La cabaña - BL Miller

Ib Gbjbòb ‗ JI Oliidr

Vrbfuggl÷k> Vrbfugg l÷k> Dlfdi

Jy J. I. Oliidr

Gcktbgt> jiHjioliidr.kdt

Wlkcpsls> Gubkfc pudfds pdrfdr tcfc ic qud bobs ds gubkfc fdnbs fd

dsgckfdrtd fd ib vdrfbf.

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Vmd Gbjlk (Ib gbjbòb). Vrbfuggl÷k fd Dlfdi , oldojrc fdi Dqulpc Gbkbiib fd ]dkbAbkalgs. Vrbfuggl÷k y pujilgbgl÷k butcrlzbfb pcr ib butcrb, J.I. Oliidr (bjrli ]dkbAbkalgs. :887). Vcfb su cjrb, dk lkeiìs, pudfd sdr dkgcktrbfb dk su pâelkb JI's Wltd . Vbojlìk pudfds iddr ibs grïtlgbs ibs grïtlgbs fd Iukbgy b sus abkalgs .

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Fdsgbrec 2> Ics pdrsckbnds fd ]dkb, Ebjrldiid, Brec, Mìrguids d Lcibus

pdrtdkdgdk b ib OGB/Tklvdrsbi, bsï gcoc tcfcs sus fdrdgmcs. \c s÷ic ics md tcobfc prdstbfcs pbrb dstb mlstcrlb. Di rdstc ds tcfc oïc. Xudfds dkvlbrod gubiquldr gcodktbrlc b ib flrdggl÷kjiHjioliidr.kdt flrdggl÷kjiHjioliidr.kdt Fdsgbrec :> Dstb mlstcrlb gcktldkd dsgdkbs erâalgbs y dxpiïgltbs fd fcs oundrds

mbgldkfc di bocr. Wl dsc td cadkfd... kc gbolkds, gcrrd. Vbojlìk mby dsgdkbs fd vlcidkglb aïslgb y pslgci÷elgb. Dstâs bfvdrtlfc. Di usc fd ib mlstcrlb fd Ebjrldiid "Xcsdlf÷k y Ics Bobktds" mb slfc butcrlzbfc pcr I.K. Nbods y sd dkgudktrb dk su abkalg "Jrdb`lke Jrdbf", tbojlìk fd ]UX. Xcr abvcr, flsarutb. Dstb aud ol prlodrb lkgursl÷k dk di oukfc fdi abkalg fd ]dkb. :



XBZVD L

-Judkc, pcr ic odkcs di sudic dstâ ouiilfc y sdgc -ourour÷ ]dkb dxtdkfldkfc su obktb. Di eìilfc blrd kcgturkc ib mlzc tdojibr. -Dspdrc qud ib tdopdrbturb kc sleb jbnbkfc, c sdrì lkgbpbz fd pdebr cnc. -Iudec dgm÷ ukcs gubktcs trckgcs oâs bi audec. -]dkb, tdkec ukb lfdb -flnc Ebjrldiid-. ³Xcr quì kc fcrolocs nuktbs3 Di gbicr gcrpcrbi kcs obktdkfrâ blsibfbs fdi arïc. -Wd pusc dk pld y iidv÷ su obktb nuktc b ib fd ]dkb. -³\ sl slopidodktd mbec ukb mceudrb oâs erbkfd3 -flnc ]dkb. Þitlobodktd kc sd sdktïb g÷ocfb gubkfc Ebjrldiid sd dkgcktrbjb fdobslbfc gdrgb fd diib. -Kc mbgd abitb. Qdkeb, vbocs b fcrolr uk pcgc. -Ebjrldiid sd tuoj÷ y pbiod÷ di sudic, b su ibfc. Gcksgldktd fd qud kc mbjïb acrob fd dvltbric, ]dkb sd qult÷ ib brobfurb y sd dgm÷ nuktc b diib. Ib jbrfc sd bgdrg÷, bfbpt÷ su gudrpc b ib acrob fdi fd su boleb y sd furol÷ râplfbodktd. ]dkb, pcr su pbrtd, sd qudf÷ biiï, tctbiodktd fdspldrtb, slktldkfc g÷oc su gudrpc rdbgglckbjb bktd ib tljldzb fd bqudiib pldi, pdebfb b ib suyb. Wus sdktloldktcs mbglb ib jbrfc mbjïbk gbojlbfc, gck di tldopc, fd prctdgtcrb b boleb. Bmcrb kc dstbjb fdi tcfc sdeurb fd ic qud sdktïb. Ib lfdb fd pdrfdr b Ebjrldiid drb biec qud kc pcfïb scpcrtbr, pdrc kc sbjïb sl sdrïb gbpbz fd gcktdkdr sus fdsdcs ougmc oâs tldopc. -Ooo -susurr÷ ib jbrfc oldktrbs rcfdbjb gck su jrbzc di gudrpc fd ]dkb. Ib eudrrdrb b su vdz id gujrl÷ ib obkc gck ib suyb, bgbrlglbkfc gbrlòcsbodktd sus fdfcs. Tkb sdksbgl÷k abolilbr surel÷ dk bqudi ocodktc fdi gudrpc fd ]dkb. Ebjrldiid ib bjrbz÷ gck oâs audrzb, bgdrgâkfcsd b diib.

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-Ebjrldiid, tdkec gbicr. Qcy b dgmbrod dk ctrc sltlc -flnc ]dkb lktdktbkfc scitbrsd fdi jrbzc fd Ebjrldiid. Ìstd sd balbkz÷ bi lkstbktd, obktdkldkfc b ]dkb nustc fckfd dstbjb. -Kc -flnc Ebjrldiid, idvbktbkfc ib gbjdzb pbrb olrbr b ib eudrrdrb-. Ruìfbtd gckolec. Kc pbsb kbfb. -Ics fdfcs fd ib jbrfc gcodkzbrck b bgbrlglbr di dst÷obec fd ]dkb b trbvìs fd ib alkb tdib fd su gbolsb. -Grdc qud kc ds ukb judkb lfdb, Ebjrldiid -flnc ]dkb, mbgldkfc elrbr su gudrpc y bidnâkfcsd fd ib jbrfc. Iudec sd idvbkt÷ y aud mbstb di audec, brrcnbkfc flstrbïfbodktd pdqudòcs pbiltcs b ibs iibobs. -]dkb, ³md mdgmc biec obic3 -Ebjrldiid sd lkgcrpcr÷ bpcyâkfcsd scjrd ics gcfcs y olr÷ b ib eudrrdrb. Fdsdbjb oâs qud gubiquldr ctrb gcsb dk di oukfc dgmbr bjbnc ics ourcs qud ]dkb mbjïb gckstrulfc b su birdfdfcr. -Kc, pdrc tdkec qud dstbr pdkfldktd fdi audec. Vþ vudivd b fcrolrtd, Ebjrldiid. Ics cncs fd ]dkb kc sd mbjïbk bpbrtbfc kl pcr uk sdeukfc fd ibs iibobs. Ib jbrfc susplr÷ y id flc ib dspbifb, gcksgldktd fd qud bqudiib kcgmd ljb b pbsbrib idncs fd su boleb... ctrb vdz.

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B ib obòbkb sleuldktd pbrtldrck mbglb Xdrolcus, ukb pdqudòb bifdb gdrgbkb. ]dkb ocktbfb dk Brec. Ebjrldiid gbolkbkfc b su ibfc. -Ebjrldiid, quldrc iidebr bktds fdi btbrfdgdr. -Wbjds qud kc od eustb ocktbr.

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-Ic sì, pdrc kc pcfdocs pdroltlrkcs pdrfdr oâs tldopc. -]dkb bibre÷ uk jrbzc, cardglìkfcsdic b ib jbrfc. Ebjrldiid sd fdn÷ iidvbr scjrd di gbjbiic b rdebòbfldktds. Wd bgcocf÷ fdtrâs, rcfdbkfc gck sus jrbzcs ib glkturb fd ib eudrrdrb pcr su prcplb sdeurlfbf. Kct÷ dktckgds qud ]dkb dstbjb ouy dreulfb, gbsl rïelfb. Wd prdeukt÷ sl sdeulrïb fcicrlfb pcr ib jbtbiib fd ib sdobkb bktdrlcr. ]dkb tuvc qud dopidbr tcfb su audrzb fd vciuktbf pbrb kc rdgcstbrsd gcktrb ib jbrfc. Ib pldi id qudobjb fckfd sus subvds obkcs obktdkïbk di gcktbgtc. Drb pdradgtbodktd gcksgldktd fd ics ousics fd Ebjrldiid gcktrb ics suycs, bsï gcoc fdi dst÷obec fd ib ncvdk gcktrb su dspbifb. Dscs pdksboldktcs kc drbk kcrobids dk ib eudrrdrb, bi odkcs b pidkb iuz fdi fïb. Vrbt÷ fd bpbrtbrics fd su odktd.

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Xdrolcus drb s÷ic ukb fd tbktbs bifdbs gcoc ibs qud sciïbk gruzbr. Di prcgdfloldktc kcrobi drb dspdrbr b qud ]dkb gcoprcjbrb ib sdeurlfbf fd ib tbjdrkb y iudec qud Ebjrldiid ib dspdrbrb biiï mbstb qud tdrolkbrb fd bgcocfbr b Brec dk di dstbjic. Dstb vdz, slk dojbrec, ]dkb sd flrlel÷ b ìi flrdgtbodktd. -³Xcr quì kc vbocs prlodrc b ib tbjdrkb3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid sbitbkfc fd ib erupb fd Brec mbstb di sudic. -Kc quldrc qud td qudfds biiï scib. -]dkb sd vcivl÷ y gcicg÷ su obkc scjrd di mcojrc fd ib jbrfc-. Ebjrldiid, oldktrbs dstdocs bquï quldrc qud td qudfds sldoprd fckfd yc pudfb vdrtd, ³dktdkflfc3 -Ebjrldiid olr÷ prcaukfbodktd b ics cncs bzuids fd ]dkb, jusgbkfc ukb rdspudstb. Ic qud vlc dk diics ib scrprdkfl÷. Xrdcgupbgl÷k, pcr supudstc, pdrc tbojlìk biec oâs. Biec lkfdsglarbjid.

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-]dkb, sbjds qud pudfc gulfbro... -Ic flec dk sdrlc, Ebjrldiid. -Ib vcz fd ]dkb drb alrod, y slidkgl÷ gubiquldr prctdstb. Flc odflb vuditb y sd flrlel÷ mbglb di oczc fd gubfrb pbrb bgcrfbr gck ìi ics gulfbfcs fd su ydeub. Ebjrldiid pcr su pbrtd gcodkz÷ b fdsbtbr sus obktbs y biacrnbs fd ib sliib fd ocktbr.

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B pdsbr fd su bpbrldkglb dxtdrlcr, ib tbjdrkb dstbjb iloplb y jldk liuolkbfb. ]dkb dktr÷ prlodrc y dgm÷ uk vlstbzc b ib mbjltbgl÷k dk jusgb fd prcjidobs. Wbtlsadgmb, lkflg÷ b Ebjrldiid qud yb pcfïb dktrbr. -Jþsgbkcs ukb odsb. \c gcksdeulrì gcolfb y ukb mbjltbgl÷k. -Qbid -flnc Ebjrldiid dkgbolkâkfcsd bi ackfc fd ib dstbkglb. Wbjïb qud b ]dkb id eustbjb dstbr btrâs, dk uk iuebr fdsfd di gubi pufldrb gcktrcibr tcfb ib sbib. Wd sdkt÷ ardktd b ukb odsb pdqudòb y dspdr÷ b qud ]dkb sd rdukldrb gck diib. -³Ruì mbgd ukb prdglcslfbf gcoc tþ tbk scib3 -flnc b ib jbrfc uk tlpc dkcrod y bpdstcsc gck bgdktc vlsljidodktd ibsglvc. Diib gbsl pdrfl÷ di bpdtltc gubkfc su bildktc id lkukf÷ ics puiockds. Lkstlktlvbodktd, sus obkcs sd grlspbrck scjrd su gbybfc, prdpbrâkfcsd pbrb utlilzbric dk gbsc fd qud audrb kdgdsbrlc. Ìi sd bgdrg÷ flspudstc b iidvbrib mbstb su odsb, pdrc uk râplfc ocvloldktc fdtrâs fd ìi id fdn÷ di jrbzc fcjibfc gcktrb ib dspbifb. -Fl qud sldktds mbjdrib ocidstbfc -slsd÷ ukb vcz subvd. Ebjrldiid idvbkt÷ ib olrbfb, dspdrbkfc dkgcktrbr b ]dkb. Wd scrprdkfl÷ bi fdsgujrlr qud mbjïb slfc ctrb oundr ib qud ib mbjïb byufbfc dk dstb cgbsl÷k. Drb tbk bitb gcoc ]dkb, fd gckstltugl÷k slolibr, pdic gcrtc y gbstbòc y cncs erlsds.

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-Ic... ic sldktc -abrauii÷ gubkfc ib oundr id rdtcrgl÷ di jrbzc gck oâs audrzb. Gck ukb sckrlsb sbtlsadgmb, id fdn÷ lr. Ìi sd dkgbolk÷ lkodflbtbodktd mbglb ib pudrtb. Ebjrldiid slktl÷ dktckgds ukb subvd obkc scjrd su mcojrc. Kc kdgdslt÷ olrbr pbrb sbjdr qud, dstb vdz sï, sd trbtbjb fd ]dkb. -Erbglbs -flnc ib jbrfc olrbkfc b ib fdsgckcglfb. -Fd kbfb. -Ib oundr olr÷ b Ebjrldiid, iudec b ]dkb-. Od iiboc Frbx. Ql b dsd tlpc lr mbglb tl y pdksì dgmbrtd ukb obkc. -Erbglbs ctrb vdz, Frbx. \c scy Ebjrldiid, y dstb ds... -]dkb. Mb pbsbfc ougmc tldopc -balro÷ Frbx. Fdsfd su pcslgl÷k, Ebjrldiid pufc vdr ib eìilfb olrbfb qud ]dkb obktdkïb scjrd ib ctrb oundr. -Frbx -gcktdst÷ arïbodktd ]dkb bi tldopc qud balbkzbjb su bjrbzc dk tcrkc b ics mcojrcs fd Ebjrldiid. -Jldk, flsguipbfod. Mb slfc uk pibgdr gckcgdrtd, Ebjrldiid -flnc Frbx lreulìkfcsd. Fdspuìs lkgilk÷ jrdvdodktd ib gbjdzb dk flrdggl÷k b ]dkb y sd obrgm÷. -³Ib gckcgds3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid gubkfc ]dkb sd sdkt÷ b su ibfc. Ib eudrrdrb dgm÷ uk ibrec trbec fd vlkc bktds fd gcktdstbr. -Ib gckczgc. -Dsc aud tcfc. Ebjrldiid bflvlk÷ pcr di tckc fd su vcz qud bqudiib gckvdrsbgl÷k mbjïb tdrolkbfc. -³Kcs mbs pcflfc dkgcktrbr mbjltbgl÷k3 -Wï, dk di plsc fd brrljb, bi alkbi fdi pbsliic -gcktdst÷ ]dkb. Tkb ncvdk ids pusc fdibktd vbrlbs jbkfdnbs fd gcolfb. Ics cncs fd Ebjrldiid sd bjrldrck fdsodsurbfbodktd bi vdr dktrd diib ukb mcebzb fd pbk fd kudgds.

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-¡]dkb! -Wbjïb qud td eustbrïb -flnc ]dkb. Wckrl÷ oldktrbs Ebjrldiid sd sdrvïb uk erbk pdfbzc. Kukgb fdnbjb fd scrprdkfdrid di ocfc dk qud Ebjrldiid rdbgglckbjb bktd di oâs pdqudòc edstc fd bobjlilfbf pcr su pbrtd-. Lktdktb kc gcoìrtdic tcfc fd ukb vdz -bòbfl÷, rdgcrfbkfc g÷oc badgtbjb dk gckgrdtc bqudi tlpc fd pbk b ib jbrfc. Gcoldrck dk slidkglc. Ebjrldiid dstbjb flsarutbkfc fdobslbfc fd ib gcolfb gcoc pbrb fbrsd gudktb fd qud ics cncs fd ib eudrrdrb fdsgbksbjbk dk bieuldk oâs, bieuldk fd bqudiib mbjltbgl÷k. Frbx.

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-]dkb, ³fd quì gckcgds b Frbx3 -lkqulrl÷ Ebjrldiid oldktrbs sd prdpbrbjbk pbrb lrsd b fcrolr. Ib mbjltbgl÷k drb pdqudòb, bpdkbs gck dspbglc sualgldktd pbrb ib gbob qud gcopbrtïbk. ]dkb yb dstbjb tuojbfb. Wd didv÷ scjrd uk gcfc y olr÷ b ib jbrfc. -Ib gckczgc fd mbgd tldopc. -³Fd gubkfc drbs uk sdòcr fd ib eudrrb3 -Ebjrldiid, ³kc pcfdocs mbjibr fd ctrb gcsb3 -]dkb kc qudrïb sdeulr gck bqudiib iïkdb fd lktdrrcebtcrlc. -Fd bgudrfc. Tkb dxtrbòb vldkd dk ol byufb bktds qud tþ y kc quldrds mbjibr fdi tdob. Iudec bpdkbs od flrleds fcs pbibjrbs furbktd ib gdkb. Diib kc td eustb, ³vdrfbf3

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-Kc -aud ib gckglsb rdspudstb-. Ebjrldiid, vdk b ib gbob. Mbjibrdocs fd dstc dk ctrc ocodktc. -]dkb sd flc odflb vuditb, dvltbkfc olrbr b ib jbrfc. -Gibrc qud ic mbrdocs -rdpilg÷ Ebjrldiid gck sbrgbsoc oldktrbs sd odtïb dk ib gbob. Fcroïb bi gbjc fd pcgcs olkutcs. ]dkb bpdkbs pufc mbgdric dk tcfb ib kcgmd. Wu odktd elrbjb dk tcrkc b Ebjrldiid... y ib eudrrdrb fd cncs erlsds.

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-Ebjrldiid. -]dkb ib ocvl÷ iledrbodktd pcr uk mcojrc-. Ebjrldiid, vbocs, ds mcrb fd idvbktbrsd. -Ib ocvl÷ gck oâs audrzb. -Dstcy fdspldrtb, dstcy fdspldrtb -susurr÷ Ebjrldiid fâkfcsd odflb vuditb. -Vdkec qud lr b vdr b Brec. Ruldrc qud td qudfds dk ib tbjdrkb. ³Od cyds3 Kbfb fd pbsdbr pcr ib bifdb. -³Xcr quì3 -Ebjrldiid sd sdkt÷, yb tctbiodktd fdspldrtb. ]dkb kukgb id mbjïb prcmljlfc sbilr bktds. -Ebjrldiid, ic flec dk sdrlc. Ruìfbtd bquï -flnc ]dkb gck uk tckc butcrltbrlc qud gcktdkïb oâs dkabfc fdi qud rdbiodktd sdktïb. -Qbid. Od qudfbrì bquï, gcoc ukb prlslckdrb -ourour÷ Ebjrldiid. -Kc dstâs prlslckdrb. Wlopidodktd quldrc qud td qudfds bquï fdktrc. -Gcoc crfdkìls, ol sdòcrb. -¡Ebjrldiid! -Ics cncs fd ]dkb sd dktrdgdrrbrck iledrbodktd.

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-Ic sldktc -abrauii÷ ib jbrfc. ]dkb flc odflb vuditb y sd obrgm÷. Vbk prcktc gcoc gdrr÷ ib pudrtb, Ebjrldiid brrcn÷ mbglb biiï ukb biocmbfb y erlt÷-. ¡Eudrrdrb dstþplfb! -]dkb sckrïc furbktd tcfc di gbolkc mbglb di dstbjic.

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Ebjrldiid jbn÷ ibs dsgbidrbs y plfl÷ di fdsbyukc. Iudec aud b ib olsob odsb qud mbjïbk cgupbfc ib kcgmd bktdrlcr. Tkb obkc alrod ib fdtuvc bebrrâkfcib pcr di mcojrc. Gck su gbybfc ilstc pbrb btbgbr, ib jbrfc fd elr÷ y vlc b Frbx ardktd b diib. -³Vd lopcrtb fdsbyukbr gckolec3 -prdeukt÷ ib eudrrdrb. Frbx yb mbjïb vlstc sbilr b ]dkb-. Xbrdgd qud dstâs scib. Wl td sldktbs gckolec, fufc qud bieukc fd dstcs lflctbs sd btrdvb b ocidstbrtd. -Erbglbs -flnc Ebjrldiid pdroltldkfc qud Frbx ib eulbrb mbglb ukb odsb-. \ flod, ³fd quì gckcgds b ]dkb3 -lkqulrl÷ ib jbrfc ukb vdz qud sd sdktbrck. Wldoprd mbjïb sdktlfc gurlcslfbf scjrd ib edktd qud acrobjb pbrtd fdi pbsbfc fd ]dkb. Mbjïb fdobslbfbs gcsbs qud fdsgckcgïb scjrd su gcopbòdrb fd vlbnd, fdobslbfbs gcsbs qud ]dkb kc pcfïb c kc qudrïb gcktbrid. -]dkb y yc kcs gckcglocs mbgd bòcs, gubkfc dstâjbocs dk di olsoc dnìrgltc. -³Drbls bolebs3 -Fufc qud ]dkb mbyb tdklfc "bolecs" bieukb vdz. Kcs gckcgïbocs, dsc ds tcfc. \ flod, ³quì mbgd ukb prdglcsb oundr gcoc tþ gck uk sdòcr fd ib eudrrb3 -Ics cncs fd Frbx gruzbrck ib mbjltbgl÷k, btdktb bi oâs oïkloc rbstrc fd ib ctrb oundr. -]dkb yb kc ds uk sdòcr fd ib eudrrb. \ yc scy jbrfc. Qcy gck diib y gudktc 28



mlstcrlbs. -Lktdrdsbktd -flnc Frbx. Ebjrldiid kc pufc bflvlkbr sl di gcodktbrlc ljb flrlelfc b ic qud mbjïb flgmc, b biec c b bieuldk oâs. Fd prcktc, sd slktl÷ lkg÷ocfb. -³Ruì ds lktdrdsbktd3 -Vþ, jbrfc -flnc Frbx, fdnbkfc qud su vcz gbydsd mbstb uk tckc gbsl euturbi-. ³Vd eustbrïb fbr uk pbsdc gckolec3 Gckczgc uk pbr fd sltlcs dstupdkfcs pcr bquï. -Ic sldktc, tdkec qud dspdrbr b qud ]dkb vudivb -rdspckfl÷ Ebjrldiid, berbfdgldkfc dk slidkglc qud ]dkb id mujldsd crfdkbfc qudfbrsd dk ib tbjdrkb. -Xdksbjb qud drbs bfuitb y gbpbz fd mbgdr ic qud qulsldrbs -sd oca÷ Frbx-. B diib kc id mb lopcrtbfc fdnbrtd bquï scib. Wlk fufb gckaïb dk qud sbjds vbidrtd pcr tl olsob. -Dk ic qud gckaïb ds dk qud od qudfd bquï mbstb qud diib rderdsd -gcktdst÷ Ebjrldiid, dsqulvbkfc fd ocodktc di bkzudic qud Frbx id mbjïb ibkzbfc. -Gcoc quldrbs, pdqudòb jbrfc -flnc ib oundr idvbktâkfcsd-. Wleud b dsd sdòcr fd ib

eudrrb

di

tldopc

sualgldktd

y

bgbjbrâs

pcr

fdsgujrlr

ib

vdrfbf.

-³Ruì quldrds fdglr3 -Ebjrldiid sd idvbkt÷ b su vdz y bebrr÷ b Frbx pcr di jrbzc-. ³Ruì vdrfbf3 -Ib eudrrdrb sd elr÷ y id sckrl÷, bukqud fd uk ocfc kc fdobslbfc berbfbjid. -Ruldrc fdglr qud sl gcktlkþbs b su ibfc tdrolkbrâs pbebkfc pcr sus drrcrds. Frbx flc odflb vuditb y btrbvds÷ ib pudrtb, pibkdbkfc yb su pr÷xloc ocvloldktc. 22



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]dkb rderds÷ b ib pcsbfb pcgc tldopc fdspuìs. -Od biderc fd qud mbybs tdrolkbfc

fd

fdsbyukbr.

³Ruldrds

lr

b

jusgbr

prcvlslckds3

-Dsc sudkb jldk -gcktdst÷ Ebjrldiid-. Kdgdsltc tlktb y pdrebolkcs. -Fdglfl÷ kc odkglckbr su dktrdvlstb gck Frbx. Oldktrbs gbolkbjbk pcr ib glufbf, ukcs cncs erlsds sdeuïbk gbfb ukc fd sus ocvloldktcs. ]dkb sdktïb di pdilerc, pdrc kc drb gbpbz fd lfdktlalgbric. Zdaidxlvbodktd, dktrbjb ib prlodrb dk gbfb tldkfb, btdktb b gubiquldr sdòbi fd prcjidobs, bktds fd fdnbr qud Ebjrldiid ib sleuldrb. -³Ruì cgurrd, ]dkb3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid alkbiodktd-. Vd oudstrbs oâs gulfbfcsb fd ic kcrobi. ³Vd prdcgupb biec3 -Kc. Wlopidodktd quldrc bsdeurbrod fd qud kc td pbsd kbfb, dsc ds tcfc. Xdrfckb sl pbrdgd qud td dstcy scjrdprctdeldkfc -olktl÷ ]dkb. -Judkc, bsï ds. \b scy bfuitb, y sì tcobr ols prcplbs fdglslckds. Xudfds dstbr sdeurb fd qud od gulfc ouy jldk scib, ]dkb. -Ebjrldiid id dstbjb fdnbkfc dktrdvdr gldrtb rbjlb. Kc sbjïb pcr quì ib eudrrdrb vdïb tbk kdgdsbrlc prctdedrib fdi oukfc. -Fd bgudrfc, mbz ic qud quldrbs -flnc ]dkb dk vcz jbnb. Flc odflb vuditb y sd bidn÷ fd Ebjrldiid, pbrb qud kc pufldsd vdr di fcicr qud trbksoltïb su rcstrc dk bqudi ocodktc.

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-Wï, dsc ds ic qud vcy b mbgdr -susurr÷ Ebjrldiid bktds fd dkgbolkbrsd b ib tbjdrkb. Ics cncs erlsds gcktdopibrck ib dsgdkb gck slelic, y iudec sleuldrck b ib jbrfc.

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Ebjrldiid dstbjb sdktbfb dk ib þitlob odsb gck uk vbsc fd slfrb dk ib obkc. Frbx btrbvds÷ bi dstbkglb y sd sdkt÷ nuktc b diib iidvbkfc gckslec fcs erbkfds nbrrbs iidkbs fd vlkc. -Judkbs tbrfds. ³Ruldrds tcobr uk trbec gckolec3 -flnc Frbx berbfbjidodktd. -Kc sudic jdjdr vlkc -gcktdst÷ Ebjrldiid. -³Xcrqud kc td eustb c pcrqud ]dkb kc td ic pdroltd3 -sd juri÷ Frbx. -\c pudfc mbgdr ic qud quldrb. -Judkc, dktckgds... sl kc vbs b mckrbrod gck tu gcopbòïb oldktrbs jdjc, bi odkcs bgdptb dstc gcoc flsguipb pcr mbjdrtd ocidstbfc -flnc Frbx pckldkfc ib nbrrb fd vlkc ardktd b ib ncvdk jbrfc. Dk rdbilfbf Ebjrldiid kc qudrïb jdjdr, pdrc tbopcgc

dkzbrzbrsd

dk

ukb

flsgusl÷k

gck

bqudiib

lopckdktd

oundr.

-Wupckec qud uk trbec kc od mbrâ fbòc -flnc oldktrbs mbgïb b uk ibfc ib slfrb y bebrrbjb ib nbrrb fd vlkc. Frbx sckrl÷ pbrb sï gubkfc ib oundr fd gbjdiic gcjrlzc jdjl÷ fdi vlkc qud diib bgbjbjb fd frcebr.

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Frbx sd ibs mbjïb brrdeibfc pbrb qud Ebjrldiid bgdptbrb tcobr ukb sdeukfb nbrrb, slolibr b ib bktdrlcr. Dstbjb gckvdkglfb fd qud ib ncvdk jbrfc sd dkgcktrbjb yb ic sualgldktdodktd frcebfb y nustc gubkfc ljb b pckdr dk prâgtlgb su pibk slktl÷ ukb prdsdkglb nuktc b diib. Kc kdgdslt÷ olrbr mbglb brrljb. Xufc sdktlr ib lrb dk ics cncs fd ib eudrrdrb gbydkfc scjrd diib. -³Ruì id mbs mdgmc3 -id lktdrrce÷ ]dkb dktrd fldktds. -Kbfb. Wcibodktd id pdfï qud tcobrb uk trbec gckolec. ³Vbojlìk kdgdsltb pdrolsc pbrb dsc3 -prdeukt÷ Frbx bi tldopc qud sd idvbktbjb pbrb dkgbrbrsd gck ]dkb. Ebjrldiid dstbjb fdobslbfc frcebfb gcoc pbrb sdeulr ib gckvdrsbgl÷k. \b tdkïb jbstbktd trbtbkfc fd kc fdsobybrsd dkglob fd ib odsb. Ibs fcs eudrrdrbs sd olrbjbk, olflìkfcsd dk slidkglc. -Bpârtbtd fd diib, Frbx -flnc ]dkb gck ib lrb y di cflc trbksplrâkfcsd dk gbfb pbibjrb. -Grdc qud ds ib ncvdk jbrfc quldk fdjd fdglflr b qulìk quldrd gdrgb, sdòcr fd ib eudrrb. ³C prdaldrds mbgdric tþ pcr diib3 - Frbx kc cguit÷ dk bjsciutc su lktdkgl÷k fd pibktdbr bjldrtbodktd bqudiic gcoc uk dkardktboldktc. -Ebjrldiid pudfd fdglflr pcr sï olsob, Frbx. Xdrc pcr tu jldk, bpârtbtd fd diib flnc ]dkb, fdvcivlìkfcid ib bodkbzb. Wd bpbrt÷ fd Frbx y pusc ukb obkc scjrd di jrbzc fd Ebjrldiid-. Ebjrldiid, vbocs. \b mbs jdjlfc jbstbktd pcr mcy. -Byuf÷ b ib jbrfc b lkgcrpcrbrsd y ib iidv÷ mbglb ibs dsgbidrbs, b su mbjltbgl÷k. ]dkb kc kdgdslt÷ olrbr b su dspbifb pbrb bflvlkbr qud ics cncs fd Frbx ibs sdeuïbk fd gdrgb.

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-³B f÷kfd vbocs3 -flnc Ebjrldiid bjrldkfc idktbodktd ics cncs. Bgbjbjb fd bobkdgdr, pdrc ]dkb yb mbjïb rdgcelfc tcfbs sus gcsbs. -Vdkdocs qud obrgmbrkcs fd dstb bifdb. Ds fdobslbfc pdilercsb -flnc ]dkb dk vcz jbnb. Ebjrldiid ib olr÷ b ics cncs y sd flc gudktb fd qud bqudiic ljb dk sdrlc. Wd idvbkt÷ râplfbodktd y sd vlstl÷. Oldktrbs sd bkufbjb ibs jctbs, prdeukt÷-. ]dkb, tcfc dstc tldkd qud vdr gck Frbx, ³vdrfbf3 -Wï. -Aud tcfc ic qud ]dkb flnc. Kc pcfïb gcktbrid b Ebjrldiid di erbk pdilerc dk qud sd dkgcktrbjb. Dstbjb bectbfb pcr ib abitb fd sudòc. Mbjïb pbsbfc tcfb ib kcgmd scstdkldkfc b ib jbrfc dktrd sus jrbzcs, tdoldkfc bpbrtbrsd fd diib uk scic sdeukfc. Kc pcfïb fdglrid qud drb su vlfb ic qud dstbjb dk nudec.

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Wd dkgcktrbjbk yb dk di dstbjic. ]dkb dstbjb bilodktbkfc b Brec y Ebjrldiid sundtbjb sus gcsbs b sliib fd ocktbr. Ib eudrrdrb slktl÷ di pdilerc fdobslbfc tbrfd. Wd elr÷ y vlc b Frbx. -Ouìvdtd y diib ocrlrâ, sdòcr fd ib eudrrb -flnc Frbx gck ukb jbiidstb bpuktbkfc b ib gbjdzb fd Ebjrldiid. -Ebjrldiid, kc td oudvbs -id bfvlrtl÷ ]dkb. Ib jbrfc pdrobkdgl÷ lko÷vli, gck di oldfc rdaidnbfc dk ics cncs. ]dkb drb gcksgldktd fd qud s÷ic rdaidnbjbk di suyc prcplc-. Frbx, fdnb qud sd vbyb. Kudstrcs prcjidobs kc tldkdk kbfb qud vdr gck diib. -Bm, pdrc dstd sï, sdòcr fd ib eudrrb. -Frbx prdslck÷ ib puktb fdi prcydgtli gcktrb di cïfc fd Ebjrldiid, prcvcgbkfc di kbgloldktc fd uk pdqudòc rdeudrc fd sbkerd qud id gcrrl÷ gudiic bjbnc-. Dilel÷ dstbr gcktlec, sdeulrtd. Bmcrb gcoprcjbrâ ic qud id cgurrd b ib edktd qud sd btrdvd b tdkdrtd gdrgb. 24



-Frbx, fìnbib lr. Ds b oï b quldk quldrds. -]dkb dstbjb mbgldkfc tcfc ic pcsljid pbrb obktdkdr su ibfc csgurc jbnc gcktrci y di tdrrcr bpbrtbfc fd su vcz. -Kc, bsï dstbocs pdradgtbodktd jldk. Grdc qud diib sleklalgb oâs pbrb tl fd ic qud bfoltds. \ vcy b fbrod di erbk pibgdr fd vdrtd suarlr, sdòcr fd ib eudrrb. -Wus pbibjrbs sd fdrrbobrck gcoc vdkdkc-. Wl lktdktbs biec, ib obtbrì. -Gck dstc, Frbx rcfd÷ ib ebrebktb fd Ebjrldiid gck ukc fd sus audrtds jrbzcs y ib brrbstr÷ vlcidktbodktd audrb fdi dstbjic, tbktc qud di gbybfc sd id dsgbp÷ fd dktrd ib obkcs. Gck ib jbiidstb bþk fdobslbfc gdrgb fd Ebjrldiid gcoc pbrb pdroltlr b ]dkb di oâs oïkloc ocvloldktc, ib cjile÷ b sujlr b uk gbjbiic-. Qdk gck kcsctrbs, ]dkb. Vrbd tu gbjbiic y sïeudkcs. Dstcy sdeurb fd qud kc quldrds pdrfdr fd vlstb b tu prdglcsb jbrfc. -Frbx rl÷ gck grudifbf.

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Iidebrck b uk gbstliic vbrlbs mcrbs fdspuìs. Frbx sdeuïb iidvbkfc b Ebjrldiid b puktb fd jbiidstb y ib eul÷ mbstb di lktdrlcr, lkflgbkfc b ]dkb qud ibs sleuldrb. Vbk prcktc dktrbrck, dktrbrck, ib eudrrdrb sd vlc rcfdbfb pcr vbrlcs mcojrds. -Brrcnb tcfbs tus brobs, sdòcr fd ib eudrrb. -Fìnbib lr -flnc ]dkb gck ib obkc pdrobkdktdodktd bfmdrlfb bi gmb`rbo. Cnbiâ pufldsd bpbrtbr b Ebjrldiid fd Frbx, pdrc bqudiib aidgmb dstbjb fdobslbfc gdrgb. Frbx fdn÷ qud ib puktb fd ib aidgmb sd brrbstrbrb pcr ib gbrb fd ib jbrfc, fdnbkfc trbs fd sï uk rbstrc fd sbkerd. -¡¡Brrcnb ibs brobs!! -crfdk÷ fd kudvc Frbx. Idktbodktd, ]dkb jbn÷ sus brobs-. Btbfib. Vdkec pibkds pbrb bojbs -flnc Frbx sbgbkfc b Ebjrldiid fd ib mbjltbgl÷k b jbsd fd dopunckds. Ics mcojrds btbrck b ]dkb b gckgldkglb, bsdeurâkfcsd fd qud ics kufcs qudfbrbk jldk prldtcs. Bprcvdgmbkfc su vdktbncsb sltubgl÷k, y 21



gcksgldktds fd qud tbi vdz kc vcivdrïb b rdpdtlrsd, ib ecipdbrck mbstb fdnbrib lkgcksgldktd.

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Frbx brrcn÷ uk gujc fd beub scjrd ib eudrrdrb, cjileâkfcib b rdbgglckbr. ]dkb bjrl÷ sus bmcrb mlkgmbfcs cncs y olr÷ mcrrcrlzbfb b su birdfdfcr. Ebjrldiid dstbjb btbfb fd plds y obkcs b ib pbrdf, fd dspbifbs b diib, bjsciutbodktd lkfdadksb. ]dkb lktdkt÷ scitbrsd, pdrc sd dkgcktrbjb alrododktd sundtb b ukb sliib. Kc pcfïb prctdedr b Ebjrldiid. -Diib dilel÷ sdeulrtd, sdòcr fd ib eudrrb. Bmcrb tdkfrâs qud gcktdopibr g÷oc rdgljd su gbstlec. -Frbx fdsdkrcii÷ uk iâtlec. -¡KC! -erlt÷ ]dkb, iugmbkfc gcktrb ibs gudrfbs. Frbx iidv÷ su jrbzc mbglb btrâs, mbgldkfc rdstbiibr di iâtlec b su dspbifb, y fdsgbre÷ tcfb su aurlb gcktrb ib dspbifb fd Ebjrldiid, brrbkgbkfc uk buiilfc fd su ebrebktb. Ebjrldiid sbjïb qud ]dkb dstbjb fdtrâs fd diib, pdrc kc pcfïb vdrib. Frbx ib ecipd÷ fd kudvc. Di gudrpc fd ib jbrfc fd sbgufl÷ pcr di lopbgtc fdi iâtlec. Di fcicr dk su dspbifb drb lkscpcrtbjid. Iugm÷ pcr kc erltbr, pdrc aud lkgbpbz. Kc qudrïb qud ]dkb supldrb ic btdrrcrlzbfb qud dstbjb. Frbx gcktlku÷ gbstlebkfc ib dspbifb fd Ebjrldiid gck di brob, rdfugldkfc b ib jbrfc b uk fdspcnc sbkeulkcidktc y iicrlqudbktd. Ibs ouòdgbs fd ]dkb dstbjbk yb dk dsd ocodktc fdsgbrkbfbs, y sbkerbjbk rdvdibkfc ic ougmc qud mbjïb lktdktbfc rcopdr sus btbfurbs. -¡Bfoltd qud td dqulvcgbstd bi sdeulrib, jbrfc! -slsd÷ Frbx-. Bfoltd qud di sdòcr fd ib eudrrb ]dkb nboâs pcfrâ rdflolrsd.

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-K... kukgb -gcktdst÷ ib oundr fdsfd su sdollkgcksgldkglb. Ebjrldiid sd rdslstl÷ b rdkdebr fd ]dkb, slk lopcrtbrid su sltubgl÷k. Frbx obiflnc y flspbr÷ su puòc, lopbgtbkfc s÷ilfbodktd gcktrb ib gbrb fd Ebjrldiid. -¡Bfoïtdic! -erlt÷ Frbx. Ebjrldiid elr÷ ib gbjdzb pbrb olrbrib. ]dkb gcktdopi÷ tcfc bqudiic, btdrrcrlzbfb fd qud Ebjrldiid kc audsd gbpbz fd beubktbr ougmc oâs ukb tcrturb sdodnbktd. Ib jbrfc dktrdgdrr÷ ics cncs, fdn÷ qud ib sbkerd sd bguouibrb dk su jcgb y ib dsgupl÷ flrdgtbodktd scjrd ib gbrb fd su tcrturbfcrb. Frbx scit÷ ukb obiflgl÷k y dstbop÷ ib gbjdzb fd ib jbrfc gcktrb di ourc, fdnâkfcib lkgcksgldktd. -¡Ebjrldiid! -dxgibo÷ ]dkb. Frbx fdvcivl÷ su btdkgl÷k b ib eudrrdrb. -Qbyb, pbrdgd qud ib pcfdrcsb ]dkb tldkd uk puktc fìjli fdspuìs fd tcfc -sd juri÷-. Kc tdobs, kc dstâ oudrtb... tcfbvïb. -Frbx idvbkt÷ fd kudvc di iâtlec y ecipd÷ rulfcsbodktd b ]dkb dk ib gbrb-. Qcy mbgdrtd suarlr, sdòcr fd ib eudrrb. B tl y b tu pdqudòb jbrfc. -Ibkz÷ ukb pbtbfb gcktrb di pdgmc fd ]dkb gck tcfbs sus audrzbs, dkvlâkfcib b diib y b ib sliib scjrd ib qud dstbjb fbkfc tuojcs mbstb di ctrc dxtrdoc fd ib gdifb. ]dkb dstbjb sdeurb fd qud id mbjïb rctc vbrlbs gcstliibs. Oldktrbs iugmbjb pcr mbgdr qud di blrd rderdsbrb b sus puiockds, Frbx ib lkgcrpcr÷ jrusgbodktd-. Vþ od qultbstd ic qud oâs qudrïb. Bmcrb sdrì yc quldk td qultd ic qud oâs quldrds -slsd÷ Frbx bktds fd fdsgbrebr tcfb ib audrzb fd su jrbzc gcktrb ]dkb ukb y ctrb vdz, mbstb qud ib csgurlfbf dkvcivl÷ b ib eudrrdrb.

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Mìrguids d Lcibus iidebrck b ib bifdb y sd dkgbolkbrck mbglb di dstbjic. Bojcs dstbjbk bectbfcs trbs su þitlob jbtbiib. Bi dktrbr, Lcibus fdsgujrl÷ biec dk di sudic. -Cyd, ³kc ds ìstd di gbybfc fd Ebjrldiid3

2=



-Fdsfd iudec sd pbrdgd jbstbktd -flnc Mìrguids scstdklìkfcic. Iudec olr÷ bi sudic-. Ìstbs mudiibs sck fd Brec. -Mdrg -flnc gck ukb oâs qud dvlfdktd prdcgupbgl÷k dk su vcz-, diib kukgb fdnbrïb btrâs su gbybfc. -Lcibus vcivl÷ b ocktbr su gcrgdi. -Vldkds rbz÷k, slebocs ibs mudiibs -flnc Mìrguids. Wbildrck b ebicpd tdkflfc fd ib bifdb, rcebkfc dk slidkglc pcr qud sus bolebs sd dkgcktrbrbk jldk.

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Ics cncs fd ]dkb dstbjbk pbrb dktckgds tbk bocrbtbfcs qud kc drb gbpbz fd vdr kbfb, bukqud sï fd dsgugmbr ics ibgdrbktds buiilfcs fd Ebjrldiid oldktrbs Frbx sdeuïb bzctâkfcib. Lktdroltdktdodktd, Frbx ecipdbjb b Ebjrldiid mbstb qud ìstb rczbjb ib lkgcksgldkglb, y iudec id crfdkbjb bfoltlr qud mbjïb slfc uk drrcr sdeulr b ]dkb. \ gbfb vdz, Ebjrldiid sd kdebjb. Ib jbrfc grdïb dk su bocr pcr ]dkb y dk di bocr fd ]dkb pcr diib. Wbjïb qud fdglr qud dstbjb dqulvcgbfb bi sdeulrib id rcopdrïb di gcrbz÷k. Dsc drb ic qud Frbx qudrïb y Ebjrldiid jbnbrïb bi Mbfds bktds fd mbgdr biec bsï. Rudrïb fdobslbfc b ]dkb gcoc pbrb mdrlrib fd dsd ocfc, b pdsbr fdi trdodkfc fcicr qud dstbjb pbfdgldkfc.

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Mìrguids tcg÷ di mcojrc fdi gdktlkdib. Bi elrbrsd, aud rdgljlfc pcr di puòc fdi sdolfl÷s. -Tkc audrb, abitbk glkgudktb -flnc Mìrguids bjrlìkfcsd gbolkc mbstb di gbstliic. Lcibus mbjïb btbfc b Brec b uk ârjci gdrgbkc. Mìrguids s÷ic dspdrbjb iidebr b tldopc.

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Ebjrldiid mbjïb rdgljlfc tbktcs bzctds qud ic pcgc qud qudfbjb fd su rcpb gciebjb fd su dspbifb mdgmb nlrckds. Wu gudrpc dstbjb gujldrtc fd obrgbs rcnbs biiâ fckfd di iâtlec id mbjïb ibgdrbfc ib gbrkd. Dktrd ics ecipds qud mbjïb rdgljlfc y ib abitb fd gcolfb y fd beub, ib eudrrdrb dstbjb prâgtlgbodktd bgbjbfb. Frbx mbjïb bgdrtbfc dk qud tcrturbkfc b Ebjrldiid tdkfrïb b ]dkb b su odrgdf. Fdspuìs fd trds fïbs, ib vciuktbf fd ]dkb sd mbjïb fdrruojbfc y gcodkz÷ b supilgbr pcr ib vlfb fd Ebjrldiid. -Xcr abvcr... -Ib vcz fd ]dkb drb fìjli y rckgb-. Fdnb qud sd vbyb... kc pudfd beubktbric oâs... pcr abvcr. -Bsï qud ib pcfdrcsb ]dkb pcr alk mb gbïfc -flnc Frbx gck uk tckc vlgtcrlcsc dk su vcz-. ³Fd vdrfbf grdds qud ib vcy b fdnbr sbilr fd bquï3 Dsd kc ds ol pibk, sdòcr fd ib eudrrb. Ol obrlfc ourl÷ pcr tu guipb. ¡Bmcrb vdrâs ocrlr b tu jbrfc! Frbx mlzc rdtrcgdfdr di iâtlec, prdpbrâkfcsd pbrb ibkzbric fd kudvc scjrd ib fdsgbrkbfb dspbifb fd Ebjrldiid. -¡Bm! -erlt÷ gubkfc ukb aidgmb id btrbvds÷ di jrbzc, cjileâkfcid b scitbr di brob. Lcibus dstbjb bebzbpbfc dk ib vdktbkb y sckrl÷ bi vdr qud su puktdrïb sdeuïb lktbgtb. Frbx iibo÷ b ics eubrflbs, pdrc bflvlk÷ pcr di rulfc qud iidebjb fd audrb fd qud dstbjbk fdobslbfc cgupbfcs gck sus prcplcs prcjidobs gcoc pbrb vdklr dk su byufb. Ib vdktbkb drb fdobslbfc pdqudòb pbrb qud Lcibus pbsbrb b trbvìs fd diib. Frbx rdgcel÷ di iâtlec gck su ctrc jrbzc y sd flspusc b btbgbr fd kudvc. Mìrguids btrbvds÷ ib pudrtb, mbglìkfcib vcivdrsd y gdktrbrsd dk uk kudvc cjndtlvc. Nustc dktckgds Lcibus flspbr÷ ib sdeukfb aidgmb, btrbvdsbkfc fd iidkc di gcrbz÷k fd :8



Frbx. Ib oundr dstbjb oudrtb bktds fd qud su gudrpc ecipdbrb di sudic. Lcibus rcfd÷ b tcfb prlsb di dflalglc y dktr÷ dk ib gdifb. Wd qudf÷ biiï fd pld, bsqudbfc bktd ib dsgdkb qud tdkïb dkardktd. Fdsfd su pcslgl÷k dk ib vdktbkb mbjïb slfc lkgbpbz fd vdr ib obsb sbkeulkcidktb dk qud sd mbjïb gckvdrtlfc Ebjrldiid. Bmcrb gcktdopibjb ib vlcidkglb gck qud mbjïb slfc bzctbfb. ]dkb pbrdgïb mbjdr iugmbfc gcktrb uk tltâk... y slk fufb mbjïb pdrflfc. Vdkïb bojcs cncs mlkgmbfcs y bocrbtbfcs, ib sbkerd sd fdsjcrfbjb dk su jcgb y ougmcs fd sus mudscs pbrdgïbk dstbr rctcs. Kc tdkïb bspdgtc fd mbjdrsd fbfc gudktb fd qud ibs mbjïbk rdsgbtbfc. Lcibus aud lkgbpbz fd gcktrcibr su dst÷obec y gcrrl÷ mbglb ukb dsqulkb. -Lcibus, fbod tu gbolsb -flnc Mìrguids qultâkfcsd tbojlìk ib suyb y mbglìkfcib nlrckds.

Lcibus

rdgupdr÷

idktbodktd

ib

gcopcsturb

y

sd

ib

dktrde÷.

-Ebj... -obsguii÷ ]dkb-. Xcr abvcr... yb jbstb... -Mìrguids aud mbstb diib. -]dkb, scy yc, Mìrguids. Kc tdobs, Lcibus y yc cs sbgbrdocs fd bquï. -Wd lkgilk÷, fdsmlzc ics kufcs qud ib obktdkïbk btbfb b ib sliib y ib scstuvc bktds fd qud gbydrb bi sudic-. Vrbkqulib, yb td tdkec. -B gcktlkubgl÷k ib byuf÷ b dgmbrsd scjrd di sudic-. Ruìfbtd gck diib -id flnc b Lcibus. Di mcojrd bslktl÷ oldktrbs Mìrguids sd flrleïb mbglb Ebjrldiid. Biz÷ su jrbzc y brrbkg÷ fd gubnc ibs gbfdkbs fdi ourc. Ib jbrfc, sdolgcksgldktd, elol÷ fd fcicr bi iljdrbrsd ib tdksl÷k fd ibs btbfurbs y pcr ib prdsl÷k qud rdgljl÷ scjrd ib dspbifb bi gbdr dk ics jrbzcs fdi mcojrd. Lkodflbtbodktd, ]dkb trbt÷ fd flrlelrsd mbglb di iuebr fdi qud prcvdkïb su iibktc. -Vdkec... qud byufbr... b Ebjrldiid... -flnc trbtbkfc fd bgdrgbrsd. Mìrguids utlilz÷ ib gbolsb fd Lcibus pbrb dkvcivdr b Ebjrldiid, vdkfâkfcib y gujrlìkfcib bi olsoc tldopc. Ebjrldiid elol÷ fd kudvc bktds fd fdsobybrsd pcr di fcicr. -Judkc, bi odkcs kc sdktlrâ kbfb furbktd uk rbtc -flnc Mìrguids pbsbkfc b ib :2



lkgcksgldktd jbrfc b ics jrbzcs fd Lcibus-. Iiìvbib audrb y sþjdib b ol gbjbiic. \c sbgbrì b ]dkb. -Wd bebgm÷ y rdgcel÷ b ib obeuiibfb eudrrdrb-. Qbyb, dk di ackfc dstc kc ds oâs qud ctrc ocfc fd vcivdr b ols jrbzcs -flnc trbtbkfc fd biledrbr uk pcgc ib sltubgl÷k. Diib kc sbjïb dk jrbzcs fd qulìk dstbjb y gcodkz÷ b rdslstlrsd, fìjliodktd-. ]dkb, kc pldksc pdidbrod gcktlec tcfc di gbolkc -flnc bktds fd idvbktbr uk puòc y ecipdbrib, fdnâkfcib lkgcksgldktd gck prdcgupbktd abglilfbf-. Ic sldktc, bsï sdrâ oâs aâgli... pbrb tcfcs. Dk di dxtdrlcr, Mìrguids gcoprcj÷ qud Lcibus yb mbjïb sundtbfc alrododktd b Ebjrldiid b su gbjbiic. Mdrg gruz÷ di gudrpc fd ]dkb scjrd ib erupb fd Brec y utlilz÷ ics nlrckds fd su gbolsb pbrb bsdeurbrib b ib ockturb. -³B f÷kfd ibs iidvbocs3 -prdeukt÷ Lcibus, ocktbkfc b su vdz. -B ol gbopbodktc. Biiï dstbrâk b sbivc -flnc Mìrguids tcobkfc ibs rldkfbs fd su ockturb y ibs fd Brec gck ib ctrb obkc-. Wl vlbnbocs tcfb ib kcgmd, iidebrdocs obòbkb pcr ib tbrfd. Kc grdc qud b klkeukb fd diibs ids lopcrtd. -³Kc fdjdrïbocs fdtdkdrkcs dk bieukb bifdb y jusgbr uk gurbkfdrc3 -Kc, dstcy sdeurc fd qud Frbx tdkïb oâs mcojrds dk ib bifdb. Mby odflglkbs dk ib gbjbòb. Tk fïb oâs kc ids mbrâ oâs fbòc fdi qud yb mbk suarlfc. Kdgdsltbocs iidebr bktds fd ibs prlodrbs kldvds. -Fd bgudrfc. -Lcibus prdpbr÷ su brgc y obrgm÷ dk gbjdzb. Mìrguids bvbkz÷ trbs ìi, gck ibs rldkfbs fd ics gbjbiics qud trbkspcrtbjbk ics gudrpcs fd ibs fcs oundrds dk ib obkc. Iidebrck b ib gbjbòb oâs c odkcs b odflcfïb. ]dkb mbjïb rdgupdrbfc jrdvdodktd ib gcksgldkglb d lktdktbfc jbnbrsd fd Brec, pdrc Mìrguids ib mbjïb ecipdbfc fd kudvc. Wbjïb qud ics gudrpcs fd bojbs oundrds ljbk b kdgdsltbr tldopc pbrb fdsgbksbr y gurbrsd, y kc sd vdïb gck âklocs fd flsgutlr gck ]dkb scjrd mbglb f÷kfd sd flrleïbk. ::



Mìrguids ibs iidv÷ bi lktdrlcr y ibs tuoj÷ scjrd ukb erbk gbob. Di oâs ncvdk sd cgup÷ fd ibs biacrnbs. -³\ bmcrb quì3 -prdeukt÷ Lcibus fdnâkfcsd gbdr scjrd ukb u kb erbk sliib. -Judkc, ic prlodrc ds gcoprcjbr ib sdrldfbf fd sus mdrlfbs. Kc scy tbk judk gurbkfdrc gcoc ]dkb, pdrc sì ic sualgldktd. B pdsbr fdi bspdgtc fd ib dspbifb fd Ebjrldiid, grdc qud ]dkb sd mb iidvbfc ib pdcr pbrtd. Od pbrdgd qud tldkd vbrlbs gcstliibs pbrtlfbs y ukb pldrkb rctb. Xudfc dkgbrebrod fd dsc, pdrc vb b kdgdsltbr tldopc. Xcr dsc ibs trbnd bquï. -³]d... ]dkb3 -Ib âspdrb vcz fd Ebjrldiid id lktdrruopl÷. Bojcs mcojrds sd bgdrgbrck b diib lkodflbtbodktd. -³Ebjrldiid3 Wcy yc, Mìrguids. Lcibus tbojlìk dstâ b bquï. ³G÷oc td dkgudktrbs3 -Tm... -Wbgufl÷ iledrbodktd ib gbjdzb pbrb bgibrbr sus lfdbs. Wus cncs sd gdktrbrck dk ib eudrrdrb qud ybgïb b su ibfc. -Kc pbsb kbfb, Ebjrldiid. W÷ic dstâ fdsgbksbkfc -flnc Lcibus-. Bojbs ic mbjìls pbsbfc ouy obi. -Xbrdgd tbk lkfdadksb... -sd ibodkt÷ ib jbrfc. -Ebjrldiid, kdgdsltbs gcodr y jdjdr biec. ³Xudfds sdktbrtd3 -Mìrguids aud mbstb ibs biacrnbs y trbnc gckslec uk cfrd fd beub. Ebjrldiid mlzc ukb oudgb fd fcicr y sd lkgcrpcr÷ slk fdnbr fd olrbr b ]dkb kl uk ocodktc. Oldktrbs jdjïb, Lcibus gbidkt÷ uk pcgc fd gcolfb pbrb tcfcs. Iudec rdibtbrck b ib jbrfc ic qud sbjïbk bgdrgb fd ic sugdflfc. ]dkb fdspdrt÷ uk rbtc fdspuìs, pdrc pufc pcgc odkcs qud tcobr ukbs gubktbs gugmbrbfbs fd gcolfb fd obkcs fd Ebjrldiid bktds fd vcivdr b gbdr lkgcksgldktd.

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-Judkc, yb dstâ. Ol tìgklgb kc ds tbk judkb gcoc ib fd ]dkb, pdrc bi odkcs ics puktcs sdrvlrâk -flnc Lcibus gubkfc tdrolk÷ fd gdrrbr ibs mdrlfbs fd ib dspbifb fd Ebjrldiid. Diib sd pusc ukb gbolsb iloplb y sd elr÷ mbglb di mcojrd. -Lcibus, quldrc fbrcs ibs erbglbs b tl y b Mìrguids pcr tcfc ic qud kcs mbjìls byufbfc. Kukgb mbjrïbocs... -Kc td prdcgupds pcr dsc. Xdrc qud kc sd cs civlfd, kcs fdjìls uk abvcr. -Ebjrldiid, ³pcfdocs mbjibr uk ocodktc3 -flnc Mìrguids oldktrbs btrbvdsbjb ib pudrtb fd ib gbjbòb. -Gibrc -rdspckfl÷ diib. Ics trds sd sdktbrck b ib odsb. odsb . -Ebjrldiid, tdkdocs qud lrkcs prcktc. Tkb vdz qud gcoldkgdk ibs kldvds, dstbrìls btrbpbfbs bquï furbktd ibs pr÷xlobs gubtrc iukbs. Wl mbgds ukb ilstb Lcibus jbnbrâ bi pudjic y cs trbdrâ tcfc ic qud kdgdsltìls. Dk di dstbjic mby mdkc y bvdkb sualgldktds gcoc pbrb tdkdr b Brec gcktdktb furbktd bi odkcs glkgc iukbs oâs, bsï qud gïòdtd b vudstrbs kdgdslfbfds. B Ebjrldiid kc id iidv÷ fdobslbfc tldopc gckadgglckbr ib ilstb fd brtïguics. Nuktc b diib, dktrde÷ b Lcibus tcfcs ics flkbrds qud ids qudfbjbk. Ìstd bslktl÷ y sd flrlel÷ mbglb di dstbjic, sdeulfc d Mìrguids. -Lcibus, dspdrb. -Mìrguids aud mbstb di ourc fdi ackfc y fdsdkgbn÷ ukb fd ibs tbjibs, qud rdvdi÷ trbs fd sï vbrlbs jcisbs rdpidtbs fd flkbrds. Wbg÷ fcs fd diibs y sd ibs brrcn÷ b Lcibus-. Fìnbod vdr ic qud mb dsgrltc bmï. -Lcibus bibre÷ b Mìrguids di pdfbzc fd pdrebolkc pbrb qud ic dstuflbrb uk ocodktc-. Ouy prâgtlgb. ³Guâktcs flkbrds td mb fbfc3 -Glkgudktb.

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-Dsb ds ib rbz÷k. Vrbd trds vdgds oâs fd tcfc ic qud td mbyb pdflfc... y tbojlìk dstc. -Bgtc sdeulfc prcgdfl÷ b dkuodrbrid tcfb ukb idtbkïb fd gcsbs qud fdjïb gcksdeulr. -¡Mdrg! Xbrb trbdr tcfc dsc tdkfrì qud dopidbr fcs gbjbiics, y kl slquldrb tdkfrì sltlc pbrb ocktbr yc. -Odncr, kdgdsltbs mbgdr dndrglglc -flnc Mìrguids, ecipdbkfc gck audrzb bi mcojrd dk ib dspbifb-. Iiìvbtd b Brec y ol gbjbiic. Diics pudfdk pdradgtbodktd gck tcfc dsd pdsc dxtrb. -Fd bgudrfc, ³pdrc pbrb quì tcfbs dstbs gcsbs3 Kc ibs kdgdsltbk pbrb scjrdvlvlr. -Lcibus, bojbs mbk pbsbfc pcr ukb dxpdrldkglb trbuoâtlgb y vbk b dstbr btrbpbfbs nuktbs bquï brrljb ics pr÷xlocs gubtrc odsds. Grdc qud tdrolkbrâk pcr kdgdsltbribs -balro÷ gck uk eulòc fd gcopilglfbf. -Dspdrc qud sdpbs ic qud dstâs mbgldkfc -flnc Lcibus oldktrbs ocktbjb b Brec-. Kc od eustbrïb dstbr prdsdktd gubkfc ]dkb fdsgujrb qud tldkd qud dstbr dkgdrrbfb tbktc tldopc. -B oï tbopcgc -susurr÷ Mìrguids gubkfc su bolec sd pusc dk gbolkc.

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-³Guâktc vcivdrâ Lcibus3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid dk gubktc Mìrguids vcivl÷ b ib gbjbòb. -Obòbkb sdeurbodktd. Qbocs b mbjibr uk ocodktc. -Mìrguids id lkflg÷ qud sd sdktbrb gck ìi b ib odsb-. Ebjrldiid, ìstb ds ol gbjbòb fd gbzb. Di dstbjic dstâ bi ctrc ibfc fd dsd ourc, y ds gâilfc y bgcedfcr. Ib gbjbòb sd dkgudktrb dk ukb

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zckb fd Erdglb jbstbktd blsibfb. Kc tdkfrìls qud prdcgupbrcs pcr odrcfdbfcrds kl kbfb pbrdglfc. -Od biderc. Bojbs kdgdsltbocs tldopc pbrb rdgupdrbrkcs. -Mlzc ukb oudgb bi lktdktbr dkfdrdzbr ib dspbifb. -Fd dsc vbls b tdkdr b rbufbids. ³Mbs dgmbfc uk vlstbzc b ibs mdrlfbs fd ]dkb3 -Wï, ibs gcslstd ouy jldk. ³Guâktc tbrfb dk scifbr uk mudsc rctc3 -Fdpdkfd fd gbfb pdrsckb, pdrc grdc qud dk su gbsc sdrâ gcsb fd ukb iukb oâs c odkcs. -³Xdrc kc pcfdocs sbilr fd bquï mbstb prlobvdrb3 -Ds tctbiodktd lopcsljid. Mbjrâ fdobslbfb kldvd gcoc pbrb qud Brec sleb jldk di gbolkc. Xibktìbtdic gcoc ukbs ibrebs vbgbglckds, ukb cpcrtuklfbf pbrb qud pbsìls tldopc nuktbs slk prdcgupbrcs fd jbtbiibs c btbquds. Bmcrb, vcy b prdpbrbr biec fd gdkb. Od oudrc fd mbojrd, y bpudstc qud tþ tbojlìk. -Xrdpbrbrì scpb. Bsï sdrâ oâs aâgli qud ]dkb pudfb gcodr. -Ouy jldk. -Mìrguids olr÷ b ib jbrfc uk ocodktc. Vbktb fdflgbgl÷k, tbktb idbitbf. ]dkb kdgdsltbjb b dstb oundr dk su vlfb. Drb gcksgldktd fd guâktbs vdgds ìi olsoc fdpdkfïb fd ib byufb fd Lcibus, y id biderbjb vdr qud ]dkb tbojlìk tdkïb b bieuldk qud ib gulfbrb.

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Ib eudrrdrb sd dkgcktr÷ ic sualgldktdodktd acrtbidglfb bi tdrgdr fïb fd dstbr biiï gcoc pbrb sdktbrsd dk ib gbob. Mìrguids d Lcibus pcr su pbrtd sd fdsplfldrck y sd obrgmbrck. Kbfld id mbjïb flgmc b ]dkb guâktc tldopc ljbk b tdkdr qud

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pdrobkdgdr biiï. Ebjrldiid dstbjb cgupbfb crebklzbkfc ibs prcvlslckds gubkfc ]dkb id mbji÷. -³Ebjrldiid3 -³Ruì cgurrd3 -gcktdst÷ ib jbrfc flrlelìkfcsd mbstb ib gbob y sdktâkfcsd nuktc b diib-. ³Kdgdsltbs biec3 -Kc. W÷ic quldrc sbjdr g÷oc dstâs. -Ibs vlslckds fd ics ecipds fdsgbrebfcs scjrd Ebjrldiid lkvbfldrck su odktd pcr uk ocodktc. -]dkb, od vcy b gurbr, y tþ tbojlìk. Frbx mb oudrtc. Kc tdkdocs qud mbjibr oâs fd tcfc dstc sl kc quldrds. -Ebjrldiid dstbjb fdobslbfc bgcstuojrbfb bi dstclglsoc fd ib oundr. Wd idvbkt÷ y vcivl÷ b ib gmlodkdb pbrb pckdr beub b mdrvlr y mbgdr uk pcgc fd tì. -Ebjrldiid, ic sldktc. -³Ruì sldktds3 -flnc Ebjrldiid slk ocidstbrsd dk fbr odflb vuditb. -Ic qud Frbx td mlzc. Zdsuitbstd mdrlfb þklgbodktd pcr ol guipb. Wl kc dstuvldsds gckolec, sl mujldsd dkgcktrbfc ib acrob fd pckdrtd b sbivc... -]dkb, yb jbstb. -Ebjrldiid sd vcivl÷ y sd dkgbr÷ gck diib. Mbjïb g÷idrb dk bqudiics cncs vdrfdbzuibfcs-. Kc pcfïbs sbjdr ic qud dsb oundr prdtdkfïb. Mlglstd tcfc ic qud dstuvc dk tu obkc pbrb prctdedrod. -Diib mbjrïb fdnbfc fd ecipdbrtd slopidodktd gck qud id flndrbs qud td mbjïbs dqulvcgbfc bi qudfbrtd gckolec. -Kc pcfïb mbgdric, ]dkb. Kukgb pcfrïb mbgdrtd suarlr fd dsd ocfc. Frbx lktdktbjb bgbjbr gcktlec utlilzâkfcod b oï. Lkgiusc sl mujldsd mdgmc ic qud qudrïb, mbjrïb lktdktbfc obtbrod.

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-Od rcopl÷ di gcrbz÷k vdrtd suarlr fd dsb acrob -bfoltl÷ ]dkb dk vcz jbnb. Ebjrldiid aud mbstb diib y tco÷ su obkc. ob kc. -]dkb, dsgþgmbod. Bmcrb dstcy jldk. Ibs mdrlfbs tbrfbrâk dk glgbtrlzbr, pdrc dstcy vlvb y tþ tbojlìk. Dsc ds ic qud lopcrtb. Dktlìkfdic, eudrrdrb dstþplfb, kc vcy b fdnbrtd, bsï qud vdtd bgcstuojrbkfc b tdkdrod fbkfc vuditbs b tu birdfdfcr tcfc di tldopc. -Ebjrldiid rdvcivl÷ ib csgurb gbjdiidrb fd ]dkb y sd idvbkt÷-. ³Kdgdsltbs biec3 Vdkdocs ougmbs prcvlslckds. Gubiquldr gcsb qud sd td cgurrb. -³Xcr quì tbktbs3 -]dkb dgm÷ uk vlstbzc b su birdfdfcr y fdsgujrl÷ ibs gbnbs qud sd bplibjbk dk uk rlkg÷k fdi gubrtc-. Ebjrldiid, ³quì dstâ pbsbkfc bquï3 -To, judkc, vdrâs... -Ebjrldiid -flnc ]dkb sdvdrbodktd. Ib jbrfc pufc bflvlkbr pcr su olrbfb qud ic odncr qud pcfïb mbgdr drb fdglrid ib vdrfbf, y fdprlsb. -Dstbocs btrbpbfbs dk ib gbjbòb fd Mìrguids furbktd ibs pr÷xlobs gubtrc iukbs.

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Xbrtd LL

-Dstbocs btrbpbfbs dk ib gbjbòb fd Mìrguids furbktd ibs pr÷xlobs gubtrc iukbs -flnc râplfbodktd, fbkfc uk pbsc btrâs pbrb pckdrsd audrb di bigbkgd fd ib eudrrdrb. -¡³Gubtrc iukbs3! -]dkb, yb kc kcs qudfb ctrc rdodflc. Ib kldvd mb dopdzbfc b gbdr. Kc mby kbfb qud mbgdr mbstb ib prlobvdrb. -Wlk fbrsd gudktb, Ebjrldiid sleul÷ rdtrcgdfldkfc-. V÷obtdic gcoc ukbs... vbgbglckds acrzbfbs. -³Gubtrc iukbs3 ³Dstbocs btrbpbfbs bquï furbktd GTBVZC ITKBW3 -Cflbjb ib lfdb fd qudfbrsd ougmc tldopc dk di olsoc sltlc. -Kl slquldrb pudfds bkfbr tcfbvïb, bsï qud ³b f÷kfd grdds qud ljbs b lr3 Ebjrldiid lktdkt÷ bpdibr bi sdktlfc prâgtlgc fd ]dkb. -Kc od eustb dstbr fdobslbfc tldopc dk di olsoc sltlc. ³\ quì mby fd Brec3 -³Ruì pbsb gck diib3 Dstâ dk di dstbjic, rdseubrfbfb, y Mìrguids flnc qud mby ougmb gcolfb y mdkc. -B sbjldkfbs fd qud bgbjbjb fd dgmbr pcr tldrrb di þklgc breuodktc pcsljid fd ]dkb, Ebjrldiid slktl÷ ukb cidbfb fd gckalbkzb-. Bgìptbic, ]dkb, dstâs dkgdrrbfb bquï gckolec td eustd c kc. Bmcrb vcy b dgmbr uk vlstbzc b tus mdrlfbs. ]dkb sd rdgcst÷ y fdn÷ qud Ebjrldiid ib dxbolkbrb, gck di gdòc arukglfc tcfc di rbtc. Wlk dojbrec prdst÷ ougmb btdkgl÷k, bsdeurâkfcsd fd dktdkfdr ib erbvdfbf fd su dstbfc. Dk uk ocodktc fbfc, Ebjrldiid sd elr÷ pbrb dxbolkbr ibs pldrkbs fd ]dkb. Ib eudrrdrb vlsiuojr÷ dktckgds ibs bspbs rcnlzbs fljunbfbs b trbvìs fd :<



ib gbolsb qud Ebjrldiid iidvbjb pudstb. -Cm, Ebjrldiid, tu dspbifb -flnc gck trlstdzb. ]dkb sbjïb qud ics ecipds qud Ebjrldiid mbjïb suarlfc drbk trdodkfcs, pdrc buk bsï sd dstrdodgl÷ bi gcoprcjbr ib rdbilfbf fd ibs mdrlfbs. -Dstcy jldk, ]dkb -flnc Ebjrldiid fâkfcsd odflb vuditb. Wu dspbifb bþk pbrdgïb dstbr dk iibobs, pdrc kc qudrïb prdcgupbr b ]dkb. -Ebjrldiid, fìnbod vdribs. -]dkb, kc pbsb kbfb. Ds odkcs fd ic qud pbrdgd. -Fìnbod -flnc ]dkb gck alrodzb. Wusplrbkfc, ib jbrfc sd elr÷ y rdtlr÷ ib gbolsb fd su gudrpc. Dsgugm÷ b ]dkb gcktdkdr di blrd dk di lktdrlcr fd sus puiockds bktd ib vlsl÷k tbk gdrgbkb fdi fbòc qud mbjïb suarlfc-. Ebjrldiid, ic sldktc ougmc. -Wu vcz sd qudjr÷. -]dkb, kc ds guipb tuyb -flnc Ebjrldiid dkgbrâkfcsd gck diib. Bigbkz÷ b vdr uk fdstdiic fd oldfc y prdcgupbgl÷k dk ics bzuids cncs fd ]dkb bktds fd qud ib eudrrdrb gbojlbrb su dxprdsl÷k pcr ib qud sciïb ocstrbr, ukb ocrtbiodktd furb. -Kdgdsltbk oâs ukeùdktc -flnc gck fdglsl÷k. -Kc pudfc bigbkzbr tcfb ib dspbifb scib. -\c ic mbrì. Vrbd di arbsgc. -]dkb sd sdkt÷, bmcebkfc ukb rdpdktlkb sdksbgl÷k fd kâusdb. Ebjrldiid id pusc ibs obkcs dk ics mcojrcs y ib vcivl÷ b tuojbr gck fdilgbfdzb. -]dkb, pudfc dspdrbr mbstb fdspuìs fd mbjdrtd dxbolkbfc b tl. Vþojbtd y fdnb qud trbleb tcfc ic kdgdsbrlc. -Ebjrldiid sd idvbkt÷ y vcivl÷ b pckdrsd ib gbolsb-. Flod sl td mbec fbòc, ³fd bgudrfc3 -flnc bi tldopc qud rdtlrbjb idktbodktd bieukcs fd ics vdkfbnds qud gujrïbk di gudrpc fd ib eudrrdrb. B pdsbr fdi gulfbfc fd ib jbrfc, ]dkb sdktïb uk fcicr trdodkfc. Gdrr÷ ics cncs y bprdt÷ ics 78



fldktds pbrb kc erltbr. Id pbrdgldrck mcrbs mbstb qud Ebjrldiid tdrolk÷ fd gbojlbrid ics vdkfbnds, bukqud dk rdbilfbf kc pbs÷ fd ukcs pcgcs olkutcs-. \b dstâ -flnc Ebjrldiid bi tdrolkbr gck di þitloc. Bþk dstbjb obrbvliibfb fd ib gbpbglfbf fd ]dkb pbrb scjrdvlvlr b pdsbr fd tcfcs ics btbquds qud mbjïb suarlfc. -Bmcrb td tcgb b tl -flnc ]dkb sdktâkfcsd, beubktbkfc b furbs pdkbs di fcicr qud rdbpbrdgl÷ dk su gudrpc. Ebjrldiid id dktrde÷ di ukeùdktc y iudec sd sdkt÷ b su ibfc, gck ib dspbifb fdsgujldrtb-. Xrcodtc tdkdr gulfbfc. -Wì qud ic mbrâs -rdspckfl÷ Ebjrldiid. Wd bjrbz÷ b sï olsob bktlglpâkfcsd bi fcicr qud sbjïb qud ljb b sdktlr dk jrdvd. ]dkb dopdz÷ fâkfcid uk subvd obsbnd dk ics mcojrcs. Dspdr÷ mbstb kctbr qud ics oþsguics fd ib jbrfc sd rdibnbjbk y fdspuìs gcktlku÷. Wd tco÷ su tldopc, fdsgdkfldkfc mbstb qud tcfbs ibs mudiibs fdi iâtlec qudfbrck gujldrtbs gck di ukeùdktc. Ebjrldiid sd obrbvlii÷ bi pdksbr dk ic adrcz qud ]dkb pcfïb ocstrbrsd gck uk dkdolec, y ic gbrlòcsb y sdksljid qud ic mbgïb gck diib. Fd mdgmc tcfc di prcgdsc fd gurbgl÷k id fcil÷ ougmc odkcs fd ic qud mbjïb dspdrbfc. -\b pudfds pckdrtd ib gbolsb -flnc ]dkb iloplâkfcsd ibs obkcs. Gbfb ukb fd bqudiibs obrgbs mbjïb flspbrbfc su rbjlb y su cflc, pdrc tbojlìk mbjïb gciobfc su gcrbz÷k fd creuiic mbglb ib ncvdk. Mbjïb scpcrtbfc ukb tcrturb qud mbjrïb mdgmc gbdr fd rcfliibs b gubiquldrb. Lkgiusc ]dkb mbjïb suguojlfc, pdrc Ebjrldiid dkgcktr÷ ib audrzb kdgdsbrlb pbrb scjrdvlvlr-. ³Guâkfc fdnbstd fd sdr ukb gmlgb lkfdadksb y td gckvdrtlstd dk ib lkgrdïjid oundr qud tdkec fdibktd3 flnc ]dkb, slk fbrsd gudktb fd qud dstbjb mbjibkfc dk vcz bitb. -³Ruì mbs flgmc3 -Kbfb. -Ib gbrb fd ]dkb sd tcrk÷ pìtrdb fd kudvc, rdprcgmâkfcsd b sl olsob di mbjdr fdnbfc dsgbpbr tbk flstrbïfbodktd sus pdksboldktcs-. ³Wbjds3 Dstcy creuiicsb fd tl. 72



-]dkb. -Ebjrldiid sd vcivl÷ y sd sdkt÷ nuktc b ib eudrrdrb. Wbjïb ic furc qud drb prcflebr guopilfcs pbrb ]dkb, y ìstd drb gck fladrdkglb di oâs erbkfd qud id mbjïb flrlelfc kukgb-. W÷ic mlgd ic qud pdksì qud qudrrïbs qud mlgldrb. -Ebjrldiid, td dkardktbstd b Frbx b pdsbr fdi fcicr. Zdgmbzbstd di gbolkc aâgli. ]dkb jbn÷ ib gbjdzb y bpbrt÷ ib olrbfb, lktdktbkfc cguitbr b Ebjrldiid ibs iâerlobs qud dopdzbjbk b bguouibrsd dk sus cncs-. Kc td fdnbstd qudjrbktbr. Xdrc yc sï -bfoltl÷ dk vcz jbnb. -]dkb, oïrbod. -Ebjrldiid pusc su obkc jbnc ib jbrjliib fd ib eudrrdrb y id elr÷ ib gbrb-. ³B quì td rdaldrds3 -Kc quldrc mbjibr fd dsc bmcrb -flnc sdgâkfcsd ics cncs. Ebjrldiid vlc g÷oc ibs docglckds fd ]dkb fdsbpbrdgïbk fd sus cncs. "Bquï dstâ su oâsgbrb ctrb vdz", pdks÷ bi jbrfc. -Xdrc dstbrïb jldk mbgdric. Kc rdgudrfc fdobslbfc fd ic qud pbs÷. W÷ic sì qud kc pcfïb, qud kc qudrïb fdglr ibs gcsbs qud diib prdtdkfïb qud flndrb. Kc pcfïb mbgdrtd dsc. -Iljdr÷ ib jbrjliib fd ]dkb, kc sbjïb mbstb f÷kfd iidebr gck ib gckvdrsbgl÷k-. Olrb, pcfdocs mbjibr fd dstc dk ctrc ocodktc. Bmcrb, vcy b mbgdr pbk fd kudgds. -Wd idvbkt÷ y vcivl÷ b ib gmlodkdb, fbkfc bsï tldopc b bojbs pbrb rdcrfdkbr sus pdksboldktcs.

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-Dstb pbrtd kc od eustb kbfb -flnc ]dkb oldktrbs Ebjrldiid ib byufbjb b vcivdr b ib gbob, trbs ukb jrdvd vlsltb bi "ibvbjc" fd ib gbjbòb. -Tk pcgc fd muolifbf kc td vdkfrâ obi, ol qudrlfb eudrrdrb -flnc Ebjrldiid. Tkb biocmbfb dk ib gbrb aud ic þklgc qud rdgljl÷ gcoc rdspudstb-. ³Ruldrds qud td ibvd3 Fd tcfbs acrobs tdkec qud gbojlbrtd yb bieukbs fd ibs vdkfbs.

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-Wupckec qud ds ukb judkb lfdb. Bþk tdkec dkglob di rdpuekbktd cicr fd dsb gdifb. -Judkc, Mìrguids kc sd sdktïb ouy g÷ocfc bktd ib lfdb d Lcibus dstbjb btdrrcrlzbfc pcr ic qud pcfrïbs mbgdrid fdspuìs. -Ebjrldiid rl÷ dktrd fldktds bktd ib lobedk fd Lcibus trbtbkfc fd ibvbr b ]dkb. Bþk rdgcrfbjb g÷oc id mbjïbk tdojibfc ibs obkcs gubkfc diib sd ic mbjïb odkglckbfc. Vcfbvïb sd rdïb gubkfc gcicg÷ fcs gujcs fd beub nuktc bi audec. -Ebjrldiid, pudfc mbgdric scib -flnc ]dkb bi vdr b Ebjrldiid bgdrgbr ics gujcs b ib gbob uk rbtc fdspuìs. -Vþ ìgmbtd y rdiânbtd -flnc ib jbrfc. Gcodkz÷ pcr di gudiic y ib dspbifb, tcoâkfcsd su tldopc y dopidâkfcsd b ackfc dk di prcgdsc. ]dkb sd rlkfl÷ bktd di subvd gcktbgtc fd Ebjrldiid, fdnbkfc qud di obsbnd rdibnbrb sus oþsguics. Aud dk di ocodktc dk qud Ebjrldiid iidv÷ di pbòc mbglb su tcrsc y gcodkz÷ b fdsilzbric scjrd su dst÷obec gubkfc ib eudrrdrb sd pusc tdksb. -\b tdrolkc yc, Ebjrldiid -flnc, qultâkfcid di pbòc fd ibs obkcs. Wd ibv÷ râplfbodktd di rdstc fdi gudrpc bktds fd fdvcivìrsdic b ib jbrfc. Ebjrldiid sd prdeukt÷ quì pcfïb mbjdr bsustbfc b ]dkb dk di ocodktc dk qud mbjïb dopdzbfc b ibvbrib pcr fdibktd. Tk jrdvd pdksboldktc gruz÷ ib odktd o dktd fd ib ncvdk jbrfc, pdrc sbgufl÷ ib gbjdzb pbrb iljrbrsd fd ìi. -Vcob, yb dstâ. Bmcrb vcy b fbrod uk erbk jbòc gbildktd -flnc bidnâkfcsd dk jusgb fd uk pcgc fd beub ardsgb-. Fdspuìs fd tcfc, tdkdocs pdkfldktd ukb gmbrib y ougmc pbk fd kudgds -bòbfl÷ bktds fd sbilr b rdgcedr kldvd pbrb fdrrdtlrib fdspuìs. ]dkb sd rdgcst÷ y pdks÷ dk ic qud bgbjbjb fd cgurrlr. Di tbgtc fd Ebjrldiid drb fdilgbfc, gbsl gcoc ukb gbrlglb, y mbjïb flsarutbfc gck ìi ougmc oâs fd ic qud sd btrdvïb b bfoltlr. \b drb jbstbktd furc kc olrbrib gubkfc sd vdstïb c sd fdskufbjb. Wu gudrpc sd mbjïb fdsbrrciibfc ougmc dk ics fcs þitlocs vdrbkcs. \b kc drb ib ncvdk bsustbflzb qud ]dkb mbjïb gckcglfc. Wu 77



Ebjrldiid drb bmcrb ukb rdlkb bobzckb ouy mâjli gck su gbybfc. Wd mbjïb gckvdrtlfc dk ukb mdrocsb oundr.

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Ebjrldiid odflt÷ ougmc oldktrbs rdiidkbjb ics gujcs gck kldvd. Zdgcrf÷ ib prlodrb vdz qud vlc b ]dkb y g÷oc dopdz÷ b sdeulrib. Dktckgds drb ukb oundr arïb, flstbktd, bieuldk gck quldk drb flaïgli gckvlvlr. Bmcrb mbjïb vdgds dk ibs qud Ebjrldiid sd sdktïb ouy gdrgb fd ib eudrrdrb. Xbrdgïb qud drb gbpbz fd sbgbr su odncr gbrb. Vbojlìk id fdflgbjb mbibecs oâs b odkufc. Ebjrldiid bprdglbjb gbfb pbibjrb bobjid, gbfb pdqudòc edstc, y drb gcksgldktd fd qud rdgldktdodktd id prdstbjb oâs btdkgl÷k. ]dkb sldoprd ib mbjïb scjrdprctdelfc, pdrc dstbs þitlobs iukbs bqudiic sd mbjïb gckvdrtlfc dk biec dxbedrbfc. Ebjrldiid sciïb pcfdr dktrbr scib dk ibs tbjdrkbs, y bmcrb ]dkb lkslstïb dk mbgdric prlodrc pbrb bsdeurbrsd fd qud kc mbjïb pdilerc. Wbjïb qud sd sdktïb oâs bpdebfb b bqudiib oundr qud b gubiquldr ctrb pdrsckb dk su vlfb. Kc sbjlb quì mbrïb slk diib. Bpbrtbkfc dstd þitloc pdksboldktc fd su odktd, rdgcel÷ ics gujcs y vcivl÷ fdktrc.

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]dkb flrlel÷ bi vlstb mbglb ib gmlodkdb, pdrc olr÷ b Ebjrldiid pcr di rbjliic fdi cnc. Dstbjb gbkturrdbkfc, slk sbjdr qud diib ib cjsdrvbjb. ]dkb slktl÷ bgdidrbrsd su rdsplrbgl÷k bi vdr di beub y di nbj÷k fdsilzbrsd pcr su dspbifb. Gubkfc sd vcivl÷, ]dkb olr÷ flrdgtbodktd mbglb di audec, y kc fdn÷ fd mbgdric mbstb qud Ebjrldiid

flc

pcr

tdrolkbfc

su

jbòc

y

sd

pusc

ib

gbolsb.

-\ bmcrb di pbk fd kudgds -flnc Ebjrldiid biderdodktd iidvbkfc ib mcebzb gbildktd mbstb ib gbob. Wd sdkt÷ gck ibs pldrkbs gruzbfbs nuktc b ]dkb y pbrtl÷ uk erbk 76



trczc pbrb diib-. Dktckgds... ooo... flod, ³quì cgurrl÷ dk bqudiib gdifb3 prdeukt÷ ib jbrfc dgmâkfcsd uk erbk rczc fd pbk b ib jcgb. B ]dkb sldoprd id mbjïb obrbvliibfc ib gbpbglfbf qud tdkïb pbrb gcodr y mbjibr b ib vdz. -Kc dstcy sdeurb fd qudrdr mbjibr fd dsc bmcrb -flnc diib olrbkfc b ics cncs vdrfdbzuibfcs fd ib ncvdk. -]dkb, pcr abvcr, fïodic. Kdgdsltc sbjdric -id plfl÷ Ebjrldiid bpbslckbfbodktd-. Bktds flnlstd qud diib td qudjrbkt÷. ³G÷oc3 ³Ruì mb pcflfc mbgdrtd diib qud kc td mbyb mdgmc yb bieuldk bktds3 -Ebjrldiid dstbjb pdksbkfc dk tcfbs ibs jbtbiibs qud ]dkb mbjïb iljrbfc dk sus fïbs gcoc sdòcr fd ib eudrrb. Wbjïb qud ib eudrrdrb mbjïb suarlfc mdrlfbs ougmc oâs erbvds qud ìstbs. -Vd mlzc fbòc -flnc ]dkb dk vcz jbnb oldktrbs jbnbjb ib vlstb mbstb sus obkcs-. Mbjrïb mdgmc gubiquldr gcsb gck tbi fd qud pbrbrb. -Cm, ]dkb -dxgibo÷ Ebjrldiid gcoprdkfldkfc bi alk. Wbjïb qud diib mbjrïb mdgmc ic olsoc fd mbjdr dstbfc dk su iuebr. Wd lkgilk÷ iledrbodktd mbglb diib y id pusc ib obkc scjrd su tcrkdbfc ousic. ]dkb ib gujrl÷ gck ib suyb y ib bgbrlgl÷ gck gbrlòc. -Id supilquì, Ebjrldiid. Id rceuì y id supilquì qud fdnbrb fd ecipdbrtd. Mbjrïb mdgmc gubiquldr gcsb pbrb iljrbrtd fd bqudi fcicr. -Ib lobedk fd ib dspbifb fd Ebjrldiid gruz÷ gcoc uk rbyc ib gbjdzb fd ]dkb, dstrdodglìkfcib. Ibs iâerlobs gcodkzbrck b gbdr slk gcktrci fd sus prcaukfcs cncs bzuids-. Od biderc fd qud od ecipdbrb tbktc gcoc pbrb lopdflrod vdr. Xdrc bþk pcfïb cïr. Vd cïb erltbr y... y kc pcfïb... -Wmm -flnc Ebjrldiid bjrbzbkfc b ib fdsgckscibfb oundr-. Wì qud mlglstd tcfc ic pcsljid pbrb prctdedrod, y td bfcrc pcr diic. -Zdgcrrl÷ gck sus obkcs ib dspbifb fd ]dkb pbrb rdgckacrtbrib, gck gulfbfc fd kc acrzbr sus gcstliibs rctbs. ]dkb dktdrr÷ su gbjdzb dk di mcojrc fd ib jbrfc y pdroltl÷ qud di fcicr ib lkvbfldrb. Ebjrldiid sleul÷ bgbrlglâkfcid di pdic oldktrbs ib odgïb-. Ic sì, ic sì -rdpdtïb 74



rïtolgbodktd, lktdktbkfc gbiobr b ib eudrrdrb. Dk su fdjliltbfc dstbfc, di bectboldktc gby÷ scjrd ib lopckdktd oundr, pcr ic qud b Ebjrldiid kc id iidv÷ ougmc tldopc tuojbrib pbrb qud pufldrb fcrolr. \ ib jbrfc sd bgdrg÷, bjrbzâkfcsd b su eudrrdrb.

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]dkb fdspdrt÷ tdoprbkc, pdrc kc sd idvbkt÷ gcoc kcrobiodktd mbgïb. Wd dkgcktr÷ rcfdbfb pcr ics jrbzcs y ibs pldrkbs fd Ebjrldiid. Xdks÷ dk dsgbjuiilrsd, pdrc fdglfl÷ qud dstbjb fdobslbfc b eustc gcoc pbrb bgbjbr gck di ocodktc tbk prcktc. Wd pdroltl÷ vbebr dk pdrdzcscs gïrguics gck sus fdfcs pcr di jrbzc fd ib jbrfc, flsarutbkfc ib sdksbgl÷k fd ib subvd pldi jbnc diics uk judk rbtc bktds fd fdsbslrsd y idvbktbrsd pcr alk. Aud mbglb di gbybfc fd Ebjrldiid y ic us÷ gcoc ouidtb pbrb lr mbstb di ibvbjc, lekcrbkfc di fcicr fd su pldrkb y sus gcstliibs. Ebjrldiid sbg÷ ib gbjdzb fd dktrd ibs obktbs jbstbktd fdspuìs y gbpt÷ di brcob fdi fdsbyukc. ]dkb dstbjb sdktbfb nuktc b ib gmlodkdb, jdjldkfc ukb tbzb fd tì. -\b pdksbjb qud ljbs b fcrolr tcfc di fïb -flnc olrbkfc b ib jbrfc, odflc fcrolfb bþk. -³Guâktc tldopc iidvbs idvbktbfb3 -id prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid yb lkgcrpcrbfb y fdspdrdzâkfcsd. Kct÷ qud ics cncs fd ]dkb kc sd mbjïbk bpbrtbfc fd diib, bsï qud sd dsacrz÷ pcr bmcebr di edstc. Ibs lfdbs gcodkzbrck b acrobrsd fd kudvc dk ib odktd fd ib jbrfc. Lfdbs qud qudrïb sdeulr dxpicrbkfc. -Gcoc ukb mcrb y odflb. -Ib eudrrdrb prdeukt÷ oldktrbs sd elrbjb ctrb vdz mbglb ib gcolfb, bþk b odflc mbgdr-. ³Vldkds mbojrd3 Qbyb prdeuktb. ³Ol jbrfc slk mbojrd3 -sd rl÷ ]dkb. Di slidkglc gby÷ dk ib mbjltbgl÷k uk ocodktc oldktrbs bojbs oundrds gckslfdrbjbk dk slidkglc, y bi olsoc tldopc, di "ol jbrfc" fd ib arbsd fd ]dkb. Ebjrldiid sckrl÷ y rcopl÷ di slidkglc.

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-Xuds sï, od oudrc fd mbojrd. ³Ruì mbs prdpbrbfc3 -flnc fdsilzâkfcsd fd ib gbob y gcicgâkfcsd nuktc b ib eudrrdrb. ]dkb flc erbglbs b ics flcsds fd qud Ebjrldiid kc odkglckbrb oâs su pdqudòc fdsilz ilkeùïstlgc. -Xdksì qud td bpdtdgdrïb uk pcgc fd pbk y pdsgbfc -flnc ]dkb bpbrtbkfc dstd þitloc fdi audec y slrvlìkfcic dk fcs pibtcs. -¡Olrb di tbobòc fd dsd pdz! Kc sbjïb qud pufldrbk sdr tbk erbkfds -dxgibo÷ Ebjrldiid pbrtldkfc uk erbk pdfbzc y odtlìkfcsdic dk ib jcgb. -Judkc, di oìrltc kc ds oïc. Md dkgcktrbfc ukb plib fd pdgds gckedibfcs nuktc b ib pudrtb. -Lcibus c Mìrguids fdjldrck btrbpbrics pbrb kcsctrbs bktds fd lrsd. Kukgb od mbjïb ocidstbfc dk olrbr. ³G÷oc ics dkgcktrbstd3 -Dgmì uk vlstbzc râplfc baudrb oldktrbs dstbjbs furoldkfc. Mbgïb ougmc tldopc qud kc vdïb tbktb kldvd. -³G÷oc td ibs mbs brrdeibfc gck ib pldrkb rctb3 -Ttlilgì tu gbybfc pbrb bpcybrod. Xdrc tdkec qud bfoltlr qud bmcrb ibs gcstliibs od fudidk uk pcgc. -Kc od dxtrbòb. Vd iidvbstd ukb judkb pbilzb. -Vcfc vcivl÷ b qudfbr dk slidkglc, pudstc qud klkeukb fd ibs fcs qudrïb mbjibr fdi lkglfdktd gck Frbx-. ]dkb, kdgdsltc qud od fdnds tu dspbfb y tu fbeb uk rbtc. -Gibrc, ³quì vbs b mbgdr3 -Ebjrldiid kukgb id pdfïb prdstbfbs sus brobs, ic gubi id flspbr÷ ib gurlcslfbf. -Ds ukb scrprdsb. Gckaïb dk oï. Lrì b vdr b Brec yb qud sbiec. -Qbid, pdrc tdk gulfbfc. Kc vbybs oâs biiâ fd fckfd yc pudfb cïrtd.

75



-Wï, oboâ -flnc Ebjrldiid gck tckc sbrgâstlgc.

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Ebjrldiid lkspdgglck÷ vbrlcs ârjcids bktds fd dkgcktrbr ic qud bkfbjb jusgbkfc. Wckrldkfc, bebrr÷ ib dspbfb y gcodkz÷ b ecipdbr ukb rbob ibreb y erudsb. \b sufbjb b rbufbids pbrb gubkfc icer÷ sdpbrbrib fdi trckgc. Iudec ib iidv÷ b rbstrbs mbstb di dstbjic. -Mcib Brec, ³g÷oc dstâs3 -flnc b ib prdglcsb ydeub oldktrbs id rdiidkbjb di gcodfdrc. Iudec sd sdkt÷ dk ib dsqulkb cpudstb b ib qud cgupbjb di bklobi y gcicg÷ ib rbob scjrd su rdebzc. Wbg÷ ib fbeb y gcodkz÷ b qultbrid ib gcrtdzb y tcfb ib obfdrb qud kc ljb b kdgdsltbr. Vbi y gcoc mbjïb flgmc ]dkb, ib fbeb y ib dspbfb dstbjbk jldk balibfbs. Xbrb gubkfc mujc tdrolkbfc tdkïb vbrlcs gcrtds dk ibs obkcs y ukc oâs nuktc b su cojilec, pudstc qud ib mcnb sd id mbjïb rdsjbibfc fd dktrd obs obkcs dk vbrlbs cgbslckds. Gubkfc icer÷ ib acrob bfdgubfb, Ebjrldiid gcoprcj÷ di tbobòc. ]dkb drb ougmc oâs bitb qud diib, ic gubi mlzc flaïgli gbiguibr gck prdglsl÷k ib biturb. Gck ardgudkglb rderdsbjb b ib gbjbòb, bscobjb ib gbjdzb, iidvbjb beub y fdnbjb qud ]dkb gcoprcjbrb gck sus prcplcs cncs qud sd dkgcktrbjb jldk. Mbjïbk pbsbfc gbsl sdls mcrbs fdsfd qud sbil÷. Xcr alk, sbtlsadgmb gck di rdsuitbfc, bjbkfck÷ di dstbjic y vcivl÷ b ib gbjbòb, bukqud fdn÷ fd ocodktc ic qud mbjïb mdgmc baudrb, nuktc b ib pudrtb. -³F÷kfd mbs dstbfc3 -id flnc ]dkb gubkfc dktr÷. Ebjrldiid tdkïb di bspdgtc fd bieuldk qud mb iidvbfc b gbjc ukb tbrdb aïslgb. Wu gbjdiic rcnlzc dstbjb pdebfc b su gbrb, y trbïb ibs obkcs suglbs-. ³Ruì mbs mdgmc3 ³Vbibr gbfb obifltc ârjci fdi jcsqud3 -jrcod÷ ]dkb. -Kc, s÷ic ukb rbob -flnc Ebjrldiid. Bjrl÷ ib pudrtb y fdn÷ qud ]dkb vldrb su lkvdktc-. Ib md mdgmc pbrb tl. Bsï kc tdkfrâs qud usbr ol gbybfc. Olrb, dstb pbrtd fd brrljb ds dk gurvb y tldkd uk obkec b odflb biturb pbrb qud pudfbs fdsgbrebr di pdsc scjrd ib obkc y tus gcstliibs kc suarbk tbktc. 7=



-Ebjrldiid -flnc ]dkb scrprdkflfb tcobkfc ib ouidtb fd ibs obkcs fd ib jbrfc-. Ds prdglcsb. Fdjds mbjdr trbjbnbfc dk diib tcfc di fïb. -Ebjrldiid sd jbibkgd÷ btrâs y bfdibktd, mbibebfb pcr di guopilfc. -Kc dstbjb sdeurb fd ib biturb. Ib pudfc bgcrtbr sl mbgd abitb. -Kc, dstâ pdradgtb -flnc ]dkb subvdodktd. Wd ib pusc jbnc di jrbzc y ib prcj÷. Drb pdradgtb. Ebjrldiid mbjïb gcksdeulfc ib biturb y ib acrob gcrrdgtbs pbrb su gckstltugl÷k-. Ougmbs erbglbs, Ebjrldiid. Wleklalgb ougmc pbrb oï. -Gcnd÷ iledrbodktd mbglb fdibktd y bjrbz÷ b ib jbrfc, qud id gcrrdspckfl÷ bi lkstbktd. Wbjïb qud ]dkb dstbjb docglckbfb. Id mbjïb gcstbfc tbktc tldopc gcksdeulr qud ib eudrrdrb id fdflgbrb ukb bibjbkzb c ukb sckrlsb qud di mdgmc fd qud bojbs sd dkgcktrbrbk dk bqudiib sltubgl÷k drb gbsl bjruobfcr. Mbjïb vbilfc ib pdkb. Gubkfc rcopldrck di bjrbzc, ]dkb flstlkeul÷ ib obkgmb dktrd rcnlzb y obrr÷k fdi tcp fd ib jbrfc. -¡Ebjrldiid, td mbs mdrlfc! -Kc ds kbfb, ]dkb. Ib fbeb sd od dsgbp÷, dsc ds tcfc. -Ebjrldiid rdtrcgdfl÷ uk pbsc. Kc mbjïb qudrlfc qud ib eudrrdrb vldrb di gcrtd. -³Wd td dsgbp÷3 ³\ kc vlklstd pbrb qud td gurbrb3 -]dkb fdsilz÷ su vcz mbstb uk tckc fd prcaukfb sdrldfbf-. Qdk bquï y fìnbod vdr. -Kc ds kbfb erbvd. W÷ic uk pdqudòc gcrtd. -Ebjrldiid -flnc ]dkb gck dsd tckc fd "kc pldksc flsgutlr gcktlec" sdòbibkfc mbglb ib gbob-. Qdk bquï. -Ebjrldiid susplr÷ fâkfcsd pcr vdkglfb y aud mbstb diib. ]dkb pusc b mdrvlr uk pcgc fd beub y jusg÷ ukbs mldrjbs dk sus biacrnbs. Fdsgujrl÷ gck berbfc qud pcfïb ocvdrsd ougmc odncr erbglbs b ib ouidtb qud Ebjrldiid id mbjïb mdgmc pbrb sustltulr bi gbybfc. Fd dspbifbs b ib jbrfc, kc aud gbpbz fd vdr ib sckrlsb fd crdnb b crdnb qud sd fljun÷ dk su gbrb oldktrbs diib sd ocvïb pcr ib gbjbòb.

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Ib mdrlfb kc drb tbk erbvd gcoc ]dkb mbjïb pdksbfc, pdrc oâs prcaukfb fd ic qud Ebjrldiid id mbjïb fbfc b dktdkfdr. Gck fdilgbfcs y subvds ocvloldktcs ]dkb ilopl÷ b gckgldkglb ib zckb pbrb vdkfbrib fdspuìs. -Jldk, md tdrolkbfc. -Erbglbs -flnc Ebjrldiid sdktâkfcsd. Bi ocodktc gbpt÷ ukb dxprdsl÷k scojrïb dk sus cncs bzuids-. ]dkb, ³quì cgurrd3 -Ib gbrb fd ib eudrrdrb gbojl÷ bi lkstbktd, mbgldkfc vlsljid su oâsgbrb ukb vdz oâs-. Mdy, kc od fds fd ibfc. -Ebjrldiid sd lkgilk÷ mbglb diib y id bebrr÷ ib ouòdgb, cjilebkfc b ib eudrrdrb b olrbrib. -Mbjib gckolec -id rce÷ gbsl gck uk susurrc. -Zdsuitbs mdrlfb ukb y ctrb vdz pcr oï -flnc ]dkb idktbodktd olrbkfc bi sudic-, y kukgb td qudnbs. -Kc od qudnc pcrqud ds ol didggl÷k dstbr gcktlec. Bgtþbs gcoc sl tcfc ic qud od pbsb audsd guipb tuyb. \ kc ic ds. Kc drds tþ quldk od mbgd fbòc, dxgdptc... Ebjrldiid fdn÷ ocrlr ib vcz dk su ebrebktb. Kc qudrïb dxprdsbr su obycr tdocr. -³Dxgdptc quì3 Ebjrldiid, ³td md mdgmc fbòc fd bieukb acrob3 -Ib lfdb fd qud Ebjrldiid suarldrb slk diib sbjdric lkvbfïb b ]dkb fd ukb trlstdzb tbk prcaukfb gcoc kukgb bktds mbjïb sdktlfc, kl slquldrb gubkfc ourl÷ Obrgus. -Fïodic, pcr abvcr. -Od mbgds fbòc gubkfc... -Ebjrldiid trbe÷ sbilvb, jusgbkfc dk su lktdrlcr ib audrzb kdgdsbrlb pbrb prckukglbr bqudiibs pbibjrbs-. Gubkfc mbjibs fd kcsctrbs ydkfc pcr gbolkcs sdpbrbfcs. B vdgds pbrdgds tbk dkabfbfb gckolec qud q ud tdkec oldfc fd qud sdb dsd di ocodktc dk qud fdglfbs fdnbrod btrâs. -Ibs iâerlobs gcodkzbrck b gcrrdr pcr ibs odnliibs fd ib jbrfc-. ]dkb, kc quldrc qud od bjbkfckds. Ruldrc qudfbrod gcktlec. -Ib vcz fdsbpbrdgl÷ gubkfc ibs iâerlobs fdnbrck pbsc b ics sciiczcs. Mbjïb bfoltlfc su obycr oldfc b ib pdrsckb qud oâs sleklalgbjb pbrb diib. ]dkb rcfd÷ b ib jbrfc gck sus jrbzcs y ib btrbnc mbglb sï, bjrbzâkfcib gck alrodzb y gbrlòc.

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-Wmm, kc vcy b fdnbrtd, pbsd ic qud pbsd. Vd ic prcodtc. -]dkb bgbrlgl÷ fuigdodktd ib dspbifb fd Ebjrldiid, gck gulfbfc fd kc tcgbr ibs obrgbs fdi iâtlec. -Ebjrldiid, kc pudfc lobelkbr ol vlfb slk tl. Ibs pbibjrbs kc sd od fbk jldk, yb ic sbjds. -]dkb gbii÷ uk ocodktc y pbrpbfd÷ gck audrzb pbrb bgibrbr su vlstb fd ibs iâerlobs qud sd dopdzbjbk b acrobr tbojlìk dk sus cncs-. Cyd, ³pcr quì kc od gudktbs ukb mlstcrlb oldktrbs prdpbrc ib gdkb3 Wì qud kc mbs gcolfc dk tcfc di fïb, fdjds dstbr oudrtb fd mbojrd. Mbrdocs uk trbtc. Wl ib mlstcrlb ds rdbiodktd judkb od trbebrì ol creuiic y td mbrì ukb mcebzb fd pbk fd kudgds. ³Ruì td pbrdgd3 -]dkb sd lreul÷ y olr÷ b su ncvdk boleb. Ebjrldiid sd sdg÷ ibs iâerlobs y sckrl÷. Id dkgbktbjb qud ]dkb id plfldrb ukb mlstcrlb. -Vrbtc mdgmc. ³Ruì gibsd fd mlstcrlb quldrds3 ³Bggl÷k3 ³Bvdkturb3 ³Zcobkgd3 -Fdglfd tþ. Od eustbk tcfbs, sldoprd y gubkfc kc sbieb yc. -Xusc ukb obkc scjrd ib rcfliib fd Ebjrldiid y ib bprdt÷ gbrlòcsbodktd bktds fd idvbktbrsd y gcndbr mbstb ib gmlodkdb pbrb dopdzbr b prdpbrbr ib gdkb. Ebjrldiid pdks÷ scjrd di tlpc fd mlstcrlb qud ljb b gcktbr. Drb ukb didggl÷k flaïgli. Oldktrbs trbjbnbjb dk ib ouidtb mbjïb fdglflfc qud su sleuldktd mlstcrlb sdrïb uk gâilfc rcobkgd. Rudrïb vdr ib rdbggl÷k fd ]dkb. Ibs scspdgmbs fd Ebjrldiid scjrd sus vdrfbfdrcs sdktloldktcs sd dstbjbk mbgldkfc oâs y oâs audrtds gck gbfb rcgd, gck gbfb sckrlsb, gck gbfb pbibjrb bobjid. Dspdrbjb dstbr dk ic gldrtc, pudstc qud gck di pbsc fd ics fïbs obktdkdr di gcktrci sd dstbjb vcivldkfc rdbiodktd furc. -Od pbrdgd qud yb mdocs tdklfc sualgldktd bggl÷k y bvdkturb pcr uk tldopc. Ds mcrb fd uk pcgc fd rcobkgd -flnc Ebjrldiid. ]dkb sd elr÷ pbrb olrbrib y didv÷ ukb gdnb. -³Xdrfckb3 -Od rdaldrc b ib mlstcrlb, eudrrdrb dstþplfb -sd juri÷ Ebjrldiid. Iudec sckrl÷ pbrb sï, pudstc qud mbjïb cjtdklfc dxbgtbodktd ib rdbggl÷k qud qudrïb. ]dkb kc supc 62



fdglr quì, pdrc mbjïb biec dk bqudiib sckrlsb fd Ebjrldiid qud ib pusc kdrvlcsb. -Qbid, bfdibktd dktckgds -flnc ]dkb fdvcivldkfc su btdkgl÷k b ib gcolfb. Ebjrldiid sd sdkt÷ fdtrâs fd diib y gck vcz subvd gcodkz÷ ukb fd ibs odncrds kbrrbglckds fd Wbac. ]dkb sd pdroltl÷ pdrfdrsd dk ib vcz fd ib jbrfc, fdnbkfc qud ibs pbibjrbs bgbrlglbrbk su odktd gcoc sl audrbk oþslgb. Gdrr÷ ics cncs y fdn÷ qud bqudiib vcz ib iidvbrb bi lktdrlcr fd ib mlstcrlb. W÷ic di cicr b gcolfb qudobfb ib fdvcivl÷ b ib rdbilfbf. -¡Cm, Mbfds! -dxgibo÷ trbtbkfc fd sbivbr vbidrcsbodktd fd ibs iibobs ib gcolfb gmbousgbfb. -Kc tldkd lopcrtbkglb -flnc Ebjrldiid iugmbkfc pcr bmcebr ib rlsb. Kukgb mbjïb vlstc b ]dkb tbk flstrbïfb gcoc pbrb dgmbr b pdrfdr ukb gcolfb. Wd mbjïb gcktdstbfc ctrb fd ibs prdeuktbs qud cgupbjbk ib odktd fd ib jbrfc. ]dkb, pcr su pbrtd, obiflnc dk slidkglc pcr mbjdrsd fdnbfc flstrbdr gck tbktb abglilfbf oldktrbs prdpbrbjb ukb kudvb mcrkbfb. Wd gcoldrck ib gdkb y, tbi y gcoc mbjïb slfc prcodtlfc, mujc pbk fd kudgds fd pcstrd. Ebjrldiid fdvcr÷ adilzodktd su pdfbzc oldktrbs ]dkb brrcnbjb oâs trckgcs bi audec. Gubkfc gcksleul÷ ukb mceudrb ic sualgldktdodktd judkb, sd rdgcst÷ utlilzbkfc di jcrfd fd ib gbob pbrb bpcybr ib dspbifb. Ebjrldiid sd sdkt÷ b su ibfc, uk pcgc oâs gdrgb fd ic kcrobi. -]dkb, ³pudfc prdeuktbrtd biec pdrsckbi3 -Xudfds prdeuktbr ic qud quldrbs, pdrc kc sì sl td gcktdstbrì. -]dkb sd lreul÷, b ib dxpdgtbtlvb. -Judkc, od prdeuktbjb... -³Ruì3 -Xuds, ic qud sd sldktd... bi... -Ebjrldiid slktl÷ g÷oc di rujcr id sujïb pcr di gudiic mbstb ibs crdnbs, y dstbjb sdeurb fd qud ]dkb pcfïb vdric tbojlìk. 6:



-Ebjrldiid, suìitbic. Kukgb bktds td mbjïb vlstc tbk abitb fd pbibjrbs. -]dkb rce÷ sdgrdtbodktd pbrb qud Ebjrldiid kc ibs dkgcktrbrb. Wl drb biec tbk flaïgli fd prdeuktbr, kc dstbjb sdeurb fd qudrdr cïric. -Judkc... -ic lktdkt÷ fd kudvc. -Dsc yb ic mbs flgmc bktds, y vbrlbs vdgds -flnc ]dkb, iledrbodktd scrprdkflfb. -³G÷oc ds di sdxc3 -id dspdt÷ alkbiodktd Ebjrldiid. ]dkb ib olr÷ b ib iuz fdi audec y didv÷ ukb gdnb. Dsd kc drb dk bjsciutc di tlpc fd prdeuktb qud dspdrbjb. -Ebjrldiid, mbs dstbfc gbsbfb. Wdeurc qud tþ y Xdrflgus... -Fdn÷ ib arbsd gciebkfc. Kc qudrïb lobelkbrsd b Ebjrldiid dk dsb sltubgl÷k, gck kbfld. -Dk rdbilfbf kc -bfoltl÷ Ebjrldiid pcr prlodrb vdz-. Aud uk fïb ouy ibrec y... judkc...

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-³B quì td rdaldrds3 -Di oldfc gruz÷ pcr ib odktd fd ]dkb nuktc b vbrlbs vlslckds fd Xdrflgus pdkdtrbkfc b Ebjrldiid vlcidktbodktd. -Kukgb ic mlzc gckolec. -Ibs odnliibs fd Ebjrldiid sd dkrcndgldrck bi rdgckcgdricDstbjb fdobslbfc dxgltbfc. \ fdspuìs, sd qudf÷ fcrolfc. -Cm Ebjrldiid -flnc ]dkb subvdodktd-. Ic sldktc. Kc ic sbjïb. Ruldrds fdglr qud ìi kukgb... -lktdkt÷ rdprlolr ukb sckrlsb lr÷klgb. -Kc. Grdc qud scy ukb vlufb vlredk. -Bojbs gckslfdrbrck dsbs pbibjrbs uk sdeukfc y iudec dstbiibrck dk gbrgbnbfbs. Ids iidv÷ uk judk rbtc rdgupdrbr di gcktrci. Ebjrldiid sd sdg÷ ics cncs y mbjic fd kudvc. -Gcktdstb b ol prdeuktb. -To, ³guâi drb3 -]dkb trbt÷ fd rdgcrfbr f÷kfd mbjïb qudfbfc ib gckvdrsbgl÷k bktds fd tcobr dstd kudvc ruojc. -³G÷oc ds di sdxc3

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-Cm, dsc. -Ib eudrrdrb pdks÷ uk ocodktc bktds fd rdspckfdr-. Fdpdkfd fd gck qulìk dstìs y ic qud jusquds. -Kc ic dktldkfc -flnc Ebjrldiid. Zdbiodktd kc tdkïb kl lfdb fd ic qud ]dkb qudrïb fdglr. -³Kdgdsltbs biec oâs dspdgïalgc, Ebjrldiid3 -prdeukt÷ ]dkb idvbktbkfc ukb gdnb. -Kc -gcktdst÷ râplfbodktd-. Judkc, sï. Ruldrc qud od mbjids fd ics jdscs. -³Ruì pbsb gck diics3 -]dkb susplr÷ bilvlbfb dk su lktdrlcr. Bi odkcs kc id mbjïb pdflfc qud id mbjibrb fd su pbsbfc pb sbfc sdxubi, pcr ctrc ibfc jbstbktd dxtdksc. -Ib vdrfbf, yc jdsì b bieukcs gmlgcs fd ol bifdb gubkfc drb pdqudòb y sldoprd od pbrdgl÷ biec, judkc, biec bsqudrcsc. Xdrc md cïfc mlstcrlbs qud flgdk qud jdsbr pudfd sdr biec pibgdktdrc. \c kukgb md dkgcktrbfc pibgdr dk uk jdsc. -Dsc ds pcrqud bþk c mbs dkgcktrbfc b ib pdrsckb bfdgubfb -flnc ]dkb sckrldkfc-. Wl ds diib quldk td jdsb, pudfds sdktlric ouy bfdktrc, dk di gdktrc olsoc fd tu gcrbz÷k. -³Mbs sdktlfc tþ dsc bieukb vdz3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid. ]dkb ib olr÷ uk ocodktc, tcobkfc gckgldkglb fd ic ougmc qud fdsdbjb fdgïrsdic. -Kc. -³Kc3 ³\ yb dstâ3 ³Wleklalgb dsc qud ic qud mbs flgmc bktds kc ds vdrfbf3 Ebjrldiid sd rdslstïb b grddr qud di jdsc oâelgc fdi qud tbktc y tbktbs vdgds mbjïb idïfc kc dxlstldrb. -Kc sì sl ds rdbi c kc, Ebjrldiid. W÷ic qud yc kukgb ic md sdktlfc. -]dkb dspdrbjb qud bqudiic jbstbsd b ib jbrfc y qud ib gckvdrsbgl÷k bgbjbrb biiï. B vdgds sd prdeuktbjb sl dsb obelb sd fdsbtbrïb sl jdsbjb b Ebjrldiid.

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-Cm -aud tcfc ic qud ib jbrfc gcktdst÷. Wd odtl÷ ctrc pdfbzc fd pbk fd kudgds b ib jcgb y obstlg÷ gckgldkzufbodktd, fdnbkfc b ]dkb gck sus pdksboldktcs. Dk su lktdrlcr, Ebjrldiid sckrdïb. Vcfc sd fdsbrrciibjb sdeþk tdkïb pibkdbfc. ]dkb dopdzbjb b dstbr sdktlrsd rdbiodktd bgcjbrfbfb pcr di gcopcrtboldktc fd Ebjrldiid mbglb diib. Kbfb gckgrdtc, slkc oâs jldk ukb sdksbgl÷k. Ibs olrbfbs drbk fladrdktds, ibs gckvdrsbglckds oâs pdrsckbids. Gbfb vdz id rdsuitbjb oâs flaïgli qultbrsd ics pdksboldktcs dr÷tlgcs scjrd ib jbrfc fd ib gbjdzb y Ebjrldiid kc byufbjb dk bjsciutc gck su gckstbktd gdrgbkïb. Gbsl pbrdgïb gcoc sl pufldsd iddr sus pdksboldktcs. Ib obòbkb ib dkgcktr÷ trbtbkfc fd dsgbjuiilrsd fd dktrd ics jrbzcs y ibs pldrkbs qud rcfdbjbk su gudrpc. Ib furoldktd jbrfc rdaukauò÷ pcr di ocvloldktc y sd flc odflb vuditb, iljdrbkfc b ]dkb fd su fdilglcsb gbutlvlfbf. Ib eudrrdrb sd pusc fd gcstbfc y dstufl÷ bqudiib sliudtb uk ocodktc bktds fd cjilebrsd b sbilr fd ib gbob, bebrrbr su ouidtb y flrlelrsd bi ibvbjc. Wd pbs÷ di rdstc fdi fïb iloplbkfc su brobfurb y su dspbfb oldktrbs Ebjrldiid, sdktbfb dk ib odsb, dsgrljïb bklobfbodktd. Bsuol÷ qud ib jbrfc dstbjb trbjbnbkfc dk ctrb mlstcrlb. Gcktdopi÷ su ardktd, arukglfb pcr ib gckgdktrbgl÷k, y iudec ib vlc subvlzbrsd sub vlzbrsd bktds fd vcivdr b dsgrljlr. Dkgcktr÷ tbktb absglkbgl÷k dk ics ocvloldktcs fd Ebjrldiid qud fdn÷ lkgcksgldktdodktd fd bjrliibktbr su dqulpc. Wlopidodktd sd qudf÷ biiï sdktbfb, gcktdopibkfc b ib kbrrbfcrb ibrec rbtc, mbstb qud sus cncs vdrfdbzuibfcs sd didvbrck scrprdkflìkfcib. ]dkb fdsvl÷ dk sdeulfb ib olrbfb y gcodkz÷ b iloplbr fd kudvc, slk fbrsd gudktb fd ib dkcrod sckrlsb qud sd fljun÷ dk di rcstrc fd Ebjrldiid uk sdeukfc fdspuìs. Ebjrldiid olr÷ su pdrebolkc. Cnbiâ ]dkb pufldsd vdr ic qud dstbjb dsgrljldkfc. Kc drb dk bjsciutc ukb mlstcrlb. Dstbjb pibkdbkfc y fdtbiibkfc su þitlob jbtbiib gcktrb ib prlkgdsb eudrrdrb, ukb jbtbiib pcr su gcrbz÷k. Bkct÷ uk pbr fd gcsbs oâs bktds fd pidebr di pdrebolkc y eubrfbric dk di lktdrlcr fd su gbolsb.

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Kc qudrïb gcrrdr di rldsec fd qud ]dkb fdsgujrldrb di pibk bktds fd tdkdr ib cpcrtuklfbf fd pckdric dk prâgtlgb. Fdspuìs fd gdkbr, Ebjrldiid sd flc uk jbòc oldktrbs ]dkb btdkfïb di audec. Ib eudrrdrb sd obktuvc fdiljdrbfbodktd fd dspbifbs b Ebjrldiid furbktd tcfc di rbtc qud dstuvc sdgâkfcsd y mbstb qud sd pusc ib gbolsb fd kudvc. -]dkb, ³od dgmbs ukb obkc gck ol pdic3 Xbrdgd mcrrljidodktd dkrdfbfc -id plfl÷ Ebjrldiid, slk odkglckbr qud bqudiic kc drb dk bjsciutc biec gbsubi. -Gibrc, ³quldrds qud td mbeb trdkzbs3 -prdeukt÷ ]dkb bi tldopc qud sd bpbrtbjb fdi audec y sd flrleïb mbglb ib gbob. -Dsc sudkb jldk -flnc Ebjrldiid sdktâkfcsd dktrd ibs pldrkbs fd ]dkb y dktrdeâkfcid di pdlkd. ]dkb Zcfd÷ gck su jrbzc ib glkturb fd Ebjrldiid y ib bgdrg÷ b diib pbrb bigbkzbr odncr su gbjdiic. Gcktuvc uk dstrdodgloldktc bi sdktlr ics ousics fd ib jbrfc gcktrb ics suycs. Dopdz÷ b fdsdkrdfbrid gck gulfbfc, prlodrc usbkfc ics fdfcs y iudec di pdlkd. Wd tco÷ su tldopc, flsarutbkfc fdi sdfcsc gcktbgtc. Ebjrldiid dstbjb ilstb pbrb ib sleuldktd absd fd su pibk. -]dkb, ³od dxpilgbs ic qud ds ib iunurlb fdi eudrrdrc3 -Ib oundr gbsl fdn÷ gbdr di pdlkd. Lktdkt÷ dkgcktrbr dk sdeulfb ukb rdspudstb gcrtb qud kc fldrb iuebr b oâs gurlcslfbfds pcr pbrtd fd ib jbrfc. -Ds uo, judkc, ³pcr quì ic prdeuktbs3 -]dkb kc rdgcrfbjb mbjdr dstbfc kukgb tbk kdrvlcsb gcoc dk dsd ocodktc. -Ds pbrb ukb mlstcrlb qud dstcy dsgrljldkfc. Md dsgugmbfc di tìrolkc, pdrc dk rdbilfbf kc tdkec gibrb ib fladrdkglb dktrd dsc y di slopid sdxc bpbslckbfc. Ebjrldiid sckrl÷ bi sdktlr pckdrsd rïelfc di gudrpc qud tdkïb fdtrâs. -Judkc... uo... ib iunurlb fdi eudrrdrc ds...

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-³Wï3 -lkslstl÷ Ebjrldiid gck gurlcslfbf pdradgtbodktd alkelfb. -Ds oâs... tldkd oâs fd gdidjrbgl÷k -flnc ]dkb pcr alk. -³Fd gdidjrbgl÷k3 ³Xcr quì octlvc3 -Xcr vlvlr. Xcr scjrdvlvlr b ib jbtbiib. Di sdxc tldkd ukb gbilfbf fladrdktd fdspuìs fd ukb jbtbiib. Ds gbsl gcoc pbrb rdgcrfbrtd b tl olsoc qud tcfbvïb dstâs vlvc. ]dkb gcodkz÷ dktckgds b sdpbrbr ics odgmckds fd pdic gcjrlzc y b trdkzbrics. -³Ib mbs sdktlfc bieukb vdz3 -¡Ebjrldiid! -³Ib mbs sdktlfc3 -Kc pdksbjb b fbrsd pcr vdkglfb tbk prcktc. -Wï, fdspuìs fd gbfb jbtbiib -bfoltl÷ ]dkb, lktdktbkfc gck tcfbs sus audrzbs kc pdksbr dk diic. -³Lkgiusc bmcrb3 -id prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid, fufbkfc qud ]dkb tuvldsd di vbicr fd gcktdstbr ib vdrfbf. Wbjïb qud sciïb pbsbr tldopc b scibs, slk vdr b kbfld, fdspuìs fd iugmbr. \ grdïb sbjdr dxbgtbodktd ic qud ib eudrrdrb mbgïb. -Bieukbs vdgds -olktl÷ ]dkb. Wldoprd sdktïb dsd tlpc fd iunurlb, pdrc kc dstbjb flspudstb b bfoltïrsdic bi cjndtc fd sus abktbsïbs obsturjbtcrlbs. -³\ g÷oc ic obkdnbs3 -lkslstl÷ Ebjrldiid. -Ebjrldiid, ³kc pcfdocs mbjibr fd biec qud kc sdb ol vlfb sdxubi, c ib abitb fd diib3 -flnc ]dkb gck tckc dxbspdrbfc. Bqudiib tbrfd fdalkltlvbodktd ib gckvdrsbgl÷k sd dstbjb vcivldkfc fdobslbfc pdrsckbi. \ di gbicr qud rdsuitbjb fd ib gdrgbkïb fd sus gudrpcs kc byufbjb dk bjsciutc. -Ic sldktc, drb slopid gurlcslfbf. -Ebjrldiid dopid÷ uk tckc fcilfc dk dsb balrobgl÷k, nuebkfc gck ib gcopbsl÷k fd ]dkb. \ aukglck÷. 65



-Xdrf÷kbod, Ebjrldiid. Kc qudrïb sdr tbk jrusgb. Ds qud kc ds uk tdob gck di qud od sldktb fdobslbfc g÷ocfb. Od trbd ougmcs rdgudrfcs qud prdaldrc kc rdvlvlr. -"\ pdksboldktcs b ics qud prdaldrc kc dkardktbrod", pdks÷ pbrb sï. Ebjrldiid sbjïb qud tcfc mbjïb tdrolkbfc pcr dsb kcgmd, y dstbjb sbtlsadgmb. Mbjïb cjtdklfc dxbgtbodktd ibs rdbgglckds qud qudrïb y ib lkacrobgl÷k qud kdgdsltbjb pbrb sdeulr iugmbkfc. Fdglfl÷ fbr uk rdsplrc b ]dkb y gbojl÷ fd tdob. -Xbrdgd qud Brec dstâ ebkbkfc pdsc. -Xrcjbjidodktd. Id mbgd abitb dndrglglc. -]dkb bt÷ di dxtrdoc fd ib trdkzb gck ukb tlrb fd gudrc-. \b dstâ. -Erbglbs -flnc Ebjrldiid gcoprcjbkfc ib acrob fd su pdic. Bþk id obrbvliibjb ic jldk qud ]dkb pcfïb iidvbr b gbjc ukb bgtlvlfbf tbk adodklkb. Gcksgldktd fd qud di sdeulr sdktbfb tbk gdrgb fd ]dkb prcvcgbrïb ukb prdeuktb pcr su pbrtd, sd idvbkt÷ y aud mbglb ukc fd ics cfrds-. ³Ruldrds uk pcgc fd vlkc3 -prdeukt÷ bigbkzbkfc fcs gcpbs. -Wï, od eustbrïb. ³Guâktc kcs qudfb3 -flnc ]dkb, cguitbkfc su flseustc bktd ib obrgmb fd Ebjrldiid. -Ougmc. Mìrguids tdkïb uk tckdi bquï gubkfc iidebocs y dkvl÷ b Lcibus b pcr fcs oâs -flnc Ebjrldiid bibreâkfcid b ]dkb su gcpb bktds fd sdktbrsd b su ibfc. -Jldk -flnc ]dkb bpurbkfc di gcktdklfc. Ebjrldiid dstbjb b ukb flstbkglb prufdkglbi, pdrc bþk ic sualgldktdodktd gdrgb gcoc pbrb lktdradrlr dk ics pdksboldktcs fd ib eudrrdrb. Ebjrldiid kc mbji÷, slkc qud sd fdflg÷ b jdjdrsd su vlkc y pibkdbr su nuebfb. Fdglfl÷ qud di pibk fdi fïb sleuldktd kc lkgiulrïb prdeuktbs scjrd sdxc. Dsc pckfrïb kdrvlcsb b ]dkb, y kc qudrïb qud cgurrldrb bþk. Ebjrldiid sckrl÷ gck pdrvdrslfbf oldktrbs di tcrodktc fd obòbkb sd acro÷ pcgc b pcgc dk su odktd.

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-Grdc qud kc quldrc sbjdr ic qud dstâ pbsâkfctd pcr ib gbjdzb dk dstd ocodktc, b nuzebr pcr tu sckrlsb -flnc ]dkb, sbgbkfc b Ebjrldiid fd su dkslolsoboldktc. -Tm, yc, uo, slopidodktd pdksbjb dk ukb mlstcrlb. -Tm mum -flnc ]dkb bi tldopc qud didvbjb ukb gdnb. Kc grdïb ukb pbibjrb, pdrc tbopcgc dstbjb sdeurb fd qudrdr sbjdr dxbgtbodktd ic qud dstbjb pdksbkfc Ebjrldiid. -Qcy b kdgdsltbr qud dndrgltds uk pcgc b Brec mbstb qud ol pldrkb sd gurd -flnc iudec, lktdktbkfc gbojlbr fd tdob. -³Wdeurc qud kc pcfdocs fdnbrib dkecrfbr slopidodktd3 -B Ebjrldiid kc id dktuslbsobjb ib lfdb fd ocktbr b Brec. -Ebjrldiid, sbjds qud ic kdgdsltb. ³Ruldrds qud ic mbeb yc, gck ib pldrkb rctb3 -Kc. \c ic mbrì, pdrc kc prdtdkfbs qud od eustd -flnc Ebjrldiid gck fdsâkloc. -Vcfcs tdkdocs qud mbgdr gcsbs dk ib vlfb qud kc kcs eustbk, Ebjrldiid. -Bm sï, pdrc gck sudrtd, bieþk fïb sdrdocs rdgcopdksbfcs pcr kudstrbs bgglckds -rdspckfl÷ râplfbodktd ib jbrfc. -³\ dxbgtbodktd quì gibsd fd rdgcopdksb quldrds pcr dndrgltbr b Brec3 -prdeukt÷ ]dkb idvbktbkfc ukb gdnb. Rudrïb vdr di tlpc fd rdspudstb qud id fbrïb ib jbrfc, gckslfdrbkfc ib kbturbidzb fd sus þitlobs gckvdrsbglckds. -Ooo, tdkfrì qud pdksârodic -flnc Ebjrldiid idvbktâkfcsd gck rbplfdz y sujlìkfcsd b ib gbob-. Ic gcksuitbrì gck ib biocmbfb y obòbkb td ic flec. Judkbs kcgmds. -Wd elr÷ pbrb cguitbr su sckrlsb. "Cm sï, ]dkb. Dspdrb b vdr guâi ds ib rdgcopdksb qud quldrc", pdks÷ Ebjrldiid gdrrbkfc ics cncs. ]dkb sd qudf÷ sdktbfb dk di sudic ukcs gubktcs olkutcs oâs, lktdktbkfc rdibnbrsd bktds fd fbrsd pcr vdkglfb y odtdrsd dk ib gbob nuktc bi cjndtc fd sus sudòcs. Obktdkdr sus sdktloldktcs jbnc gcktrci id rdsuitbjb gbfb vdz oâs y oâs flaïgli. Vuvc qud rdardkbr di lopuisc fd rcfdbr gck sus audrtds jrbzcs di subvd gudrpc qud ybgïb 6<



nuktc bi suyc. Arustrbfb, ]dkb sd elr÷ alkbiodktd mbstb qudfbr fd dspbifbs b ib jbrfc y olr÷ bi audec. "³Vldkds lfdb fd quì gibsd fd pbslckds dstâs dkgdkfldkfc dk ol lktdrlcr3", pdks÷ ]dkb pbrb sï oldktrbs sd bpcfdrbjb fd diib uk sudòc lktrbkqulic.

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Ebjrldiid pibkd÷ sus bgtcs gck gulfbfc. Kc qudrïb fdspdrtbr scspdgmbs dk ib eudrrdrb. Mbjibr fd sdxc yb kc drb ukb cpgl÷k, pdrc sï di gcktbgtc aïslgc. ]dkb dstbjb fd pld nuktc b ib gmlodkdb, lkgilkbfb scjrd ib ouidtb, y vlelibkfc di fdsbyukc gubkfc slktl÷ ibs pdqudòbs y fdilgbfbs obkcs fd ib jbrfc rcfdbr su glkturb y bjrbzbrib gck alrodzb. -Judkcs fïbs -flnc Ebjrldiid bi tldopc qud ib iljdrbjb. Mbjïb sdktlfc ib rlelfdz dk di gudrpc fd ]dkb bktd di rcgd. "Xbrdgd qud mb slfc ukb judkb lfdb", pdks÷ pbrb sï ib jbrfc. -Judkcs fïbs -rdspckfl÷ ]dkb lktdktbkfc rdgupdrbr ib aidxljlilfbf-. Eulsc fd gckdnc pbrb fdsbyukbr. Xbrdgd qud kc mby klkeþk ctrc tlpc fd gbrkd. ³Ruldrds uk pcgc fd tì3 -]dkb aud gcndbkfc mbstb fckfd sd dkgcktrbjbk bilkdbfbs ibs gcpbs, scjrd di ocstrbfcr. Kdgdsltbjb pckdr dspbglc fd pcr odflc dktrd diib y ib lktcxlgbktd prdsdkglb fd ib jbrfc. -Dsc fdi tì sudkb jldk. Wupckec qud pcfrïb iidvbr b Brec mbstb di brrcyc y trbtbr fd gcksdeulr uk pcgc oâs fd pdsgbfc. ³Ruì td pbrdgd3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid oldktrbs sd vdstïb. ]dkb sd obktuvc fd dspbifbs b diib dk tcfc ocodktc. -Ouy jldk, sldoprd y gubkfc kc td gblebs fdktrc -bòbfl÷ dk tckc fd jrcob oldktrbs vdrtïb di iïqulfc dk ib tbzb. Ebjrldiid aud mbstb diib y sd ib qult÷ fd ibs obkcs. -Ebjrldiid, mbzod uk abvcr y iiìvbtd ol fbeb. -Biz÷ ukb obkc pbrb fdtdkdr ib prctdstb fd ib jbrfc-. W÷ic pcr sl bgbsc. Mbzic pcr oï, pcr abvcr. Ebjrldiid sbjïb qud kc drb gbpbz fd flsgutlr gck ]dkb, dspdglbiodktd gubkfc id pdfïb ibs gcsbs "pcr abvcr". 48



-Fd bgudrfc. Ib btbrì b ukc fd ics dxtrdocs fd ol gbybfc. ³Vd qudfbs oâs trbkqulib bsï3 -Wbjïb qud sï, pdrc qudrïb cïric fd ics ibjlcs fd ]dkb. -Wï. ³G÷oc dstâ tu dspbifb3 -Odncr. -Jldk. Kc tbrfds ougmc. Kc od eustb qudfbrod bquï sdktbfb prdcgupâkfcod pcr tl. -³Xrdcgupâkfctd pcr oï3 ³Dk quì tlpc fd prcjidob pcfrïb odtdrod dktrd ib gbjbòb y di brrcyc3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid mbgldkfc usc fd su vcz oâs lkcgdktd. Bojbs sd olrbrck y dstbiibrck dk gbrgbnbfbs-. Vdkfrì gulfbfc, ]dkb, ic prcodtc. -Gck dsc, id flc ctrc bjrbzc râplfc, dstb vdz fd gbrb, y sd obrgm÷. ]dkb gcktdopi÷ ib pudrtb gdrrbfb ukcs sdeukfcs oldktrbs ics pdksboldktcs brrbsbjbk su odktd. "³Ruì dstâs trbobkfc3 Vdkec di prdsdktloldktc fd qud biec pibkdbs, pdrc kc sì quì ds. ³Ruì mby dk dsb pdqudòb gbjdgltb tuyb3" Bpbrtbkfc dsbs lfdbs, ]dkb gcnd÷ mbstb ib gbob y gcodkz÷ gck ics fcicrcscs dndrglglcs qud id sdrvïbk pbrb acrtbidgdr su pldrkb. Xbsbrck fcs mcrbs bktds fd qud cydsd b Brec rderdsbr. Ebjrldiid dktr÷, ocstrbkfc creuiicsbodktd trds pdgds odflc gckedibfcs. -³Qds3 \ slk ocnbrod slquldrb. -Wu sckrlsb aud rdspckflfb pcr ctrb fd ib eudrrdrb. Ebjrldiid sd pusc rcpb sdgb y sd sdkt÷ nuktc bi audec oldktrbs ]dkb iloplbjb di pdsgbfc. Wd flrlel÷ mbglb diib vbrlbs vdgds pbrb vdr g÷oc ljb, y gbfb vdz sd ibs brrdei÷ pbrb tcgbrib dk di mcojrc. Dsc mbgïb qud ib oundr fd pdic bzbjbgmd audsd oâs y oâs gcksgldktd fd ib prdsdkglb fd ib jbrfc, sl ds qud biec bsï drb pcsljid. Ebjrldiid sd rdibn÷ y bjbkfck÷ su dstrbtdelb mbstb ib tbrfd. Fdspuìs fd gdkbr vcivldrck b sdktbrsd dk di sudic gck ib gbob gcoc rdspbifc. Ebjrldiid sd dsacrz÷ dspdglbiodktd dk gcicgbrsd ouy gdrgb, ic gubi kc pbs÷ fdsbpdrgljlfc b ib eudrrdrb, y tbopcgc b su gudrpc. Gmbri÷ flstrbïfbodktd scjrd tdobs bjsurfcs d lkgcksdgudktds bktds fd fdglflr odtdrsd dk ib gbob. Wd mbjïb 42



bsdeurbfc fd fctbr b su vcz fd uk tckc subvd, trbkspcrtbkfc b ]dkb b uk dstbfc sdolmlpk÷tlgc vbrlbs vdgds. Wd aud b fcrolr sbtlsadgmb pcr su ibjcr fd bqudi fïb, y ib eudrrdrb ic mlzc tdrrljidodktd arustrbfb.

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Ebjrldiid fdglfl÷ qud bqudiib sdrïb ib kcgmd dk ib qud sdfuglrïb b ]dkb. \b mbjïb dspdrbfc sualgldktd pcr ib oundr qud bobjb. Vcfbs ibs lkslkubglckds, olrbfbs y jrcobs kc mbjïbk aukglckbfc. Drb di ocodktc fdi bsbitc fdalkltlvc. Ebjrldiid mbji÷ pcgc furbktd di fïb, dstbjb fdobslbfc cgupbfb pibkdbkfc. ]dkb ib olrbjb gbolkbr pcr ib gbjbòb, pdrflfb dk sus pdksboldktcs. Ib abitb fd gckvdrsbgl÷k pcr pbrtd fd ib jbrfc fdsqulglbjb b ]dkb. Dstbjb sdeurb fd qud Ebjrldiid trbobjb biec, slk fufb bieukb. Drb bqudi "biec" ic qud ib pckïb tbk kdrvlcsb. Ebjrldiid rdjusg÷ dk ukb fd ibs gbnbs fd prcvlslckds mbstb fbr gck ic qud jusgbjb, uk pdqudòc arbsgc fd bgdltd pdrauobfc. Tk jrliic obivbfc sd bsco÷ b sus cncs bi pdksbr dk tcfbs ibs pcsljlilfbfds qud bqudi rdglpldktd id jrlkfbjb. Aud mbstb ib gbob y sd sdkt÷. -]dkb, ³pcr quì kc od fdnbs fbrtd uk obsbnd dk ib dspbifb3 Vdkec bgdltd -flnc tdktâkfcib-. Qdkeb, sbjds ic ougmc qud td eustbk ics obsbnds. -]dkb sd pusc tdksb bktd ib lfdb fd ibs obkcs fd bqudiib prdglcsb oundr rdgcrrldkfc su dspbifb brrljb y bjbnc, pdrc ib bktlglpbgl÷k fd dsd pibgdr id lkukf÷ ics sdktlfcs. -Fd bgudrfc, dktrbrì dk tu nudec -flnc ]dkb fdnbkfc b uk ibfc ib ouidtb y sdktâkfcsd ardktd b ib jbrfc. -Lktdrdsbktd didggl÷k fd pbibjrbs, ol dstþplfb eudrrdrb -flnc Ebjrldiid subvd y gbrlòcsbodktd. Iudec sd bgdrg÷ mbstb qud sus pldrkbs qudfbrck prâgtlgbodktd jbnc ibs fd ib eudrrdrb. Wd lkgilk÷ mbglb fdibktd y susurr÷ bi cïfc fd ]dkb. Ruïtbtd ib gbolsb. -Aud oâs ukb crfdk qud ukb pdtlgl÷k. Di gâilfc y subvd bildktc y ib butcrltbrlb vcz lktcxlgbrck d mlpkctlzbrck b ib oundr. Gdrr÷ ics cncs d 4:



mlzc ic qud sd id pdfïb-. Bmcrb, vcy b gcktbrtd ukb mlstcrlb. -Ebjrldiid mlzc ukb pbusb y vdrtl÷ ukbs ectbs fd bgdltd scjrd ics tcrkdbfcs mcojrcs-. Ruldrc qud dsgugmds gck btdkgl÷k. ³Dktdkflfc, ]dkb3 -Fdsilz÷ sus obkcs gck subvlfbf scjrd ics mcojrcs fd ib oundr-. Xck ougmb btdkgl÷k. -Vcfc ic qud ]dkb pufc mbgdr aud bsdktlr. Ebjrldiid kukgb iide÷ b rdtlrbr ib gbjdzb, pcr ic qud su gâilfc bildktc gcktlku÷ bgbrlglbkfc di cïfc fd ib oundr. -Qcy b gcktbrtd ib mlstcrlb fd fcs bobktds... -]dkb aud lkgbpbz fd rdprlolr uk iledrc edolfc. Ebjrldiid gckcgïb pdradgtbodktd di dadgtc qud bqudiib mlstcrlb tdkïb scjrd diib, pcr dsc ib mbjïb didelfc. Oldktrbs mbjibjb, gcktlku÷ bpilgbkfc bgdltd dk ib dspbifb fd ]dkb, mbglìkfcib dstrdodgdrsd b odflfb qud fdsgdkfïb. Di obsbnd yb mbjïb pdrflfc tcfb su rbz÷k fd sdr. Ibs obkcs fd Ebjrldiid vbebjbk iljrdodktd, birdfdfcr fd su gudiic, jbnbkfc pcr sus jrbzcs, pcr tcfb su dspbifb. Kc s÷ic bgbrlglbjbk, dstbjbk slktldkfc y odocrlzbkfc di gudrpc fd ]dkb. Wus obkcs y sus fdfcs fdilkdbjbk gbfb oþsguic, gbfb glgbtrlz, dktrdeâkfcics b su rdgudrfc. Wu fuigd y odi÷flgb vcz, sus sdksubids obkcs y di tljlc bildktc trbjbnbjbk uklfcs pbrb pckdr b ]dkb dk uk idtârelgc dstbfc fd fdsdc y rdibnbgl÷k- ... y gbfb vdz qud ibs cibs rcopdk gcktrb ib crliib, ics bobktds qudfbk uklfcs. -Ebjrldiid tdrolk÷ gck dsbs pbibjrbs. Wus prcplcs fdsdcs sd bjrïbk gbolkc bmcrb mbgldkfc ib kdgdslfbf fd sdktlr oâs pldi jbnc sus fdfcs biec lkgcktrcibjid. Vltujdbstd, rcfd÷ gck sus jrbzcs ib glkturb fd ]dkb, susurrbkfc. -]dkb, td quldrc. -B gcktlkubgl÷k jds÷ di i÷juic fd su crdnb. Wu rdsplrbgl÷k sd mlzc oâs râplfb bi sdktlr ics jrbzcs fd ib jbrfc rcfdâkfcib. Tkb fdsgbreb diìgtrlgb vlbn÷ fdsfd su crdnb mbstb di gdktrc fd su sdr bi sdktlr di gcktbgtc fd bqudiics subvds ibjlcs. Vcfbs sus fdadksbs sd vlkldrck bjbnc bi dsgugmbr dsbs mdrocsbs pbibjrbs. Bjrl÷ sus cncs, iidkcs fd iâerlobs, y vcivl÷ ib gbjdzb pbrb olrbr b su bfcrbjb Ebjrldiid. Aud rdgljlfb pcr di bzui vdrfcsc qud tbktc bobjb, tbk gckocvlfcs gcoc ics suycs, iidkcs fd bocr y fdsdc. Ebjrldiid... -aud tcfc ic qud su qudjrbfb vcz pufc prckukglbr. Ebjrldiid sckrl÷ lkgcrpcrâkfcsd. -Qdk -flnc ib jbrfc dxtdkfldkfc su obkc. ]dkb sd ocvl÷ idktbodktd, trbtbkfc fd 47



gckvdkgdrsd fd qud bqudiic kc drb uk sudòc, fâkfcid ib obkc. Gck ukb audrzb fdsgckcglfb pbrb diib, Ebjrldiid tlr÷ fd ]dkb mbstb pckdrib fd pld y ib iidv÷ mbstb ib gbob. ]dkb sd qudf÷ biiï, dk dquliljrlc scjrd su pldrkb sbkb y gcktdopibkfc b Ebjrldiid oldktrbs sd qultbjb ib gbolsb. Ìstb dopun÷ idvdodktd b ib oundr pcr ics mcojrcs, trbkspcrtâkfcibs b bojbs scjrd ib gbob. Eloldrck idvdodktd bktd di pibgdr fd sdktlr di gcktbgtc fd sus gudrpcs. Ebjrldiid sd didv÷ ic nustc pbrb fdnbr qud ]dkb sd bgcocfbrb, bktds fd sltubrsd scjrd diib. Dstb vdz ib jbrfc fdsgdkfl÷ idktbodktd, jdjldkfc gbfb sdksbgl÷k gck gulfbfc fd kc prdslckbr ibs bþk fdilgbfbs gcstliibs fd ib eudrrdrb. Di gcktbgtc ibs mlzc tdojibr. ]dkb fdn÷ dsgbpbr uk edolfc fd pibgdr gubkfc sus pdgmcs sd dkgcktrbrck. B ib pâilfb iuz fdi audec, bojbs pcfïbk vdr ib prcaukflfbf fd su bocr dk ics cncs fd ib ctrb. ]dkb fdn÷ b su tdojicrcsb obkc fdsgbksbr scjrd ib odnliib fd Ebjrldiid. -Flcsds, oïrbod. Dstcy tdojibkfc gcoc ukb mcnb -flnc ib leubiodktd dktrdgcrtbfb vcz fd ]dkb. Fdsilz÷ su puiebr scjrd ib dsqulkb fd ib jcgb fd Ebjrldiid. Ibs iâerlobs gcrrïbk yb iljrdodktd dk bojbs oundrds. -Vd quldrc, Ebjrldiid. Rud Barcfltb od byufd, lktdktì iugmbr gcktrb dstc, pdrc kc pufd. Vd quldrc. -Ebjrldiid dktdrr÷ ib gbrb dk su csgurc gbjdiic. -\c tbojlìk td quldrc -flnc Ebjrldiid bi tldopc qud didvbjb ib gbjdzb pbrb olrbr dk ib prcaukflfbf fd ics cncs fd su boleb. -Kc pudfc vlvlr slk tl. Dsgckfdr ols sdktloldktcs od dstbjb vcivldkfc icgb. Vcfc ic qud quldrc ds bobrtd, dstbr gcktlec, fbrtd tcfc di bocr qud iidvc fdktrc. Ruldrc... -Di fdfc fd ]dkb scjrd sus ibjlcs ib lktdrruopl÷. -Wmm, ol pdqudòb jbrfc. Dstd ds ukc fd dscs ocodktcs dk qud ics bgtcs flgdk oâs qud ibs pbibjrbs. -Xbrb fdocstrbr su tdcrïb, dkvcivl÷ di gudrpc fd ib ncvdk gck sus audrtds jrbzcs y ib bgdrg÷ b diib. ]dkb sd didv÷ y rcz÷ sus ibjlcs gcktrb ics fd ib kbrrbfcrb. Bojbs eloldrck bktd di dstrdodgloldktc qud pbs÷ dktrd sus gudrpcs. Ebjrldiid gdrr÷ ics cncs y iidv÷ su jcgb mbglb bjbnc, slktldkfc ib subvlfbf fd ics ibjlcs fd ]dkb y ib audrzb fd su prcplb kdgdslfbf. ]dkb sd rdgcst÷ y fdn÷ qud ib ncvdk tcobrb di gcktrci. Ebjrldiid gcktlku÷ sbjcrdâkfcib. 46



Jds÷ sus ibjlcs, bgcodtldkfc ukb y ctrb vdz, utlilzbkfc cgbslckbiodktd su idkeub pbrb bgbrlglbr di ibjlc lkadrlcr fd ]dkb. Vcfc diic mlzc surelr oâs edolfcs fd ib ebrebktb fd ib eudrrdrb. Bjrl÷ sus ibjlcs gubkfc ib ncvdk id obkladst÷ su lktdkgl÷k fd dktrbr. Wus idkeubs sd tcgbrck, flspbrbkfc sus fdsdcs y pbslckds b dxtrdocs oâs biiâ fd ic rbzckbjid. Ib idkeub fd Ebjrldiid sd vcivl÷ oâs dxledktd, rdgcrrldkfc tcfbs y gbfb ukb fd ibs tdxturbs fd ib jcgb fd ib eudrrdrb. Bojbs dstbjbk slk rdsplrbgl÷k pbrb gubkfc Ebjrldiid sd rdtlr÷. -Nustc bi gdktrc fd ol gcrbz÷k -ourour÷ Ebjrldiid rdsplrbkfc gck vdmdodkglb. ]dkb pusc ibs obkcs dk ics mcojrcs fd ib jbrfc pbrb prdvdklrsd fd ctrc jdsc. -Fdi oïc tbojlìk, pdrc tdkdocs qud mbjibr. -Ib vcz fd ]dkb drb rckgb y âspdrb, gcoc sl bgbjbrb fd rderdsbr fd ukb eudrrb. -Vþ, ib rdlkb fdi slidkglc, ³quldrds mbjibr3 -flnc Ebjrldiid gck lkgrdfuilfbf, pdrc b sbjldkfbs fd qud kdgdsltbjbk ukb pbusb, bukqud s÷ic audrb pbrb rdgupdrbr di bildktc. Wd bpbrt÷ fd ib oundr y sd sdkt÷ gck ibs pldrkbs gruzbfbs b su ibfc. ]dkb sd lkgcrpcr÷ tbojlìk, rdgilkâkfcsd gcktrb ib pbrdf. Ebjrldiid sd qudf÷ gbiibfb, dspdrbkfc lopbgldktdodktd b qud ]dkb mbjibrb. -Ebjrldiid -flnc ]dkb rdgcrrldkfc gck su ïkflgd ib obkfïjuib y ib jbrjliib fd ib jbrfc-, td quldrc. Kc pudfc dkgcktrbr pbibjrbs qud dxprdsdk g÷oc od sldktc bmcrb olsoc. -Lktìktbic -ib lkst÷ Ebjrldiid fuigdodktd. ]dkb sbjïb ic lopcrtbktd qud drbk ibs pbibjrbs pbrb ib ncvdk jbrfc, bsï qud trbe÷ sbilvb y dopdz÷ fd kudvc. -Dk rdbilfbf fd ougmbs acrobs. Bsustbfb, adilz oâs biiâ fd ic grdïjid, oâs kdrvlcsb qud ukb kcvlb, y ougmbs gcsbs oâs. Xdrc ic qud sldktc scjrd tcfc ds gcoc sl uk erbk pdsc mujldsd fdsbpbrdglfc fd ols mcojrcs. Kc tldkds lfdb fd guâktbs kcgmds od md qudfbfc fdspldrtb, btcrodktâkfcod, lktdktbkfc bflvlkbr guâids drbk tus sdktloldktcs. Vdkïb tbktc oldfc fd qud od vcivldrbs b bjbkfckbr... Kc quldrc qud dsc cgurrb. -Wlidkgl÷ fd kudvc ib rdspudstb fd 44



Ebjrldiid-. Kc sì pcr quì od quldrds, pdrc sì qud ds bsï. Xudfc vdric ds tus cncs. \ dsc od bsustb uk pcgc. Ebjrldiid, kukgb od mbjïb sdktlfc bsï pcr kbfld. -Aud bmcrb Ebjrldiid quldk gruz÷ su fdfc scjrd ics ibjlcs fd ib oundr, plflìkfcid qud gbiibrb pcr prlodrb vdz fdsfd qud sd gckcgïbk. -]dkb, yc dstcy tbk bsustbfb gcoc tþ. Kc pudfc dxpilgbr guâkfc c gcoc od dkbocrì fd tl. Ic þklgc qud sì ds qud td quldrc. Ruldrc pbsbr di rdstc fd ol vlfb gcktlec, gcopbrtldkfc tu vlfb. Kc pudfc vlvlr sl kc ds b tu ibfc. -Ebjrldiid sd bgdrg÷ y sd sltu÷ scjrd ib eudrrdrb-. \ dk dstd ocodktc kc quldrc dstbr dk klkeþk ctrc ibfc qud kc sdb bquï, mbgldkfc di bocr gcktlec. Kc sì quì mbgdr, pdrc dstcy sdeurb fd qud tþ od dksdòbrâs -flnc fdvcivldkfc sus ibjlcs b ics fd ]dkb. Ib eudrrdrb dkvcivl÷ gck sus jrbzcs b ib ncvdk y id fdvcivl÷ di jdsc, prcjbkfc gck su idkeub di sbjcr ib jcgb fd su bobktd. ]dkb mlzc elrbr b ib jbrfc y ib sltu÷ fd kudvc scjrd ib gbob. Wleul÷ jdsâkfcib fuigdodktd bi tldopc qud sus dxpdrlodktbfcs fdfcs dxpicrbjbk ib subvlfbf fd ib ebrebktb fd Ebjrldiid. -Ooo, flcsds, drds tbk subvd... -ourour÷ ]dkb mbgldkfc fdsgdkfdr su jcgb pbrb dxpicrbr ib zckb qud sus fdfcs bgbjbjbk fd bjbkfckbr. Iudec vcivl÷ b bsgdkfdr, bjrlìkfcsd gbolkc dktrd ib odidkb gcjrlzb mbstb dkgcktrbr di i÷juic fd Ebjrldiid. Jds÷, ibol÷ y ocrfl÷ ib sdfcsb pldi, prcvcgbkfc idvds edolfcs fd pibgdr dk ib kbrrbfcrb. Zderds÷ ukb vdz oâs b sbjcrdbr ib jcgb fd Ebjrldiid bktds fd fdsgdkfdr dktrd sus pdgmcs. ]dkb gujrl÷ gck sus obkcs ics subvds ocktïguics, btrbpbkfc ics pdzckds dktrd sus fdfcs puiebr d ïkflgd. Dstbjbk drdgtcs y furcs, y rcebjbk sdr jdsbfcs. Ibs obkcs fd Ebjrldiid sd dkrdfbrck dk ib csgurb odidkb y eulbrck b ib eudrrdrb. Wu idkeub sd dxtdkfl÷ y rcz÷ iledrbodktd di bkmdibktd pdz÷k lzquldrfc. Ebjrldiid brqud÷ su dspbifb bktd di dxqulsltc pibgdr, supilgbkfc slk pbibjrbs. ]dkb sd tco÷ su tldopc, gmupbkfc y iboldkfc sus pdgmcs mbstb sbglbrsd. Ibs gbfdrbs fd Ebjrldiid sd ocvïbk yb gck ib olidkbrlb audrzb fdi fdsdc. ]dkb sd didv÷, slk civlfbr su pldrkb rctb, y sdpbr÷ ibs fd Ebjrldiid gck ib rcfliib. -Fuigd Barcfltb -flnc bi sdktlr ib prdsl÷k fd ib pldrkb fd ib jbrfc gcktrb su sdxc. 41



Ebjrldiid elol÷ bi sdktlr ib muodfbf fd ]dkb dk su ousic. Xrdslck÷ lkstlktlvbodktd gcktrb diib, prcvcgbkfc qud ib eudrrdrb fdtuvldrb sus gbrlglbs y gcodkzbsd b edolr. Ibs gbfdrbs fd ]dkb dopdzbrck b ocvdrsd brrljb y bjbnc, dopbpbkfc di ousic fd Ebjrldiid gck su aiunc. Ics cncs bzuids sd dkgcktrbjbk audrtdodktd gdrrbfcs, su odktd gdrrbfb b tcfc ic qud kc audsdk ibs sdksbglckds qud grdgïbk slk iïoltd dktrd sus pldrkbs. Ebjrldiid gcktdopi÷ ibs fladrdktds dxprdslckds qud vcibjbk pcr di rcstrc fd ib eudrrdrb. Btrbp÷ sus pdgmcs gck ibs obkcs, bgbrlglbkfc ics sdksljlilzbfcs pdzckds gck ics puiebrds. Tkcs bmcebfcs y idvds qudnlfcs gcodkzbrck b dsgbpbr fd ics ibjlcs fd ]dkb, bsï gcoc uk mckfc rckrckdc fdi lktdrlcr fd su ebrebktb. Ebjrldiid slktl÷ di rïc fd aiulfcs gcodkzbr b fdsilzbrsd pcr su pldrkb bi tldopc qud ]dkb sd pckïb tdksb, y iudec sbgufïb sus gbfdrbs rïtolgbodktd bktds fd erltbr di kcojrd fd ib jbrfc gck audrzb sualgldktd gcoc pbrb fdspdrtbr b tcfc di jcsqud. Ebjrldiid bilvl÷ ib prdsl÷k fd su ousic y bjrbz÷ b ]dkb gubkfc ìstb gby÷ scjrd diib. Ib jbrfc ib scstuvc bsï, bgbrlglâkfcid subvdodktd ib dspbifb, mbstb qud slktl÷ qud su rdsplrbgl÷k vcivïb b ib kcrobilfbf. -³Dstâs jldk3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid dk vcz jbnb. Wlktl÷ qud ib eudrrdrb bsdktïb y ib scit÷. ]dkb sd elr÷ mbstb qudfbr jcgb brrljb scjrd ib gbob, rdsplrbkfc prcaukfbodktd. -Fbod uk olkutc, pcr abvcr -id plfl÷ dktrd nbfdcs. Ebjrldiid sckrl÷ y sd didv÷ bpcyâkfcsd dk uk gcfc. -Mbs erltbfc -jrcod÷ Ebjrldiid. ]dkb dkrcndgl÷ iledrbodktd. -Ic sldktc, fdjï mbjdrtd bvlsbfc. B vdgds od vudivc fdobslbfc... dxprdslvb. -Ooo, yb vdc -rdspckfl÷ ib jbrfc fljunbkfc gurvbs birdfdfcr fdi cojilec fd ]dkb-. Ics flcsds fdjdk dstbr gcktdktcs gcktlec. -³Ruì quldrds fdglr3 45



-Od rdaldrc b qud mbs kcojrbfc b vbrlcs, ouy dxprdslvbodktd, gubkfc dstbjbs... -Ebjrldiid rl÷ idvdodktd-. Flebocs qud dstcy sdeurb fd qud Barcfltb dstâ oâs qud sbtlsadgmb fd ic qud pldksbs fd diib. -Cm, flcsds -dxgibo÷ ]dkb dsgckfldkfc ib gbjdzb fdjbnc fd uk gcnïk. -³Qds3 B dsc od rdaldrc -jrcod÷ Ebjrldiid, mbgldkfc b ]dkb rdïr dk slidkglc. Iidv÷ su obkc mbglb bjbnc idktbodktd, mbstb bigbkzbr ics mþodfcs rlzcs. Dkrdf÷ sus fdfcs dktrd diics, flsarutbkfc fd ib tdxturb fdi csgurc y dspdsc vdiic. Dstbjb fdsprdvdklfb gubkfc sd dkgcktr÷ fd rdpdktd jbnc sdls plds fd bjsciutb obndstucslfbf bprlslckâkfcib gcktrb ib gbob. -Cm kc, kc prdtdkfbs iidvbrtd tcfb ib flvdrsl÷k -flnc ]dkb bi tldopc qud sdpbrbjb ibs pldrkbs fd Ebjrldiid gck ukb fd ibs suybs y prdslckbjb su ousic gcktrb su sdxc-. ³Ruì ds ic qud fdsdbs, Ebjrldiid3 ³Ruì quldrds qud mbeb gcktlec3 Ebjrldiid drb lkgbpbz fd mbjibr, su fdsdc mbjïb rdfuglfc tcfb su vdrjcrrdb b pdqudòcs edolfcs y susurrcs. -Kc pudfc grddr qud alkbiodktd mbyb fdnbfc b ib jbrfc slk pbibjrbs. -Brqud÷ ukb gdnb-. Wupckec qud tdkfrì qud prcjbr fladrdktds gcsbs y vdr sl td eustbk -flnc gck uk tckc gldrtbodktd obiìvcic, pbrb rdecglnc y fdidltd fd Ebjrldiid, b nuzebr pcr su idvd edolfc y di ocvloldktc fd sus gbfdrbs. Ebjrldiid sd rdtcrgl÷ y elol÷ bktd ibs btdkglckds fd ibs obkcs y ib idkeub fd ]dkb. Ib eudrrdrb sd fdsilz÷ mbglb bjbnc y sd pcslglck÷ dktrd ibs pldrkbs fd ib jbrfc. Gcicg÷ sus jrbzcs jbnc sus audrtds ousics y ics rcfd÷, bpbrtbkfc ics pildeuds gck sus dxpdrlodktbfcs fdfcs. Ibs gbfdrbs dopdzbrck b ocvdrsd oldktrbs ]dkb iboïb ib fuigd oldi qud rdvdibjb di fdsdc fd Ebjrldiid. Ibs gbfdrbs fd ib ncvdk bjbkfckbrck ib gbob y erlt÷ di kcojrd fd su bobktd gubkfc ib gâilfb idkeub dktr÷ dk gcktbgtc gck su giïtcrls, pcr prlodrb vdz. Di bpbslckbfc scklfc fd su kcojrd dk ics ibjlcs fd Ebjrldiid ib dstloui÷. Ib ncvdk sd mbjïb gckvdrtlfc dk ukb lktdrolkbjid gbsgbfb fd edolfcs, ourouiics, sþpilgbs y dxgibobglckds, tcfbs diibs gck di kcojrd fd ]dkb gcoc gcktdklfc. Ìstb sd pibktd÷ pcr uk ocodktc rcjbr ib vlrelklfbf fd Ebjrldiid, pdrc fdglfl÷ dspdrbr. Kc qudrïb dkgcktrbr brrdpdktloldktcs pcr ib obòbkb. Di gudrpc fd Ebjrldiid 4=



dopdz÷ b dstrdodgdrsd, gck di olidkbrlc bkukglc fd ib iidebfb fdi giïobx. Wus obkcs dopunbjbk mbglb sï ib gbjdzb fd ib eudrrdrb, gbsl loplflìkfcid rdsplrbr. Kc id lopcrtbjb. Ic þklgc qud qudrïb drb bmcebr b su bobktd dk uk obr fd pibgdr. Di gudrpc fd Ebjrldiid sd pusc tdksc, sus fdfcs sd grlspbrck y sus ousics btrbpbrck ib gbjdzb fd ]dkb, bocrtleubkfc uk erltc fd ìxtbsls gubkfc di crebsoc ib trbspbs÷. ]dkb sd obktuvc alrod, sdgukfbkfc cidbfb trbs cidbfb mbstb qud slktl÷ b su bobktd fdnbrsd gbdr. Fdn÷ fdsgbksbr ibs gbfdrbs fd Ebjrldiid scjrd ib gbob, bsgdkfl÷ mbstb qudfbr b su biturb y ib bjrbz÷. -Vd quldrc, Ebjrldiid -ourour÷ bi tldopc qud bgbrlglbjb su odidkb rcnlzb. Ib scstuvc gck audrzb mbstb qud ib jbrfc rdgupdr÷ sus audrzbs y pufc mbgdric scib. ]dkb sd tuoj÷ jcgb brrljb y btrbnc b Ebjrldiid mbglb sï. Ib ncvdk fdn÷ fdsgbksbr su gbjdzb dk di mcojrc fd ib eudrrdrb y ukb pldrkb scjrd sus gbfdrbs. -]dkb -susplr÷ jdsbkfc ib zckb fdi gudrpc fd ]dkb qud dkgcktr÷ oâs gdrgb. -Wmm, bmcrb fdsgbksb. Mbjibrdocs pcr ib obòbkb, td ic prcodtc. -]dkb bgbrlgl÷ gbrlòcsbodktd ib odidkb fcrbfb qud tbktc bfcrbjb oldktrbs ib ncvdk jbrfc sd fdsilzbjb dk uk sudòc iidkc fd sbtlsabggl÷k.

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Xbrtd LLL

Ebjrldiid bjrl÷ ics cncs y olr÷ bi lktdrlcr fdi bzui fd ics fd su bobktd. Tk ocvloldktc râplfc fd su obkc gckalro÷ sus rdgudrfcs. -Kc mb slfc uk sudòc. Olr÷ b ]dkb dspdrbkfc su gckalrobgl÷k. -Kc, ol bocr. Kc mb slfc uk sudòc. su dòc. -Jldk -ourour÷ rdgcstbkfc su gbjdzb dk di pdgmc fd ]dkb. Ib eudrrdrb pdks÷ qud Ebjrldiid ljb b fcrolrsd fd kudvc mbstb qud slktl÷ sus ibjlcs y su idkeub vbebkfc pcr su pdgmc. -³]dkb3 -³Oo3 -³Ruì fdrdgmcs tdkec3 -prdeukt÷ gbpturbkfc ukc fd ics pdzckds fd ]dkb dk di lktdrlcr fd su jcgb. -Tm, ³quì quldrds fdglr3 -Brqud÷ ib dspbifb, prdslckâkfcsd gcktrb bqudiib mbojrldktb jcgb. Ebjrldiid sd bidn÷ iledrbodktd. -³Vdkec bieþk fdrdgmc gcoc bobktd3 -Wu puiebr rcfd÷ scokcildktbodktd di pdz÷k drdgtc-. ³Vdkec fdrdgmc b tcgbrtd fckfd quldrb3 -Bgbrlgl÷ - Bgbrlgl÷ gck fdilgbfdzb ib subvd pldi-. ³Vdkec fdrdgmc b pdflrtd qud od tcquds3 -Wu jcgb qudf÷ suspdkflfb audrb fdi bigbkgd fdi pdz÷k-. ³Ic tdkec3 -Qbe÷ gck su idkeub birdfdfcr y scpi÷ idvdodktd dkvlbkfc dsgbicarïcs b tcfcs ics rlkgckds fdi gudrpc fd ]dkb. -Wï -gcktdst÷ slk bildktc. -Ebjrldiid, pcr abvcr... -Wu yb fd pcr sï prcaukfb vcz dodreïb gbvdrkcsb pcr di fdsdc. Dsd tckc dxglt÷ b Ebjrldiid. Wd sltu÷ scjrd ib eudrrdrb y ib olr÷ b ics cncs.

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-Flod sl mbec biec qud kc td eustd -flnc Ebjrldiid. ]dkb bslktl÷-. Xcrqud dstcy sdeurb fd qud dk gbsc gcktrbrlc od vcy b dktdrbr fd scjrb -bòbfl÷ gck uk edstc qud rdgcrf÷ b ]dkb su dxprdslvlfbf fd ib kcgmd bktdrlcr. Ebjrldiid dopdz÷ gck jdscs iledrcs y jrdvds dk gbfb gdktïodtrc fdi rcstrc fd ib eudrrdrb. Wu lktrìplfb idkeub pdkdtr÷ dk ib jcgb fd ]dkb gck ukb pbsl÷k qud ibs scrprdkfl÷ b bojbs. Ics jdscs lktcxlgbrck b ib eudrrdrb oâs biiâ fd su rbz÷k y sd rlkfl÷ bi fdsdc pcr prlodrb vdz. Gckalbjb dk Ebjrldiid, dk qud ib bobrïb y ib gulfbrïb, bsï qud sd pcfïb pdroltlr sdr vuikdrbjid. Btrbnc oâs mbglb sï b ib jbrfc, bjscrjldkfc ib sdksbgl÷k fd su pdsc. Ebjrldiid gcoprdkfl÷ di odksbnd y gcodkz÷ b fdsgdkfdr pcr di gudrpc fd ]dkb. Jds÷ su obkfïjuib, fdtdklìkfcsd pbrb vcivdr b sujlr y gmupbr y ocrfdr di i÷juic fd su crdnb. -Vd quldrc -ourour÷. Iudec sd flrlel÷ mbglb di ctrc cïfc-. \ vcy b mbgdrtd di bocr. b ocr. Ib subvd vcz fd Ebjrldiid dstbjb flspbrbkfc bþk oâs ics pibgdrds qud grdbjb su jcgb. ]dkb sd dkgcktr÷ lkgbpbz fd mbgdr kbfb dxgdptc susplrbr y edolr. Ebjrldiid fdsgdkfl÷ pcr sus jrbzcs, iboldkfc ics jïgdps mbstb iidebr b ibs obkcs fd ib eudrrdrb. Wd lktrcfunc gbfb ukc fd sus fdfcs dk ib jcgb y gmup÷ iledrbodktd ics dxtrdocs. ]dkb kukgb sd mbjïb fbfc gudktb fd ib sdksljlilfbf fd sus ydobs mbstb sdktlr ib idkeub fd ib jbrfc dkvlbkfc fdsgbrebs diìgtrlgbs pcr tcfc su gudrpc. Wlktl÷ su prcplb muodfbf grdgdr pcr ocodktcs. Kc sbjïb guâktc oâs fd bqudiib fuigd beckïb sdrïb gbpbz fd scpcrtbr. Wus obkcs sd bkgibrck dk ib gbob gubkfc ib jcgb fd Ebjrldiid dkgcktr÷ sus pdzckds. Wus ousics sd bjrldrck iledrbodktd bi sdktlr ukb obkc gcktrb su sdxc. Ebjrldiid elol÷ gck fdidltd gcktrb di pdz÷k qud su jcgb gcktdkïb bi tldopc qud fdsilzbjb uk fdfc dktrd ics pildeuds fd ]dkb. -Fuigd Btdkdb -susplr÷ ib eudrrdrb bi sdktlric bjrlrsd pbsc dk su lktdrlcr. Gcktuvc ib rdsplrbgl÷k gubkfc ctrc fd ics fdfcs fd Ebjrldiid pbs÷ scjrd su giïtcrls. -Qbyb, ³quì tdkdocs bquï3 -flnc ib jbrfc gck lrckïb. Wu gbrb ocstrbjb ib olrbfb fd ukb klòb qud mb fdsgujldrtc biec gck ic qud kc fdjdrïb dstbr nuebkfc. Zcz÷ bmï fd kudvc gck su fdfc, gcktdopibkfc g÷oc ibs gbfdrbs sd didvbjbk fd ib 12



gbob pbrb vcivdr b gbdr-. Xbrdgd qud md dkgcktrbfc tu puktc fìjli -flnc sckrldkfc. Qcivl÷ b mbgdric, rcfdâkfcic fdspuìs, dstuflbkfc ibs fladrdktds rdbgglckds qud bqudiic gbusbjb dk ib oundr. Wbil÷ fd su lktdrlcr, gcicgâkfcsd bmcrb b gbfb ibfc fdi sdksljid kþgidc. Tkl÷ sus fdfcs gck subvlfbf, btrbpbkfc di giïtcrls dktrd diics. -¡Flcsds, Ebjrldiid! -dxgibo÷ ]dkb gubkfc sus fdsdcs sd gckvlrtldrck dk butìktlgb kdgdslfbf. Ebjrldiid vcivl÷ b bgbrlglbr y rcfdbr di giïtcrls gck uk fdfc oldktrbs iidvbjb su obkc b ukb zckb qud tdkïb pdkfldktd fd dxpicrbr. Gcicg÷ uk fdfc nustc dk ib dktrbfb y olr÷ b sus cncs bzuids, jusgbkfc su bprcjbgl÷k. Tkb olrbfb fd purc fdsdc id flc ib þklgb rdspudstb qud kdgdsltbjb. Ib pdkdtr÷ idktbodktd, obrbvliiâkfcsd fd ib gbilfdz, ib subvlfbf y ib muodfbf qud dkgcktr÷ biiï. Ibs gbfdrbs fd ]dkb sd didvbrck sleuldkfc di bktleuc rltoc qud id obrgbjbk ics fdfcs fd ib jbrfc, dktrbkfc y sbildkfc idktbodktd, oldktrbs su ctrb obkc gcktlkubjb bgtubkfc scjrd su giïtcrls. -Oâs... -supilg÷ ]dkb. Ebjrldiid mlzc rdtrcgdfdr su obkc y bòbfl÷ uk fdfc oâs dk di dxtdrlcr. Bktd di bsdktloldktc fd ]dkb, rdbkuf÷ di ocvloldktc mbglb su lktdrlcr. Wlktl÷ ics oþsguics fd ]dkb gdrrbrsd scjrd sus fdfcs. Ib odktd y di biob fd ]dkb sd dkgcktrbjbk gdktrbfcs dk ics bgtcs fd Ebjrldiid. Wus gbfdrbs sd ocvïbk pcr vciuktbf prcplb, bgcopbsbfbs gck ib jbrfc, bgcodtlfb trbs bgcodtlfb. Wdktïb sbilr su aiunc y fdsilzbrsd pcr su gudrpc, mbstb ib gbob. -¡Cm, sï! -erlt÷ gubkfc Ebjrldiid bòbfl÷ uk tdrgdr fdfc. Gbydrck dk ukb flkâolgb gbsl pibklalgbfb, gck ]dkb loltbkfc bi oliïodtrc ics ocvloldktcs fd Ebjrldiid scjrd diib. Ics fdfcs fd Ebjrldiid sd gckvlrtldrck dk uk murbgâk gubkfc slktl÷ qud ]dkb sd bgdrgbjb bi giïobx. Gubkfc gcodkz÷ b dstrdodgdrsd, ib jbrfc sd gdktr÷ gcopidtbodktd dk su gbrb. -Oïrbod, ]dkb. Ruldrc vdrtd gubkfc iideud di ocodktc. -Wu vcz drb gbvdrkcsb y fcolkbfcrb, uk tckc qud kukgb bktds id mbjïb gckcglfc. Tk tckc qud kc tdkïb oâs rdodflc qud cjdfdgdr. Bjrl÷ ics cncs y ics aln÷ dk ics vdrfdbzuibfcs fd su bobktd. 1:



-¡Flcsds! -erlt÷ ]dkb ocvldkfc ibs gbfdrbs ardkìtlgbodktd. -Ebjrldiid, kc pudfc beubktbr oâs... cm... pcr abvcr... cm... cm... -Wd lkgcrpcr÷ y rcfd÷ gck sus jrbzcs di gudiic fd Ebjrldiid, kdgdsltbjb tcgbr b su bobktd dk di ocodktc fd su iljdrbgl÷k-. ¡EBJZLDIID! Ebjrldiid dktdrr÷ sus fdfcs dk ]dkb bi dsgugmbrib erltbr su kcojrd. Di gudrpc qud tdkïb fdjbnc sd tdks÷ y sd pusc rïelfc bi sdr sbguflfc pcr di pcfdrcsc crebsoc. Ebjrldiid slktl÷ gbfb gcktrbggl÷k bgtubr scjrd ics oþsguics qud bþk obktdkïbk sus fdfcs btrbpbfcs biiï. Bpbrt÷ ib obkc fd brrljb y yb gcodkzbjb b mbgdr ic olsoc gck sus fdfcs gubkfc slktl÷ ib fd ]dkb dopunbr b ib suyb. -Xcr abvcr. Vcfbvïb kc -susurr÷ bpdkbs ]dkb gdrrbkfc ics cncs y fdnbkfc qud ics dgcs fdi crebsoc rdgcrrldrbk su gudrpc. Gubkfc pcr alk ib fdn÷ lr, Ebjrldiid dxtrbnc sus rdtlgdktds fdfcs. Bpbrt÷ di jrbzc y sd didv÷ mbstb fdnbr fdsgbksbr su gbjdzb scjrd di bgdidrbfc pdgmc fd ]dkb. -³Fdjc supckdr qud mbs flsarutbfc3 -flnc Ebjrldiid gck blrd nueudt÷k-. Mbs kcojrbfc b ics flcsds, ooo, vdbocs, bi odkcs trds vdgds qud yc rdgudrfd. Iidv÷ ukb obkc mbstb di dst÷obec fd ]dkb y gcodkz÷ b surgbric gck aleurbs gurvliïkdbs. -Kc, pcr abvcr, kc pudfc oâs -flnc ]dkb bebrrbkfc ib ouòdgb fd Ebjrldiid. Ìstb sckrl÷ y bpbrt÷ ib obkc. -Bectbfb, ³mum3 -ib lkstle÷ bgdrgâkfcsd pbrb bgbrlglbr su odnliib dstb vdz-. Wupckec qud dsc sleklalgb qud td mb eustbfc. -Aud rdspckflfb pcr uk rdvdibfcr eruòlfc y uk gâilfc bjrbzc, adilzodktd bgdptbfc-. Vd quldrc, ]dkb. -Vd quldrc, Ebjrldiid. Flcsds, ds dstupdkfc pcfdr fdglric bi alk. a lk. -Wï, ic ds -rdspckfl÷ ib jbrfc. Wd bjrbzbrck ib ukb b ib ctrb furbktd uk rbtc bktds fd qud di dst÷obec fd Ebjrldiid ids mlgldrb sbjdr qud tbojlìk mbjïb fdspdrtbfc. 17



-\ grdc qud dsc sleklalgb qud tdkec qud fbrtd fd gcodr -jrcod÷ ]dkb sdktâkfcsd scjrd ib gbob y pcklìkfcsd su gbolsb-. Xckfrì tì b mdrvlr y mbrì di fdsbyukc. Bigbkz÷ su ouidtb, bukqud ib pldrkb dk gldrtc ocfc kc id fciïb yb tbktc gcoc bktds. Wbjïb qud fdsfd sldoprd mbjïb tdklfc ib mbjlilfbf fd gurbrsd fdprlsb. -Fd bgudrfc, yc lrì b ibvbrod -flnc Ebjrldiid sbildkfc fd ib gbob y dkgbolkâkfcsd b ib zckb fd bsdc. Ib gbjbòb sd iidk÷ dk sdeulfb gck di cicr fd gbrkd b ib jrbsb y b lkausl÷k. -³Ruì ds dstc3 -prdeukt÷ ]dkb rdgceldkfc di pdfbzc fd pdrebolkc fcjibfc. -Kbfb -flnc Ebjrldiid lktdktbkfc qultârsdic. Wlk dojbrec, ib eudrrdrb aud fdobslbfc râplfb. ]dkb didv÷ ukb gdnb y vlc g÷oc Ebjrldiid dkrcndgïb. Tkb sckrlsb bsco÷ b sus ibjlcs bi tldopc qud fdspidebjb di pdrebolkc. Dgm÷ uk vlstbzc b ib abolilbr dsgrlturb y idy÷ râplfbodktd. Ebjrldiid sd qudf÷ biiï, gckedibfb bktd di tdocr fd ib rdbggl÷k fd ]dkb bi fdsgujrlr su pibk fd sdfuggl÷k-. ]dkb... fdnb qud td dxpilqud... -Zdtrcgdfl÷ idktbodktd bktd ib bprcxlobgl÷k fd ib eudrrdrb, pdrfldkfc ib tcbiib qud gujrïb su gudrpc fdskufc-. Vdkïb qud bsdeurbrod... b sdeurbrod... Dsc ds, tdkïb qud dstbr sdeurb fd qud tþ... -Wd fdtuvc bi sdktlr ib pbrdf gcktrb su dspbifb. ]dkb sd lreul÷ ardktd b diib, bpcy÷ ib ouidtb dk di ourc d lkocvlilz÷ gck sus obkcs ibs ouòdgbs fd Ebjrldiid fdi olsoc ocfc-. ]dkb... plìksbic... -Cm, ic dstcy pdksbkfc, ol pdqudòb jbrfc -flnc ]dkb obiìvcibodktd, pdrc slk di oâs oïkloc btlsjc fd dkabfc dk su vcz-. Bsï qud sd td cgurrl÷ sdfuglrod, ³ooo3 ³Xdksbstd qud pcfrïbs tdktbrod y vcivdrod icgb fd fdsdc pcr tl furbktd fïbs y fïbs3 Cm, vcy b tdkdr qud dopidbrod b ackfc pbrb pdksbr dk di gbstlec bprcplbfc pbrb tl. -Di rdecfdc sd ocstrbjb dvlfdktd dk sus cncs bzuids. -]dkb, dstcy sdeurb fd qud pcfdocs bgibrbr dstc. -Ebjrldiid sckrl÷ bi vdr qud ics cncs fd ib eudrrdrb rdgcrrïbk brrljb y bjbnc su gudrpc, yb slk flslouics. ]dkb bfcrbjb dstb kudvb iljdrtbf y dstbjb bprcvdgmâkfcsd b prcvdgmâkfcsd fd ib sltubgl÷k. 16



-Cm, gibrc qud ic mbrdocs -flnc sdfugtcrbodktd gdktrbkfc ib vlstb di ics pdgmcs fd ib jbrfc. Dstufl÷ ibs pdgbs, ics rcsbfcs pdzckds qud sd dkfurdgïbk oâs y oâs bktd sus cncs, su vciuodk. Jdjl÷ fd bqudiib lobedk bktds fd sdeulr jbnbkfc-. Xudfds gcktbrod ukb mlstcrlb, y sì dxbgtbodktd ib qud quldrc cïr. Gcktdopi÷ di subvd vdiic y gcodkz÷ b fdsgdkfdr pbrb dktdrrbr su jcgb dk ìi-. \ g÷oc quldrc cïrtd gcktbrib -bòbfl÷ dk uk susurrc bpdkbs bufljid. Di cicr fd ib gbrkd lktdrruopl÷ su nudec-. Iudec, fdspuìs fd gcodr y rdgupdrbr audrzbs. ]dkb bebrr÷ ib ouidtb fd kudvc-. Xcrqud vbs b kdgdsltbr tcfb ib qud pudfbs rduklr -bòbfl÷ gck pdrvdrslfbf. Ebjrldiid rl÷ gck bktlglpbgl÷k y fdidltd pcklìkfcsd su gbolsb. Ebjrldiid fdsgbks÷ jcgb brrljb, olrbkfc bi tdgmc. ]dkb, sbtlsadgmb, fcroïb b su ibfc. Ics pdksboldktcs fd ib jbrfc rdprcfugïbk ukb y ctrb vdz ic qud bgbjbjb fd cgurrlr. Mbjïb slfc flvdrtlfc, pdrc bþk sdktïb qud abitbjb biec. Drb berbfbjid, sdktlodktbi, dojrlbebfcr. ³Kc drb dsc ic qud mbjïb qudrlfc3 Mbjïb qudrlfc qud ]dkb ib bobrb, qud pcsdydrb su gudrpc y id mlgldrb di bocr ukb y ctrb vdz, y bsï mbjïb slfc. ³Dktckgds quì abitbjb3 Ebjrldiid rdodocr÷ su prcplbs abktbsïbs dr÷tlgbs, bqudiibs qud tdkïb bktds fd mbjdr mdgmc di bocr gck diib. Tkb sckrlsb sd bjrl÷ pbsc dk su rcstrc bi dkgcktrbr ib rdspudstb. ]dkb dstbjb sldkfc fdobslbfc gulfbfcsb, fdobslbfc fdilgbfb. Ib prlodrb vdz sd mbjïb vlstc btrbïfb pcr su ibfc csgurc. Mbjïb gcktdopibfc su pbsl÷k dk di gbicr fd ib jbtbiib ougmbs vdgds. Wd flc gudktb fd qud drb dsb pbsl÷k ib qud kdgdsltbjb vdr dk bqudiib gbob. Wd pusc fd ibfc y jds÷ b ]dkb dk ib odnliib. -Ooo -susurr÷ ib eudrrdrb didvbkfc sus jrbzcs y dkvcivldkfc gck diics b su bobktd. Ibs obkcs fd Ebjrldiid fdsgdkfldrck gujrldkfc sus pdgmcs, rdsugltbkfc di fdsdc dk di lktdrlcr fd ]dkb-. Ebjrldiid... -elol÷. Ib kbrrbfcrb iidv÷ sus ibjlcs mbstb di cïfc fd ]dkb. Mbji÷ gck ukb vcz subvd, qudjrbfb, rdpidtb fd fdsdc y kdgdslfbf. -]dkb, td kdgdsltc. Kdgdsltc qud od pcsdbs... kdgdsltc sdktlr tu pbsl÷k... tu fdsdc... Ruldrc pdrfdrod gcktlec... Fdnb fd gulfbrod. -Flnc dstbs þitlobs 14



pbibjrbs dk uk tcoc oâs butcrltbrlc, uk tckc qud ]dkb dkgcktr÷ flaïgli fd rdslstlr. Ib eudrrdrb dopun÷ b Ebjrldiid scjrd ib gbob y sd vcivl÷ pbrb olrbrib b ics cncs. -³Ruì od dstâs plfldkfc3 -prdeukt÷ ]dkb dk vcz jbnb. Wus sdktlfcs dstbjbk yb b pidkc rdkfloldktc fdjlfc b ibs pbibjrbs fd Ebjrldiid, pdrc ib eudrrdrb kdgdsltbjb dstbr sdeurb fd quì drb dxbgtbodktd ic qud qudrïb su bobktd. -Ebjrldiid, kc... kc quldrc mbgdrtd fbòc. Kc quldrc sdr fdobslbfc... jrusgb. -Bsï ds dxbgtbodktd gcoc qudrïb sdr dk dsd ocodktc. Rudrïb gcksuolr di gudrpc y di biob fd ib jbrfc. Rudrïb dstlouibr b Ebjrldiid mbstb qud id supilgbrb qud bgbjbrb gck diib, ukb y ctrb vdz. ]dkb kc sd flc gudktb fd qud dstbjb prdslckbkfc sus gbfdrbs gcktrb Ebjrldiid, rdgcrrldkfc audrtdodktd su pdic gcjrlzc gck ics fdfcs, dxprdsbkfc bsï sus sujgcksgldktds fdsdcs. -Kc vbs b mbgdrod fbòc... -Ib vcz fd Ebjrldiid sd mbjïb vuditc rckgb pcr di fdsdc- ... y quldrc... aurlb. V÷obod, ]dkb... t÷obod gcoc tþ sbjds mbgdric... mbzod tuyb. -Ib obkc fd Ebjrldiid gbptur÷ ib ouòdgb fd ]dkb y ib cjile÷ b dktrbr dk gcktbgtc gck su yb dopbpbfc sdxc. ]dkb elol÷ gubkfc sus fdfcs dkgcktrbrck di aiunc y iidv÷ su jcgb gcktrb ib fd Ebjrldiid. Kl slquldrb dspdr÷ b qud sd id pdroltldrb dktrbr biiï, slopidodktd ic mlzc pcr ib audrzb. Ib obkc qud tdkïb iljrd bgcodtl÷ vlcidktbodktd di pdgmc fd Ebjrldiid, bprdtbkfc su pdz÷k dktrd di puiebr y di ïkflgd. Ibs obkcs fd ib jbrfc sd bkgibrck ardkìtlgbodktd birdfdfcr fd ib dspbifb fd ]dkb, bgdrgâkfcib oâs mbglb sï. Di fdfc fd ]dkb vbebjb iledrbodktd scjrd su giïtcrls, prcvcgbkfc qud sus gbfdrbs sd didvbrbk lkvciuktbrlbodktd gck gbfb ocvloldktc. Ib eudrrdrb bpbrt÷ su jcgb, jdsbkfc y ocrfldkfc tcfb ib supdralgld fd pldi b ic ibrec fd ib obkfïjuib mbstb bigbkzbr su crdnb. Ibol÷ y gmup÷ di i÷juic oldktrbs su bobktd sd rdtcrgïb jbnc su gudrpc. Ib vcz qud iide÷ bi cïfc fd ib jbrfc aud pcgc oâs qud uk eruòlfc bklobi. -Qcy b pcsddrtd, Ebjrldiid. -Wus fdfcs sd ocvldrck mbstb prdslckbr iledrbodktd ib dktrbfb fd Ebjrldiid, gbusbkfc oâs edolfcs y susplrcs fd ib dxgltbfb jbrfc-. Wï... -Ocrfl÷ ib sdksljlilzbfb zckb fdi gudiic fd Ebjrldiid-. Dsc ds ic qud quldrds, 11



³vdrfbf3... Flic, ol jbrfc. -Vrbsibf÷ sus fdfcs mbglb brrljb rczbkfc gck audrzb di dkfurdglfc giïtcrls oldktrbs gck ib ctrb obkc sd fdflgbjb b trbjbnbr bmcrb scjrd ctrc pdz÷k. Ic pdiilzg÷ gck audrzb, sckrldkfc gubkfc Ebjrldiid brqud÷ ib dspbifb d lkgrdodkt÷ di vciuodk fd su vcz-. Flic, Ebjrldiid... flod ic qud quldrds. -]dkb obktdkïb su pbsl÷k jbnc gcktrci b furbs pdkbs. Bodkbzbjb gck gcksuolrib fdobslbfc prcktc. Wus pbibjrbs surtldrck di dadgtc fdsdbfc dk Ebjrldiid. -R... quldrc... cm... -Lktdkt÷ brtlguibr ibs pbibjrbs, pdrc ib bgtlvlfbf scjrd su pdgmc y su giïtcrls id brrdjbtbjbk gubiquldr btlsjc fd pdksboldktc rbglckbi. -³Dkoufdgds, jbrfc3 -ib lkstle÷ ]dkb iidvbkfc su jcgb mbglb bjbnc mbstb gujrlr gck diib di dkfurdglfc pdz÷k. Ic gbptur÷ dktrd sus fldktds y fdvcivl÷ ics fdfcs b ib dktrbfb fd Ebjrldiid. Iudec dopdz÷ b bgbrlglbr gck ib idkeub ic qud sus fldktds obktdkïbk btrbpbfc, ukb y ctrb vdz. -]dkb, pcr abvcr... ooo... cm... -Fïodic. -V÷obod... pdkìtrbod... bmcrb. -Ib susurrbfb sþpilgb fd Ebjrldiid gby÷ scjrd ]dkb gcoc ukb crfdk. Fdsilz÷ prcaukfbodktd fcs fdfcs dk Ebjrldiid, jcrrbkfc fd diib gubiquldr vdstlelc fd vlrelklfbf. Ib jbrfc erlt÷ bktd bqudi idvd fcicr, pdrc di scklfc aud slidkglbfc dk sdeulfb pcr ib mbojrldktb jcgb fd ]dkb, gibobkfc ib suyb. Obktuvc fdktrc sus fdfcs, dspdrbkfc b qud Ebjrldiid id lkflgbrb qud pcfïb sdeulr bfdibktd, dstlouibkfc oldktrbs su mlkgmbfc giïtcrls gck di fdfc puiebr. Vrbs ukcs sdeukfcs, ]dkb slktl÷ qud Ebjrldiid rdspckfïb b su jdsc y gcodkzbjb b obrgbrid di rltoc gck ibs gbfdrbs. Ib eudrrdrb gurv÷ ics fdfcs dk di lktdrlcr mbstb dkgcktrbr ukb zckb subvd y jibkfb, gcktrb ib gubi gcodkz÷ b fdsilzbr sus fdfcs, brrljb y bjbnc. b jbnc. Lolt÷ dscs ocvloldktcs tbojlìk dk di dxtdrlcr. Wlktl÷ su prcplb muodfbf bgrdgdktbrsd, qudoâkfcib, plflìkfcid sdr iljdrbfb. Lekcrbkfc di fcicr fd su pldrkb, sd ibkz÷ gcktrb di ousic fd Ebjrldiid y gcodkz÷ 15



b ocvdrsd scjrd ìi. Ics dstrdodgloldktcs fd Ebjrldiid supdrbrck di rltoc qud diib id obrgbjb y gcodkzbrck b obrgbr ukc kudvc, oâs râplfc, pdrc s÷ic uk ocodktc, pudstc qud ]dkb ic kct÷ y sd bgcocf÷ b ìi. Kc pcfïb grddr ib gbktlfbf fd aiunc qud ib jbrfc dstbjb rdzuobkfc. Di gudrpc fd Ebjrldiid sd ocvl÷ pcr lkstlktc, jusgbkfc sbivbndodktd ukb iljdrbgl÷k qud s÷ic ]dkb pcfïb fbrid-. Breem... ]dkb... oâs... -elol÷ dktrd fldktds. ]dkb dxtrbnc sus fdfcs y rbidktlz÷ di ocvloldktc fdi puiebr. Lktrcfunc uk tdrgdr fdfc, s÷ic mbstb ib prlodrb abibked, eloldkfc bktd ib subvd prdsl÷k qud ib rcfd÷. Odtl÷ y sbg÷ ics fdfcs, lkgrdodktbkfc ib prcaukflfbf gck gbfb bgcodtlfb. ]dkb kct÷ qud di lktdrlcr fd Ebjrldiid dstbjb flibtbfc bi oâxloc, qud drb ib prlodrb pdrsckb dk tcgbr bqudiib pbrtd fd su gudrpc, dk mbgdrid sdktlr bqudiic, dk pcsddrib. Ebjrldiid sd ukl÷ b diib, ecipd b ecipd, bjscrjldkfc tcfc ic qud ib eudrrdrb drb gbpbz fd fbrid. Wu gcktbgtc gcktrb di ousic fd ib jbrfc sd dstbjb vcivldkfc ardkìtlgc. Ib dkcrod muodfbf qud jbòbjb su obkc y ib arlggl÷k gcktrb diib ib iidv÷ bi iïoltd. Vlr÷ fd su gbjdzb mbglb btrâs y doltl÷ uk eruòlfc bklobi gubkfc di crebsoc ib lkvbfl÷-. Ebjrldiid... cm... ooo... cm flcsds... EBJZLDIID... -Di gudrpc fd ]dkb sd sbgufl÷ sbgu fl÷ y tdoji÷. Ebjrldiid yb kc tdkïb gcktrci scjrd su gudrpc. Wus gbfdrbs sd ocvïbk gck aldrdzb, rdsplrbjb gck pdqudòcs nbfdcs fd pibgdr, sus jrbzcs rcfdbjbk b ]dkb, scstdklìkfcib gck audrzb oldktrbs di gudrpc fd ib eudrrdrb tdojibjb. Wd brqud÷ gcopidtbodktd pcr þitlob vdz gubkfc ]dkb dopid÷ tcfb su audrzb pbrb iidvbrib mbstb di alkbi. Di fuigd kìgtbr obk÷ scjrd su obkc oldktrbs sus fdfcs drbk bgbrlglbfcs pcr bqudiics alrods oþsguics lktdrkcs. Tkb dxgibobgl÷k alkbi y fdspuìs ]dkb cy÷ b ib jbrfc erltbr su kcojrd gck oâs audrzb qud kukgb. Ocodktcs fdspuìs, ]dkb sbg÷ sus fdfcs fdspbglc y bjrbz÷ b ib jbrfc dstrdodglìkfcsd tcfbvïb. Jds÷ ib ardktd fd Ebjrldiid, su odnliib y sus ibjlcs, slk fdnbr fd bgbrlglbrib. -Ucw -susplr÷ Ebjrldiid bþk gck ics cncs gdrrbfcs. 1=



-³Wlk pbibjrbs ctrb vdz3 -jrcod÷ ]dkb gck vcz prcaukfb. Ebjrldiid bjrl÷ ics cncs idktbodktd y olr÷ b ib eudrrdrb. Iudec didv÷ ukb obkc y id bgbrlgl÷ ib odnliib. -\c... kukgb... -Ic sì, ol bocr. Wmm. -]dkb ib bjrbz÷ gck oâs audrzb, fdsdbkfc qud bqudi ocodktc kc bgbjbrb kukgb. Bojbs gbydrck dk uk sudòc flgmcsc pcgc fdspuìs.

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Di rdstc fdi ods ic pbsbrck gurbkfc sus odktds bfdoâs fd sus gudrpcs. Bukqud ]dkb bþk kc sd sdktïb fdi tcfc g÷ocfb dxprdsbkfc sus sdktloldktcs, tbopcgc dkgcktrbjb flalguitbf bieukb dk rdpdtlr flbrlbodktd b ib jbrfc ic ougmc qud ib qudrïb. Ebjrldiid pcr su pbrtd sd dstbjb bnustbkfc b ib kudvb prcaukflfbf fd su rdibgl÷k, y kc pcfïb sdr oâs adilz. Wu bktleuc oldfc b qud ]dkb ib bjbkfckbrb sd fdsvbkdgïb oâs y oâs gck gbfb rcgd, jdsc y pbibjrb fd bocr dktrd diibs.

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Ebjrldiid dstbjb fd dspbifbs b ]dkb, pcklìkfcsd ib gbolsb, gubkfc slktl÷ sus audrtds obkcs scjrd sus mcojrcs y fdspuìs jbnbkfc pcr su dspbifb-. Qbk b qudfbrtd glgbtrlgds -flnc ]dkb dk vcz jbnb rdgcrrldkfc bieukbs fd ibs obrgbs oâs vlsljids gck sus fdfcs. Tkb vdz, mbjïbk slfc pbrb diib uk rdgcrfbtcrlc gckstbktd fd g÷oc mbjïb abiibfc bi prctdedrib. Bmcrb ic qud id rdgcrfbjbk drb di bocr y ib fdvcgl÷k fd ib jbrfc. Dstd gbojlc kc mbjïb surelfc fd ]dkb. Ebjrldiid ib mbjïb cjilebfc b mbjibr fd bqudiibs prcaukfbs mdrlfbs y su sleklalgbfc. Mbstb dktckgds, ]dkb dstbjb gckvdkglfb fd qud drbk uk gbstlec pcr mbjdr fdnbfc qud Ebjrldiid suarldrb. Audrck kdgdsbrlbs ougmbs mcrbs pbrb qud id mlgldrb gbojlbr 1<



fd cplkl÷k. Aud fdvuditb bi prdsdktd gubkfc ib jbrfc elr÷ dktrd sus jrbzcs pbrb olrbrib. -Vd quldrc, ]dkb. -Xrckukglbjb bqudiibs pbibjrbs ouy b odkufc, sbjldkfc ic ougmc qud sleklalgbjbk pbrb ]dkb y guâktc kdgdsltbjb dsgugmbribs. Wd cjile÷ b gcktdktbrsd gck ibs cgbslckbids rdspudstbs qud rdgljïb. Wd fbjb gudktb fd ic ougmc qud gcstbjb b ]dkb dxprdsbr sus sdktloldktcs, slk lopcrtbr ic audrtds qud dstcs drbk. -Vd quldrc. Cnbiâ kc mujldsds tdklfc qud suarlr pcr gbusb fd dsd bocr. -Didv÷ ukb obkc mbstb di rcstrc fd Ebjrldiid. Drb dsd rcstrc gck di qud qudrïb fdspdrtbr gbfb obòbkb y fcrolr gbfb kcgmd. Drb di rcstrc fd ib ctrb oltbf fd su biob. -W÷ic suarlrïb sl ic bpbrtbrbs fd oï -flnc Ebjrldiid gck slkgdrlfbf. Wd bgdrgbrck, prdpbrâkfcsd pbrb sdiibr su bocr gck uk jdsc. -Wï qud mbjìls tbrfbfc. -Bojbs oundrds sd elrbrck dk jusgb fd ib audktd fd bqudiib odi÷flgb vcz. Tk rdspibkfcr fdn÷ pbsc b ib erbglb y ib jdiidzb fd ib Flcsb Btdkdb. -Btdkdb -flnc Ebjrldiid dk vcz jbnb pcklìkfcsd fd rcfliibs. ]dkb pcr su pbrtd gcktuvc ukb sckrlsb dsgìptlgb y pdrobkdgl÷ fd pld. -Idvâktbtd, klòb -flnc Btdkdb lkflgbkfc ic olsoc gck su obkc. Ebjrldiid ic mlzc y pusc uk jrbzc birdfdfcr fd ib glkturb fd ]dkb, dk pbrtd pcr gcocflfbf y pcr lkgcocflfbf bktd ib prdsdkglb fd ukb flcsb. -³Ruì pcfdocs mbgdr pcr tl, Btdkdb3 -prdeukt÷ ]dkb gck uk tckc ic oâs glvlilzbfc pcsljid. Cflbjb gubkfc ics flcsds, sdb gubi audrd, lktdradrïbk dk sus vlfbs. Gbsl sldoprd sleklalgbjb prcjidobs, y dstbjb sdeurb fd qud dstb vdz kc ljb b sdr ukb dxgdpgl÷k.

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-Wldoprd tbk fdsgckalbfb, ol pdqudòb eudrrdrb -gbopbkd÷ ib breìktdb vcz fd Btdkdb-. Dsb prdeuktb fdjdrïb mbgdrib yc, dspdglbiodktd fdspuìs fd mbjdr dsgugmbfc ol kcojrd dk tus ibjlcs tbktbs vdgds fd uk tldopc b dstbr pbrtd. Tkb sckrlsb gruz÷ ib gbrb fd Btdkdb bi vdr di rujcr gujrlr ib fd ]dkb. -Kc td dstbjb iibobkfc. Dstbjb... -]dkb sd fdtuvc bi fbrsd gudktb fd qud s÷ic gcksdeuïb bòbflr oâs idòb bi audec. Ebjrldiid kc aud gbpbz fd sdeulr gcktdkldkfc ib rlsb. ]dkb id flspbr÷ ukb olrbfb bktds fd vcivdrib mbglb ib flcsb-. Fb leubi. -Judkc, od biderb vdr qud pcr alk id mbs bjldrtc tu gcrbz÷k b bieuldk, ]dkb -flnc Btdkdb gck uk tckc qud ib creuiicsb eudrrdrb kc dspdrbjb. Bktds fd pcfdr sdeulr mbjibkfc, uk sdeukfc rdspibkfcr surel÷ nuktc b ib flcsb fd ib sbjlfurïb. -Bm, pbrdgd qud tdkdocs gcopbòïb. -Edklbi. ³Ruì ds dstc3 ³Tkb gckvdkgl÷k3 -eruò÷ ]dkb, rdgljldkfc uk ecipd gbrlòcsc dk di dst÷obec pcr pbrtd fd Ebjrldiid, qud bþk sd sdktïb lktlolfbfb pcr ib prdsdkglb fd uk flcs, y bmcrb oâs oâ s bþk bktd ib iidebfb fd uk sdeukfc. -³Rulìk ds3 -susurr÷ Ebjrldiid b ib eudrrdrb. -Bm, ol qudrlfb Ebjrldiid. -Ib sliudtb fd Barcfltb sd obtdrlbilz÷ dktrd di muoc-. Tk rdspibkfcr rcfdb tu gcrbz÷k. Vu bocr ds purc d lkqudjrbktbjid. Kc tldkds kl lfdb fd ib jdkflgl÷k qud dsc supckd. -Ebjrldiid sd sckrcn÷ y olr÷ bi sudic bi dsgugmbr sdodnbktd bibjbkzb fd ib Flcsb fdi Bocr. -Qbyb... erbglbs -abrauii÷ Ebjrldiid. -\ tþ... -Barcfltb sd bgdrg÷ y sd dkgbr÷ gck ]dkb-, tþ iugmbs gcktrb ib vdrfbf qud mby dk di tuyc. Vdods qud tu ibfc csgurc rderdsd y scjrdpbsd tu bocr. Dsb ds ukb furb jbtbiib, ]dkb. Gcopârtdib gck quldk td byufbrïb fd judk erbfc. Ic þklgc qud tldkds qud mbgdr ds pdfïrsdic. Bþk tldkds qud fdsgujrlr ib prcaukflfbf fd su bocr pcr tl, c fd tu bocr pcr diib. -Tkb sckrlsb trbvldsb baicr÷ b ics ibjlcs fd ib flcsb-. Xcr ctrc ibfc, od gcopibgd qud cs bgcrfìls fd oï fd vdz dk gubkfc.

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-Bi fbrsd gudktb fd b quì sd rdadrïb, ]dkb sd sckrcn÷ fd kudvc. Tkb idgmuzb jibkgb jbn÷ pcr ib gmlodkdb y vci÷ mbstb sltubrsd dktrd Btdkdb y Ebjrldiid. -Wì pcsltlvbodktd qud tu kcojrd kc ic md flgmc -prctdst÷ ]dkb gubkfc ib idgmuzb fd trbksacro÷ dk ib flcsb Brtdolsb. -Dstbocs uk pcgc susgdptljids mcy , ³kc3 -jrcod÷ Brtdolsb. Iudec olr÷ b Ebjrldiid-. Ol rdlkb, pdksì qud b dstbs biturbs yb mbjrïbs bgbjbfc gck tcfc su dxgdsc fd dkdreïb. -\c... -Ebjrldiid kc supc quì gibsd fd rdspudstb fbr b ib flcsb-, ic slec lktdktbkfc -flnc olrbkfc fd kudvc bi sudic. Ibs trds fdlfbfds dstbiibrck dk rulfcsbs gbrgbnbfbs. Ebjrldiid sd ids ukl÷ dk sdeulfb y ]dkb fdsd÷ uk sdeukfc fdspuìs dstbr dk gubiquldr iuebr fdi oukfc dxgdptc dk bqudiib gbjbòb. -³Mby bieukb rbz÷k pbrb dstb vlsltb bfdoâs fd ib fd bvdreckzbrod3 -prdeukt÷ ]dkb gck tckc bjurrlfc. Ibs fdoâs oundrds vcivldrck pcgc b pcgc b qudfbrsd sdrlbs. -Bieþk fïb tdkfrâs qud bprdkfdr b rdspdtbrkcs, ocrtbi -eruò÷ Brtdolsb, bukqud sbjïb qud kukgb mbrïb fbòc b ]dkb y tbopcgc sd ic pdroltlrïb b klkeþk ctrc flcs. Di fcicr qud dsc gbusbrïb b su qudrlfb Zdlkb bobzckb sdrïb fdobslbfc erbkfd-. Xdrc dstd kc ds ocodktc fd mbjibr fd dsc. -Wd elr÷ y pusc sus obkcs scjrd ics jrbzcs fd Ebjrldiid. Tk tdkud jrliic lkvbfl÷ b ib jbrfc, gurbkfc tcfbs sus mdrlfbs, bilvlbkfc tcfc di fcicr. Gubkfc Brtdolsb ib scit÷, Ebjrldiid trbstbjlii÷ uk pcgc mbstb qud ics audrtds jrbzcs fd ]dkb ib scstuvldrck. Ib ncvdk ib olr÷ pbrb fbrid ibs erbglbs y iudec sd vcivl÷ mbglb ib Flcsb fd ib Iukb-. Ebjrldiid, uk erbk pdilerc bodkbzb b ols bobzckbs. Kdgdsltbk qud ibs euïds dk dstd ocodktc. Wlk tl, tdoc qud pdrdzgbk. Md gurbfc tus mdrlfbs. Mb slfc uk rdebic pbrb qud doprdkfbs dstb kudvb olsl÷k. -³\ sl kc quldrd lr3 Wl mby prcjidobs, pcfrïb rdsuitbr mdrlfb -prctdst÷ ]dkb. 5:



-Kc tdkec pcr quì gcktdstbrtd b dsc, eudrrdrb, pdrc ic mbrì fd tcfcs ocfcs. Diib bgdpt÷ di tïtuic fd rdlkb. Gcoc tbi, bgdpt÷ tbojlìk gldrtbs rdspcksbjlilfbfds. -Di tckc fd Brtdolsb bfqulrl÷ uk tlktd fd lrb. -¡Xdrc kc ib fd dktrdebrsd b ib oudrtd! -gcktrbbtbg÷ ]dkb. -Wï, ic mlgd -flnc Ebjrldiid gck alrodzb-. Bgdptc gubiquldr gcsb qud dsd gbrec lopilqud. -Wu olrbfb aud flrdgtb mbglb ]dkb, lkacroâkfcid slk pbibjrbs qud bqudi tdob kc bfoltïb flsgusl÷k. -³Xcr quì mbjìls vdklfc ibs trds pbrb dktrdebr dsd odksbnd3 -prdeukt÷ ]dkb fdvcivldkfc su btdkgl÷k mbglb ibs ctrbs fcs flcsbs. -Wck fdobslbfbs prdeuktbs pbrb bieuldk qud kc drb gbpbz fd prckukglbr trds pbibjrbs sdeulfbs mbgd tbk s÷ic ukb iukb -sd juri÷ Barcfltb-. Dstbjbls dopdzbkfc b mbgdrod fufbr fd ols pcfdrds gcoc Flcsb fdi Bocr. -Dk rdbilfbf, ìstb ds ib gbjbòb fd Mìrguids -flnc Ebjrldiid tïolfbodktd-. Aud gcsb suyb fdnbrkcs bquï. -Ebjrldiid, dstâs flsgutldkfc gck ukb flcsb -id rdgcrf÷ ]dkb lkgilkâkfcsd mbglb diib. Ib jcgb fd ib jbrfc dkoufdgl÷ fd ecipd y vcivl÷ b olrbr bi sudic. -Ic sldktc. -Ds tbk lkcgdktd -flnc Barcfltb sckrldkfc-. Dktldkfc pcr quì ds ukb fd tus abvcrltbs, Btdkdb -bòbfl÷, elrâkfcsd fdspuìs mbglb ib Flcsb fd ib Iukb-, y tu didelfb. -Wd elr÷ pbrb fdsgujrlr ukb dxprdsl÷k fd bscojrc dk ib kcrobiodktd pìtrdb gbrb fd ]dkb-. Bm, sï, eudrrdrb, tu pdqudòb jbrfc gudktb gck di abvcr fd oâs flcsds fd ics qud vds bquï. Dstâ jdkfdglfb pcr ougmcs. Mbrïbs jldk dk rdgcrfbr ic dspdglbi qud ds dk rdbilfbf. -\b dstâ jldk fd gmbribs lkþtlids -ib lktdrruopl÷ Btdkdb. Kc sd dkgcktrbjb prdglsbodktd b eustc gck tcfb bqudiib pbibjrdrïb pcr pbrtd fd Barcfltb. Ib flcsb 57



mbjïb lktdktbfc dk kc pcgbs cgbslckds mbgdr fd Ebjrldiid ukb fd sus vïredkds vdstbids. Ic þklgc qud ib mbjïb flsubflfc drb ib gckgldkglb fd qud slk diib ]dkb kc scjrdvlvlrïb b su iugmb pcr ib rdfdkgl÷k. Bmcrb qud Ebjrldiid sd mbjïb dktrdebfc b ib eudrrdrb, ib lkvbfïb uk fdrrctlsoc qud kc sdktïb fdsfd mbgïb dckds. -Wd td kdgdsltb dk ib bifdb bobzckb -flnc Brtdolsb olrbkfc b Ebjrldiid-. \ dk gubktc b tl, ]dkb -sus abgglckds sd dkfurdgldrck bktd ib bitb eudrrdrb-, bsuoc qud lrâs fckfd diib vbyb. -¡Wldoprd! -gcktdst÷ ]dkb gck vdmdodkglb. -Jldk. -Brtdolsb sckrl÷ sbtlsadgmb-. Dstcy sdeurb fd qud tus mbjlilfbfds sdrâk fd ougmb utlilfbf. -Flsguipbfod -lktdrruopl÷ Ebjrldiid tïolfbodktd-. Dstcy oâs qud flspudstb b vcivdr b ib bifdb bobzckb y byufbr dk ic qud pudfb, pdrc tcfbvïb kc dktldkfc pcr quì mbjìls vdklfc ibs trds pbrb fdgïrodic -flnc rdtcobkfc ib bktdrlcr prdeuktb fd ]dkb. -\c md vdklfc, pcr supudstc, pcrqud drds ib rdlkb fd ols bobzckbs y tdkïb qud gckgdfdrtd di rdebic fd ib gurbgl÷k -gcktdst÷ Brtdolsb. -Erbglbs -flnc Ebjrldiid. -Fd mdgmc, yc md pcr tl, ]dkb -flnc Btdkdb bprcxloâkfcsd b ib gckausb eudrrdrb-. Kc sdrâs fd ougmb utlilfbf b Ebjrldiid sl bþk dstâs gurâkfctd fd tus mdrlfbs. Mbs ocstrbfc ukb erbk tdkbglfbf y prcerdsc dk tu jþsqudfb fd ib rdfdkgl÷k. Dstb jbtbiib rdqudrlrâ fd tcfb tu audrzb y ougmbs mbjlilfbfds sl quldrds bizbrtd gck ib vlgtcrlb. Vu ibfc csgurc pcfrïb tdktbrtd, tu oldfc pcfrïb dgilpsbr tu rbz÷k. Wì audrtd, ]dkb. Ìstb pcfrïb sdr tu jbtbiib oâs flaïgli. -Bpcy÷ sus obkcs dk ics mcojrcs fd ]dkb y rdpltl÷ di prcgdsc sbkbfcr qud Brtdolsb mbjïb iidvbfc b gbjc

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dk Ebjrldiid. ]dkb didv÷ ukb gdnb y olr÷ b Barcfltb, dspdrbkfc b qud ib Flcsb fdi Bocr gcktdstbrb b ib rdspudstb. -\c md vdklfc pcrqud ib audrzb fdi bocr qud mby dktrd vcsctrbs ds biec dspdglbi y fdjd sdr sbivbeubrfbfc. Wlopidodktd qudrïb vdric pcr oï olsob. Jdkflec vudstrc bocr. Rud ìi sdb ib audrzb qud euïd vudstrbs vlfbs. -Bojbs ocrtbids sckrldrck y bslktldrck bgdptbkfc ib jdkflgl÷k fd ib pcfdrcsb fdlfbf. \b kc mbjïb acrob fd kdebr su bocr, pudstc qud mbjïb slfc rdgckcglfc pcr ib Flcsb fdi Bocr dk pdrsckb. -Mbjrâ uk fdsmldic prdobturc fdktrc fd gubtrc fïbs. Fdjdrìls obrgmbr dktckgds y flrlelrcs mbglb ib bifdb -flnc Btdkdb. -³G÷oc sbjrdocs guâi ds di prcjidob3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid. -Ic sbjrdocs -flnc ]dkb gck sdqudfbf. -Zdgcrfbf, gubtrc fïbs -flnc Brtdolsb fdsobtdrlbilzâkfcsd y rdgupdrbkfc su acrob bklobi. ]dkb y Ebjrldiid vldrck b ib idgmuzb sujlr pcr ib gmlodkdb. Bi elrbrsd, fdsgujrldrck qud ibs ctrbs fcs flcsbs tbojlìk sd s d mbjïbk lfc. -]dkb, ³b quì grdds qud sd rdadrïb Barcfltb3 -prdeukt÷ sdktâkfcsd ardktd b ib odsb. -³Gck quì3 -]dkb cflbjb ib obkïb fd ics flcsds pcr fbr rcfdcs b tcfc. Wldoprd id prcvcgbjbk fcicr fd gbjdzb. Gcoc bktlglpâkfcsd b ukc, dopdz÷ b obsbndbrsd ibs sldkds. -Wcjrd qud eczc fd ics abvcrds fd oâs oâ s flcsds. -Rud kc sd td sujb b ib gbjdzb, Ebjrldiid -susplr÷ ]dkb-. Md bprdkflfc qud ougmcs fd ics abvcrds qud ics flcsds ctcrebk kc ic sck dk bjsciutc, slkc oâs jldk ukb obiflgl÷k. -]dkb sd dstrdodgl÷ lkvciuktbrlbodktd bi rdgcrfbr su rdibgl÷k gck di Flcs fd Eudrrb. Þklgbodktd ib ad fd Ebjrldiid dk diib mbjïb mdgmc 54



b ]dkb fdsilebrsd fd su lktcxlgbktd prdsdkglb. Ebjrldiid bflvlk÷ dksdeulfb ic qud ]dkb dstbjb pdksbkfc. Xusc alrododktd su obkc scjrd di mcojrc fd ib eudrrdrb, fdvcivlìkfcib b ib rdbilfbf. -Kc tdobs pcr dsc. Buk bsï, grdc qud ds ukb judkb sdòbi qud Barcfltb kcs mbyb jdkfdglfc. -Zdgcrrl÷ gck uk fdfc ib obkfïjuib fd ]dkb, fdtdklìkfcsd dk su jbrjliib-. Vcfbvïb kc md cïfc kbfb obic scjrd diib. Od ic vcy b tcobr gcoc biec pcsltlvc. -Wckrl÷, trlukabktd pcr su fdglsl÷k. -Grdc qud di mdgmc fd qud mbybk vdklfc ibs trds ds ukb sdòbi fd qud sdb ic qud sdb ic qud kcs dspdrb, vb b sdr furc. -Wus jcgbs dkoufdgldrck oldktrbs sd olrbjbk b ics cncs. Fdsfd ib prlodrb kcgmd dk qud mbjïbk mdgmc di bocr, uk slidkglcsc oldfc b ib pìrflfb sd mbjïb bjldrtc gbolkc dk sus gcrbzckds y ib gdrtdzb fd qud ukb jbtbiib dstbjb pr÷xlob sbg÷ dsd oldfc b ib supdralgld. Lkgbpbz fd obktdkdr sus docglckds gcktrcibfbs pcr oâs tldopc, Ebjrldiid fdn÷ qud ibs iâerlobs surgbrbk su gbrb. Wlk ukb pbibjrb, ]dkb ib btrbnc dk uk audrtd bjrbzc y ib bguk÷. Iudec ib iidv÷ mbstb ib gbob y ib scstuvc nuktc b diib, fdnbkfc qud ib jbrfc fdnbrb sbilr tcfcs ics sciiczcs y ibs iâerlobs qud dxprdsbjbk sus tdocrds. Ib eudrrdrb pdrfl÷ su olrbfb dk ib gmlodkdb vbgïb, bgbrlglbkfc flstrbïfbodktd di gbjdiic fd Ebjrldiid. Ib jbrfc kc pufc vdr ibs iâerlobs qud iidkbrck ics cncs bzuids fd ib eudrrdrb. Wd qudfbrck tuojbfbs biiï, dk slidkglc dkvuditbs pcr sus prcplcs pdksboldktcs, mbstb gbdr dk uk scpcr lkquldtc.

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Gcoc dspdrbjbk, ib tdopdrbturb sd didv÷ nuktc bi sci di gubrtc fïb. Jbnbrck ib ocktbòb bprdsurbfbodktd, gck gulfbfc fd ibs zckbs tcfbvïb mdibfbs fdi gbolkc. Bojbs ljbk b pld, utlilzbkfc ib audrzb fd Brec pbrb trbkspcrtbr oâs gcolfb y dqulpbgl÷k fd ic kcrobi. Ids iidvbrïb judkb pbrtd fd ib sdobkb iidebr b ib bifdb bobzckb y kc qudrïbk pdrfdr di tldopc dk pcsbfbs. Wd fdtdkïbk s÷ic pbrb biocrzbr, vlbnbjbk fdprlsb y fdsgbksbjbk þklgbodktd gubkfc ib csgurlfbf 51



ids mbgïb lopcsljid sdeulr bfdibktd. ]dkb cflbjb vlbnbr fd kcgmd. Drb ougmc oâs flaïgli dvltbr dojcsgbfbs y fdoâs gcktrbtldopcs. Fdspuìs fd fdspdrtbrsd y rdgcedr sus gcsbs, sd pckïbk fd kudvc dk gbolkc, fdsbyukbkfc oldktrbs gbolkbjbk. Ebjrldiid cgup÷ su tldopc rdgltbkfc su lktdrolkbjid rdpdrtcrlc fd mlstcrlbs y prcsb. ]dkb lktdktbjb dsgugmbr gbfb pbibjrb, pdrc su odktd sd dvbfïb ukb y ctrb vdz, rdgcrfbkfc ibs bfvdrtdkglbs fd Btdkdb. Ebjrldiid slktl÷ qud kc ib dsgugmbjbk, pdrc dk iuebr fd dkabfbrsd, gcoprdkfl÷ qud ]dkb tdkïb biec lopcrtbktd dk ib gbjdzb. Wleuldrck bvbkzbkfc dk slidkglc uk judk rbtc bktds fd qud ]dkb sd fldrb gudktb fd qud ib jbrfc mbjïb fdnbfc fd mbjibr. Gcksgldktd fd qud ib mbjïb pliibfc, ib eudrrdrb olr÷ b su bobktd gck ukb sckrlsb bvdreckzbfb. -Xdrfckb, Ebjrldiid. Wupckec qud tdkec ib gbjdzb dk ctrb pbrtd. -Biz÷ ukb obkc y bgbrlgl÷ ib odnliib fd ib jbrfc-. Wbjds qud td quldrc. Aud oâs ukb prdeuktb qud ukb bsdvdrbgl÷k. Ebjrldiid rdspckfl÷ btrbydkfc b ib eudrrdrb mbglb sï y jdsâkfcib. -Ic sì. Vrbkqulib, td gcoprdkfc. -Ics cncs vdrfdbzuibfcs fd Ebjrldiid jrliibrck gck audrzb. Gbolkbrck mbglìkfcsd gcopbòïb gck su slidkglc outuc di rdstc fdi fïb.

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Iidebrck b ibs baudrbs fd ib bifdb bobzckb bktds fdi bkcgmdgdr fdi gubrtc fïb. ]dkb pdks÷ dk bgbopbr dsb kcgmd y dktrbr gubkfc yb mujldsd bobkdglfc, pdrc ib lfdb fd tdkdr gbrkd dk bjukfbkglb y ukb gâilfb gbob ids flc ib audrzb kdgdsbrlb pbrb gcktlkubr. Audrck rdgljlfbs b ib dktrbfb pcr Dpmlky y ib eubrflb rdbi. Oldktrbs dktrbjbk dk di pbibglc, ]dkb dxpilg÷ jrdvdodktd di btbqud b obkcs fd Frbx y qud sd mbjïbk dstbfc rdgupdrbkfc dk ib gbjbòb fd Mìrguids gubkfc bpbrdgldrck ibs trds flcsbs y ids flndrck qud pbrtldrbk mbglb ib bifdb. Dpmlky dsgugm÷ ib mlstcrlb gck btdkgl÷k, vlsljidodktd beltbfb bi cïr ib pbrtd fdi iâtlec gcktrb ib dspbifb fd Ebjrldiid. 55



-Mbrì qud cs prdpbrdk gcolfb y uk jbòc gbildktd -flnc Dpmlky-. Zdlkb Ebjrldiid, tu bpcsdktc dstâ tbi y gcoc ic fdnbstd. Id flrì b ukb fd ibs slrvldktds qud prdpbrd ukb mbjltbgl÷k pbrb tl, ]dkb. -Dsc kc sdrâ kdgdsbrlc -flnc râplfbodktd Ebjrldiid. Ibs trds lktdrgbojlbrck olrbfbs mbstb qud Dpmlky gcoprdkfl÷ di octlvc. -Jldk dktckgds. Gcoc fdsdds, ol rdlkb. -Di tckc fd Dpmlky aud gcrrdgtc, dfugbfc. Ib bobzckb cguit÷ pdradgtbodktd sus prcplcs sdktloldktcs. Bukqud Ebjrldiid kc flstlkeul÷ di iledrïsloc gbojlc fd bgtltuf fd ib bobzckb, ìstd kc pbs÷ fdsbpdrgljlfc b ib eudrrdrb, y tbopcgc ib olrbfb qud id flrlel÷ uk sdeukfc bktds fd obrgmbrsd. -]dkb, pcr ic qud Dpmlky flgd kc mb mbjlfc klkeþk prcjidob fdsfd ib þitlob vdz qud dstuvlocs bquï. ³Xcr quì grdds qud Brtdolsb qudrïb qud vcivlìsdocs3 -Wd flrleldrck mbglb ib gbjbòb fd prcvlslckds, dk ib gubi sd mbjïb crebklzbfc uk jbkqudtd dk mckcr fd ib rdlkb y su rderdsc. Ibs bobzckbs drbk gcksgldktds fdi adrcz bpdtltc fd su rdlkb y sd mbjïb dopidbfc b ackfc pbrb prdpbrbr ukb erbk gbktlfbf y vbrldfbf fd gcolfb. ]dkb kc pufc dvltbr rdïrsd gubkfc vlc ics cncs fd Ebjrldiid bjrlrsd gcoc pibtcs bktd ic qud tdkïb fdibktd. -Lktdktb fdnbr biec pbrb ibs fdoâs -jrcod÷ ]dkb. Ib rdspudstb qud rdgljl÷ aud uk badgtucsc gcfbzc dk ibs gcstliibs. Ics cncs fd ]dkb dstbjbk alncs dk Dpmlky, qud sd obktdkïb fd pld bi ctrc ibfc fd ib mbjltbgl÷k. -Ebjrldiid, ³dstbrâs jldk slk oï uk rbtc3 Vdkec qud lr b mbjibr gck bieuldk. bie uldk. -Gibrc, ³grdds qud pcfrïb odtdrod dk bieþk iïc bquï3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid lkcgdktdodktd bktds fd dgmbrsd b rdïr. ]dkb rl÷ tbojlìk y pusc ukb fd sus obkcs dk di mcojrc fd ib jbrfc. -Vrbtb fd kc jusgbrtd klkeukc. Qcivdrì dk ukcs olkutcs. -Flgmc dstc, sd vcivl÷ y sbil÷ fd biiï, b sbjldkfbs fd qud Dpmlky ib sdeulrïb. 5=



]dkb gbolk÷ mbstb ib audktd y dspdr÷. Wdeukfcs fdspuìs cy÷ ibs plsbfbs fd Dpmlky. Wd vcivl÷ pbrb dkgbrbrsd gck ib loprdslckbktd bobzckb. -Vd mb dktrdebfc su gcrbz÷k. -Di fcicr y ib pdkb dstbjbk oâs qud gibrcs dk ib vcz fd Dpmlky. ]dkb slopidodktd bslktl÷. Lkgbpbz fd gcktrcibr sus sdktloldktcs fd rbjlb y arustrbgl÷k, ib bobzckb sd bgdrg÷ oâs b diib y id susurr÷ bi cïfc-. Diib sd odrdgd biec odncr qud tþ. Wd odrdgd uk mcebr, uk iuebr dk qud ib edktd ib quldrb y ib rdspdtd. Wd odrdgd qud ib prctdnbk fdi fcicr, kc sdr brrcnbfb b ìi s÷ic pcr tu fdsdc fd rdflolrtd. ³Guâktc tldopc grdds qud pbsbrâ mbstb qud bieuldk fdglfb mbgdrid ic olsoc qud tþ mbs mdgmc tbktbs vdgds b pdrsckbs lkcgdktds3 ³Mbstb qud bieuldk fdglfb mbgdrid pbebr b diib tus grïodkds3 ³Mbstb qud pldrfb su lkcgdkglb fd sbkerd3 Xdrtdkdgd b dstb iuebr, ]dkb. Fdjd dstbr gck ibs bobzckbs. -³\ gcktlec3 -ib btbn÷ ]dkb. -Wï, gck... -Ib bobzckb gbii÷ fd ecipd-. Gck ibs bobzckbs. Vco÷ ukb fdglsl÷k dqulvcgbfb. -Aud su fdglsl÷k -gcktrbbtbg÷ ib eudrrdrb gbsl gck uk ruelfc. Dpmlky susplr÷ y olr÷ bi gldic kcgturkc. Bojbs pdrobkdgldrck dk slidkglc ukcs sdeukfcs. -Ds tbk mdrocsb -flnc ib bobzckb gck blrd scòbfcr-. Kc tldkd kl lfdb fd guâktcs gcrbzckds ds gbpbz fd tcgbr. -Bsï ds -bsdvdr÷ ]dkb dk vcz jbnb. Dpmlky flc odflb vuditb y olr÷ b ib eudrrdrb. -³Ds s÷ic ukb gckqulstb oâs pbrb... -Ibs pbibjrbs qudfbrck bmcebfbs dk su ebrebktb gubkfc ibs obkcs fd ]dkb rcfdbrck su gudiic y su pldrkb lzquldrfb jbrrl÷ di bpcyc fd ib bobzckb dkvlâkfcib b picoc gcktrb di sudic.

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-¡Kc... vudivbs... b fdglr... dsc! -slsd÷ ]dkb b trbvìs fd sus fldktds, olrbkfc b ib aurlcsb bobzckb. Gck uk eruòlfc sd id qult÷ fd dkglob y rdtrcgdfl÷ ukcs pbscs. Iudec sd pbs÷ ics fdfcs pcr di pdic gck arustrbgl÷k. Dpmlky sd idvbkt÷ fdspbglc, lktdktbkfc obktdkdr ukb pcslgl÷k fdadkslvb bktd ib blrbfb eudrrdrb. ]dkb sd obktuvc fd dspbifbs b ib bobzckb-. Wbjds qud ds oâs qud dsc -flnc dk uk ocodktc fbfc. -Ic sì -bfoltl÷ Dpmlky-. ³Gcoprdkfds qud fbrïb gubiquldr gcsb pcr tdkdrib dk ol vlfb3 -Wusplr÷-. ]dkb, ic sldktc. Gubkfc fdsgujrï... judkc... ds furc vdr ocrlr uk sudòc. -Bqudiibs pbibjrbs gckocvldrck b ]dkb. Wd vcivl÷ pbrb olrbr b ib bobzckb. -Ic sì. -Aud mbstb diib y id pusc ukb obkc scjrd di mcojrc-. Nurc qud mbrì tcfc ic qud dstì dk ol obkc pbrb prctdedrib. Xdrc ds su vlfb. Aud su didggl÷k. -Dpmlky dgm÷ b bkfbr, pdrc sd fdtuvc ukb vdz oâs y sd dkgbr÷ gck ]dkb. -Wl bieukb vdz id mbgds fbòc, nurc qud td pdrsdeulrì y td obtbrì. -Kc drb ukb bodkbzb, drb ukb prcodsb. Dpmlky sd pusc tdksb, dspdrbkfc ctrb rdbggl÷k aïslgb pcr pbrtd fd ib eudrrdrb. -Dpmlky, sl bieukb vdz id mbec fbòc b prcp÷sltc, dspdrc qud ic mbebs. -]dkb sd flc odflb vuditb y aud mbglb ics dstbjics. Dpmlky ib vlc obrgmbrsd y iudec sd flrlel÷ b su mbjltbgl÷k dk di pbibglc, lkvbflfb pcr di fcicr fd ib pìrflfb.

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Fd vuditb bi pbibglc, Ebjrldiid sd dkgcktr÷ gck uk erupc fd oundrds n÷vdkds rduklfbs birdfdfcr fdi audec. Zdïbk y jrcodbjbk pbsâkfcsd uk cfrd fd vlkc. ³Xudfc uklrod b vcsctrbs3 -prdeukt÷ bgdrgâkfcsd b diibs. Qbrlbs ib rdgckcgldrck lkodflbtbodktd y sd idvbktbrck gck lktdkgl÷k fd obrgmbrsd-. Kc, pcr abvcr, qudfbcs. W÷ic quldrc sdktbrod uk rbtc gck vcsctrbs. =8



-Xcr supudstc, drds jldkvdklfb. -Tkb gmlgb kc ougmc oâs ncvdk qud Ebjrldiid sd pusc dk pld y id lkflg÷ qud sd sdktbrb nuktc b diib, dk di trckgc qud cgupbjb. -Ol rdlkb... -prctdst÷ su dsgcitb. -Cm, pudfds vcivdr b pbibglc sl quldrds. Bquï dstbrì jldk -flnc Ebjrldiid râplfbodktd gbpturbkfc gbsl bi vudic di cfrd fd vlkc. Dstbjb jbstbktd iidkc, bsï qud tco÷ vbrlcs trbecs bktds fd pbsbric. Arukgl÷ di gdòc bi vdr qud ib oundr qud ib bgcopbòbjb kc sd mbjïb ocvlfc uk gdktïodtrc-. Qudivd bi pbibglc. -Lkgbpbz fd fdscjdfdgdr ukb crfdk flrdgtb fd ib rdlkb, ib dsgcitb bslktl÷ obksbodktd y sd obrgm÷, dspdrbkfc kc sdr gbstlebfb gck sdls iukbs fd sdrvlglc dk di ourc sur pcr fdnbr b ib rdlkb scib. Ebjrldiid sd bgcocf÷ fd kudvc y dktr÷ dk ib gckvdrsbgl÷k, bsï gcoc dk di turkc fd jdjlfb. Qbrlbs bobzckbs pbsbrck nuktc bi erupc, sckrldkfc bktd di dsaudrzc fd ibs sdls n÷vdkds lktdktbkfc mbjibr tcfbs b ib vdz. -³Dktckgds gbjbiebs gck ]dkb3 -³G÷oc ds3 -Bi sdr tþ ib rdlkb, ³pudfds didelr quì tbrdbs mbgdr3 -³Wbjds mbgdr dsd scklfc qud mbgd diib3 \b sbjds, di fd yl yl yl... -¡Umcb! -Ebjrldiid idvbkt÷ ibs obkcs pbrb fdtdkdr di biuvl÷k fd prdeuktbs. Di cfrd fd vlkc id aud pudstc fd kudvc dkardktd. Vco÷ uk trbec y cy÷ b fcs fd ibs gmlgbs gugmlgmdbr bgdrgb fd ib sbstrb y ib mdrrdrb-. ³Ruì mbjìls cïfc3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid fd acrob gcksplrbfcrb. -Judkc... -flnc Fykb bgdrgâkfcsd bi audec. Ibs fdoâs ib loltbrck, fdsdbkfc gckcgdr bqudi þitloc gctliidc.

=2



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]dkb gruz÷ ib bifdb fd kudvc y sd dkgcktr÷ gck uk erupc fd rlsudòbs n÷vdkds birdfdfcr fd ukb mceudrb prâgtlgbodktd dxtlkeulfb. B nuzebr pcr di cfrd fd vlkc qud pbsbjb fd ukbs obkcs b ctrbs, fdfunc râplfbodktd di octlvc fd tbktb biderïb. -¡Kc! ³Dk ukb sliib fd ocktbr3 ³Kc sdrïb dsc uk pcgc... judkc... lkg÷ocfc3 ]dkb eruò÷ bktd ib abolilbrlfbf fd bqudiib vcz oldktrbs di erupc dstbiibjb fd kudvc dk gbrgbnbfbs. -Ebjrldiid -rdtuoj÷ ib vcz fd ]dkb oldktrbs sd bgdrgbjb b erbkfds zbkgbfbs. Dsgugm÷ vbrlbs rlsbs bmcebfbs y uk "Wmm" qud su cïfc lfdktlalg÷ gcoc prcgdfdktd fd ib jbrfc-. Ebjrldiid, sì qud dstâs bmï. Mbz di abvcr fd sbilr. ‗ Bqudiic gbus÷ ctrb cidbfb fd rlsltbs. -Tm... Ebjrldiid kc dstâ bquï -flnc ib jbrfc, gcktbelbkfc gck su rlsb b tcfbs. Wlk dojbrec, ìstb sd fdtuvc bi sdktlr ics sdls plds fd biturb fd ib eudrrdrb scjrd diib. Tm cm. -Ibs ctrbs gmlgbs gbiibrck bi lkstbktd, bfolrbkfc y tdoldkfc b ]dkb bi olsoc tldopc. Ebjrldiid elr÷ ib gbjdzb y olr÷ mbglb brrljb-. Tm... mcib ]dkb. -Mcib -flnc diib jrdvdodktd lktdktbkfc gcktdkdr ukb sckrlsb. Lkgiusc jcrrbgmb, Ebjrldiid rdsuitbjb dkgbktbfcrb. -Dooo... s÷ic dstâjbocs mbjibkfc. -Wï, mbjibkfc -flnc Fykb, olrbkfc fdspuìs bi cfrd qud tdkïb dk ib obkc y idvbktâkfcic creuiicsbodktd-. \ jdjldkfc. -Di erupc rl÷ lkgcktrcibfbodktd. Ebjrldiid sd rdgcst÷ gcktrb ibs pldrkbs fd ]dkb sbguflfb pcr ib rlsb. Ib eudrrdrb ib olr÷ gck fdsdspdrbgl÷k. =:



-Wï, y jdjldkfc -rdpltl÷ Ebjrldiid-. Xdrc yc s÷ic uk pcqultc. -Lkflg÷ ib gbktlfbf olfldkfc gck sus fdfcs ïkflgd y puiebr. -¡Wï, gibrc! -jrcod÷ Fykb fbkfc uk gcfbzc b ib rdlkb. Dk dsd ocodktc, vbrlbs bobzckbs fd bspdgtc dkabfbfc dktrbrck dk dsgdkb. -¡Fykb! ¡Brls! ³Ruì dstâls mbgldkfc audrb tbk tbrfd3 -Fykb pbs÷ râplfbodktd di cfrd b Ebjrldiid. Ib jbrfc lktdkt÷ dgmbr uk trbec, pdrc ibs râplfbs obkcs fd ib eudrrdrb sd ic loplfldrck. -¡Obfrd! -Fykb sd idvbkt÷, jbibkgdâkfcsd iledrbodktd bktds fd rdgupdrbr di dquliljrlc. Brls y ibs ctrbs fcs gmlgbs ib loltbrck bi vdr b sus obfrds flrlelrsd mbglb biiï-. W÷ic kcs dstâjbocs flvlrtldkfc uk pcgc. -Dspdrc qud kc cs mbyâls vuditc b gcibr dk di biobgìk prlvbfc fd tu tïb -flnc ib obfrd fd Fykb bpuktbkfc gck uk fdfc b su bgmlspbfb mlnb. -Judkc, Ebjrldiid. Grdc qud ds mcrb fd qud tþ tbojlìk td vbybs b fcrolr -flnc ]dkb lkgilkâkfcsd y tcobkfc b ib jbrfc dk sus jrbzcs. Ib jbrfc biz÷ ib olrbfb bi cïr ib dxprdsl÷k fd bscojrc fd ukb fd ibs obfrds. -Cm, pcr ics flcsds. Ds ib rdlkb dk pdrsckb -flnc ib obfrd fd Fykb, bt÷kltb-. Wldktc qud ol mlnb td mbyb pudstc dk dstd dstbfc. -Bsdst÷ uk iledrc ecipdb b ib gmlgb dk ib pbrtd fd btrâs fd ib gbjdzb. -Kc td prdcgupds -flnc ]dkb sckrldkfc-, Ebjrldiid kc kdgdsltb ib byufb fd kbfld pbrb odtdrsd dk prcjidobs. -Ib obfrd bslktl÷ y sd obrgm÷, dsgcitbkfc b su mlnb furbktd tcfc di gbolkc. ]dkb olr÷ mbglb bjbnc râplfbodktd bi sdktlr ib obkc fd Ebjrldiid scjrd su pdgmc. -Mcib ]dkb -rdpltl÷ ib rdlkb sdfugtcrbodktd, brrbstrbkfc ibs pbibjrbs.

=7



-Mcib. -Dstcy jcrrbgmb -bòbfl÷ dk tckc lkacrobtlvc. -Wï, bsï ds -gcrrcjcr÷ ]dkb jdsâkfcib b gcktlkubgl÷k dk ib ardktd. B pdsbr fd ib gcqudtdrïb y ics nudecs, ]dkb sbjïb qud Ebjrldiid gdrrbrïb ics cncs tbk prcktc gcoc gbydrb scjrd ib gbob. \ bsï aud.

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Ib obòbkb dkgcktr÷ b Ebjrldiid lktdktbkfc fdsdspdrbfbodktd fdtdkdr ibs pbipltbglckds fd su gbjdzb. -Kukgb vcivdrì b jdjdr tbktc -eruò÷ oldktrbs dktrbjb dk di gcodfcr. ]dkb olr÷ b su birdfdfcr y fdsgujrl÷ b ukb leubiodktd trbskcgmbfcrb Fykb sdktbfb ardktd b ukb ibreb odsb y scstdklìkfcsd ib gbjdzb dktrd ibs obkcs. -Grdc qud tu kudvb boleb fdjd dstbr pdksbkfc ic olsoc -jrcod÷ ib eudrrdrb. Ebjrldiid vlc b Fykb y ib sbiuf÷ gck ib gbjdzb. Fykb id fdvcivl÷ di edstc, adilz fd qud ib rdlkb kc dstuvldsd dkabfbfb gck diib pcr dojcrrbgmbrib ib kcgmd bktdrlcr-. ³Ruì quldrds gcodr3 -Biec qud kc od mbeb vcoltbr -rdspckfl÷ Ebjrldiid pbsbkfc fd ibrec ukb jbkfdnb fd gbrkd gck grdob fd biec. Di iâkeulfc scklfc fd uk gudrkc fd bibrob gbpt÷ su btdkgl÷k nuktc gck ib fdi rdstc fd ib mbjltbgl÷k. Wlk ukb pbibjrb, ]dkb y Ebjrldiid sbildrck gcrrldkfc mbglb mbglb ib dktrbfb fd ib bifdb. Iidebrck b tldopc fd vdr b ukb ncvdk eudrrdrb bobzckb gciebkfc fdi gudiic fd su gbjbiic, gck di jrbzc lzquldrfc dksbkerdktbfc. Fcs oundrds audrck mbstb diib y ib byufbrck b fdsocktbr. Erbglbs b sus ibrebs pldrkbs, ]dkb bigbkz÷ b ib oundr bktds qud ib rdlkb-. ³Ruì mb cgurrlfc3 -prdeukt÷ bi tldopc qud dopdzbjb b gcoprcjbr sl tdkïb oâs mdrlfbs. =6



-Lkvbscrds. Qldkdk mbglb bquï. Wck pcr ic odkcs gldk mcojrds. -Ib bibrob sd trbksoltl÷ gck rbplfdz pcr tcfb ib bifdb. ]dkb sd elr÷ mbglb su bobktd. -Ebjrldiid, tldkds qud vcivdr bi pbibglc. Dpmlky sd qudfbrâ gcktlec. -]dkb, ³lktdktbs fdnbrod bi obredk ctrb vdz3 Xcrqud sl ds bsï, grdïb qud yb ic mbjïbocs mbjibfc. -Ebjrldiid lktdkt÷ cguitbr ib arustrbgl÷k dk su vcz, pdrc abii÷. ]dkb susplr÷. W÷ic pcr ukb vdz fdsdbrïb qud ib jbrfc ib dsgugmbrb slk flsgutlr. -Kc ds ctrc fd ols lktdktcs pcr prctdedrtd. Drds ib Zdlkb fd ibs bobzckbs. Vd kdgdsltbk bquï, dk ib bifdb. Fdnb qud tus eudrrdrbs y brqudrbs sd cgupdk fd dstc, dstâk dktrdkbfbs pbrb dsc. -Mlzc ukb pbusb-. pbusb- . Ebjrldiid, pcr abvcr. -Kc od eustb -flnc Ebjrldiid vlsljidodktd dkabfbfb. Cflbjb gubkfc ]dkb tdkïb rbz÷k. -Kc mby tldopc pbrb flsgutlr -flnc ]dkb râplfbodktd bi vdr ics acrobfcs erupcs fd eudrrdrbs dkgbolkbrsd mbglb ib pudrtb kcrtd-. Lrì b byufbrids dk tcfc ic qud pudfb. -Dgm÷ b bkfbr, pdrc Ebjrldiid ib fdtuvc bebrrâkfcib fdi jrbzc. -Wupckec qud dstb ds ib jbtbiib scjrd ib qud kcs bfvlrtl÷ Btdkdb. -Olr÷ b ics cncs bzuids qud tbktc bobjb-. ]dkb, tdk gulfbfc. Kc quldrc gckvdrtlrod dk vlufb pcr sdeukfb vdz. -Bpcy÷ su gbjdzb gcktrb di pdgmc fd ib eudrrdrb, dsgugmbkfc di audrtd ibtlfc fdi gcrbz÷k fd su biob edodib. ]dkb pusc su obkc jbnc ib jbrjliib fd Ebjrldiid, cjileâkfcib b olrbrib fd kudvc. -Vd nurc qud tdkfrì gulfbfc -flnc bktds fd fdpcsltbr uk þitloc jdsc dk sus ibjlcs y sdeulr b ibs eudrrdrbs bobzckbs. Ebjrldiid sd sdg÷ ics cncs y iudec sd vcivl÷ rdkudktdodktd mbglb di gbstliic.

=4



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Dpmlky lkgilk÷ ib gbjdzb gubkfc Ebjrldiid dktr÷ dk ib sbib. -³Ruì pudfc mbgdr3 prdeukt÷ ib ncvdk rdlkb bgdrgâkfcsd y dgmbkfc uk vlstbzc bi obpb qud ybgïb dxtdkflfc scjrd ib odsb. -Dk rdbilfbf kc mby ougmc oâs qud mbgdr fdsfd bquï -rdspckfl÷ Dpmlky-. Mdocs dkvlbfc kudstrbs odncrds trcpbs b gujrlr ib pudrtb kcrtd. Gck sudrtd supdrbrâk b ics lkvbscrds slk suarlr fdobslbfbs jbnbs. -³Ruì pbsb gck ib pudrtb sur3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid pdksbtlvbodktd. -Vdkdocs uk gcopidodktc fd brqudrbs y eudrrdrbs pbrb fdadkfdrib. Di prcjidob prlkglpbi dstâ dk ib kcrtd. Biiï ds fckfd sd flrledk ics lkvbscrds. -Tm mum -ourour÷ ib jbrfc-. Dpmlky, ³pcr quì btbgbr fdsfd di kcrtd3 Fdspuìs fd tcfc, ds di bggdsc oâs aâgli fd fdadkfdr. Bfdoâs, gcktbocs gck ib vdktbnb bòbflfb fdi jcsqud dk dsb zckb. Wdrïb pbk gcolfc pbrb kudstrbs eudrrdrbs jcrfdbric y rcfdbrids sl audsd kdgdsbrlc. Kc tldkd sdktlfc... -Ics cncs fd Ebjrldiid sd bjrldrck gcoc pibtcs-. ¡Ds uk trugc! -erlt÷-. Dpmlky, ³guâi ds ib odncr obkdrb fd bidnbr b kudstrbs eudrrdrbs fdi bggdsc oâs fìjli3 -Ib bobzckb bjrl÷ ib jcgb bi fbrsd gudktb fd ic qud ib ncvdk rdlkb dstbjb lkslkubkfc. -¡Flstrbdrkcs! -Dpmlky gcrrl÷ b tcfb vdicglfbf mbglb ibs eubrflbs-. Zduklf b tcfbs ibs oundrds qud sdbk gbpbgds fd iugmbr y iidvbfibs lkodflbtbodktd b ib pudrtb sur. -Ibs eubrflbs pbrtldrck bi lkstbktd y fldrck ib sdòbi fd bibrob. Ebjrldiid bebrr÷ su gbybfc y sd dkgbolk÷ tbojlìk mbglb ib pudrtb. -³B f÷kfd grdds qud vbs tþ3 -B fdadkfdr ib pudrtb sur -flnc Ebjrldiid dk tckc fdsbalbktd. -Ol Zdlkb, kc pudfc brrldsebrod b qud rdsuitds mdrlfb. =1



-¡Dpmlky! -Ics cncs fd Ebjrldiid jrliibrck gck aurlb-. Kc vcy b pdflr b ibs oundrds fd dstb bifdb qud brrldseudk sus vlfbs oldktrbs yc od qudfc dsgckflfb. Vcfbs kudstrbs odncrds eudrrdrbs dstâk dk ib pudrtb kcrtd. Kdgdsltbocs b gbfb ukb fd ibs qud qudfbk dk ib sur. Qcy b lr. -Wu tckc drb slolibr bi qud ]dkb utlilzbjb gubkfc kc bfoltïb rìpilgbs-. Kc vcy b flsgutlr gcktlec. -Ebjrldiid sbil÷ gcoc ukb dxmbibgl÷k fdi pbibglc, gck Dpmlky plsâkfcid ics tbickds. Bigbkzbrck dksdeulfb bi pdqudòc erupc fd oundrds qud sd mbjïbk acrobfc dk ib pudrtb sur. Ebjrldiid rdgckcgl÷ dktrd diibs b vbrlcs oldojrcs fd ib eubrflb rdbi, aâglids fd lfdktlalgbr pcr sus tþklgbs bzuids. Bieukbs sd dstbjbk btbvlbkfc gck fladrdktds tlpcs fd brobfurbs y di rdstc gcoprcjbkfc ib tdksl÷k fd sus brgcs. Tkb fd ibs eubrflbs gbolk÷ mbglb diibs. -Xcr abvcr ol Zdlkb, bgdptb dstc -flnc cardglìkfcid ukb gctb fd obiib. Ib jbrfc ib lktdrrce÷ gck ib olrbfb-. Vd prctdedrâ fd ibs aidgmbs -dxpilg÷ ib bobzckb. Ebjrldiid sckrl÷ y fdn÷ qud Dpmlky id byufbrb b pckìrsdib. -³Dstbocs ilstbs3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid ocvldkfc ics jrbzcs pbrb bgcocfbrsd bi kudvc pdsc fd ib dxtrbòb brobfurb bktds fd qud gcodkzbrb ib jbtbiib. -Vcfbvïb kc od eustb ib lfdb fd tdkdrtd dk odflc fd dstc -flnc Dpmlky-. Xdrc sï, ic dstbocs. -Ebjrldiid lekcr÷ di gcodktbrlc fd su sdeukfb bi obkfc. -Qâockcs. -Olr÷ bi loprcvlsbfc erupc fd eubrflbs, erbkndrbs y fdoâs oundrds qud mbjïbk pcflfc dkgcktrbr. Didvbkfc su vcz mbstb di klvdi qud utlilzbjb pbrb kbrrbr sus mlstcrlbs, sd flrlel÷ b diibs-. Mdrobkbs bobzckbs, mdocs gbïfc dk ukb trbopb. Kudstrbs odncrds eudrrdrbs dstâk lktdktbkfc fdadkfdr ib pudrtb kcrtd. Ds kudstrb olsl÷k mbgdr ic olsoc gck ib sur. Kudstrb sdeurlfbf ds ic oâs lopcrtbktd. Kc lktdktìls mdrclglfbfds. Di cjndtlvc ds lopdflr qud dktrdk dk ib bifdb bktds fd qud ibs eudrrdrbs vdkebk dk kudstrb byufb. \b mdocs dkvlbfc b bieuldk b bvlsbrids. -Olr÷ ukb vdz oâs b gbfb ukb fd ibs bobzckbs qud ib

=5



rcfdbjbk bktds fd fbr ib sdòbi fd pbrtlr. Ib pudrtb sd bjrl÷ y sbildrck, flspudstbs b fdadkfdr su bifdb c ocrlr lktdktâkfcic. Bpdkbs sd mbjïbk bidnbfc furbktd ukb mcrb fd ib pudrtb sur gubkfc gcodkz÷ ib jbtbiib. Ibs bobzckbs sd pbrbpdtbrck râplfbodktd fdi biuvl÷k fd aidgmbs qud ids ibkzbrck. Dpmlky y Ebjrldiid sd gcicgbrck trbs uk trckgc gbïfc. -Mby oâs fd gldk bmï

audrb

-flnc

Ebjrldiid

rdsplrbkfc

bgdidrbfbodktd.

Dpmlky

bslktl÷.

-Vdkïbs rbz÷k. Drb tcfc uk trugc. -Ibs bobzckbs dopdzbrck b rdspckfdr di audec gck ibs pcgbs aidgmbs qud tdkïbk. Ebjrldiid sbjïb qud su gbybfc kc sdrvlrïb b odkcs qud audsd dk ukb iugmb gudrpc b gudrpc. Xcr odflc fd sdòbids, lkflg÷ b Dpmlky di pibk. Ib bobzckb sbgufl÷ ib gbjdzb dkìrelgbodktd-. Ds fdobslbfc pdilercsc. -³Bgbsc ic ds odkcs qudfbrkcs bquï b dspdrbr qud kcs obsbgrdk3 Ol gbybfc kc slrvd fd kbfb bquï. -Dpmlky bslktl÷ b rdebòbfldktds. Gbptbkfc ib btdkgl÷k fd ukb fd ibs brqudrbs, id lkflg÷ qud ibs gujrldrb. Ib oundr bslktl÷ y gcodkz÷ b ibkzbr aidgmbs b fldstrc y slkldstrc oldktrbs Ebjrldiid y Dpmlky bjbkfckbjbk ib prctdggl÷k qud ids jrlkfbjb di trckgc. Ebjrldiid aud mbstb uk scifbfc y ic fdsbro÷ râplfbodktd bktds fd fdnbrid slk sdktlfc. Wd elr÷ y dopdz÷ b pdidbr gck ctrc qud sd id bgdrgbjb. Di mcojrd kukgb sd mbjïb dkardktbfc bktds b uk gbybfc y kc fur÷ fdobslbfc. Gck tcfc di rulfc y ib gckausl÷k, Ebjrldiid kc cy÷ di slijlfc fd ib aidgmb bktds fd qud sd id gibvbrb prcaukfbodktd dk di ousic. Gby÷ bi sudic, buiibkfc fd fcicr. Bebrr÷ di prcydgtli gck bojbs obkcs y ic sbg÷. -³Xudfds ocvdrtd3 -id prdeuktc Dpmlky utlilzbkfc su prcplc gudrpc pbrb prctdedr b ib rdlkb gbïfb. Btrbvds÷ gck su dspbfb b uk scifbfc qud gcrrïb mbglb diibs.

Fdsbidktbfb,

vlc

qud

ougmcs

-Zdtrcgdfd, trbd rdaudrzcs -crfdk÷ Ebjrldiid.

==

oâs

sd

flrleïbk

mbglb

biiï.



-Kc pudfc. Wck fdobslbfcs. -Dsqulv÷ vbrlbs aidgmbs qud pbsbrck slijbkfc b su birdfdfcr. Ebjrldiid olr÷ b su birdfdfcr. -Dstbocs blsibfbs, ³vdrfbf3 -flnc dk vcz jbnb. Dpmlky kc gcktdst÷, dstbjb fdobslbfc cgupbfb iugmbkfc. Ebjrldiid sd lkgilk÷ gcktrb di trckgc y sd cjile÷ b idvbktbrsd, bpcybkfc tcfc su pdsc scjrd ib pldrkb qud kc tdkïb mdrlfb. Wd iljr÷ fd trds mcojrds oâs bktds fd qud ib pìrflfb fd sbkerd ib mlgldrb gbdr fd kudvc bi sudic. Dpmlky rdtrcgdfl÷ bktd di lklktdrruoplfc btbqud. Lkgbpbz fd vdr f÷kfd plsbjb, pdrfl÷ pld y gby÷ b uk prcaukfc jbrrbkgc, btdrrlzbkfc gck uk fdsberbfbjid rulfc scrfc. Bi vdr b su rdlkb lkfdadksb, vbrlbs bobzckbs dgmbrck b gcrrdr pbrb lktdktbr prctdedrib. Xdrc kukgb iidebrck b diib.

=<



XBZVD LQ

]dkb y Dpcklk lrruopldrck dktrd ibs trcpbs lkvbscrbs. Zdsuit÷ gbsl fdobslbfc aâgli. Ids supdrbjbk dk kþodrc. ]dkb gbigui÷ fd uk vlstbzc odkcs fd glkgudktb. Ibs bobzckbs ids mlgldrck rdtrcgdfdr gck abglilfbf. ]dkb mbjïb pbsbfc fdobslbfcs bòcs sldkfc uk sdòcr fd ib eudrrb gcoc pbrb kc fbrsd gudktb fd qud biec ljb obi. Wd qult÷ fd dkglob dksdeulfb b ics mcojrds gck ics qud iugmbjb y sd flrlel÷ b Dpcklk. -Biec vb obi. -³Ruì3 -prdeukt÷ Dpcklk, slk bpbrtbr ics cncs fdi dkdolec. -Kc bvbkzbk. Xbrdgd gcoc sl scibodktd qulsldrbk obktdkdrkcs cgupbfbs... ‗ Nustc dktckgds sck÷ di gudrkc fd rdtlrbfb, sdeulfc fd ics fd dodredkglb. Ib rdbilfbf fd ib sltubgl÷k ecipd÷ b ]dkb-. ¡Dpcklk, ib pudrtb sur! ¡W÷ic mb slfc uk trugc! -Dsgbi÷ uk ârjci b tcfb prlsb y gcodkz÷ b vlbnbr fd rbob dk rbob, rderdsbkfc b ib pudrtb kcrtd gck ibs bobzckbs sleulìkfcib fd gdrgb. ]dkb vlc gck mcrrcr qud ics lkvbscrds kc ibs sdeuïbk. Bqudiic gckalro÷ ibs scspdgmbs scjrd su dstrbtdelb. Kl sd ocidst÷ dk fdtdkdrsd dk di pbibglc, dspdglbiodktd bi kc vdr kl ukb scib eubrflb dk di dxtdrlcr. Gcrrl÷ flrdgtbodktd mbglb ib pudrtb sur, sdeulfb pcr ibs bobzckbs. ]dkb rdgckcgl÷ b Fykb fd pld nuktc b ib pudrtb, scstdkldkfc tcrpdodktd ukb dspbfb. Bi vdr b ]dkb, sdòbi÷ mbglb di sur. Ibs eudrrdrbs bobzckbs iidebrck nustc b tldopc fd dkardktbrsd b ics lkvbscrds bktds fd qud bigbkzbrbk ib pudrtb. Bi gcktrbrlc qud ibs trcpbs b ibs qud bgbjbjbk fd dkardktbrsd dk di jcsqud fdi kcrtd, ìstbs drbk trdodkfbodktd supdrlcrds dk kþodrc y audrzb, d lktdktbjbk pdkdtrbr dk ib bifdb bobzckb. Tk râplfc vlstbzc b su birdfdfcr kc rdvdi÷ b ]dkb kl rbstrc fd Ebjrldiid. Wu btdkgl÷k gbojl÷ fd sdktlfc gubkfc trds fd ics mcojrds sd flrleldrck mbglb diib gck ibs dspbfbs dk bitc. Gck uk râplfc elrc fd ouòdgb, dkvl÷ su gmb`rbo mbglb biiï <8



fdnâkfcics slk sdktlfc y rdgupdrbkfc di brob fdspuìs. Gcrrl÷ y fdn÷ lkgcksgldktd b ctrc, y btrbvds÷ b uk qulktc gck su dspbfb. Ib jbtbiib sd dojrbvdgl÷ bi tldopc qud ibs bobzckbs gcodkzbjbk b ebkbr tdrrdkc y gcktrci scjrd diib. Kc mbrïbk prlslckdrcs. Fdobslbfbs bobzckbs mbjïbk pdrflfc yb ib vlfb bqudi fïb. Bi vdr qud ib jbtbiib sd id dsgbpbjb fd ibs obkcs, Ebrbtm sd flc gudktb fd qud kl ìi kl sus mcojrds ljbk b sdr gbpbgds fd gckqulstbr ib bifdb bobzckb, y ougmc odkcs b sus mbjltbktds. Olr÷ b su birdfdfcr y fdsgujrl÷ ib lkdrtd acrob fd ib rdlkb bobzckb, sdeurc fd qud bqudiibs oundrds pbebrïbk uk judk rdsgbtd pcr rdgupdrbrib. Ib obtbkzb aud ic sualgldktdodktd erbkfd gcoc pbrb mbgdr sdktlr kbusdbs b ibs bobzckbs oâs gurtlfbs. Bi alk mbjïbk fdtdklfc b ics lkvbscrds, mbglìkfcids ardktd furbktd odflb mcrb bktds fd qud tcfcs rdsuitbrbk oudrtcs c muydrbk. Ib sbkerd dopibstbjb ibs jctbs fd tcfbs diibs. ]dkb bvbkz÷ dktrd ics gudrpcs, mcrrcrlzbfb bktd ib vbstb dxtdksl÷k fd tdrrdkc qud gujrïbk. Dpcklk gcrrl÷ mbstb fckfd sd dkgcktrbjbk-. Kc md dkgcktrbfc kl b Dpmlky kl b Ebjrldiid. -Ib olrbfb fd ]dkb rdvdi÷ b ib bobzckb qud diib tbopcgc. Vrbs diibs, ics iibktcs fd bkeustlb fd obfrds y mdrobkbs iidkbjb di blrd. Ib gbrb fd ]dkb pbilfdgl÷ bi flstlkeulr ibs tþklgbs bzuids qud vdstïbk bieukcs fd ics gbfâvdrds, oâs bfdibktd. Dpcklk ibs vlc tbojlìk y bojbs dgmbrck b gcrrdr ardkìtlgbodktd. Gcoprcjbrck qud biiï ybgïbk vbrlcs oldojrcs fd ib eubrflb rdbi, pdrc bþk kc mbjïb rbstrc fd ib rdlkb kl fd su sdeukfb bi obkfc. ]dkb fdsgujrl÷ uk rbstrc fd sbkerd fdsfd biiï mbstb di jbrrbkgc. Aud mbstb di jcrfd y sd bsco÷. -¡Bquï bjbnc! -erlt÷ fdsgdkfldkfc pcr ib ibfdrb. Di gudrpc fd Dpmlky dstbjb gujldrtc fd sbkerd. Ibs prcaukfbs mdrlfbs dk sus pldrkbs y sus jrbzcs drbk prudjbs fd qud mbjïb dstbfc odtlfb dk ukb jbtbiib. Wu gctb fd obiib drb ic þklgc qud q ud ib mbjïb iljrbfc fd sdr ukb vïgtlob oâs.

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Dpmlky lktdkt÷ dkacgbr su vlstb dk ib audrtd oundr qud ib iidvbjb scjrd su mcojrc, pdrc ib pìrflfb fd sbkerd id lopdfïb pdksbr y mbgdr gubiquldr ctrb gcsb gck gibrlfbf. Wd fdn÷ pbsbr b ctrbs obkcs, ob kcs, qud ib sbgbrck fd biiï. -Dpmlky, tcfc vb jldk. Dstcy bquï. -Dpcklk mbji÷ gck uk tckc rdgckacrtbktd, b pdsbr fd qud vdr b Dpmlky dk tbk ibodktbjid dstbfc ib rcopïb pcr fdktrc. -Eb... -³Ruì3 Dpmlky, ³quì id mb pbsbfc b Ebjrldiid3 -]dkb dstbjb biiï fd pld, lktdktbkfc cjtdkdr ukb rdspudstb fd ib sdollkgcksgldktd bobzckb. Dpmlky elr÷ ib gbjdzb y olr÷ b ib eudrrdrb. -Lktdktì... tcfbs lktdktbocs... -³F÷kfd dstâ3 -flnc ]dkb tbk bitc qud oâs jldk pbrdgl÷ uk erltc, ic gubi brrbkg÷ ukb furb olrbfb fd Dpcklk. -Wd ib... iidvbrck... -³Wd ib iidvbrck3 ³Rulìk sd ib iidv÷3 ³B f÷kfd audrck3 -]dkb sd fdtuvc bi vdr qud ib bobzckb dstbjb lkgcksgldktd. Iudec olr÷ b Dpcklk-. Qcy trbs diics. -Wd flc odflb vuditb mbglb ib bifdb, gck ib lktdkgl÷k fd jusgbr b Brec. -¡]dkb! -Di tckc fd Dpcklk mlzc vcivdrsd b ib eudrrdrb-. Wì qud quldrds dkgcktrbrib, pdrc td kdgdsltbocs bquï. -Gcksgldktd fd qud gcktbjb gck ib btdkgl÷k fd ib oundr, gcktlku÷-. Mby fdobslbfbs oundrds mdrlfbs gcoc pbrb qud Wbrbs sd dkgbreud fd diibs scib. Xldksb dk guâktbs bobzckbs ocrlrâk slk kdgdslfbf pcr ib abitb fd gulfbfcs sl td obrgmbs. -Dpcklk dkvl÷ b glkgc eudrrdrbs bobzckbs trbs ib plstb fd ics lkvbscrds. Gcktdopi÷ b ]dkb iugmbr gcktrb sus docglckds bktds fd rdgupdrbr su dstclgb dxprdsl÷k. Wlk fdglr ukb pbibjrb, ]dkb vcivl÷ y sd brrcflii÷ bktd ukb fd ibs eubrflbs oudrtbs. Bi fbrsd gudktb fd qud bqudiib oundr mbjïb fbfc su vlfb lktdktbkfc prctdedr b Ebjrldiid, ]dkb kc aud

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gbpbz fd gcktdkdr ibs iâerlobs-. Brtdolsb, gulfb fd diib. Odrdgd dstbr dk ics Gbopcs Diïsdcs.

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Ebrbtm ibkz÷ ukb pctdktd obiflgl÷k oldktrbs brrbstrbjb b ib lkgcksgldktd oundr mbstb su jbrgc. Wd supckïb qud ljb b gckqulstbr ib glufbf y iidvbrsd b oâs ibs n÷vdkds gcoc dsgibvbs. Mbjïb abiibfc olsdrbjidodktd, mbjïb pdrflfc tcfc su dnìrgltc. Vcfc ic qud tdkïb drb ukb oundr qud prcjbjidodktd ocrlrïb fdsbkerbfb bktds fd iidebr b tldrrbs fdi Zdy. Gubktc oâs ib olrbjb, odkcs sdeurc dstbjb fd qud audsd kl slquldrb ib rdlkb. Di gcicr fd su pdic kc drb gcoc di fd ibs fdoâs, y tbopcgc su dstbturb bigbkzbjb ib fd ib obycrïb. Ibkz÷ ukb pbtbfb fd aurlb gcktrb ib jbrfc. ¡Tkb grïb! ¡Mbjïb slfc dkvlbfc pbrb gbpturbr b fcgdkbs fd diibs y rderdsbjb s÷ic gck ukb! Ib fdn÷ dk gujldrtb y dktr÷ dk di gbobrctd pbrb bmcebr sus pdkbs dk uk tckdi fd vlkc. Ebjrldiid bjrl÷ ics cncs fdspbglc. Obktuvc quldtb ib gbjdzb y olr÷ b su birdfdfcr, lktdktbkfc obktdkdr su rdsplrbgl÷k b uk rltoc idktc pbrb kc rdvdibr b kbfld qud dstbjb fdspldrtb. Xrcktc sd flc gudktb fd qud dstbjb dk uk jbrgc. Di jbibkgdc y ib obfdrb scjrd ib qud ybgïb drbk prudjbs oâs qud sualgldktds. Drb fd fïb, prcjbjidodktd jldk dktrbfb ib tbrfd. Fdsgujrl÷ bfdoâs qud kc dstbjb btbfb. Ib pldrkb id obrtliidbjb fd fcicr. Kl slquldrb dstbjb sdeurb fd pcfdr tdkdrsd dk pld. Tkb vdz sdeurb fd qud kc mbjïb kbfld b su birdfdfcr, sd sdkt÷ y sd olr÷ di ousic. Ib sbkerd lopdfïb slquldrb vdr ib mdrlfb qud mbjïb fdjbnc. Wbjïb qud mbjïb pdrflfc yb ukb judkb gbktlfbf fd diib. Wd qult÷ ib gctb fd obiib y ib gbolsb. Iudec sd glò÷ fd kudvc ib brobfurb d mlzc nlrckds ib tdib. Abjrlg÷ gcoprdsbs gck bieukcs fd ics pdfbzcs, ics gcicg÷ scjrd ib mdrlfb y iudec sd vdkf÷ pbrb bpilgbr prdsl÷k. Fd rcfliibs, Ebjrldiid olr÷ scjrd ib prcb. B ic idncs, flvls÷ tldrrb. "³Dk quì dstâs pdksbkfc, Ebjrldiid3", sd prdeukt÷ b sï olsob. <7



"Lkgiusc bukqud pufldrbs sbilr fd dstd jbrgc kc sdrïbs gbpbz fd kbfbr mbstb ib crliib. Wdrvlrïbs fd gcolfb b ics pdgds, c ocrlrïbs fdsbkerbfb". Ebjrldiid pdks÷ b gcktlkubgl÷k dk sus cpglckds sl sd qudfbjb biiï. "Qdbocs... vlcibfb, tcrturbfb, vdkflfb gcoc dsgibvb. Wï, ukbs cpglckds dstupdkfbs". Wd flrlel÷ mbstb di jcrfd fd ib gujldrtb y flrlel÷ ukb râplfb pidebrlb b Btdkdb, Brtdolsb y Xcsdlf÷k. Bsplr÷ prcaukfbodktd y sbit÷ scjrd ib jbrbkfliib pbrb sdr dkeuiilfb pcr ibs sbiïtrdbs beubs.

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]dkb, ib dstclgb eudrrdrb, kl slquldrb sd ocidstbjb dk sdgbr ibs iâerlobs qud gcrrïbk iljrdodktd pcr su gbrb oldktrbs btdkfïb b ibs bobzckbs mdrlfbs. Dk di dxtdrlcr fd ib gbjbòb fd Wbrbs mbjïb flspudstc ukb gibslalgbgl÷k sdeþk su erbvdfbf. Ics bòcs dk ics qud sd dkgbre÷ fd ics mcojrds fd su dnìrgltc id mbjïbk dksdòbfc b flstlkeulr pdradgtbodktd quì mdrlfbs pcfïbk dspdrbr y guâids fdjïbk sdr trbtbfbs fd lkodflbtc. Vbojlìk id mbjïbk dksdòbfc guâkfc di trbtboldktc þklgbodktd prcickebrïb di suarloldktc. Lktdkt÷ obktdkdr su odktd cgupbfb dk tcfbs ibs tbrdbs qud tdkïb b su birdfdfcr, pdrc dk ic þklgc qud drb gbpbz fd pdksbr drbk ics cncs vdrfdbzuibfcs fd su bfcrbfb Ebjrldiid. Wd dkgdkfldrck bktcrgmbs gubkfc ib csgurlfbf dopdz÷ b gdrklrsd scjrd ib bifdb. Vrbndrck ilktdrkbs pbrb byufbr b ]dkb oldktrbs gcsïb mdrlfbs, lkocvlilzbjb mudscs rctcs y gdrrbjbs ics cncs fd bqudiibs b quldkds kc mbjïb slfc gbpbz fd sbivbr. Kc aud gcksgldktd fd guâktc tldopc mbjïb pbsbfc mbstb qud slktl÷ ib obkc fd Dpcklk dk su mcojrc. Dk uk rlkg÷k fd su odktd sd flc gudktb fd qud kc mbjïb cïfc bgdrgbrsd b ib bobzckb. Mbji÷ slk idvbktbr ib vlstb. -Kbfb.

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-Mbjïb fdobslbfcs rbstrcs. ]dkb, dkvlbrdocs oâs trcpbs obòbkb. -Dpcklk sd fdtuvc uk ocodktc bktds fd gcktlkubr-. Qd bfdktrc. Kdgdsltbs uk jbòc, gcodr y fdsgbksbr. -]dkb olr÷ b Wbrbs. -Qdtd ]dkb. Vd kdgdsltc gck audrzbs obòbkb. -Ib gurbkfdrb dxtdkfl÷ ics jrbzcs, lkflgbkfc b ]dkb qud pcfïb obrgmbrsd. ]dkb bslktl÷, sd idvbkt÷ idktbodktd y sleul÷ b Dpcklk fd vuditb bi pbibglc. Fdspuìs fd iloplbr ic odncr pcsljid ib sbkerd y ib sugldfbf qud gujrïbk su gudrpc, ]dkb tco÷ ukb gbolsb iloplb y sd dgm÷ scjrd ib gbob. Bi dsgugmbr ukcs iledrcs tcquds dk ib pudrtb, sd lkgcrpcr÷ y sd sdg÷ ics cncs-. Dktrb. Dpcklk pbs÷ jbnc di qulglc sdeulfb fd ukb ougmbgmb kc ougmc oâs ncvdk qud Ebjrldiid, qud sd qudf÷ nuktc b ib pudrtb-. ]dkb, ìstb ds Brls. -Vþ dstbjbs nuktc bi audec bydr pcr ib kcgmd -flnc ]dkb. Bqudiic pbrdgïb dstbr yb b tcfb ukb vlfb fd flstbkglb. Brls olr÷ kdrvlcsbodktd b Dpcklk. Ib bobzckb pusc ukb obkc dk su mcojrc pbrb fbrid gckalbkzb. -Dksìòbsdic -flnc Dpcklk. Brls sd bsco÷ audrb y trbnc gckslec di gbybfc fd Ebjrldiid. ]dkb slktl÷ ukb puòbibfb fd fcicr dk di gcrbz÷k bi vdr di brob gujldrtb fd sbkerd. -Ic... ic dkgcktrì gdrgb fdi jbrrbkgc. -Ib ougmbgmb dopdz÷ b iicrbr-. Od... od eustbjb... quldrc fdglr qud drb... -Brls id dktrde÷ di gbybfc b Dpcklk y sbil÷ gcrrldkfc fd ib mbjltbgl÷k. Ib bobzckb vcivl÷ b fdnbr di gbybfc dk di pbsliic, iudec bvbkz÷ y sd sdkt÷ dk ib gbob nuktc b ]dkb. Ib eudrrdrb tdkïb ib olrbfb pdrflfb bi ardktd. -Vcfc di oukfc dstâ ouy bjbtlfc. -Dpcklk fdn÷ qud su olrbfb fdsgdkfldrb mbstb sus obkcs-. Ncy, ib mdrobkb fd Brls, drb ukb fd ibs eubrflbs rdbids. -Ib eudrrdrb bslktl÷ gcoprdkslvbodktd.

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-³G÷oc dstâ Dpmlky3 -flnc ]dkb dk vcz jbnb, slk olrbrib tcfbvïb. Dspdr÷ ib rdspudstb uk ocodktc. Bi kc rdgljlr klkeukb, biz÷ ib vlstb y vlc b ib bobzckb tdojibkfc y bmcebkfc di iibktc-. Kc ouy jldk -flnc Dpcklk trbs ukcs sdeukfcs. Odkd÷ ib gbjdzb fd ibfc b ibfc oldktrbs ibs iâerlobs gbydrck dk gbsgbfb pcr su gbrb. Bktd ib kdgdslfbf tbktc fd gckscibr gcoc fd sdr gckscibfb, ]dkb btrbnc mbglb sï b ib bobzckb, bgcopbòâkfcib gck sus prcplbs iâerlobs.

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Di beub sbibfb bjrbs÷ ib pldrkb fd Ebjrldiid pcr audrb oldktrbs ib tdksl÷k fd sus oþsguics ic mbgïbk pcr fdktrc. Di pdsc oudrtc fd ib gctb odtâilgb id mbgïb gbsl lopcsljid obktdkdr ib gbjdzb audrb fdi beub. Xbrdgïb bvbkzbr s÷ic ukcs gdktïodtrcs gck gbfb jrbzbfb, pdrc sdeuïb rdpltlìkfcsd qud gbfb vdz dstbjb oâs gdrgb. Ib flausb iuz þklgbodktd id pdroltïb flstlkeulr ib sliudtb fd ibs gcpbs fd ics ârjcids. Wd gckgdktr÷ dk diics, bgbii÷ di ibgdrbktd fcicr qud iidkbjb su odktd y iugm÷ pcr bgdrgbrsd b gbsb, b ]dkb. Kc aud gcksgldktd fd dk quì ocodktc gdrr÷ ics cncs, sd pusc jcgb brrljb y sd fdn÷ iidvbr pcr ibs cibs. Vbopcgc aud gcksgldktd fd guâkfc iide÷ b ib gcstb. W÷ic sd flc gudktb fd qud tdkïb biec alrod jbnc su dspbifb. Wlktl÷ di beub ecipdâkfcid ib gbrb. Eloldkfc bi ocvdr ib pldrkb, Ebjrldiid sd cjile÷ b brrcfliibrsd y brrbstrbrsd mbstb sbilr fdi beub. Dk dsd ocodktc, tcfbs ibs audrzbs qud qudfbjbk dk su gudrpc ib bjbkfckbrck y gby÷ lkdrtd scjrd ib brdkb. Kukgb iide÷ b vdr ukb idgmuzb jibkgb pcsbfb dk ukb rbob gdrgbkb.

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]dkb bjrl÷ ics cncs y sd lkgcrpcr÷, tctbiodktd bidrtb. Mukfl÷ ics mcojrcs iledrbodktd bi fbrsd gudktb fd qud kc mbjïb slfc ukb pdsbfliib. Wd pusc ib brobfurb râplfbodktd y sd flspusc b sbilr. Dpcklk ib fdtuvc bktds fd qud pufldrb sbilr fdi pbibglc. -¡]dkb! ¡Dspdrb! Vd kdgdsltc. -]dkb sd fdtuvc, gcksgldktd fd su nurbodktc fd sldoprd byufbr b ics kdgdsltbfcs-. Xcr abvcr, mbjidocs dk ics bpcsdktcs. -]dkb pdroltl÷ qud Dpcklk ib eulbrb mbstb ib sbib prlvbfb fd ib Zdlkb. Ib bobzckb sd biz÷ mbstb ukb rdplsb y sbg÷ trds pdrebolkcs. Vcfcs tdkïbk di sdiic fd ib Zdlkb fd ib Kbgl÷k bobzckb. Ibs fcs oundrds sd sdktbrck b ib pdqudòb odsb-. Vdkdocs qud sbjdr qulìk cstdktb bmcrb di pcfdr fd Zdlkb dk aukglckds. -³Vdkdocs3 -]dkb dstbjb gckausb-. Dpcklk, yc kc scy bobzckb. Kc tdkec kbfb qud fdglr scjrd qulìk fdjd flrlelr ib kbgl÷k. -]dkb, bquï mby trds pdrebolkcs. -Idvbkt÷ ukc fd diics-. Ìstd gcktldkd lkstrugglckds fd Ebjrldiid bgdrgb fd qulìk rdgljd su fdrdgmc fd pbrdktdsgc dk gbsc fd qud diib... -Ib bobzckb sd fdtuvc. ]dkb bslktl÷, gbsl lopdrgdptljidodktd. Dpcklk rdsplr÷ prcaukfbodktd, fdpcslt÷ di fcguodktc dk ib odsb y idvbkt÷ di sleuldktd. ]dkb rdgckcgl÷ bi lkstbktd su kcojrd dk ìi, dsgrltc pcr ib obkc fd ib jbrfc-. Dstb ds ukb kctb pdrsckbi, pbrb tl. -Dpcklk aud b dktrdeârsdic b ib eudrrdrb, pdrc bi kc vdr ukb obkc flspudstb b rdgcedric, ic fdn÷ tbojlìk fckfd dstbjb. Ib bobzckb kc mlzc klkeþk bobec fd lr b tcgbr di þitloc pdrebolkc-. Dsd ds ukb kctb pdrsckbi fd Dpmlky mbglb oï. Fdpdkfldkfc fd dk qulìk rdgbleb di fdrdgmc fd Ebjrldiid, fdjdrdocs bjrlr ukc u ctrc. -Wupckec qud kc mby tldopc qud pdrfdr. Ibs bobzckbs kdgdsltbk sbjdr qulìk ds su iïfdr. -Ibs pbibjrbs fd ]dkb sckbrck iidkbs fd gckvdkgloldktc, pdrc sus obkcs tdojibrck iledrbodktd bi rcopdr di sdiic fd gdrb. "\c, Ebjrldiid fd Xctdlfblb, Zdlkb fd ib Kbgl÷k bobzckb y jdkfdglfb gcoc tbi pcr ib Flcsb Brtdolsb, dstbjidzgc qud dk di ocodktc fd ol oudrtd c lkgbpbglfbf pbrb

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iidvbr b gbjc ols aukglckds gcoc Zdlkb, trbspbsc ol Fdrdgmc fd Xbrdktdsgc b ol mdrobkb bobzckb Dpmlky."

Dstbjb alrobfc dk ib pbrtd lkadrlcr. ]dkb sd ic pbs÷ b Dpcklk y iudec ic rdidy÷. Ebjrldiid mbjïb dsgrltc bqudiic b tcfb prlsb. ]dkb fdn÷ di pdrebolkc y aud b pcr di fd Dpmlky-. Fìnbod b oï -flnc Dpcklk bebrrâkfcic. ]dkb mlzc rdtrcgdfdr su obkc y dspdr÷ mbstb qud ib bobzckb tdrolk÷ fd iddr di fcguodktc. Gcoc drb fd dspdrbr, Dpmlky pbsbjb su fdrdgmc b Dpcklk. Bojbs rdsplrbrck bilvlbfbs ukb vdz qud ibs acrobilfbfds idebids qudfbrck guopilfbs-. ]dkb... -Dpcklk olr÷ mbglb di pdrebolkc qud qudfbjb pcr iddr. -¡Kc! -ruel÷ ]dkb-. Kc ic mbrì. Kc mbstb dstbr sdeurbs. -]dkb olr÷ bi tdgmc-. Kc pudfc. -Wu vcz aud pcgc odkcs qud uk susurrc. Bebrr÷ di pdrebolkc y ic fdvcivl÷ bi dstbktd-. Vdkec qud dkgcktrbrib. -]dkb, pcr abvcr. Vd kdgdsltbocs bquï. Mdocs pdrflfc glkgc oâs dstb kcgmd. Vcfbs ibs oundrds qud tdkdocs gbpbgds fd mbgdr biec dstâk audrb, jusgbkfc. Wleudk gbfb mudiib, gbfb rbstrc. Kc fdsgbksbrâk mbstb dkgcktrbrib. Vldkds ol pbibjrb fd bobzckb. -Dpcklk sd idvbkt÷ y olr÷ b trbvìs fd ib vdktbkb-. Bydr ourldrck pcr ic odkcs glkgudktb oundrds. Wl td vbs, pcfrïbocs pdrfdr b ctrbs glkgudktb. Wbrbs mb trbjbnbfc tcfb ib kcgmd pbrb qud tþ pufldrbs fcrolr. Dstâ bectbfb. -Dpcklk fdn÷ fd mbjibr. Mbjïb flgmc tcfc ic kdgdsbrlc. Klkeukb fd diibs sd ocvl÷ furbktd uk ocodktc. Ib bobzckb dspdr÷ kc mbjdr scjrdstlobfc ib gcopbsl÷k fd ib eudrrdrb. -Fìnbod gcodr biec prlodrc. Kdgdsltbrì tcfb ib dkdreïb qud pudfb rduklr -flnc ]dkb fdspcnâkfcsd fd dspbfb y ib vblkb. Dpcklk fdn÷ dsgbpbr ukb jcgbkbfb fd blrd qud kc drb gcksgldktd fd mbjdr rdtdklfc. -Rud Brtdolsb td jdkfleb, ]dkb. -Ib eudrrdrb bmce÷ ukb rdspudstb gcrtbktd. Di kc sbjdr quì mbjïb slfc fd Ebjrldiid kc byufbjb b odncrbr sus sdktloldktcs mbglb ics Flcsds dk dsd ocodktc. Zdsplr÷ prcaukfbodktd y sd lktdrk÷ dk ib ouitltuf fd tbrdbs qud ib dspdrbjbk. Btdkfldkfc b ibs dkadrobs y mdrlfbs. <=



Byufbkfc b icgbilzbr d lfdktlalgbr b ibs oudrtbs. Gckstruydkfc plrbs aukdrbrlbs. Ib oâs fdsberbfbjid drb iidvbr ics gudrpcs mbstb ibs plrbs. ³Guâktbs vdgds mbjïb gckfdkbfc b bqudiic gck di alic fd su dspbfb3 ³B guâktbs oundrds mbjïb gckvdrtlfc dk vlufbs3 Gck di pbsc fd ibs mcrbs, ics erltcs fd fcicr y ics iibktcs fd ibs pìrflfbs mlgldrck odiib dk diib. Dstuvc b puktc fd vcoltbr bi iidvbr b gbjc ukb boputbgl÷k b ukb fd ibs gmlgbs qud Ebjrldiid mbjïb gckcglfc nuktc b ib mceudrb. Ics odflgbodktcs pbrb gbiobr di fcicr sd mbjïbk bgbjbfc pcr ib obòbkb tdoprbkc. ]dkb sd mbjïb vlstc tdktbfb fd utlilzbr ics puktcs fd prdsl÷k pbrb supibktbrics, pdrc drb gcksgldktd fd qud bi vcivdr, di fcicr drb tbk audrtd qud ougmbs kc ic pcfrïbk scpcrtbr. Biec bsï pcfrïb obtbribs. Di blrd brfl÷ gck di mdfcr fd ib gbrkd qudobfb fdspuìs fd gbutdrlzbr di ouò÷k sbkeulkcidktc. Bpbrtâkfcsd fd ics sciiczcs fd ib ougmbgmb, ]dkb mukfl÷ sus obkcs y sus jrbzcs dk di pli÷k, guyb beub dstbjb yb tdòlfb pcr ib sbkerd fd pbgldktds bktdrlcrds. Wlk tldopc pbrb fdsgbksbr c pdksbr, ]dkb sd rderds÷ nuktc b ukb gboliib y dopdz÷ b dxbolkbr b ctrb oundr. Diib sdrïb ib prlodrb fd ougmbs dk ocrlr bqudi fïb.

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Ebjrldiid sd sdkt÷ idktbodktd y dsgupl÷ ib brdkb qud tdkïb dk ib jcgb. Iudec ebtd÷ y vcivl÷ b sdktlr di pâipltc fd su pldrkb. Mukfl÷ ib obkc dk di beub y tco÷ uk trbec. Bktds fd mbgdric pcr sdeukfb vdz rdgcrf÷ ibs bfvdrtdkglbs fd ]dkb scjrd di beub sbibfb, bsï qud sd ilolt÷ b muodfdgdrsd ib gbrb bktds fd pckdrsd dk pld. Dstufl÷ ib zckb uk ocodktc, lktdktbkfc crldktbrsd. Kc dstbjb sdeurb fd mbglb f÷kfd lr. Kl slquldrb dstbjb sdeurb fd dkgcktrbrsd dk Erdglb. Ebjrldiid kc sbjïb guâktc tldopc iidvbjb lkgcksgldktd c guâktc mbjïb dstbfc dk bqudi jbrgc. Wd bpcy÷ gcktrb uk ârjci y dstufl÷ di sudic. Kc id iidv÷ ougmc tldopc dkgcktrbr ibs mudiibs qud su sdgudstrbfcr mbjïb fdnbfc bi iidvbrib mbstb biiï. ¡Ic þklgc qud tdkïb qud mbgdr drb sdeulribs mbglb btrâs y oâs tbrfd c oâs tdoprbkc

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dkgcktrbrïb ib bifdb bobzckb! Gck dspdrbkzbs rdkcvbfbs, Ebjrldiid dgm÷ b bkfbr, pdksbkfc s÷ic dk ]dkb y kc dk di fcicr fd su pldrkb.

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-]dkb. -Ib eudrrdrb olr÷ b ib bobzckb mdrlfb. -Dpmlky. Od biderc fd vdrtd. Vdkec qud gbojlbrtd ibs vdkfbs. Vd vb b fcidr uk pcgc. -]dkb flrlel÷ su btdkgl÷k b ib ouitltuf fd gcrtds y mdrlfbs qud gujrïbk di gudrpc fd ib bobzckb. -]dkb, sbjds qud lktdktì prctdedrib. -Ibs pbibjrbs sureldrck fd su ebrebktb gcoc uk âspdrc susurrc. ]dkb bigbkz÷ ukb nbrrb fd beub. Ib byuf÷ b idvbktbr ib gbjdzb gck su obkc y iidv÷ di rdglpldktd mbstb ics ibjlcs fd ib oundr. -Jdjd. -]dkb dspdr÷ mbstb qud ib bobzckb bgbj÷ gck tcfc di iïqulfc bktds fd rdgcstbrib fd kudvc. Iudec sd fdflg÷ b gbojlbrid ics vdkfbnds-. Ic sì. Erbglbs flnc ib creuiicsb eudrrdrb uk ocodktc fdspuìs. Dpmlky tdkïb ics cncs gdrrbfcs, pdrc buk bsï drb gcksgldktd fd qud ]dkb dstbjb iicrbkfc. Mujc uk tldopc dk qud Dpmlky pdksbjb qud ib prlkgdsb eudrrdrb sdrïb lkgbpbz fd rdflolrsd, fd fbr uk elrc b su vlfb, fd sdr ukb oundr dk iuebr fd uk sdòcr fd ib eudrrb. Bmcrb sd biderbjb fd su drrcr, pdrc tbojlìk id dktrlstdgïb qud Ebjrldiid mujldsd slfc di octlvc fd bqudi gbojlc. Drb uk ibzc lrrcopljid qud Dpmlky sbjïb qud kukgb dxpdrlodktbrïb. Dspdrbjb qud ib pìrflfb fd Ebjrldiid kc ib fdvcivldrb b ic qud aud dk ctrc tldopc.

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Ebjrldiid tdkïb ib jcgb rdsdgb y di dst÷obec dkgcelfc pbrb gubkfc dkgcktr÷ uk pdqudòc rlbgmudic. Wd tuoj÷ y mukfl÷ ib gbjdzb dk di beub, bjrldkfc ib jcgb y dkeuiidkfc di gibrc y ardsgc iïqulfc. Iudec sd sdkt÷ y olr÷ b su birdfdfcr, lktdktbkfc rdgupdrbr di rbstrc. Kc id aud flaïgli. Wu sdgudstrbfcr kc mbjïb mdgmc klkeþk dsaudrzc pcr gujrlr sus mudiibs. Olr÷ fd kudvc b su ousic. Ics vdkfbnds dstbjbk gujldrtcs fd sbkerd y sugldfbf. Rudrïb qultârsdics y iloplbr ib mdrlfb, pdrc kc tdkïb kbfb oâs gck qud gujrlrib fdspuìs. Dstbjb sdeurb fd qud gcodkzbjb b lkadgtbrsd. Wdktïb ib zckb gbildktd bi tbgtc. Iudec fdsgujrl÷ ic pâilfb qud tdkïb ib pldi. \b mbjïb pdrflfc ougmb sbkerd. Iloplbr ib mdrlfb prcvcgbrïb qud gcodkzbrb b sbkerbr fd kudvc. Xcgc gckvdkglfb fd bojbs cpglckds, fdn÷ fd pdksbr dk ics vdkfbnds. Di scklfc fd ics gbsgcs fd uk gbjbiic rdsckbrck dk sus cïfcs. ³Bolec c dkdolec3 Wd muodfdgl÷ ics ibjlcs y doltl÷ uk trlkc fd pânbrc. Dk su fìjli dstbfc, sck÷ fdobslbfc rckgc gcoc pbrb pbsbr pcr gubiquldrb fd ics pânbrcs qud gckcgïb. Ic lktdkt÷ fd kudvc. Iudec dsgugm÷ uk gbktc fd pbicob. Fdn÷ dsgbpbr uk susplrc fd biderïb. Bobzckbs. Dopdz÷ b erltbr. -¡Wcgcrrc! ¡Xcr abvcr! -Ib vcz id abii÷ y prcrruopl÷ dk ukb tcs sdgb. Tkb bobzckb, crldktbfb pcr ib tcs fd ukb oundr, dktr÷ dk di gibrc. Zbiib sbg÷ ics pcgcs þtlids qud iidvbjb dk su sliib fd ocktbr y gcrrl÷ nuktc b ib jbrfc. Gcrt÷ di prdgbrlc vdkfbnd fd su ousic y dxbolk÷ ib mdrlfb fd ib aidgmb. Ib lkadggl÷k drb dvlfdktd. Kl slquldrb tuvc qud tcgbrib pbrb sdktlr di gbicr qud fdspdfïb. Ttlilz÷ uk trbpc pbrb iloplbr di pus y ib sbkerd bktds fd gujrlrib fd kudvc gck uk pbòc iloplc. Rult÷ di tbp÷k fd su cfrd fd beub y cjile÷ b Ebjrldiid b jdjdr. Kc pcfïb mbgdr oâs mbstb kc rdgljlr byufb. Ib rdlkb dstbjb fdobslbfc fìjli gcoc pbrb ocktbr scib y Zbiib kc pcfïb iidvbrib y gcktrcibr su gbjbiic bi olsoc tldopc b trbvìs fdi dspdsc jcsqud. Dsgugm÷ gbjbiics bgdrgâkfcsd y doltl ÷ su gbktc fd pânbrc. Zdgljl÷ ib rdspudstb qud qudrïb y sd idvbkt÷ oldktrbs ctrc gbjbiic y su bobzckb pdkdtrbjbk dk di gibrc. -Vykb, ds ib rdlkb -lkacro÷ Zbiib b rdglìk iidebfb. Vykb fdsockt÷ râplfbodktd-. Dstâ fdobslbfc fìjli pbrb gbolkbr c ocktbr scib.

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Zbiib gcoprcj÷ gck fdsbildktc qud ib jbrfc sbkerbjb bjukfbktdodktd b trbvìs fd ibs vdkfbs. Vykb tbojlìk ic vlc-. Kc mby tldopc qud pdrfdr, Zbiib. Ocktb tu gbjbiic y yc td byufbrì gck diib. Cs tdkfrì qud iidvbr fd ibs rldkfbs. -Zbiib cjdfdgl÷ b tcfb prlsb, bgcocfâkfcsd scjrd su sliib y iudec byufbkfc b Fykb b sujlr b ib fdjliltbfb rdlkb. Wcstdkldkfc b Ebjrldiid gck bojbs obkcs, Zbiib lkflg÷ b Vykb qud bebrrbrb ibs rldkfbs y sd dkgbolkbrb b gbsb. Vykb pcr su pbrtd gcoprcj÷ qud ib sbkerd mbjïb dopbpbfc ics vdkfbnds y gcrrïb iljrdodktd pcr ib pldrkb fd ib rdlkb. Wd ids bgbjbjb di tldopc.

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]dkb gcktdopi÷ b Dpcklk prdkfdr ib prlodrb fd ibs plrbs aukdrbrlbs. Di dkkderdglfc muoc prcktc lkvbfl÷ di bojldktd kcgturkc. Ib eudrrdrb kdgdsltbjb uk pcgc fd tldopc idncs fd ibs dkicqudgdfcrbs gcksdgudkglbs fd bqudiib sbkerldktb jbtbiib. Aud mbstb ukb trbkqulib zckb jcsgcsb y sd sdkt÷ dk di sudic. Oldktrbs olrbjbs ibs dkcrods iibobs, pdks÷ dk guâktbs vdgds mbjrïb dkgdkflfc diib ctrbs slolibrds. ³Guâktcs mcojrds mbjïbk oudrtc jbnc su obkfc3 Ics bòcs id mbjïbk mdgmc pdrfdr ib gudktb. Wus kcojrds, sus gbrbs sd flauolkbjbk, yb kbfb dstbjb gibrc dxgdptc ib fdvbstbgl÷k qud mbjïb fdnbfc b su pbsc. Bmcrb dstbjb lktdktbkfc gbojlbr tcfc bqudiic. Wd arct÷ ics mcojrcs, rïelfcs y fcicrlfcs pcr di dsaudrzc fd ics þitlocs fïbs. Tk gâilfc rdgudrfc fd ibs obkcs fd Ebjrldiid scjrd diics lkvbfl÷ su odktd. Ib jbrfc sldoprd sbjïb f÷kfd sdktïb di fcicr y g÷oc mbgdric fdsbpbrdgdr-. Cm, Ebjrldiid. Cnbiâ pufldsds gbiobr tbojlìk di fcicr fd ol gcrbz÷k -dxgibo÷ olrbkfc bi gldic. Kc pufc sdeulr gcktrcibkfc ibs iâerlobs y fdn÷ qud gruzbrbk su rcstrc. Iicr÷ pcr ib lksdksbtdz fd ib jbtbiib, pcr ib pìrflfb fd tbktbs vlfbs, pcr ib oudrtd y ib fdstruggl÷k fd ib eudrrb. \ scjrd tcfc dsc, iicr÷ pcr Ebjrldiid, ib þklgb iuz fd su vlfb.

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Ib obrgmb fd Zbiib y Vykb pbrdgïb dtdrkb. Ib iukb kc byufbjb prdglsbodktd b supdrbr di lrrdeuibr tdrrdkc. Wl mujldsdk dstbfc scibs, sd mbjrïbk brrldsebfc b lr pcr di sdkfdrc, acrzbkfc sus ockturbs bi iïoltd. Xdrc gck ib rdlkb mdrlfb, bqudiic kl slquldrb drb ukb cpgl÷k. Vykb ljb fdibktd, iidvbkfc sus rldkfbs dk ukb obkc y ibs fd Zbiib dk ib ctrb. Ìstb pcr su pbrtd pbr td dstbjb cgupbfb lktdktbkfc obktdkdr b ib jbrfc scjrd ib sliib. Furbktd uk rbtc mbjïb rcfdbfc ib glkturb fd Ebjrldiid gck bojbs obkcs, pdrc bi sdktlr ib sbkerd dopbpbr su prcplb pldrkb sd vlc cjilebfb b utlilzbr ukb fd sus obkcs pbrb prdslckbr gcktrb ib mdrlfb y fdtdkdr bsï dk pbrtd ib mdocrrbelb. Mujc vbrlbs vdgds dk qud uk ocvloldktc fdi gbjbiic gbsl id mlzc scitbr b ib ncvdk rdlkb. Vykb odkglck÷ jrdvdodktd ib pcsljlilfbf fd bgbopbr y pbsbr ib kcgmd biiï, pdrc bojbs fdsdgmbrck ib lfdb. Buk slk mbjibr dktrd diibs, tdkïbk oldfc fd qud ib rdlkb kc furbsd ougmc oâs.

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Dpcklk dkgcktr÷ b ]dkb tuojbfb dk di sudic nuktc b uk erupc fd ârjcids. Ics prlodrcs tckcs fdi bijb gcodkzbjbk yb b tdòlr di mcrlzcktd. Bpcic gcodkzbjb uk kudvc vlbnd. Ib bobzckb dstbjb b odkcs fd glkgc pbscs fd flstbkglb gubkfc ]dkb bjrl÷ ics cncs y ib olr÷, gck ukb prdeuktb oufb fljunbfb dk ics cncs. -Kc mby kctlglbs, pdrc fcs fd kudstrbs rbstrdbfcrbs kc rderdsbrck bkcgmd. Md dkvlbfc uk erupc dk su flrdggl÷k. -Vbi vdz sd trbtd fd ctrc btbqud -flnc ]dkb dk vcz jbnb oldktrbs sd idvbktbjb y sd bgdrgbjb b ib rdlkb dk aukglckds-. Fdjdrïbocs fbr ib vcz fd bibrob, pcr sl bgbsc. -Dpcklk bslktl÷, vlsljidodktd vlsljidodktd gcktrbrlbfb pcr tdkdr qud tcobr tbi fdglsl÷k. -]dkb, bkcgmd pdrflocs b ctrbs gubtrc. 287



-\ kc grdc qud sdbk ibs þitlobs. ³G÷oc dstâ Dpmlky3 -Bþk tldkd aldjrd. -Ib gbrb fd Dpcklk rdvdibjb ib tdksl÷k fd ics þitlocs fcs fïbs. Wus cncs dstbjbk gdrgbfcs pcr mudiibs csgurbs qud fdsvdibjbk ib abitb fd sudòc. Wd pbs÷ ics fdfcs pcr di pdic d lktdkt÷ gdktrbrsd dk ic qud tdkïbk fdibktd-. Ibs jbnbs bsgldkfdk yb b kcvdktb. Mdocs pdrflfc b kudstrb acrnbfcrb, tcfb ib eubrflb rdbi, ib oltbf fd ibs brqudrbs y glkgudktb fd kudstrbs odncrds eudrrdrbs. Wl mujldsd ctrc btbqud, kc grdc qud puflìsdocs cpckdr fdobslbfb rdslstdkglb. -Wu vcz trblglck÷ di sdktloldktc fd lopctdkglb qud iidkbjb su gcrbz÷k. -Wdrâ odncr qud vbyb b gcodr biec -flnc ]dkb dk vcz jbnb. Kc id bpdtdgïb dk rdbilfbf. Kc sdktïb kbfb dxgdptc uk fcicrcsc dktuodgloldktc dk di gcrbz÷k. Tk erbk bijcrctc dk ib pudrtb sur iibo÷ ib i b btdkgl÷k fd ]dkb y Dpcklk. Dgmbrck b gcrrdr dk bqudiib flrdggl÷k.

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Vykb fdsockt÷ y byuf÷ b Zbiib b jbnbr b Ebjrldiid mbstb di sudic. Qbrlbs bobzckbs iidebrck gcrrldkfc pbrb gcoprcjbr di octlvc fd ibs ardkìtlgbs iibobfbs qud mbjïbk dsgugmbfc. Wd dsgugmbrck ourouiics y dxgibobglckds fd bscojrc bi fdsgujrlr qud mbjïbk dkgcktrbfc b ib rdlkb. ]dkb sd bjrl÷ gbolkc dktrd ib ouitltuf, gck Dpcklk plsâkfcid ics tbickds. Ib lkdxprdsbjid biderïb pcr vdr b Ebjrldiid aud rddopibzbfb pcr tdrrcr bi vdr su dksbkerdktbfb pldrkb. Ib jbrfc dstbjb abktbsobiodktd pâilfb fdjlfc b ib pìrflfb fd sbkerd. Wu ousic dstbjb tdòlfc fd uk rcnc jrliibktd jbnc ibs vdkfbs, gckalrobkfc gck diic ukb erbvd lkadggl÷k. Ibs bobzckbs rdtrcgdfldrck gubkfc ]dkb idvbkt÷ b su qudrlfb

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jbrfc gck sus audrtds jrbzcs y ib iidv÷ gulfbfcsbodktd mbstb di pbibglc. Ib gbjbòb fd ib gurbkfdrb dstbjb bþk btdstbfb fd pbgldktds.

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Bi fdsmbgdrsd fd ib gctb fd odtbi, ]dkb sd scrprdkfl÷ fd qud Ebjrldiid kc iidvbrb gbolsb. Tk vlstbzc râplfc id gckalro÷ qud ib jbrfc kc mbjïb slfc sdxubiodktd berdflfb, pcr ic gubi ]dkb flrlel÷ uk râplfc berbfdgloldktc b gubiquldr flcs qud dstuvldsd dsgugmâkfcib dk dsd ocodktc. B tcfb prlsb, ]dkb jusg÷ oâs mdrlfbs bktds fd qultbr di vdkfbnd y gckalrobr sus scspdgmbs. Ebjrldiid suarïb ukb erbvd lkadggl÷k. Kc pcfïb gcsdr ib mdrlfb oldktrbs dstuvldsd bsï. Olr÷ oâs fdtdklfbodktd. Drb dk dadgtc ukb mdrlfb fd aidgmb, y ouy prcaukfb pcr ic qud pcfïb vdr. Fdjïb mbiibr di ocfc fd jbnbr ib lkadggl÷k y bfdoâs fdtdkdr su bvbkgd. Bþk dstbjb pdksbkfc dk dsc gubkfc cy÷ ukcs iledrcs ecipds dk ib pudrtb-. Xbsb -flnc dk vcz jbnb. -Kc quldrc ocidstbr -flnc Fykb dktrbkfc dk ib mbjltbgl÷k-. Cï qud mbjïbk dkgcktrbfc b Ebjrldiid y qudrïb sbjdr sl pudfc byufbr dk biec. -]dkb sd elr÷ y olr÷ b ib ncvdk. Tkb lfdb gruz÷ dktckgds su odktd. -Fd mdgmc sï. ³Xudfds qudfbrtd gck diib oldktrbs vcy b jusgbr ukb gcsb3 -Ib ncvdk bobzckb bslktl÷ dkìrelgbodktd. ]dkb id dktrde÷ uk rdglpldktd gck beub arïb y bieukcs trbpcs iloplcs-. Bpiïgbid gcoprdsbs arïbs. Qcivdrì tbk prcktc gcoc pudfb. -]dkb bebrr÷ su gmb`rbo y su fbeb. Ib dspbfb kc sdrïb kdgdsbrlb. Wd fdtuvc nuktc b ib pudrtb-. Fykb. -Ib bobzckb sd elr÷-. Kc ib fdnds scib. Gckaïc dk qud ib gulfds mbstb qud yc rderdsd, ³dktdkflfc3 -Wï, ]dkb. Kc od ocvdrì mbstb qud vudivbs. Vldkds ol pbibjrb. -Ib eudrrdrb bslktl÷ gcoc sdòbi fd gckacrolfbf. Zdtrcgdfldkfc b erbkfds zbkgbfbs, ]dkb fdpcslt÷ sus ibjlcs scjrd ib brfldktd ardktd fd ib jbrfc.

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-Qcivdrì prcktc, ol bocr. -]dkb pdks÷ dk ic qud dstbjb b puktc fd mbgdr-. Kc td vb b eustbr, pdrc nurc qud q ud prcktc dstbrâs odncr.

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]dkb btrbvds÷ di jcsqud mbstb iidebr b ib zckb dk qud ib obtbkzb mbjïb slfc oâs grudktb. Aud mbstb uk gckdnc oudrtc, ctrb vïgtlob fd ib iugmb. Ttlilzbkfc su fbeb, ic dopun÷ mbstb fbrid ib vuditb. Biiï dkgcktr÷ ic qud bkfbjb jusgbkfc. Dopid÷ di gmb`rbo pbrb rbsebr ib gbrkd fdi bklobi, dxtrbnc gck gulfbfc tbktcs eusbkcs gcoc pufc dkgcktrbr y ics pusc dk ukb pdqudòb jcisb fd gudrc bktds fd gcrrdr fd vuditb b ib bifdb.

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Bpbrt÷ ibs vdkfbs y pusc ics eusbkcs scjrd ib mdrlfb bjldrtb bktds fd vcivdr b gujrlrib. Bmcrb ic þklgc qud pcfïb mbgdr drb dspdrbr y vdr sl bqudiic aukglckbjb. Ebjrldiid bþk kc mbjïb rdgupdrbfc ib gcksgldkglb y, dk gldrtc ocfc, ]dkb ic prdadrïb bsï. Gckcgïb ib bvdrsl÷k fd ib jbrfc mbglb tcfc tlpc fd grlbturbs pdqudòbs y jlgmcs, y supckïb guâi sdrïb su rdbggl÷k bktd dstcs dk gckgrdtc. Vrbs fbr ukbs gubktbs lkstrugglckds b Fykb, ib eudrrdrb sd flrlel÷ mbglb ib gbjbòb fd Wbrbs pbrb byufbr gck ibs ctrbs vïgtlobs.

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\b drb fd kcgmd gubkfc ]dkb pufc rderdsbr. Iidv÷ gckslec fcs gudkgcs fd dstcabfc. Dktrde÷ ukc b Fykb y bprcvdgm÷ ib cpcrtuklfbf pbrb berbfdgdr b ib ncvdk di qud mujldsd vlelibfc b Ebjrldiid. ]dkb sd rdgcst÷ dk ukb sliib y dkeuii÷ su gcolfb, slk ocidstbrsd dk sbjcrdbrib. Ic mbgïb þklgbodktd pcrqud kdgdsltbjb 281



rdpckdr dkdreïbs. Fykb sd flsguip÷ y prcodtl÷ vcivdr pcr ib obòbkb pbrb sdeulr gck ib vlelibkglb. ]dkb aud dktckgds mbstb ib gbob y sd sdkt÷. Dstuvc tdktbfb fd dxbolkbr ib mdrlfb, pdrc sbjïb qud bþk kc pcfïbk mbjdrsd prcfuglfc fdobslbfcs gbojlcs. Wd tuoj÷ nuktc b Ebjrldiid y prcktc gby÷ fcrolfb, dkvcivldkfc gck sus jrbzcs ukc fd ics fd Ebjrldiid.

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Vrbs ukb râplfb dsgbpbfb bi ibvbjc, ]dkb dgm÷ uk vlstbzc b ib mdrlfb. Di dkrcndgloldktc drb vlsljidodktd odkcr qud di fïb bktdrlcr, bsï gcoc di gbicr qud fdspdfïb ib zckb. Ib eudrrdrb fdn÷ dsgbpbr uk susplrc fd bilvlc y sd fdsmlzc fd ics eusbkcs. Mbjïbk mdgmc ic qud sd dspdrbjb fd diics, bilodktbrsd þklgbodktd fd ib gbrkd lkadgtbfb fdnbkfc lktbgtb di rdstc. Fdspuìs fd iloplbr ib zckb b gckgldkglb, ib gcsl÷ gck puktcs pdqudòcs y prdglscs. Fykb iide÷ y rdtco÷ su vlelibkglb pbrb qud ]dkb pufldsd lr b mbgdrsd gbrec fdi rdstc fd ibs oundrds mdrlfbs. Dpmlky gcktdopi÷ b ]dkb gbojlbr dalgldktdodktd sus vdkfbs. Bukqud id mbjïbk mbjibfc fdi rderdsc fd Ebjrldiid, ]dkb kc mbjïb flgmc ukb pbibjrb bi rdspdgtc. Lkgbpbz fd beubktbr di slidkglc kl uk sdeukfc oâs, ib bobzckb dopdz÷ b mbjibr. -]dkb, ³g÷oc dstâ3 -Mb pdrflfc ougmb sbkerd -flnc ib eudrrdrb dk vcz jbnb y slk idvbktbr ib vlstb-. Vu dstbfc vb odncrbkfc. Fdjdrïbs pcfdr idvbktbrtd y gbolkbr dk pcgcs fïbs. fïbs. -³Mby biec qud pudfb mbgdr3 -Kc dstbjb flspudstb b pdroltlr b su vldnb boleb bqudi gbojlc fd tdob tbk rdpdktlkc. Bi leubi qud Ebjrldiid, Dpmlky gckcgïb jldk ibs tâgtlgbs fd ib eudrrdrb. -Kbfb dxgdptc dspdrbr. -]dkb didv÷ ib olrbfb y olr÷ b ics cncs b ib bobzckb-. Wd pckfrâ jldk, Dpmlky. Wì qud ic mbrâ. Mby fdobslbfcs flcsds vdibkfc pcr diib. 285



-Brtdolsb sldoprd gulfb fd sus rdlkbs -balro÷ ib bobzckb. -Vbojlìk Barcfltb. -³Barcfltb3 -prdeukt÷ Dpmlky. ]dkb rcopl÷ di gcktbgtc vlsubi. -Diib kcs jdkflnc. -Kc ic sbjïb -flnc idvdodktd ib bobzckb. Tk lkg÷ocfc slidkglc gby÷ scjrd diibs bktds fd qud ]dkb tuvldsd cpcrtuklfbf fd mbjibr fd kudvc. -Wbjds qud ib quldrc, Dpmlky. Fbrïb ol vlfb pcr diib. -Xbrb ib dstclgb eudrrdrb, bqudiib drb ukb balrobgl÷k oâs erbkfd qud klkeukb ctrb qud mujldsd mdgmc dk su vlfb. -Ic sì, ]dkb. -Dpmlky biz÷ ukb obkc, tcg÷ di mcojrc fd ib eudrrdrb y pdrobkdgl÷ bsï, scrprdkflfb fd qud kc mlgldsd kbfb pcr bpbrtbrib-. Wldktc di ocfc dk qud rdbgglckì. \b sbjds qud qu d kc qudrïb fdglr ic qud flnd. -Wì ic qud qudrïbs fdglr -flnc ]dkb gck sdrldfbf-. Xdrc dsc bmcrb pdrtdkdgd bi pbsbfc. Gdktrìockcs dk gurbr mdrlfbs, kc dk bjrlribs fd kudvc. -Ib bobzckb gcoprdkfl÷ di fcjid sdktlfc fd bqudiibs pbibjrbs. ]dkb sd idvbkt÷-. Bmcrb kdgdsltbs fdsgbksbr. Qcivdrì b vdrtd oâs tbrfd.

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Ebjrldiid bjrl÷ ics cncs idktbodktd y sd dkgcktr÷ ardktd b ctrcs, ics oâs mdrocscs qud mbjïb vlstc dk su vlfb. -]dkb -flnc gck ib jcgb sdgb ukb vdz oâs. -Wmm -flnc ib eudrrdrb bgdrgâkfcid di cfrd fd beub-. Jdjd, td mbrâ jldk. -Iidv÷ di pdiidnc mbstb ics ibjlcs fd Ebjrldiid y dspdr÷ mbstb qud sd sbgl÷ fdi gibrc y ardsgc iïqulfc-. Dsc ds. -Iudec fdpcslt÷ su gbjdzb scjrd ib biocmbfb-. ³G÷oc td 28=



sldktds3 -Od fudid tcfc -flnc gck ukb oudgb fd fcicr bi lktdktbr ocvdrsd-. ³\ tþ3 -Jldk. -Ebjrldiid kc grdy÷ b su erbkfd y dstþplfb eudrrdrb kl pcr uk ocodktc. Ics gïrguics csgurcs jbnc sus cncs y ib dxprdsl÷k fd gbksbkglc dk su rcstrc id rdvdibrck ic dxmbustb qud dstbjb. -³G÷oc od dkgcktrbstd3 -Bsuoïb qud mbjïb slfc ]dkb ib qud ib mbjïb rdsgbtbfc. Bsï sugdfïb kcrobiodktd. Diib sd odtïb dk prcjidobs y ]dkb ib sbgbjb fd diics. Bsï drb gcoc aukglckbjb. -Kc aul yc. Dpcklk dkvl÷ bobzckbs b jusgbrtd. Diibs td trbndrck fd vuditb. -³Vþ kc aulstd b jusgbrod3 -Ebjrldiid kc pcfïb grddric-. ³Dstbjbs mdrlfb3 -Kc sd id cgurrïb klkeukb ctrb rbz÷k pcr ib qud ]dkb kc mujldsd lfc trbs diib. \ sd scrprdkfl÷ bþk oâs bi vdr b ib eudrrdrb kdebr gck ib gbjdzb. -Kc pcfïb. Mbjïb fdobslbfbs mdrlfbs y vïgtlobs pbrb qud Wbrbs sd dkgbrebrb fd tcfc. Xcr ougmc qud qulsldrb lr b jusgbrtd, od kdgdsltbjbk bquï. -Gujrl÷ ukb fd ibs pdqudòbs obkcs fd Ebjrldiid gck ibs suybs-. Ebjrldiid, kc tuvd didggl÷k. Wl od mujldsd obrgmbfc mbjrïbk oudrtc fdobslbfbs bobzckbs. Ougmbs oâs fd ibs qud fd mdgmc mdocs pdrflfc. -Ic sì. Mlglstd ic gcrrdgtc. -Ib rdlkb tco÷ ctrc trbec fd beub-. ³Guâktbs3 -Ibs vlslckds btrbvdsbrck ib odktd fd ib jbrfc. Dsgdkbs fd ib jbtbiib. Fdsabiidglfb dk di sudic, lkfdadksb, gcktdopibkfc gbdr ukb bobzckb trbs ctrb, btrbvdsbfbs pcr aidgmbs y dspbfbs. -\b mbjrâ tldopc fd mbjibr fd dsc, Ebjrldiid. Bmcrb kdgdsltbs fdsgbksbr. -Kc. ]dkb, fïodic. ³Guâktbs fd ols mdrobkbs ourldrck3

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-Fdobslbfbs. -Gcksgldktd fd qud bqudiib rdspudstb kc sdrïb sualgldktd pbrb diib, ]dkb sd cjile÷ b pdksbr-. Xdrflocs sdsdktb y kudvd eudrrdrbs y vdlktd brqudrbs dk ib jbtbiib. Ctrbs vdlktlcgmc ourldrck pcr ibs mdrlfbs bi fïb sleuldktd. Vbojlìk qulkgd glvlids. -³\ ib eubrflb rdbi3 -Ebjrldiid sbjïb qud ibs pìrflfbs drbk lopcrtbktds. Mbjïb vlstc fd prlodrb obkc ib obycrïb fd bqudiibs oudrtds bktds fd gbdr. ]dkb olr÷ bi sudic-. ³]dkb3 Fïodic. -Ourldrck tcfbs, Ebjrldiid. Mlgldrck bqudiic pbrb ic qud mbjïbk slfc dktrdkbfbs. Xrctdedr b ib rdlkb b tcfb gcstb. -]dkb pdks÷ dk ib dkcrod plrb aukdrbrlb fd ib kcgmd bktdrlcr. Bqudiibs oundrds mbjïbk slfc mckrbfbs gck ukb gdrdocklb pcr su þitloc sbgrlalglc. ]dkb slktl÷ ib obkc fd Ebjrldiid bprdtbr ib suyb. -³D... Dpmlky3 -susurr÷ ib ncvdk rdlkb b odflb vcz. -Dstâ vlvb. -]dkb ic fdn÷ bsï-. Ebjrldiid, ³rdgudrfbs biec3 Ibs rbstrdbfcrbs od flndrck qud td dkgcktrbrck b ukbs vdlktd ideubs fd bquï. -Tk pcgc. -Ebjrldiid sd cjile÷ b lkgcrpcrbrsd, utlilzbkfc di gbjdgdrc gcoc bpcyc. ]dkb ic mlzc tbojlìk y rcfd÷ b su bobfb gck sus jrbzcs. Ebjrldiid rdspckfl÷ lkodflbtbodktd bpcybkfc su gbjdzb gcktrb di pdgmc fd ib eudrrdrb-. Zdgudrfc qud pdksì qud tcfc bqudiic drb ukb trbopb. Zduklocs b tbktbs oundrds gcoc puflocs pbrb gcktdkdrids mbstb qud iidebrbk ibs eudrrdrbs. Dpmlky y yc kcs sdpbrbocs fdi rdstc y kcs supdrbrck. Od bigbkz÷ ukb aidgmb... -Wu olrbfb aud mbstb su ousic vdkfbfc. ]dkb ib bjrbz÷ gck oâs audrzb, dk pbrtd pbrb gckscibrib, pdrc scjrd tcfc pbrb gckscibrsd b sï olsob-. Ic mlglocs ic odncr qud puflocs, ]dkb, pdrc drb fdobslbfcs. Zdgudrfc qud gbï bi sudic y di rulfc fd ib jbtbiib rcfdâkfcod. Fcs mcojrds od idvbktbrck y od sujldrck b uk gbjbiic. Ic sldktc, kc tuvd audrzbs pbrb iugmbr gck diics.

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-Wmm, dstâ jldk. -]dkb dspdr÷ mbstb qud ibs iberlobs fdnbrck fd aiulr-. Gcktlkþb. -Judkc -flnc sciiczbkfc-, od fdspdrtì dk uk jbrgc. Gbsl kc pcfïb vdr ib crliib y sbjïb qud tdkïb qud vcivdr. Vdkïb qud vcivdr gcktlec. Kc sì dk ic qud dstbjb pdksbkfc. Wbitì pcr ib jcrfb. -³Wbitbstd pcr ib jcrfb3 ³Vd tlrbstd bi cgìbkc fdsfd uk jbrgc3 Ebjrldiid, ³tldkds lfdb fd ic pdilercsc qud ds dsc3 -Qlslckds fd ibs grlbturbs sujobrlkbs oâs dx÷tlgbs y ocrtïadrbs fd Xcsdlf÷k vlkldrck b ib odktd fd ]dkb. -Kc od ic pbrdgl÷ tbktc gcopbrbfc gck qudfbrod dk bqudi jbrgc. Kc sì g÷oc gcksdeuï iidebr b ib crliib. Od fdspdrtì biiï y gcodkgì b gbolkbr. Kc rdgudrfc ougmc oâs. -Ebjrldiid, ³quì id pbs÷ b tu gbolsb3 -B pdsbr fd ib abitb fd dvlfdkglbs fd uk btbqud, ]dkb qulsc bsdeurbrsd. -Ib usì pbrb pbrbr ib mdocrrbelb. -Ebjrldiid fdsgujrl÷ gck sbtlsabggl÷k ukb sckrlsb dk ics ibjlcs fd ]dkb. "Wï, dsc ds dxbgtbodktd ic qud mbjrïb mdgmc diib", pdks÷ ib jbrfc. -Mbs pdrflfc ougmb sbkerd. Mlglstd jldk lktdktâkfcic. -]dkb sd fdtuvc uk ocodktc-. Ebjrldiid, td quldrc. -Vbktcs fïbs fd oldfc pcr alk pufldrck gck ib eudrrdrb. Btrbnc b Ebjrldiid mbglb sï oldktrbs ibs iâerlobs obkbjbk fd sus cncs bzuids. -\c tbojlìk td quldrc. Flcsds, ]dkb, kc sbjïb sl vcivdrïb b vdrtd. Vcfc ic qud pcfïb pdksbr drb dk vcivdr gcktlec. -Wd bjrbzbrck gck audrzb, fdsdbkfc kc tdkdr qud scitbrsd nboâs. ]dkb dspdr÷ mbstb dsgugmbr di abolilbr rltoc fd ib rdsplrbgl÷k fd Ebjrldiid qud id lkflgbjb qud sd mbjïb fcrolfc. Wd tuoj÷ nuktc b diib, bgbrlglâkfcid di pdic, mbstb gbdr tbojlìk dk uk prcaukfc idtbrec.

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Gldktc gubrdktb y sldtd bobzckbs ourldrck gcoc gcksdgudkglb fd ib jbtbiib gcktrb ics lkvbscrds. Ib tbiilstb dk pldfrb mlzc ukb pibgb gckodocrbtlvb pbrb mckrbr b ibs mdrcïkbs gbïfbs. Ebjrldiid lkslstl÷ dk dstbr biiï gubkfc ib pldfrb audsd gcicgbfb nuktc b ib pudrtb sur. B rdebòbfldktds, ]dkb bggdfl÷, pdrc cjile÷ b ib rdlkb b vcivdr b ib gbob dk di olsoc ocodktc dk qud ib gdrdocklb alkbilz÷. Mbjïb pbsbfc ukb sdobkb fdsfd qud ib dkgcktrbrck y Ebjrldiid s÷ic bmcrb gcodkzbjb b rdgupdrbr di tckc kcrobi fd su pldi. Gckvdkglfb fd qud kc mbjrïb oâs btbquds, ibs bobzckbs sd flspusldrck b rdtcobr sus vlfbs gck ib obycr kcrobilfbf pcsljid. Glkgc oundrds gcodkzbrck b dktrdkbrsd pbrb acrobr ib kudvb eubrflb rdbi oldktrbs ctrbs ougmbs ic mlgldrck gcoc brqudrbs y eudrrdrbs. Brls dstufl÷ ib pcsljlilfbf fd rddopibzbr b ib mdrrdrb. Vcfbs sd dopidbrck b ackfc pbrb byufbr dk ic qud pufldrbk, pdrc ib pìrflfb drb bþk pbipbjid. Dpmlky sd gurbjb gck ougmb idktltuf, y aud ukb fd ibs þitlobs dk iljrbrsd fd ics gulfbfcs fd Wbrbs.

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-³]dkb3 -³Moo3 -Ib eudrrdrb dstbjb iloplbkfc su brobfurb, biec qud kc mbgïb fdsfd di fïb fd ib jbtbiib. -³Zdgudrfbs ic qud flnc Btdkdb scjrd tu ibfc csgurc y tu oldfc b qud scjrdpbsbrb b tu rbz÷k3 -]dkb fdn÷ ic qud dstbjb mbgldkfc y olr÷ b su bobfb-. Judkc -gcktlku÷ Ebjrldiid-, md dstbfc pdksbkfc dk dsc. Grdc qud qudfbrtd bquï y byufbr b ibs mdrlfbs aud ic gcrrdgtc. Vu ibfc csgurc, tu pbrtd decïstb, qudrïb lr b jusgbrod, pdrc di ibfc judkc td gckvdkgl÷ pbrb qud td qudfbrbs y sbivbrbs tcfbs dsbs vlfbs.

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-Kc ibs sbivì b tcfbs, Ebjrldiid. Qdlktlsldtd oundrds ourldrck jbnc ols gulfbfcs. Kukgb bktds mbjïb pdrflfc b tbktb edktd dk ukb jbtbiib. -³Xdrc b guâktbs ctrbs sbivbstd3 -Ebjrldiid sd lkgilk÷ mbglb diib y pusc ukb obkc scjrd su jrbzc-. ]dkb, mlglstd ic gcrrdgtc. Dstuflbstd tcfc di prcjidob, kc s÷ic ib pbrtd qud td badgtbjb, slkc g÷oc badgtbjb b tcfb ib kbgl÷k bobzckb. Mbgd ukcs gubktcs vdrbkcs kc mbjrïbs mdgmc biec bsï. -Wupckec qud tldkds rbz÷k -flnc ]dkb pdksbtlvbodktd. Drb vdrfbf. Dk sus fïbs gcoc sdòcr fd ib eudrrb kc sd mbjrïb prdcgupbfc pcr kbfb dxgdptc sus prcplbs kdgdslfbfds y fdsdcs. Bqudiics fïbs bktdrlcrds b Ebjrldiid, bktds fd qud ib ncvdk oundr fdrrljbsd ics ourcs qud rcfdbjbk di gcrbz÷k fd ]dkb.

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Ibs fcrolfbs bobktds dstbjbk ib ukb nuktc b ib ctrb, gcopidtbodktd dxmbustbs fdspuìs fd mbgdr di bocr. Bktd di gbojlc fd iuz, ]dkb sd fdspdrt÷ fd ecipd y sd lkgcrpcr÷, jusgbkfc su dspbfb. Fdspuìs fd fbrsd gudktb fd qud ib jrliibktd iuz kc drb ukb bodkbzb, sbgufl÷ gck fdilgbfdzb b ib jbrfc. -Ebjrldiid, fdspldrtb-. Kbfb. -¡Ebjrldiid! -Mroopa. -¡Ebjrldiid! -]dkb ib fdstbp÷ tlrbkfc fd ib obktb. -³Ruì3 -prdeukt÷ ib jbrfc fd obi muocr-. Bþk kc pudfd sdr fd fïb. -Wd pusc jcgb brrljb y bjrl÷ ics cncs-. Cm -flnc bi vdr di octlvc fd bqudiib lktdrrupgl÷k dk su sudòc.

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-Vdkfrâs qud flsguipbrib. Kc ds ic qud sd flgd ukb pdrsckb berbfbjid gubkfc sd fdspldrtb -flnc ]dkb gujrldkfc di gudrpc fdskufc fd ib jbrfc gck ib obktb y bigbkzbkfc sus gbolsbs. -³G÷oc dstâs, ol pdqudòb3 -prdeukt÷ Brtdolsb olrbkfc b ib rdlkb, cgupbfb lktdktbkfc mbgdr fdsbpbrdgdr di sudòc fd sus cncs. -Odncr, erbglbs -flnc Ebjrldiid bþk odflc fcrolfb. -Dsc pbrdgd -flnc ib flcsb gcktdopiâkfcibs oldktrbs sd vdstïbk b tcfb prlsb. Ebjrldiid sd sckrcn÷. ]dkb eruò÷ biec lkgcmdrdktd. Lekcrbkfc b ib eudrrdrb, Brtdolsb fdvcivl÷ su btdkgl÷k b ib Zdlkb-. Mbs tdklfc sudrtd. -Tkb pïgbrb sckrlsb gruz÷ ib gbrb fd Brtdolsb-. Flod, ncvdkgltb, ³quì td mlzc grddr qud pcfrïbs kbfbr fdsfd bqudi jbrgc mbstb ib crliib3 -³G÷oc...3 -³Xdksbjbs qud lekcrbrïb ukb pidebrlb fd ib rdlkb fd ols bobzckbs3 Vd cï, bi leubi qud Btdkdb y Xcsdlf÷k. Xcr gldrtc, fdjdrïbs vlsltbr su tdopic ib pr÷xlob vdz qud pbsds pcr Btdkbs. Id eustb qud ics ocrtbids id berbfdzgbk su byufb. -³Wu byufb3 -prdeukt÷ Ebjrldiid, bmcrb prcaukfbodktd gckausb. Brtdolsb rl÷ idvdodktd, iidkbkfc gck su breìktdb vcz tcfb ib mbjltbgl÷k. -Xdqudòb, yc kc tdkec pcfdr scjrd ibs beubs. Vd fdsobybstd ouy idncs fd ib crliib. -Brtdolsb mlzc ukb pbusb bi vdr ib dxprdsl÷k fd bscojrc dk ib gbrb fd ]dkb-. Xcsdlf÷k td didv÷ gck ukb fd sus cibs y td fdpcslt÷ dk tldrrb gck ougmc gulfbfc. -Ib flcsb susplr÷-. Cflc fdjdrid abvcrds. -Iudec sckrl÷ b ib jbrfc-. Xdrc supckec qud vbil÷ ib pdkb. -Ebjrldiid sd sckrcn÷ bktd di badgtc cardglfc pcr ib pcfdrcsb fdlfbf. Qcivlìkfcsd bmcrb mbglb bsuktcs oâs sdrlcs, ib flcsb olr÷ b ]dkb-. Kc dstbjb sdeurb gck rdspdgtc b tl, ]dkb. Fdjc bfoltlr qud tdkïb sdrlbs

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fufbs bgdrgb fd tu mbjlilfbf pbrb mbgdr di obycr jldk pcr dkglob fd tus sdktloldktcs. Od biderb gcoprcjbr qud dstbjb dqulvcgbfb. -³Rulìkds drbk dscs lkvbscrds, Brtdolsb3 -prdeukt÷ ]dkb rctukfbodktd, lekcrbkfc di guopilfc qud ib flcsb bgbjbjb fd flrlelrid. -Mby pdrsckbs qud kc gbojlbk kukgb. -Wusplr÷, brrbkgbkfc ukb rlsltb bmcebfb fdi lktdrlcr fd Ebjrldiid. ]dkb flrlel÷ b su bobktd ukb jrdvd olrbfb bktds fd fdvcivdr su btdkgl÷k b Brtdolsb. -³Rulìkds drbk3 -Bqudiics mcojrds dstbjbk ilfdrbfcs pcr Ebrbtm. -Gcktdopi÷ gck sbtlsabggl÷k di mdgmc fd qud ]dkb pbrdgl÷ rdgckcgdr di kcojrd. Qcivldkfc ib olrbfb mbglb Ebjrldiid, id dxpilg÷-. Ds uk mcojrd grudi. Wu lktdkgl÷k drb tcobr ib bifdb bobzckb y vdkfdr b ibs gmlgbs gcoc dsgibvbs. Iudec td sdgudstr÷ bi fbrsd gudktb fd qud ib jbtbiib dstbjb pdrflfb. -Tkb sckrlsb obiìvcib sd fljun÷ dk ics ibjlcs fd ib flcsb-. Fdjdrïbs mbjdr vlstc su gbrb gubkfc ib obrdb fdstrcz÷ su jbrgc. -Ib sckrlsb fdsbpbrdgl÷-. W÷ic uk dstþplfc pdksbrïb qud pcfrïb bgbjbr gck tbktbs fd ols bobzckbs y obrgmbrsd slk oâs. -Brtdolsb bslktl÷ gubkfc ]dkb id flc ibs erbglbs dk slidkglc-. Vu trbjbnc bquï mb tdrolkbfc, Ebjrldiid. Mbs sbivbfc b ols mlnbs y ol kbgl÷k. ³Mby biec qud pudfb mbgdr pcr tl3 -Kc, flcsb. Cs berbfdzgc b tl y b Xcsdlf÷k qud od sbivbrbls ib vlfb -flnc Ebjrldiid gcrtìsodktd. ]dkb sckrl÷ bktd ib muolifbf fd ib jbrfc. -Fd mdgmc, sï qud mby biec, ol pdqudòb. Wd supckd qud vcsctrbs fcs ljbls b pdrobkdgdr dk ib gbjbòb fd Mìrguids furbktd gubtrc iukbs. Cs sbquì fd biiï fdspuìs fd tbk s÷ic ukb y odflb. -Brtdolsb sckrl÷ bi vdr liuolkbrsd ics cncs fd Ebjrldiid-. Grdc qud cs fdjc fcs iukbs y odflb oâs. Cs flrì ic qud mbrdocs. Mlglstdls uk trbjbnc obekïalgc, ³pcr quì kc ibs rdfckfdbocs b trds3 Wï, trds iukbs sudkb b tldopc sualgldktd.

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-Kc sì, Ebjrldiid. \b od dstbjb vcivldkfc icgb fdspuìs fd ukb. Kc sì sl beubktbrì ctrbs trds. -Wdeurc qud pudfc dkgcktrbr di ocfc fd obktdkdrtd cgupbfb -flnc ib rdlkb-. Bþk mby uk pbr fd gcsbs qud Mìrguids d Lcibus gcoprbrck y kc md tdklfc cgbsl÷k fd usbr... dooooo... Ruldrc fdglr, fd dksdòbrtd. -Ebjrldiid sckrl÷ oldktrbs ]dkb idvbktbjb ukb fd sus gdnbs.

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Tkb lkusubi tcrodktb fd kldvd tlò÷ fd jibkgc ib ocktbòb, obktdklìkfcib gcpbfb furbktd ukb iukb oâs. Dk bieþk iuebr fd ibs gcilkbs, ukb jbrfc gcktbjb ukb mlstcrlb bktd ib oâs dktuslbstb bufldkglb fd ukb scib pdrsckb qud sd mujldsd vlstc nboâs.

ALK

Kctb fd ib butcrb> Judkc, yb dstâ. Wd bgbj÷. ³Ruì td mb pbrdglfc3 Guìktbod.

Xudfds

dkvlbr

gubiquldr

gcodktbrlc

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ib

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Dsgrltc crlelkbrlbodktd crlelkbrlbodktd dk bjrli fd 2<<5. Zdvlsbfc di :< fd obyc fd 2<<5.

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jiHjioliidr.kdt



N5 y ]UX (Vrbfugglckds bi dspbòci y fdoâs) mttps>//n5yxwp.wcrfprdss.gco

Wl td mb berbfbfc dstb mlstcrlb pcr abvcr ab vcr puktþb ib idgturb gck ibs dstrdiibs qud ib gckslfdrds odrdgdfcrb.

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La cabaña - BL Miller

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