{"id":4167,"date":"2014-04-27T15:13:01","date_gmt":"2014-04-27T19:13:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4167"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:13:00","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:13:00","slug":"periple-dans-la-vallee-des-morts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4167","title":{"rendered":"Journey Through the Valley of the Dead (by ViveAdam)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/span>Cindy arrives in Virginia City, in search of a father left for three years, looking for a gold mine <\/span><\/p>\n

Rated: <\/span>\u00a0K + WC 30,600<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Journey through the valley of the dead\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n

Horrified,<\/strong> Cindy held his breath. It was unwise to her stepmother could realize that she intended. To punish her, she had locked her in the broom closet, unaware that by a curious acoustic phenomenon, we heard there everything that was said in front of the fireplace in the living room.<\/p>\n

Its odious stepmother, who treated her like his good and put it at the service of his two daughters Anastasia and Javotte was, for the time being talk with his lawyer, a horrible old crab, and she sneered in the most unpleasant manner:<\/p>\n

“You see, my dear Otto, one of two things: either Waldemar strayed with his gold mine in Nevada and one day we will find carcass scalped by a native in drying out in the sun: in this case, I remain at the head of his fortune and I want. Or he actually finds gold and reappear even richer than today. In any case, I really do not see why I would find him in this wild country while here, I lead a comfortable life. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Attention,” objected the notary, “the little Cindy twenty years, in a year is major and half the fortune of his father deserves. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But if he is dead, my dear! With a little luck, you will never find his body and I will remain manager of his property. “Said the Marshal von T\u00f6pser.<\/p>\n

Cindy shuddered so, the hag speculated on the death of his father. She would not let that happen. Just now, we would release it to go to dinner. After serving, she would pack his bags and go away secretly in the night. His stepmother was unaware that his father had shown him alone, the hiding his loot. “The for a rainy day,” as he said. With this, she would have more than enough to pay for the trip and hire the services of a detective to help him find his father. She knew that her father had inherited the travel diaries of an old friend Explorer. He had found this curious legacy then in the poring had found mention of a rich vein of gold in a corner lost desert. He decided to try his luck and appropriating the mine. He had taken the road, accompanied by his servant Jurgen Kirchubel, a fellow who did not have both feet in the same shoe. Since we had not heard of him but she remembered that he had said he would start his search from Sacramento. It was far but where would she went to rescue her father she adored and escape her stepmother she hated.<\/p>\n

She put her plan into execution with a mastery acquired protect permanent accusations of his stepmother and his “sister” or rather girls stepmother. No, she could not call “sisters” these two harpies. She had a different idea of \u200b\u200bwhat should be a sibling.<\/p>\n

As she gently pushed the heavy gate, she wondered how she was going to find his way. The moon was in its last quarter and a weak broadcast chiaroscuro. Then she felt her little white dog, Hound, rubbing against her legs. His first impulse was to send it back but thought better of it guide her in the dark until Wiesbaden Station and then he could be useful. And like that, she would feel less alone, she would be accompanied by the only friend she had had since the departure of his father three years earlier.<\/p>\n

Six months later, she found herself in Sacramento. She had faced many trials. First the Atlantic crossing with very painful swell times when she thought she had to die, then the train stopped in St. Louis, Missouri, and then the boat trip and the myriad of procedures with steps in uncomfortable relays, fear of attack, promiscuity with shady and disturbing passengers.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, all his companions were not of that ilk. On the boat coming down the Missouri, Cindy made the acquaintance of a young blonde woman of French origin by the name of Valerie with whom she befriended, and had the pleasant surprise of finding it in Sacramento won by another way. Valerie, too, was looking parents, specifically his uncle and aunt who had settled in the United States and that it was tracking, seeming concerned with incredibly itchy.<\/p>\n

Once in the city, they knew where to go to. Exhausted, the faithful little white dog on their heels, they decided to find suitable accommodation for girls and went to knock at the Lutheran Mission where they spoke German. She found a good matron who took them under his wing and offered them to escort them the next day at the Pinkerton Agency: “These are detectives who took over from marshalls or sheriffs when a case goes beyond their constituency. They will, no doubt, help one or the other. \u00bb<\/p>\n

What was said was done and a few days later, Cindy and Valerie took the road to Virginia City because they were told it was there that he found several veins of gold and silver. They were flanked by two detectives, Julius, a man dressed all in gray, balding but had to be brown, bright and sharp mind eye, and Steven, also blond Julius was brown, as hairy as the other was bald, deceptively sleepy. Both had agreed to accompany them as they went to Virginia City on the trail of a murderer.<\/p>\n

Cindy was a pleasure to be on a horse. She had learned to ride, little girl, with her father and was good rider. Although it is not mounted in the saddle for three years, she found immediately equestrian reflexes.<\/p>\n

When they arrived in town, the two detectives walked without hesitation to the sheriff’s office, “it is an old fox who does not look, Roy Coffee, but it should not be relied upon as false bonhomie, it hides a lot of cunning and perseverance. \u00bb<\/p>\n

But when they got there, it was not the old Roy Coffee that greeted them on the doorstep, it was a young man dressed in black from head to toe, beautiful as a God to the point that Cindy had gasp.<\/p>\n

He bowed his head slightly to greet the two women then, turning to the two detectives, informed them that Roy Coffee had gone on patrol in search of six burglars bank and had pinned him a deputy sheriff star for the duration his absence.<\/p>\n

What’s your name? “Julius asked suspiciously. After all, nothing told her that the caller was not an off-the-law who put Roy Coffee out of harm him and being substituted for him until he departs, he and his confederate.<\/p>\n

The object of his suspicions seemed to be reading open book in the eyes of the detective as he launched:<\/p>\n

“My name is Adam Cartwright, I am the son of the wealthy ranchero territory and I am honorably known here you can find out. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Julius smiled: “The name of Cartwright is honorably known beyond Nevada and his fame reached Sacramento. Steven, get witnesses to make sure that this gentleman is who he claims to be. I hope, “he added,” you will excuse us from our side of caution, it is a professional deformation. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam replied that a startlingly white smile that had a devastating effect on Cindy.<\/p>\n

\u00a0“Trouble, big brother? \u00bb<\/p>\n

The exclamation came from a young man wearing a green jacket, his head crowned with a black raven haired generous than his beige hat could not hide his face illuminated by a radiant smile. Both women turned to him and, for once, it was Valerie who felt the rhythm of his heart speed up in his chest.<\/p>\n

“No, no, the gentlemen of the Pinkerton Agency only want to verify my identity. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Ah, well, Gentlemen, and you too, ladies, I have the honor to present the most stubborn brother, most pests, the most authoritative but also the most generous, intelligent and extraordinary that man can have in this world. I can not say too much harm because, for the moment, he is wearing a sheriff’s star on his shirt, and he would not mind for putting me for insulting a representative of the order. Fortunately, this is the most ephemeral sheriff I know because normally tonight, he should resign when Roy Coffee will be returned and then I can tell you all the horrible things I know about him. And I know a lot because I’m Joe Cartwright and Adam Cartwright him and we both son of the Right Honourable Benjamin Cartwright. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam, accustomed to his brother’s teasing, had listened to the whole speech with a smile but a twinkle in his eye revealed his younger he would not miss it at the first opportunity, which, moreover, n ‘little worried the aforesaid. The two detectives, they had undergone this flood of words speechless, as girls, they had seized a small part of the statements of the young mocking because he spoke too fast for their uncertain English but understood that he joked and both showed a delighted smile.<\/p>\n

Steven pulled himself together and walked to the Bucket of Blood, which he returned a few minutes later, looking pleased, “You can rest assured, Julius, they all confirmed that it was Adam Cartwright making sheriff office. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam beckoned them to come in, pointing out to them that they would be more comfortable in the shade to talk. He made them sit all four. Joe had continued his journey and Valerie, unable to banish from his mind the image of the young man could not concentrate on the conversation. Cindy, however, was listening and frowning as she made an effort to understand what was being said.<\/p>\n

“Well, ladies and gentlemen,” asked the interim sheriff, “What can I do for you? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“We traveled together for the safety of these ladies,” said Julius, “but we are pursuing different goals. For our part, we are here because we a George Steeple we suspect of two murders. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“George Steeple … It tells me something. A guy who speaks English with a strong German accent and swear in German too. \u00bb<\/p>\n

You know him? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I met him once or twice at the saloon. He went through Virginia City, there are ten days. \u00bb<\/p>\n

The two detectives, very excited, laid their question at the same time:<\/p>\n

“He left? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Where was he going? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled: “Softly, gentlemen, do not both speak at a time. Yes, he seems to have left town. Where, to where, I do not know because I had no reason to watch him. Roy will definitely more. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Then we will wait,” said Julius. “Come on, Steven, in the meantime, we’ll cool off and take a room at the Grand Hotel. Ladies, we salute you. At any hour, Cartwright. \u00bb<\/p>\n

When the two men had left the scene, the attention of Adam turned back to the two women who made him vis-\u00e0-vis.<\/p>\n

“A brunette and a blonde,” he thought. “No, not brown, auburn rather, my favorite hair color. In addition, she has beautiful eyes! But enough dreaming, Adam, you go astray … “<\/p>\n

“May I ask what Brings you here, ladies?”<\/p>\n

“Pardon?” Asked Cindy.<\/p>\n

“A strange accent,” says Adam. “There is in it the German and French. Well, it’s time to gather my French souvenirs. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Parwlez you frwan\u00e7ais? “He asked. Immediately, the two girls’ faces lit up, “Oh, yes, I speak French,” said Valerie, “I’m French. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Me too,” adds Cindy, “I am German but my mother was French. What a joy to hear our mother tongue, our English is so poor. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Be nice, then, to speak slowly,” replied Adam “because it’s been ten years since I studied languages \u200b\u200bat the university and I have not had many opportunities to practice. The last time was with … I do not know how you say that, strange fellow? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“A strange guy? “Ventured Valerie.<\/p>\n

“That’s it. A Fran\u00e7ois Villon. But let us leave that and let us return to the purpose of your visit. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Cindy decided to take the plunge, “Well, sir, I’m Cindy von T\u00f6pser, I live in Germany, near Wiesbaden and I came seeking my father, the Marshal von T\u00f6pser. He left three years ago to take possession of a gold mine which had been revealed to him the existence and since then we have not heard from him … I have not heard from him. \u00bb<\/p>\n

The correction was not lost to Adam: “You started by saying” we. ” Are you saying that someone could have new and you do not have communicated? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Disturbed by the insight of this man, Cindy blushed in spite of herself. Should she be virtually unknown to its small family business? After hesitating, she opted for the franchise after all, this man was not he a policeman? It was necessary that he knows the ins and outs if she wanted him to help.<\/p>\n

“If, which God forbid, my father died and my mother was informed she has no interest in revealing it. As long as he is deemed alive is it to whom he has entrusted the management of his property, it reigns over the whole area, but if he died, it will have to share the fortune with me as the only child of my father. My mother in law has two daughters from a previous marriage \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I see …” He paused to think for a moment, then continued: “I think I have a track start for you. There are two years, bringing the cattle, I met guys who were talking about a man they had met a strange German, they said, a guy who claimed that there was gold in Curse of the mountain, in the southeastern Nevada, almost on the border of Arizona. It could be him. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Cindy shuddered with hope: “But of course it’s him, admit it would be a funny coincidence if there was another German seeking a gold mine in the same region. They would not talk about two people? He was accompanied by one of his men, Jurgen Kirchubel. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Sorry, miss, but I do not know. Anyway, I do not know if Roy Coffee wants to help you. You see, this man, whatever his identity, is outside its jurisdiction. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Immediately, Cindy got on his high horse, “Never mind,” she snapped, bombastic, “I will go looking for him alone if need be! \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Not alone,” Valerie bounces without thinking, “I accompany you, Cindy, I will not leave you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Thank you my friend,” said Cindy comforted by this support, so fragile it is.<\/p>\n

Adam kissed them in a single glance. They were endearing, these two small bravettes ready to launch an assault on the desert and a mountain that Panamints Indian saying haunted, but it should not have let them do it, they would not survive two days. Carried away by his protective reflex, he held out his hands, palms down, in a gesture intended to curb their audacity: “Please, ladies, no hasty decision. Give yourself to me, I promise to help you. But for now, we must wait for the return of Roy, he might know more than me. “Then, looking away from Cindy, he turned his interest to his neighbor:” But you, Mademoiselle, you have not told me what had brought you in this remote corner of America. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Valerie shook his English blondes, “Oh, I’m Valerie Saint Quentesseth and I looking for my uncle and aunt. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“The gold miners, too? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“No, no, nothing of researchers. They went to America and I decided to settle with them. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It’s huge, America, you do not have a better idea? “He kept his mouth open impeccable teeth, looking a little bit stunned. Valerie burst into a laugh as fresh and unexpected, “Let me tell you the truth. I went on a whim because I was bickering with my older brother. We are orphans and it was he who supported me. It is not bad but abominably authoritarian and consider myself as if I was his daughter. I soon nineteen, he must treat me like an adult. So one day, I took my cliques and slaps … “<\/p>\n

“Your what? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“My cliques and my slaps, that’s what we say when we’re going somewhere, when one is packing what. In short, I said I was going to join our uncle and his wife but I just forgot to ask for their address. \u00bb<\/p>\n

The silvery laughter gushed again. Adam wondered if he had not before him the female version of Joe, careless to unconsciousness, taking nothing seriously …<\/p>\n

“You should take time to cool off and rest,” he said. “The only suitable place here to girls like you, it’s Mrs. Hawkins family pension. I’ll lead you there. “<\/p>\n

He got up, went to the door, opened it and hailed a kid with impudent face passing by, “Hey, kid, you want to win a dollar? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yeah, always,” replied the boy.<\/p>\n

\u00a0“Then get me Joe Cartwright. If it is not in the General Store, is that he is playing poker at the Bucket of Blood. Tell him I need him. \u00bb<\/p>\n

A few minutes later, his emissary returned followed by a slightly mocking Joe:<\/p>\n

“So, Sheriff, we can not cope alone? We need his little brother? What crime was committed? The city is quiet yet well … That’s it, I found, was burglarized and the bookseller someone stole the complete works of Shakespeare. Give me a badge, I’ll help you. My suspicion focused on a man in black, voracious soporific and these books … “<\/p>\n

“Joe, incorrigible talkative, shut up. I did call you because I can not leave my post and I need someone to escort these two girls. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Joe’s face broke into a broad smile, “Why do not you say? Where does it lead you, my pretty? \u00bb<\/p>\n

So saying, he took off his hat and broke into a bow in the manner of a musketeer. Adam rolled his eyes in exasperation and waited for him to finish his facial expression to specify:<\/p>\n

“Bring them home Hawkins widow so that they can install. They must expect Roy returning earlier, they will have to sleep in the city. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Why not to Ponderosa? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam raised his voice: “Joe, you’re done? I said to Mrs. Hawkins. Is it over your intellectual capacity to make a simple thing? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Oh dear, what a character! Do not make thee Sheriff, I will fulfill your mission. Come, ladies p’tites, take my arm, I have one for each. \u00bb<\/p>\n

And he drew the two young ladies, stunned by his verbiage in the main street of Virginia City. It was only four o’clock in the afternoon and Roy Coffee still probably be long two hours to go. After negotiating with the Widow Hawkins renting a room for two, Joe asked if she could serve them tea and biscuits, “I’m not going to let you mope in this room, my rabbits’ declaration he at the two young women who smiled while Clementine Hawkins felt obliged to make a grimace of disapproval of such familiarity.<\/p>\n

“Joe Cartwright,” she yelped, “do you think it is worthy of the son of Ben Cartwright and treat young ladies of good family? Your dear father … “<\/p>\n

“My dear father love you,” interrupted Joe knew that this statement liquefy the fat lady. “Come on, we prepare a hearty snack while these young ladies of good family, as you say, will cool off. I wait quietly making a success. \u00bb<\/p>\n

No one could resist a good mood Joe Cartwright and the landlady and tenants were eager to do what he had suggested.<\/p>\n

Two hours later, Joe did not know anything of what had led a German doe-eyes and a blonde French hot in the depths of the Far West, Virginia City. Like Adam, but with more exuberance, he was moved by the plight of Cindy and moved by the demonstrations of friendship and Valerie was committed without thinking further, to provide them all possible assistance.<\/p>\n

Cindy while being deeply grateful to him for his offer chivalrous, thought that the protection of Adam reassured more but Valerie, she thought that Joe would be more squarely than its predecessor and this passion pleased. She could not look at the young man’s face crossed by the broadest of smiles. Joe was not deceived: in amorous inclination, he had the intuition to spare and feel than it already in his heart nicknamed “the little blond angel” had already succumbed to its charm. “Providence would have it”, he said, “because it is what attracted me at first glance. \u00bb<\/p>\n

In the middle of a lively conversation, the clock struck six shots, “Come, my little rabbit,” said Joe, “it is time to return to the sheriff’s office, I hope that Roy will be back. \u00bb<\/p>\n

It was in effect and the two men Pinkerton were there too and Roy had already undertaken on the subject of George Steeple. The sheriff confirmed to them that the person they were looking for had left in the direction of the Valley of Death. “During the time he stayed in town,” he assured, I had nothing else to complain that binge drinking or poker games he was trying to raise, when he was What more leverage, boasting soon be worth millions. He had supposedly found a gold mine and looking for partners to help find her because unfamiliar with the country, he had lost track. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“This is the proof that this is our man,” Julius replied, a smile of satisfaction on his face. The two men he has killed, these are guys he racol\u00e9s in saloons to lend a hand in his search for his alleged mine. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Cindy and Valerie had dropped upon hearing this conversation conducted on a much too fast for them, but Adam, on the contrary, following with the greatest attention, squinting as he used to do when he concentrated. When the two men had left the scene, Adam presented the girls and succinctly explained their case to Roy.<\/p>\n

“It is curious,” he concludes, “is that the famous Georges Steeple is heading in the same direction as the father of Miss Cindy, he seeks, too, a gold mine and that has a German accent to cut with a knife. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Come, come, Adam,” growled Roy, you do not even suspect when the father of Miss Von T\u00f6pser to be the assassin looking for these gentlemen! \u00bb<\/p>\n

“No, of course,” made Adam with a reassuring look at Cindy’s attention, that George Steeple must not have more than forty years and I imagine, Mademoiselle, your father is older … “<\/p>\n

\u00a0“Hardly, sir,” said Cindy, “it is only forty-nine. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“If you do not suspect the father of Cindy, Adam” Joe called out, “What do you sing us with your coincidence? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I think that the domestic Marshal Von T\u00f6pser took with him. How did you say his name, Miss? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Jurgen Kirchubel …” Adam Looking into his eyes, she suddenly had a flash and gasped, “Oh, my God, I just realized …”<\/p>\n

What? “Valerie asked in chorus and three men.<\/p>\n

“Kirchubel, it means” bell “in German …<\/p>\n

“And it says” Steeple “English” completed Adam, “George Steeple is the translation of Jurgen Kirchubel. The murderer sought by Julius and Steven is none other than your home! \u00bb<\/p>\n

Roy frowned: “You could be right, Adam. Coincidences are disturbing … “<\/p>\n

From a spontaneous movement, Cindy marched towards Adam and took her hands:<\/p>\n

“What does that mean, Adam, what should I fear? \u00bb<\/p>\n

From his meter eighty-six, Adam bent his head over the girl to meet her eyes. He wanted to measure its ability to withstand disturbing news. Plunging deep into his eyes, he read of anxiety but also fierce determination.<\/p>\n

“Can I be honest with you, Miss? \u00bb<\/p>\n

You’re welcome. I’m young and I look fragile but do not rely on it. The life that made me live my stepmother armored me. Go ahead, I’m listening. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Cindy handcuffs keeping the hollow of his warm hands, Adam replied:<\/p>\n

“There are several hypotheses and I’ll start with the worst: it may be that your father, along with what Jurgen, has found a gold mine and that this sad individual wishes to be appropriated by using large means … “<\/p>\n

“That’s to say? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“That is, by killing” finished Adam, decided not to beat around the bush. “The other hypothesis is that your father had the wisdom to let him out when he felt he was nearing his goal and has penetrated only the cursed mountain. Jurgen, who knows the purpose of the trip, while seeking to find guides to reach the mine. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But why does he kill? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I can not say for sure but I guess his cronies should be as greedy as him. At one point or another, they think they have drawn with sufficient information and seek to oust him. There is no evidence at this time that he murdered them in cold blood, he may have killed them to defend themselves. This second hypothesis does not satisfy me only half because it does not explain the disappearance of your father. But there is still a third possibility … “<\/p>\n

“Which one? “Wondered the same time Roy and Joe, captivated by what Adam said, and once again, admiring his sagacity and imagination.<\/p>\n

“The middle Jurgen saw the mine or, at least, it came close enough to think he can find it easily. He tried to get rid of his master but did not succeed. Your father would be so watchful, hesitant to leave her fear of mine that does Jurgen advantage of his absence to seize and stands guard waiting for the return of his enemy. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But, Adam,” objected Cindy who had finished, although reluctantly, by removing his hands from those, this should do well two years he stands guard. How is this possible? What did he see? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You forget, Miss Cindy, we do not know when he found the mine, if he found it. If anything, this makes a few months. How he saw that, I have no idea. The only way is to go “<\/p>\n

“Good idea,” exclaimed Joe, “I come with you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You? “Roy asked,” do you think, Joe, I’m ready for this expedition? It does not matter, it is not in my riding. I’ll telegraph to my colleague in Las Vegas and we will wait for a reply. This is what we will do. There is no question that I get a patrol to be lost in the valley of death. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I understand, Roy,” Adam replied calmly, “but I do not see what prevents us to go my brother and me. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Your father, that will stop you,” replied Roy. “What takes you to both of them, suddenly wanting to do the job of the police? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“So there it fits you, Roy,” Adam replied sarcastically. “Who has pinned a star on the chest for a day for me to do the time? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It’s not the same, Adam” was a small safe hand I asked you. This has nothing to do with shipping you project. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“The problem Roy,” replied Adam always fearless, “is that if we do not go, the girls are planning to embark on the adventure themselves. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Roy got up from his chair as ejected by the horror of what he had just heard: “You do not think, ladies! You have no idea what it is that the Death Valley. It is not for nothing that this name. This is the warmest and driest region of North America. In summer, the temperature reaches up to 60 degrees. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But we are in March,” interrupted Valerie, unimpressed.<\/p>\n

“Nevertheless,” Roy replied, “it is already very hot there. Water points are rare, the desert is infested with snakes and scorpions, excluding Panamints Indians are hardly welcoming. You can not seriously think to go. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But if it was your father, Sheriff,” Cindy asked, anxious air, “would you leave the abandoned, dying of thirst, hunger, fatigue? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Why did you not ask Pinkerton help you? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I asked. They said they had too much to do with the search for criminals, they were involved in search for missing until they were sure that the volunteers were not missing. They even added with a big vulgar laugh that maybe my father had changed his name and lived quietly with a new companion easier to live with his wife. \u00bb<\/p>\n

In memory of this rudeness, Cindy enraged again and we could read his indignation on his face. Adam noticed that anger suited him but kept his thinking for him.<\/p>\n

One thing was certain is that it seemed impossible not to rush to the aid of Marshal von T\u00f6pser and daughter. He could not explain why but this quest for the girl who, at first, did not concern him, became his business. He was about to embark on an adventure full of danger for a girl he did not know the day before. It was stupid but he was going to do it!<\/p>\n

Roy opened his mouth to again urge Cindy patience but Adam did not give him the same time to begin his sentence.<\/p>\n

“Do not fret, Roy, I’ll go. With a little luck, I can join the two detectives since I’m pretty sure we have the same game. But I’ll try to deter to stop too soon. If we follow unwittingly domestic should lead us to his master “<\/p>\n

“No way you go it alone,” threw Joe, “I accompany you”<\/p>\n

Adam turned to his brother, not knowing what to say. On one hand, some reinforcement was not to be despised. Excellent shooter and equally excellent rider, Joe was a teammate of choice. He also knew from experience how dangerous it was to venture alone in the desert. On the other hand, the old guard still background animated the heart of Adam towards his little brother urged him to reject his proposal. Let him go, he, in front of an unnecessary danger because his conscience (he did not confess it was rather his heart), it was one thing; he leads his brother in this madness, it was another.<\/p>\n

“It would be helpful to me to have you with me, Joe, but I have no right to risk your life for …”<\/p>\n

He paused. What would he say? A whim, a folly? It was offensive vis-\u00e0-vis Cindy who certainly did not deserve that. His hesitation to let Joe time to speak again.<\/p>\n

“It is not you who risk my life, that I decide to do so. I am twenty years old and I am no longer a child. I make decisions myself and I took the one to go with you. If you do not agree, it does not matter, I would go alone. \u00bb<\/p>\n

This determination cession latest prevention of Adam. He broke into a broad smile and striking the shoulder of his brother told him with an irony that was intended to mask his emotions:<\/p>\n

Alone? But my poor Joe, you would not do twenty yards in the right direction. It is better that I go with you, it will prevent you turn in circles. \u00bb<\/p>\n

While Roy muttered under his breath that they needed further convincing Ben Cartwright, which was not won, Cindy, with a determined air, encamped in front of his two servants knight<\/p>\n

“I thank you both with all my heart, but I want to say that you do not go to two, but three. I come with you. My father and I have to go through. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But, Miss Cindy” made Adam, “You did not hear Roy? The dangers of this expedition in the desert are real. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“If you can go, I do not see what prevents me. Women are also resistant to heat and thirst than men. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Exactly,” adds Valerie, “we are, one and the other good riders and we composure. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You mean, Miss Valerie, you are thinking as you come? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I think I said earlier. You did not hear me? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Joe looked at her with admiration. It was a woman after his own heart, a woman who was not afraid of anything, and yet, was all femininity.<\/p>\n

“Bravo! “He cried, throwing his hat in the air.<\/p>\n

Adam looked at him sternly. He could have done to support his brother brought to the mad enterprise of the two women. His bright eyes passed from one head to another, and he felt that he would be pointless to tackle. However, it still had that slows the temerity to Cindy and Valerie. They were not aware and it was his responsibility to stop them from putting their lives at risk.<\/p>\n

“Well, all right,” he finally said, “we take you on two conditions”<\/p>\n

“Which ones? “They asked.<\/p>\n

“First, you will obey me the finger and the eye. You may be good riders and travelers, but you know nothing of this country and you are not seasoned as we are, my brother and me. We will take a trolley for you. And you will leave the Hound at the Widow Hawkins “<\/p>\n

“But …”<\/p>\n

“No, but they are prerequisites. Then when we get to the canyons of the valley of death, we will set you up camp and we will go without recognition. Take it or leave it! \u00bb<\/p>\n

Joe approached his brother, severe mine to show that he fully endorsed the terms of Adam. Cindy and Valerie does not even thought of discussing and humbly gave their consent. Roy watched the quartet sarcastically. They went out in the ladies raccompagn\u00e8rent to Hawkins pension.<\/p>\n

“We will leave the day after tomorrow,” said Adam.<\/p>\n

“Why not tomorrow? “Cindy was astonished.<\/p>\n

“An expedition like this does not just happen. We need to equip ourselves, you first, with big hats, clothing that covers the entire body. Furthermore, I have to find someone to replace us at the ranch. My father is counting on us and we can not do him down without providing help. Especially since, as we are, I wonder if the presence of our brother Hoss would not be useful “<\/p>\n

After the door closed on their future travel companions, Adam encamped, hands on hips, facing his brother and told him: “And now, my friend, we have to explain it all to Pa, what does is not the easiest part of our project. \u00bb<\/p>\n

For Adam was not deceived. He had agreed with Joe about the scenario. They would let go dinner and Adam come out a bottle of good brandy he hid in his room for the birthday of his father – “too bad”, he said, “I’ll find something else to opportunity “- and propose a glass with a jovial air. Once everyone settled in his favorite chair, he would raise the issue.<\/p>\n

Despite all these precautions, the result was that the brothers feared. His stentorian voice, Ben uttered a roar that brought out Hop-Sing of his den to see if a mountain lion had not entered the house.<\/p>\n

“What you say, Adam? Tell me that I misheard. Or maybe it is the brandy … “<\/p>\n

“Uh, no, Pa,” Adam muttered, “brandy nothing to do, we want from escorting two girls in search of their father, in the valley of death. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Finally, Adam you lost the spirit, the valley of death, I have sent you there once …”<\/p>\n

\u00a0Many times<\/p>\n

“Well, Adam, I know what I’m saying, I sent you there once because Joe had been kidnapped and did not want to neglect any track. He was not there, either. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes, but you sent me several times to participate in research patrols off-the-law and, many times, our pursuit took us into the valley of death. And you see, I’m back. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00a0“Obviously you were a dozen, well equipped. This has nothing to do with this trip denies you project. You two and two young girls that you do not even know. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Well, Pa,” Joe got mad, “do not you raised us to rescue people in danger? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“What people in danger? These two girls just have to stay quietly in the Hawkins widow until the sheriff Las Vegas does not give his new and it does happen to them. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes,” Adam nodded on a soft tone, “but the father of Cindy? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben remained silent then, finding nothing to answer this objection, changed course:<\/p>\n

“And the work he has to do? The contracts with the company railways? Who will be involved? You know, Adam, I was counting on you to carry them out. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“That,” said Adam, “I thought. I have for a replacement. It is I who would pay “if he hastily added to prevent the remark of his father. “It’s a very good man. His name is Charles Ingalls and is in trouble because the old Walker Jeans who did work all winter is bankrupt and can not pay it. He has a wife and three daughters and does not know how to feed them. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“And where do you want me to stay the whole little family? We hire only singles. I will not install in the dorm, though. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You know, the little meadow that I inherited when I was given the property of Ed Payson because he had no family and that it was I who paid his taxes …”<\/p>\n

“Yes? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It is not far from the sawmill. It will install his trailer and then I gave him permission to build a small house. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben foamed: “As usual, you have all the answers. You organized everything as if you were sure I would say yes … “<\/p>\n

Adam had become pale, sign in him a cold anger: “Because, you see, Pa, I intend to go whether you like it or not. I am thirty-two years after all. But of course, “he relented,” I would rather have your consent. Ingalls please you, it is an amazing man. He forties, not two feet in the same shoe is the same righteousness. It’s funny, it looks a little like Joe older. Physically, not as a character. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Joe laughed: “I do not know if I should take that as an insult …”<\/p>\n

Adam never recovered and continued its momentum, “he will not be alone, I have him Deputy Bernard O’Reilly, it’s a good woodsman and a man who is not afraid of anything. You see, “he finished with his best smile,” I’ve thought of everything. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben did not know what tone continue to dissuade his older to persist in his project. Submitting this worry later, he turned to Joe:<\/p>\n

“In any case, you, young man, you are not going. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Joe lifted her chin in a defiant mimicry:<\/p>\n

“I’m sorry, Pa, but this time, I can not obey you. I do not intend to leave Adam alone protect these young women not realize the folly of their audacity. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Madness is the word, I do not do to say. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You’re right, they go, no matter what. You do not see them, just now, but you can ask it to Adam, we both have the certainty that they will go into the wilderness to be told anything. Here, information yourself with Roy. If we let them down, they go to certain death and we will be guilty of having let go only when we were aware of what they would do. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You, then,” muttered his father, “as soon as there was a petticoat around …”<\/p>\n

Joe smiled, feeling that the determination of Ben faltered: “Hey, it’s not just me, you should have seen Adam caressing eyes brunette. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss who had said nothing until then, went to his father: “Listen, Pa, if it makes you feel, I’ll go with them. \u00bb<\/p>\n

It was for Ben the coup de grace: “Oh, not so, you’re not going to put you there too! \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yet,” made Adam, “it would be very useful. We’ll go quietly until small pueblo, Las Vegas, we will see the sheriff and, if he does nothing for us, we will go down to the South. When we arrive at the beginning of the first canyon, I intend to stop the caravan that can not be penetrated and install the girls until we spotted traces with two types of Pinkerton if they are willing to lend a hand. It would be nice that one of my brothers with me and the other remains with the girls. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben fell deep in the red chair “My son went crazy, I see no other explanation. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“He agrees! “Exclaimed Joe.<\/p>\n

“Hurrah for Pa! “Shouted Hoss<\/p>\n

“Come on, I offer one second brandy tour to celebrate,” says Adam filling the glasses.<\/p>\n

“Forget the glass, Adam,” Ben made by fixing his older with a black eye, “and give me the bottle frankly”<\/p>\n

The next day, Adam asked Hoss and Joe to relieve him of his daily tasks because he had to make travel arrangements. He went to a neighboring farmer who owned a caravan and offered to hire him for a month, but when he learned what was the intended destination, the owner refused any idea of \u200b\u200brenting and forced Adam to purchase the vehicle. Adam then carefully chooses the horses he was going to tackle them: he had it both durable and fast. Then he took care of packing the abundant supplies of ammunition trailer, clothing, food, fodder and especially water. He took care to distribute water in different corners of the truck, he could not risk a flight of Indian arrows pierce all the skins come because we would have been foolish enough to put them all in one place.<\/p>\n

Then he went to his room to get a big needle and thick thread shoemaker and spent half an hour to sew in various places of the tarpaulin covering the trailer, gold coins and dollars. You never knew who would have to bribe in a search like they undertook and had to take the money, while ensuring that potential looters do not find them. Reusing a ruse succeeded him in the past, he sewed his money in hidden places whenever he was making dangerous journeys. He also had the habit of hiding in his boot and into the lining of his hat even in the hem of his shorts.<\/p>\n

Then he went to Virginia City, first to negotiate with Charles Ingalls and Bernard O’Reilly, then to see how prepared his travel companions.<\/p>\n

Charles Ingalls gratefully accepted the proposal of Adam. He demanded an advance that would allow him to pay off his debts and promised to go install the caravan that he used as home by the end of the day, Ponderosa. Caroline Ingalls gave him a look that said, better than any words his gratitude to the man who had avoided them many days of misery.<\/p>\n

Bernard O’Reilly was a man who was about to reach their forties. The Irish had long knocked solid, praising his talents to the best shooter offering but it came to a phase of his life he longed for a quieter and more orderly life. Adam knew he could count on his loyalty as he had given in the past, its ringleaders.<\/p>\n

Refreshed for the ranch and her father, Adam went to knock on the door of the Hawkins pension. The owner opened her simpering and installed in the living room as she ascended the stairs under her petticoats to go warn girls.<\/p>\n

Cindy and Valerie greeted warmly Adam but the latter, cutting short the rigor of pleasantries, asked to see their package. He wanted to make sure they took whatever they needed but nothing useless “no frills, no jewelry, no objects that can attract lust! \u00bb<\/p>\n

Cindy had obtained wide skirts and wide-sleeved tunics long light color that received the approval of Adam. He also congratulated the purchase of a large Mexican poncho mode. Having given his good report, he asked for a sewing box to the young woman and could not help laughing at her dumbfounded air, “What do you believe? I know sew. Finally, sewing is not the word, say that I know … mend clothes or wounds. When starting solo expedition, one must know how. I just want to show you how to sew your ticket bundles hems. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Cindy and Valerie laughed, “Oh, okay, that, you do not need to show us, we know. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“About Miss Valerie” Adam asked, scratching his ear lobe, sign, home, a slight embarrassment, “Can I see your trunk as I have seen that of Miss Cindy. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“And if I said no to you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam emphasized his embarrassed smile, “Oh, Miss Valerie, believe me, I do not mean to pry, I just want to know …”<\/p>\n

Valerie finished the sentence for him “… how I’m dressed. Well, calm yourself, I’ve planned or prom dress or suit adjusted or veiled hat, I’ll be just right, you do not need to check. \u00bb<\/p>\n

This was said in a tone so determined, despite the friendly smile that accompanied his tirade, Adam did not dare insist.<\/p>\n

“Oh, and Adam, we also wanted to ask you something …”<\/p>\n

“Yes? “Said Adam, a little worried. What had they been invented?<\/p>\n

“We want you and your brother, you stop giving us the” Miss “or” Mademoiselle “long as your arm. Call Cindy and I Val. Valerie, it’s too long, Val, that’s enough.<\/p>\n

Adam’s face brightened. If there was it to please them, it was not difficult. “Very well, Val and Cindy,” he said smiling, “I will spend the word to my brothers. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Your brothers? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Oh, I did not tell you, brother Hoss joins us. You see, it is a giant of extraordinary strength and it is our best tracker. I’m glad he came with us. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Early the next day, the three son bade farewell to their father. Ben did not mince words to Adam:<\/p>\n

“My boy, it is you who are the cause of this trip, I entrust your brothers. Do not forget that you are all that I have in life and that I have supported many tragedies. I know we can not go against the will of the Almighty and that if he wants to take you, I can not stop it, but do it anyway attention. \u00bb<\/p>\n

He delivered his message with a voice poorly containing his emotion and Adam was deeply touched. He looked at his father right in the eye and said, “I promise not to be reckless and act with caution. I took all the necessary measures to guard against thirst, hunger, cold and heat. Against bandits, Indians and wild beasts, it will take on Providence and our expertise in all three. But believe me, I’ll be doubly careful, knowing that I not only support my brothers but these two young girls. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head with conviction and then, trying to lighten the mood for that separation is not done on a note too sad:<\/p>\n

“What I see in your back? Your guitar? For an expedition in the desert? Who are you going to charm? Snakes? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe laughed while Adam replied, not without a little blush: “It’s for those evenings around the camp. We will not get straight to the desert and we have to do several steps before reaching Las Vegas. I thought a little music would be nice. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Early one morning, just as the sun rising Was” Joe sang.<\/p>\n

“Come on, Joe, on horseback,” cried Hoss who perched on the driver’s seat, was maneuvering the caravan, the journey is long and we must not wait ladies. Hulda take with you since Adam Chubb and Jolly already behind and go for it. \u00bb<\/p>\n

And while Ben, moist eye, watched them away in a dusty cloud, inwardly murmuring a prayer, they took the road to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Their entry into the high street did not go unnoticed, and when they stopped before the Hawkins pension, they were not surprised to see Roy Coffee and Paul Martin waiting for them, Roy to provide them his latest tips and Paul for their entrust some potions.<\/p>\n

Cindy got out first, slender in her beige tunic belted at the waist and brown skirt. She was holding a large sombrero straw but coquetry, had decided not to put it once part so that Adam could admire her beautiful auburn hair. Because he had been obliged him to admit, this trip was now in his eyes a dual purpose: to find his father, certainly, but also seduce the handsome prince who appeared to him two days earlier, dressed all in black, in the sheriff’s office.<\/p>\n

Cindy had just completed to shake the hands of his three riders and be present when Hoss Val appeared on the doorstep. In his view, Adam was a exclamation of astonishment. As for Joe, he could not restrain a whistle of admiration which he accompanied with a radiant smile, the girl was dressed as a man and as a matter of chance, she was wearing exactly the same clothes as Joe, blue jacket, white shirt, tan pants, black hat. We would have been taken for twins was the cascade of golden curls sticking out of the hat and the two “apples” that put relief to the bodice of this Amazon.<\/p>\n

Cindy straddled Hulda and Val, Jolly and the little band trotted.<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

In the footsteps of Panamints by ViveAdam<\/div>\n
\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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 …”<\/p>\n

“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 “<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“The Mormons? What is it? “They asked in unison.<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Do not say that, Adam” Joe joked, “they have at least one interesting point in their doctrine, they allow men to have multiple wives. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I do not see what there is interesting in there,” Val was stiffly.<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“All we ask him,” muttered Val still irritated, “is to eat only in the hands of a single woman. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

“So we’ll see Mormon? \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“The Shoshone are Indians? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But you spoke of another tribe, the Peppermint, I think. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“The Panamints” corrected Adam, “is a tribe belonging to the broader, Shoshone and Comanche. They also say the Coso. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“They are dangerous? \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Why? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“We give them Hoss” Joe threw a chuckle.<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Cindy suddenly felt dizzy, “Adam,” she asked in a small voice, “do you think my father to be a prisoner of Shoshone? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I can not say, Cindy. You told me, if I remember correctly, that your father was forty-nine years? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes, that’s it. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00a0“Oh my God, my God! Indians, a servant felon, wherever one looks, one sees only threats, “Cindy moaned.<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“To marry one of his daughters? \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Cindy saw Adam’s eyes are moistened, “Is she dead? “Ventured she to ask.<\/p>\n

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 … “<\/p>\n

Cindy felt a lead weight fall on his shoulders<\/p>\n

“You still love him? \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe were amazed to hear their brother, usually so reserved and confide.<\/p>\n

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 :<\/p>\n

“The Captain Baker sent me so that I will take you with him. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“How does he know that we want to see” Adam asked, dumbfounded.<\/p>\n

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

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.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u00a0“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 indiqu\u00e8rent the places they had already explored.<\/p>\n

“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 T\u00f6pser translate” Funeral Mountain. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Julius looked at Adam with an expression of mingled admiration and cunning, “You may be right,” he muttered.<\/p>\n

In his mind, however, formed a diabolical project. The idea running through his head since Adam had revealed to him that the Marshal von T\u00f6pser 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 T\u00f6pser is still alive. Girls, it does not count. Six against one, it’s a lot but I have an ally, the desert … “<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

“I suppose, Captain, that you agree with me, it is better that these ladies do not accompany us, is not it? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam Baker looked like he was crazy:<\/p>\n

What question! Of course not, they do not support you! I do not even understand that you could consider it. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But, Captain,” Cindy exclaimed, “who do you take? For Wimps? My dad and I go we seek. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Captain, for once, took a stern look:<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Thinking the set question, he turned to Adam:<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

“You saw the two detectives, when they returned, all dusty, leathery skin, parched throat, smelly sweat. This is not something for us. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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 …”<\/p>\n

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 …”<\/p>\n

“Yes, that’s … that’s it,” Hoss stammered, blushing.<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Why me? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Because Hoss tracker is better than you or me. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Why do not you stay, you? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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? \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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 “<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The word escaped him: “Still …”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

“Come, we must return, little Cindy, it’s getting late. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

“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 … “<\/p>\n

“Who’s that it? Joe? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Of course, who do you want it, not Adam nor Hoss. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Cindy smiled, “Oh, Adam, I know that not since he was with me and it was me he kissed her. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It’s not true, he told you he loved you? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Rather than ten times and so so charming. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“And me, he told me that I was taking all his being, his head, his heart, his eyes, his ears …”<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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

“Oh, my God, I can not wait for tomorrow to be able to start …”<\/p>\n

“Oh, me too …”<\/p>\n

“You, my dear, you’re going to have to wait because tomorrow it will be gone in the desert. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Midnight had passed when the girls slipped into their sheets, his head full of the first fruits of sweet dreams.<\/p>\n

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 …”<\/p>\n

Hearing his wife get up, Val turned, always arched arms over her hair and, by planting a pin, she called Cindy:<\/p>\n

“Well, marmot, you wake up? Hurry up, Joe should expect for breakfast. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But what time is it? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“About seven o’clock”<\/p>\n

“You think that Adam is gone? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I do not know but there are opportunities if I judge by his habits during the journey that brought us here. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 fianc\u00e9. 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u00e9clipserai fresh. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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 T\u00f6pser to let go like that. Come on, you have to start all costs. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

When he released his grip, she looked him in the eye and asked, anxiety in his voice:<\/p>\n

“You think we have a chance to find it? \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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! \u00bb<\/p>\n

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 \u200b\u200bwater 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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Huge, motionless, arms crossed over his chest, an Indian stared, the indecipherable air.<\/p>\n

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 …”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

“Take my horse and above all, do not move from here, I’ll see what happens. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u00b0 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:<\/p>\n

“The reckless! “Squeaked Adam<\/p>\n

“Dadburnit, what’s he doing here? “Grumbled Hoss<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

As was inevitable, some pebbles suddenly detached under Joe foot support and German raised his head:<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Hands in the air! “Cried Joe, which his order vis-\u00e0-vis was at a loss to obey, his right hand being closed on the left to prevent blood from spilling.<\/p>\n

“Schweine! “He replied nastily to Joe but his insult was lost to the recipient who did not understand German.<\/p>\n

In less time than it takes to tell, detectives and Cartwright brothers found themselves around their prey<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam turned pale: “What did you say? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“What did you hear, my dear brother, she simply distorted us company at night and drove into the desert, alone! \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But I told you to watch her! \u00bb<\/p>\n

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

“But Val, why did she not stop? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“She has not heard from, sometimes people to sleep, you know”<\/p>\n

“Now, now,” Hoss was, “Do not waste time. You have to start looking for him. Where did you leave your horse? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It’s holding the Val, fifty meters from here. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam manages to become even paler: “You have brought with you? Cr\u00e9nom, Joe, you’re crazy! “And fleetingly, he heard again mentally being promised his father that he would double caution.<\/p>\n

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 … “<\/p>\n

Hoss, as usual, interjected:<\/p>\n

“Calm down, Joe, if Adam says that’s because he’s worried. So Adam, what do we do? \u00bb<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

“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 … “<\/p>\n

“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 …”<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

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 \u200b\u200bthe crew in which she was gone? Before the denials Valley, Adam, whose anxiety was growing, changed method:<\/p>\n

“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 . \u00bb<\/p>\n

Val did not take long to think about:<\/p>\n

“By helping me with the sun’s position, I would be directed me towards the south. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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 . \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Adam broke the silence<\/p>\n

“I know where she is. \u00bb<\/p>\n

They turned to him interrogative gaze: “Where? “Articulated Hoss<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Rising to the other three imploringly face, he said:<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

They dismounted and while Val and Joe were water the horses and sprinkled each other, Adam and Hoss scrutinized the ground.<\/p>\n

“I see nothing,” said Hoss.<\/p>\n

“She was there, that’s for sure,” replied Adam, “but it is clearly distributed and I do not see where. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Look, Adam, you have to be reasonable. Expect tomorrow, we will see better there. Meanwhile, he must sleep. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. You are right. Come, sit, I guard. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Wake me in three hours,” Hoss recommended by rolling in his blanket.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

The next morning, at dawn, he woke up his brothers and Val sleeping chastely huddled against Joe.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“So? “Adam asked his brother.<\/p>\n

“Nothing. No trace in any sense except that of his arrival here. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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:<\/p>\n

“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. “<\/p>\n

“It’s not safe,” remarked Hoss.<\/p>\n

Adam looked up at his brother a ravaged face: “We no longer have the time to be cautious, Hoss, I fear the worst. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss was silent, there was nothing to say.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

As he thought this, he suddenly heard two shots, taken from two different locations:<\/p>\n

“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 stopp\u00e8rent one vis-\u00e0-vis the other, the muzzles of their horses almost touching.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“Ah, the clever! She found that … “he whispered. “These are dollars that I had him in her sewing hems, you remember, Val. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes,” nodded the latter, “I have too. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“How do you know that? “Val asked a little insolent. “You read in the dollar as others read the coffee grounds? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

“We can discuss how you count the Indians? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“And if you get caught? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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 … “<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Go,” made Adam, “move forward, we will notify once in the mountain.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“We’re surrounded,” noted Adam in a neutral voice.<\/p>\n

“No more searching tactics! “Val noted in a voice which betrayed a mixture of irony and concern.<\/p>\n

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? \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“It’s their village? “Joe asked.<\/p>\n

“Looks like it,” said Adam, “but it is very surprising and very little in the habits of Shoshone. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It’s so …” stammered Hoss, “Are you …”<\/p>\n

“The Marshal von T\u00f6pser, at your service, gentlemen,” he finished taking off with a sweeping gesture his headgear.<\/p>\n

Adam, of all this talk had retained only one thing: “You saw your daughter, she’s here! I hope she is safe. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Absolutely, but do not worry, by the way, my boy, you are very imprudent for bringing a girl here in the wilderness. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Without giving Adam the time to answer a Shoshone approached the Marshal and began talking to him in a rough voice, pointing Val finger.<\/p>\n

“But I do not believe,” launched the German, this, this … boy is a girl? \u00bb<\/p>\n

It was the turn of Val to take off his hat with a gracious air, revealing his beautiful hair.<\/p>\n

“Unhappy, what did you do? “Cried Joe,” they will realize that you are a woman. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00a0“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.<\/p>\n

“What would they want? Where is Cindy? , “He asked, turning to Marshal.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What? “Croaked Adam painfully remembered having heard it. “As Ruth? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Von T\u00f6pser gasped, “You know Ruth? \u00bb<\/p>\n

And you? “Asked Adam aggressive. Then suddenly he realized that the imperfect employed by the German meant:<\/p>\n

“Know any? You mean she’s dead? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Including who he was, Von T\u00f6pser looked him straight in the eyes, with sympathetically: “For a month. You are the man she loved and she waited. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes,” did Adam felt a lump rising in his throat.<\/p>\n

“So, you are also the man dreams of marrying Cindy? “He asked in a soft tone.<\/p>\n

Adam looked up: “How do you know this? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“In that case, perhaps we could take provisions that are in our fonts” suggested the giant.<\/p>\n

“Certainly, but to give them,” said Von T\u00f6pser, “that they will remove the urge to eat your horses. \u00bb<\/p>\n

The three men \u00e9mirent same time a cry of horror and rose to rush to their mounts.<\/p>\n

\u00a0“Give me provisions,” advised the German, “I will share. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But to go? “Joe asked,” How shall we do? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You’re not back yet, young men, look at me, it’s been three years since I’m here. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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:<\/p>\n

“There are about three years, I made a legacy of the most curious, a travel book …”<\/p>\n

“We know that,” interrupted Adam, wait, come to the point, when you discovered the mine. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Seeing the eyes of Von T\u00f6pser 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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Von T\u00f6pser, 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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Here? “Asked Adam.<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

He paused a moment to chew and hurried back to the wild eye of Adam<\/p>\n

“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 … “<\/p>\n

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 T\u00f6pser to preserve the emotion of their brother. Von T\u00f6pser 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.<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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 T\u00f6pser if he could bring it where Ruth slept an eternal rest.<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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 … “<\/p>\n

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

“Above all, no movement rushed” hastened to reply von T\u00f6pser, “young girls, especially the little blonde, are our best chance of escape. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Why? “. The issue had FUSED three chests.<\/p>\n

“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 “<\/p>\n

“Do not worry, there will only talk to her French. “Said Adam<\/p>\n

“You talking about? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Enough to say that. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But,” objected Hoss, “we can not take these Shoshones in Las Vegas. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Especially if they prevent me to touch Val” Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But Baker will never want”<\/p>\n

“That, my little old, it depends on our friend von T\u00f6pser. Marshal, would you be willing to negotiate a share of your wealth to help build the fort of Las Vegas? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Von T\u00f6pser was a moment of decline; he stared at Adam frowned then, suddenly, his mouth relaxed into a grin:<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his hand, making him smile. “Well, then, let’s go, find the girls? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Von T\u00f6pser 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 T\u00f6pser.<\/p>\n

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 T\u00f6pser listened, at first worried and then, suddenly, his face lit:<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Look, we must first prevent Miss Valerie”<\/p>\n

“This will be done immediately,” said Adam, “Tell him I want to invoke my gods before approaching me. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Von T\u00f6pser retransmit the statement of Adam who, in a stentorian voice, throwing his arms in the air, began to declaim:<\/p>\n

“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

The Chahman listened gravely, and when he was sure that Adam had finished his incantation, he let them pass.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

\u00a0“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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Val, meanwhile, was thinking: “She is lucky. I stayed with Joe wise as she put us in molasses and it is this that marriage. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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! \u00bb<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Breaking the silence after one minute seemed an hour Adam, Cindy asked:<\/p>\n

\u00a0“Do I understand this strange statement as a marriage proposal? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam plunged into the eyes of his beloved a poignant look of love and anxiety:<\/p>\n

“Yes, Cindy, yes and thanks, answer me. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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,<\/p>\n

“The answer is yes, Adam. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Relieved and happy, Adam found his humor and whispered in his ear: “Yes my two requests? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Mischievous, Cindy replied, “Two? It is proposed marriage once! \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

It was then that von T\u00f6pser 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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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? \u00bb<\/p>\n

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 “<\/p>\n

“Val, jew love you” repeated Joe watching the French girl with burning eyes.<\/p>\n

Val looked at him with adoration.<\/p>\n

“I ask you to be my wife,” continued Adam<\/p>\n

“” Jew demannde you deveniwr my wife, “replied Joe<\/p>\n

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

“But first, you have to listen to my brother,” Adam finished.<\/p>\n

“What is it,” asked Joe suspicious when he saw the bewilderment of his sweetheart, “What are you doing to tell me? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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 “<\/p>\n

“Do you think she’ll say yes”<\/p>\n

This exchange was whispered in English but Val had the gist. Himself up to his full height, she exclaimed in French:<\/p>\n

“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? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“What did she say? “Asked Joe<\/p>\n

“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 T\u00f6pser, 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.<\/p>\n

“Thank God,” says Adam, “I look forward to seeing Las Vegas first and then Ponderosa. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“If Ponderosa is the name of your property,” remarked von T\u00f6pser, “we are not, we must first negotiate with the army and I lead you to my gold mine and … tomb of who you know. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“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? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Cindy replied, hermetic air, “We have plenty of time to talk on the way to Las Vegas. \u00bb<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0The sun does not whiten our bones by ViveAdam<\/div>\n
\n

The next day a caravan of six white horse, a few Indians also mounted warriors and thirty women and children walk down the foothills of the Accursed Mountains and took the road leading to the water point where Cindy was captured. Adam smiled ironing it to his beautiful and congratulated her with his clever idea to sow dollars, “It is through this that you were found, darling” (he used this expression he had so often heard in the mouth of his stepmother Mary). They continued their journey in the footsteps of Joe and Val when they heard gunshots. The three brother Cartwright looked a significant air and turned back, ready to run, “If you wish, Marshal, you will remain here with the tribe and women. My brothers and I are going to recognize. \u00bb<\/p>\n

And without waiting for the answer, they swooped like arrows in the direction of the noise. At least five hundred meters, they saw a man lying in blood, calling for help.<\/p>\n

“It looks like Steven,” Joe launched.<\/p>\n

“Yes, that’s him,” confirmed Adam. In a few strides, they joined the wounded and dismounted to surround.<\/p>\n

“He was wounded in the shoulder,” said Hoss<\/p>\n

\u00a0“Also in the thigh,” Adam completed after considering the man more closely. He got up, took the gourd attached to his saddle and sparingly licked his lips the unfortunate detective.<\/p>\n

\u00a0“Who did this to you? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Steven Adam stared at his blue eyes that glistened tears of pain, “This is Julius,” he let out a sigh.<\/p>\n

But why? “Asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

Steven opened his mouth to answer, but too low, dropped her head on the arm of Adam. “Wait,” said the latter, “I’ll tell you what I think, and we’ll sign you if it’s right. When he captured Steeple, Julius tried to make him spit the secret of mine and then he decided to appropriate it. As you geniez, he tried to shoot you down “<\/p>\n

The wounded man nodded and added in a whisper: “The’ve hurt too. Drawn on the wrist. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I see,” Adam did, “he preferred to abandon you there, assuming that the sun would finish the work, rather than to risk a fight with you that would give Steeple a chance to escape. Well, we will try to heal you, man. Hoss, help me to climb on the Sport and am very careful, he has already lost a lot of blood. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam stood behind Steven and came back not to the Indians. They looked at the back with hostility: the unconscious man that brought them was white and therefore an enemy who was not under the protection of the goddess.<\/p>\n

Adam hastened to explain to Val and Von T\u00f6pser the need to do everything to save Steven: “Not only is it a question of humanity but, in addition, Julius intends to accuse us of his death. This is a sworn detective and our word will not be worth much against his. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I want to” fit Von T\u00f6pser, “but I do not know retrieve a ball. I saw Ruth healing plants use on wounds and I took with me but I can not do more than bandages. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It’s perfect,” said Adam. “Hoss and I will remove the bullets and you will make the dressing. But I’m sorry, Miss Valerie “<\/p>\n

“Val …”<\/p>\n

“Yes, Val, excuse me, but we need you to attend us. As the wife of the Great White Buffalo, you are, in the eyes of the Indians, a healer, so you must do pretend to participate. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I’ll do better than that, I will do the dressing myself. Like all well-bred young girls, I have knowledge in nursing. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam favored her with a wide smile which she cared little while busy contemplating the one Joe aimed at him.<\/p>\n

They spread Steven on an Indian blanket, gave him a swig whiskey bottle each of Cartwright was equipped and started the operation, Val hiding them from view Indians as Von T\u00f6pser held at a respectful distance.<\/p>\n

Adam pulled the bullets he carefully put it in the pocket of his shirt, “Here,” he says, “an exhibit if it comes to the idea of \u200b\u200bSteven to make us wear the hat his crime. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Whilst he was working Von T\u00f6pser and Joe had asked the Indians utensils that allowed them to make a tepee, the same elements, pikes and animal skins, which can be used to make a pallet. Steven was laid there and the little party returned with a still slower towards Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

Bring Steven living in the state he was in, was within the challenge in this desolate landscape where the sand dunes succeeded in mudflats cracked dried by a relentless sun. Adam Von T\u00f6pser entrusted with the delicate task of explaining the need for the Indians, both slow and not to ration water in order to regularly moisten the lips of the injured and moisturize his skin. Seeing that the marshal might riot, he changed his tactics and asked him to teach Val few sentences, Shoshone language that would allow him to give his divine live instructions. When the tribe was bowed to the wishes of the woman of the Great White Bison, slow and difficult journey continued. Under the sun that was reflected in the salt walls, they all had hallucinations. Adam saw himself, hauling the stretcher that carried the carcass Kane, this madman who had brought him to the edge of madness. Joe felt the blonde haired Val dragged into endless golden rays, continuing a wave to the line of the horizon. Hoss was mirage mirage: forms quirky salt hills appearing to him, sometimes as representing the head of his father, sometimes evoking gigantic sandwiches, sometimes still Leprechauns battery agglutinated the one above the other.<\/p>\n

Cindy, for its part, bathed in a sort of lethargy. She was stripped of all ambition since she had both found her beloved father and learned that she was going to marry the man of her heart. Val, however, felt oppressed, probably because it was fully aware of the responsibility that weighed on her until they arrived in Las Vegas. As for Von T\u00f6pser less sensitive to the effects of the desert by force of habit, he began to gamberger: what would he do once he returned to civilization? Was he really ready to give up some of its mine? And besides, how to be sure that the army, once made aware, did not make off with its entire vein? Unless Captain Baker also proves that greedy Kirchubel or Julius. Certainly, the future was not rosy … Accustomed to fend for himself, the marshal did not even think that Adam, her future son-which, however, had already proved resourceful, could help in any way whatsoever.<\/p>\n

By the middle of the third day they came to Las Vegas. Adam and Joe went scouts to warn Baker they arrived with a tribe of Indians in distress, Germany’s lost and found and one of the detectives of the Pinkerton Agency wounded by his colleague. Baker frowned at this avalanche of unexpected news but gave the green light for all of this disparate caravan enters the city and gives orders both for a corner that tells them where to camp and drink for monitor the location in question.<\/p>\n

The first concern of Cartwright brothers was to bring the doctor to the village to look after Steven was in bad shape. It took some time to come so he ran arriving at Baker who had questioned the injured.<\/p>\n

The captain had to wait fifteen minutes while the doctor examined Steven and put that expectation advantage to query Von T\u00f6pser. He already knew the version of the facts and Adam could check with the detective after the green light given by the practitioner. The patient was very weak but able to answer a short interrogation, said the doctor. Soon, the captain became convinced that the story had been done to him was true.<\/p>\n

It only remained to negotiate the installation of the Indians in a viable place this last phase of Adam plane proved more difficult than expected because of the sudden reluctance Von T\u00f6pser, following his meditations during the crossing the desert. Realizing that something had changed since leaving the mountain, Cindy Adam called to the rescue for her help in convincing his father to speak. She accepted, not without apprehension. She knew the father who had left three years earlier but the man of today was it really the same?<\/p>\n

Faced with his daughter and her future son-Von T\u00f6pser eventually give way to unpack his fears. Adam, who had already thought already had the answer:<\/p>\n

“We will not be committing the imprudence to reveal the location of the mine until it has been registered as belonging to you and we will not give the army any ownership rights over the vein: we will engage just provide a certain amount of gold each year. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“And how will we save my rights without the mine site to be revealed to Baker? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“If you trust me, I will send the information to my father by telegram in code. He will do what is necessary. That way we avoid evil temptation to Baker. Now Marshal … “<\/p>\n

“Call me Valdemar, you will not give me the Marshal lifetime! \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam smiled, “Good! I was saying now Valdemar, we have to take care of your Kirchubel Jurgen and his new friend, Julius. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I can take care of myself. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00a0“I doubt it. You have not got the best Kirchubel there three years. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00a0“It took me by surprise. It will not happen anymore. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam was about to point out to his future father-Kirchubel that was now an important ally since it was a seasoned member of the Pinkerton Agency but changed his mind. It was a very remarkable man as the elder Cartwrights. Although just over thirty, it was shown great wisdom and a deep understanding of human nature. This early maturing certainly came from his childhood. Barely weaned, his father had led a long and dangerous journey. Everything was then unknown to the young inexperienced colon: the purpose of the trip, the countries to cross, people to meet, wildlife, flora and the job he was going to kiss. He had his early career as a sailor and nothing predisposed him to become a pioneer of the Far West. But on the strength of a promise made to his dying wife, he left behind twenty-five years of life to run the adventure with a baby. Adam had been treated like a little man as soon as he could speak. He had learned to be silent and overcome fear in all circumstances, whether the hazardous crossing a disassembled torrent of wandering hungry through a barren and desolate landscape involuntary incursions Indian territory or confrontation with evil and brutal men in city fungi that were born in the footsteps of the caravans. This young age without children had taught him a lot about how humans react, especially on their relationship to gold. Ill will, which was evidence of irrationality Von T\u00f6pser soon as it was his gold mine, was not surprised. One day, a journalist had used the metaphor of the “fever” of gold and the word was right. Von T\u00f6pser like others, ceased to be sane when it was mentioned. “Yet,” thought Adam, “had he, he excuses that others do not have because he had to pay full price for the discovery of his countenance an injury and three years of confinement in the cursed mountain … “.<\/p>\n

Instead of continuing a useless exchange of replicas, knowing that the logic was, in this case, ineffective, he decided to act as if that was not confessed was:<\/p>\n

“Listen, Valdemar, if I promise you over the head of your daughter that I did not come near your mine, you let me come? I will stop wherever you tell me to do, you will remain known only to its location, but at least I can watch and protect you from intruders. Do I have your agreement? \u00bb<\/p>\n

A little ashamed to feel so exposed, Von T\u00f6pser gave a little embarrassed smile and eventually drop:<\/p>\n

“Okay, but there will be you, I do not want nobody else, not even your brothers. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“That is understood. \u00bb<\/p>\n

That evening, they shared their project Hoss, Joe and the two girls and were met with strong opposition from all sides, with the sole exception Valley. The latter saw a very good eye that Joe is not exposed to new dangers but Cindy was the opposite view. We could understand: they were his father and the man who claimed his life from the heels of two robbers in-the middle of a merciless desert which they had barely escape.<\/p>\n

It required all the eloquence of Adam and authority of the marshal to silence the objections:<\/p>\n

“Come, come,” says Von T\u00f6pser, “we are not choirboys. We’ll take a day not only for rest and perk us but to equip us. Then I trust the cunning of Adam and his knowledge of the desert, but also my strength and my strategic knowledge to get the better of the two extortionists. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded lip and made a cabalistic sign Joe, in the eyes of the latter, clearly wanted to say, “Let’s pretend to bow. \u00bb<\/p>\n

As expected, two days later, Adam Cartwright and Valdemar Von T\u00f6pser perched on horses borrowed from the army (Adam did not want to unnecessarily expose Sport), armed to the teeth and fonts well stocked dry food and provisions of water, left to dawn. Cindy, that Hoss surrounded reassuringly arm could hardly back tears, “My God, Hoss, please tell me they will come back. I can not get out of my mind a feeling that it will go wrong. In my dreams, I see a bloodied man who crawls in the desert. He looks exhausted and thirsty head towards me and this is my father first and then it becomes Adam. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Calm down, Miss Cindy, we do not give up. My brother and I, we decided to give them a lead of twenty-four hours later, we will introduce us to their research and I believe that Baker will give us help. Is not allowed to take any chances with a man who has a fabulous gold mine. “He ended in a chuckle.<\/p>\n

This statement Cindy cheered up: between the protection afforded to Adam by his brothers and his father that provided the army, it is true that there was no need to worry for their lives. The gold mine might change hands but that she did not care: all the gold in the world was not worth the Adam’s arm encircling her waist.<\/p>\n

At the slow pace of his horse numbed by the heat, Von T\u00f6pser advanced without worrying about making conversation to his companion. He meditated, wondering for the twentieth time why he did not, before leaving, handed over to Cindy a plan of his mine. If, because of his stupid distrust, he carried his secret to the grave, she would not have the gold mine and there would be for him to go face the duplicity of her stepmother and fraudulent acts his notary. Obviously, she would find in Adam effective support and would not have to worry about the next day as the father of the young man seemed to have deep pockets but what if he too was killed? Certainly, his attitude was inexplicable and he wanted. He hesitated to turn around to repair his error, but caught in indecision, he plunged into the desert inexorably, making every minute his about-face increasingly difficult and ridiculous. Adam’s voice roused him from his reverie.<\/p>\n

“And now, in what direction are we going? \u00bb<\/p>\n

On his instructions, the eldest Cartwright brought him back to the water point where, a week earlier, Cindy had been captured by a Shoshone Indian. It was from there that he had to return to the path where he had the painful memory of the betrayal of Jurgen. From there, they went into dangerous territory because Kirchubel might be ambush and probably Julius with him.<\/p>\n

Fifty meters right, opened into the mesa a crevice just wide enough to let a rider: “It is here,” he pointed out.<\/p>\n

Adam frowned: “Are you sure it is necessary to take this passage It is a real cut-throat. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It widens after fifty meters. Anyway, I do not know any other way. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Well, well, if we do not have a choice … What do you prefer? Pass and let me do the screen? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I can pass, they will not shoot at me as I would not have led them to the mine. You, however, you are a nuisance. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam smiled, “You’re right, except that they will also save me this time because they are not aware that you have not told me the location of the mine. \u00bb<\/p>\n

They entered the narrow tunnel, looking up at the hills in case the sun, shimmering on the barrel of a gun, reveal a lookout lurking in the shelter of a rock but they crossed the fifty yards unhindered. Then, as announced Von T\u00f6pser, the corridor widened. They traveled for an hour because the heat hell What did reign reverb was unbearable. Men and sighed when they came home on a large inner tray, surrounded by the walls of the mesa. Adam ordered a break.<\/p>\n

“Now we are going to travel short. “Von told T\u00f6pser,” and this time, I do not see how to prevent them from knowing where we are going. There would be the solution to separate us … “<\/p>\n

“It does not blur the tracks, they would follow you. No, for me, the best thing is to get as close as possible while making the convolutions are to arrive at dusk, to draw up our camp not too far or too close to the path portion that only you know and you to leave at night and on foot. I only ask one thing, to tell me how you re-engulf you in the mountain, I can mail me on guard. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You know, my boy, I thought, I think I’ll give you the plan. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Do not do anything,” Adam hastened to say, “When you see the gold, your fever will take over and you will again become suspicious to me. Just do what I ask. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Von T\u00f6pser watched with admiration the young man who refused a fortune so easily. “I thought I got hold of a treasure,” he thought aloud, “but this is my Cindy who found it. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam looked at him with that half-smile, home, hid deep emotion: “I believe that each of us found a treasure in this expedition but yours may not be where you think. Since my childhood, I know, thanks to my father and my brothers, a loving family is worth infinitely more than a gold mine, and for having lost two stepmothers I loved, I know what he costs to be deprived of every bit of that treasure. I have found, I hope, a worthy father-I do not want to lose him for a little gold. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Von T\u00f6pser got up to shake hands with force, saying her wet eyes longer than any speech. Then he proposed to hit the road. They followed Adam plane doing tricks and turns, their not drawing a true scallop on the floor, from south to north and from west to east throughout the day until Von decided T\u00f6pser it was time to stop. They openly took their time to raise a genuine fortified camp, moving pieces of rock to install them circumference around their horses and their covers to give the impression that they barricaded themselves for the night.<\/p>\n

Adam lit a fire to cook beans and bacon and they ate in silence, scanning the night sounds. Then they carefully extinguished the fire and spread in the dark. The moon was in its first quarter and only broadcast a small light. Adam gave to Von T\u00f6pser six hours of sleep and then crawled silently, he woke him, some stones disposed alongside Von T\u00f6pser, covered the coverage of Marshal and whispered, “Now you can leave. Go crawling up the side of the mountain. You can straighten you once arrived. \u00bb<\/p>\n

To his surprise, Von T\u00f6pser replied:<\/p>\n

“I can not, Adam, I’m too ground, too tired, too old, in the end. It is for you to go. You will enter through the point that I have told you, you climb a narrow path to a sand dune. Do not venture out there, the sand is soft and you swallow. Go around it. A hundred meters on the left is a kind of tunnel. You have to crawl a few meters and then you emerge in a cave. It’s there. There is a pick to extract pieces of gold rock. The problem with this mine is his holding, he would have to work … But for now, you can just refer you to is reassuring Baker “<\/p>\n

Adam was thinking, in petto, that it was worth doing so much mystery since end of the race, he would have to hire men to exploit it. After recommending to Von T\u00f6pser imitating the owl if he saw a danger, he left, his black clothes helping to blend into the night.<\/p>\n

When he reached the crevice mentioned by Von T\u00f6pser he saw immediately that it was preceded: there was a small piece of cloth, probably torn from a shirt that was left clinging to a rocky needle. He redoubled caution when he heard a groan above him. He drew his gun and walked groping, his left hand providing details on the route of the road when he felt the sand. “That’s the dune”, he said. A new grunting reached him closer. Guided by the noise, he stepped forward and then the noise came from the dune. He reached into his pocket a match and, while standing ready to shoot, snapped it on his sole. A fleeting glow of the flame, he saw the head of Julius emerging only the heap of sand:<\/p>\n

“Help, I sink,” cried the detective saw the light, “Steeple, have mercy, viiite. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Horrified, Adam reconstructed the scene: if Julius thought he was Steeple, aka Kirchubel, it meant that he himself had avoided being swamped by the dune. Voluntarily or not, he had to leave it Julius hazard. Unfortunately, Adam could not do anything for the unfortunate who was sinking inexorably victim of his greed. Adam uttered a silent prayer for the man who died three meters away from him and went on his way, knowing that now Kirchubel knew someone was there and assumed it was someone Marshal Von T\u00f6pser. It would not show, waiting for it opens the way to the mine. But Adam was not going to get into her game. Since Julius had revealed his presence, so take the initiative. Delving back into his pocket, he pulled out a crumpled piece of paper and threw it to him, then another cracking match, threw it on the paper that was hot, making a little light. A second, no more, he spotted the flicker of a piece of metal and pulled in that direction.<\/p>\n

“Aaarch. Donnerwetter … “he heard. Then a long sentence in German followed this exclamation. Adam did not understand that language. Clearly Kirchubel took him for his former boss. Taking again, he launched “Hands up, Kirchubel! \u00bb<\/p>\n

Who are you? “Answered the voice, in English this time.<\/p>\n

“Police. I just stop you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“At this hour, at night? You do nothing, my poor old man, how do you stop me? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I see nothing but I hear and I have all my time. I’ll wait for the day and then I stop you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I’ll be long gone. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I bet not. You hit the point, you will not leave like that “<\/p>\n

“My goal, what? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“The gold mine of your old master, Von T\u00f6pser marshal. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You are well informed. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes, straight from the source. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Well, Mr. policeman, I’ll wait for me too and in the morning I will kill you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“That’s what we’ll see,” Adam did, squaring comfortably behind a rock hollow.<\/p>\n

The wait began. The hardest part was to fight against sleep. The day had been hard and Adam was given a short rest four hours. To avoid falling, he began thinking about Cindy, his body d\u00e9taillait it in her head, her beautiful hair to his tiny feet, through dark eyes to the changing expression, ruddy The mischievous mouth neck that was bent, the bold breasts that pointed in the bodice, thin waist … The legs? He had not seen his legs hidden under ample skirts, unlike those of Val whose thinness was imprisoned in the pants she wore boy since the beginning of the trip. Legs, for the moment, he needed to imagine, but he had no doubt that they were at the height of the rest. No, really, it was what is commonly called a nice little lot. He smiled at the thought when he heard the sound of snoring.<\/p>\n

So Kirchubel, he could not resist! It was a godsend that we should not waste it. He waited a few minutes to be sure that his opponent was fast asleep snoring but was very regular. He scratched a new match. The sleeper remained impassive. Being guided by the sound Adam walked and stopped when he felt a rock face in his palm. Kirchubel was obviously hiding behind that rock. Adam walked around and sat in the dark behind his opponent in a position to, or so he supposed, of the overhang. He had voluntarily placed in an uncomfortable pose not to succumb, too, to sleep. He resumed his reverie about Cindy, trying to imagine what life would be like once finished this adventure. The young woman seemed stubborn and he felt that he needed to curb his authoritarian temperament if he wanted to get on well with her. On second thought, moreover, he had never courted a woman actually submitted. Regina herself, raised in an apparently quite strict Quakers environment with women, had demonstrated that it was bowing easily. Ruth, in one of the last words she had spoken to him, had questioned the oath of obedience that every woman should, in principle, lead to her husband … No, really, despite his taste for command, his instinct urged him not to soft, impressionable women. But it was necessary, in matters of love, knowing how to listen intuition. He would learn to Cindy to think, not to give in too easily in his first impulse. He would handle as is a wild horse with a gentle firmness. Patience and tenderness would do more and better than the hard way. He thought of his father’s relationship with each of them: even with Hoss, Ben would sometimes compose, even with Joe. Meanwhile, typically, it was only by reasoning that could persuade him to change his mind. But Cindy seemed to belong to the type “Joe” …<\/p>\n

His sentimental musing thus continued until dawn and the first light enabled him to discover, three meters from him, turning her back, slumped against the silhouette of rock called Kirchubel. He took off his hat, pulled the bandana which constituted the lining and approached the German to tie his hands. Unfortunately, his foot caught a stone went rolling on the person’s forehead so that when Adam fell upon him, he was fully awake, although it has not had time to point his weapon. There followed a melee more dangerous antagonists were in a steep path. Adam had managed to disarm Kirchubel but he replied, grabbing a rock that hit the forehead, causing him severe pain if he dropped his gun.<\/p>\n

“I got you, schweine” exclaimed Kirchubel picking it but Adam had rebounded enough to ship him a kick in the groin which folded in half. The gun changed hands again. While holding Kirchubel plays, Adam wondered what to do. The German was tricky: if Adam made him turn back, it would do pass, risking it to start running in the meanders of the trail. On the other hand, access to the mine supposed to crawl through a tunnel. If Adam passed, Kirchubel take to their heels, if passed behind it was pure suicide because the bandit find the deck and could only wait it emerges from the tunnel to smash him skull.<\/p>\n

Definitely the solution of the mine was the most risky: Kirchubel grasping the weapon in his left hand and his right hand, Adam enjoined debauchery heading back along the dune walking with measured steps. On the first turn, tried to distort Kirchubel him company but Adam joined him in a few strides and pulled in his feet as a warning shot. The bandit calmed. Arrived at the dune, Adam turned his head toward the heap of sand but found no trace of Julius. “Fortunately,” he said to himself under his breath, “Steven was able to speak because otherwise God knows who was accused of the death of this unfortunate Julius. No one would have ever wanted to believe that Pinkerton Detective Agency could betray his duty in this way. “<\/p>\n

After the dune, it took down the narrow path. Hampered by the blood flowing on his eye, Adam paused a moment to absorb. Kirchubel noticed and went like hell. Adam pulled judgmental, both try to stop that to alert Von T\u00f6pser.<\/p>\n

It was there, camped, rifle in hand, when Kirchubel led to the current board and he greeted his old home with a round of warning froze the fugitive.<\/p>\n

“Ach, master Jurgen, not sorry to see you …”<\/p>\n

Kirchubel recoiled as if he wanted to blend into the wall but actually refuge, he found the two guns Adam who dug into her skin, “I think this is the end, Kirchubel” said Adam. “Valdemar you will find on the side of my horse dicked what this unsavory. \u00bb<\/p>\n

And the other? “Asked Von T\u00f6pser while it was running. Adam recounted concisely him the sad end of Julius.<\/p>\n

“God rest his soul but it was a tough rascal,” says Von T\u00f6pser as an epitaph. “But gold, Adam, do not you find? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam explained the choice that was available to him: “But now,” he finished, “nothing prevents you from accessing your most mine and draw all the gold you want. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Unexpectedly, Valdemar laughed: “Because, you see, my dear Adam, I have made myself to the idea that it is you who are going to climb, crawl, dig down and wearing the gold. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam replied, laughing, too, but a little nervously, “I see. Certainly, it is a fad. Reminds me a Kane had exploited to exhaustion me to let me extract gold from a mine that does not contain. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But mine contains, I assure you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Maybe, but if you do not want to do the work yourself, you’ll have to let me sleep, I’m exhausted. I will go when the sun will be a little declined. Getting closer to the wall to put us in the shade and watch out our host. If he is thirsty or hungry, let eat or drink without detaching it is dangerous. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Do not worry, I am well placed to know. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam took the time to get a bandage around his head to stop the bleeding and then he let himself slip into a voluptuous sleep under the surly look of fatherly Kirchubel Von T\u00f6pser. It shook him on the stroke of five o’clock.<\/p>\n

“Hey, marmot species, wake up, the sun has turned and it is time to get on with it”<\/p>\n

Tapped by a terrible migraine, Adam sat, head in hands. He looked fresh water, both for drinking and sprinkle. He felt bad shape and demanded a cafe that did him good. Then he walked to the mine trail.<\/p>\n

It took still bandaged his energy to remake the way the day before. He found the tunnel entrance, went inside, crawled a few meters careful not to turn off the gas lamp he had brought with him and then uncorked, as announced, in a vast cave walls which sparks flew ” dammit, “he whispered,” It’s true that there’s something for a fortune. \u00bb<\/p>\n

He set to work not without difficulty, each sod he gave pretend ringing in his head. “But, what do I have? “If he asked. “This must be the blow that gave me this rascal Kirchubel. \u00bb<\/p>\n

He attacked an asperity that seemed easier to detach. This was a beautiful specimen. After twenty minutes of effort, the piece of rock fell to the ground while simultaneously Adam collapsed, unconscious.<\/p>\n

He came to himself, rocked by a quick time upside down. Painfully opening his eyes, he saw what at first seemed to be only a brown mass which then took shape as the cloth trousers. He realized he was made to go down the path wearing it. He groaned.<\/p>\n

“It looks like it comes down to it,” said the voice of Joe.<\/p>\n

“God be praised. I can not stop now, Adam, but I’m asking you as soon as possible, “said the voice of Hoss.<\/p>\n

Nausea, Adam closed his eyes. A few minutes later, he felt himself lifted and placed as gently as possible on the floor. “It’s going to Adam? “Joe asked. How do you feel? “Asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

Where am I? “Stammered Adam and he fell unconscious.<\/p>\n

“Quick, water” shouted Hoss.<\/p>\n

“What is it? “Asked Von T\u00f6pser while Baker soldiers brought a water bottle.<\/p>\n

“We found in the cave, next to the rock that Joe carries in his bundle. He had lost consciousness. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But what has happened? He has still not been attacked, Jurgen has not moved from my sight. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I do not know sir Von T\u00f6pser. He has a band, what’s the blood on his head? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“This is the wound that made him Jurgen when they fought yesterday morning. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You have carefully before letting him go in the mine? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“No,” was Von T\u00f6pser, pitiful.<\/p>\n

“Then look no further. It would have a concussion that it would not surprise me more than that. \u00bb<\/p>\n

While talking, Hoss moistened the face of his brother opened his eyes:<\/p>\n

Where am I? “He asked again.<\/p>\n

“You’re with me, Joe, Marshal, Baker and his men, and that brigand Steeple at the foot of the mesa cursed. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But … what are you doing here? I told you to stay in Vegas … “<\/p>\n

“Nonsense, you did not think we were going to leave your carcass dry out in the frying pan. We usually you’re here to break our feet, that we would miss if it stopped too. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam smiled faintly immediately followed by a grimace. “I’m terribly headache …”<\/p>\n

“Here,” Baker was waving a bottle, “I laudanum, give in, it will take until we were back in Las Vegas. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Epilogue<\/p>\n

It was the excitement when, Baker led the little band came on in Las Vegas. The Indians waited, curious to know what the Pale Faces went searching the Cursed Mountain, Val and Cindy watched their men and it screamed when she saw that his coming on a stretcher.<\/p>\n

“Do not panic, Miss Cindy, we’ll call the doctor, it’s probably a concussion. \u00bb<\/p>\n

These words, to reassure the girl only aggravated his anxiety. She spent three days and three nights at the bedside of his beloved who, subject to fever, reached temperature peaks. Joe and Hoss had telegraphed to their father who had rushed. He arrived after five days sweating, unshaven, eyes surrounded by fatigue from having speedily through fear of arriving too late to see his son alive. But Adam had passed the critical point and was now the doctor confirmed it, out of danger.<\/p>\n

Knowing his useless help the sick room, Von T\u00f6pser attended to settle the fate of the Indians and that of his mine. He entered into negotiations with Baker and said:<\/p>\n

“Listen to me, Captain, I am ready to show me very generous to the army if, on the one hand, you make me safety in the operation of my mine and, secondly, you agree to install the Shoshone in a sufficiently fertile place for them to live with dignity. Find me a place somewhere between Las Vegas and Virginia City. I will leave the Army a good percentage of gold taken from my mine “<\/p>\n

“How many? “Asked Baker, ready to battle to get 10%.<\/p>\n

“33%”, said Von T\u00f6pser, 25% for the Army and 8% for you personally. I want you to be my stint here, so I you are interested in the results. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Net dried and choked joy, Baker could not utter a word, and confined himself to reach out to this amazing German.<\/p>\n

“As I understand it, that’s okay,” gloated the Marshal. “And above all, hold me Jurgen behind very thick bars, I do not want to find it on my way, this scorpion. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“With all the murders he has to his credit, do not worry, it will be the rope. “Said Baker.<\/p>\n

When Ben felt reassured to his eldest son, he asked his son to present the Marshal and two girls and asked to be aware of what had happened. He collected from each of the scattered stories until he almost reconstructed the puzzle. All that was missing the party that Adam was alone know. When the doctor came into the thought convalescence, ten days after their return to Las Vegas, they found themselves all in his room for a full story.<\/p>\n

“And now,” asked Ben, when he judged fully informed “what are your plans? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“To whom do you ask, Pa,” said Joe.<\/p>\n

“But each of you. Who wants to start? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Me, because it’s going to go fast,” launched Hoss, “My plan is to go Ponderosa and m’attabler before a feast prepared by Hop-Sing. \u00bb<\/p>\n

All laughed, and Ben turned to his youngest son: “That is clear. And you, Joe, are your plans the same? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Joe, before answering, went for Val whose blond hair shone throughout the room, “I will never say\u00a0 my<\/em> \u00a0projects, but\u00a0 our<\/em> \u00a0projects, Pa I want you to Valerie St. Quentesseth but do like everyone else, call the Val. waiting to call your daughter because I love him and I want to marry her. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Val: “And you, young lady, are you willing to marry my son Starling? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Val was a little pout gently mocking: “Especially agree, Mr. Cartwright that I am exactly like him, your son will tell you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It is true! “Commented Adam, the bed bottom,” Val, it’s a female Joe, I am seen me from day one. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Well,” Ben was laughing, “I do not know if we have enough nerve to withstand Joe in duplicate but we will try. Come here, my child, “he said, opening his arms,” \u200b\u200bjust as I embrace you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Val rushed to Ben and let him kiss her, tears to her eyes. That was ten years she had not known a father’s hug and she confessed very simply to Ben.<\/p>\n

“My dear girl, if you want, I’m ready to replace the extent possible, the father that you no longer have. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Say yes, Val, my darling,” said Joe, “Pa has always been highly developed paternal fiber. You’ll find your account. \u00bb<\/p>\n

She turned to him, “You have me for the rest of my life enough for my happiness. But if, as a bonus, I gained a father … “<\/p>\n

“And brothers …” added Hoss.<\/p>\n

“And a sister,” Cindy completed<\/p>\n

“… Then” finished Val, “I’m the happiest girl in the world. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Tied! “Cindy cried a shrill tone that caught Ben’s attention to it.<\/p>\n

“Ah, but it’s true,” said the patriarch, “I feel that I am not out wedding announcements.<\/p>\n

“No, indeed,” said Joe.<\/p>\n

“Ca, Pa, you have to prepare yourself to a double wedding …” replied Hoss<\/p>\n

“Whoa, wait,” cried the Marshal, “is you, Cartwright, asking me the hand of my daughter for your son. The daughter then she has a father and not the least. \u00bb<\/p>\n

At that time, a noise like a gunshot, startled. They froze.<\/p>\n

“Ah, finally a little silence,” was Adam, “I was forced to slam a paper bag to make you shut up. I would point to all this is to me and to anyone else that comes care to tell Pa I want to marry Cindy. You can request it in forms Marshal, I did not worry too much as it has given me. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Von T\u00f6pser held out his hands to Ben then turned to Cindy and, after having affectionately embrace, pushed her into Ben’s arms embraced him warmly. “Two daughters of a sudden, I who expect this for so long, at least as far as my eldest son. Bravo, my dear, you were right this confirmed bachelor, I congratulate you.<\/p>\n

After being released from Ben’s arms, Cindy approached her fianc\u00e9 who, having straightened, pulled her to him for a long kiss without seeming embarrassed by the audience watching them.<\/p>\n

“And now, my dear stepfather,” he said after leaving with regret the lips of his bride, “it is for you to tell us what you want to do. You will go back to Germany? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes, Dad,” adds Cindy, what are your plans for you.<\/p>\n

He took no shoulders and looked into his eyes:<\/p>\n

“My little girl,” he said in a trembling voice, “I had a lot to think about the last three years and more in the last three weeks. My decision is made, you found me, you will not lose me. I stay here. I’ll settle in Virginia City while keeping a pied-a-terre in Las Vegas and I will devote myself to the defense of Shoshone. They need to be helped. That’s what will my gold. I have already arranged everything with Baker, I would you know, Adam because you are already my partner in all my stuff, hold it for you said. The rest of the time I look forward to the opportunity to indulge in the art of being a grandfather to Adam with your children and you, but if they are willing, with those of Joe and Val and, when they come, those of Hoss. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But my mother? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“That one, she will pay his greed and coldness of heart. As soon as we in Virginia City, I will write to my lawyer in New York and make him remove the management of my property. I will sell the family home and would install it and two monkeys, in a modest house they will only have to maintain themselves. Domestic finished! Ah, she laughed at our expense! That she would bite the fingers now. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Do not worry,” said Cindy in the ear of Adam, “I still have all the time traveling back to make him soften his sentence. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Emu and admiration to the ability to forgive his fianc\u00e9e, the Adam took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. Joe saw him, smiled, took Val to him and did the same, while Ben, Hoss and Valdemar were eclipsed on tiptoe.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 END<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span> \u00a0All recognizable characters and settings Publicly are the property of respective owners Their. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being white made \u200b\u200bfrom this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Summary:\u00a0 Cindy arrives in Virginia City, in search of a father left for three years, looking for a gold mine<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0K + WC 30,600<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":130,"featured_media":3721,"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],"tags":[14,16],"class_list":["post-4167","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1373,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam-joe-c.jpg?fit=245%2C230&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14010,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14010","url_meta":{"origin":4167,"position":0},"title":"The Runaway Bride (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"March 20, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe claims he saw someone riding across a ridge on a moonlit night, but his family doesn\u2019t believe his story. 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