【明報專訊】The worker Shelley has met in prison is called Hollace. He has been in the factory since he became an adult. Almost all adults in the city work at the factory. Like him, those who work well have got promoted to the second floor to do similar humdrum (單調乏味的) tasks. Now Hollace, whose mind is sharper than ever, recollects his life. However, he has hardly any memory of what had happened before he was admitted to the factory, nor has he any memory of his family. He has only very dim images of their faces. Nothing about himself reminds him where he comes from or when he was free and happy. His work clothes are provided by the factory. He is fed by the factory. The meals he has had have made his skin smell differently. All that he can remember is how he should pack the wine. Every bottle of wine is the same. Tears trickle from his eyes because he is lost.
Shelley: Oh, don't despair, my friend. We must help ourselves and our fellows.
Hollace: How? The jailers (獄卒) will return soon. They'll probably torture me and throw me out of this place.
Shelley: I'm sure there is a way out. Take my word for it. The jailers are stupid, aren't they?
Shelley eavesdrops (竊聽) on the fat jailer and the thin. Their conversation is largely a nonsensical (無意義的) debate about their knowledge of the factory. But they know nothing about it. They just repeat hearsays (傳聞) and utter their imaginings.
Fat jailer: You know what? They say this factory is indeed a living thing and we are now in its belly.
Thin jailer: That's impossible! It is metallic. Don't be silly. Besides, where is its head or its tail? It only has a trunk.
Fat jailer: Nay, it moves and breathes. But it is sleeping now. It's waiting for the right moment to wake up.
Thin jailer: Nonsense! No living things could have slept that long! Never have I seen it move.
Feeling insulted, the fat jailor wants to give the thin one a punch. Thereupon Shelley interrupts them.
Shelley: Hey, don't be upset. I agree with him (the thin jailer), but find your idea interesting. Why don't we make a tour of the factory to see who is right?
Fat jailer: How dare you talk to us? Who are you? You are not allowed to leave here.
Shelley: I've no intention of leaving this place, but I want to get the answer. Then I'll know which of you is smarter.
The two jailers are tempted. Each wants to prove he is smarter than the other.
The Escape (1 of 3)
Text: Ashley Ley
Illustration: Iris Tsoi
