The first days of the trip more resembled a pleasure trip to the dangerous expedition portrayed by Adam. They crossed the hilly areas but where, here and there, were blooming groves along small streams beside which Adam was careful to choose the steps locations. They would get up very early to make way for fresh, stopped at the height of the heat and walked away in late afternoon to walk again three hours.

On the evening of the stage, the Cartwrights brothers fish or hunt dinner while the two girls lit the fire, were peeling potatoes and made coffee. Cindy could recognize rosemary, thyme or savory picked it as soon as it was reported to flavor game boys. Val and also kneading the flour with some drinking water taken from Adam’s reserves and preparing dough for baking kinds of pancakes that replaced bread.

While grilling the meat, the two friends settled with a curtain made by Adam, who certainly had thought of everything, a corner away from prying eyes to be able to wash.

After dinner, the five gathered around the fire and it was long evenings where we told stories, where they sang, where we exchanged pleasantries. Hoss, who had views of Val, had quickly realized that he had no chances, the beautiful blonde is clearly captivated by Joe. He sighed and then had been a reason: it was often like that when he was with his two brothers, they were divided conquests, except when, God knows why, they fell on a damsel in search of a big teddy bear in her arms which refuge. It sometimes happened, and in these rare cases, dark and handsome Adam from the air, cheerful smiles Joe were no longer effective.

Anyway, this time, there should not count on it: Cindy had eyes for Adam and Val as Joe, there remained only hope to Hoss meet a young Indian ready to consorting with a large white devil.

Gradually, however, the landscape began to become more arid and rivers began to dwindle. For the first time, Adam could find neither pond or stream to water the step and began to use the skins that decorated the carriage.

“How is it that we are already in the desert, Adam? “Asked Joe who had never taken this route. “I thought we had to stop in Vegas …”

“Absolutely, Joe,” said his elder. “You have to dig into the desert to find Las Vegas. In Spanish, “he explained, turning to the girls,” it means the Prairies. It is a kind of miracle in the desert, there is a picturesque area due to a body of water contained in the basement … I do not know how it’s called in French “

“An oasis” said Val, “is a new word that I know because my brother has a friend who participated in the conquest of Algeria and he explained the meaning of the word. »

“Thank you, Val,” replied courteously Adam. “To continue on Las Vegas, so this is an oasis that the Spaniards discovered at the time when they explored this region, but they did nothing more than to stop by for men and horses to drink when they crossing the desert. These are the Mormons, there is eight years old, in 1854, built a small town. »

“The Mormons? What is it? “They asked in unison.

“It is a sect of Christian origin who was born at about the same time as me but believe me,” made Adam smiling, “it is much less attractive than me. They are very austere and not grinning for a penny. »

“Do not say that, Adam” Joe joked, “they have at least one interesting point in their doctrine, they allow men to have multiple wives. »

“I do not see what there is interesting in there,” Val was stiffly.

“Oh, do not worry about Val Mam’zelle” said Hoss, “Joe because like that and trying to pass for a lady-killer of the ladies, but I’m sure the day will y’en one that will put him hands on it, it will eat into his hand. »

“All we ask him,” muttered Val still irritated, “is to eat only in the hands of a single woman. »

Cindy looked her right in the eyes friend to try to make him understand, let alone that she was putting her heart bare. Adam and Hoss, it was already clear as spring water that pretty blonde crush on the youngest of the Cartwrights. But it was difficult to know what the person was thinking. To shake off the embarrassment that had just build, Cindy revived the conversation:

“So we’ll see Mormon? »

Adam smiled and replied, “I’m afraid not, you will instead see soldiers. Mormons evacuated Las Vegas and the army is trying to build a fort. It is feared swirls side Shoshone. »

“The Shoshone are Indians? »

“Yes. »

“But you spoke of another tribe, the Peppermint, I think. »

“The Panamints” corrected Adam, “is a tribe belonging to the broader, Shoshone and Comanche. They also say the Coso. »

“They are dangerous? »

Not really. First, they are not numerous, around 5000, not more. Long time they live Nevada. They hunt, they fish, that’s all. But the men of our age should be careful. »

Why? »

“Because they are looking for warriors to strengthen their hunting abilities. In Shoshone have a girl, it’s a blessing because once nubile, it can attract a man who will help the family in its search for food. Here we come with two women to three men, I do not know how they’ll take it. »

“We give them Hoss” Joe threw a chuckle.

“I’m not kidding, Joe,” the Adam cut severely. “I really do not know how they can react, they do not usually see white women, it will be very vigilant. »

Cindy suddenly felt dizzy, “Adam,” she asked in a small voice, “do you think my father to be a prisoner of Shoshone? »

“I can not say, Cindy. You told me, if I remember correctly, that your father was forty-nine years? »

“Yes, that’s it. »

“It’s a little old to be a fighter, though … My father, who was fifty-seven, is still a formidable rifle in hand. Yes, maybe he will take what we were looking for that side. But for now, we must get to Las Vegas and learn about the track followed by the two guys at Pinkerton. They have ahead of us and they probably found the track of your Jurgen Kirchubel. »

 “Oh my God, my God! Indians, a servant felon, wherever one looks, one sees only threats, “Cindy moaned.

Adam approached her and wrapped her shoulders with a protective arm: “Come, little girl, keep hope. If your father is in Shoshone, I’d negotiate with them. Just pray that I do not fall on a Chahman who had captured me there three years. »

“To marry one of his daughters? »

Adam was a melancholy smile, “No, to exchange me against a woman. A woman I loved and who loved me but they took for a woman mind. »

Cindy saw Adam’s eyes are moistened, “Is she dead? “Ventured she to ask.

Adam looked into his. Strangely, when he could have cut short in answering that Cindy was not looking, he wanted to meet him, “I do not know. They knocked me out and took her. I wanted to look for her but Pa dissuaded me, saying that I made him run a big risk by proving, for my love, it was a woman in the flesh. Who knows, maybe we meet again … “

Cindy felt a lead weight fall on his shoulders

“You still love him? »

Still without leaving the young woman eyes, he replied: “For months I have been thinking about it. I could not get interested in other women, I lived like a monk, killing me at work to not think. And I do not know how it came, his memory has faded. I can not find his face in my memory. I know she was very blonde, very well done but I do not clearly see his face. It’s strange though, a woman for whom I would have given my life. It is as if God was telling me no, you were wrong, this is not it the woman I intended you. »

Hoss and Joe were amazed to hear their brother, usually so reserved and confide.

It took another two days of travel to reach Las Vegas and they went immediately to the sheriff’s office was closed. Adam inquired of a passer and learned that the whole city was now managed by the Captain Baker, commander of the garrison. When the little caravan was moving towards the place where the regiment had settled pending the construction of the fort, they saw coming towards them a young soldier who introduced himself as coming from the Captain :

“The Captain Baker sent me so that I will take you with him. »

“How does he know that we want to see” Adam asked, dumbfounded.

“Travelers are so rare in Las Vegas that cue away and the captain is curious to know what brings you in this backwater”

Captain Baker was a tall, handsome man with light brown hair and brown eyes whose warm expression rather immediately to the Cartwrights and their companions. “Once is not custom,” thought Adam, “they seem to have sent a man not too narrow in this sensitive area.”

Baker listened carefully and confirmed that he had seen the Pinkerton detectives five days earlier. They had inquired about the passing of George Steeple but Baker knew no one answering the description.

 “It has much embarrassed them because, in principle, travelers who want to venture into the Death Valley go through here to replenish their water supplies but it is possible, with a mule to carry enough water to avoid the detour. It’s risky but it’s tent. They decided to seek his track. They leave early in the morning, each time in a different direction and come back in the evening. You can view earlier if they have drawn a blank. If you do not see is that they have found. In this case, I will show you the direction they have taken. Meanwhile, my men will tell you where you can sit and if you wish, tonight you will be my guests. It’s not every day, “he added, bowing to Cindy and Val,” we have the opportunity to dine with such lovely people. »

Though half-brothers, Adam and Joe had points of resemblance and black look they darted about the captain was directly that they had inherited from Ben. Certainly, if their eyes were pistols, the unfortunate captain would have cashed four snug balls. However, mastering his jealousy, Adam forced a smile and accepted on behalf of his little band. They needed to help the captain and you could not blame him, in a city where there were ten men for every woman to find the pleasant company of two beauties like Cindy and Val.

Julius and Steven appeared, as dry as frustrated, as the sun was setting. They were not surprised to see in Las Vegas, the young women they had escorted to Virginia City but their astonishment was at its height to see accompanied by the three son of Ben Cartwright. Once again, Adam began his story and told them the true identity of George Steeple: “As you see, we have the same game,” he concluded. After dinner, Baker took out a map and spread out on the table and detectives indiquèrent the places they had already explored.

“If you want my opinion,” said Adam, “it is heading for Funeral Mountain. When Miss Cindy told me about the discovery of his father, saying she translated the “Cursed Mountain”, literally, “the” Cursed Mountain “but I bet that was the way Marshal von Töpser translate” Funeral Mountain. »

Julius looked at Adam with an expression of mingled admiration and cunning, “You may be right,” he muttered.

In his mind, however, formed a diabolical project. The idea running through his head since Adam had revealed to him that the Marshal von Töpser was looking for a gold mine. “Damn,” he thought, “Pinkerton and dangerous and poorly paid missions. I find mine and I have appropriated. Only it will have to get rid of five, the Cartwright brothers, Steven and Kirchubel. Maybe six if Marshal von Töpser is still alive. Girls, it does not count. Six against one, it’s a lot but I have an ally, the desert … “

Adam waited for Julius and Steven had retired to raise the subject was going mad. Turning to Baker, he asked a question that was not really a:

“I suppose, Captain, that you agree with me, it is better that these ladies do not accompany us, is not it? »

Adam Baker looked like he was crazy:

What question! Of course not, they do not support you! I do not even understand that you could consider it. »

“But, Captain,” Cindy exclaimed, “who do you take? For Wimps? My dad and I go we seek. »

Captain, for once, took a stern look:

“Miss, I am responsible for security in the region. This is one of the driest deserts in North America, it is infested with venomous beasts and traveled by Indian tribes whose intentions are unpredictable. I obviously can not forbid you to go to certain death if you like but I prefer to warn you that I will not risk the life of one of my men for you if you make this madness. »

Thinking the set question, he turned to Adam:

“Besides, even for their stay in Las Vegas, I have too few men to guard them during your absence. It will take one of you three remains as a bodyguard. »

Cindy was about to protest again that she did not need a nanny but Val motioned him to be silent. They took leave of Captain Adam and offered them to dinner in a tavern he had been told, Hoss approved proposal with enthusiasm.

Dinner passed to convince Cindy the merits of the position of captain. Val had joined the boys to impress his girlfriend that there were limits to the ability of women to embark on such a physical test:

“You saw the two detectives, when they returned, all dusty, leathery skin, parched throat, smelly sweat. This is not something for us. »

“You know, Miss Cindy,” replied Hoss between bites of tortilla, “in the desert, it does not stop to wash, we do not undress … We … we …”

He dared not continue, but Val knew what he wanted to hint: “You mean that there are certain needs that women have more difficulty meeting desert than men …”

“Yes, that’s … that’s it,” Hoss stammered, blushing.

“Now, now,” replied Adam, “useless chat longer, the case is heard. Remember, Cindy, “he said, looking her straight in the eyes,” you promised to obey me the finger and the eye if I took you. Now, I ask you to expect with Val in Las Vegas. Joe, I think it’s up to you to stay with these young people. »

Why me? »

“Because Hoss tracker is better than you or me. »

“Why do not you stay, you? »

“Because I know the Shoshone, their legend and just their language, which is not your case, you only know the Paiute. Furthermore, I have been here in this valley and I know the few water points. The choice is all done. »

“Yeah! “Said Joe narrowed his mouth while scratching behind the ear, facial expression that was familiar. Seeing the bright side, he exclaimed, putting a hand on his left shoulder and right shoulder Cindy Valley: “What luck, my little rabbit, we have several days ahead for me to teach you playing poker. »

Val laughed but the output does not brightened Cindy who kept the scowl. Hoss looked anxiously at his older brother but he reassured him whispering in his ear: “Let me handle this. »

He approached Cindy and offered him with a flirtatious smile: “I noticed in the city a nice little corner behind what had to be a chapel, how about a walk on my arm? »

Nothing could be more fun Cindy but she would not give up so easily her resentment, as she nodded, but without cheer. Adam offered his arm and she hung it grudgingly, at least that was the impression she was trying to give. The young man, whose sense of observation was sharp early on by his pioneer childhood, had noticed a cactus garden and it took a Cindy disconcerted by this vegetation that far from that she knew in Germany. Adam spotted a large flat rock where he asked him to sit down and, without asking permission, with that ease which rarely left, he placed himself against her and took her hands, as he had done she remembered, Virginia City in the sheriff’s office. She tried to take a dignified and impassive but only succeeded in producing a child pout. Not thrown for a penny, Adam took the mutinous chin between his thumb and forefinger, and made him raise his head to look it in the face.

“Little girl,” he said in a muffled voice, “will you go on to the wicked? Anger makes you pretty but a smile makes you dazzling “

She did not expect this mid-gallant interpellation mid father. She was dressed in a sermon to remonstrate but had not expected that Adam would be charming to make it yield. While vowing to remain internally inflexible, she could not help to answer his compliments with a tender smile.

It was enough to embolden him. Very gently he brought his face from her lips and she found herself without knowing how it happened, gripped by his powerful and reassuring arms, trying to make her kiss him.

When he pulled away from his mouth, he kept his arms around his neck, took the time to detail in his face for signs of emotion he had raised in her, put her hands to her lips and began to talk to him softly:

“Little girl, little Cindy, a little crazy, so have you not understand? Do not tell me you did not ask why I decided to get into this rash equipped for a man I did not know and a story that does not concern me. Do not tell me you have not noticed, every night we camped in front of the fire that I sing for you, I sang love. Little Cindy, I love you, I beg you, do not put at risk the woman I love. »

She listened to the divine music of her voice and a voice in it felt like shouting: “Again, again …” it was too good, it was too soft to hear.

The word escaped him: “Still …”

He chuckled Cat, laugh male who came to check his power and repeated: “I love you” then he tightened his embrace and kissed him again.

They stayed a long time to converse, their dialogue is often filled with burning kisses, and Adam stood up and pulled his wife by the arm to his feet:

“Come, we must return, little Cindy, it’s getting late. »

Cindy returned to the hacienda which they took shelter, with the feeling of walking on a cloud. She reached the room she shared with Val and was surprised not to find his mate. She had just put on her nightgown when the pretty blonde came on, wearing on his face beaming the same as the one that illuminated the face of Cindy:

“Cindy, Cindy, if you knew … Oh, it’s too wonderful, I can not believe it, he told me, he told me he loved me, he kissed me. It’s beautiful, I want to cry … “

“Who’s that it? Joe? »

“Of course, who do you want it, not Adam nor Hoss. »

Cindy smiled, “Oh, Adam, I know that not since he was with me and it was me he kissed her. »

“It’s not true, he told you he loved you? »

“Rather than ten times and so so charming. »

“Oh, me too, he told me that I was his golden sun, he had never known girl also enterprising and courageous than me, he was ready to go at the end of the world for me. »

“And me, he told me that I was taking all his being, his head, his heart, his eyes, his ears …”

“Oh la la, it feels so good. When I was in the hollow of his arm, I nichais my head against his shoulder to soak up the smell. »

“His lips, his tongue, I have never known anything so sweet and at the same time, they gave me fever …”

“Oh, my God, I can not wait for tomorrow to be able to start …”

“Oh, me too …”

“You, my dear, you’re going to have to wait because tomorrow it will be gone in the desert. »

Abruptly back to reality, Cindy remembered the projects for the next day and his anger came to him one stroke. For a moment she almost said she was counting in Val join the small group but, not wanting to expose themselves to a new sermon, preferred to remain silent. She opened the window wide to let the sun go and wake at dawn.

Midnight had passed when the girls slipped into their sheets, his head full of the first fruits of sweet dreams.

The next day when Cindy opened her eyes, she was surprised to see that Val was already up and her hair, singing: “In the spring of my years, I die a victim of love …”

Hearing his wife get up, Val turned, always arched arms over her hair and, by planting a pin, she called Cindy:

“Well, marmot, you wake up? Hurry up, Joe should expect for breakfast. »

“But what time is it? »

“About seven o’clock”

“You think that Adam is gone? »

“I do not know but there are opportunities if I judge by his habits during the journey that brought us here. »

Desperate, Cindy shortened his toilet and dressed in haste but down the stairs, she found that Joe was waiting for them and which, to his question, replied that his brothers were already gone for two hours.

From that moment, Cindy had only one fixed idea slip away from Joe and go in search of the one she already named in his heart, her fiancé. But it was impossible for him throughout the day, to deceive the vigilance of Joe. Val had indeed hoped he would spare them a few moments alone together but it did nothing. He led them to the barn to take care of the horses and their suggested to use the forced stop to check the equipment, do laundry, renew provisions and kept well occupied until the evening. Only after a good dinner he asked Cindy if she does not mind to a solitary evening and he walked away with Val unaware that the young German was jubilant.

Once alone, Cindy thought: “I have to wait for Val is lying, if not, when she will see that I left, it will prevent that Joe will embark on my heels. I’m all ready and as soon as sleep, I éclipserai fresh. »

It thus prepared the clothes she hid in the room where we prepared the bath in large wooden tubs. Then, on the sly, she slipped out and went to the pump draw enough to fill two water bottles and made his way, weighed down by their bottles, toward the stable. There she saddled Hulda and hung its water reserves at its sides. As a weapon, she had a knife but decided it would suffice saw that she did not know how to use a gun. Then she returned to her room, undressed and lay down. When Val returned, on the stroke of ten o’clock in the evening, she seemed to sleep soundly. An hour later, she was out and left Las Vegas at the slow pace of his mare, having forgotten that a map and compass.

The moon, in its last quarter, only broadcast a glimmer, and after an hour of trial and error, she had to resolve to stop: the path was strewn with rocks and holes and Hulda stumbled every ten meters. Discerning the silhouette of a cactus, it halted, took out his poncho wrapped in it but could not sleep. She was beginning to realize the enormity of stupidity she had made but did not want to admit it. Dawn found her trembling and uncertain. She rose to discover the landscape and wondered, in this rocky environment, that his mare has not fallen. She remounted and, spotting is on the sun, took the south direction. Gradually, as she went, he had to make choices: the first time she saw him open a canyon before her, she wondered if she was going or not. She scanned the ground to see if she betrayed traces suggesting that the small group composed of the Cartwright brothers and Pinkerton detectives it was engulfed but seeing nothing, she decided to get around the obstacle. She felt that it would never end to follow the contours of the mountain, and when she arrived there, she was both sweaty and crying. She stopped to get a drink, drink his mare and found himself talking to the beast who was looking good with a look that seemed to be full of compassion:

“My poor Hulda, forgive me. You know, I think I have been very foolish. I’m lost, I do not know where to go. I’ll direct me to the plain and we will wait to see where the evening sun and we will try to return to Las Vegas layer. Oh, I should have listened to Adam. But why, why do I not listened to Adam? I have become so accustomed with my mother, not to trust anyone, that is! My God, my God, come and help me. »

And she began to sob. After crying her heart out, she sat up and rebuked: “Now, now, Cindy, is it looks like the daughter of Marshal Von Töpser to let go like that. Come on, you have to start all costs. »

Meanwhile, it was the excitement in Las Vegas. In the morning, finding the empty bed Cindy, Val was not worried right away. She had thought that her friend had to wake up earlier she had gone either lunch or walking. But after an hour, Joe and she had had to face the facts: Cindy had indeed played the daughter of the air.

Val leading after him, Joe had rushed at Baker. The latter took bleakly but was adamant: “I warned you, I can not detach one to go in search of that reckless. All I can do is ask Ramon, my scout Shoshone, to tell you the path followed by your brothers and places to avoid or, on the contrary to search. After that, it’s up to you to get you by. »

Joe nodded grimly. After Ramon’s advice, he turned to Val, “Now, my dear, it’s up to you to choose: either you stay here, trying to protect herself in this city or the pretty girls like you are rare and therefore the object of desire, or you go with me to search for your friend. »

Val did not hesitate for a second: “I come with you, Joe, I much prefer to brave the dangers of the desert with you than to be alone in this shabby village, mope and die of concern for all of you. I need to feel useful for something. Do not worry, I’m brave but cautious. I do not generaI you and I will do all I can to help you. »

Joe looked at her tenderly: there was so much courage and dedication in this tiny woman he could not help but to take her by the shoulders and shake against his heart.

When he released his grip, she looked him in the eye and asked, anxiety in his voice:

“You think we have a chance to find it? »

Joe thought she deserved not lie: “I do not know, Val, but what I can promise you is to find my brothers, the three of us, we will make every effort to succor. I thought that my brother Adam is ready to move heaven and earth to not lose. »

Helped clear indications of Baker, Joe knew where to move it left and putting the horses in line. Val insisted to go faster, arguing that it was good rider but Joe, who could, in the life of every day seem carefree, madcap even knew to be very reasonable facing a real danger. The perils he faced during several expeditions with his father, brothers or even no one had taught him not to defy fate. It therefore explained to Valerie that its rider talents were not in question, but it was to spare the horses to arrive safely.

During that time, exhausted, Cindy had given to orient and relied on for Hulda lead when he saw fit, its not stubborn and steady. She stopped often to moisten the nose of the poor beast, as she had seen Joe and swallow itself, sparingly, a few drops of water. At each stop, she dropped to the ground one of the hairpins that held her hair, her only obsession is to leave a trace, benchmarks for Adam that she had no doubt that he would come to his rescue. “Sooner or later, Hulda, sooner or later it will come. It’s a matter of time but it will come, I’m sure. »

At the tenth stop, she noticed that her hair hung down and sorry for being so clever to tie her hair it took only ten pins to secure. What was she able to sow, Tom Thumb of the Far West, to Adam finds it? Suddenly she had an idea that brought a smile to his poor parched lips: “dollars, dollars that Adam made me sew my hem, that’s what I’m going to leave like track. Better to lose his fortune that his life! »

She had already put five dollars in five stones to prevent them from flying away when suddenly Hulda quickened his pace. Ten minutes later, she saw a pond that surrounded a few tufts of grass. The animal’s instinct led him to one of the few in the area of ​​water points. She rushed to, knelt down, ready to drink it, then changed his mind: “This water is perhaps not drinking, I’ll do better to stick to my gourd for drinking but at least I’ll me soak the head and arms. »

She dipped her arms voluptuously and digging his hands in order to keep water, patted the cheeks and neck, eyes closed in sighing. Then she looked up and his eyes opened on a show she did not expect two feet moccasins Shearling.

Huge, motionless, arms crossed over his chest, an Indian stared, the indecipherable air.

Terrified, losing her head, she exclaimed in German: “Please, do not hurt me, I’m lost, I’m lost, that’s all, I do not want to hurt you …”

He uttered a series of sounds which for her meant nothing, and motioned him back on Hulda. She did so in silence. So the Indian, taking the reins by the hand, walked, guiding the young German and his mare to a destination and an unknown destiny.

The Indian was holding a sort of broad brush made of sticks tied in a range, which, at first, surprised the young woman then, very quickly, the desolated as soon as she realized what it was: the Indian tied to the tail of Hulda who unknowingly by the comings and goings of its caudal appendage, erased his footsteps. Confident in the effectiveness of his strategy, the Indian looked straight ahead. Having watched a few minutes to see if he persists in this attitude, Cindy surreptitiously dropped a dollar, praying that the wind does not rise. She continued thus, every hundred meters, until they reach the foothills of the mountain towards which they were heading. The Indian tightened the reins as close to the mouth of Huldah and began to drive up a narrow and steep path.

During that time, Joe and Val had progressed. The trail left by the four horsemen they were looking for was sometimes visible, sometimes cleared but being guided with the help of the compass, Joe was able to follow him. Val had quickly spotted the darkening of his face when he found more traces and lightning on his face when the latter reappeared. They were engaged in a canyon from a quarter of an hour when they heard the sound of gunfire. Joe stopped dead and tells Val that had stopped behind him:

“Take my horse and above all, do not move from here, I’ll see what happens. »

Val, a little scared, shook his head to say no and clung to the reins of Cochise. Fearless, the horses stood motionless, his eyes fixing the rock, while Agile like a kid, Joe climbed along the wall, thankfully not too abrupt.

He climbed quietly on the ridge to a place where rock asperities allowed him to hide and had, below, an almost complete picture of the situation facing him but deep in the valley, his two brothers were ambushed , one against the other and shot in the face, a target he could not see because it was at the base of his own position. A few meters away, the two detectives were aimed at the same place but with a 30 ° angle. The number of shots from the recipient, Joe felt he was a single man and deduced that it was the named George Steeple. A smile appeared on his face: time was short and he had the means to shorten the altercation by surprising the opponent who certainly did not waited. Taking every precaution not to alert his game, he began to descend along the wall. Hoss and Adam had a start seeing this familiar figure to grow crab Ugly:

“The reckless! “Squeaked Adam

“Dadburnit, what’s he doing here? “Grumbled Hoss

“It’s going to be spotted. Prepare to shoot when the German will be aware of his presence. Try not to kill him but if it’s the only way, did not hesitate, “advised Adam had already pointed his rifle.

As was inevitable, some pebbles suddenly detached under Joe foot support and German raised his head:

“I” shouted Adam, suiting the action to the word, reached the left hand of the bandit. Almost simultaneously, a ball whistled from Hoss rifle that fortunately succeeded only fly the kind of top-hat worn by the man.

Taking advantage of this respite, Joe crosses two meters and jumped down, revolver pointed at the German who had doubled, and in pain, had dropped the weapon.

Hands in the air! “Cried Joe, which his order vis-à-vis was at a loss to obey, his right hand being closed on the left to prevent blood from spilling.

“Schweine! “He replied nastily to Joe but his insult was lost to the recipient who did not understand German.

In less time than it takes to tell, detectives and Cartwright brothers found themselves around their prey

“Let the guys take care of Pinkerton,” Joe threw his elders without giving them time to ask questions, “we have a far more serious problem to solve, Cindy disappeared. »

Adam turned pale: “What did you say? »

“What did you hear, my dear brother, she simply distorted us company at night and drove into the desert, alone! »

“But I told you to watch her! »

“When I left, she had gone to bed. I’m still not able to install me into his room to prevent it from bar … “

“But Val, why did she not stop? »

“She has not heard from, sometimes people to sleep, you know”

“Now, now,” Hoss was, “Do not waste time. You have to start looking for him. Where did you leave your horse? »

“It’s holding the Val, fifty meters from here. »

Adam manages to become even paler: “You have brought with you? Crénom, Joe, you’re crazy! “And fleetingly, he heard again mentally being promised his father that he would double caution.

Joe immediately went up on his high horse: “And what to do, Mr. Know-it-all? Leave her alone with the garrison of Baker? It is you yourself told me to stick with it … “

Hoss, as usual, interjected:

“Calm down, Joe, if Adam says that’s because he’s worried. So Adam, what do we do? »

As always, the voice of Adam Hoss had a soothing effect. He pulled himself together and turned to the detectives who did not lose a beat:

“We will go in search of our friend,” he told them. “We let the burden of Steeple but for heaven’s sake, treat it well and do not forget he has to speak. It’s the life of a man. He is the only one who can lead us to his master … “

“And his gold …” thought Julius whispered. “Do not worry,” he said aloud, with an air half fig, half grape, “we are keen to keep him alive, do not worry …”

“So, on the way,” Adam did to the attention of his brothers, “What good return if the father to lose his daughter,” he added, dark eye.

They joined Val waiting anxiously and Adam asked the girl. Does she know really nothing of the projects of his friend? She had no clue that allows them to guess his plans? She had an idea of ​​the crew in which she was gone? Before the denials Valley, Adam, whose anxiety was growing, changed method:

“Well, Val, because obviously you have no idea what could be Cindy, tell me what you would have done you, if you had started as it, too rashly in the desert . »

Val did not take long to think about:

“By helping me with the sun’s position, I would be directed me towards the south. »

Adam sent his left fist into his right palm, “This is what she did: she stung south when he had to go to the southeast. Okay, we’ll retrace our steps up to five kilometers from Las Vegas and try to find the track. Add a little water the horses and go for it. »

He was struggling to dominate and to march but he had promised his father to be careful. Moreover, he knew that the best way to get to Cindy was to spare their horses. Arrived at the starting point it had set, he was relieved to spot traces clogs Hulda and they immediately began to follow the trail.

“It’s alright, it comes, it goes round in circles, you’re off again in another direction,” commented Hoss, “we see that it absolutely could not get to move but still gradually sank in the desert . »

The night fell, they were forced to stop. Adam had no desire but all humans and animals in need. Val would have died on the spot rather than complain but his face was drawn and pale. Joe had noticed and was preparing to warn his brother when he gave the signal to halt.

Adam and Val remained silent during their frugal meal and Joe and Hoss, after searching in vain for a conversation likely to entertain, is absorbed in the contents of their lunch boxes.

Suddenly, Adam broke the silence

“I know where she is. »

They turned to him interrogative gaze: “Where? “Articulated Hoss

“In the water point number four. You see, “he explained by drawing a map on the ground with a piece of wood,” Here, roughly, the path followed by Hulda. It is clear that after the release of the first canyon she went through, Cindy does not know where she is and let her mare drive it. This random walk two to three kilometers and then, suddenly, it adopts an almost straight trajectory, as if she felt the water. »

Rising to the other three imploringly face, he said:

“When one knows the way, this is not more than two kilometers. It would bother you that we go right away. I know it’s already dark but there the moon and I see well at night. If by chance it is there, you can imagine her relief to see us … And if it is not there, at least we can at least wash ourselves. »

He did not finish the entire troupe was up. Joe took the reins from Val to be sure not to lose and they went in single file. From time to time, Adam cracked a match to check that everyone followed and they reached the point where water had stopped the young German. Adam could not restrain a cry of joy when he saw, neat, the Hulda shoe brands approaching the pond.

They dismounted and while Val and Joe were water the horses and sprinkled each other, Adam and Hoss scrutinized the ground.

“I see nothing,” said Hoss.

“She was there, that’s for sure,” replied Adam, “but it is clearly distributed and I do not see where. »

“Look, Adam, you have to be reasonable. Expect tomorrow, we will see better there. Meanwhile, he must sleep. »

Adam nodded. You are right. Come, sit, I guard. »

“Wake me in three hours,” Hoss recommended by rolling in his blanket.

“That’s it,” said Adam, determined to do nothing. He knew he could not sleep and he would spend his night speculate on what could have happened to his beloved.

The next morning, at dawn, he woke up his brothers and Val sleeping chastely huddled against Joe.

Hoss and Adam remade around the pond, each by one side, and joined to the starting point where Joe had lit a fire to heat the coffee prepared by Val.

“So? “Adam asked his brother.

“Nothing. No trace in any sense except that of his arrival here. »

“It is curious,” Adam did. “Me neither, I have not seen anything. That leaves two hypotheses: either she left her steps, which I doubt because we would have spotted hoof tracks going in the other direction, or someone has blurred the track. It smells like the Indian, “he concluded, looking more worried than ever. Then, recovering himself as leader of the expedition, he gave his instructions:

“We can not leave anything to chance. Joe and Val, you’ll start in reverse and see if, in the night, something not lost on us. Hoss, you go towards the mountain you see there. ” He pointed chin the promontory that was outlined in the south through the heat haze. “As for me, I will take due west, we’ll see. Go here in an hour. If you find something before, send a shot into the air. “

“It’s not safe,” remarked Hoss.

Adam looked up at his brother a ravaged face: “We no longer have the time to be cautious, Hoss, I fear the worst. »

Hoss was silent, there was nothing to say.

Adam got on without adding Sport and plunged into the desert. The more he progressed, the landscape was sorry and that he had the ball in the throat swelled. In his solitude, he began speaking with that inwardly he was looking so desperate:

“Why do not you trust me? Could not you wait for me? Could not you understand that I had taken in my care all your quest, all your worries, as I was ready to take them for the rest of my life? And now I’m here, stupid and vain with my two hands that take nothing, your face in me that does not go with my body that you regret, with my soul crying you. Nothing, not a trace of you. Oh, God, send me a sign, anything that tells me he still has to hope. »

As he thought this, he suddenly heard two shots, taken from two different locations:

“Yippee, they found something. Both? To which to go? “Putting Sport gallop, he traveled in less than ten minutes the path he had just done. His two brothers had imitated so that the three Cartwright net stoppèrent one vis-à-vis the other, the muzzles of their horses almost touching.

“Look what I found! “Exclaimed Joe and Hoss in chorus: it took three tickets in hand a dollar while Hoss himself had unique. Neither one nor the other knew what conclusion drawn from this finding but none of them had any doubts about the ability of their eldest understand what that meant.

Their confidence was fully justified. A smile lit up the face of Adam, to the delight of Val: If Adam smiled in distress where he was so obviously it meant that there was hope.

“Ah, the clever! She found that … “he whispered. “These are dollars that I had him in her sewing hems, you remember, Val. »

“Yes,” nodded the latter, “I have too. »

“She had the idea to sow as Tom Thumb, to guide us. And if, on a comparable distance, you’ve found three, Joe, where there were other traces, and that you, Hoss, you do have found that this means that it does was not alone, she was not free to move and … “he paused as if afraid to say out loud the bad news he had to understand,” and his companions are Indians ” , he completed.

“How do you know that? “Val asked a little insolent. “You read in the dollar as others read the coffee grounds? »

“No,” replied Adam, unmoved, “it is logical: if it were alone, we would see its trace and as his escort, not only erases the traces and is not interested in dollars, that means they are not whites but rather the Indians. »

Confused, Val stammered an apology that Adam did not even hear, he had already left on the track of the lady of his thoughts. The three others followed quickly. They too were eager to find Cindy and return to Las Vegas, they were so dry despite the respite that no water had brought them. However, pushing his horse Hoss came to stand at his brother and asked him:

“We can discuss how you count the Indians? »

“When we reach the mountain, you’ll post you safe and I’ll go on a reconnaissance on foot. From what I see, we’ll see. »

“And if you get caught? »

“If I have not reappeared after three hours you come to Las Vegas and from there to Ponderosa. I do not want to put any of you in danger, it’s bad enough to have exposed Cindy. »

“You have not exposed Cindy, she who started all alone in trouble. And I do not intend to let you fend for yourself, I will send Joe and Val and I will come to the rescue. »

Adam stopped his horse and shouted, “You shall not make such idiocy, it is useless to be caught two, you hear me, you will not do that. »

He had to explain the debate to Joe and Val. Both protested and declared that Adam’s plan was unacceptable: “What’s the point,” Joe threw his brother, “to be more if it is for you to act like you’re alone. You disappoint me, bro, you should be able to find better. Hey, I have an idea, we expect the night, we creep into the village, we control the sentinel … “

He paused for Hoss was flowing drops his gourd on his forehead. “Hey, Joe, you’ve taken too much sun. You’re crawling in a village we have not found. »

“Go,” made Adam, “move forward, we will notify once in the mountain.”

They spotted a trail easily, the same in which Cindy and the Indian had tackled the mountain. There was not much choice for those who want to climb to the remaining horse. A tail-leu-leu, Adam and Hoss head up the rear, they were advancing, trying to make as little noise as possible when, seemingly out of the sky, an arrow stood before Adam, making pitch Sport. The little caravan froze, each flattering neckline of his horse to soothe. Adam opened his mouth but no one ever knew what he planned to say because, jumping from a rock, a Soshone warrior stood before him that while all sides, feathered heads emerged as a sudden growth of fungi.

“We’re surrounded,” noted Adam in a neutral voice.

“No more searching tactics! “Val noted in a voice which betrayed a mixture of irony and concern.

She immediately regretted having spoken of as the Indian who was facing Adam noticed her and suddenly very excited, the designation of the breed by pouring a stream of incomprehensible words. However, in the middle of this diatribe, Adam stung two or three words he knew. “It’s about the spirit wife, the wife of White Bison, why talk about it? »

He did not have time to dwell on the issue because the Indian had taken the reins of his horse. Three others did the same with the reins Chubb, Cochise and Jolly and under escort, they sank to the heart of the mountain. They climbed a long time by tortuous paths and suddenly, turning a corner, they saw a sight that cut their breath, they were on the other side, on the edge of a ravine and extremely steep in front of them , spread a rock wall in which was carved a vast arc of a circle forming an arch which housed a village carved into the rock.

“It’s their village? “Joe asked.

“Looks like it,” said Adam, “but it is very surprising and very little in the habits of Shoshone. »

They felt happy a fresh air when they entered under the arch. Adam continued to be confused by the good sense of the Indians. He rubbed several tribes since early childhood and had never seen who know how to take advantage of nature. Generally, they planted their camp on the plains, not far from a water source but did not build.

He was soon to understand the reason for this anomaly. The Indians took them to a mature man, oddly dressed in an Indian trousers and a coat to the skin, wearing a hat that was not reminiscent of Hoss, but tanned skin we could see beyond doubt, it was white, his face through a very ugly scar.

“Welcome, gentlemen,” he said with a strong German accent, “I was waiting for your coming. I suspected that would send a squad looking for my daughter. »

“It’s so …” stammered Hoss, “Are you …”

“The Marshal von Töpser, at your service, gentlemen,” he finished taking off with a sweeping gesture his headgear.

Adam, of all this talk had retained only one thing: “You saw your daughter, she’s here! I hope she is safe. »

“Absolutely, but do not worry, by the way, my boy, you are very imprudent for bringing a girl here in the wilderness. »

Without giving Adam the time to answer a Shoshone approached the Marshal and began talking to him in a rough voice, pointing Val finger.

“But I do not believe,” launched the German, this, this … boy is a girl? »

It was the turn of Val to take off his hat with a gracious air, revealing his beautiful hair.

“Unhappy, what did you do? “Cried Joe,” they will realize that you are a woman. »

 “Shut up, Joe, it’s already done,” made Adam sullenly. With this protective instinct in him was very much alive, he approached Val and put his arm around her shoulders.

“What would they want? Where is Cindy? , “He asked, turning to Marshal.

It took a very bored. “It will take some time to explain, but for now, she must follow them. She fears nothing, they take it for the wife of the Great White Buffalo.

What? “Croaked Adam painfully remembered having heard it. “As Ruth? »

Von Töpser gasped, “You know Ruth? »

And you? “Asked Adam aggressive. Then suddenly he realized that the imperfect employed by the German meant:

“Know any? You mean she’s dead? »

Including who he was, Von Töpser looked him straight in the eyes, with sympathetically: “For a month. You are the man she loved and she waited. »

“Yes,” did Adam felt a lump rising in his throat.

“So, you are also the man dreams of marrying Cindy? “He asked in a soft tone.

Adam looked up: “How do you know this? »

“Goddam, because she told me so! Look, gentlemen, do not stay planted there, we have many things to say. Sit back, we will bring you to eat. Oh, do not rejoice, “he added, seeing the face of Hoss lighting,” nothing very good. »

“In that case, perhaps we could take provisions that are in our fonts” suggested the giant.

“Certainly, but to give them,” said Von Töpser, “that they will remove the urge to eat your horses. »

The three men émirent same time a cry of horror and rose to rush to their mounts.

 “Give me provisions,” advised the German, “I will share. »

“But to go? “Joe asked,” How shall we do? »

“You’re not back yet, young men, look at me, it’s been three years since I’m here. »

“If you told your story,” suggested Adam out of these fonts black loaf of bread and molasses which he gave to the German. It hailed a young warrior and gave him a set in his language: “I told him to send these provisions to the goddess and her maid, they will do it with the utmost respect,” he explained . Then, by cutting himself a slice in the bread that Joe had just come out, he began his story:

“There are about three years, I made a legacy of the most curious, a travel book …”

“We know that,” interrupted Adam, wait, come to the point, when you discovered the mine. »

Seeing the eyes of Von Töpser shrink with distrust, he continued: “I do not ask you to tell us where the mine, keep your secret, it does not interest us. Just tell us what happened. »

Von Töpser, having resumed its open mine, returned to his story: “I left my home, Jurgen Kirchubel back. I had never disclosed the exact purpose of our trip. I was only told that we would be very rich and would have a sufficient share to be able to stop serving gentlemen. So I pushed myself alone in the mountain and when I had struck gold with a pick, I ripped ore blocks. Under the rock matrix, we can clearly see that it was gold. I was inexplicably drunk with joy. It is right to talk about gold fever. But I already have a large fortune but I do not know why I had to go get that mine. »

He remained thoughtful for a moment then said, “When Kirchubel saw me back with my samples, he pressed with questions. He wanted to know where was the mine and wanted to take what I had in my hands. We fought, I made the mistake of letting my pick, he grabbed it and gave me two violent blows you still see the tracks, “he said, pointing to his scar on the cheek and another on his scalp.

“I screamed in pain. I could see nothing because of the blood which blinded me and I started to run like hell. He continued, but I knew that winning the mountain, I had a chance to escape it because it is full of dark caves. As I was uncovered, he could follow me because traces of blood but once in the cave, he saw me, I hid in a crevice holding my breath, it passed close to me and continued further. I waited a moment and then I borrowed another hallway that I had found by feeling the rock. I continued as far as I could and I collapsed.

When I woke up, I started to crawl in search of a glow that I eventually. I dragged myself to a narrow opening praying that he left or lost forever, and God answered me: in his place, I was found by a Shoshone led me to his camp. »

“Here? “Asked Adam.

“No, moreover, it was I who found this place and showed them how to dig it and develop it. They were planted on flat, poorly sheltered against the sun. The Indian dragged me and put me squarely at the feet of a young blonde woman, an unexpected appearance in the death of decor. »

“Ruth,” whispered Adam. “But how was she in this rotten corner? I had left it in the Mountain of the Dead bringing bad name. It is green and irrigated by a beautiful river. »

“I did not really understand what drove them into exile in this place. Not the lure of gold, in any case, it does not interest them. I understood that they had been decimated by a disease but Ruth had been able to save many. I understand that they had been forced to leave their camp because of hide hunters. »

“My God, my God,” muttered Adam, full of regret and remorse. “Why did I listen Pa, I should go looking for him as I felt. »

“They would have killed you. If they let me life, it is because she told them that I could help them a lot. And it was true. »

He paused a moment to chew and hurried back to the wild eye of Adam

“You have to understand: they remained convinced until his death, she was the wife of the Great White Buffalo. When she saw decline, she asked me to take him nightly in an unfamiliar place for her native to die in peace. I went by night and I took my gold mine. She was at her wits end: she asked me if I knew the Bible. I said yes, overall. So she wanted me to say, from memory, the verses of the Book of Ruth, those at the beginning. I do not remember much, but she began: “Where you go I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge and thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” .With this, the following is my back: “Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD deal with me full force if other than the death part of you. “. So she told me your story, Adam, in a few words because she had no strength … “

He saw that Adam had buried his face in his hands and turned away not to offend modesty of the young man who most certainly was hiding to cry. Hoss and Joe who had seen Adam’s head dive and had understood her grief, raised theirs deliberately and fixed their eyes on von Töpser to preserve the emotion of their brother. Von Töpser continued this surreal conversation fixing the eyes of all but the party to whom it was addressed and there was nothing more poignant that this triangular trade, as if his words, through intermediaries ears could stab less strong the heart of the recipient.

“And she said, I swear, swear to me that you seek and you will tell him that nothing but death could not separate myself from him. I vowed then and his face was as free from torment, appeased, and she fell asleep. »

Adam now sobbing openly. Hoss put a hand on the shoulder while Joe took his arm. He looked up and thanked them with a sad smile, then asked von Töpser if he could bring it where Ruth slept an eternal rest.

“If you want,” said the Marshal, but not right away. “As it happens, without seeking you, I’ve found that I was able to keep my promise to a dying earlier than expected but at the same time, I also found my daughter and my priority is to living . We must now concern ourselves out of there after, there will be time to come back better equipped to this famous gold mine. »

“You’re right,” Adam did, wiping the back of his sleeve, without worrying about the black scars of which he scored his cheeks. “I too have commitments with regard to live, in respect of my father, my brothers, Valerie and … your daughter. You know the Indians of that tribe, what do you recommend? Going on force, he must not think … “

“We should first retrieve the girls. Where are they? “Joe threw that did not like at all be separated from Val.

“Above all, no movement rushed” hastened to reply von Töpser, “young girls, especially the little blonde, are our best chance of escape. »

Why? “. The issue had FUSED three chests.

“Because, as I have said, the Indians have not seen Ruth die. When they have found more in its housing, they began prayer dances for her back. The other day, when a young warrior found Cindy, he thought he was the reincarnation of their goddess reappeared, slightly changed, but it was her. Unfortunately, when I saw her show, I was so excited, so happy that I threw myself into his arms without observing restraint and respect due a humble Humain a woman-mind. Cindy, incidentally, did not understand that I do not shake in my arms. So I explained that the arrival of Cindy was a sign of the gods if they had sent my daughter who had so far that even the great White Buffalo could not go in less than six moons, c ‘ was good because my (I insisted on “my”) prayers were heard. They bought into that and when they found you and they saw the golden hair of your companion, in the same tone as that of Ruth, they were convinced that this time, it was their goddess who was back . I have confirmed. So just now, I’m going to ask what lead us to them to pay tribute to the spirit wife and take his instructions. You can touch Cindy which is supposed to be her maid but not the other girl. Will there a way to prevent it without using English? They do not speak it very well but they could understand “

“Do not worry, there will only talk to her French. “Said Adam

“You talking about? »

“Enough to say that. »

“Me too, I have some remnants of my studies. Between us, we will. We’ll tell her she has tomorrow organize a great trip. We leave surrounded by the tribe, it’s the only way. »

“But,” objected Hoss, “we can not take these Shoshones in Las Vegas. »

“Especially if they prevent me to touch Val” Joe muttered.

“If,” says Adam ignoring the remark of her youngest and responding to Hoss, “it is even a good idea. When we are close to the city, you will leave outfall prevent Baker. We can not let these poor die of hunger and thirst in this hell. »

“But Baker will never want”

“That, my little old, it depends on our friend von Töpser. Marshal, would you be willing to negotiate a share of your wealth to help build the fort of Las Vegas? »

Von Töpser was a moment of decline; he stared at Adam frowned then, suddenly, his mouth relaxed into a grin:

“I like you, young man, and I see that my daughter was not misplaced his heart. You’re right, what need have I of all that gold that brought me to this day that fear? I can use it to do good to those Indians who saved my life and I we go out of trouble at the same time. It’s okay, you can use my gold to negotiate. Not everything, eh? “He added, winking.

Adam shook his hand, making him smile. “Well, then, let’s go, find the girls? »

Von Töpser uttered a hoot. Immediately, an Indian appeared. He explained his wish and the four men were led, under guard in a cave in the rock and fitted as comfortably as was possible the corner resources. “It was I who showed them how to do,” explained von Töpser.

One of their guards aside a skin curtain beast and the figure of Chahman appeared, the same one that was picked Ruth. He remained in the opening, masking the back of the room. When he recognized Adam, his eyes widened, but it was a rather quiet voice he spoke. Von Töpser listened, at first worried and then, suddenly, his face lit:

“Above all, do not laugh,” he said to Adam, who was waiting for the verdict, “but your shirt has rubbed off on your cheeks and he is convinced that you voluntarily painted the signs of submission. He accepts you see the goddess if you agree not to touch as you had been there three years. »

“Tell him I solemnly pledge myself,” Adam was trying to keep a serious face, “and I will not touch her maid, though of course, the spirit wife allows me. »

“Look, we must first prevent Miss Valerie”

“This will be done immediately,” said Adam, “Tell him I want to invoke my gods before approaching me. »

Von Töpser retransmit the statement of Adam who, in a stentorian voice, throwing his arms in the air, began to declaim:

“Valerie, Valerie, and you too, Cindy, listen to me. In the eyes of the Indians, Valerie is a goddess, wife of Grand Blanc Bison, so we can not touch you. Be proud and majestic, stay where you are and let us go up to you. Above all, follow all the instructions I give you in French, it would be in all our lives. »

The Chahman listened gravely, and when he was sure that Adam had finished his incantation, he let them pass.

When they saw the show, the girls could not restrain a cry of joy, but they had enough power over themselves to not rush, one on Joe, the other Adam. As he advanced toward his beloved, the heart of Adam changing emotions. The sorrow of the death of Ruth trailed off for a moment to give way to remember the anguish that had tormented as he sought Cindy in the desert. Reached her, he went down on one knee, took her hands, and made this amazing statement that Cindy had to remember with emotion all his life:

 “Listen to me, little turkey, I believe that we are destined to get married and I am ready to follow my destiny despite your detestable indiscipline, but on one condition: at home, you decide everything from the location of the home, its layout, color of walls and curtains, menus, children’s first names, I will impose you anything, but when it will be your protection, for heaven’s sake, swear to me you will obey me. »

Cindy stood for a moment stunned, mouth open, not knowing what to think. Everyone was looking at starting with his father, who said in his heart: “I hope she will realize the treasure over which man she fell. It would disappoint me a lot if it does not see him. »

Val, meanwhile, was thinking: “She is lucky. I stayed with Joe wise as she put us in molasses and it is this that marriage. »

Hoss thought: “Definitely, I will never understand Adam! There are less than an hour, he wept heartbreakingly the death of Ruth and now he says Cindy. Not very compatible, all! »

Joe, meanwhile, followed the opposite argument: “It is right, big brother, to give priority to living on dead and strike while the iron is hot. I will do as soon as she has given his answer.

Breaking the silence after one minute seemed an hour Adam, Cindy asked:

 “Do I understand this strange statement as a marriage proposal? »

Adam plunged into the eyes of his beloved a poignant look of love and anxiety:

“Yes, Cindy, yes and thanks, answer me. »

It was only then that Cindy really realized what was happening. A joyful smile lit up his face and fell into the arms of her Prince Charming, she gave him, half laughing, half crying,

“The answer is yes, Adam. »

Relieved and happy, Adam found his humor and whispered in his ear: “Yes my two requests? »

Mischievous, Cindy replied, “Two? It is proposed marriage once! »

Knowing that she understood very well, Adam insisted, “And my request to let me protect you accept? It’s a lot, you know. “And again becoming serious, he added:” I do not want to expose myself to relive the terrible hours you’ve put me through the last two days. »

It was then that von Töpser interjected: “Not so fast, young man, you forget that Cindy is still a minor and you need my permission. Well, I am obliged to tell you … “he paused and resumed, in a thunderous laugh,” I give it to you, rascal, and I will ensure that it complies with your second request, otherwise, it will have to deal with me. »

He was about to shake Adam in his arms but he stepped back to avoid it, “Marshal, I have great pleasure to indulge in all effusions you want when we are in Las Vegas but in the meantime Do not forget our project and let us remember that we are before a goddess. »

Joe just waiting for it to speak: “By the way, Adam, I’d like you to tell me how to say in French:” Val, I love you and I ask you if you’ll be my bride? »

Adam smiled at his brother and said, “I do not mind but speaks softly, as Chahman do not understand what we’re saying. Well, they say – repeat after me – Val, I love you “

“Val, jew love you” repeated Joe watching the French girl with burning eyes.

Val looked at him with adoration.

“I ask you to be my wife,” continued Adam

“” Jew demannde you deveniwr my wife, “replied Joe

Val opened her mouth to reply but Adam interrupted as if the message had a suite, so she closed it without a word.

“But first, you have to listen to my brother,” Adam finished.

“What is it,” asked Joe suspicious when he saw the bewilderment of his sweetheart, “What are you doing to tell me? »

“Shh, gently. I tell you: Before order, you must listen to my brother’s words. Remember that we must warn the role it should play, our salvation depends on it. Although she wants to declare his love to you, it should do so by keeping a majestic attitude goddess and especially that it does not throw in your arms like Cindy just done in mine “

“Do you think she’ll say yes”

This exchange was whispered in English but Val had the gist. Himself up to his full height, she exclaimed in French:

“How could you think otherwise, dear Joe. Do not you see that you have captured my heart and that I am your prisoner for the rest of my life? »

“What did she say? “Asked Joe

“She said,” How can you believe I Would not Joe my darling. Do not you see you captured my heart and I’m your prisoner for the rest of my life? “Adam’s voice was barely audible net by his nearest neighbors. Joe was transported with joy but his brother did not let him manifest. Laying a firm hand on the young man’s arm, he said, aloud and in French, the presentation of the situation and of their plan, but not before Val reassured that she had rendered Joe happiest men. Val bowed gracefully to show she understood the stakes and turning to von Töpser, asked him to give instructions to the Indians for a start the next morning. Marshal parley minutes with the Chahman then, turning to his companions, announced: “That’s settled: time to gather their poor equipment and they will all be ready to leave tomorrow. They are used, they are nomadic by nature.

“Thank God,” says Adam, “I look forward to seeing Las Vegas first and then Ponderosa. »

“If Ponderosa is the name of your property,” remarked von Töpser, “we are not, we must first negotiate with the army and I lead you to my gold mine and … tomb of who you know. »

“I had not forgotten,” made Adam, “but at least, women and my brothers will be secure. And you, “he said, threatening Cindy its index,” no way to follow us, this time, got it? »

Cindy replied, hermetic air, “We have plenty of time to talk on the way to Las Vegas. »