{"id":4155,"date":"2009-07-19T14:58:55","date_gmt":"2009-07-19T18:58:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4155"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:13:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:13:24","slug":"prise-au-piege","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4155","title":{"rendered":"Prise au Piege (by ViveAdam)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/span> An unexpected visit sheds light on some of the privacy of Adam.\u00a0 (Click here for French version<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Rated: MA WC 5500<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0Taken Trap<\/strong><\/p>\n

Six in the evening! In desperation,<\/strong> Ben Cartwright served a cup of tea, alas warm and casually munched a biscuit. He wanted to have waited as if he did not know that his three son, for one week, were training for the big rodeo in June, as soon as they had finished the job. Joe even had a tendency to rush his task to penetrate earlier in the corral. Tea was clearly the last of his concerns.<\/p>\n

Ben was there in his thoughts when the sound of a trotting and poorly oiled wheels on to his feet. He spread the cretonne curtain that masked the window and saw the sheriff deputy down from his carriage, accompanied by a man he did not know but that his star, he identified himself as a police officer. The individual had a closed face, rigid or tense. Puzzled, Ben opened the door:<\/p>\n

“Hello Auguster! Hello Sir … Sir … ”<\/p>\n

“Pearson, Ted Pearson, Federal sheriff. Can you give us a few minutes of conversation? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But of course, gentlemen. I can even offer you tea if you do not like it too hot. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“No thank you, Ben” said Auguster squinting on the bottle of whiskey, seeing which, the householder served in a glass with every guest.<\/p>\n

“And now, Auguster, tell us what brings you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“A matter of the utmost importance, Ben, an affair of state. I told Mr Pearson you were a perfect citizen, a man of duty and could trust you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben was impressed; he was not used to hearing Auguster pronounce words as pompous.<\/p>\n

“What I will reveal to you, sir,” answered Pearson, “is a state secret. I brought a Bible for you to pay oath. We need your help, forcing us to provide you with confidential information, but we can not take the risk that you divulge recklessly. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben sworn with an air Pearson finally decided to get into the heart of the matter:<\/p>\n

“The story goes back to the war between the Texans and Mexicans. When the Mexicans had realized that the men defending the Alamo would not go, they did evacuate women and children. One woman carried in her underwear, plan several hiding ammunition that had prepared the Texans. We were in l848. This woman jealously guarded the plan for 13 years and then, feeling die, revealed the existence in his two nephews, his closest relatives. She did not know that one of the two was part of a secret society who meditates to raid several western states, California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas, into a separate nation, including, of course, the company would control. The man seized the plane and we were warned there was little time for his cousin who, after long hesitation – because this sect terrorized all who approach – decided to place themselves under our protection.<\/p>\n

We have to act fast: these criminals surely want to enjoy the civil war that mobilizes all forces to put their plan into execution by using munitions Texans that nobody but them knows the location. ”<\/p>\n

Ben nodded gravely, “But how can I help you? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“We have arrested a woman in Sacramento. This is a cabaret singer We know she fled the sect, but she knows where the plane is hidden. Only she stubbornly refuses to talk. \u00bb<\/p>\n

And then? “Ben asked, intrigued.<\/p>\n

“What kind of woman who lives with her charms, knows it has more to fear from those that betray that of the police. After all, we do not have much against it. It does not raccole on public roads. It is done simply by maintaining some citizens which it reserves his evenings, except when the man of her heart stays in town. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben understood less and less where the two policemen were coming.<\/p>\n

“You know what it is, Ben,” stammered Auguster suddenly became scarlet, “these girls there is a man who has influence over them, that they do not pay when he comes spend the night. He absolutely must do the talking. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“This whole story is very interesting,” Ben exploded, “but I really do not see what I have to do it. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“We found it on her bedside table,” Pearson dropped by launching a portrait in the hands of Ben.<\/p>\n

Ben had a high round the body: the fine, manly face smiling at mid-oval frame, was none other than that of his eldest son.<\/p>\n

“There is no doubt, it’s Adam,” he said in a flat voice. Pearson is deeply bent over him: “Did you know that your son was attending this woman in Sacramento? Have you detected some signs of bizarre behavior? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“That would suggest that it is part of the secret society? This is what you mean? “Asked Ben a sharp tone. “If that’s it, I can assure you that my son is as loyal, honest and patriotic than me and …”<\/p>\n

The door opened, interrupting the end of the reporting of Ben Cartwright and the three latter’s son entered, rosy cheeks and lively complexion as seen men who come to indulge in violent exercise outdoors. Seeing that their father was in the company, they came to greet with a smile, but rembrunirent uncovering the sinister air of the three friends.<\/p>\n

Ben asked Hoss and Joe kindly make a room upstairs. They went up the stairs with a surprising docility and crouched around the corner. The two sheriffs had forgotten them while occupied with Adam.<\/p>\n

“It is important” Pearson was thinking, “not to rush it because it is a key part of the board, but do not lose sight of that fact may be part of the band of conspirators. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Auguster had always been intimidated by Adam. He turned to Ben, tacitly begging to take the lead … what Ben had just intended to do.<\/p>\n

Adam sat, surprised by the heavy atmosphere in the room. He put a questioning look on the stern face of his father.<\/p>\n

Ben stood up and the two law enforcement officials and the three menacing figures surrounding the chair of the young man. “Do you know where does this portrait? “Asked Ben to his son, handing him the daguerreotype who represented.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father right in the eyes, “Yes, I know. I understand the context and I would like to know how it came into your hands. What happened to Birgit? “He asked, turning directly to Pearson,” and all, who are you? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You can talk to him, Pearson, I answer” said Auguster for once at the height of the situation.<\/p>\n

Deciding to play his all, Pearson began his story. Hoss and Joe did not lose a beat. When he had finished, silence fell in the great room with plastered walls. Adam looked at the end of his boots thoughtfully. Three apparent interlocutors, as well as two that were hidden, holding their breath waiting for her reaction.<\/p>\n

“Birgit, a member of a secret society,” he finally said, as if he continued his thought aloud. “I can hardly believe it …”<\/p>\n

“What do you know of that Birgit? How have you known? What happened between you two? “The issues, Ben’s lips, jostled.<\/p>\n

Adam was tempted to tell him that it was none of it and that no one, even his father, had the right to interfere with his privacy, but he remembered in time that it was the security of its countries and that it had nothing to hide those who defended it. Trying to keep an even tone, neutral, he said:<\/p>\n

“I’ve known her for almost two years. I was traveling to Sacramento as often happens to me to buy seeds. Since I had a few hours before me, I decided to take the opportunity to renew my little wardrobe. In the main street, I encountered a rally. There were a dozen staid bourgeois who insulted a very nice person. It bravely stood up to them, but it was clear she could not take a step without being forced to make his hat. I do not know the case against him or how things had come there, but I know, without thinking, I offered my arm and have carved open a niche among these harpies. While I was escorted into her shopping, she learned that she was a singer in a luxury inn and she invited me to take her home after the show. I confess I did not think to refuse. It’s a beautiful girl. She has a voice a little silly, but full of sensuality when she sings, a wasp waist, firm and rounded rump, perfect legs she discovered the cancan. I guarantee you that I was not the only one in the room to feel exhilarated by the sight of her thighs rimmed with lace. \u00bb<\/p>\n

While Adam spoke, his eyes were on. In the evocation he was doing, even Pearson felt the need to move his tongue over his dry lips. More Adam walked in his story, the more he was convinced that there was between him and attractive Birgit, a history of skin … or if he was a member of the sect, it was really an outstanding actor.<\/p>\n

“I’m sure,” continued Adam, “the first night when she gave herself to me, it was in thanks. Because I was free chivalrous showed me to her. The men who pay to make love to her in the evening, in the open are on the side of their wives and do not have enough contemptuous words for it. They return to be forgiven, or so they believe, with expensive jewelry. That night, we offered fun like two kids without ulterior motives, without feeling low, without an idea of the past or the future. The famous “carpe diem”, “enjoying the moment.” The next evening I found myself mechanically exit backstage. She was in the arms of a ruddy mustache guy. When she saw me, I do not know what got into him, she took out of her bodice a handful of notes and stretched them to his rider, saying: “I give you your money. As my friend will be in town, nobody wants to access my bed at any price whatsoever. You will wait he left. “And since then, it happened like that. As soon as I arrived, she plays “temporary closure” to his “gentlemen”. I was afraid that it loses its customers, but it is so desirable that they are waiting patiently. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Everything you said is correct, Mr. Cartwright, and we were able to verify. But what I want to know is what happens once the door closed. What are you talking about? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam stared angrily: “I thought I was clear. What more do you want as details Mr Pearson? ”<\/p>\n

Pearson was a sign of the hand he hoped soothing. “Do not get me wrong, Mr. Cartwright, I’m just trying to find out if she told you about her past, her life … If you see something that can guide us …”<\/p>\n

Nothing at all. I assure you that I never saw in her a charming and voluptuous mistress. Remember that I do not live Sacramento and a total, I have never spent a couple of nights with her, all in one and a half. At this rate, we have other things to do than the conversation when we see ourselves. No, do not unnecessarily look for clues that I do not and decide a strategy, you have stopped, have you told me? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes, she is in prison, but we can not keep it long. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Can you allow me to see it? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I hope so, even. I intend to take you to Sacramento tomorrow, but … ”<\/p>\n

“But? “Pearson turned his hat between his fingers,” I can not take any chances, Mr. Cartwright, and among others that of not bet on your innocence. Whatever the protests of your father and the sheriff Auguster, you are suspect. You could very well be part of the band, which would explain the sudden craze of our singer for yourself. Admit that it’s still not in the habit of prostitutes, “added he, turning to Ben and Auguster” snub that a customer has already paid under the pretext of a thunderbolt . I’ll take you to Sacramento, “he finished at Adam,” but the handcuffs. ”<\/p>\n

Ben jumped: “You do not have the right. Adam did nothing. He showed no resistance. Instead, he confessed its adventure without omitting anything. I will not be doing that. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam stood and put a reassuring hand on his father’s shoulder<\/p>\n

“But if, Dad, but if. Rather, it is the best way to approach Birgit. Nothing can decide to talk, if not the need to rescue me. Do not forget that risks his skin if it proves too talkative … That’s why, “he continued for Pearson,” I want to tell you that I will cooperate only if we do what is necessary to protect Miss Bard. We will talk in due course. Go to bed now. Can we offer you hospitality, Mr. Pearson? We leave as soon as tomorrow. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You do not understand me, Mr. Cartwright. You are already under arrest and you’ll spend the night at the Virginia City Prison. I shall cure settle to sleep in Ponderosa, on your property, leaving you plenty of time to prepare an escape. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Well, I am,” Adam hastened to reply, to curb an explosion of his father. And he held out his hands obediently for us to stay handcuffs. “Perhaps you will allow my father, under the supervision of Auguster to prepare myself a little linen replacement. Birgit has not had the habit of visiting me sweat filthy and smelling the goat. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Pearson made a gesture of assent. In a beautiful overall movement, Hoss and Joe took refuge in the Hoss chamber. After preparing the affairs of his son Ben went to his room and made his own package.<\/p>\n

What are you doing? “Asked Auguster. “You can not imagine,” replied Ben down the stairs, “I’ll leave my son alone to struggle between you and the bandits. I accompany you in Sacramento, you can not help it. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Thanks Dad,” Adam tossed out the door. “Especially if you take it to read, take the Three Musketeers and Ears of Walls. \u00bb<\/p>\n

The door closed on this cryptic sentence. Hardly had they heard the carriage away, the two boys hurried down the steps.<\/p>\n

“What did he mean? “Inquired they with their father, forgetting that they were supposed to have heard nothing.<\/p>\n

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Ben could not help but smile: “He wanted to warn me that you had heard everything, hence the reference to” Ears walls “and he advised me to take you with i. \u00bb<\/p>\n

The fat cheeks Hoss were split with a smile, but Joe was still hungry:<\/p>\n

“The Three Musketeers, this means: take my brothers? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Sure,” replied Ben, giving him a shove. “Do not you remember:” One for all, all for one. “.<\/p>\n

“Obviously,” said Joe, with an air suddenly inspired. “Still, he damn mess in a famous, big brother. For once it’s not me! \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Whether it’s you or him, there is always a woman behind,” says Ben. “Go to bed Tomorrow, waking at dawn. ”<\/p>\n

************************************************** ***************<\/p>\n

The beautiful Birgit languished in his cell. Crude decor! Lime walls, with nothing to catch the eye as the mirror that she had obtained with great difficulty of his jailers. She approached him and gazed sadly the image he referred. A blond lock escaped the pins her hair hung down miserably in his cheek that took a candle shade. Dark circles formed a purple moon under her eyes still swollen with tears. The future appeared to her rosy. What was the most enviable fate? Continue to turn in that cage clenched teeth or speak and regain freedom, but probably died in the first corner. For six days, she had asked the question a hundred times.<\/p>\n

Without thinking, she straightened her hair and pinched her cheeks to make them blush. It was more instinct than necessity, because she had no one to seduce. The species female dragon that guarded the insensitivity was a monster. At the very moment it was this thinking, the dragon came in with his boots.<\/p>\n

“Put on you,” she barked, “we are waiting for interrogation. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Resigned – she was beginning to know these sterile interrogation where three men were striving to attract into traps – she put the pretty white and pink boots matched his suit jacket, she wore the day she was apprehended. Then she followed with the pout that was familiar to him, the skirt of his cacad’oie Cerberus.<\/p>\n

When she entered the federal office, she knew at first glance that there had been something new. A man, prisoner, flanked by two giants turned his back, facing the police. A wall of silence fell over her shoulders. Had they arrested a member of the organization? In this case, silence was the only attitude to take because the slightest remark could pass for a confession.<\/p>\n

Then suddenly, she recognized the silhouette of the captive. It was not a man of the organization, it was Adam, his Adam they had captured. What would they want? There was nothing to do with all this … Yes, of course, but they do not know. She had not thought that all those who approached him at risk of being suspected,<\/p>\n

“Hello, Miss Bard” said the lieutenant Twisthead, while Adam turned toward her. I think you know this gentleman? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Hi Birgit” hastened to throw Adam, lest his friend did make the mistake of denying their relationship.<\/p>\n

That lasted for two years their relationship, Birgit still unable to explain the effect made him the voice and the sight of Adam. One thing was certain: it was him in the strict sense of the word, crazy.<\/p>\n

“You can not help it, my poor girl, it’s like that,” he stated, categorically, her friend Jane, “You have in the skin. This happens to us all at one time or another. And I pity those who do not know that. Look at me with Jose … ”<\/p>\n

Birgit abandoned in thought enumerating Jose turpitude and the reasons were that Jane did not care to return to the present moment. Twisthead had made any sermon on the risks incurred by it. If not avoided, etc … All she had chosen was that we were going to leave her alone for half an hour with Adam. A few minutes more pompous declarations and the door closed, removing from view the lieutenant and his cronies.<\/p>\n

Adam raised it above his head his wrists handcuffed and joined by a circle of his arms, went down along the back of the young woman. “You see,” he said, “this does not prevent me to kiss you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

She put her hands cupped around the well defined chin than a blackened beard and pressed his lips to her beloved. For a moment she forgot everything. From Adam emanated a manly smell of well soaped rider. He felt the leather and lavender and fresh morning. He kissed a language at once sweet and imperious, taking possession of her by this simple subtle touch of the lips. It had been the case, it seemed to Birgit, from the first moment their eyes met; he had thrown over her owner look and she had recognized as such …<\/p>\n

Adam broke their embrace and sat her down: “Now speak, time is measured us. “He told her, in short words, how and why he was arrested. “They think I’m your accomplice and a member of the famous secret society. If you do not speak, I will be tried and hanged. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Tears glistened in the eyes of Birgit, “But that’s not possible. I’ll tell them you’re innocent you have nothing to do with it … They have no evidence … ”<\/p>\n

“They will if they want to have. I’m honorably known in Virginia City and my father may well be the richest man in Nevada, this does not prevent them to put me behind bars. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But why do they do it, why? What good is it for them to kill an innocent. “.<\/p>\n

“This is for the one thing they are interested in make you confess where hidden plan ‘<\/p>\n

“But Adam, if I do that, I sign my death warrant. Hardly have they released me I’d kill him. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Not if you follow my advice. Listen, you’re going to let them know that you do r\u00e9v\u00e9leras the hiding that from the time when they will seriously “cleaned” the network. How many are in this band? The do you know? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I do not know if I know them all. In fact, there is mostly a dozen men who run everything. The others are only performers; they do not attend meetings of the board. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“How did you get back in this cult? How did you heard information as protected as the famous hiding place? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Just because I slept with their leader at the vanguard of the plot, which also calls itself the General. He said he would make me a queen and, at the time, it had flattered myself. But I made me realize that it was not worth me being bored during the long evenings when these gentlemen remade the world in cigar smoke. So I told Ronny all their ambitious ideas, I did not care, what I liked was dancing and laughing and that I was leaving. I told him that he does not care; its plot did not interest me enough that I speak to anyone, and the only secrets that I wish were those revealing Parisian couturiers. \u00bb<\/p>\n

She laughed: “I assure you that I was sincere. Think about it: from the time we’ve known, I breathed into you a note? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam smiled, “I grant you no, and I wonder how the police went to find you. In any case, this is the place to start: list the people who came to smoke out your living room and say nothing of the secret as you will not have the certainty that they were put out of of harm. Then I myself will make sure your protection, with the help of my father and my brothers. I will not leave you nor day nor night, also very clever one who will approach you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Such a perspective could only appeal to Birgit but she feared that Adam does not underestimate the power of the organization. The leaders certainly not going to be deterred so easily. But he proved so persuasive that she relented.<\/p>\n

Negotiation Adam had to carry with Twisthead was less easy. The young man insisted on being released, and Birgit, while Twisthead claimed, not without reason, that they would be safer behind the solid bars of the prison. The arrival of Ben, flanked by California Governor allowed to defuse things. Ben pointed out that if it was imprudent to let Birgit come and go in the streets of Sacramento, austere room of the prison would not encourage the dancer to be cooperative.<\/p>\n

“Let’s join the comfort of security,” he concluded, “and assign it to residential home. As for my son, I think he’s got enough results for you to stop the suspect. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Twisthead hesitated to reply to Ben that deal with bandits as cunning and dangerous enemies, Birgit confessions supposedly could only be a trap and that his suspicions of Adam remained intact when it took him embarrassment.<\/p>\n

“Anyway, I can not give Birgit. The game I’m playing it is too dangerous. I wish to be under house arrest with her. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It is not very suitable” Ben let out without thinking. Adam could not help laughing, despite the seriousness of the circumstances.<\/p>\n

“I do not think,” he finally said, once calmed down, “that decency is our main concern at the moment. Moreover, from that side, the damage is already done, ”<\/p>\n

Ben was an awkward smile. Deep in himself, he was rather puritanical, even if he had, in the past few affairs with actresses or dancers. Only it was hard to admit that his son, in their youth, do not follow the “curriculum” he considered normal: woo a girl of good family, watched both attentive and indulgent parents. And marry her. But Adam was 28 years old and he was still single. On second thought, it was normal considering that he had not reached that age while remaining a virgin. Ben realized he had always, modesty, refused to ask for both Adam and for his two other son.<\/p>\n

Lost in thought, he had mechanically market and found that he had arrived with the others in the house of Birgit Bard. A bourgeois home, highly polished, a little unexpected case of a strumpet.<\/p>\n

Adam’s voice came to him: “Dad, get Hoss and Joe. I need you; I have little confidence in the police to protect Birgit. ”<\/p>\n

Ben ran and returned a quarter of an hour later, flanked by his son last two.<\/p>\n

“As he placed several sentries around the house, Twisthead agrees to keep you inside with us,” explained Adam who negotiated during the brief absence of his father. “What to keep, it is the chimney and the parlor window. This is the only overlooking a wall without a door. I will watch directly Birgit, day and night … ”<\/p>\n

“I see,” could not help joking Hoss, “you’ll make him a bulwark of your body” But a black look of his father came to him laughing at the back of the throat.<\/p>\n

Life was organized without too much difficulty. Hoss, Joe and Ben who could go out, undertook contacts with the outside. Meanwhile, the police, with an ant hard gradually dismantled the network of information provided by the girl.<\/p>\n

Only …<\/p>\n

One evening, Adam discovered a scorpion at the bottom of the tub. He reduced it to a pur\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

One morning at dawn, Joe caught between her eyelashes, a stick of dynamite down the chimney. He had just enough time to collect and ship in the garden.<\/p>\n

One day while returning from shopping, Hoss saw a shadow sneaking stealthily along the wall, out of sight of the sentry. At the end of a silent battle, Hoss found no less than three pistols and two daggers on his lifeless opponent.<\/p>\n

When a young cat was found dead after being lapped up the milk Birgit had just served him, Adam decided she no longer absorb as eggs and fruit from the garden he loaded his brothers to pick.<\/p>\n

The following Sunday, Twisthead stood and shook hands with Adam effusively.<\/p>\n

“We have shuttered more than twelve. Now I think we can really put you out cause and that the biggest danger is past. In any case, you are now free to come and go. I think there is more risk. Birgit can tell us the secret, now. ”<\/p>\n

Adam became less optimistic: “I want to believe you, but I’ll be really quiet when Birgit will be far away, thousands of miles from here. So I will take advantage of the offer you make me and out a bit. \u00bb<\/p>\n

He walked away and drove in a cab to the most luxurious hotel in Sacramento. There he became specify a room number and knocked on the door. A white-haired man opened his Adam remained closeted with him for almost two hours, then they went out both of them. With his top hat and dark gray cape, the companion of Adam was a distinction that is rarely seen in an American. Adam introduced him to her father, who was taking the air in front of Birgit.<\/p>\n

“Dad, can I present Lord Chichester; my father, “he said, bowing slightly towards the English. Then he put the person concerned and called Birgit. She smiled, recognizing one of his “courtiers” while wondering why the hell her lover brought to him. Intrigued, Ben had followed Adam inside<\/p>\n

“Birgit, I have a long talk with Lord Chichester. He knows the situation, the whole situation, “Adam insisted, looking straight into his eyes. “He agreed to marry you and take you with him to England. \u00bb<\/p>\n

The young woman shouted protests. Adam prayed Lord Chichester excuse Birgit and pulling her by the wrist, led him into the parlor. After closing the door, he explained to the poor girl frightened and crying that it was for her, a plank of unexpected salvation.<\/p>\n

“We must put an ocean between America and thee, but I still afraid of one of these robbers fleeing, or that one of them has passed through the cracks. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But I love you,” she sobbed, “I love only you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Me too,” Adam lied to half who felt more pity than desire and love for the beautiful creature he held in his arms. “And it is because of this love I beg you to obey me. Besides, I do not give you a choice. Or you go with Harold or I abandon you on the field. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Birgit wept for a long time but eventually relented. This is a broken voice she gave her consent to Chichester.<\/p>\n

“But I will go with you tomorrow,” she clarified, and raising her head, she challenged the look the two men, the man she loved and that she was going to share the life. “I demand, I demand”, supported as “a last night of love before becoming Lady Chichester. \u00bb<\/p>\n

The next day, and Birgit and Adam had sunken eyes when they parted. Birgit clung to her lover. but he pushed her into the coach while on the inside, Lord Chichester pulled. Having closed the door, Adam ordered the coachman whipping his horses quickly, while a sorry head appeared at the door.<\/p>\n

************************************************** ***************<\/p>\n

The return to Ponderosa was silent, each respecting the Adarn meditation and life resumed its rights. More than a year later, Adam received a long letter and his father saw darken as he read.<\/p>\n

“What is happening Adam? “He asked, worried.<\/p>\n

“Lady Chichester informs me that she has a little girl, there are now” … (Adam did a quick mental calculation) “more than three months. She adds that it is the portrait of her father and that she named Eve. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I would have been more careful when I chose your name” Ben muttered. “You place under the aegis of the man who lost paradise because of a woman! But it was the thought of your mother “…<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Prise au pi\u00e8ge<\/p>\n

Six heures du soir ! En d\u00e9sespoir de cause, Ben Cartwright se servit une tasse de th\u00e9, h\u00e9las ti\u00e8de, et croqua distraitement un biscuit. Il s’en voulait d’avoir attendu comme s’il ne savait pas que ses trois fils, depuis une semaine, s’entra\u00eenaient pour le grand rod\u00e9o de juin, d\u00e8s qu’ils avaient termin\u00e9 le travail. Joe avait m\u00eame une certaine tendance \u00e0 b\u00e2cler sa t\u00e2che pour p\u00e9n\u00e9trer plus t\u00f4t dans le corral. Le th\u00e9 \u00e9tait manifestement la derni\u00e8re de ses pr\u00e9occupations.<\/p>\n

Ben en \u00e9tait l\u00e0 de ses r\u00e9flexions lorsque le bruit d’un pas trottinant et de roues mal huil\u00e9es le dressa sur ses pieds. Il \u00e9carta le rideau de cretonne qui masquait la fen\u00eatre et vit le sh\u00e9rif-adjoint descendre de sa cal\u00e8che, accompagn\u00e9 d’un homme qu’il ne connaissait pas mais qu’\u00e0 son \u00e9toile, il identifia comme un policier. L’individu avait un visage ferm\u00e9, rigide voire tendu. Perplexe, Ben leur ouvrit la porte:<\/p>\n

\u00ab Bonjour Auguster ! Bonjour Monsieur… Monsieur… \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Pearson, Ted Pearson, sh\u00e9rif f\u00e9d\u00e9ral. Pouvez-vous nous accorder quelques minutes d’entretien? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais bien s\u00fbr, Messieurs. Je peux m\u00eame vous offrir du th\u00e9 si vous ne l’aimez pas trop chaud. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Non merci, Ben \u00bb fit Auguster en louchant sur la bouteille de whisky, ce que voyant, le ma\u00eetre de maison en servit un verre \u00e0 chacun de ses h\u00f4tes.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Et maintenant, Auguster, dites-nous ce qui vous am\u00e8ne. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Une affaire de la plus haute importance, Ben, une affaire d’Etat. J’ai dit \u00e0 Mr Pearson que vous \u00e9tiez un citoyen irr\u00e9prochable, un homme de devoir et qu’on pouvait vous faire confiance. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben fut impressionn\u00e9; il n’avait pas l’habitude d’entendre Auguster prononcer des mots aussi pompeux.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ce que je vais vous r\u00e9v\u00e9ler, Monsieur, \u00bb reprit Pearson, \u00ab c’est un secret d\u2019Etat. J’ai apport\u00e9 une Bible pour que vous pr\u00eatiez serment. Nous avons besoin de votre aide, ce qui nous oblige \u00e0 vous transmettre des informations confidentielles, mais nous ne pouvons prendre le risque que vous les divulguiez imprudemment. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben ayant pr\u00eat\u00e9 serment d’un air p\u00e9n\u00e9tr\u00e9, Pearson se d\u00e9cida enfin \u00e0 rentrer dans le vif du sujet:<\/p>\n

\u00ab L’histoire remonte \u00e0 la guerre entre les Texans et les Mexicains. Lorsque les Mexicains eurent compris que les hommes qui d\u00e9fendaient Fort Alamo ne se rendraient pas, ils firent \u00e9vacuer les femmes et les enfants. L’une des femmes emportait dans ses sous-v\u00eatements, le plan de plusieurs cachettes de munitions qu’avaient pr\u00e9par\u00e9 les Texans. Nous \u00e9tions en l848. Cette femme garda jalousement le plan pendant 13 ans puis, se sentant mourir, en r\u00e9v\u00e9la l’existence \u00e0 ses deux neveux, ses parents les plus proches. Elle ignorait que l’un des deux faisait partie d’une soci\u00e9t\u00e9 occulte qui m\u00e9dite de faire main basse sur plusieurs \u00e9tats de l\u2019Ouest, la Californie, le Nevada, l’Arizona et le Texas, pour en faire une nation \u00e0 part, dont, bien s\u00fbr, la soci\u00e9t\u00e9 aurait le contr\u00f4le. L’homme s’empara du plan et nous en avons \u00e9t\u00e9 pr\u00e9venus, il y a peu de temps, par son cousin qui, apr\u00e8s avoir longuement h\u00e9sit\u00e9 – car cette secte terrorise tous ceux qui l’approchent – a d\u00e9cid\u00e9 de se placer sous notre protection.<\/p>\n

Il nous faut agir vite : ces malfaiteurs veulent s\u00fbrement profiter de la guerre civile qui mobilise toutes les forces arm\u00e9es, pour mettre leur projet \u00e0 ex\u00e9cution \u00e0 l’aide des munitions des Texans dont personne, sauf eux, ne conna\u00eet l’emplacement \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Ben hocha gravement la t\u00eate: \u00ab Mais en quoi puis-je vous aider? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Nous avons arr\u00eat\u00e9 une femme, \u00e0 Sacramento. C’est une chanteuse de cabaret Nous savons qu’elle a fui la secte, mais qu’elle sait o\u00f9 est cach\u00e9 le plan. Seulement, elle refuse obstin\u00e9ment de parler. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Et alors ? \u00bb demanda Ben, intrigu\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ce genre de femme, qui vit de ses charmes, sait parfaitement qu’elle a plus \u00e0 craindre de ceux qu’elle trahirait que de la police. Apr\u00e8s tout, nous n’avons pas grand chose contre elle. Elle ne raccole pas sur la voie publique.<\/p>\n

Elle se fait simplement entretenir par quelques bourgeois auxquels elle r\u00e9serve ses soir\u00e9es, sauf quand l’homme de son c\u0153ur s\u00e9journe en ville. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben comprenait de moins en moins o\u00f9 les deux policiers voulaient en venir.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Vous savez ce que c’est, Ben \u00bb bredouilla Auguster soudain devenu \u00e9carlate, \u00ab ces filles il n’y a qu’un homme qui ait de l’influence sur elles, celui qu\u2019elles ne font pas payer lorsqu’il vient passer la nuit. Il faut absolument qu’il la fasse parler. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Toute cette histoire est tr\u00e8s int\u00e9ressante \u00bb, explosa Ben, \u00ab mais je ne vois vraiment pas ce que je viens y faire. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Nous avons trouv\u00e9 cela sur sa table de chevet \u00bb laissa tomber Pearson, en lan\u00e7ant un portrait entre les mains de Ben.<\/p>\n

Ben eut un haut-le-corps : le fin et viril visage qui souriait au-milieu du cadre ovale, n’\u00e9tait autre que celui de son fils a\u00een\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Il n’y a pas de doute, c’est bien Adam \u00bb, dit-il d’une voix blanche.<\/p>\n

Pearson se pencha vivement vers lui: \u00ab Saviez-vous que votre fils fr\u00e9quentait cette femme \u00e0 Sacramento ? Avez-vous d\u00e9cel\u00e9 quelques signes d’un comportement bizarre ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Qui laisserait \u00e0 penser qu’il fait partie de la soci\u00e9t\u00e9 secr\u00e8te ? C’est cela que vous voulez dire ? \u00bb demanda Ben d’un ton tranchant. \u00ab Si c’est cela, je peux vous assurer que mon fils est aussi loyal, int\u00e8gre et patriote que moi et que… \u00bb<\/p>\n

La porte s’ouvrit, interrompant la fin de la d\u00e9claration de Ben Cartwright et les trois fils de ce dernier entr\u00e8rent, les joues roses et le teint anim\u00e9 comme on le voit aux hommes qui viennent de se livrer \u00e0 un exercice violent au grand air.<\/p>\n

Voyant que leur p\u00e8re \u00e9tait en compagnie, ils s’approch\u00e8rent pour saluer, sourire aux l\u00e8vres, mais se rembrunirent en d\u00e9couvrant l’air sinistre des trois comp\u00e8res. Ben pria Hoss et Joe de bien vouloir gagner leur chambre, \u00e0 l’\u00e9tage. Ils mont\u00e8rent l’escalier avec une docilit\u00e9 surprenante et se tapirent au coin du couloir.<\/p>\n

Les deux sh\u00e9rifs les avaient oubli\u00e9s, tout occup\u00e9s d’Adam.
\n\u00ab Il importe \u00bb songeait Pearson, \u00ab de ne pas le brusquer car il est une pi\u00e8ce ma\u00eetresse de l’\u00e9chiquier, mais de ne pas perdre de vue qu’il fait peut-\u00eatre partie de la bande des conspirateurs. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Auguster avait toujours \u00e9t\u00e9 intimid\u00e9 par Adam. Il se tourna vers Ben, l’implorant tacitement de prendre la direction des op\u00e9rations… ce que Ben avait justement l’intention de faire.<\/p>\n

Adam s’\u00e9tait assis, surpris de l’atmosph\u00e8re pesante qui r\u00e9gnait dans la pi\u00e8ce. Il posa un regard interrogateur sur le visage s\u00e9v\u00e8re de son p\u00e8re. Ben s’\u00e9tait lev\u00e9 ainsi que les deux repr\u00e9sentants de la loi et les trois silhouettes mena\u00e7antes entouraient le fauteuil du jeune homme.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Sais-tu d’o\u00f9 vient ce portrait ? \u00bb demanda Ben \u00e0 son fils, en lui tendant le daguerr\u00e9otype qui le repr\u00e9sentait.<\/p>\n

Adam regarda son p\u00e8re droit dans les yeux: \u00ab Oui, je le sais. Je reconnais le cadre et j\u2019aimerais savoir comment il est venu entre tes mains. Qu’est-il arriv\u00e9 \u00e0 Birgit ? \u00bb interrogea t-il en s’adressant directement \u00e0 Pearson, \u00ab et d’abord, qui \u00eates-vous ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Vous pouvez lui parler, Pearson, j’en r\u00e9ponds \u00bb fit Auguster, pour une fois \u00e0 la hauteur de la situation.<\/p>\n

D\u00e9cidant de jouer son va-tout, Pearson recommen\u00e7a son histoire. Hoss et Joe n’en perdaient pas une miette. Quand il eut fini, le silence retomba dans la grande salle aux murs cr\u00e9pis. Adam regardait l’extr\u00e9mit\u00e9 de ses bottes d’un air songeur. Ses trois interlocuteurs apparents, aussi bien que les deux qui \u00e9taient dissimul\u00e9s, retenaient leur souffle attendant sa r\u00e9action.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Birgit, membre d’une soci\u00e9t\u00e9 secr\u00e8te \u00bb finit-il par dire, comme s’il continuait tout haut sa pens\u00e9e. \u00ab Je peux \u00e0 peine y croire… \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Que sais-tu de cette Birgit ? Comment l’as-tu connue ? Que s\u2019est-il pass\u00e9 entre vous ? \u00bb Les questions, aux l\u00e8vres de Ben, se bousculaient.<\/p>\n

Adam eut envie de lui r\u00e9pondre que cela ne le regardait pas et que nul, m\u00eame son p\u00e8re, n’avait le droit de s’immiscer dans son intimit\u00e9, mais il se rappela \u00e0 temps qu’il s’agissait de la s\u00e9curit\u00e9 de son pays et qu’il ne devait rien cacher \u00e0 ceux qui le d\u00e9fendaient. S’effor\u00e7ant de conserver un ton \u00e9gal et neutre, il d\u00e9clara:<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je la connais depuis presque deux ans. J’\u00e9tais en voyage \u00e0 Sacramento comme cela m’arrive souvent pour acheter des semences. Comme j’avais quelques heures devant moi, j’avais d\u00e9cid\u00e9 d’en profiter pour renouveler un peu ma garde-robe. Dans la grand’rue, je me suis heurt\u00e9 \u00e0 un rassemblement. Il y avait l\u00e0 une bonne douzaine de bourgeoises collet mont\u00e9 qui insultaient une tr\u00e8s jolie personne. Celle-ci leur tenait t\u00eate bravement, mais il \u00e9tait clair qu’elle ne pourrait faire un pas sans se faire arracher son chapeau. Je ne sais trop ce qu’on lui reprochait ni comment les choses en \u00e9taient venues l\u00e0, mais je sais que, sans r\u00e9fl\u00e9chir, je lui ai offert mon bras et lui ai fray\u00e9 un chemin au milieu de ces harpies. Tandis que je l’escortais dans ses courses, elle m’a appris qu\u2019elle \u00e9tait chanteuse dans un cabaret de luxe et elle m’a convi\u00e9 \u00e0 la ramener chez elle apr\u00e8s le spectacle. Je vous avoue que je n’ai pas song\u00e9 \u00e0 refuser. C’est une fille splendide. Elle a une voix un peu niaise, mais pleine de sensualit\u00e9 quand elle chante, Une taille de gu\u00eape, une croupe ferme et arrondie, des jambes parfaites qu’elle d\u00e9couvrait dans le french-cancan. Je vous garantis que je n’\u00e9tais pas le seul dans la salle \u00e0 me sentir \u00e9moustill\u00e9 \u00e0 la vue de ses cuisses cercl\u00e9es de dentelle. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Tandis qu’Adam parlait, ses yeux s’\u00e9taient allum\u00e9s. A l’\u00e9vocation qu’il faisait, m\u00eame Pearson \u00e9prouva le besoin de passer sa langue sur ses l\u00e8vres s\u00e8ches. Plus Adam avan\u00e7ait dans son r\u00e9cit, plus il \u00e9tait persuad\u00e9 qu’il n’y avait entre la s\u00e9duisante Birgit et lui, qu’une histoire de peau… ou alors, s’il \u00e9tait membre de la secte, c’\u00e9tait vraiment un com\u00e9dien hors pair.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je suis s\u00fbr \u00bb, continua Adam, \u00ab que la premi\u00e8re nuit, quand elle s’est donn\u00e9e \u00e0 moi, c’\u00e9tait en guise de remerciement. Parce que je m’\u00e9tais gratuitement montr\u00e9 chevaleresque \u00e0 son \u00e9gard. Les hommes qui la payent pour lui faire l\u2019amour, le soir venu, au grand jour sont du c\u00f4t\u00e9 de leurs \u00e9pouses et n’ont pas de mots assez m\u00e9prisants pour elle. Ils reviennent se faire pardonner, du moins le croient-ils, avec de co\u00fbteux bijoux. Cette nuit-l\u00e0, nous nous sommes offert du plaisir comme deux gosses, sans arri\u00e8re-pens\u00e9es, sans bas sentiments, sans id\u00e9e du pass\u00e9 ni du futur. Le fameux \u00ab carpe diem \u00bb, \u00ab profite du moment pr\u00e9sent \u00bb. Le lendemain soir, je me suis retrouv\u00e9 machinalement \u00e0 la sortie des coulisses. Elle \u00e9tait au bras d’un gars moustachu rougeaud. Quand elle m’a vu, je ne sais pas ce qui lui a pris, elle a sorti de son corsage une poign\u00e9e de billets et les a tendus \u00e0 son cavalier en lui disant: \u00ab Je te rends ton argent. Tant que mon ami sera en ville, que personne ne cherche \u00e0 acc\u00e9der \u00e0 mon lit, \u00e0 quelque prix que ce soit. Vous attendrez qu’il soit parti. \u00bb Et depuis, cela s’est pass\u00e9 comme \u00e7a. D\u00e8s que j’arrive, elle joue \u00ab fermeture temporaire \u00bb \u00e0 ses \u00ab messieurs \u00bb. J’ai eu peur qu’elle perde sa client\u00e8le, mais elle est si d\u00e9sirable qu’ils l’attendent avec patience. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tout ce que vous venez de dire est exact, monsieur Cartwright, et nous avions pu le v\u00e9rifier. Mais ce que j’aimerais savoir, c’est ce qui se passe une fois la porte ferm\u00e9e. De quoi parlez-vous ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam le fixa avec col\u00e8re: \u00ab Je croyais avoir \u00e9t\u00e9 clair. Que voulez-vous de plus comme d\u00e9tails, Mr Pearson ?\u00bb<\/p>\n

Pearson fit de la main un signe qu’il esp\u00e9rait apaisant. \u00ab Ne vous m\u00e9prenez pas, Monsieur Cartwright. j’essaie simplement de savoir si elle vous a parl\u00e9 de son pass\u00e9, de sa vie… Si vous voyez quelque chose qui puisse nous guider… \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Rien du tout. Je vous assure que je n\u2019ai jamais vu en elle qu’une ma\u00eetresse charmante et voluptueuse. N’oubliez pas que je n’habite pas Sacramento et qu’au total, je n’ai gu\u00e8re pass\u00e9 qu’une quinzaine de nuits avec elle, le tout en un an et demi. A ce rythme, nous avons autre chose \u00e0 faire que la conversation quand nous nous voyons. Non, ne cherchez pas inutilement des indices que je ne poss\u00e8de pas et d\u00e9cidons d’une strat\u00e9gie, Vous l’avez arr\u00eat\u00e9e, m\u2019avez-vous dit ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oui, elle est en prison, mais nous ne pourrons pas la garder longtemps. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Pouvez-vous m’autoriser \u00e0 la voir ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je le souhaite, m\u00eame. Je compte vous emmener \u00e0 Sacramento d\u00e8s demain, mais… \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Pearson tourna son chapeau entre ses doigts : \u00ab Je ne peux prendre aucun risque, Monsieur Cartwright, et entre autres pas celui de parier sur votre innocence. Quelles que soient les protestations de votre p\u00e8re et du sh\u00e9rif Auguster, vous \u00eates suspect. Vous pourriez tr\u00e8s bien faire partie de la bande, ce qui expliquerait l’engouement soudain de notre chanteuse pour votre personne. Avouez que ce n’est quand m\u00eame pas dans l’habitude des filles de joie \u00bb, ajouta t-il en se tournant vers Ben et Auguster, \u00ab que de rembarrer un client qui a d\u00e9j\u00e0 pay\u00e9, sous pr\u00e9texte d’un coup de foudre. Je vais donc vous emmener \u00e0 Sacrarnento, \u00bb termina t-il \u00e0 l’adresse d’Adam, \u00ab mais les menottes aux mains \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Ben bondit: \u00ab Vous n’en avez pas le droit. Adam n’a rien fait. Il n’a montr\u00e9 aucune r\u00e9sistance. Bien au contraire, il vous a confess\u00e9 son aventure sans rien omettre. Je ne laisserai pas faire cela. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam se leva et posa une main rassurante sur l’\u00e9paule paternelle: \u00ab Mais si, P’pa, mais si. Au contraire, c’est la meilleure fa\u00e7on d’aborder Birgit. Rien ne peut la d\u00e9cider \u00e0 parler, Si ce n’est la n\u00e9cessit\u00e9 de me porter secours. N’oublie pas qu’elle risque sa peau si elle se montre trop bavarde… Voil\u00e0 pourquoi \u00bb, continua t-il \u00e0 l’intention de Pearson, \u00ab je tiens \u00e0 vous dire que je ne coop\u00e9rerai qu’\u00e0 la condition que l’on fasse le n\u00e9cessaire pour prot\u00e9ger Miss Bard. Nous en parlerons en temps utile. Allons nous coucher, maintenant. Pouvons-nous vous proposer l’hospitalit\u00e9, Monsieur Pearson ? Nous n’en partirons que plus t\u00f4t demain. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Vous ne m’avez pas compris, Monsieur Cartwright. Vous \u00eates d’ores et d\u00e9j\u00e0 en \u00e9tat d’arrestation et vous allez passer la nuit \u00e0 la prison de Virginia City. Je n’aurai cure de m’installer pour dormir \u00e0 Ponderosa, sur votre terrain, en vous laissant tout loisir pour pr\u00e9parer une \u00e9vasion. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab C’est bien, je vous suis \u00bb s’empressa de r\u00e9pondre Adam, pour juguler une explosion de son p\u00e8re. Et il tendit docilement ses mains pour qu’on y passe les menottes. \u00ab Peut-\u00eatre pourrez-vous autoriser mon p\u00e8re, sous la surveillance d’Auguster, \u00e0 me pr\u00e9parer un peu de linge de rechange. Birgit n’a pas eu l’habitude de me fr\u00e9quenter crasseux de sueur et sentant le bouc. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Pearson fit un geste d’assentiment. Dans un beau mouvement d’ensemble, Hoss et Joe se r\u00e9fugi\u00e8rent dans la chambre de Hoss. Apr\u00e8s avoir pr\u00e9par\u00e9 les affaires de son fils Ben passa dans sa chambre et fit son propre paquetage.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Que faites-vous ? \u00bb demanda Auguster.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Vous n’imaginez pas \u00bb r\u00e9torqua Ben en descendant l’escalier, \u00ab que je vais laisser mon fils se d\u00e9battre seul entre vous et ces bandits. Je vous accompagne \u00e0 Sacramento, vous ne pouvez pas m’en emp\u00eacher. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Merci P’pa \u00bb, lan\u00e7a Adam en franchissant la porte. \u00ab et surtout, si tu emportes de la lecture, prend les Trois Mousquetaires et les Oreilles des Murs. \u00bb<\/p>\n

La porte se referma sur cette phrase sibylline. A peine eurent-ils entendu s’\u00e9loigner la cal\u00e8che, que les deux gar\u00e7ons d\u00e9val\u00e8rent les marches.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Qu’a t-il voulu dire ? \u00bb s’enquirent-ils aupr\u00e8s de leur p\u00e8re, oubliant qu’ils \u00e9taient cens\u00e9s ne rien avoir entendu.<\/p>\n

Malgr\u00e9 la gravit\u00e9 de la situation, Ben ne put s’emp\u00eacher de sourire: \u00ab Il a voulu me pr\u00e9venir que vous aviez tout \u00e9cout\u00e9, d’o\u00f9 l’allusion aux \u00ab Oreilles des murs \u00bb et qu’il me conseillait de vous emmener avec moi. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Les grosses joues de Hoss se fendirent d’un sourire, mais Joe restait sur sa faim: \u00ab Les trois mousquetaires, cela veut dire : emm\u00e8ne mes fr\u00e8res ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Bien sur \u00bb r\u00e9torqua Ben en lui lan\u00e7ant une bourrade. \u00ab Ne t\u2019en souviens-tu pas : \u00ab Un pour tous, tous pour un. \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Evidemment \u00bb fit Joe d’un air brusquement inspir\u00e9. \u00ab N’emp\u00eache, il s’est fichu dans un fameux p\u00e9trin, le grand fr\u00e8re. Pour une fois que ce n’est pas moi ! \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Que ce soit toi ou lui, il y a toujours une femme derri\u00e8re \u00bb, conclut Ben. \u00ab Allez, au lit. Demain, r\u00e9veil \u00e0 l’aube \u00bb.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

La belle Birgit se morfondait dans sa cellule. Fruste d\u00e9cor ! Des murs de chaux, sans rien d’autre pour accrocher le regard que le miroir qu’elle avait obtenu \u00e0 grand peine de ses ge\u00f4liers. Elle s’en approcha et contempla tristement l’image qu’il renvoyait. Une m\u00e8che blonde \u00e9chapp\u00e9e aux \u00e9pingles de son chignon pendait lamentablement le long de sa joue qui avait pris une teinte de chandelle. Les cernes formaient une lune mauve sous ses yeux encore gonfl\u00e9s de larmes.<\/p>\n

L’avenir ne lui apparaissait pas rose. Quel sort \u00e9tait le plus enviable? Continuer \u00e0 tourner dans cette cage sans desserrer les dents ou parler et retrouver la libert\u00e9, mais probablement aussi la mort au premier coin de rue. Depuis six jours, elle s’\u00e9tait pos\u00e9 cent fois la question.<\/p>\n

Sans m\u00eame y penser, elle rajusta ses cheveux et se pin\u00e7a les joues pour les faire rosir. C’\u00e9tait plus par instinct que par n\u00e9cessit\u00e9 car elle n’avait personne \u00e0 s\u00e9duire. L’esp\u00e8ce de dragon femelle qui la gardait \u00e9tait un monstre d’insensibilit\u00e9.<\/p>\n

A l’instant m\u00eame o\u00f9 elle se faisait cette r\u00e9flexion, le dragon entra, tenant ses bottines.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Chaussez-vous \u00bb, aboya t-elle, \u00ab on vous attend pour un interrogatoire. \u00bb<\/p>\n

R\u00e9sign\u00e9e – elle commen\u00e7ait \u00e0 conna\u00eetre ces interrogatoires st\u00e9riles o\u00f9 trois hommes s’\u00e9vertuaient \u00e0 l’attirer dans des pi\u00e8ges – elle enfila les jolies bottines blanches et roses assorties \u00e0 sa veste tailleur, qu’elle arborait le jour o\u00f9 elle avait \u00e9t\u00e9 appr\u00e9hend\u00e9e. Puis elle suivit, avec la moue boudeuse qui lui \u00e9tait famili\u00e8re, la jupe cacad’oie de son cerb\u00e8re.<\/p>\n

Quand elle entra dans le bureau des f\u00e9d\u00e9raux, elle comprit au premier coup d\u2019\u0153il qu’il s’\u00e9tait produit quelque chose de nouveau. Un homme, prisonnier, encadr\u00e9 de deux mastodontes lui tournait le dos, faisant face aux policiers. Une chape de plomb lui tomba sur les \u00e9paules. Avaient-ils arr\u00eat\u00e9 un membre de l’organisation ? Dans ce cas, le mutisme \u00e9tait la seule attitude \u00e0 adopter car la moindre remarque pourrait passer pour un aveu.<\/p>\n

Puis tout \u00e0 coup, elle reconnut la silhouette du captif. Ce n’\u00e9tait pas un homme de l’organisation, c’\u00e9tait Adam, son Adam qu’ils avaient captur\u00e9. Que lui voulaient-ils ? Il n’\u00e9tait pour rien dans tout cela… Oui, bien s\u00fbr, mais ils ne le savaient pas. Elle n’avait pas pens\u00e9 que tous ceux qui l’approchaient risquaient d’\u00eatre soup\u00e7onn\u00e9s,<\/p>\n

\u00ab Bonjour, Miss Bard \u00bb dit le lieutenant Twisthead, tandis qu’Adam se retournait vers elle. Je pense que vous connaissez ce Monsieur ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Bonjour Birgit \u00bb s’empressa de lancer Adam, de peur que son amie ne commette l’erreur de nier leurs relations.<\/p>\n

Depuis deux ans que durait leur liaison, Birgit ne parvenait toujours pas \u00e0 s’expliquer l’effet que lui faisaient la voix et la vue d’Adam. Une chose \u00e9tait certaine : il lui faisait, au sens strict du terme, perdre la t\u00eate. \u00ab Tu n’y peux rien, ma pauvre fille, c’est comme \u00e7a \u00bb, lui avait d\u00e9clar\u00e9, cat\u00e9gorique, son amie Jane, \u00ab Tu l’as dans la peau. Cela nous arrive \u00e0 toutes, un jour ou l’autre. Et je plains celles qui ne connaissent pas \u00e7a. Regarde, moi avec Jos\u00e9… \u00bb<\/p>\n

Birgit abandonna en pens\u00e9e l’\u00e9num\u00e9ration des turpitudes de Jos\u00e9 et des raisons qui faisaient que Jane n’en avait cure, pour revenir \u00e0 l’instant pr\u00e9sent. Twisthead venait de faire un quelconque sermon sur les risques par elle encourus. Si elle persistait, etc… Tout ce qu’elle avait retenu, c’\u00e9tait qu’on allait la laisser seule, pendant une demi-heure avec Adam.<\/p>\n

Quelques minutes encore de pompeuses d\u00e9clarations et la porte se refermait, faisant dispara\u00eetre de sa vue le lieutenant et ses acolytes. Adam leva au-dessus de sa t\u00eate ses deux poignets joints par les menottes et formant un cercle de ses bras, redescendit le long du dos de la jeune femme.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu vois \u00bb dit-il, \u00ab cela ne m’emp\u00eachera pas de t’embrasser. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Elle posa ses mains en coupe autour du menton bien dessin\u00e9 que noircissait une barbe naissante et appuya ses l\u00e8vres sur celles de son bien-aim\u00e9. Un instant, elle oublia tout. D’Adam \u00e9manait une odeur virile de cavalier bien savonn\u00e9. Il sentait le cuir et la lavande et le matin frais. Il l’embrassait d’une langue \u00e0 la fois douce et imp\u00e9rieuse, prenant possession d’elle par ce simple contact subtil des l\u00e8vres. Il en avait \u00e9t\u00e9 ainsi, semblait-il \u00e0 Birgit, d\u00e8s la premi\u00e8re minute o\u00f9 leurs regards s’\u00e9taient crois\u00e9s ; il avait jet\u00e9 sur elle un regard de propri\u00e9taire et elle l’avait reconnu comme tel…<\/p>\n

Adam rompit leur \u00e9treinte et la fit asseoir: \u00ab Maintenant parlons, le temps nous est mesur\u00e9. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Il lui conta, en mots brefs, comment et pourquoi il avait \u00e9t\u00e9 arr\u00eat\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ils me croient ton complice et membre de cette fameuse soci\u00e9t\u00e9 secr\u00e8te. Si tu ne parles pas, je serai jug\u00e9 et pendu. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Des larmes perl\u00e8rent aux yeux de Birgit : \u00ab Mais ce n’est pas possible. Je vais leur dire que tu es innocent que tu n’as rien \u00e0 voir avec cette histoire… Ils n’ont pas de preuves… \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ils en auront s’ils veulent en avoir. J’ai beau \u00eatre honorablement connu \u00e0 Virginia City et mon p\u00e8re a beau \u00eatre l’homme le plus riche du Nevada, cela ne les a pas emp\u00each\u00e9s de me mettre derri\u00e8re les barreaux. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais pourquoi font-ils cela, pourquoi ? A quoi cela leur sert-il de tuer un innocent. \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Cela sert \u00e0 la seule chose qui les int\u00e9resse : te faire avouer l’endroit o\u00f9 est cach\u00e9 le plan \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais Adam, si je fais cela, je signe mon arr\u00eat de mort. A peine m’auront-ils rel\u00e2ch\u00e9e que je me ferai assassiner. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Pas si tu suis mes conseils. Ecoute, tu vas leur faire savoir que tu ne r\u00e9v\u00e9leras la cachette qu’\u00e0 partir du moment o\u00f9 ils auront s\u00e9rieusement \u00ab nettoy\u00e9 \u00bb le r\u00e9seau. Combien sont-ils dans cette bande ? Les connais-tu ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je ne sais pas si je les connais tous. En fait, il y a surtout une dizaine d’hommes qui dirigent tout. Les autres ne sont que des ex\u00e9cutants ; ils n’ont pas part aux s\u00e9ances du conseil. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Comment es-tu rentr\u00e9e dans cette secte ? Comment as-tu eu vent de renseignements aussi prot\u00e9g\u00e9s que cette fameuse cachette ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tout simplement parce que je couchais avec leur chef, la t\u00eate de file du complot, qui d’ailleurs se fait appeler le G\u00e9n\u00e9ral. Il me disait qu’il ferait de moi une reine et, sur le moment, cela m’avait flatt\u00e9e. Mais je me suis rendue compte que cela ne me valait que de m’ennuyer pendant les longue soir\u00e9es o\u00f9 ces messieurs refaisaient le monde dans la fum\u00e9e des cigares. Alors j’ai dit \u00e0 Ronny que toutes leurs id\u00e9es ambitieuses ne m’int\u00e9ressaient pas, que ce que j’aimais, c’\u00e9tait danser et rire et que je le quittais. Je lui ai dit qu’il ne s’inqui\u00e8te pas; que son complot ne m’int\u00e9ressait pas assez pour que j\u2019en parle \u00e0 quiconque et que les seuls secrets que j’aurais aim\u00e9 d\u00e9voiler \u00e9taient ceux des couturiers parisiens. \u00bb Elle eut un petit rire: \u00ab Je t’assure que j’\u00e9tais sinc\u00e8re. Penses-y: depuis le temps qu’on se conna\u00eet, t’en ai-je souffl\u00e9 un mot ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam lui rendit son sourire : \u00ab Je t’accorde que non et je me demande bien comment la police est all\u00e9e te d\u00e9nicher. En tous cas, c’est par l\u00e0 qu’il faut commencer: donner la liste des gens qui venaient enfumer ton salon et ne rien dire de la cachette tant que tu n’auras pas la certitude qu’ils ont \u00e9t\u00e9 mis hors d’\u00e9tat de nuire. Ensuite, j’assurerai moi-m\u00eame ta protection, avec l’aide de mon p\u00e8re et de mes fr\u00e8res. Je ne te quitterai ni le jour, ni la nuit, aussi, bien malin celui qui t’approchera. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Une telle perspective ne pouvait que plaire \u00e0 Birgit mais elle craignait qu’Adam ne sous-estime la puissance de l\u2019organisation. Les meneurs n’allaient certes pas se laisser arr\u00eater aussi facilement. Mais il se montra si persuasif qu’elle finit par c\u00e9der.<\/p>\n

La n\u00e9gociation qu’Adam eut \u00e0 mener avec Twisthead fut moins facile. Le jeune homme voulait absolument \u00eatre lib\u00e9r\u00e9, ainsi que Birgit, alors que Twisthead pr\u00e9tendait, non sans raison, qu’ils seraient plus en s\u00e9curit\u00e9 derri\u00e8re les barreaux solides de la prison. L’arriv\u00e9e de Ben, flanqu\u00e9 du Gouverneur de la Californie permit de d\u00e9crisper les choses. Ben souligna que, s’il \u00e9tait imprudent de laisser Birgit aller et venir dans les rues de Sacramento, le s\u00e9jour aust\u00e8re de la prison n’encouragerait pas la danseuse \u00e0 se montrer coop\u00e9rative.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Joignons le confort \u00e0 la s\u00e9curit\u00e9 \u00bb conclut-il, \u00ab et assignons-la \u00e0 r\u00e9sidence chez elle. Quant \u00e0 mon fils, je crois qu’il a d\u00e9j\u00e0 obtenu suffisamment de r\u00e9sultats pour que vous cessiez de le soup\u00e7onner. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Twisthead h\u00e9sitait \u00e0 r\u00e9pondre \u00e0 Ben que, face \u00e0 des bandits aussi rus\u00e9s et dangereux que leurs ennemis, les soi-disant aveux de Birgit, pouvaient n\u2019\u00eatre qu\u2019un pi\u00e8ge et que ses soup\u00e7ons \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard d\u2019Adam restaient intacts, quand celui-ci le tira d\u2019embarras.<\/p>\n

\u00ab De toutes fa\u00e7ons, je ne peux abandonner Birgit. Le jeu que je lui fais jouer est trop p\u00e9rilleux. Je demande \u00e0 \u00eatre assign\u00e9 \u00e0 r\u00e9sidence avec elle. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ce n’est pas tr\u00e8s convenable \u00bb laissa \u00e9chapper Ben, sans r\u00e9fl\u00e9chir.<\/p>\n

Adam ne put s\u2019emp\u00eacher de rire, malgr\u00e9 la gravit\u00e9 des circonstances,<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je ne pense pas \u00bb finit-il par dire, une fois calm\u00e9, \u00ab que la d\u00e9cence soit notre principale pr\u00e9occupation pour le moment. Au surplus, de ce c\u00f4t\u00e9-l\u00e0, le mal est d\u00e9j\u00e0 fait, \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben eut un sourire g\u00ean\u00e9. Au fond de lui-m\u00eame, il \u00e9tait plut\u00f4t puritain, m\u00eame s’il avait eu, par le pass\u00e9, quelques aventures avec des actrices ou des danseuses. Seulement, il avait du mal \u00e0 admettre que ses fils, dans leur jeunesse, ne suivent pas le \u00ab cursus \u00bb qu\u2019il jugeait normal : courtiser une jeune fille de bonne famille, sous les yeux \u00e0 la fois attentifs et indulgents des parents. Et l’\u00e9pouser. Mais Adam avait 28 ans et il \u00e9tait toujours c\u00e9libataire. A bien y r\u00e9fl\u00e9chir, il \u00e9tait normal de consid\u00e9rer qu’il n’avait pas atteint cet \u00e2ge tout en restant puceau. Ben se rendit compte qu\u2019il avait toujours, par pudeur, refus\u00e9 de se poser la question, tant pour Adam que pour ses deux autres fils.<\/p>\n

Perdu dans ses pens\u00e9es, il avait march\u00e9 machinalement et s’aper\u00e7ut qu’il \u00e9tait arriv\u00e9, avec les autres, dans la maison de Birgit Bard. Un logis bourgeois, bien cir\u00e9, un peu inattendu s’agissant d’une gourgandine.<\/p>\n

La voix d’Adam lui parvint : \u00ab P\u2019pa, va chercher Hoss et Joe. J’ai besoin de vous ; je n’ai qu’une confiance limit\u00e9e dans la police pour prot\u00e9ger Birgit \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Ben se pr\u00e9cipita et revint, un quart d’heure apr\u00e8s, flanqu\u00e9 de ses deux derniers fils.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Comme il a plac\u00e9 plusieurs sentinelles autour de la maison, Twisthead est d’accord pour que vous restiez \u00e0 l’int\u00e9rieur avec nous \u00bb expliqua Adam qui avait n\u00e9goci\u00e9 pendant la courte absence de son p\u00e8re. \u00ab Ce qu’il faut garder, c’est la chemin\u00e9e et la fen\u00eatre du petit salon. C’est la seule qui donne sur un mur sans porte. Moi, je veillerai directement sur Birgit, jour et nuit… \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je vois \u00bb ne put s’emp\u00eacher de plaisanter Hoss, \u00ab tu vas lui faire un rempart de ton corps \u00bb Mais un coup d’\u0153il noir de son p\u00e8re lui rentra le rire au fond de la gorge.<\/p>\n

La vie s’organisa sans trop de difficult\u00e9s. Hoss, Joe et Ben qui pouvaient sortir, se charg\u00e8rent des contacts avec l\u2019ext\u00e9rieur. Pendant ce temps, la police, avec un acharnement de fourmi, d\u00e9mantelait peu \u00e0 peu le r\u00e9seau gr\u00e2ce aux renseignements fournis par la jeune fille.<\/p>\n

Seulement\u2026<\/p>\n

Un soir, Adam d\u00e9couvrit un scorpion au fond de la baignoire. Il le r\u00e9duisit en pur\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

Un matin, \u00e0 l’aube, Joe aper\u00e7ut entre ses cils, un b\u00e2ton de dynamite tomber par la chemin\u00e9e. Il eut juste le temps de le recueillir et de l’exp\u00e9dier au fond du jardin.<\/p>\n

Un jours alors qu’il revenait de faire les courses, Hoss vit une ombre se faufiler \u00e0 pas de loup le long du mur, hors de la vue de la sentinelle. A la fin d’un combat silencieux, Hoss ne trouva pas moins de trois pistolets et deux poignards sur son adversaire inanim\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Lorsqu’un jeune chat fut d\u00e9couvert mort apr\u00e8s avoir lap\u00e9 le lait que Birgit venait de lui servir, Adam d\u00e9cida qu’elle n’absorberait plus que des oeufs et des fruits du jardin qu’il chargea ses fr\u00e8res de cueillir.<\/p>\n

Le dimanche suivant, Twisthead se pr\u00e9senta et serra la main d’Adam avec effusion.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Nous en avons coffr\u00e9 plus de douze. Je crois maintenant que l’on peut vraiment vous mettre hors de cause et que le plus gros du danger est pass\u00e9. En tous cas, vous \u00eates d\u00e9sormais libre d’aller et venir. Je pense qu’il n’y a plus de risque. Birgit peut nous indiquer la cachette, \u00e0 pr\u00e9sent \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Adam se montra moins optimiste : \u00ab J’aimerais vous croire, mais je serai vraiment tranquille que lorsque Birgit sera loin, \u00e0 des milliers de lieues d’ici. Aussi vais-je profiter de l’offre que vous me faites et sortir un peu. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Il s’\u00e9loigna et se fit conduire en fiacre \u00e0 l’h\u00f4tel le plus luxueux de Sacramento. L\u00e0, il se fit indiquer un num\u00e9ro de chambre et toqua \u00e0 la porte. Un homme \u00e0 cheveux blancs lui ouvrit Adam resta enferm\u00e9 avec lui pendant presque deux heures, puis, ils sortirent tous les deux. Avec son chapeau haut-de-forme et sa cape gris anthracite, le compagnon d’Adam avait une distinction que l’on voyait rarement \u00e0 un Am\u00e9ricain. Adam le pr\u00e9senta \u00e0 son p\u00e8re qui prenait le frais devant la porte de Birgit.<\/p>\n

\u00ab P\u2019pa, puis-je te pr\u00e9senter Lord Chichester ; mon p\u00e8re \u00bb dit-il en s’inclinant l\u00e9g\u00e8rement en direction de l’Anglais.<\/p>\n

Puis il fit entrer l’int\u00e9ress\u00e9 et appela Birgit. Elle sourit en reconnaissant l’un de ses \u00ab courtisans \u00bb, tout en se demandant pourquoi diable son amant le lui amenait. Intrigu\u00e9, Ben avait suivi Adam \u00e0 l’int\u00e9rieur<\/p>\n

\u00ab Birgit, je viens de parler longuement avec Lord Chichester. Il conna\u00eet la situation, toute la situation \u00bb insista Adam en la regardant droit dans les yeux. \u00ab Il accepte de t’\u00e9pouser et de t’amener avec lui en Angleterre. \u00bb<\/p>\n

La jeune femme cria des protestations. Adam pria Lord Chichester de l’excuser et tirant Birgit par le poignet, l’entra\u00eena dans le petit salon. Apr\u00e8s avoir ferm\u00e9 la porte, il expliqua \u00e0 la pauvre fille effar\u00e9e et en pleurs que c’\u00e9tait pour elle, une planche de salut inesp\u00e9r\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Il faut mettre un oc\u00e9an entre l’Am\u00e9rique et toi, sinon je craindrai toujours de l’un de ces brigands ne s’\u00e9vade, ou encore que l’un d’eux n’ait pass\u00e9 au travers des mailles du filet. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais je t’aime \u00bb sanglota t-elle, \u00ab je n’aime que toi. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Moi aussi \u00bb mentit \u00e0 moiti\u00e9 Adam qui \u00e9prouvait plus de d\u00e9sir et de piti\u00e9 que d’amour pour la superbe cr\u00e9ature qu’il tenait dans les bras. \u00ab Et c’est en raison de cet amour que je te supplie de m’ob\u00e9ir. D’ailleurs, je ne te donne pas le choix. Ou tu pars avec Harold, ou je t\u2019abandonne sur le champ. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Birgit pleura encore longtemps mais finit par c\u00e9der. C’est d’une voix bris\u00e9e qu’elle donna son consentement \u00e0 Chichester.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais je ne partirai avec vous que demain \u00bb pr\u00e9cisa t-elle, et relevant la t\u00eate, elle d\u00e9fia du regard les deux hommes, celui qu’elle aimait et celui dont elle allait partager la vie. \u00ab Je r\u00e9clame, j\u2019exige \u00bb, appuya telle, \u00ab une derni\u00e8re nuit d’amour avant de devenir Lady Chichester. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Le lendemain, et Birgit et Adam avaient les yeux cern\u00e9s quand ils se s\u00e9par\u00e8rent. Birgit s’accrochait \u00e0 son amant. mais celui-ci la poussa dans la diligence tandis que, de l’int\u00e9rieur, Lord Chichester tirait. Ayant referm\u00e9 la porte, Adam ordonna au cocher de fouetter promptement ses chevaux, tandis qu\u2019une t\u00eate d\u00e9sol\u00e9e apparaissait \u00e0 la porti\u00e8re.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

Le retour \u00e0 Ponderosa fut silencieux, chacun respectant la m\u00e9ditation d’Adarn, puis la vie reprit ses droits. Plus d\u2019une ann\u00e9e plus tard, Adam re\u00e7ut une longue missive et son p\u00e8re le vit s’assombrir tandis qu\u2019il lisait. \u00ab Que se passe t-il Adam ? \u00bb, demanda t-il, inquiet.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Lady Chichester m’informe qu’elle a en une petite fille, il y a maintenant \u00bb… (Adam fit un rapide calcul mental) \u00ab plus de trois mois. Elle ajoute que c’est le portrait de son p\u00e8re et qu\u2019elle l\u2019a pr\u00e9nomm\u00e9e Eve. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab J’aurai d\u00fb faire plus attention quand j’ai choisi ton nom \u00bb grommela Ben. \u00ab Te placer sous l’\u00e9gide de l’homme qui a perdu le paradis \u00e0 cause d’une femme ! Mais c’\u00e9tait l’id\u00e9e de ta m\u00e8re \u00bb…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

FIN<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: An unexpected visit sheds light on some of the privacy of Adam. (French version included on page 2)<\/p>\n

Rated: MA WC 5500<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":130,"featured_media":3438,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,10,690],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-4155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-french","category-ma-rated","tag-adam-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-10-id","wpcat-690-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1174,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/HoundDog2-1-11.jpg?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":4155,"position":0},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. 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