{"id":4173,"date":"2007-04-25T15:20:37","date_gmt":"2007-04-25T19:20:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4173"},"modified":"2026-07-30T14:40:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T18:40:48","slug":"les-lambris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4173","title":{"rendered":"Les lambris (by ViveAdam)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0 \u00a0It happened on April’s Fool Day.\u00a0 (Click here for French version<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated: <\/span>\u00a0K \u00a0 WC 2,165<\/span><\/p>\n

The paneling\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n

It was often<\/strong> at breakfast that Ben Cartwright used to give instructions and distribute a portion to her son.<\/p>\n

That morning, April 1, the three boys, Adam, Hoss and Joe were asking if by some miracle they were not at the edge of an unexpected day off.<\/p>\n

“Hoss, leave this with Papa,” remarked Adam saw his huge brother take a third slice of caramel cream.<\/p>\n

“But you see he does not go down,” said Hoss, mouth full. “They had dry booze last night with her boyfriend Harry and his wine. It’s not worth it to let loose a good cream … “<\/p>\n

– “Who accuses me of sleeping off my wine? “Cast one vote on the first floor.<\/p>\n

Hoss bright as red, “It’s me, Dad,” he mumbled. “Excuse me, you know, I was joking. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “I do not believe you, but I forgive you because you have a little reason,” replied Ben down, unsteadily, up the stairs. “Joe, therefore serve me a cup of black coffee. And you, Adam, asked Ho-Psing to me two eggs and bacon. This will give me. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Once full, Ben sat back in his chair and looked around on her son waiting, looking a little taken aback.<\/p>\n

– “Well, boys, it was a good ten years I had not seen Harry. The last time he had seen Joe was still a kid in short pants. Sacred Harry! Harry lucky, as it is called. He always got by luck that I got from work. When he wanted something, he was a good bet to do with the owner … and he won. He claims he never lost … “<\/p>\n

– “Maybe it will never happen to him,” Joe said, laughing.<\/p>\n

– “I hope you’re wrong because the last bet he did, it was with me last night. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “You did that? Well, you, you are not afraid! “Joe replied, slapping thighs.<\/p>\n

His father smiled: “I especially think I drank a little too much. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam was curled up in his chair, “May we know what you bet? “Hissed between his teeth.<\/p>\n

His father emphasized his smile. “You know, to go, he wanted to accompany me and it is up to my room. He greatly admired the paneled walls that you posed it. I told him that you had crafted each panel of your hands. He could not believe it. “<\/p>\n

– “I thank him for the compliment but we digress. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “Not as much as you think! I bet him you’d be able to lambrisser his own room in a month … “<\/p>\n

Adam stood up abruptly, hands flat on the table: “In one month! But do you realize the time I spent tweaking you these signs? Not the same! I got put on the day of your 53 years for you to have your room to your 54 years. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “Yes, but you did that night, after your work. Here I give you your full days to do so. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Depressed, Adam fell in his chair. “And the challenge? “He asked, trembling. “What is at stake? \u00bb<\/p>\n

His father let out a moment of silence. He knew his son and he was in the process of weighing what answer would be likely to do to excel.<\/p>\n

– “The sawmill. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Pale, Adam stood up: “Are you crazy! “He cried. “The mill, sawmill … do you realize you? \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “Bah! “Ben replied,” this mill, it is only you that are interested. Your brothers have always preferred to tend livestock rather than cutting drums. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “But the wood is still a large part of our income! \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “So, we will sell the timber, that’s all. And anyway, it’s not worth panicking, we will win this bet. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “Easy for you to say,” fumed her senior.<\/p>\n

Ben sought help from the other two but Hoss rolled frightened eyes and for once silent, Joe scratched his head. He got up and walked over to Adam.<\/p>\n

– “Look, Adam, I would very much like to win this bet. I will put all men, it will take all means at your disposal. And when you’re successful, you can ask me whatever you want. \u00bb<\/p>\n

In an angry movement, Adam pulled away and went to the door.<\/p>\n

– Where are you going? “Joe asked.<\/p>\n

– “Where do you want me to go? A sawmill. I better put me right away. \u00bb<\/p>\n

He went out and recrossed his head: “You’d better bring me food and my blanket and linen replacement. I’ll have to sleep on site. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “You will have everything you want! Ben cried, eagerly.<\/p>\n

– “In this case, do not forget that I need at least two shirts a day. I hate to marinate in my sweat. \u00bb<\/p>\n

And mounted his horse, he galloped.<\/p>\n

– “He is furious! “Joe said.<\/p>\n

– “But also,” added Hoss, “what idea you went through your head? Why bet the sawmill?<\/p>\n

Ben laughed, “So you, too, have fallen into the trap? I never bet the mill … I bet … Oh no, that’s too funny … I bet … “<\/p>\n

Choking with laughter, he could not continue. “But, what do you bet? “Insisted Hoss.<\/p>\n

– “I bet my uniform navy lieutenant old. It’s been ages that I can not even insinuate myself into it but Harry has always wanted. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “And if you win? \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “I win this magnificent amber pipe representing a woman’s body. Never have I seen such a beautiful pipe. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “Why have told Adam …”<\/p>\n

– “What you had bet the sawmill? \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “Do not talk both at once. If I had told Adam what the trivial issues of my bet, he would never have agreed to work hard for a month as he will. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss took the bored look on his face when he discovered a reproach to his father he liked to place on a pedestal.<\/p>\n

– “Dad, do not you think it is a bit exaggerated … as Adam … to work for so little. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “If, Hoss, but it is too late. Betting is done and done well. I have a debt of honor now and that annoy me much to have to give that uniform. For me, it is a reminder of the time when I was courting the mother of Adam. Come, come, bring him his things and then to work. For a month, we will have to work on three of four. \u00bb<\/p>\n

When they came to the sawmill, the foreman, Rabouy, advanced to his master, “I dunno not what you did to Adam Mister, Mister Ben but he hustled us as ever. He says he needs to prepare molds to burn wood, four reasons, although it will be enough for this … Oh no, I can not repeat the word he used … In short, everyone is there cutting thin sheets as if the lives of Ponderosa inhabitants depended on it. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “There is a bit of that, Rabouy, there was a bit of that … Listen, I ask you to make every effort to meet Adam. I gave him an order very difficult to achieve, I am aware. So help him, you will have all a nice bonus at the end of the month. This will comfort you have had to bear the irascibility of my son. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “But never Mister Mister Joe and Hoss we scramble like that. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “You know, Fred,” Hoss spoke with a kind smile, “must admit that none of us has ever had to cut down the work Dad has awarded Adam. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “Oh that, for sure! “Nodded Rabouy” for sure Mister Adam, it’s a hard worker. None of us can claim to tire more than him. Ca, must be recognized. And he intends to organize work. Come on, Mister Well, let’s give him a hand in vot’gamin. Basically, we like it, you know. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0“Me too, I like it,” commented Ben with a half smile, “but for now, I will not venture to go the bother. Hey, Hoss, carries her business. And ensures it has unlimited coffee, it is a major consumer. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “We would have added whiskey,” insinuated Joe, ironic, “but Pa and her boyfriend have not left. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “Joe,” says Ben, “Remember that I am still able to flank you a spanking. \u00bb<\/p>\n

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

– “Harry,” Ben said triumphantly, “We are April 30 and Adam told me he stuck this morning, the last paneling. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “Oh yes, Ben, it’s fantastic! I assure you that I do not regret my old pipe or lost my first bet. Except yours, no room can compete with mine. Of course, I’ll shall regulate supplies and labor. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “It is expensive! \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “I doubt it. That’s why I have a proposition for you. Give me your son. We could serially rooms paneled bourgeois Sacramento. It would suffice to create a different pattern for each family and we would roll manufacturing. There is a fortune to be made. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “Ask the him directly, it is major. Well, here it is. \u00bb<\/p>\n

His black shirt widely notched brown fleece on his chest, Adam had just appeared. He planted himself, hands on hips in a gesture that was familiar to him and called out, “Your room is complete, Mr Burby. In less than a month! \u00bb<\/p>\n

And his sleeve, he wiped the sweat from his forehead.<\/p>\n

– “Call me Harry and let me congratulate you, young man. If you want, I’ll serve you a coffee and while you drink it, I’ll make you an offer. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “You will have to wait, I’m afraid, Mr Burby. For now, I have only one thing in mind, my bed I have not slept more than four hours a night for a month. \u00bb<\/p>\n

And glaring at his father, he left without another word.<\/p>\n

He slept forty-eight hours straight. When he decided to emerge from his sheets, he found a sumptuously laid table and a bottle of champagne from France, ready to be uncorked. His father had everything to celebrate his success.<\/p>\n

– “Come on, champ, I hope you’re not angry now. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “Well, no. It’s hard to keep out of rage when a heavy sleep. And I think it’s a good idea, this champagne. I believe I have deserved well. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “In this regard,” said Ben, “it’s time to talk reward. Tell me your number. Sure, it’s a bonus that will be added to your salary. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “I do not need money,” smiled Adam, “the mill is mine. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– What are you saying? \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “If I had not won your stupid bet is Mr Burby that is the current owner of the sawmill. I prevented it changes hands, it is for me, it’s only fair. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “But, but, Adam …” stammered Joe.<\/p>\n

– “What does he? You consider that I strip you of your heritage? It’s not me, it’s your father who has involved our heritage. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss wanted to dive, reveal the truth. Ben stopped him: “The Ref,” he said. “I made a ridiculous lie to push you, Adam, to win a bet that served only to satisfy my vanity to lose Harry his first bet! It costs me the sawmill, the market is fair. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Turning to his two youngest son, he apologized: “Basically, this mill was the last of your worries. I compensate you. Harry paid me his dear deluxe room. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “I may be half asleep,” interjected Adam, “but some details escape me. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben looked very unhappy. “At my age, 54, I have not yet learned to weigh the consequences of my actions and words. Really had I abused the divine bottle for not having realized that it was better to lose that bet lie to my son. I prefer not hide it any longer, Adam sawmill was not the issue. It was only my naval uniform. I told you this invention to be sure you’d do the impossible. From now on, you’ll never have confidence in me. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss had approached his father as to protect it. Joe’s eyes were turning to coal.<\/p>\n

Adam remained silent a moment, mouth open and then burst into a great laugh. “You did that, you, just to make me slaving away? Ha, ha, ha, really, Dad, you are very youngest of us all. Ha, ha, ha … When I think that I gave myself so hard to keep your Navy uniform! \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “In which I am the only one to go,” noted Joe by joining the hilarity of his senior.<\/p>\n

– “And all that he has won,” added Hoss gasping with laughter, “it is a pipe shaped naked woman. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– “It was necessary that I am a companion to share my beautiful room,” says Ben, relieved. “Now, at the table. All these emotions have dug my appetite. I bet I’ll eat more than Hoss. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– Bet not, Dad. This fails you. Hoss is able to earn you Ho-Psing.<\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Les Lambris<\/center><\/b>C\u2019\u00e9tait souvent au petit-d\u00e9jeuner que Ben Cartwright avait l\u2019habitude de donner ses instructions et de distribuer la t\u00e2che \u00e0 ses fils.<\/p>\n

Ce matin-l\u00e0, premier avril, les trois gar\u00e7ons, Adam, Hoss et Joe \u00e9taient en train de se demander si, par miracle, ils n\u2019\u00e9taient pas \u00e0 l\u2019or\u00e9e d\u2019une journ\u00e9e inattendue de cong\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Hoss, laisses-en \u00e0 Papa \u00bb, remarqua Adam en voyant son \u00e9norme fr\u00e8re reprendre une troisi\u00e8me tranche de cr\u00e8me caramel.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais tu vois bien qu\u2019il ne descend pas \u00bb, r\u00e9pondit Hoss, la bouche pleine. \u00ab Ils ont d\u00fb picoler sec, hier soir, avec son copain Harry et il cuve son vin. Ce n\u2019est pas la peine de laisser perdre une si bonne cr\u00e8me\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Qui m\u2019accuse de cuver mon vin ? \u00bb lan\u00e7a une voix du premier \u00e9tage.<\/p>\n

Hoss rougit comme une pivoine : \u00ab C\u2019est moi, P\u2019pa \u00bb, fit-il bredouillant. \u00ab Excuse-moi, tu sais, je plaisantais. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Je ne te crois pas mais je te pardonne car tu as un peu raison \u00bb, r\u00e9pliqua Ben en descendant, d\u2019un pas incertain, l\u2019escalier. \u00ab Joe, sers-moi donc une pleine tasse de caf\u00e9 noir. Et toi, Adam, demande \u00e0 Ho-Psing de me faire deux \u0153ufs au bacon. Cela me remettra. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Une fois rassasi\u00e9, Ben se cala dans son fauteuil et jeta un regard circulaire sur ses fils qui attendaient, l\u2019air un peu interloqu\u00e9.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Eh bien, mes gar\u00e7ons, cela faisait bien dix ans que je n\u2019avais pas vu Harry. La derni\u00e8re fois qu\u2019il avait aper\u00e7u Joe, c\u2019\u00e9tait encore un gamin en culottes courtes. Sacr\u00e9 Harry ! Harry le chanceux, comme on l\u2019appelle. Il a toujours obtenu par chance ce que j\u2019obtenais par travail. Quand il voulait quelque chose, il trouvait un bon pari \u00e0 faire avec le propri\u00e9taire\u2026 et il gagnait. Il pr\u00e9tend n\u2019avoir encore jamais perdu\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Peut-\u00eatre bien que cela ne lui arrivera jamais \u00bb, dit Joe en riant.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab J\u2019esp\u00e8re bien que tu te trompes car le dernier pari qu\u2019il a fait, c\u2019est avec moi, hier soir. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Tu as fait \u00e7a ? Eh bien, toi, tu n\u2019as pas peur ! \u00bb reprit Joe en se tapant sur les cuisses.<\/p>\n

Son p\u00e8re lui sourit : \u00ab Je crois surtout que j\u2019avais bu un coup de trop. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam s\u2019\u00e9tait recroquevill\u00e9 dans son fauteuil : \u00ab Peut-on savoir ce que tu as pari\u00e9 ? \u00bb, siffla-t-il entre ses dents.<\/p>\n

Son p\u00e8re accentua son sourire. \u00ab Tu sais, pour rentrer, il a tenu \u00e0 m\u2019accompagner et il est mont\u00e9 dans ma chambre. Il a beaucoup admir\u00e9 les murs lambriss\u00e9s que tu y as pos\u00e9s. Je lui ai dit que tu avais confectionn\u00e9 chaque panneau de tes mains. Il n\u2019en revenait pas \u00bb.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Je le remercie du compliment mais cela nous \u00e9loigne du sujet. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Pas tant que tu crois ! Je lui ai pari\u00e9 que tu serais capable de lambrisser sa propre chambre en un mois\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

Adam se dressa brusquement, les mains \u00e0 plat sur la table : \u00ab En un mois ! Mais est-ce que tu te rends compte du temps que j\u2019ai pass\u00e9 \u00e0 te fignoler ces panneaux ? Pas un pareil ! Je m\u2019y suis mis le jour de tes 53 ans pour que tu aies ta chambre \u00e0 tes 54 ans. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Oui, mais tu faisais \u00e7a le soir, apr\u00e8s ton travail. L\u00e0 je te donnerais tes journ\u00e9es compl\u00e8tes pour le faire. \u00bb<\/p>\n

D\u00e9prim\u00e9, Adam s\u2019\u00e9croula dans son fauteuil. \u00ab Et l\u2019enjeu ? \u00bb, interrogea-t-il, tremblant. \u00ab Quel est l\u2019enjeu ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Son p\u00e8re laissa passer un moment de silence. Il connaissait bien son fils et il \u00e9tait en train de peser quelle r\u00e9ponse serait de nature \u00e0 le faire se surpasser.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab La scierie. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Tout p\u00e2le, Adam se releva : \u00ab Mais tu es fou ! \u00bb cria-t-il. \u00ab La scierie, la scierie\u2026 te rends-tu compte ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Bah ! \u00bb, r\u00e9torqua Ben, \u00ab cette scierie, il n\u2019y a que toi qu\u2019elle int\u00e9resse. Tes fr\u00e8res ont toujours pr\u00e9f\u00e9r\u00e9 s\u2019occuper du b\u00e9tail plut\u00f4t que de tron\u00e7onner des f\u00fbts. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Mais le bois, c\u2019est quand m\u00eame une grande partie de nos revenus ! \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Et alors, nous vendrons le bois sur pied, voil\u00e0 tout. Et puis, de toute fa\u00e7on, ce n\u2019est pas la peine de s\u2019affoler, on va le gagner, ce pari. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Facile \u00e0 dire pour toi \u00bb, fulmina son a\u00een\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Ben chercha de l\u2019aide aupr\u00e8s des deux autres mais Hoss roulait des yeux effar\u00e9s et, pour une fois muet, Joe se grattait la t\u00eate. Il se leva et s\u2019approcha d\u2019Adam.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Ecoute, Adam, je tiens beaucoup \u00e0 gagner ce pari. Je mettrai tous les hommes, tous les moyens qu\u2019il faudra \u00e0 ta disposition. Et quand tu auras r\u00e9ussi, tu pourras me demander ce que tu voudras. \u00bb<\/p>\n

D\u2019un mouvement rageur, Adam se d\u00e9gagea et gagna la porte.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab O\u00f9 vas-tu ? \u00bb, lui demanda Joe.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab O\u00f9 veux-tu que j\u2019aille ? A la scierie. J\u2019ai int\u00e9r\u00eat \u00e0 m\u2019y mettre tout de suite. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Il sortit puis repassa la t\u00eate : \u00ab Vous feriez bien de m\u2019apporter des vivres et ma couverture ainsi que du linge de rechange. Je vais \u00eatre oblig\u00e9 de dormir sur place. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Tu auras tout ce que tu veux ! cria Ben, empress\u00e9.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Dans ce cas, n\u2019oublie pas qu\u2019il me faut au moins deux chemises par jour. J\u2019ai horreur de mariner dans ma sueur. \u00bb
\nEt enfourchant son cheval, il partit au galop.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Il est furieux ! \u00bb, d\u00e9clara Joe.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Mais aussi \u00bb, rench\u00e9rit Hoss, \u00ab quelle id\u00e9e t\u2019est pass\u00e9e par la t\u00eate ? Pourquoi parier la scierie ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben s\u2019esclaffa : \u00ab Alors, vous aussi, vous \u00eates tomb\u00e9s dans le panneau ? Je n\u2019ai jamais pari\u00e9 la scierie\u2026 J\u2019ai pari\u00e9\u2026 Oh non, c\u2019est trop dr\u00f4le\u2026 J\u2019ai pari\u00e9\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

S\u2019\u00e9touffant de rire, il ne pouvait poursuivre. \u00ab Mais enfin, qu\u2019as-tu pari\u00e9 ? \u00bb insista Hoss.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab J\u2019ai pari\u00e9 mon vieil uniforme de lieutenant de marine. Cela fait belle lurette que je ne peux m\u00eame pas m\u2019insinuer dedans mais Harry en a toujours eu envie. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Et si tu gagnes ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Je gagne cette magnifique pipe en ambre qui repr\u00e9sente un corps de femme. Jamais je n\u2019ai vu une aussi belle pipe. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Mais pourquoi avoir dit \u00e0 Adam\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Que tu avais pari\u00e9 la scierie ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Ne parlez pas tous les deux \u00e0 la fois. Si j\u2019avais dit \u00e0 Adam quels \u00e9taient les enjeux futiles de mon pari, jamais il n\u2019aurait accept\u00e9 de travailler d\u2019arrache-pied pendant un mois comme il va le faire. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss prit l\u2019air ennuy\u00e9 qu\u2019il arborait lorsqu\u2019il d\u00e9couvrait un reproche \u00e0 faire \u00e0 son p\u00e8re qu\u2019il aimait placer sur un pi\u00e9destal.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Papa, ne penses-tu pas qu\u2019il est un peu\u2026 exag\u00e9r\u00e9 de tant faire travailler Adam\u2026 pour si peu. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Si, Hoss, mais il est trop tard. Le pari est fait et bien fait. J\u2019ai une dette d\u2019honneur maintenant et cela me contrarierait beaucoup de devoir donner cet uniforme. Pour moi, c\u2019est un souvenir de l\u2019\u00e9poque o\u00f9 je courtisais la m\u00e8re d\u2019Adam. Allons, venez, apportons-lui ses affaires et ensuite, au travail. Pendant un mois, il nous faudra faire \u00e0 trois le travail de quatre. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Lorsqu\u2019ils parvinrent \u00e0 la scierie, le contrema\u00eetre, Rabouy, s\u2019avan\u00e7a vers son ma\u00eetre : \u00ab J\u2019sais pas c\u2019que vous avez fait \u00e0 M\u2019sieur Adam, M\u2019sieur Ben mais il nous a houspill\u00e9s comme jamais. Il dit qu\u2019il faut qu\u2019il pr\u00e9pare des moules \u00e0 graver le bois, que quatre motifs, \u00e7a suffira bien pour cet\u2026 Oh non, je ne peux pas vous r\u00e9p\u00e9ter le mot qu\u2019il a employ\u00e9\u2026 Bref, tout le monde est l\u00e0 \u00e0 d\u00e9couper des planches fines comme si la vie des habitants de Ponderosa en d\u00e9pendait. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Il y a un peu de \u00e7a, Rabouy, il y a un peu de \u00e7a !\u2026 Ecoute, je te demande de tout mettre en \u0153uvre pour satisfaire Adam. Je lui ai pass\u00e9 une commande fort difficile \u00e0 r\u00e9aliser, j\u2019en ai conscience. Alors, aide-le, vous aurez tous une belle prime \u00e0 la fin du mois. Cela vous consolera d\u2019avoir eu \u00e0 supporter l\u2019irascibilit\u00e9 de mon fils. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Mais jamais M\u2019sieur Hoss ou M\u2019sieur Joe ne nous bousculent comme \u00e7a. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Tu sais, Fred \u00bb, Hoss parlait avec un bon sourire, \u00ab faut avouer qu\u2019aucun de nous n\u2019a jamais eu \u00e0 abattre le travail que P\u2019pa vient de confier \u00e0 Adam. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Oh \u00e7a, pour s\u00fbr ! \u00bb acquies\u00e7a Rabouy, \u00ab pour s\u00fbr que M\u2019sieur Adam, c\u2019est un bosseur. Aucun de nous ne peut se vanter de se fatiguer plus que lui. Ca, faut l\u2019reconna\u00eetre. Et il s\u2019entend \u00e0 organiser le travail. Allez, M\u2019sieur Ben, on va lui donner un coup de main, \u00e0 vot\u2019gamin. Au fond, on l\u2019aime bien, vous savez. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Moi aussi, je l\u2019aime bien \u00bb, commenta Ben avec un demi-sourire \u00ab mais pour le moment, je ne me risquerai pas \u00e0 aller le d\u00e9ranger. Tiens, Hoss, porte-lui ses affaires. Et veille \u00e0 ce qu\u2019il ait du caf\u00e9 \u00e0 volont\u00e9, il en est grand consommateur. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab On aurait bien ajout\u00e9 du whisky \u00bb, insinua Joe,
\nironique, \u00ab mais Pa et son copain n\u2019en ont pas laiss\u00e9. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Joe \u00bb, conclut Ben, \u00ab souviens-toi que je suis encore en mesure de te flanquer une fess\u00e9e. \u00bb<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/center>– \u00ab Harry \u00bb, d\u00e9clara Ben triomphant, \u00ab nous sommes le 30 avril et Adam m\u2019a dit qu\u2019il collait, ce matin, les derniers lambris. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Oh oui, Ben, c\u2019est superbe ! Je t\u2019assure que je ne regrette pas ma vieille pipe ni mon premier pari perdu. A part la tienne, aucune chambre ne peut rivaliser avec la mienne. Bien entendu, je te r\u00e8glerai les fournitures et le travail. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Ca vaut cher ! \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Je m\u2019en doute. C\u2019est pourquoi j\u2019ai une proposition \u00e0 te faire. Donne-moi ton fils. Nous pourrions faire en s\u00e9rie des chambres lambriss\u00e9es aux bourgeois de Sacramento. Il lui suffirait de cr\u00e9er un motif diff\u00e9rent pour chaque famille et l\u2019on ferait rouler la fabrication. Il y a une fortune \u00e0 faire. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Demande-le lui directement, il est majeur. Tiens, le voil\u00e0 . \u00bb<\/p>\n

Sa chemise noire largement \u00e9chancr\u00e9e sur la toison brune de sa poitrine, Adam venait d\u2019appara\u00eetre. Il se campa, les mains sur les hanches en un geste qui lui \u00e9tait familier et lan\u00e7a : \u00ab Votre chambre est termin\u00e9e, Mr Burby. En moins d\u2019un mois ! \u00bb<\/p>\n

Et d\u2019un revers de manche, il essuya la sueur qui perlait de son front.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Appelez-moi Harry et laissez-moi vous f\u00e9liciter, jeune homme. Si vous le voulez, je vais vous servir un caf\u00e9 et, pendant que vous le boirez, je vais vous faire une proposition. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Il vous faudra attendre, je le crains, Mr Burby. Pour l\u2019instant, je n\u2019ai qu\u2019une id\u00e9e en t\u00eate, mon lit. Je n\u2019ai pas dormi plus de quatre heures par nuit, depuis un mois. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Et, jetant un regard noir \u00e0 son p\u00e8re, il sortit sans rien ajouter.<\/p>\n

Il dormit quarante-huit heures d\u2019affil\u00e9e. Quand il se d\u00e9cida \u00e0 \u00e9merger de ses draps, il trouva une table somptueusement mise et une bouteille de champagne de France, pr\u00eate \u00e0 \u00eatre d\u00e9bouch\u00e9e. Son p\u00e8re avait tout pr\u00e9vu pour f\u00eater dignement son succ\u00e8s.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Allez, viens, champion, j\u2019esp\u00e8re que tu n\u2019es plus en col\u00e8re, \u00e0 pr\u00e9sent. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Ma foi, non. Il est difficile de se maintenir en fureur lorsqu\u2019on sort d\u2019un si lourd sommeil. Et puis, je trouve que c\u2019est une bonne id\u00e9e, ce champagne. J\u2019estime l\u2019avoir bien m\u00e9rit\u00e9. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab A ce propos \u00bb, dit Ben, il est temps de parler r\u00e9compense. Dis-moi ton chiffre. Bien s\u00fbr, c\u2019est une prime qui s\u2019ajoutera \u00e0 ton salaire. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Je n\u2019ai pas besoin d\u2019argent \u00bb, sourit Adam, \u00ab la scierie est \u00e0 moi. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Que dis-tu ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Si je n\u2019avais pas gagn\u00e9 ton pari stupide, c\u2019est Mr Burby qui serait l\u2019actuel propri\u00e9taire de la scierie. J\u2019ai emp\u00each\u00e9 qu\u2019elle ne change de mains, elle est donc \u00e0 moi, ce n\u2019est que justice. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Mais, mais, Adam\u2026 \u00bb b\u00e9gaya Joe.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Qu\u2019y a-t-il ? Tu consid\u00e8res que je te d\u00e9pouille de ton h\u00e9ritage ? Ce n\u2019est pas moi, c\u2019est ton p\u00e8re qui a mis en jeu notre patrimoine. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss voulut plonger, r\u00e9v\u00e9ler la v\u00e9rit\u00e9. Ben l\u2019arr\u00eata : \u00ab Tel est pris qui croyait prendre \u00bb fit-il. \u00ab J\u2019ai fait un mensonge ridicule pour te pousser, Adam, \u00e0 gagner un pari qui ne servait qu\u2019\u00e0 satisfaire ma vanit\u00e9 : faire perdre \u00e0 Harry son premier pari ! Cela me co\u00fbte la scierie, le marche est \u00e9quitable. \u00bb
\nSe tournant vers ses deux plus jeunes fils, il s\u2019excusa : \u00ab Au fond, cette scierie \u00e9tait le dernier de vos soucis. Je vous d\u00e9dommagerai. Harry m\u2019a pay\u00e9 cher sa chambre de luxe. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Je suis peut-\u00eatre mal r\u00e9veill\u00e9 \u00bb, intervint Adam, \u00ab mais certains d\u00e9tails m\u2019\u00e9chappent. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ben avait l\u2019air tr\u00e8s malheureux. \u00ab A mon \u00e2ge, \u00e0 54 ans, je n\u2019ai pas encore appris \u00e0 peser les cons\u00e9quences de mes actes et paroles. Il fallait vraiment que j\u2019ai abus\u00e9 de la dive bouteille pour ne pas avoir r\u00e9alis\u00e9 qu\u2019il valait mieux perdre ce pari que mentir \u00e0 mon fils. Je pr\u00e9f\u00e8re ne pas te le cacher plus longtemps, Adam : la scierie n\u2019\u00e9tait pas l\u2019enjeu. Il ne s\u2019agissait que de mon uniforme de marine. Je t\u2019ai racont\u00e9 cette invention pour \u00eatre s\u00fbr que tu ferais l\u2019impossible. Dor\u00e9navant, tu n\u2019auras plus jamais confiance en moi. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss s\u2019\u00e9tait approch\u00e9 de son p\u00e8re comme pour le prot\u00e9ger. Les yeux de Joe viraient au charbon.<\/p>\n

Adam resta un moment coi, la bouche entrouverte puis partit d\u2019un formidable \u00e9clat de rire. \u00ab Tu as fait \u00e7a, toi, rien que pour me faire trimer ? Ha, ha, ha, d\u00e9cid\u00e9ment, P\u2019pa, tu es bien le plus jeune de nous tous. Ha, ha, ha\u2026 Quand je pense que je me suis donn\u00e9 tant de mal pour conserver ton uniforme de marine ! \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Dans lequel je suis le seul \u00e0 pouvoir rentrer \u00bb, nota Joe en se joignant \u00e0 l\u2019hilarit\u00e9 de son a\u00een\u00e9.<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Et tout ce qu\u2019il a gagn\u00e9 \u00bb, ajouta Hoss en hoquetant de rire, \u00ab c\u2019est une pipe en forme de femme nue. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– \u00ab Il fallait bien que je me trouve une compagne pour partager ma belle chambre \u00bb, conclut Ben, soulag\u00e9. \u00ab Allons, \u00e0 table. Toutes ces \u00e9motions m\u2019ont creus\u00e9 l\u2019app\u00e9tit. Je parierais que je vais manger plus que Hoss. \u00bb<\/p>\n

– Parie pas, Papa. Cela ne te r\u00e9ussit pas. Hoss est capable de te gagner Ho-Psing. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Disclaimer: \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 from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0 \u00a0It happened on April’s Fool Day. (French version included on Page 2)<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0K \u00a0 WC 2,165<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":130,"featured_media":375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1016,23,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4173","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-pa","category-drama","category-french","wpcat-1016-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-10-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4173","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/130"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4173"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4173\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4173"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}