audible.
       Sergey has taken a suitcase and a bag, has attributed them in the room. Has got from a bag working clothes, a piece of sausage with an apple for lunch, has put them in a package and has gone on a meeting with Ziama-Volodia. It was strong average growth the man, already in the age of, but with a pleasant smile. He was radical Odesser and here worked as the senior worker of the building company engaged in repair of offices and other rooms in buildings of Manhattan.
- So, you speak, you were sent by Paul? - Volodia has examined of Sergey from legs up to a head. -  But his recommendation has not enough.  You are necessary to look what worker actually. Now we shall go on an object and we shall work there. Are you ready?
- I am ready. A uniform at me, - Sergey has smiled.
- Then send.
Thghrou some blocks, they send to an angular building on crossing by 30-Th Street and the Broadway and have risen on 11-Th floor. The door of the lift has opened, and to their look the huge room very similar to a sports hall has appeared, but as against it having some numbers of the rectangular columns which are propping up a ceiling. From both sides of a hall there were huge windows instead of walls. In a hall the guy the Spaniard already was. Volodia has opened a case and has given out to Sergey and the Spaniard on a bucket of a paint and also platens on long sticks instead of handles. To everyone has determined a strip on a ceiling between lines of columns, and an average strip has taken to itself.
- Everyone will paint the strip up to the end of a hall. To paint it is necessary quickly and qualitatively. On an end result I shall determine, whom to take on work, - has told Volodia and the beginnings to paint the strip. 
        Sergey, using yesterday's experience, has taken from the container a piece of shitracs and has put it ahead of itself periodically to unroll the platen. The ceiling was complex because on its fire-prevention water pipes with atomizers fastened. Sergey tried to make all how Volodia makes, and especially did not hurry up all over again. Whereas the Spaniard from a place has taken speed and already in half an hour was a step on five ahead. Sergey went in a leg with Volodia carefully covering pipes and corners near columns. Gradually he has adapted to features of painting of this ceiling and any more was not afraid to lag behind from Volodia. Through a pair of business hours the neck began to be sick. The Spaniard still went ahead. It was necessary to paint about a one third part of a strip when Sergey has noticed, that they with Volodia have begun to catch up with the Spaniard. Eventually on finish all three came simultaneously. When Volodia has looked at the Spaniard has burst out laughing. The person, a breast and hands at the guy were splashed with paint. Quality of painting of a ceiling at him left to wish the best. Misses at corners with columns were visible. Water pipes did not paint in many places.
- Well, Sergey, tomorrow we do not work, nevertheless Easter, and the day after tomorrow morning come on 29-Th Street, and we shall work. And you, - Volodia have nodded to the Spaniard, - may not come, are free.
- Volodia, and what operating conditions? - Sergey has taken an interest, removing buckets and tools in a case.
- Work from 8 o'clock in the morning till 5 o'clock in the evening, five days per one week; Saturday and Sunday - Days off. Payment is 6 dollars for hour. Day of payment of the salary is each Wednesday the check or cash. Collective - Russian guys basically from Odessa. That's all.
 Sergey has remained is pleased. On street he has left in high spirits, has passed on the Broadway and has not noticed, how has come to be near to Empire State Building. He has gone to a building and has risen on 7-th floor. At a long table of office sat elegant the man.
- One week ago me have sent in Miami and promised to employ there, - the beginnings to explain the reason of the intrusion into office Sergey and has stretched to the man the receipt. - For service have taken 100 dollars and has given out this receipt, written out by your employee Larissa. In Miami of me nobody has met, and work has not given. Ask to return back to me money.
- We do not have any Larissa, - has answered the man, examining receipt. - And about this receipt can tell that such forms are sold in any writing shop.
The lateral door was left by any guy and began to consider the visitor steadfastly. Sergey, having understood, that conditions develop not in his advantage, has silently turned and has left office. Yes, never you know, where will find and where you will lose! And still day for Sergey appeared successful. This day he was determined both with habitation, and with the device on work. Therefore with quiet conscience, he has gone to himself home to a hostel. 
In a hostel Michael has given out to Sergey bed: porolon mattress, a wadded pillow, a thin blanket, a bed sheet and a pillowcase. When all was laid, in the room became cozier. Sergey has got from a bag the frying pan and has gone on kitchen to fry a potato on corn oil.
Gradually the hostel began to be filled with the inhabitants who are coming back on lodging for the night. Each of them behind this or that door had the shelf - bed. The majority of them were natives of Ukraine. As appeared then, Michael has arrived from Kiev. Therefore he tried to complete the hostel basically Ukrainians. Sergey has had supper a potato with tea, having left half pan potatoes for morning, and already as has recollected was going to go to bed, that it is necessary to call Irina. He has come to the phone and her number has dialed. Irina was at home.
- Greetings to Baku from Minsk, - has joked Sergey. - As mood before Easter?
- Î, Sergey! What there Easter? We have a working day. And I shall be on the second change. On holidays at ours it is barefooted the biggest business leaves.
- At me news. I have moved to a hostel and have received today new work from builders. But at them as at people, tomorrow a holiday and I am free. Irina and we tomorrow might not meet before your work. So it would be desirable to chat with you. I still shall show something to you. Offer for me one hour. If you do not object, I shall wait for you at 12 on a crossroads of 42-nd Street and 6-Th Avenue. There at a corner of square of public library there is a small cafe. We shall sit, we shall have a drink coffee and we shall chat. I shall wait for you at it cafe. Write down my phone number.
- It is good, Sergey, I shall come tomorrow at 12 to this cafe.
On a meeting with Irina Sergey has taken with itself a bag with a powder from Long Island. Irina has come without delay. She looked freshened up and cheerful. Sergey has ordered two big glasses of coffee with milk and two snickers. They have taken with themselves coffee and send in square where little tables and benches to them were established. For one of these little tables they have sat and have talked that on mind has come. It was cheerful and interesting. At the end of a meeting Sergey has offered Irina to take with itself a bag with a powder and if there will be an opportunity, whether that to check up is this powder a drug.
- May, you will be helped with it by the electrician from your work. He there is closer to public. Well, and if it will make difficultly or dangerously do not risk and will throw out a bag.
- It is good, Sergey, I shall ask about it someone. Good bye.
Irina has put a bag with a powder in a bag has risen and has gone on the bus to 5-Th Avenue. It was necessary to Sergey on the train "Â" of subway which station was beside.
Having arrived on the station “9-Th an Avenue ", Sergey before to go in a hostel, has gone in Liquor and has bought for 7 dollars a bottle "Stolichnaya". Coming to 10-Th Avenue, in a supermarket he has bought a liter jar pickled cucumbers for 2 dollars. It was necessary for an entertainment of neighbors on a hostel, and the holiday obliged. In the evening when people basically gathered, Sergey has left in a dining room and has offered to note a holiday, having exposed on a table a bottle of vodka and cucumbers. Inhabitants have poured on cups, cut, have chatted, and have included the TV set. Someone has remained to look television film. And the others have dispersed on rooms to have a rest. Sergey too needed to be prepared for a tomorrow's working day and to have a rest. At him began the new period in life to which it is necessary to get used and adapt. Sergey already was going to leave, as the bell was distributed, and him have invited to the phone. Irina called.
- I have executed your request, - she has told and has added - the Goods appeared high quality.
- O my God, Irina would be better on the contrary. But I am very grateful to you for the information and ask you as it are possible, more quickly to get rid of it.
- And I from it already got rid. Tell me account number of your bank.
- Yes, please, - Sergey has automatically named number of the account of Citibank and with surprise has asked: - And what is it for you?
- I shall transfer on this account to you one and a half thousand greens.
- Something is not clear for me.
- Then quiet night! - And Irina has hanged up.
- Quiet night! - Sergey has wished, the staying in a dining room to guys, and has gone to the room.
Just now he has felt, as it was easily possible to become the millionaire. Practically he within forty minutes also was the millionaire - there in a court yard of a house on Long Island. But as that was uneasy to keep these millions in hands. Obviously, that military pilot from Iraq has tried it to make and it is possible for it has paid with life. Means, these one and a half thousand dollars as from the sky fallen, more powerful those three millions and are the award for correctly chosen decisi


         
                THE  STARLESS  HOTEL.

               


New York was always glorified by hotels. Such hotels as " Hilton New York ", " The Plaza Hotel ", " The Roosevelt Hotel ", " Hotel Pennsylvania ", " Grant Hyatt New York " and others are so magnificent themselves, what not everyone, thirsting a lodging for the night, is capable to take advantage of their fantastic shelter. Cost of number in such hotel a hundred times exceeded cost of a place in Michael's hostel where Sergey has lodged. The hostel though was "international", but on quality of service in any "star" gate did not get. Michael has transformed the apartment into a hostel, having cut out it on separate small room, and handed over in rents any more rooms, and places with beds. It was his business which provided to him quiet independent life. And those who lived in a hostel, having modest earnings, were pleased with this shelter and felt like high-grade city dwellers of New York - capitals of the world.
Some months Sergey lived in a hostel, getting used to Spartan conditions of existence. He had time to get acquainted with tenants of this "den" which appeared natives of the different countries. Each of them had the certain status of stay in USA. And the purpose at all was one: to earn it is as much as possible money to come back home not with empty hands if not it will turn out to remain here. Sergey's position favorably differed from other themes, that he had a permanent job in the building company. Officially he was registered on the house painter, but practically it was necessary to work everywhere where unskilled physical work was required. Certainly, work was heavy and dirty. However it was pleasant to understand that you daily let even as the loader drive on the central streets of Manhattan, receiving an opportunity constantly not only to examine but also to participate under repair the high-altitude buildings having a historical value. Sergey remained pleased position. But many inhabitants of a hostel had problems. So the first neighbor on a room, occupying above Sergey the top shelf, was arrested by police and was in prison. Him was not helped even by that he has had the German passport with the repeated entry visa in USA. He twice has successfully made delivery of drugs, and to third time of him have calculated and arrested.
Not for long was empty top bad. Soon Michael has lodged here the new tenant who has arrived from Toronto. As it was then found out, he has abandoned Canada in the unusual way, having crossed the river Niagara by a rubber boat, without the customs control, and at once has started correspondence with department of Immigration and Naturalization. He lived in a mode of expectation of the answer, night carried out at the TV set, having a drink ail, and slept in the afternoon. Each month someone sent him a remittance.
Gradually Sergey got acquainted more close with other inhabitants of a hostel. This was promoted by an evening sit-round gathering in a dining room at the TV set where everyone might exchange ideas or listen to others. These meetings Michael, living in one of the room, as a rule, was conducting.
In one of evenings when Michael was distributed about helpless mullions-strong army of communists during disintegration of the USSR and liquidation of the CPSU, in doors one of lodgers of a hostel of the Kazakh origin has appeared. He was disturbed and hardly kept on legs.
- What happened, my young friend? - Michael has addressed to him.
- I have deceived, - he, passing in has said the room.
Michael has risen from a chair and has followed him. Soon, having returned back, he has made:
- Well "have pinned" of the gay. Any swindlers promised him to issue Green card for six thousand dollars. In a result - no money, no Green card. It also needed to be expected. Green card practically to buy it is impossible. It only can be won in a lottery.
- I doubt. - Has objected Tolik. - I heard that at programmers it is possible to buy the Green card for twenty thousand dollars.
Tolik has arrived to New York from Kiev. He perfectly understood electronics and even has collected from the computer elements picked up in the street and parts the computer, showing to interested persons the information from the Internet. But Michael has remained unshakable.
- It may not be. The police for forging of documents pursues also strictly, as well as for drugs.
- How to know, - has said Kostia. - I personally had not to meet people which would refuse the big money. In Nikolayev I and my colleagues on customs house never disdained to take from us that to us gave
But here the entrance door has opened, and one more tenant who at once has asked has come:
- Kostia,  the sheriff wants to steal your car.
- And, features, has overlooked to rearrange the machine on the even side of street! – spoke himself Kostia also has run on street.
In the past sea mechanics Kostia floated and not only by the Black sea much. Then it was wrote off on a coast and worked in port customs house. The place appeared grain. Has constructed an apartment and the house for parents, has bought some motor vehicles. But has for some reason pulled on open spaces of a civilization. Has sold two machines and on this money has left for USA under the tourist visa. Attempt to find here work has not crowned success. Then he has bought second-hand "Ôîðä" and has decided to engage in carrying. However he has underestimated the American legislation in this question. Therefore he was pursued constantly with troubles. All over again for a wrong parking he has received ticket which was attached on glass under the yard keeper. It was necessary to pay the penalty sixty dollars. Then the police have warned him, that with the Ukrainian international rights he may go by the car as the tourist and no more. On checkup of the automobile he went twice was not convinced yet that the technical condition of the car does not correspond to necessary requirements.
Sergey when still worked as the mechanic in one of garages in Brooklyn, has got acquainted with a tricks to which some drivers resorted to pass checkup. To the computer connected obviously serviceable automobile and its data were used for the automobile which passes checkup. For this service took usually hundred dollars. Sergey has educated to Kostia about this trick and has prompted, where it is possible make
At last, Kostia has returned from street.
- Hardly it was possible to persuade the sheriff to not take away the car in a sediment bowl, - he has informed.
It is necessary to give due Kostia that he freely knew the English language. It to him frequently helped to agree with necessary people.
Sergey was interested with destiny Ovidius with which he has got acquainted in Lond Island. He some times called to him, but the phone did not answer. And now Sergey has dialed the number phone of Ovidius, and nobody has answered. It was time to Sergey to leave to itself to sleep. One of these days he has met old familiar Paul who has offered him to earn additionally in days off. The question was replacement sanitary technicians in one of houses of the Chinese quarter. For this purpose tomorrow it is necessary to arrive by eight o'clock in the morning on station of subway "Flushing" where for him will wait a track on which they will go further. To reach it was far. On road left not less than two hours. Therefore he has risen and has gone to have a rest.
At six o'clock in the morning Sergey already went in the train "Â" so that at station «42-nd Street " to make change on the train 7. Time was a little, and Sergey began to worry how to be late. But Sergey's fears appeared vain. On station «Flushing” he has arrived in due time where he was waited by Paul with the partner. When Sergey sat in the machine, he has told:
- We go on a warehouse in Jamaica, loads to the sanitary technician, and then through Queens - in Chinatown. We work till six o'clock in the evening. Payment - sixty dollars for day.
The car was touched and has softly started moving on parkway. Minutes through fifteen, having left on Metropolitan Avenue, the lorry has driven in a court yard and has stopped at a loading platform. Reception of a cargo and loading has not borrowed a lot of time. In total appeared sixty boxes. Thirty - big in weight about thirty kg everyone and thirty - small in weight about ten kg everyone. Soon the lorry again appeared on Metropolitan Avenue, moving aside Manhattan.
Unexpectedly on the right side the blow has opened on a cemetery. The show impressed. The unusual sizes of the area occupied under a cemetery, have struck Sergey's imagination. It was huge city from granite with streets, the areas and palaces. It seemed that all population of New York here is immortalized. The silence and rest reigned in pure and deserted streets of this city, solemnly and terribly reminding alive people that all of them are same before the God.
About nine o'clock in the morning the lorry has stopped near the necessary house in Chinatown. Paul has discussed with a supervisor at home has taken from him keys from an entrance door and together with the partner send in the house for preparation of apartments for works. Sergey began to unload the machine, moving boxes in basement. Simultaneously he looked narrowly at the house in which it was necessary to work. The house was six-storied of a red brick. The entrance door was in the middle at home. Inside close to a door two ladders settled. One conducted downwards, in basement, and the second - on the top floors. On a ladder platform of each floor it was looked through five room doors. Means, all in the house was thirty apartments. As much complete sets of bathrooms was in the lorry. Suddenly Sergey has determined that in this house there is no lift. And at once has understood sense of the work. These boxes to him will need to be dragged manually. Paul who has appeared soon has confirmed what Sergey guessed, having explained him:
- In boxes there are toilet bowls and pots to them. To you, Sergey is necessary to bring in each apartment the complete set sanitary technicians. Into the released boxes to pack old toilet bowls and each item which we shall remove and to drag them in basement. Work is designed for some days. We begin with the sixth floor.
Sergey has unloaded the machine. All boxes have combined in the basement, having left five complete sets on a ground floor. Now it is necessary to drag them on a ladder on the sixth floor. The big packings appeared nevertheless rather heavy and inconvenient. It was necessary to have a rest on each ladder platform.
On the sixth floor Sergey has come in an apartment. Paul has already removed the old equipment and the beginnings to pull out from a box a new toilet bowl. Sergey has examined an apartment. This is a simple one bedroom with a communicating room. Twelve - thirteen persons lived in each such apartment. They slept on a floor. In the afternoon everyone was at work. Conditions of existence the Chinese so have puzzled Sergey, that he has thought: «Perhaps, in Michael's hostel a condition of life incomparably it is better ".
The desire of the Chinese to get to America was so big, that they went on any conditions and difficulties if only to reach coast of treasured continent. Rates were great. To pay there are nothing. But they paid in a duty, many years fulfilling him at the compatriots having already business. Each of them hoped years through five - ten to become too independent. Obviously, at them this chance of a survival was only.
Sergey has packed an old toilet bowl into the released box and has carried it in basement. To be lowered it was easier. Before lunch he has managed to lift on the sixth floor two complete sets sanitary technicians.
During lunch Sergey has left a house. He has passed along street. The basic occupation of local residents was trade. Expensive shops in which products from gold were on sale, clothes from leather, furs, and also stalls with snack and drinks here settled down. Sergey has bought coffee, has returned in the basement, where has had a bite the supplies taken with self. There were minutes twenty free time. It would be desirable to esteem something. Sergey's attention was involved with a pile of newspapers and books in a corner. Newspapers were in the Chinese language, and books - in English. Sergey has taken in hands two identical, thick books. They were heavy, old, but not absolutely shabby. Both referred to as:  Encyclopedia "Britannica" the Edinburgh edition. The first and second volume of a three-volume edition. Date of the edition was not looked through anywhere. Sergey has looked through both books. In first of them materials in mathematics, physics and were stated to astronomy. In the second volume were an architecture and construction. In a spelling the ancient English alphabet is used. The first volume Encyclopedias "Britannica" Sergey has interested, than in the second more, and he has put it in the bag, and the second volume - has thrown out. Time of lunch was finished, and Sergey has continued work. By the end of a working day he had time to lift on the top floors five more complete sets sanitary technicians. Paul has paid for work to Sergey sixty dollars and has told:
- Here a line is station "Grand Street". You may go home. Tomorrow come here by nine o'clock in the morning.
In the following days off Sergey came to the Chinese house and worked with Paul until have executed all volume of the planned works. Last evening in honor of the termination of works Paul has invited Sergey to have dinner at the Chinese restaurant. Work was heavy, and this unusual exotic dinner appeared a final curtsey.
In one Sergey from free evenings has closely studied Encyclopedia "Britannica". He was surprised with original examples of mathematical calculations and some conclusions on astronomy. Besides in one of sections of the book he has found out the information for 1778. Hence, the age of the book can be attributed by the eighteenth century that determined its value as collection. Sergey has tried to specify by the phone in different book shops real cost of a find. But he has received the information inconsistent, estimated the book in thirty dollars and to sell it was not so simply. Interest to the book at Sergey was gone.
Other interesting idea has appeared. As - that Tolik has addressed to Sergey with the request to help to buy to him Japanese notebook. In shop it cost 1100 dollars. But, if to use the rules of trade following from second-boxing the computer can be bought under the price for 30 % more cheaply.
- So than I can help and what such second-boxing? - Sergey has asked.
- The second-boxing is the goods not first-hand. In America there is such rule. At purchase of any goods certain time for its approbation and check is given. In each state time is established. For example, in state of New Jersey you may hold the bought thing of a house about three months and in state New York - seven days. If the bought goods have not liked you, you may attribute during this time it back, and to you will return money. The goods are reduced the price by 30 % and sell as second-boxing, that is from the unpacked box. Our Jews in New Jersey for two - three months use video - audio the equipment, and then hand over in shop. I offer you to buy for me second-boxing, which I will give in shop.
- And us will not involve for swindle?
- What swindle? All is paid for the law. I trust you and I give money. Then we shall buy for you something.
- Well. I agree.
All has turned out how spoke Tolik. In result he became the owner of the newcomer notebook "Toshiba Satellite" from second-boxing.
Inevitably quickly time, especially when it is constantly occupied flied. There came an autumn. Term of stay in USA came to an end, and Sergey began to reflect on returning home to native Byelorussia. It would be desirable to buy the automobile. Sergey has visited on auction where second-hand machines were on sale. In purchase of the automobile of a problem was not. There were difficulties in its sending through ocean. First, it is expensive - up to one and a half thousand dollars. Second, it is unsafe. Delivery was carried out to Russia or to Ukraine. On roads of these countries it was restless, and gangsters in time driving to Byelorussia might select the machine. The prices for automobiles in Europe were not higher American. More rationally, appeared to buy the machine in Lithuania and to overtake it to Minsk without the customs, using a privilege for those who has stayed abroad more than twelve months. Therefore and aboard the plane Sergey has reserved the ticket up to Vilnius through Helsinki, and the visa has opened to Lithuania.
- You were called by the woman, former your mistress, - Michael has informed of Sergey, when he has returned from work.
- About what it she? - Sergey has asked.
- I do not know. Call her.
Sergey has called and to the surprise has learned, that for his name the package came from Los Angeles, behind which he has on the spot gone.
In the big yellow package appeared the letter from the National Visa Centre, the form and the instruction. In the letter it was informed, that at draw Green card in a lottery Sergey has got in number of fifty five thousand selected candidates. For further registration Green card it is necessary to fill in forms to take off copies of necessary documents and to send them to the address specified in the letter. Then need to wait the invitation to interview. For Sergey the letter became the big unexpectedness. He is tired from wearisome daily physical work and was adjusted to leave from here. Sergey has close enough got acquainted with USA. He went by excursion in Atlantic City, has visited on Niagara Falls and has well got acquainted with Florida. A lot of interesting and unforgettable has seen here. Yes, America - the fine country, excellent climatic conditions. But all new unusual, foreign aggravates feeling of love to the native land, i.e. to those places where you have grown where there were your relatives and friends. At Sergey in a pocket the ticket aboard the plane already laid, in one month to depart. Whether so this is necessary for him Green card?
To congratulations on a prize Green card Sergey has remained indifferent. However he nevertheless has filled in forms, as the instruction demanded, has taken off copies of necessary documents, has applied photos and has sent all in the National Visa Centre.
Last week before departure Sergey has called all familiar and has said goodbye to them. Then he has visited well-known auction Sotheby's to York Avenue. In a hall where briskly there was a tender by pictures, Sergey sat down beside the Spaniard and has shown him the book Encyclopedia "Britannica". He has looked through the book and has offered for it ten dollars. Sergey has negatively shaken a head. Then the Spaniard has more closely examined the title page of the book and has finally made: "Twenty". The book was heavy, and Sergey would not like to be dragged with it. Therefore, though internal voice also prompted him, that the book gives for nothing, he nevertheless has taken money and has left the book to the Spaniard.
 Sergey has gone to last day to the boss of the building company in which he worked. The office of the company was on Park Avenue in one of high-altitude buildings. The boss personally supervised over separate sites of works and strictly supervised work of workers. To Sergey he took a positive view, therefore has accepted him with the big attention. Sergey has thanked the boss for teamwork and has presented him a bottle of cognac. The boss has stated a regret concerning Sergey's leaving from work, has caused the secretary and has given the task to prepare for Sergey the letter - recommendation in case sometime need will force to get a job. Sergey all fibers of soul has felt only human attitudes and was deep touched...
In a hostel at parting Michael has told Sergey:
- You were most reliable my client. Come back and remember that doors of a hostel are open for you at any time. In road be vigilant. I wish you good luck.
JOHN F.KENNEDY - International Airport. Flight: New York - Helsinki. Eight hour flight above Ocean and Europe. Flight from Helsinki to Vilnius. All this has flown before Sergey's eyes, as in a fairy tale.
And he already is standing in the auto market in Vilnius. Machines are a lot. With what to begin? Sergey has slowly gone on lines. At last, his attention has involved white "Ford Sierra". Despite of seven-year age, the car looked fresh. The engine and a luggage carrier were well-groomed. Rubber is new. The price: 2600 dollars.
- Why it so was kept? - Sergey has taken an interest.
- Long stood in garage. Run on a speedometer of all of forty thousand kilometers. - The owner has explained.
Sergey has listened to work of the engine, has examined a body on corrosion and has offered for the car of 2500 dollars. The owner has agreed. With official registration of papers of a problem was not, as the car have brought from Germany on an auto cart. Sergey has remained the pleased automobile. The machine pleasantly caressed an eye.
Now it is necessary to visit in hotel to load a suitcase with a bag and to move to the East to Minsk. When Sergey took out a suitcase from hotel, the black cat has stolen a march on him. It has afflicted him, and he has three times spat through the left shoulder. But already at refueling on a filling station he has overlooked about it.
Weather stood good. The autumn sun shone in the sky. The machine easily ran on the good road. The Lithuanian border Sergey safely in spite of the fact that he has given up to one of customs officers in the request has passed to take the fellow traveler up to Minsk.
At the Byelorussian customs house documents checked more carefully. Specified, how many time Sergey was abroad. Long verified factory numbers of the automobile. At last, necessary marks in documents have made and have allowed passing. The customs house has remained behind.
Now it is a native Byelorussia! Grew dark. The large forest was looked through along a deserted motorway. The arrow of a speedometer has quietly lain on figure "110". Unexpectedly on Serg" has stopped. Sergey has again passed past. "Eye’s big speed has overtaken black "BMV" which, having run ahead some kilometers, have included the alarm system and has stopped. From the machine send two and gestures of hands asked to stop. Sergey has prepared for a stop, but the feeling of care has got best of last second, and he has quietly gone round voting. In one minute Sergey in a mirror of a back kind has seen the same machine. It quickly caught up with him and furiously sparkled light of headlights. At overtaking through an open window of persons ordered to stop. Having overtaken Sergey's car, "BMV" it was touched behind him. Then Sergey has got from a pocket of a bag gas balloon, has put it on sitting near to itself and has added speed. Race began. Despite of fine road performance of automobile "Ford Sierra" nevertheless it has conceded on speed "BMV". Persecutors have begun to overtake Sergey from the right side. Then they "have cut" to the left and began "to extinguish" speed. In a result the cars have stopped. From "BMV" two guys have jumped out and have rushed to Sergey's machine from the different parties. At the left to Sergey the blond guy ran. He was aggressive, threateningly shouted and swung a pistol. In his shape something seemed to Sergey familiar. Sergey has lowered glass and has taken in hands gas balloon. When attacking has come nearer closely, Sergey's upon memory has dawned, and he has shouted:
- Ovidius! Whence you?
The guy in confusion gauging, having bent to a window. At this moment Sergey has unloaded gas balloon to him to face. Then has sharply handed over back, has developed a rudder to the right, having directed the machine on another attacking, and has jerked forward. In Sergey's head the idea has flashed: " it is a meeting! It seemed, that Ovidius was lost, and he as from the Moon has fallen ".
Quickly began to darken. Attributes of a pursuit it was not observed. Sergey has closed a window and has included a radio receiver. The Byelorussian radio station worked. Up to a pain in heart in the voice familiar from the childhood the announcer has made: "Ïàyàæàíû ñïàäàðû, çà÷ûíÿéöå äçyåðû. Çëîäç³é ìîæà áûöü ïîáà÷ ".
Sergey smiled. The civilization has come to Belarus.

                END.               

               
An Author and the Translator is Vladimirov Vladimir Dmitrievich.