Chapter 1 – Jansen Arrives at Tayuan Port

Scene | 1
Time | Day
Setting | Tayuan (Anping) Port – Harbor and Street
Characters | Jansen, Andrew, Matthews

▲At the Tayuan (Anping) harbor, masts crowd the dock as merchants from many nations establish trading posts here. Along the portside street, foreign trading companies line the roads. Deerskin, deer antler, camphor, tea leaves, and sugar are the primary goods of trade. Foreign merchants bring with them medicine, spices, pearls, agates, textiles, and coins to trade with the local Siraya and Han people.
▲A sailing ship slowly docks. Two sailors toss ropes ashore, where two dockhands pick them up and secure them to stone posts. A gangplank is set up by the sailors on a sampan. Several crewmembers begin carrying bundles and bales of cargo off the ship. Following them is a young man carrying a medical case — Jansen, a doctor of the Dominican Order. After a long sea voyage, he steps onto this unfamiliar land. Behind him are two middle-aged men — one bearded, Andrew, the ship’s first mate; the other wearing a robe, is Father Matthews, a Dominican missionary.

Andrew: (pointing at the bustling port)
Jansen, this is Tayuan Port. I wasn’t lying, was I? You’re going to love it here.

Jansen:
Yes! It’s even more lively and prosperous than I imagined!

Andrew:
You wouldn’t believe that just over a year ago, this was nothing but wild grass, sandbanks, and wetlands. A complete wilderness!

Jansen:
No wonder the shops here all look so new.

Matthews: (pointing into the distance)
There really is a church here — just like the bishop said.

Andrew:
Indeed, it was completed late last year. Father, do you need me to accompany you to report to the church?

Matthews:
No need, I’ll go on my own. Youre welcome to visit me at the mission whenever you like.

Andrew:
Sure will. Jansen, want me to show you around a bit?

Jansen:
No need, Andrew. I enjoy wandering on my own.

Andrew:
Alright then, meet us later this evening at the guesthouse across from the church. Don’t wander off too far.

Jansen:
Got it.

▲Jansen waves to them with a cheerful expression, heading off toward the bustling street.

Scene | 2
Time | Day
Setting | Street, Arcade, Chinese Medicine Clinic
Characters | Jansen, Tang Yun, Kari, Ali

▲Carrying his medical case, Jansen arrives at a Chinese medicine clinic under an arcade. Inside, a traditional Chinese doctor, Tang Yun, is pressing a patients wrist — a diagnostic method known as "pulse reading." Jansen recognizes it from Batavia on the island of Java, where local Chinese doctors also used it. The patient is bundled in a thick leather coat and is shivering from chills. Curious, Jansen steps inside, glancing at the wall of herb cabinets and the traditional medicine items on the long table — aside from deer antler, they look very familiar.

Tang Yun:
Young man, are you here for a consultation?

Jansen:
No, I’m from Holland.

Tang Yun: (noticing the medical case)
Oh? You’re a doctor?

Jansen:
Yes. Judging by this patient’s symptoms, I believe he has malaria.

▲Tang Yun pulls back his hand from the patient, intrigued.

Tang Yun:
Malaria? What kind of illness is that?

Jansen:
The patient experiences alternating chills and fevers. In Chinese medicine, you call it “nüe ji” (瘧疾). It’s transmitted through mosquito bites and is highly infectious. It’s very common in the South Seas.

Tang Yun:
I see. I had thought the patient was just weak and had been prescribing tonic decoctions to restore his qi and blood, but with little improvement. What’s your recommended treatment?

Jansen:
In my medical case, I have a specific remedy for malaria: quinine. Have the patient take a spoonful of quinine powder, morning and evening. He should recover in two to three weeks.

▲Jansen opens his case and takes out a glass bottle of medicine powder.
▲Tang Yun accepts the bottle.

Tang Yun:
Then I’ll follow your advice.

Tang Yun:
Ali, I’ll portion this powder out. Give Kari one dose now, then take the rest home and administer one dose a day.

Ali:
Yes, thank you, Master Tang.

Tang Yun:
How much for this medicine, young man?

Jansen:
One silver coin. No rush — pay me once you see it works. I’ll come by again.

Tang Yun: (pleased)
Hmm! Very fair.

Scene | 3
Time | Day
Setting | Street, Arcade, Leather Shop
Characters | Jansen, Champier, Baruna

▲Jansen strolls into a leather shop where two men are arguing. The silver-haired foreign merchant appears to be purchasing deerskin. The grey-haired local man must be the shopkeeper.

Baruna:
Do you honor deals or not, Champier? Last time we agreed: five deerskins for one gold coin. Now you want seven for the same price? You’re taking advantage!

Champier:
Prices for deerskin fluctuate constantly. Besides, the supply’s been good lately. If you won’t sell at this price, other shops are eager to. Think carefully.

Baruna:
No need to think — I know you’re dishonest. I don’t intend to sell to you. Please leave!

Champier:
How about this — let’s meet halfway: six deerskins. Otherwise, I’ll go elsewhere.

▲The shopkeeper waves impatiently.

Baruna:
No deal! You French merchants never keep your word and love to haggle unreasonably. I’d rather sell to German traders. Please leave!

Champier:
You’ll regret this, old man Baruna.

▲Champier storms out and almost bumps into Jansen.
▲Irritated, he snaps at Jansen.

Champier:
Watch where youre walking, boy!

▲Jansen simply smiles, saying nothing, and watches him leave.

Baruna: (muttering)
Just opened shop and already ran into a foreign devil… today’s going to be bad luck…

▲Jansen takes off his hat and smiles in greeting.

Jansen:
Good day, sir.

Baruna:
Young man, need a fine deerskin jacket or pants? Soft, warm, and waterproof. Our craftsmanship is top-notch — well known in the port!

Jansen:
I’m just browsing for now.

Baruna:
Take your time. If you fancy a piece of hide, we’ll tailor it for you.

Jansen:
Thank you, sir.

▲Jansen browses the deerskin displayed on the mud wall, occasionally reaching out to feel the material.

Baruna:
These deerskins are of excellent quality. Many foreign merchants come back for more after their first set.

Jansen:
Thanks. If I need anything, I’ll let you know.

Scene ∣ 4 Time ∣ Night Setting ∣ Western Merchant Guesthouse
Characters ∣ Jansen, Andrew, Western Merchants

▲ At night, the Western merchant guesthouse is lit by a few kerosene lamps, casting flickering orange shadows on the walls. Several wooden crates sit in the corners, marked with yellowed shipping labels. The air is filled with the rich scent of venison and the faint sweetness of taro.
▲ A breeze slips through a half-open window, carrying the salty humidity of the port and the distant, low bellow of ships’ horns. Scattered patrons at nearby tables chat in hushed tones, occasionally bursting into hearty laughter or the crisp clink of glasses.
▲ Andrew and Jansen sit at a rough wooden table in the corner, two steaming plates of food before them. Andrew lifts his glass, sips, and glances at Jansen.
Andrew: You still like the food here?
▲ Andrew smiles, his tone slightly probing.
Jansen: Not bad!
▲ Jansen bites into a piece of venison, chews carefully, and nods.
Jansen: The venison goes surprisingly well with the taro.
Andrew: Glad to hear it.
▲ Andrew sets down his glass and taps the table lightly with his index finger.
Andrew: This place isn’t like Batavia. Fewer food options—after a while, you get the same few dishes.
▲ Jansen chuckles and looks up at Andrew.
Jansen: When in Rome. I’m not picky.
Andrew: You can explore the whole town in half a day.
▲ Andrew leans back, arms crossed over his chest.
Andrew: You might want to buy a couple of deerskin outfits. Theyre reasonably priced here.
▲ Jansen tilts his head slightly, thinking.
Jansen: I’ve still got enough clothes for now. I’ll get some if I need to.
Andrew: By the way—
▲ Andrew’s tone grows serious as he places both hands on the table, gently tracing its rough grain with his fingertips.
Andrew: Our fleet just received word from the company. After loading cargo, we’ll reroute to Fusang. Captain Groot wants Dr. Mario from the infirmary to come along—its a longer voyage, and Mario speaks the local language.
▲ As Andrew speaks, he watches Jansen closely, as if waiting to see signs of displeasure or disappointment.
▲ But Jansen simply nods with a smile.
Jansen: That’s fine. I quite like it here.
▲ Andrew leans in slightly, hands planted firmly on the table, his tone steady but slow.
Andrew: Then stay on at the infirmary here. The captain has already spoken with the facility—they’ll arrange work for you. We’ll be back in half a year.
Andrew: You can report in at the infirmary tomorrow.
▲ Jansen sets down his fork, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes.
Jansen: Alright.
▲ They finish their meal in silence. Andrew rises and pats Jansen on the shoulder.
Andrew: Get some rest. See you tomorrow.
▲ Jansen smiles in return, watching Andrew leave. The swaying lamp light stretches his shadow long and thin, fading slowly into the darkness at the doorway.

Scene ∣ 5 Time ∣ Day Setting ∣ Anping Harbor Marketplace
Characters ∣ Jansen, Ali, Western Merchants, Vendors

▲ A sunny morning with clear skies, the blue brushed clean by sea breeze. The Anping Harbor marketplace is bustling with noise—vendors’ calls rise and fall in waves. The salty air mixes the smell of fish and fresh grass. Stalls are piled with oysters, dried fish, and bundles of herbal medicine tied with hemp rope—vividly colored and aromatic.
▲ Jansen walks steadily through the crowd, holding a rattan medical box. His sleeves flutter gently in the sea breeze.
▲ In the distance, a young man in a coarse cotton tunic waves his arm and calls out excitedly. His skin is tanned, eyes clear.
Ali: Master Jansen! Master Jansen!
▲ Jansen pauses, surprised, and looks toward the voice.
▲ Ali runs up, breathless and sweating, but smiling with joy.
Ali: I’m Ali! We met yesterday at Master Tang’s clinic.
▲ Jansen’s face relaxes, nodding in recognition.
Jansen: Ah, I remember. How’s your friend?
Ali: After taking your medicine, Kalih was able to get out of bed this morning.
▲ Ali’s voice holds sincere gratitude. His hands clutch and release in front of his chest, trying to contain his excitement.
▲ Jansen smiles kindly.
Jansen: That’s good to hear.
▲ Ali steps closer, eager to explain.
Ali: Kalih asked me to invite you to our Chihkan community. Many people there and in nearby villages are sick. We need your help.
▲ Jansen raises an eyebrow, his expression turning serious.
Jansen: Oh? In that case, I’ll need to prepare more medicine. I’ll stop by the infirmary first.
▲ Ali beams and unties a small cloth pouch from his waist, shaking it—the sound of coins jingling.
Ali: Kalih thought of that. He gave me money to bring and said he’d come along to help buy medicine.
▲ Jansen nods, his tone light.
Jansen: Let’s go, then. You lead the way.
Ali: Doctor, I brought my ox cart.
▲ Ali points to a simple ox cart by the street. Though rough in construction, it appears sturdy.
Ali: You can ride in my cart—it’s faster.
Jansen: (smiling) Sure.
▲ Ali takes the rattan box and gently places it on the back of the cart. He then offers a calloused but strong hand to help Jansen up.
Ali: Watch your step—the board’s a little slippery.
▲ Ali’s voice carries caution.
▲ Once Jansen is seated, Ali hops to the front of the cart and flicks his whip lightly.
Ali: Giddy-up!
▲ The ox cart sways as it moves through the streets. The wheels creak over cobblestone, mixing with fishermen’s distant shouts and the cries of seagulls.
▲ Jansen turns toward Ali, asking:
Jansen: Ali, those people you mentioned—do they all show the same symptoms?
Ali: Not really. Some have fever and coughs, some have skin sores, and some feel dizzy and weak… But more and more are falling ill. The elders say it’s a plague.
▲ Ali lowers his voice, as if whispering bad news.
▲ Jansen’s eyes darken thoughtfully. He taps his knee unconsciously, deep in thought.
Jansen: This could be serious. I’ll need to prepare fever remedies and disinfectant herbs.
▲ Ali nods firmly, his eyes filled with trust and hope.
Ali: Doctor, we’re all counting on you.
▲ The ox cart rolls on, leaving the bustling market behind as it heads toward the infirmary.

Scene ∣ 6 Time ∣ Day Setting ∣ Anping Harbor Infirmary Guest Room / Harbor Streets
Characters ∣ Jansen, Ali, Thomas

▲ Jansen leads Ali into the infirmary. Director Thomas, having just finished a minor surgery, walks out of the operating room. Jansen and Ali are already in the guest room.
Thomas: You must be Jansen?
Jansen: I am.
Thomas: I’ve been expecting you. We desperately need hands to do medical rounds in the villages.
Jansen: I just heard about that from Ali.
▲ Ali chuckles and nods at the side.
Thomas: I’ve prepared medicine for you to take. If you run low, send someone to restock anytime.
Jansen: Got it.
▲ Ali loads the rattan boxes onto the ox cart, which begins its slow journey through the harbor streets.
▲ Sitting in the cart, Jansen enjoys the gentle warm breeze. Wildflowers bloom along the roadside, and he looks around with keen interest.
Jansen: Ali, I heard winters here are mild. The flowers stay in bloom and the land remains green.
Ali: That’s right. It’s always like that here. But summer and autumn are very hot, and disease outbreaks happen between villages.
Jansen: If we could eliminate those outbreaks, this place would be a paradise—unlike the tropics where it’s always hot and sweaty.
Ali: Summer is just starting, and already the illnesses are spreading.
Jansen: Seems like staying here was the right choice. These people need me.

第一章 俊生來到大員港

▲大員(安平)港海灣邊碼頭上，帆檣雲集，各國行商來此設立據點，港埠邊的街道上，洋行林立，鹿皮鹿茸、樟腦、茶葉及蔗糖是這裡的主要交易商品。洋人帶來藥材、香料、珍珠瑪瑙，布疋和金幣銀幣，與當地的西拉雅人及漢人進行交易。

▲一艘帆船緩緩靠岸，兩名水手把纜繩拋到岸邊，隨即有兩個雜役將它拾起，綁穩在石頭墩柱上。舺舨上的水手架妥橋板，幾名水手陸續將船艙裡成包成綑的貨物扛著走下來。後頭跟著一個手提藥箱的青年俊生(Jansen)，他是道明會的醫生，經過漫長的海上航行，踏上這片陌生的土地。青年身後跟著兩個中年男子，一個蓄著大鬍子的，叫安德魯(Andrew)，是這艘船的大副，另一個穿著長袍，是來此傳教的基督教道明會神父馬修斯(Matthews)。

安德魯︰(指著繁華的港埠)俊生，這裡就是大員港，我沒矇你吧？你一定會喜歡這裡的。

俊生說：是啊！這裡比我想像的還要熱鬧繁華呢！

安德魯說：你想像不到這裡一年多前，還是長滿芒草的沙灣和濕地，一片蠻荒呢！

俊生說：難怪這裡的商店，外觀看起來都很新！

馬修斯︰(伸手指著不遠處)這裡果然有教堂，跟主教說的一樣。

安德魯：是啊，教堂是去年底落成的。神父，不用我陪你去教堂報到吧？

馬修斯：不用，我自己去就行，有空歡迎你們來教會找我。

安德魯：會的。俊生，要不要我陪你到處逛逛？

俊 生：不用啦！安德魯，我喜歡自己去逛街。

安德魯：那麼，傍晚你自己去教會斜對面的招待所會合囉，不要走得太遠喔。

俊 生：好的。

▲俊生朝兩人揮手，帶著愉快的心情，走往繁華的街道。

▲俊生手提醫藥箱，來到一家有著騎樓的漢醫館，看見裡頭有個穿唐裝的漢醫唐雲，一隻手的手指正按住一個病患的手腕，他知道這叫「把脈」，在爪哇島上的巴達維亞城裡，當地的漢醫也使用這種診療方法。病患身上裹著厚皮襖，全身因畏寒而顫抖著。他好奇地走進去，先環視過牆面上的藥櫃和長桌上的幾樣藥材，除了鹿茸，感覺和以前所見大同小異。

唐 雲：年輕人，你來看診嗎？

俊 生：不是，我來自荷蘭。

唐 雲︰(看著俊生手上醫藥箱)喔？你是醫生？
俊 生：是，這病人看症狀應該是罹患Malaria。

▲唐雲感到好奇，移開把脈的手。
唐 雲：Malaria？那是什麼樣的疾病？

俊 生：患者會出現忽冷忽熱的症狀，你們漢醫稱這種疾病為瘧疾，經由蚊蟲叮咬病患傳播開來，是一種極具傳染性的疾病，在南洋當地相當常見。

唐 雲：原來如此，我原以為患者只是氣血虛弱，給他煎服幾帖補氣血的漢方湯劑，卻沒什麼起色。依你看，這種疾病要如何治療？

俊 生：我的藥箱裡帶著治療Malaria的特效藥奎寧（Quinin），每日早晚給患者服用一匙奎寧散，兩到三週即可痊癒。
▲俊生打開藥箱，取出一只玻璃瓶藥散。

▲唐雲接過玻璃瓶。
唐 雲：那我就聽你的。

唐 雲：阿里，我把藥散分裝好，待會兒你先讓卡力服用一包，其餘的你帶回去，給卡力按日服用。

阿 里：好的，謝謝唐師父。

唐 雲：這瓶藥該給你多少錢呢？年輕人。

俊 生：一塊錢銀幣，先不急著給我，等確定有效果吧？改天我會再過來的。

唐 雲︰(滿意地)嗯！很公道。

▲俊生逛到一家皮革店，見到兩人正在爭執不下。那個銀髮的洋商，似乎在搜購鹿皮；灰髮的當地人應該就是店家。

巴魯那：你講不講信用啊？尚皮耶(Champier)，上回你我約定收購價是五張鹿皮一塊金幣，現在卻要跟我買七張鹿皮，便宜都被你給佔盡了，哪有這回事！？

尚皮耶：鹿皮價格隨時在波動，何況最近貨源充裕，我出這個價你不肯賣，別的店家可是搶著賣，你自己想清楚吧？

巴魯那：我不用想，只知道你不守信用，所以我沒打算賣給你。你請回吧？

尚皮耶：要不然這樣，你我退一步，就六張鹿皮，否則我找別家店去。

▲店家不耐煩地揮手。
巴魯那：不賣不賣！你們法蘭西商人不講信用，喜歡亂殺價。我寧可賣給日耳曼商人。你請回吧！

尚皮耶：你會後悔的，老頭兒巴魯那。

▲尚皮耶轉身走出來，差點撞到俊生。

▲尚皮耶對著俊生火氣不小。
尚皮耶：年輕人，你走路不帶眼睛啊？

▲俊生微笑著沒回答，望著他離去的背影。

巴魯那︰(嘴裡嘟噥著)才開市就遇到洋番子，今天恐怕會走衰運…！

▲俊生取下帽子，微笑打招呼。
俊 生︰老闆。

巴魯那：年輕人，有需要買兩件鹿皮衣褲嗎！輕柔保暖又不怕水，我們店的縫製手工很精細的，口碑不錯喔。
俊 生：我只是進來看看而已。

巴魯那：那麼你慢慢看，看上哪塊皮料，我請師父幫你量身縫製。

俊 生：謝謝你，老闆。

▲俊生好奇地流覽著泥牆上掛著的鹿皮料，不時伸手觸摸。

巴魯那：我們的鹿皮質料很不錯的，許多洋商買回去穿了，還會回頭來買。

俊 生：謝謝，有需要的話，我會跟你說。

▲入夜後的洋商招待所，掛著幾盞煤油燈，微弱的橙光在牆上投下搖曳的影子。牆角堆放著幾個木箱，貼著泛黃的航運標籤，空氣中飄散著濃郁的鹿肉香與芋頭的淡甜。

▲風從半開的窗縫中滲入，夾帶著港口的鹹濕氣息與遠處船隻傳來的低沉號角聲。四周零星幾桌客人正低語交談，偶爾發出爽朗的笑聲或酒杯碰撞的清脆響音。

▲安德魯和俊生坐在角落裡的粗木桌邊，面前擺著兩盤冒著熱氣的餐點。安德魯端起酒杯，輕啜了一口，目光掃過俊生。

安德魯︰這裡的餐飲，你還喜歡吧？
▲安德魯微笑著，語調中帶著一絲試探。

俊 生︰不錯啊！
▲俊生咬下一口鹿肉，細細咀嚼後點頭。
俊 生︰鹿肉的味道和芋頭還滿搭的。

安德魯︰那就好。
▲安德魯放下酒杯，食指輕敲著桌面。
安德魯︰這裡不比巴達維亞，餐飲的種類較少，挑來挑去，就那幾樣。

▲俊生笑了笑，抬眼看向安德魯。
俊 生︰入境隨俗，我不挑食的。

安德魯︰這裡的街市，半天大概就逛完了。
▲安德魯說著，靠回椅背，雙手交疊於胸前。
安德魯︰你可以買兩套鹿皮衣服換穿著，在這裡鹿皮衣服價格很公道。

▲俊生微微側頭，思索了一下。
俊 生︰嗯，隨身衣服目前還夠換穿，有需要時我會買的。

安德魯︰對了。
▲安德魯的語氣變得正經起來，雙手放回桌上，指尖在木桌粗糙的表面輕輕摩挲。安德魯︰我們的船隊臨時接到公司通知，裝載貨物後要改往扶桑國去。船隊長格魯特（Groot）要醫務所的馬利歐（Mario）醫生隨行，這趟航程稍長，馬利歐通曉扶桑國語言。

▲安德魯說話時，目光始終盯著俊生的表情，像是在等待他露出不悅或失望的神色。

▲俊生只是微笑著點了點頭。
俊 生︰沒關係，我還滿喜歡這裡的。

▲安德魯將身體微微前傾，雙手撐在桌面上，語氣放緩卻堅定。
安德魯︰那麼。你就先在這裡的醫務所待著。船隊長和所方打過招呼，他們會安排你的工作。半年後我們就會回來。

安德魯︰明天，你就可以去醫務所報到。

▲俊生放下餐叉，眼中閃過一絲感激。
俊 生︰好的。

▲兩人默默地吃完餐點，安德魯起身拍了拍俊生的肩膀
安德魯︰好好休息，明天見。

▲俊生也微笑回應，目送安德魯離去。隨著煤油燈光的搖曳，陰影將他的身影拉得細長，漸漸消失在門口的黑暗中。

▲風和日麗的上午，湛藍的天空像被海風吹拭得澄明透亮。安平港埠的商店街上，人聲鼎沸，商賈攤販的吆喝聲此起彼落。魚腥混著青草香的鹹潤氣味，隨著微風在空氣中飄散。小販攤位上堆著新鮮的牡蠣、乾魚和麻繩捆成的中藥材，色彩鮮明。

▲俊生手提藤皮藥箱，步伐穩健而輕快地穿行在人群中，衣袖微微掀起海風的涼意。

▲遠處，一個穿著粗布短衫的年輕人，皮膚黝黑、眼神澄澈，正揮著手臂，急切地呼喊。

阿 里︰俊生師父！俊生師父！

▲俊生微微一愣，停下腳步，循聲望去。

▲阿里喘著氣跑近，額頭滲出細密的汗珠，卻掩不住臉上的喜悅。
阿 里︰我是阿里，昨天我們在唐師父的醫館見過。

▲俊生眉宇舒展，恍然大悟似地點頭。
俊 生：啊，我想起來了。你朋友情況如何？

阿 里︰卡力服用你給的藥後，今天早上已經能下床走動了。
▲阿里說這話時，語氣裡透著感激，雙手在胸前不自覺地緊握又放開，像是壓抑著雀躍。

▲俊生微笑，神情溫和。
俊 生：那就好。

▲阿里又往前一步，想把這份好消息更清楚地傳達。
阿 里︰卡力要我請你來我們赤崁社。我們赤崁社和附近幾個村社有許多人罹患各種疾病，需要你來診治。

▲俊生的眉梢微微挑起，神情轉為嚴肅。
俊 生：喔？這樣的話，我得多準備些藥物。我先去趟醫務所補充。

▲阿里露出一抹興奮的笑容，從腰間解下掛著的小布袋，晃了晃，裡面傳出錢幣碰撞的叮噹聲。
阿 里︰卡力有想到這個，叫我帶錢來，還說要陪你去採購藥物。

▲俊生點點頭，語氣輕快。
俊 生：那我們走吧？你帶路。

阿 里︰醫生，我駕牛車來。
▲阿里指了指街旁一輛簡陋的牛車，車架以木板粗製而成，卻頗為穩固。
阿 里︰你上我的牛車，這樣快些。

俊 生︰(微笑著)好啊。

▲阿里主動接過藤皮藥箱，小心翼翼地將它擱在牛車後頭，再伸出一隻粗糙而結實的手，扶著俊生上車。

阿 里︰小心點，這踏板有點滑。
▲阿里提醒道，聲音帶著一絲謹慎。

▲俊生坐穩後，阿里跳上牛車前端，手中長鞭輕輕一揮。
阿 里︰駕！

▲牛車晃動著，緩緩穿過街道。輪子碾過青石板，發出沉悶的咯吱聲，混雜著遠處漁夫的喊叫聲與海鷗的鳴叫。

▲俊生側過身，望著阿里的背影問道。
俊 生︰阿里，你剛才提到的那些人，症狀都類似嗎？
阿 里︰不太一樣，有些是發熱咳嗽，有些是皮膚潰爛，還有人頭暈無力……但越來越多人倒下，村裡的老人說是瘟疫來了。
▲阿里的聲音壓低了，像是在說著某種不祥的秘密。

▲俊生的目光變得深沉，手指無意識地敲著膝蓋，彷彿在思索什麼。
俊 生︰這情況不容小覷，我得盡快調配好藥物，還要再帶些清瘟散和消毒用的草藥。

▲阿里用力點了點頭，目光中閃爍著一絲希望與信任。
阿 里︰醫生，我們都仰賴你了。

▲牛車漸漸遠去，穿過熱鬧的商店街，朝著醫務所的方向前行。

▲俊生領著阿里進到醫務所，所長湯馬斯(Thomas)剛忙完一個小手術，走出手術房。俊生和阿里已經在會客室裡。

湯馬斯：你是俊生吧？

俊生說：我是。

湯馬斯：我正在等你呢，所裡現在極需要人手，前往各村社巡迴醫療。

俊 生：剛才我聽阿里說了。

▲一旁的阿里傻笑著點頭。

湯馬斯：我把藥物準備好，讓你帶著去。若有不足夠，你隨時派人過來取。

俊 生：好的。
▲阿里將一箱箱藤木箱子搬上牛車，牛車緩緩行駛過港埠街道。

▲坐上牛車，俊生吹著和煦的暖風，車道兩旁盛開著各式各樣的野花。俊生不時四處張望的，精神顯得很不錯。

俊 生：阿里，聽說這裡冬天不冷，花朵還開著，野外仍是一片綠意。

阿 里：是啊，我們這裡一直是這樣的，不過夏秋滿熱的，各村社間經常有些流行疾病。

俊 生：如果能夠逐漸讓這些流行疾病絕跡，這裡簡直就是人間仙境了，不像南洋，每天都很炎熱，流很多汗。

阿 里：才要開始進入夏天，流行疾病卻已經蔓延開來。

俊 生：看來我留在這裡，是正確的，這裡的人們需要我。