{"id":4189,"date":"2007-08-19T15:49:14","date_gmt":"2007-08-19T19:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4189"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:20","slug":"rien-dautre-quune-aventure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4189","title":{"rendered":"Rien d’Autre qu’une aventure (by ViveAdam)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/span> A Rose for Lotta told by each of the protagonists … and we learn a bit more than in the episode. \u00a0 (Click here for French version<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Rated: MA WC 21,200<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nothing Other than an adventure\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Exhausted, I’m exhausted itself. But I really regret it, it was worth it! Ah the beautiful woman! Not as expert as might have been thinking with his job but that begs to learn, the little darling. Very sensual, anyway!<\/p>\n

Papa was merciless. He knew that I almost had not slept for two days, but that does not stop him from sending Hoss throw me to the bed down I even had the impression of retaliation. It’s not very fair. After all, if you think about it, it’s his fault that it happened.<\/p>\n

It all started with the machinations of Alpheus Troy. This pirate would do anything to get our wood for its mines but he wanted so much that it would have made us deforest entire northern section on which we had already collected enough old trees. We had to let it rest. Troy had to do was pick up the wood a little further. After all, we were not the only American plantations. But no, Mr. Troy had decided that this was our wood he wanted, not a autre.Derri\u00e8re all this, I could see that there was something else. In truth, what Troy wanted was to explain to the area that Dad was not the most powerful man. It is true that, little by little, we have built an impressive and many domain are those who fear that it will become a empire.Quels fools! We, all we want is first to be left alone. And if sometimes we appear to mix what we do not look at us and all want to dictate, it’s usually because there’s something going on in the area that would be detrimental to the population. For example when we mistreat Indians or that pollutes rivers or we do anything with the livestock may favor outbreaks.<\/p>\n

There is no research power in everything. Simply, do not count on us to let it develop a injustice.En any case, we were well aware that Troy was going up us a nice little shoe-hatch. We did not know what it going on but he had the advantage over us to be in town. It was easy to hire thugs and prepare a trap.<\/p>\n

So we were on guard. I had talked to Dad and we decided first to avoid going into town (or, if he had to do to go up in the body) and then also monitor the area such as milk fire. The weather was not the hospitality, while not expressly invited abroad would be found on our land would be considered an intruder and treated as such. We did know who would listen and, in particular, to Mr Troy.<\/p>\n

Before yesterday afternoon, we were in the dressage. I had just dump me by a young mustang that I was just beginning to break and my brothers had picked me for fear that the animal does hurt me, when we saw a sedan pass at full speed. We all four jumped into the saddle and we caught and stopped.<\/p>\n

I knew the driver. It was Patch. A guy no interest; no trade either and that lent itself to do anything for a few dollars. We asked him bluntly what he was doing and he began to stammer when God knows what we heard an angry voice that women also get out of the sedan.<\/p>\n

“Not a word, conductor, they have to answer to me.”<\/p>\n

First, it is a hat that has emerged, and a head, and the whole person of a woman. She wore a low-cut black dress strangely for that place and time of the day and a pendant of garnets which emphasized the whiteness of his chest. From where I was, I had a great look at “valley of the gorge.” No doubt, the view was lovely.<\/p>\n

It recovered like a little cock and she saw us all four of our guns pointed at her. It has not impressed, apparently. With this patter half-worldly, she shot at him by declaring us, acid:<\/p>\n

“What is that this way of shooting people. I rarely saw men as coarse as those of Virginia City. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It’s not Virginia City, here, ma’am,” said Papa, “is Ponderosa. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“What is it, Ponderosa? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Ponderosa, Madam,” said Patch, “it’s all that great field around you, it is the property of Cartwright, you are on their land. \u00bb<\/p>\n

It was then that I spoke with this cold calm for those who know me, is a sign of defiance and threat: “And the foreigners are not welcome, male or female. What are you doing here? “.<\/p>\n

My work. Am I still on the US territory? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Oh sure, Me soul,” Hoss said, “but I do not scream like that if I were you.”<\/p>\n

“But you are not me! “His anger seemed to rise again. “Will you go on and steer these weapons against me? Put me that. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Joe complied and holstered his weapon. Hoss and Dad too. Hoss made his big stupid smile when he rolls his eyes leaving half the tongue. If the lady had doubts about his ability to seduce my brother and bounds, she did not keep long.<\/p>\n

Then she darted an angry look on Joe and launched him: “What you have to gape like that? You have never seen a lady? “. It was a bit unfair. First, it was not a “lady”, at least not a “great”; then Joe “yawned” no, he just gazed appreciatively that little smile he always gratifies pretty women. I admired his gallantry when he replied, “I’ve already seen, but it’s been that I have not seen one so attractive.”<\/p>\n

She did not notice the compliment. She turned to me and always in the same tone scathing: “You keep pointing the gun at me! \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I still intend to use it,” I replied, unperturbed.<\/p>\n

Dad is interposed: “Come on, old story, Adam. Maybe she is telling the truth and that it is on our land by chance ”<\/p>\n

“Well, it leaves Ponderosa,” I said handing my weapon in its case.<\/p>\n

She left her shrill voice: “How do you want me to do with this broken wheel? \u00bb<\/p>\n

It’s true that we had stopped the sedan so suddenly that she had paid and dislocated the right rear wheel.<\/p>\n

Hoss is dismounted and lifted the wheel: “We should be able to fix it quickly, I think.”<\/p>\n

“It looks,” said she noticed by his flirtatious, “there is still a gallantry background even in this remote corner.”<\/p>\n

That’s when Dad made the gaffe: “Little Joe, this lady might be thirsty. While we repair the wheel, you could perhaps take home, give something fresh. ”<\/p>\n

Slightly softened, she saw fit to explain: “This lady is an actress.”<\/p>\n

Hoss asked: “You want to say a real actress? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Obviously,” I thought in petto, “that he wanted it to be? \u00bb<\/p>\n

But she did not seem to find the silly question: “True, true singer actress. I Lotta Crabtree. ”<\/p>\n

It seemed to me to remember that I had indeed seen in town posters announcing the passage of Lotta Crabtree. A great event for our little town!<\/p>\n

Hoss was again felt obliged to mimicry Asshole he reserves for pretty women, rolling eyes and smile with tongue out end. Pitiful.<\/p>\n

As for Joe, he was, of course, ready to make the pretty heart.<\/p>\n

“Little Joe” repeated Dad, “takes this lady drinking a glass of water at home while we put his sedan on his wheel. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“But you do not even imagine when I’m going to ride? “.<\/p>\n

Never satisfied, the wench!<\/p>\n

“I’ll take you before me, Madame, and I will keep you, you have nothing to fear,” said the little brother with his number one smile.<\/p>\n

He drank the whey and is dismounted to put in the saddle but I preceded my two brothers and it was I who took it in size to install. A small waist that I completely enserrais my hands and seemed to overlook the blooming hips just right.<\/p>\n

We watched them leave, Hoss and I, with the same smile of approval. No doubt, it was a very pretty woman.<\/p>\n

Then I picked up a big rock and I slipped under the sedan to try to straighten the axle. With this tool fortune, it took me ten minutes to get there. Hoss was getting tired; he held the sedan in the air and it got heavy even for him. Finally, we managed to replace the wheel. I got up and looked around to see if Joe and Lotta came back.<\/p>\n

Dad had to follow a parallel thought as he muttered, “it is very long just to drink a glass of water.”<\/p>\n

At that time, we heard a carriage tumble; it was Hop Sing who descended the road at full speed. He stopped and began to criailler because we were not there in time for lunch and everything was burned. When he calmed down, Dad asked where were Joe and “the lady.”<\/p>\n

“Very pretty, very pretty,” said Hop Sing grinning a grin, “she left with Joe in the carriage.”<\/p>\n

I do not know which reacted fastest, Dad or me, but with all touching, we jumped on Patch. I grabbed him by the collar and Dad, I know not where, and we made him spit the truth.<\/p>\n

They were indeed came on duty. It was Alpheus Troy had greased his paw he brings to Miss Crabtree, casually, on our land. To do what he did not know, at least that is what we swore and I think it was true. I can not imagine Alpheus Troy take that idiot Patch as a confidant.<\/p>\n

I have done neither one nor two, I jumped into the saddle to go in search of Joe and I asked the other two if it told them to come take a walk on horseback with me but when Hoss was about to follow me not, Dad, very wisely, stopped us.<\/p>\n

“Do not rush headlong into the trap. The four Cartwright city, far from home, that’s probably what Troy wants. So you, Adam, you’re going to find our men in pastures and bring them home. They let two men flock. With Hoss, we will organize the guards and prepare their weapons. Then only we will go all three in town. And armed to the teeth. ”<\/p>\n

So it’s eleven o’clock sounded good we made a grand entrance to the city. With four horses (I had saddled Cochise and I held in check for Joe, once found, is a mount), we occupied the entire width of the street. The spectacle of Miss Crabtree was already over. We went right to the Bucket of Blood Saloon, the place of Troy favorite resort. Dad got off his horse leaving me to tie and precipitate inside. Hoss and I, we followed two minutes later, just in time to hear the killer Troy, this snake Trevor, threaten his nasal drawl.<\/p>\n

“Get lost, Cartwright, before I pierces your skin.”<\/p>\n

“If you want to measure yourself Cartwright, Trevor,” I threw the door, “it is to me that you have to do”<\/p>\n

He turned to me his face and beady let out a nasty sneer: “A Cartwright either, I do not care. Say your prayers, buddy “and he unsheathed …… a split second before me. I was good guy, I aimed the shoulder and he collapsed without having had time to fight back.<\/p>\n

“They told you where was Joe? “I asked Dad.<\/p>\n

“No, it seems that they are not his nurse, and, as I think I am the master of Virginia City, I just have to find it. That’s all they have found to answer me but they say he attended the show of the singer. ”<\/p>\n

“He must be with her, I’ll get it. Hoss, as I will not be back, ensuring that they do not move here. ”<\/p>\n

“Do not worry, Adam,” said my brother, frowning, by shining his big gun on Troy and his band. “When you come back, they will always be there; I do not know in what form but they will be there, be sure of. ”<\/p>\n

As I walked away, I heard the voice of my father who threatened Troy worst beatings he did not recover his son.<\/p>\n

I arrived at the Grand Hotel and I went directly to the “royal suite”. I knew it was there that little luxury hen must have been installed.<\/p>\n

I do not even have to knock, the door was wide open. Lotta was standing in the middle of the room that was upside down, chairs and tables overturned, open window and enthroned on a pedestal miraculously still standing, a bottle of champagne started.<\/p>\n

Where is he? “I asked without preamble.<\/p>\n

“He was there, a few minutes ago,” she began with a false innocent.<\/p>\n

“And where is he now that has happened to him,” I replied brutally grasping her forearm.<\/p>\n

“Let me go, you hurt me in the arm.”<\/p>\n

“I’ll break it if you do not answer me.”<\/p>\n

“Oh, Adam, I’m so sorry. I did not think it was going to turn like that. You must have a very low opinion of me. ”<\/p>\n

“On the contrary, I am quite admiringly,” I retorted by comparing me to her. “You have admirably played your role and you drew my brother into a trap without seeming to touch it. You have to be proud of you trap a kid to deliver a band of thugs … ”<\/p>\n

“To trap? But there was no question of that. It was just a trick to play a joke. ”<\/p>\n

Oh yes? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes, all I had to do was get one of you and bring it back to the city that’s all that was asked Alpheus Troy.”<\/p>\n

“For how much? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Money has nothing to do with it …” “Then for what? What is a girl like you may well have to do with Troy if not shoot him the money? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Furious, she threw herself on me, ready to slap me. I intercepted his wrist and in the movement, I’ve drawn against me. “Will you let me go, brute,” she screamed. Dammit, she had never known anything but docile men, ready to flatten out at the slightest sign of anger? We measured the gaze. It was then that I saw a new light flicker in his eyes; it was only the spark of rage was the docility of the woman ready to offer. I felt we pass between the current of desire. I mensuration this very attractive woman stuck to my body, obviously ready to submit to my manhood.<\/p>\n

“Next time, Miss Crabtree,” I said in a low voice, “catch a man, not a boy.”<\/p>\n

Then I caught myself, I turned her back and I left without a word.<\/p>\n

In the Bucket of Blood, things had not changed. They were putting a bandage Trevor under the watchful eye of my brother.<\/p>\n

“You found him? “Asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

“No, but he’s in town.”<\/p>\n

“Let us go in search of him,” said Papa. Then he turned to Troy. “As for you, pray that I find the whole, otherwise I would not give much of your skin.”<\/p>\n

And we left the saloon, Hoss backwards to avoid anyone to have the unfortunate idea to take us a shot in the back. We spent combing the city for the rest of the night in vain. Suddenly Hoss launched:<\/p>\n

“Look there, it seems that there is fire”<\/p>\n

“It’s in Chinatown,” said Papa.<\/p>\n

“Let’s go,” I replied, “there could be Joe in there. \u00bb<\/p>\n

I was right. We have led the middle-of indescribable agitation. Some Chinese finished putting out the fire that took to one of the houses, others were beating two types gallows while squawking. Suddenly, an old Chinese lunged at Dad and grabbed him by the jacket, “Mistah Cartwright repay; reimburse damage immediately. ”<\/p>\n

Taken aback, Dad has cleared and acknowledged If Chiang, one of the cousins of Hop Sing. In less than a minute, there was a whole bunch of Chinese around Papa claiming a refund. Hoss got involved and had quickly disperse all crazed world. And we finally got the word end of the story.<\/p>\n

Joe had come running, pursued by two thugs who were now duly saucissonn\u00e9s. He had sought asylum in Chiang If that had hidden in one of his baskets of laundry. The bandits had returned several houses and, like all those Chinese launderers are without exception, they had sought Joe in baskets.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, for no reason, they had set fire to one of the houses. He had a nice tussle ensued when Joe, of course, cheerfully participated. Then he disappeared into battle.<\/p>\n

Dad pulled out his wallet to compensate Chiang If but did not want to pay for any damage.<\/p>\n

“Talk to the sheriff and tell him that it is Troy’s henchmen who spread this beautiful mess.”<\/p>\n

A little tired, we left to wander the streets when, passing the Red Horse Saloon, we heard a harmonica air, a slow waltz. Intrigued, we approached. Mr. Joe was there, embarrassed for a penny, dancing Lotta. She had swapped the red dress she wore low-cut a few hours earlier held against a wise, ivory bodice beautifully pleated black skirt. She had ivory flowers in her hair. She had enough to eat. I relied on the doorframe, arms folded, and I looked up at the sky from an exasperated air. So, while we sat in four to find him, Mr. Joe gave a good time.<\/p>\n

“You” Dad yelled behind me.<\/p>\n

Joe jumped, he stopped dancing. “Oh hi, Dad” has he dropped a casual tone, still holding the hand of Lotta.<\/p>\n

“You will do me the favor to follow us immediately,” continued Papa fumace. And he walked up to Joe who, at full speed, kissed the hand of Lotta and has absconded.<\/p>\n

I watched as my eyes were on Lotta. Nothing to see, it had awakened in me a burning desire that I felt a few hours before. I was paralyzed, I stared earnestly, as if by magnetism effect, she did the same. She was on the lips a little soft smile. I had forgotten the presence of others when I felt the heavy shoulder Hoss push me inside the room. I walked, I embraced without a word and we exchanged a kiss, oh, not very long but intense. A kind of promise. I stepped back, I looked and I read in her eyes that I hoped to see, consent.<\/p>\n

I just smiled at him and I left, still in silence. While I d\u00e9tachais my horse, she advanced into the doorway, always with the same smile of both anxiety and hope. Nothing to do with the arrogant woman yesterday afternoon. I raised my hat to her and then I climbed into the saddle and we left all four by an infernal din, while happy to have recovered Joe and foiled the machinations of Troy.<\/p>\n

Then we followed a normal day this sleepless night. It’s just if Dad left us a little more time to take a hearty breakfast while Joe was telling us his afflictions and then, grind!<\/p>\n

“We’ll just have to bed early,” Dad declared. I did not say anything but I managed to secretly make an hour nap in a corner of the forest because I had other projects to sleep tonight.<\/p>\n

Just back, I asked Hop Sing me to heat water for a bath and I made beautiful, as they say. My brothers and my father looked at me down the stairs in amazement.<\/p>\n

What do you do? “Joe has croaked as if it did not show.<\/p>\n

“I will see the show of Miss Crabtree. You seemed to say it was very good “.<\/p>\n

“It can not wait for Saturday? “Dad began.<\/p>\n

I cut short and, after warning Hop Sing I did not stay dinner, I saddled Sport and I spun to the city.<\/p>\n

The show Lotta not worth much about the artistic point of view but it was well done to titillate men. Some fans had brought their wives and I doubted that they appreciate it. Lotta chained songs by changing costumes between songs. Sometimes, it was a full skirt whose front was rolled on a lace petticoat, sometimes, a black bodice heavily indented resulting in a short red tutu, now again it was a riot of white feathers which are escaped her white arms. As for the last song, whose chorus was “All I want, all I want is a nice man hug”, she interpreted it in a black sheath largely split to the top thigh. She crossed the stage in all directions, leaving emerge from her dress perfectly highlighted by a mesh bottom leg. No wonder, after such “appetizer” Joe was a little disappointed (we had confessed this morning) she did not even allowed to kiss her.<\/p>\n

When the applause, I snuck backstage The door to his dressing room was closed but I always carry with me a piece of wire with which I get around all fairly basic locks that are here. Neither Seen Nor Recognized, I slipped behind a curtain and I expected.<\/p>\n

She arrived, carefully closed the door and started to undo her hair in the mirror of her dressing table. When they freed themselves of a sudden covering her bare shoulders, I sent a little whistle. She uttered a scream, has jumped up and turned around, covering her chest with her hands to gesture a little ridiculous when you think she had to expose it to the entire city.<\/p>\n

“Adam,” she sighed, looking both relieved and puzzled, “what are you doing here? \u00bb<\/p>\n

I walked slowly: “I came to see if you were still agree”<\/p>\n

“Okay for what? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Okay to make love with me,” I said bluntly in hugging.<\/p>\n

She opened her mouth to try to answer but I’m prevented by putting my hand gently on his lips. “No need to talk, I’ll find my answer differently” and I kissed her. I started feeling very soft and she answered me, I tightened my grip and I extended my kiss until we lose our breath.<\/p>\n

“You see that it was not worth talking about,” I said to him after having rendered the ability to breathe. “Even if you answered no, I do not believe you. Come. ”<\/p>\n

I wore it on the couch, I had my hands under the slot of the skirt, and I undid his lower kissing every inch of skin that I discovered.<\/p>\n

After fifteen minutes of this kind of firstfruits, I held in my arms a Lotta ecstatic who told me they have never known a man who … did not go to the point. Caresses, the pursuit of pleasure of the partner, it was a discovery for her. Poor kid! Yet she had had to go see in her bed Just boors!<\/p>\n

So I improvised Professor Bachelor eroticism and I must say that I have drawn the greatest satisfaction. I have it in my blood, I, teaching. And I found a gifted student and eager to learn.<\/p>\n

About three in the morning, I still decided to bring her back to her hotel. She insisted on offering me a glass of champagne.<\/p>\n

“I am your brother offered in exchange for a rose he had launched me; note, you, you came empty handed. ”<\/p>\n

“Well my dear, to each his role. This is his age flirt is mine to pluck. ”<\/p>\n

“Oh, he would have liked to pick it, too” .J<\/p>\n

“I laughed,” I do not doubt; I even thought that he only thinks that. ”<\/p>\n

She gave me a pat on the cheek. “It suits you to make fun of him. Do not tell me you’re a thinker detached from carnal pleasures, it’s too late, I have evidence to the contrary. ”<\/p>\n

She asked me if I would come back and when.<\/p>\n

“I liberate” she told me. I was a bit annoyed because I suspected that she had to have other appointments, contrary to what had happened, she was engaged to payment. In a way, I represented for her a shortfall.<\/p>\n

“It’s not going to ask you problems? \u00bb<\/p>\n

She guessed and she laughed. “You know, the demands of these gentlemen, nothing obliges me to meet the night. It is sometimes even easier for them in the day, when their wives are busy with their shopping. ”<\/p>\n

I replied that I see but do not count on me tonight, anyway. Further the need to sleep well at times, I feared tampering with Papa.<\/p>\n

I returned as quietly as possible through the underground that I dug in secret when I built the house .. It had to be between half past four ET five hours when I slipped between the sheets. I barely touched my pillow as I fell asleep sleep of the just. When Hoss woke me up with his usual method – he grabs the sheet, raises the sleeper like a hammock and throws him to the ground – I feel like I slept five minutes earlier.<\/p>\n

Dad and Joe looked quizzical when I came down for breakfast. I felt both exhausted and light, with that feeling of fullness that leaves a night of love despite the lack of sleep. I think that’s what we call being good about yourself. What Papa assigned me the task of going to mark calves with Hoss and resume training horses when it would be done. Friendly; in the kind of work easy, we do not do better. I’m sure he did it on purpose because Joe was entrusted inspection fences of a part of the eastern section, which is not going to kill him.<\/p>\n

Curious Dad can not help, when we take a good time with the girls, let us pay!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It’s always the same! Once more, my brother Adam pulls out of the game. But I had done well my boat and I am convinced that without the intervention of Papa mishaps, it could have resulted.<\/p>\n

It’s not for lack of having deployed all the resources of my charme.C’\u00e9tait unexpected, this apparition before yesterday. It had been several days since I had no other distractions that ladies of games against Hoss. Dad had curly us at the ranch for several days because of the shenanigans of Alpheus Troy and I yearned for a different style of ladies parties.<\/p>\n

So what initially appears a pretty woman unexpectedly on our lands, at a time when I could not see for a long time that boiled men unshaven and in addition, Dad chooses me, to go to keep him company while my two older were covered with dust to repair his car, it was really a godsend. And it would offend the sky than not enjoy.<\/p>\n

While, according to the guidelines, I would take her to the ranch by tightening against my chest so that it does not fall off my saddle, I cleverly began plotting it a rather dark picture of the state of the sedan Patch and I have doubts about the ability of my brothers to repair the wheel as fast as they had suggested. When I dismounted, I saw that she had tears in her eyes. I asked him what had happened and she explained that she absolutely needed to be in town at least two hours before the show to repeat. She was distressed at the idea that she might not be familiar with the scene before the opening of the curtain.<\/p>\n

With that, it was just a breeze. I offered him a glass of water and I offered him to win her time to take her into town with the buggy. She almost jumped in the neck. I apologized five minutes to take the time to change and I asked the men who cleaned the stables that one of them splint. So that in less than ten minutes, we took the road.<\/p>\n

During the trip, she asked me about the family. First, she had not seized the four men who had arrested were from the same family. I am the son of dad, she wanted to admit but it is as Hoss, was beyond his understanding. I explained that we were half-brothers.<\/p>\n

“Oh,” is she exclaimed, “Your father was married twice.”<\/p>\n

“Not three,” I replied, “his first wife, the mother of my brother Adam, was the daughter of a naval officer of New England.”<\/p>\n

“And the other two? “Has she asked.<\/p>\n

“Hoss’s mother was of Norwegian origin and mine was from New Orleans. It was a Creole. ”<\/p>\n

“A French? “” A French-born American. ”<\/p>\n

“New Orleans,” she sighed, “what a beautiful city, is not it? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I do not know, I am unfortunately never been”<\/p>\n

“Oh, you should. I got produced several times in beautiful theaters, all golden, with seats covered in red velvet and crystal chandeliers. It’s beautiful. But then, “she bounced,” Your father is a widower again? \u00bb<\/p>\n

I said yes without knowing what he was interested. She continued to tell me about it, wondering why, for so long, he did not look for another woman. I did not see where she was going and I tried to bring the conversation to a more exciting subject, me.<\/p>\n

But we were already in town. I registered at the door of the theater and I asked him if, after the show, I could take her to dinner. She took a mischievous look and told me that we would see it when the time comes.<\/p>\n

I had two hours before me; I thought enjoy visiting Chiang-Si, a cousin of Hop Sing, which under grumpy outside is very welcoming. It allowed me to take a bath (not hard for him is a launderer, he always has water on the fire). It did not hurt me because I had changed in a hurry before leaving and I had not really taken the time to unclog it. If I wanted Lotta indulges in a certain intimacy with me, I’d better be clean as a whistle.<\/p>\n

In parting, I asked Chang-Si to the buggy and horse away until I come and take them back. Then I notice a red rosebud that had just hatched on its hedge; I picked despite his protests and spent in my buttonhole.<\/p>\n

With all that, I was late to the show. There were only few places, either in substance or in a lodge overlooking the stage left. This is the one I have chosen.<\/p>\n

I already had a few hours earlier, a nice overview of the charms of Lotta, especially what my brother Adam calls his “front-stage” but I now have the opportunity to check that the bottom was worth the top. No doubt, it was perfect from head to feet long and slender legs, a slim waist, a rear end which, in one of the tables, although nicely bosselait her tight skirt at will, milky neckline and well garni …. Nice figure, moreover, with a wide front, ember eyes, full lips that called the kiss.<\/p>\n

And then, what passion, what audacity in his walk, his gestures! It fanatisait the male audience to the point that did not seem to contain the first ranks who, whenever she approached the scene board jostled to touch. She escaped them with malice and skill and off again at the bottom of the scene. At the time reminders, in the enthusiasm of the applause, I threw my rose and she picked it up and looked at me with a pressed air it. I then believed to have won the game.<\/p>\n

I watched his departure, I followed to the hotel and, after giving him five minutes to get comfortable, I knocked on his door.<\/p>\n

“It’s me, Joe Cartwright.”<\/p>\n

She opened immediately. She was still holding my rose in his hands. This emboldened me.<\/p>\n

“I came to get my answer for dinner. I would like to take you taste of French cuisine, “I told her by slitting of my most charming smile. I did not need to force me, his view would have brought a smile on the lips of any normal man.<\/p>\n

“Enter” me she told me in making my smile, “I did not want to stand out, but I would be pleased that you stay and keep me company.”<\/p>\n

It was the first time I had the opportunity to enter the royal suite of the Grand Hotel. I stood gaping at all this luxury. The room was well half of our living room (which is huge for the big brother saw it big when he drew the plans of the house). There was a sofa in a semicircle, topped with satin pillows, thick rugs with floral motifs, velvet curtains, a skirted vanity.<\/p>\n

She hooted, “You look like a little boy who takes to the circus for the first time .. You who take snuff the kitchen of the French, do you know their wines? \u00bb<\/p>\n

And without waiting for an answer, she headed to a table where a strange bottle was and was served in a cup, a clear amber wine that bubbled.<\/p>\n

“It’s champagne,” she commented. It’s worth 50 dollars a bottle. ”<\/p>\n

“50 dollars a bottle. It’s horribly expensive! “I said, dipping my lips … in this liquid gold.<\/p>\n

“Everything I use is expensive, Joe. My shoes, my socks, my dresses, my jewelry. I do agree that the luxuries. \u00bb<\/p>\n

She had a funny little smile, saying that, a defiant smile and contentment of herself but she saw me, rather to impress me, it disgusted me instead. So she began to plead his case.<\/p>\n

“You do not know where I went before all that. I paid the price, I assure you. And I swore that I would never know hunger or poverty or humiliation or even a simple refusal of one of my whims. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Suddenly she stopped and she went to the window. She raised the curtain and his features were defeated.<\/p>\n

“Joe,” she said in a trembling voice, “We need you to leave right away.”<\/p>\n

I frowned, “What’s going on? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Joe,” she explained ruefully, “I brought you into a trap. This is Alpheus Troy asked me to bring the city one of the Cartwright son and … keep warm tonight. I agreed without thinking bad but I realize now that it was not really innocent. I will not hurt you sometimes and I just saw two mirrored wardrobes coming towards the hotel. They’ll be there in a minute. Run away from the window. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Instead of following his advice, I cracked me with a big smile, I propped in a chair, legs on the table and I said, “Instead, I wait. They will see if it’s that easy to kidnap a Cartwright. \u00bb<\/p>\n

I had barely finished my sentence we heard knocking on the door. Lotta did not open and yelled at them to leave but they broke down the door. It was obvious! How could she believe they would turn back just because she had changed sides?<\/p>\n

“Hello gentlemen,” I started the whole faraud. Were sinister and grimy wish. Caricature! One of them jumped on me, I threw my legs in the air and he collapses faster over my head. I stood up to face each other. During that time, Lotta had seized an umbrella which she gave a blow on the head of him that was going to get up. Then she gave me the umbrella. I grabbed the flight with a jubilation that was read on my face, I brandished a sword and I started to tease my opponent. It was very heavy and not very bright. It was easy to make him lose his means in annoying. In doing so, I approached the window, I stride and found myself on the balcony.<\/p>\n

They sued me, but I had the advantage of lightness. I jumped from the balcony, I landed in PLF and under their bewildered eyes, I disappeared into the alley that formed the corner. Instinctively, I took the road of Chinatown, thinking get my buggy and my horses. But they ran faster than I would have believed and I found them after me sooner than I thought. I managed to sow because I know the city and I rushed in Chiang If that does not ask too much explanation when I buried at the bottom of one of his baskets of laundry. I believe, well, he added a few shirts and sheets over my head. I made as small as possible and have been so successful that they have reversed my wastebasket without making me out. They left home Chiang-Si without finding me.<\/p>\n

I emerged from my basketful shaking with laughter but obviously if Chiang did not find it funny at all. He started agonir insults me, saying that I had ruined because he would never find who was the machine and he would lose customers. I tried to calm him down when suddenly we heard loud cries in Chinese.<\/p>\n

“Fire” exclaimed Chang-Si and rushed out. I took the time to readjust and I am also me out to land in the middle of an indescribable mess. There were Chinese running around, some carrying buckets, others evacuating baskets of clothes, others in compact bunch, trying to grapple with my two brutes. I climbed on a wall, I took my tracks and I jumped gleefully into the fray. Many as we were, we did not put a long time to overcome my assailants. I then gave a hand to finish off the fire then I decided that I had enough.<\/p>\n

With all this, he still had to be close to three in the morning. What to do? Why not go back to Lotta resume the conversation too abruptly interrupted by the minions of Troy?<\/p>\n

Once thought and done, I’m a man of action! At the reception, Mannigan Tom did not even asked where I was going, he gave instructions for that change “singer” chamber. I went up to Lotta. Obviously, his door was always depressed, had not had time to fix it and came home as in a mill. She was standing by the window, looking out. She must have heard me because she turned abruptly.<\/p>\n

“Oh, it is you Joe, you have found Adam? “” Adam? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes, your brother. He came to me less than half an hour after departure. Not pleasant. He was looking for you and he seemed to hold me responsible for what happened to you ”<\/p>\n

I smiled, “It was not completely wrong, if I believe your confession just now.”<\/p>\n

She took a deep sigh, “Yes, but I said that I had not imagined that they had such dark intentions. Besides, I have helped you, “she had a little plaintively said this, as if she was pleading.<\/p>\n

“I wanted to explain it to him but he would not hear me and I lost my means. He is a man, a man … ”<\/p>\n

She stopped, apparently looking for the right word to describe my older brother. I could have blown him several, more laudatory at the scoffers, an admirable man, determined, stubborn as a mule, bossy, obnoxious, smart, confident to fill. All this would have stuck with the personality of the old Adam. Generous, too, affectionate, loyal, but that she had not had time to realize in both interviews she had with him.<\/p>\n

But what interested me was to know which qualifier she thought she, what was she get out?<\/p>\n

“A man what? “I asked.<\/p>\n

I have been for my expenses. She shook her head and she said, with a half-smile: “Let’s forget all this, do you, Joe? All this mess m’insupporte. I would expect you to go down in the lobby. I’m going to change and we will see if he is still in town still open saloon. I did not intend to spend the rest of the night watching the hotel staff to transfer my stuff in another room. \u00bb<\/p>\n

This program for me. I waited a quarter of an hour; it slipped in a real holding bourgeois, black skirt, off-white blouse, a braided hairstyle with small flowers in the hair. It completely changed, it made him look like a little girl.<\/p>\n

I do not know if it was the time or clothes or something different in his attitude but I had no more in the idea of the seduced; who wants to understand but it was enough for me to escort him and talk to her as if it was a childhood friend.<\/p>\n

We are we headed to the Red Horse Saloon because I knew it stayed open until dawn.<\/p>\n

“I’m sorry,” I said, “but I fear they do not have champagne here.”<\/p>\n

She laughed. “Exceptionally, I will settle for a beer.”<\/p>\n

We motto everything and nothing for a while. She wanted to know everything about life in Ponderosa, the family. She always came on the same subject: how was it that we are all single. It was bothering her, I wondered why. At one point, the old Ted Rivers who was there without we did really noticed released his harmonica and started to play a little tune nagging. It gave me an idea. I asked him if we could not play a slow waltz. He muttered something that sounded like “Okay” and he started to play his back to us.<\/p>\n

I bowed to the beautiful Lotta like I was at the ball, “May I have this dance, Miss? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“With pleasure, sir,” I answered she playing the game. I hugged tight enough but distanced. Too bad, because my lustful ideas had taken me. We were there changing quietly when I heard thunder “You! “.<\/p>\n

Not have to turn around to recognize the paternal body and to know he was out of patience.<\/p>\n

“Oh, hi Dad,” I launched the tone most innocent possible style “You here? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You will do me the pleasure of following us immediately,” he had thundered. I quickly kissed the hand of my partner and I rushed to the door dodging me for fear of catching a float in passing.<\/p>\n

Dad and Hoss followed almost immediately. They brought Cochise. I climbed into the saddle. We waited a moment and then Adam joined us with a funny little smile on his lips. Lotta has advanced on the threshold. She had eyes for him. She suddenly had an air of shy kid. I did not understand well, given the way she said it had treated. She had perhaps fear. He put his hand to his hat accentuating his smile then climbed into the saddle and we left the city at a gallop.<\/p>\n

At breakfast I told them my adventures without dwelling on what did not concern them. I was well into the idea of pushing my advantage Lotta even if I started suspecting that Adam had, too, views of my conquest. Finally, my conquest … it might be a bit premature to say so. Let’s say I had hopes.<\/p>\n

I did not dare ask Daddy a morning off. He had passed me a soap, but nothing compared to the shouting match that I expected. My punishment was to not sleep, it seemed, but then I wondered why everyone was entitled, itself, Hoss and Adam who had made sure to look for me …<\/p>\n

I struggled to hold on. Men woke me two or three times while I fell asleep in the saddle. I almost wanted to skip dinner. So I opened wide eyes, once back home, when I saw the big brother come down from his room in great obviously ready to spin held in the city.<\/p>\n

What do you do? “I asked him.<\/p>\n

“I will see the show of Miss Crabtree. You seemed to say it was very good “.<\/p>\n

I was flabbergasted. Dad too, apparently. He attempted a timid: “It can not wait for Saturday? “But the big brother did not even bother to answer, he just informed Hop Sing it would not be there for dinner and then it broke.<\/p>\n

Hoss who had said nothing until then was scoffed: “It looks like he wants to strike while the iron is hot, huh, Dad? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“What iron? Does it bother you much to inform me? “.<\/p>\n

I was a bit annoyed because I hate this kind of conversation where there are two that know what they are talking about and one that is left behind.<\/p>\n

Hoss gave me a big shot in the back with the flat of his hand. “Come on Joe, do not tell me you did not notice this morning, or maybe it’s that you were blinded by something. The smoke of the fire maybe? \u00bb<\/p>\n

There, I frankly annoyed: “What I had to see, Mr. Know-it-all? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“That was something between Miss Crabtree and Adam.”<\/p>\n

I jumped in the air, “Something? But they did not talk to, they have not affected; is she danced with me. ”<\/p>\n

“Maybe, but he looked at it with the eyes of a mouse mesmerized by a snake. As for saying that they will not be affected, what do you think he went to do while poireautions us on our saddles to wait? “.<\/p>\n

Dad raised his hand: “That’s enough, Hoss, and you too Joe. Stop being intrusive and rather come dinner. I can not wait to go to bed and think, “said he said giving me a pointed look,” as that which is the source of our sleepless night would do well to go to sleep, it would clear him ideas.<\/p>\n

What did you want me to answer … I slept like a log but the next day when I came down for breakfast, I saw that I was not the last, for once. Adam was conspicuous by its absence. I was even asking me if it was only returned when Dad shipped Hoss up with the set wake him mercilessly.<\/p>\n

“You’re hard,” I started with a smile. “What time is it back? \u00bb<\/p>\n

It always amazes me to see that Dad knows exactly what time we returned, regardless of our efforts to make no noise.<\/p>\n

“Five twenty minutes. That’s his business, but as we are not Sunday, I do not see why it would be excused from work. If he had another boss than me, do you think he would be concerned of his employment the night time before sending it to grind? \u00bb<\/p>\n

I laughed. “And if it were me, would you be so ruthless? “.<\/p>\n

He looked at me with those eyes he does when he wants threatening while struggling against the urge to laugh, “If it was you, young man, you would not have left the house last night and if you had tried, you would have landed across my lap for a good spanking. ”<\/p>\n

We were there when Hoss fell back with a satisfied air: “That’s it Dad, he woke up, he made his toilet and he goes down.”<\/p>\n

“Well, I hope it will wash with cold water to revive because it will have bread on the board, Mr. heartthrob.”<\/p>\n

I muttered, “Well, for once it is not I who have rights’<\/p>\n

“What,” asked Hoss by stuffing a whole pancake in the throat.<\/p>\n

“Under heartthrob, like”<\/p>\n

“Oh, it’s not that you have not tried it, according to my information.”<\/p>\n

“Yes, but from my own, I did not succeed” and I accompanied this remark of a disappointment mimicry.<\/p>\n

“Well, not yet …” I added, laughing and stooping to avoid trowel Papa.<\/p>\n

“Hush” blew Hoss, “Here Don Juan happens.”<\/p>\n

He descended the stairs, looking pleased with himself. And that’s when I saw that I had lost the game.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

I never thought it would happen to me. And in this backwater, yet in this barbaric corner where there is virtually meeting that unwashed bumpkins or beginners bourgeois who can not dress or stand! It was necessary that it be in this place I meet for the first time in my life, a man who captivates me.<\/p>\n

Yet it is not for lack of having known men. First, there was my father, the bastard who deflowered me at the age of 14. I remember like it was yesterday. We lived in Indiana, in a city called Paris. Since I am an artist, it makes me laugh. Paris is the city of all the luxuries of all the finds we want to emulate, it’s a name that makes you dream. Ha, ha, ha, if they saw what it looks like, Paris, Indiana. A dump! Here, as mediocre as Virginia City. It was starving. The father, he could not do a thing, playing the accordion. He praised at weddings, parties, dances. If only he had practiced the violin or flute, it could have been part of an orchestra, but no, the accordion … Result, there was not a round. Mom was the seam but in Paris, Indiana, y’avait not masses of customers, I can assure you.<\/p>\n

So the father, he decided that we were going to Indianapolis and then I was going to learn to sing and dance. He had a knowledge … there, who would agree to teach me but only if I pay my education. Then the father, he told me how he was not twenty-five means and he smartened that after I am less silly when other men would want me “for politeness’ as he said. He said, “all women are born with their livelihood, but yours is a luxury livelihood! “.<\/p>\n

I said nothing, I let him do; besides, I had no choice, but I told myself whether to go through it, it will be for myself, not for his. And since I have a luxury livelihood, I will not squander it with free-le-penny. I want the cream. And with the help of Maud and Lola, two coaches who had experience, I have learned to their hold a candle to men. I quickly saw how he had to take it: as long as they were not lying dollars or jewelry, it shows them that the thorns. However, if they fork out, it is all sweetness but just for the time that corresponds to the price they paid.<\/p>\n

I even set my rates, time and day. I’m kind that limited duration. At the second when their time is up, I become a bitch and I claim. It works very well.<\/p>\n

But then, the day before yesterday, the system broke down. But I had met a guy who denoted with other dogs Nevada. A type that does not pay mine when I met him but I knew he was part of a wealthy family.<\/p>\n

It was also surprising for wealthy people like that, they make themselves the job they should entrust Alpheus Troy journaliers.C’\u00e9tait who sent me home. Here’s a good example of upstart. A mobster who thinks he has become respectable pretext that he was dressed in a three piece suit, but we guess, as soon as he opens his mouth, it’s a shark. Moreover, it is enough to see his wife a cow who thinks only eat and do not know articulate three words. You have to see how she looked at me when I came home to discuss the market. Well, never mind.<\/p>\n

In short, he offered 10,000 dollars just to climb sedan, go to the ownership of Cartwright and bring back to the city. For that amount, I expected to be asked to sleep with him. No, it was only as I retain for an hour or two, by the means I wanted. I rarely made money so easily.<\/p>\n

I expected them to be at least repulsive, so that up to 10 000 dollars just to capture one, but not all. There is the father, who still has a famous great with coal black eyes, his stature and his white hair but provided. There are giant; it is not pretty but it has a damn good boil, and then, it is reassuring with his kind smile and blue eyes. Then there is the small one I brought, cute as a heart; not very big but with beautiful brown curly hair, eyes … I dunno if they are green or blue or dark, but they shine and it accompanies a flirtatious smile. I found it touching.<\/p>\n

And then there was him. A handsome man, that, we can not deny it. Big, broad shoulders, slim waist, long legs. A beautiful face, too; changing eye, the iris, gray or hazel, it depends, is hinted girl under long lashes. A straight nose, just a little too short, just barely turned up … It’s the little imperfection that makes the charm. A mouth … Oh the drawing of the mouth. I can not tell but it is sensual desire. And then, when she rolls up for a smile … It has a wide range: the smirk, the upper lip just raised, smiling mouth closed, with dimples, the big smile that shows impeccable white teeth. Brown curly hair not just flexible, which lower down along his ears.<\/p>\n

Obviously, I did not see it all in one glance. It was after I had the time to detail it. At the time, I saw a man on horseback, with a determined look and, it must be said, quite hostile. He was pointing his gun at me, like his father and two brothers. I used my usual tactic aggression. I know that anger is me. I was wearing a rather low-cut dress to make sure they would not leave me eyes and they baveraient envy.<\/p>\n

As I have hustled, they stored their weapons. All except him.<\/p>\n

“You keep pointing the gun at me! “I shouted to him defying look.<\/p>\n

“I still intend to use it,” he replied, not at all impressed.<\/p>\n

His father told him to sheathe so I changed a little bit register. I gave them the opportunity to admire me. Officially! You should have seen the ridiculous grimaces as was the giant. I asked for a moment if it was not the fish then I was going to fish but the father has served the small roach on a silver platter. He ordered him to bring me drink a glass of water. It allowed me to see their hut. Not bad at all for the corner. The Spanish style, little Joe told me. It was under this name that he introduced himself.<\/p>\n

“Little Joe? “I noticed, astonished,” you are not so small that! \u00bb<\/p>\n

“No, but my brother Hoss is so great that next to him, I am small.”<\/p>\n

He told me that the repair might be long. I immediately invented that I was in a hurry, I seemed to be about to burst into tears, and he offered to take me into town in their buggy. Almost too easy!<\/p>\n

Travel time, I could, without difficulty, the pit. I learned that the father had been married three times, first with the daughter of a captain in Boston, Adam’s mother, then with Swedish, the mother of Hoss, finally, with his mother to him, Creole New Orl\u00e9ans.Ca gave me the key to the shoe for the rest of the evening. I could see he was fascinated by New Orleans and the French colony. Now it is a city I know well. I trumped the luxury that was it, the pleasures we enjoyed it, the charm of the Creole society. It was ripe y’avait more than the cueillir.Je asked him to drop me off in front of the theater. He asked me if I would back an invitation to dinner after the show and I told him he had only to pick his response in due course.<\/p>\n

It was towards the end of my number I have seen appear. He was holding a red rose in his hand he threw it at my feet when applause. I picked it up at the time because I thought it was nice and poetic, because it was a way to show him that I was waiting at the exit.<\/p>\n

I returned to the hotel and I was not there for five minutes I heard knocking on the door. “It’s me, Joe Cartwright.”<\/p>\n

I opened it. I still held her pink hand. He noted with evident pleasure.<\/p>\n

“I came to get my answer for dinner. I would like to take you taste of French cuisine ”<\/p>\n

He had said this a lovely smile. It gave me remorse. After all, it was still a very young man.<\/p>\n

“Come in,” I said, returning his smile, “I did not want to stand out, but I would be pleased that you stay and keep me company.”<\/p>\n

He came back and he started to look at everything with wide eyes. It was clear that he had never set foot in a hotel suite, “You look like a little boy who takes to the circus for the first time. “I noticed a laugh. Then I thought I had to loosen it: “You who take snuff the kitchen of the French, do you know their wines? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Without waiting for the answer, I served him a cup of champagne I require to always find cool when I leave scene.<\/p>\n

“It’s champagne. It’s worth 50 dollars a bottle. ”<\/p>\n

He had a strange reaction: “50 dollars a bottle. It’s horribly expensive! “As if it was he who was paying! We had to educate him, this little “Everything I use is expensive, Joe. My shoes, my socks, my dresses, my jewelry. I do agree that the luxuries. That’s why I came in the West. Because of gold and silver that emerge, they say. The gold and silver that miners extract the rock, they will throw it at my feet as did before them their compatriots of the East ”<\/p>\n

It did not seem to impress, on the contrary, it was a funny grimace. I’ve realized that I had made a mistake in tactics. This kid then he came from a wealthy family, inside, it was not a hovel but it was not the display of luxury. I really see the table. It was the style I have the fortune, but I act like I did not have that much. It had to be the way of the father. I knew right like that in Indianapolis, also in Boston. The virtuous genre. It is close to the cheek of the little people, but of course, if we are too close, it’s not touch my money, not touch my field, I can not touch.<\/p>\n

Anyway, me j’pouvais touch his son if your heart was saying. But in fact, he told me no. Nice, but the brat still too dependent on his father. Unlikely to make him spit the dollar or the jewel.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, I still had the Troy mission. My 10 000 dollars, I had palpated so I had to be legit. So I changed tone: “You do not know where I went before all that. I paid the price, I assure you. And I swore that I would never know hunger or poverty or humiliation or even a simple refusal of one of my whims. \u00bb<\/p>\n

I said that to vibrate the chord but in talking, I realized that it was the truth. It stirred in me horrible memories, my virginity with my father hugs disgusting that I had to go … and I experienced again. The brutality of some of these men …<\/p>\n

This one, at least he was nice; he had arrived a flower in hand and with a good smile. I thought back to the statements of Troy. What he prepared? I approached the window and saw two giants who were crossing the street. They were going to kill; I could not let that happen.<\/p>\n

“Joe, we need you to leave right away.”<\/p>\n

I urged him to leave but he did not want to know. Instead, he settled into a chair, legs on a coffee table, looking satisfied and he said he was waiting.<\/p>\n

When they hit I tried to refuse entry but it was no use. They broke my door and rushed to the little poor. I admit that I was stunned. This is where I could see that agility can against the massive force. He made a switch over her legs and dodged the autre.Je do not know what came over me, I jumped on my umbrella and I gave a blow on the head of him that had rolled to the ground. Oh, that was not a very big blow but it has arrived. It gave me time to take my umbrella with Joe who used it as a sword.<\/p>\n

And then suddenly, everything was very fast. I saw Joe step over the window. The two super heavy rushed after him but as they were two and two big, they have a short time to cross the window. From one moment to the next, I found myself alone in the middle of my suite-devastated.<\/p>\n

I sat there, a little stunned at tourniquer and meet the overturned chairs. I have not heard him enter. At one point, I turned around and I almost found myself face to face with this handsome man. This really is the word that applies even if he was dressed well rustic style. A simple black linen trousers and an open shirt, also black jacket and sheepskin. He came right to the outback, and it showed his chin and cheeks were beginning to darken a beard. It came as home, gun in hand.<\/p>\n

Where is he? “Has he asked after casting a glance around the room in disorder.<\/p>\n

I do not know what came over me. In place of the taking up and point out to him that he could take off his hat on entering a lady, I began to justify myself. “He was there, a few minutes ago,” I stammered.<\/p>\n

He approached and grabbed my arm bluntly: “And where is he now that has happened to him.”<\/p>\n

I wanted to balk me, “Let me go, you hurt me in the arm.”<\/p>\n

“I’ll break it if you do not answer me.”<\/p>\n

He did not seem to be joking, it seemed quite able to do it …<\/p>\n

A bit of real fear, a little by tactics, I changed my tone and I played the ingenue, “Oh, Adam, I’m so sorry. I did not think it was going to turn like that. You must have a very low opinion of me. ”<\/p>\n

At this point in the conversation, I was expecting it to soften or at least that it admits my naivety but I quickly became disillusioned.<\/p>\n

“On the contrary, I am quite appreciative. You have beautifully played your role and you drew my brother into a trap without seeming to touch it. You have to be proud of you trap a kid to deliver a band of thugs … ”<\/p>\n

I can not explain what happened to me. Instead of holding her head, add something, go out to him that the first fool to be dropped in the panel, it was his father (I could not accuse him because it must be said that it s ‘had never parted with his distrust except perhaps when it is dismounted to pull myself out of his brother), in short, instead of looking down and take my conduct, I have taken trying to justify myself,<\/p>\n

“To trap? But there was no question of that. It was just a trick to play a joke. ”<\/p>\n

Oh yes? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes, all I had to do was get one of you and bring it back to the city that’s all that was asked Alpheus Troy.”<\/p>\n

“For how much? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Money has nothing to do with it …”<\/p>\n

“Then for what? What is a girl like you may well have to do with Troy if not shoot him the money? \u00bb<\/p>\n

It was true, but we can always do as inexplicably, I saw red. I could not stand that this man take me for what I am, a kept woman. I usually do not burden me with such scruples; I even have a tendency to pay me the head of my suitors. I like to be known that I’m a dear wife, as I could not help but show it to little Joe who, however, did not ask me anything.<\/p>\n

I was furious: I rushed on him and I raised my hand to slap him. Instead of reacting like others and to let it go, he recovered his hand on the fly, without sweetness. I shouted to him to let me go but it was ignored. Instead, he shot my wrist to stick me against him. It overlooked at me, a torrid gray eyes. It was like fire that flowed from her long lashes. I felt melt under that look. Completely, unconditionally. I had never experienced teacher and I felt like suddenly I had one. Maud and Lola had said: “Women like us, they dominate their clients but one day they fall on a man who dominates and they can not do anything, it’s stronger than them. This is not love, it’s something else but anyway, that’s how. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Suddenly, I felt only one desire, that I take, let him do what he wants from me. I really thought that was what he would do with the way he tois\u00e9e. But he just told me in a voice that desire made deaf:<\/p>\n

“Next time, Miss Crabtree, catch a man, not a boy.”<\/p>\n

And he left as he had come, a silent approach tiger. I stood there speechless, without force, pantoise.Puis I took a deep breath and I said “shakes up, my daughter. If anything, it’s the last time you see him. ”<\/p>\n

I rang for that one gives me another room because I did not want to stay in an open area to the wind. And I stood there, lost in thought, while it tossed around.<\/p>\n

Without thinking, I started to look out the window, hoping whatever. I suspected that he was not yet come back. Above all, I was hoping that little Joe had not caught and we did not hurt him. Otherwise, I did not dare imagine his reaction.<\/p>\n

I was there from my reverie when little Joe made a new appearance. Immediately, I asked him if he had not met his brother. He said non.Je let myself go, I do not know why, to tell him we met but I suddenly realized I was about to open my heart to someone I had no reason to be confident, quite the contrary. He would not have missed it goes unveil his brother disorder in which it put me.<\/p>\n

The only thing to do to change my mind, it was a change of scenery. “Forget all that, do you, Joe? All this mess m’insupporte. I would expect you to go down in the lobby. I’m going to change and we will see if he is still in town still open saloon. I did not intend to spend the rest of the night watching the hotel staff to transfer my stuff in another room. “.<\/p>\n

I went to change me. I put on an outfit and day, taking a romantic crisis, I had a moment to wonder satin flowers in their hair, ivory flowers that make the black came out of my hair. Below, I asked Joe if, during that time, he had thought to take me somewhere.<\/p>\n

“Yes, there is the Red Horse Saloon that stays open until dawn. I’m sorry, “he joked,” but I fear they do not have champagne here. ”<\/p>\n

I replied in the same tone rarely, I will settle for a beer. I felt good, soothed. We sat in this very ordinary saloon and we chatted very nicely. I tried to make her speak of his brother without realizing it, by drowning it in the history of his family. Y’avait a guy who played harmonica muted. We could hear without listening. And then suddenly, I do not know what fly stung, he got up, went to ask a waltz playing the old and bowed to me to invite me to dance. I found the charming idea; She stuck completely with my melancholy mood. We started turning slowly. When suddenly a stentorian voice made us jump, “You” has-such roared in our ears.<\/p>\n

The old man stopped playing. I looked up and I felt ashamed. The whole family was there, the father and his two elder son. Joe tried a shy “Oh, hi Dad” without much conviction and before the father’s insistence to bring it in the right way, he hurried to the hand kissing me and he spun toward the door.<\/p>\n

I already watched the most. I felt a gun at me look. He stared at me as if to hypnotize me and, in fact, we would have said he managed it. His father and brother had many realize because I saw the father, behind his back, waved at Hoss to retire quietly. It is also not at all what did Hoss because his mouth was split into a smile and he powered his eldest forward.<\/p>\n

It was decided. He walked toward me, both calm, slow but determined. My heart was pounding. He did not say a word, he looked at me and he kissed me. It was sweet, it was hot … He took his trademarks. It was, it was … it was delicious. It does unfortunately not last long. Very quickly, he stepped back and came to rest at me from under her long lashes, with an irresistible smile on his lips. As if reading me. Or rather, he did not read me, he had me read through this kiss. Now he translated, but it was her eyes and her smile that spoke and it was worth more than a thousand words. They said, “I like you and you are mine.” I wish I could confirm it by throwing my arms around his neck and losing myself in a more passionate kiss yet, but already he walked away.<\/p>\n

I advanced on the doorstep. It made me a little hello, always with the same smile, then climbed into the saddle.<\/p>\n

I had to stay there for a moment, smiling into the void until the boss comes banging on my shoulder, “is closed, ma’am.”<\/p>\n

So I left, head elsewhere; mechanically, I returned to the hotel and went to bed. But I had a hard time getting to sleep.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, I was ready, like every night, to go on stage and I gave my show. After all, that’s why I was in Virginia City.<\/p>\n

“No Rose, tonight,” I thought wistfully when the curtain is down. “The cute little miss Joe,” have I said. But I knew in my heart that it was not. It was not the absence of Joe that I regretted was that of Adam.<\/p>\n

Still clad in my last scene of dress, a black sheath split on the largely side above the knee, I sat at my dressing table and I undid my bun. When my hair escaped, I heard behind me a whistle. I had to push a scream, I turned instinctively protecting my chest with my hands.<\/p>\n

The next moment, fear gave way to relief and joy. It was him. He who had returned to complete, at least I hoped that we had drafted the morning.<\/p>\n

I was preparing to make the tune, making me wish by taking an outraged air and pretending to hunt but it did not leave me time to deploy my little tricks. No sooner did I say “Adam, what are you doing here? “He walked me by replying:” I came to see if you were still agree. ”<\/p>\n

“Okay for what? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Okay to make love with me”<\/p>\n

I do not believe it. Not since my father, a man had shown too … live with me. I was used to being courted and develop a whole set of “two steps forward, three steps back” that allowed me to raise prices or turn away those who can not afford or were definitely too repugnant to me that I leave though they could offer me.<\/p>\n

I opened my mouth to try to answer but he put my hand gently on my mouth. “No need to talk, I’ll find my answer differently” he has this deep voice whispered in charge of desire and I found myself without will, lips pressed to his.<\/p>\n

I lost control of myself and I let myself from his grasp he pronounced me as soon as he felt receptive. I savored at the same time, the strength of his arms, his man smell (a subtle mix of soap, campaign, leather and lavender), the wet warmth of his tongue and explorer closes bulge of his bas belly I felt against mine.<\/p>\n

He has ended the kiss when both, we were out of breath. “You see that it was not worth talking about,” he whispered to me, nose in my hair “Even if you answered no, I do not believe you. Come. ”<\/p>\n

Any idea of resistance had abandoned me. He carried me on the couch, spent my hands under the slit in the skirt, and undid my lower placing his lips on every inch of skin he bared. Then he went back to more intimate regions and he did it again with another low. I thought he was going to take action … but no. He lifted gently, I returned and began to unbutton my dress. It was no longer his lips caressing me was his hot breath on my neck, my shoulders. Then it was his hands that came into play, his two hands cupped around my breasts while I felt my dress fall at my feet and kissed the hollow of my neck.<\/p>\n

After I lost all sense of reality. Nothing had that feeling that he was born in me, hitherto unknown sensations. I felt it was today that I lost my virginity and not there ten years ago.<\/p>\n

He paused a moment to undress. I watched with devotion, muscular, well built, yet sleek. He had white skin and tanned arms, which gave me a strange feeling that he was not completely naked. Yet it was indeed when he hit me on the couch and took care of me so make me scream with pleasure.<\/p>\n

It continued like that, alternating short periods of sleep and frolic more imaginative than each other. But the best things come to an end, he offered to take me to my hotel. Hoping to keep him until the end of the night, I offered him a glass of champagne which he accepted but it was on this point, more jaded than his brother. I then tried to lure to the bed but it was cloudy with a slight laugh, telling me that sex was like champagne, you had to use it enough to be gay but stopped drunkenness. Me, I would have drunk a little more and even a little too much, but he seemed determined to go home before dawn.<\/p>\n

I already had the opportunity to perceive that he was a man that is not easily handled, if at all, and my usual weapons had no effect on him. How had told his brother? Ah yes, it was a “granite head of New England.” So I merely ask him when I see him again. He got embarrassed and I imagined he was thinking of my other appointments. Obviously, he did not want to come across in my antechamber gentlemen who came to afford a good time against a handful of dollars.<\/p>\n

“I will liberate me,” I assured him.<\/p>\n

“It’s not going to ask you problems? “He asked me look even hesitant.<\/p>\n

It made me laugh, “You know, the applications of these gentlemen, nothing obliges me to meet the night. It is sometimes even easier for them in the day, when their wives are busy with their shopping. ”<\/p>\n

He said he was “going to see,” but I do not count on it tonight. I almost asked him why, but looking at him, I saw that face was drawn and I realized he had not slept more than me for two days and he would not perhaps not the time to make the dormouse in bed all morning as I intended to do.<\/p>\n

So I let him go on one last kiss and then I collapsed into bed to sleep the deep sleep that give directions appeased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ah, kids! They grow beautiful, it continues to be white hair on them. And besides, they accuse you!<\/p>\n

I just had a double explanation, one with Joe, the other with Adam and I leave the second freaked. It is imperative me to put some order in my ideas.<\/p>\n

Joe, it was d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu. He had been having as a kid it was through this woman he must acknowledge that it has everything to trap young males in need of female companionship. In fact, I was mostly angry against myself because I never had to entrust a boy of 18 years the task of escorting the man-eater. I should have to go myself, it was less risky.<\/p>\n

So I spent a soap for Joe disobeyed me when he knew why I had given orders not to go into town and I did follow my admonition of a sermon on the danger of lose his head when a pretty face appears on the horizon. I almost mentioned her brothers as an example but I stopped in time because, given the behavior of Adam, I thought Joe was going to laugh at me.<\/p>\n

As always, I had the impression that it was “cause always, you interest me,” but what do. At his age, he’s too old for me to give him a spanking other than the joke, like the one I gave him the day before yesterday when we caught dancing with the so-called Lotta Crabtree. I do not know how to get a hold on him. Only when his follies fall on his face that I have the opportunity to open a dialogue and to try to put a little lead in the skull.<\/p>\n

What is certain is that he has no remorse for his escapades the other night. There could leave his skin, he caused a fire that destroyed an entire neighborhood, it has jeopardized our field but all he sees is that he made the lunch at his attackers without our help and he had fun. What is terrible with him is that he rushes straight ahead without worrying about the consequences of his actions and that he cares, most of the time when it is too late.<\/p>\n

But I’m grumbling against him, I must admit that it makes me happy. With him I am like the show, anything can happen. You never know what idea will sprout in his fertile brain. It’s not like Hoss is totally predictable. All we can fear unexpected, with Hoss is that it brings us God knows what wounded animal or abandoned or God knows what poor devil. If he were ever to incarnate into another creature, no doubt, it would be a St. Bernard.<\/p>\n

As for Adam … Oh la, la, Adam … At first glance, one might think that this is the most reasonable of my son, by far. It is clear, sensible, clever, educated. The childhood he had, or rather he has not had, the poor little, has matured early. But at times, he happens to have a completely incomprehensible behavior.<\/p>\n

A closer look, whenever he has this behavior against the foot of his character, there is a woman in the circuit. This is the legend in the family say it’s Joe Don Juan of the band but Adam is far from immune to the charms of the fair sex. He is even able to get into senseless adventures, some time.<\/p>\n

I even think that’s why he was so controlling. He knows this is his weakness, its Achilles heel.<\/p>\n

Well, if I summarizes: There was this absurd infatuation for the daughter of a Mormon, very friendly after all, but it was clear that she could never adapt to the lifestyle of a Cartwright. And vice versa, for that matter: I imagine Adam dressed by any time for a black coat and a flannel trousers, wearing long beard and round hat. Not but what fun! And Adam that can not defend themselves if attacked his family or his property. How has he been able to believe one minute he would get there? I told him what I thought at the time and he listened to me with a friendly smile, but he persisted in his decision. Stubborn! It did not last long. I can not say I was glad that his future father was robbed and murdered before his eyes, which led him to revenge and recover stolen money at gunpoint, but at least it cut short this disastrous idea of marriage.<\/p>\n

Afterwards, there was Isabella de la Cuesta according to some, or Rosita Morales according to others. Then one of my two Spanish, a Se\u00f1or Luga arrives and declares that all the surrounding land, including some of Ponderosa, owned by his niece, the heiress of the family of the Cuesta. And the strength of its title, it’s hunt, on behalf of his niece, all farmers with a gun, killing the shameless. Everyone is mobilized. I am preparing to fight on all fronts, that of the right and the right of force. I send Hoss and Joe investigate the rights of the family de la Cuesta. Adam suggests to me that the big bad wolf, the Se\u00f1or Luga, this is perhaps not Isabella de la Cuesta and that, moreover, it may not be who they claim be. I think it is a good idea to follow this track, I give him carte blanche to investigate this young lady and I see him back, eyes on, having nothing else to say that “this is a very pretty woman.<\/p>\n

I tell him that, one I already said and that it is not the kind of information that I expect and leaves me with regret that he found this so-called heiress the Spanish nobility, dancing in a Mexican inn and she is very reserved when asked about his past. I have the misfortune to say that I take this as good news and now he says that he is not far from regretting the idea he had to unmask this “lady”. And I will take him ride a horse on the pretext of bringing our views! And that I forbid you when a guy from San Francisco comes to reveal that she is none other than the Rosita Morales bar dancer. All because she likes and she is not impervious to its charm. Finally, again, it ended well, but he was ready for all indulgences because of her pretty face, her good looks and her hourglass figure.<\/p>\n

And this case, fortunately aborted, Beatrix Dinsford. I must say that the so-called Beatrice threw herself at his head. But, I still remember our stupor, Marion and I, when, coming out in the garden to Beatrix, who had said he wanted to take the air and asked to escort Adam, we fell on my son and his wife about to kiss! After making sure that our guests had retired to their room, I took Adam in the barn for a stormy explanation of how to behave with the wife of a friend and a host. It was also not forbidden; he was very embarrassed. He had not seen it coming and had been led. After luckily he pulled himself together but still … The bouquet, it was this story with Sue Ellen, the saloon dancer with whom he had an affair last year. Does he now Mr decides he must treat this young lady as a lady, and that causes a duel the tenant of the saloon because he had disrespected him. He did not risk because poor Jerry was taking would not have reached a cow in a hallway and shot in the air to not reach it but still, it was grotesque. Once again, I tried to reason with him, to tell him that I could ask for more as a wife for my son, the most learned of the three, the grand-son of a captain, a coach . Nothing to do! It seems that this “girl” was the unfortunate victim of his sister that required him to practice this very honorable profession that Mr. Adam was adult and knew what he was doing and that I had nothing else to do just ask Hop Sing killing our finest chicken dinner to receive. Ah dinner! The poor girl is ridiculed for wanting to pass for what it was not. Hoss even that is not very smart when you want him to take bladders for lanterns realized it. And throughout the evening, Adam walked a beatific smile that his beloved does not realize that it was considered a goose.<\/p>\n

Result one evening after he brought the picnic … (call it that) with her mother, she was shot in the back while he kissed her, and as he ran to catch up with the murderer, he was accused of the murder. When I went to see him in his cell, he told me that he knew she did not really like, what she wanted was to marry out of her cloaca. I did not insist, we were too busy trying to clear himself, and to prevent the people of Virginia City will lynch him. Afterwards, when he managed to escape and caught the sheriff who was the real culprit, we were so amazed that flirting my son went into the background and we did not put the issue on the table.<\/p>\n

The other morning, I have felt the current passing between Adam and Lotta and I did not see any objection to leaving them a moment of intimacy. I even made a sign to Hoss to follow me for them to be alone for a moment<\/p>\n

But when I saw that he was rushing to join the night as it did almost 48 hours he did not sleep, I felt the anxiety take me back. Is not going to be reused us, Lotta, the same comedy with Sue Ellen.<\/p>\n

It was almost dawn when he returned. I looked at the time, four forty! You my boy, I will not miss you, I told myself. At seven, I did wake up with Hoss, whose sweetness when he engaged in this exercise is proverbial, and I gave him a very tiring job that he regrets his feast.<\/p>\n

In the evening when he came home, I was determined to take between four z’yeux. After dinner, I asked him if he would not walking with me, saw the beautiful evening it was. I saw him throw a look of regret to the stairs up to his room, but he followed me, fatalistic air. He had to wait for my “calling.”<\/p>\n

I did not go to the point: “It was essential to go, drop everything, spend the night with this singer? “.” You know, “he replied,” there is a saying that we must strike while the iron is hot … and it was! But, if I may, I think it does not concern you. ”<\/p>\n

At a stroke, blood mounted to my head. If there are some who question the meaning of the phrase “seeing red”, I can tell them that I have experienced. I raised my voice. “Everything about my son looks at me, especially when they do stupid things”<\/p>\n

I immediately regretted it. I know it well, though. Both the angry fashion impresses my last two son, so it has no effect on Adam, who is not afraid to stand up to me.<\/p>\n

“It would still have to decide are you, Dad.”<\/p>\n

To what? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“To find out if what you want is that we assume we know and make our own decisions or if you do not dream that we like children for life.”<\/p>\n

I was taken aback. I stammered two or three meaningless sounds and took the opportunity to speak again.<\/p>\n

“Recently, when you were taken hostage by Sam Briant who threatened to hang you if we do not liberate Perkins, remember, you were glad that I have been able to take a decision that was not easy but good, eh? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Indeed: it was a dark case of blackmail. Sam Briant led a band of thugs who fleeced the city and terrorizing and we finally managed to testify Ms Cameron, whose husband was killed before his eyes, and we were able to convict Perkins, the assassin. Sam Briant had retaliated by making me a prisoner and offering my life in exchange for that of his henchman.<\/p>\n

The boys had been faced with a dramatic choice: either give in, not being sure we would release me or go to the end of the sentence by playing on the fact that Briant being a coward, he would not take, facing citizens committed to justice whatever happens, the risk of hanging. This second solution, it was a gamble but it was good and Adam had the courage to advocate against everybody, brothers, Mrs Cameron, the sheriff …<\/p>\n

When Briant had asked me to write to him to change his mind, I was told that I had used my son to make their own decisions. I was then told them and that’s the phrase that Adam wanted to remind me, it was obvious.<\/p>\n

“Since I was little,” he continued, “you taught me to take risks, to fight to defend myself. I have known all my childhood mortal danger times, the least was not the one I saw Inger be shot with an arrow before my eyes. At 6 years old, I had to take care of a baby two months. I started shooting at the age of 10 years. As soon as I turned 16, you made me draw wild horses. When Mary died, you took almost a year to pull yourself together and I had to manage the ranch alone and take care of my brothers without you when I was just 18 years old. Then I went to Boston, to the university, no mentor to guide me. Later, you sent me in one shipment, leaving you arrested by the hazards necessarily short in our countries, a single traveler. I was imprisoned several times, I was injured. So I do not understand why, when it comes to love affairs, you interfered you, you couves me, you treat me like a child. \u00bb<\/p>\n

I lowered my head under the stream of words. Logically, he was right. That’s right, by the way, which is annoying with Adam, there is never room for the irrational. But a father’s heart is able to perceive that which escapes logic.<\/p>\n

“If I worry when you turn around a skirt, just imagine, it’s because you gave me good reason to do so in the past. And they have names, these reasons Regina Beatrix, Rosita, Sue Ellen, it tells you something? \u00bb<\/p>\n

This last name has calmed down. He lowered his head. When he spoke again, it was in a tone much calmer.<\/p>\n

“I know, Sue Ellen, it was a mistake. But I saved the lesson, you know. Do not fear that I start with Lotta. With it, it is purely a physical attraction. \u00bb<\/p>\n

He scratched his head and said with that half-smile he knows irresistible and it serves me when he wants me to pull a fast one, “You know, we have not so many opportunities here if we want to avoid hugs venal. ”<\/p>\n

This used to speak like Shakespeare! Hugs venal! Prostitutes, what? As if his Lotta was not one! I have dit.Il it had a chuckle: “I know but it’s the top of the basket, luxury hen. It does offer the deep pockets. “” Do you mean that you have paid for? \u00bb<\/p>\n

He looked furious: “Are you kidding? You did not see that it was ready to fall into my arms? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“If I have seen and I have not been so shocked as you think. It’s just that … “” It’s just that you’d like I stick here and I will review the most. ”<\/p>\n

I laughed yellow, “I do not say this but I want you’re suspicious” “Do not worry. First, tonight I’m not going, “My words have blended faster than I intended,” He would not miss that! \u00bb<\/p>\n

He went into a fit of laughter frank: “I point out to you that if at the moment, I do not sleep, it’s not because of it, it’s because of you . \u00bb<\/p>\n

Then he resumed, on a more serious tone: “I will return tomorrow night, first because I feel like it” (then he challenged me gaze) “also because I have a plan to wedge Troy and assumes participation. \u00bb<\/p>\n

He watched its effect, it was not disappointed. My eye had to be lit with excitement: “You have a plan to trap Troy? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes, and make it permanently leave the area.”<\/p>\n

“How do you plan to take? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“I’ll start to see Chang Si and convince him to lodge a complaint, he and his friends, for the burning and destruction of their homes, not to mention the damage from its customers.”<\/p>\n

“I have paid part.” “Needless to say the judge. I’ll tell Chiang If a complaint against Troy and I undertake to get Lotta detailed testimony of contract with Troy and the failed attempt on Joe. Joe himself will only have to tell the court his flight and what ensued. Troy will be condemned to such a large amount that will, in my opinion, no other resource than to sell the mine. ”<\/p>\n

“But who could buy it? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Lotta. I explain to him that instead of putting money in expensive dresses and champagne, it could make some investments. Then I will take care to find a hotel in Sacramento or San Francisco for her to settle down, settle and a controller for its mine. ”<\/p>\n

I was taken aback. For the trial, it was thought but as a result, his ability to find a facility for Lotta and convince him to take it and go, I wondered where he got his insurance. I asked him the question.<\/p>\n

His eyes twinkled with mischief when he said, “You know, during my travels, I made many relationships. There are some people I bailed and think only go politeness. And there are some who are in the show and willingly invest in a case brought by a beautiful girl like Lotta. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes, but it has to be agreed”<\/p>\n

“It will be,” he assured me, laughing. “I can go to sleep now? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Go ahead,” I said, suppressing the urge to slap him a slap on the buttocks.<\/p>\n

After I stayed a while to return it all in my head. When had he concocted this plan, it must be said, extremely clever. If anything, it had germinated in his brain at the time when he himself took pleasure with his mistress. This way to combine business with pleasure. From Adam all over!<\/p>\n

Ah, kids! This one, in any case, it does not cease to amaze me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everything went like clockwork. I knew it would not be easy to convince the Chinese to go to court (they defy the white judge and laws) so I had taken Hop-Sing and during the journey between Ponderosa and Virginia City, I said I explained the interest of complaint. Hop Sing likes me, he trusts me. He sold my salad to his compatriots.<\/p>\n

\n

Once acquired this point I went to see Lotta and I told him that if the heart was singing it, I could devote all night. She did not pray. I was in sparkling form after a good night’s sleep and I made him forget even his name. In the morning, I could ask the moon, it would look the part. So testify against Troy, if there was it to please me …<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, I made sure … maintain his enthusiasm to trial. Dad could not hide his displeasure when I d\u00e9couchais but he did not dare say anything after our explanation.<\/p>\n

Based on the testimonies of Lotta, Patch and Joe, Troy was heavily condemned as I predicted. At the bar, Lotta confessed that he had him fairly widely disclosed its intentions, contrary to what she had said. It does not surprise me; in any case, I had not been duped by his denials.<\/p>\n

Also according to my predictions, Troy, who was already quite penniless since he had paid 10,000 dollars to Lotta, found himself obliged to compensate the Chinese, to its mine for sale.<\/p>\n

When I suggested to Lotta it could buy, she highly welcomed the idea. I was a little embarrassed because I was well aware that she lent me the intentions that I had not. She thought it was a way that I found it to be installed in the area and it makes a situation enabling her to marry me.<\/p>\n

She seriously disillusioned when I told him about my way of seeing things for the next steps. She looked at me with an air of desperation to me knotted stomach:<\/p>\n

“You, you want to get rid of me? But what have I done? What have I done? \u00bb<\/p>\n

The tears began to flow. I took her in my arms like a little child to comfort.<\/p>\n

“But what you wanted, Lotta, what did you expect? \u00bb<\/p>\n

She suddenly released from my grip, “I was hoping not to leave you, that’s what I was hoping, but I see now that I made illusions. You’re no better than the others. Now that you got what you were looking, you let me down, I no longer interests you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

I threw two minutes between the tender and comprehensive approach and firm and assertive attitude. But I told myself that made me stand out to her and had earned his interest me, that was my total lack of obedience and respect, in the first moments of our meeting. Lotta was one of those women who need to be dominated and who to alternating cold and hot start by making sure the cold. I do not like bully women; I love the contrary protect them, surround them on condition that they do not take advantage to try to take me to the stick. I do not remember ever let a woman take advantage of its Women to make me do what I do not want to do or submit to his whims. When a woman needs to hear the truth, I told him as I would say to a man. It is a form considers, moreover; for me, the woman is an adult.<\/p>\n

“You will apologize immediately what you have to say or I stick you a pair of slaps” and saw the look I dardais on it, it could have no doubt about my determination to put my threat.<\/p>\n

It’s amazing to see how fast it backtracked. She burst into tears and stammered: “I beg your pardon. Do not blame me, I’m so unhappy. \u00bb<\/p>\n

I handed her my handkerchief telling him to wipe his eyes and I ordered him to sit down. She obediently performed.<\/p>\n

“Now you listen to me and honestly answer the questions I want to ask you. You had made up his mind to marry me, is not it? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“YES” she replied ruefully.<\/p>\n

“Is what you asked yourself what kind of life you led such a marriage? Do you know what it’s like to live in the country, with a husband who usually feels the horse or sweat, raise cattle, staying in an isolated house, so comfortable can-t it being, wait until it comes back from the long days making him the kitchen? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Nnon …”. She sniffed answering me. “The only thing you thought, is to perpetuate our nights in the same bed, right? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes,” she stammered.<\/p>\n

“But now that you think about it, now that you realize that marriage, it is not a long series of voluptuous times now that you realize that it would make you give up your job, your habits, your taste for life city, you always want to marry me? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You might be able to change their lives, you and follow me …”<\/p>\n

Combining the laughter and luster of indignation, I started, “No, but you did not look at me! You imagine that I am ready to become Mr. Lotta Crabtree. You see me trying to follow you like a dog, go you your range or your chips and go very nicely read a book in your dressing room until Mrs. come to claim the rest of the war. Charming program! You will excuse me for not finding it to my liking. \u00bb<\/p>\n

It is subject, “What do I do then? “J<\/p>\n

‘I smiled. “What I suggested to you earlier: you entrust the management of your wealth to someone I choose you, and I will control you and you will install as establishing patron in Sacramento or San Francisco. \u00bb<\/p>\n

And I added with a softer tone to get the pill “chosen Sacramento, it’s closer and I go quite often. I’ll come get you long visits … ”<\/p>\n

The index, I raised him chin. “It’s over, that big sorrow? “I asked him.<\/p>\n

She made an effort to smile through her tears.<\/p>\n

“How will I find at this Sacramento? “She risked.<\/p>\n

“It is I who am in charge. Do not bother about anything. I advance you the money without interest. ”<\/p>\n

“Are you rich! \u00bb<\/p>\n

“What do you want … There is a French poet who wrote an excellent story about it. This is a grasshopper, you know, this insect scratching its wings when it’s sunny; this noise is music and it is said that the cicada sings. ”<\/p>\n

And then? “” The cicada singing, it’s you. It occupies about anything else in summer than enjoying what life gives him. The ant is the opposite. This is a worker, a needy, even. It gathers all it can as reserves for the winter. I am the ant and, unlike the fable, which is a horrible avaricious, I lend you money. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You will find your account? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Yes, because I solve all our problems: none of us give up the life he loves and as you stop to walk you through the entire continent not setting you away from home, we can continue our link up that one of us get tired. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“Oh,” she has said, somewhat reassured after all, “I do not delude myself, it is you who shall put an end to this link, certainly not me. \u00bb<\/p>\n

I sent him a flick.<\/p>\n

“How do you know? For now, you idolaters me because I was the first to reveal to you pleasure but I’m not the only one to hold the secret. You’ll see, one day, you meet a man capable of both give you pleasure and life you love. Do not forget that with my idea, you will no longer have to lie for money. Come on, now that all this is settled, we will provide a moment of happiness. ”<\/p>\n

Thus was said, so it was done. Then I made quickly because Lotta had finished his contract in Virginia City and that idleness was worth nothing to him. To me either, because, as she was bored, she would have wanted me to it every night (she slept during the day but not me).<\/p>\n

Within 15 days, I found the manager, telegraphed to my friend Clive in Sacramento who routed me about a woman who was seeking a partner capable of succeeding him in two or three years. The ideal. I negotiated the purchase of shares, Lotta who assured me that it would leave me completely.<\/p>\n

She left this morning at dawn. Yesterday she had a charming idea for us to say goodbye. She praised the Patch services and returned to the lands of Ponderosa sedan with the same as that of where it had emerged there 6 weeks. Except that we quickly holstered our weapons. Dad reached out to move it down: “Good evening, Mr. Cartwright. Forgive me for having crossed the boundaries of your new domain, but I could not go, you understand, without offering a small gift to … Joe. \u00bb<\/p>\n

I raised my hat, smiling to show her that she had a point. Joe looked at me mockingly laughed frankly it, and Hoss and Dad imitated.<\/p>\n

“Will you help me, Hoss” she asked, “because it is heavy. I hope he will share with you. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss leaned inside the sedan and rescued a case of champagne. “There are six bottles,” said she announced triumphantly.<\/p>\n

“It’s too much, I can not accept,” Joe said, softly.<\/p>\n

“Taratata, if I do it is that I can afford. Remember that through Adam, I am now the owner of a rich silver mine. \u00bb<\/p>\n

She then turned to Dad: “You too, Mr. Cartwright, I want to offer a memory. I have heard that your wife was last in New Orleans. I would like to offer you this engraving representing a street in this city that I love. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Dad was all happy. He asked Lotta permission to kiss him, which she graciously accepted.<\/p>\n

“I also have something for you Hoss” she announced to my brother, delighted in advance. “Imagine that the bitch Mrs. Troy had just had a litter when they left. She wanted to drown puppies but I asked them to give me one. It’s for you. ” And she pulled out from under his seat a wicker basket in which there was as a very rough cotton ball. When Hoss was released, he generously licked the tip of her pink tongue.<\/p>\n

“Stop Troy, stop,” commented spontaneously brother, trying to control the exuberance of her puppy ..<\/p>\n

“Troy! Here’s at least one that will be friendly to me “said Papa.<\/p>\n

“Well,” said Lotta, “it remains for me to say goodbye. Oh sorry, I forgot, I also have a little something for Adam. \u00bb<\/p>\n

And she pulled out a packet informs wrapped in tissue paper.<\/p>\n

“You do not works? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“No,” I replied, “I have a hunch that I’d better wait to be alone. \u00bb<\/p>\n

She chuckled, “Come take a ride with me, we all will open.”<\/p>\n

I drove to a small grove I call the garden because the whim of nature arranged the trees so it looks like the effect of the human hand. I’ve unpacked my package and I took out a pair of silk stockings and ivory satin flowers.<\/p>\n

I was moved. I hugged for a long kiss. When I released, her eyes full of tears.<\/p>\n

I fucked her little black-gloved hand: “I will come soon,” I whispered to him and I let him get away by staying there.<\/p>\n

At night, no way to calm Joe. He wanted to make me say that Lotta gave me and, of course, I had no intention of opening his mouth about it. Hoss came to his rescue but in vain. Then Dad said we had all three need to refresh our ideas and we sent for ten days in the pasture Morena, a mountain corner where we keep a part of the herd in the summer, when it is too hot in the plains.<\/p>\n

So we all went to prepare our packages to be able to leave early the next day.<\/p>\n

I’m glad this expedition. I need peace, purity and a little solitude. We will sleep under the stars, take turns for night guards and the rest of the time herding cattle chatting or playing cards. We can also fish, one by one, of course. Papa said the shepherd is much like the sailor and I think he’s right.<\/p>\n

This morning I woke up before everyone except, of course, Hop-Sing I wonder if he happens to sleep. I asked him to put us sausages and potatoes in our provisions, as when I was twenty and that between two academic years, I took my brothers in the same pasture.<\/p>\n

They were respectively 8 and 14 at the time. It was I who was cooking and what they liked most of all, they were outdoor grilled sausages with potatoes cooked in the ashes. Or trout but that we would have plenty of time to fish in the river there.<\/p>\n

There you go. We started this morning. I took Bimbo, a sheepdog that I intend to leave behind our men.<\/p>\n

It’s funny, we naturally placed as before, to me, Joe and Hoss between us bringing up the rear. The sun goes down in a few minutes, we should reach the little corner where we like to stop for the first step.<\/p>\n

“We stop, Adam? \u00bb<\/p>\n

“As usual, Hoss. We stop at the same place as usual. ”<\/p>\n

We have set foot, ground all three with the same good humor. We took care of horses and Bimbo. then I suggested a bath in the river.<\/p>\n

We can go. If someone approaches, Bimbo will bark. \u00bb<\/p>\n

What we had fun! Like kids! It allowed us to shake nervousness recent weeks.<\/p>\n

When I turned on the fire to ashes and I released sausages, they started to sing children’s choruses. I accompanied them. Once filled, we stayed a while in silence while the warming coffee and then Joe asked:<\/p>\n

“Adam, can I ask you something? “. Just like ten years ago.<\/p>\n

“Always Say” I replied, smiling.<\/p>\n

“It may be a little indiscreet, but you do not have the very sad that Lotta was gone. Yet you were his lover. Do not say no, the whole town talked about it. ”<\/p>\n

“I do not say no,” I replied, looking down and poking the ashes with a wooden stick.<\/p>\n

“So it does not matter you have been intimate with a woman and then, suddenly, to see her go? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss wanted to silence him but I made him a sign to leave him alone. At other times, in other places, I do not perhaps have answered such questions. I do not like to spread my heart and my thoughts on the public square. But tonight, in this atmosphere, with just my two brothers that I knew they did not have a mean bone in his heart, that they just trying to understand life, I let myself go.<\/p>\n

“You must know that it was I who organized his departure”<\/p>\n

“Wow! “Resumed Hoss,” but why Adam? You looked so happy. You know that everyone envied you your conquest ”<\/p>\n

“Including me,” Joe did. “Me too,” Hoss went further and I guessed he blushed in the darkness.<\/p>\n

“I had to end this adventure. I do not want it to go further and, if it had lasted, I would have been to tie the knot. I wanted at any price. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“You are very difficult,” replied Joe.<\/p>\n

I looked into his eyes, “You would have married her, do you? \u00bb<\/p>\n

He took evasive air. “If it is to me that it had granted the favors you have received, yes, I think I would have wanted to marry her. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“This proves,” I said with tender irony, “you do not think about it more. I asked her if she was to live in the countryside, with a husband who usually feels the horse or sweat in simmering small dishes to pass the time and mending my shirts. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“True,” opined Hoss, “I do not see it in this role.”<\/p>\n

“I’ll make you laugh. You know what she said? She asked me if I did not want to drop everything and accompany him in his life showman. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It’s not true,” they shouted in unison. “And what did you say”<\/p>\n

“That I could not see myself becoming Mr. Lotta Crabtree. \u00bb<\/p>\n

It made them laugh out loud, and I, for that matter. Once calmed down, Hoss took over the questioning.<\/p>\n

“So Adam, you did not like? Yet thou oddly pinched for it in the morning when we met Joe dancing with her. ”<\/p>\n

“You said it, Hoss, I pinched her, I was physically attracted to her but it was not love. It was nothing more than an adventure. ”<\/p>\n

“But you’re not afraid for having broken heart? You know, it was painful to see, yesterday after you left when she got into the sedan. \u00bb<\/p>\n

I had a small pinch to the heart. A pinch of remorse. “At the time, it is sure that it will be bad, but it will pass him. Do not worry, she did not like me. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“As are you sure? “Joe asked me with an inquisitive tone.<\/p>\n

I took the time to serve me a cup of coffee. “She did not love me enough to give it all up for me. No more than I loved him enough to change his life for her. You know, experience has taught me that it was necessary to be wary of impetuous movements of his heart. The other day, Dad reminded me some love of my youth which almost go wrong. I learned the hard way to distinguish an adventure or romance true love. And I would like my experience serve you to do the same but I know that on this point, the errors of some does not benefit other. \u00bb<\/p>\n

I remained thoughtful for a moment and then I added: “In any case, it was not the woman I needed. \u00bb<\/p>\n

“It’s how the woman that you need, Adam” Joe asked in a voice soft.<\/p>\n

I weighed my response: “It must be me everything: mother and sister that I did not have, and yet my little girl, my accomplice in moments of joy, my companion in trials, my alter ego in the conversation, a woman both capable of loving what I love and love of other things that will make me to know and love, not to mention the mother of my children. And I, “I continued having almost forgotten their presence,” I will love him like crazy, without counting, without measuring. I want to love him insanely. \u00bb<\/p>\n

It’s Hoss who interrupted the silence. “You are very demanding, but I think you’re right. Love is always madly otherwise, it’s like a sugar pie. \u00bb<\/p>\n

This culinary comparison has lightened the mood and we had a new laughter. Then I told them to go to bed, I was taking the first guard with Bimbo.<\/p>\n

Once alone, I stoked the fire a little because we were already so high that the night is cool. I looked Bimbo whose eyes, oddly, made me think of those Lotta once I had tamed.<\/p>\n

I thought about her skin, her moans of pleasure, the sweetness of her lips, our sleepless nights, our transportation, our apaisement.J’ai times shook his head. “There is an adventure, nothing else …”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Rien d’autre qu’une aventure !<\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

Ext\u00e9nu\u00e9, je suis proprement ext\u00e9nu\u00e9. Mais je ne le regrette vraiment pas, \u00e7a en valait la peine ! Ah la belle femme ! Pas aussi experte qu\u2019on aurait pu le penser avec son m\u00e9tier mais qui ne demande qu\u2019\u00e0 apprendre, la petite ch\u00e9rie. Tr\u00e8s sensuelle, en tout cas !<\/p>\n

Papa a \u00e9t\u00e9 sans piti\u00e9. Il savait pertinemment que je n\u2019avais quasiment pas dormi depuis deux jours mais \u00e7a ne l\u2019a pas emp\u00each\u00e9 d\u2019envoyer Hoss me jeter \u00e0 bas du lit. J\u2019ai m\u00eame eu l\u2019impression d\u2019une mesure de repr\u00e9sailles. Ce n\u2019est pas tr\u00e8s juste. Apr\u00e8s tout, si on y r\u00e9fl\u00e9chit, c\u2019est de sa faute si c\u2019est arriv\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Tout a commenc\u00e9 avec les machinations d\u2019Alpheus Troy. Ce forban aurait fait n\u2019importe quoi pour avoir notre bois pour ses mines mais il en voulait une telle quantit\u00e9 que \u00e7a nous aurait fait d\u00e9boiser toute la section Nord sur laquelle nous avions d\u00e9j\u00e0 pr\u00e9lev\u00e9 suffisamment de vieux arbres. Il fallait la laisser reposer. Troy n\u2019avait qu\u2019\u00e0 aller chercher son bois un peu plus loin. Apr\u00e8s tout, nous n\u2019\u00e9tions pas les seules plantations d\u2019Am\u00e9rique. Mais non, Monsieur Troy avait d\u00e9cid\u00e9 que c\u2019\u00e9tait notre bois qu\u2019il voulait, pas un autre.<\/p>\n

Derri\u00e8re tout cela, je voyais bien qu\u2019il y avait autre chose. En v\u00e9rit\u00e9, ce que Troy voulait, c\u2019\u00e9tait faire comprendre \u00e0 la r\u00e9gion que Papa n\u2019en \u00e9tait pas l\u2019homme le plus puissant. C\u2019est vrai que, petit \u00e0 petit, nous avons b\u00e2ti un domaine assez impressionnant et nombreux sont ceux qui ont peur que \u00e7a ne devienne un empire.<\/p>\n

Quels imb\u00e9ciles ! Nous, tout ce que nous voulons, c\u2019est d\u2019abord qu\u2019on nous laisse tranquilles. Et si parfois nous donnons l\u2019impression de nous m\u00ealer de ce qui ne nous regarde pas et de tout vouloir r\u00e9genter, c\u2019est g\u00e9n\u00e9ralement parce qu\u2019il se passe quelque chose dans le coin qui serait pr\u00e9judiciable \u00e0 la population. Par exemple quand on maltraite des Indiens ou qu\u2019on pollue les rivi\u00e8res ou encore qu\u2019on fait n\u2019importe quoi avec le b\u00e9tail au risque de favoriser les \u00e9pid\u00e9mies.<\/p>\n

Il n\u2019y a aucune recherche de pouvoir dans tout \u00e7a. Simplement, il ne faut pas compter sur nous pour laisser se d\u00e9velopper une injustice.<\/p>\n

En tout cas, nous \u00e9tions bien conscients que Troy \u00e9tait en train de nous monter un gentil petit chausse-trappe. Nous ne savions pas ce qu\u2019il tramait mais il avait sur nous l\u2019avantage d\u2019\u00eatre en ville. Il lui \u00e9tait facile d\u2019engager des hommes de main et de pr\u00e9parer un traquenard.<\/p>\n

Nous \u00e9tions donc sur nos gardes. J\u2019en avais discut\u00e9 avec Papa et nous avions d\u00e9cid\u00e9 d\u2019abord d\u2019\u00e9viter d\u2019aller en ville (ou, s\u2019il fallait le faire d\u2019y aller en corps constitu\u00e9) et puis aussi de surveiller le domaine comme le lait sur le feu. Le temps n\u2019\u00e9tait pas \u00e0 l\u2019hospitalit\u00e9, tout \u00e9tranger non express\u00e9ment convi\u00e9 qui serait trouv\u00e9 sur nos terres serait consid\u00e9r\u00e9 comme un intrus et trait\u00e9 comme tel. Nous l\u2019avions fait savoir \u00e0 qui voulait l\u2019entendre et, en particulier, \u00e0 Monsieur Troy.<\/p>\n

Avant-hier apr\u00e8s-midi, nous \u00e9tions en plein dressage. Je venais juste de me faire vider par un jeune mustang que je commen\u00e7ais \u00e0 peine \u00e0 briser et mes fr\u00e8res m\u2019avaient ramass\u00e9 de peur que l\u2019animal ne me blesse, quand nous avons vu passer une berline \u00e0 toute allure. Nous avons tous les quatre saut\u00e9 en selle et nous l\u2019avons rattrap\u00e9e et stopp\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

Je connaissais le conducteur. C\u2019\u00e9tait Patch. Un gars sans int\u00e9r\u00eat ; sans m\u00e9tier non plus et qui se pr\u00eatait \u00e0 n\u2019importe quoi pour quelques dollars. Nous lui avons demand\u00e9 sans m\u00e9nagement ce qu\u2019il faisait l\u00e0 et il commen\u00e7ait \u00e0 bredouiller Dieu sait quoi quand nous avons entendu une voix aussi courrouc\u00e9e que f\u00e9minine sortir de la berline.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Pas un mot de plus, conducteur, c’est \u00e0 moi qu’ils doivent r\u00e9pondre \u00bb.<\/p>\n

D’abord, c’est un chapeau qui a \u00e9merg\u00e9, puis une t\u00eate, puis la personne tout enti\u00e8re d\u2019une femme. Elle portait une robe noire \u00e9trangement d\u00e9collet\u00e9e pour ce lieu et cette heure de la journ\u00e9e et un pendentif de grenats qui soulignait la blancheur de sa poitrine. De l\u00e0 o\u00f9 j\u2019\u00e9tais, j\u2019avais un superbe coup d’\u0153il sur \u00ab les gorges de la vall\u00e9e \u00bb. Pas de doute, la vue \u00e9tait charmante.<\/p>\n

Elle s\u2019est redress\u00e9e comme un petit coq et elle nous a vus tous les quatre, nos armes point\u00e9es sur elle. Ca ne l\u2019a pas impressionn\u00e9e, apparemment. Avec ce bagout des demi-mondaines, elle nous a fusill\u00e9 du regard en d\u00e9clarant, acide :<\/p>\n

\u00ab Qu\u2019est-ce que c\u2019est que cette fa\u00e7on de tirer sur les gens. J\u2019ai rarement vu des hommes aussi grossiers que ceux de Virginia City. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ce n\u2019est pas Virginia City, ici, Madame \u00bb, a dit Papa, \u00ab c\u2019est Ponderosa. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Qu\u2019est-ce que c\u2019est que \u00e7a, Ponderosa ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ponderosa, Madame \u00bb, a expliqu\u00e9 Patch, \u00ab c\u2019est tout ce grand domaine autour de vous, c\u2019est la propri\u00e9t\u00e9 des Cartwright, vous \u00eates sur leurs terres. \u00bb<\/p>\n

C\u2019est alors que j\u2019ai pris la parole, avec ce calme froid qui, pour ceux qui me connaissent, est signe de d\u00e9fiance et de menace : \u00ab Et les \u00e9trangers n\u2019y sont pas les bienvenus, m\u00e2les ou femelles. Que faites-vous ici ? \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mon travail. Suis-je toujours sur le territoire des Etats-Unis ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oh s\u00fbr, M\u2019ame \u00bb, a r\u00e9pondu Hoss, \u00ab mais je ne crierais pas comme \u00e7a si j\u2019\u00e9tais vous \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais vous n\u2019\u00eates pas moi ! \u00bb Sa col\u00e8re semblait encore monter. \u00ab Allez-vous continuer longtemps \u00e0 braquer ces armes contre moi ? Rangez-moi \u00e7a. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Joe a obtemp\u00e9r\u00e9 et a rengain\u00e9 son arme. Hoss et Papa aussi. Hoss a fait son gros sourire niais, quand il roule des yeux en sortant \u00e0 moiti\u00e9 la langue. Si la dame avait des doutes sur sa capacit\u00e9 \u00e0 s\u00e9duire mon g\u00e9ant de fr\u00e8re, elle n\u2019allait pas les garder longtemps.<\/p>\n

Puis elle a dard\u00e9 un regard furieux sur Joe et lui a lanc\u00e9 : \u00ab Qu\u2019est-ce que vous avez \u00e0 b\u00e9er comme \u00e7a ? Vous n\u2019avez jamais vu une dame ? \u00bb. C\u2019\u00e9tait un peu injuste. D\u2019abord, elle n\u2019avait rien d\u2019une \u00ab dame \u00bb, du moins, pas une \u00ab grande \u00bb ; ensuite, Joe ne \u00ab b\u00e9ait \u00bb pas, il la regardait seulement avec ce petit sourire appr\u00e9ciateur dont il gratifie toujours les jolies femmes. J\u2019ai admir\u00e9 sa galanterie quand il lui a r\u00e9pondu :<\/p>\n

\u00ab J\u2019en ai d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu, mais \u00e7a fait longtemps que je n\u2019en ai pas vu d\u2019aussi s\u00e9duisantes \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Elle n\u2019a pas relev\u00e9 le compliment. Elle s\u2019est retourn\u00e9e vers moi et, toujours sur le m\u00eame ton acerbe : \u00ab Vous continuez \u00e0 pointer cette arme sur moi ! \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab J\u2019ai toujours l\u2019intention de m\u2019en servir \u00bb, ai-je r\u00e9pondu, impavide.<\/p>\n

Papa s\u2019est interpos\u00e9 : \u00ab Allez, rengaine, Adam. Peut-\u00eatre qu\u2019elle dit vrai et qu\u2019elle est sur nos terres par hasard \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Eh bien, qu\u2019elle quitte Ponderosa \u00bb, ai-je dit en remettant mon arme dans son \u00e9tui.<\/p>\n

Elle est repartie de sa voix criarde : \u00ab Comment voulez-vous que je fasse, avec cette roue cass\u00e9e ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

C\u2019est vrai que nous avions arr\u00eat\u00e9 la berline si brusquement qu\u2019elle avait vers\u00e9 et d\u00e9bo\u00eet\u00e9 la roue arri\u00e8re droite.<\/p>\n

Hoss est descendu de cheval et a soulev\u00e9 la roue : \u00ab On doit pouvoir arranger \u00e7a rapidement, je pense \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab On dirait \u00bb, a-t-elle remarqu\u00e9 en faisant sa coquette, \u00ab qu\u2019il existe quand m\u00eame un fond de galanterie m\u00eame dans ce coin recul\u00e9 \u00bb.<\/p>\n

C\u2019est alors que Papa a fait la gaffe : \u00ab Petit Joe, cette dame a peut-\u00eatre soif. Pendant que nous r\u00e9parons la roue, tu pourrais peut-\u00eatre l\u2019amener \u00e0 la maison, lui faire boire quelque chose de frais \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Un peu radoucie, elle a cru bon de pr\u00e9ciser : \u00ab Cette dame est une actrice \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Hoss a demand\u00e9 : \u00ab Vous voulez-dire une vraie actrice ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Evidemment \u00bb, ai-je pens\u00e9 in petto, \u00ab que voulait-il que ce soit ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Mais elle n\u2019a pas eu l\u2019air de trouver la question idiote : \u00ab Vraie chanteuse et vraie actrice. Je suis Lotta Crabtree \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Il m\u2019a sembl\u00e9 me souvenir que j\u2019avais, en effet, vu des affiches en ville annon\u00e7ant le passage de Lotta Crabtree. Un grand \u00e9v\u00e9nement pour notre petite ville !<\/p>\n

Hoss s\u2019est \u00e0 nouveau cru oblig\u00e9 de faire la mimique d\u2019abruti qu\u2019il r\u00e9serve aux jolies femmes, yeux qui roulent et grand sourire avec un bout de langue sorti. Pitoyable.<\/p>\n

Quant \u00e0 Joe, il \u00e9tait, bien s\u00fbr, pr\u00eat \u00e0 faire le joli c\u0153ur.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Petit Joe \u00bb, a r\u00e9p\u00e9t\u00e9 Papa, \u00ab emm\u00e8ne cette dame boire un verre d\u2019eau \u00e0 la maison pendant que nous remettons sa berline sur sa roue. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais vous n\u2019imaginez quand m\u00eame pas que je vais monter \u00e0 cheval ? \u00bb. Jamais contente, la donzelle !<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je vais vous prendre devant moi, Madame, et je vous tiendrai, vous n\u2019avez rien \u00e0 craindre \u00bb a dit le petit fr\u00e8re avec son sourire num\u00e9ro un.<\/p>\n

Il buvait du petit lait et il est descendu de cheval pour la mettre en selle mais j\u2019ai pr\u00e9c\u00e9d\u00e9 mes deux fr\u00e8res et c\u2019est moi qui l\u2019ai prise par la taille pour l\u2019installer. Une taille fine que j\u2019enserrais compl\u00e8tement de mes deux mains et qui avait l\u2019air de surplomber des hanches \u00e9panouies juste comme il faut.<\/p>\n

Nous les avons regard\u00e9 partir, Hoss et moi, avec le m\u00eame sourire d\u2019approbation. Pas de doute, c\u2019\u00e9tait une bien jolie femme.<\/p>\n

Puis j\u2019ai ramass\u00e9 une grosse pierre et je me suis gliss\u00e9 sous la berline pour essayer de redresser l\u2019essieu. Avec cet outil de fortune, \u00e7a m\u2019a pris une dizaine de minutes pour y parvenir. Hoss commen\u00e7ait \u00e0 se fatiguer ; il tenait la berline en l\u2019air et \u00e7a devenait lourd m\u00eame pour lui. Enfin, nous avons r\u00e9ussi \u00e0 replacer la roue. Je me suis relev\u00e9 et j\u2019ai regard\u00e9 aux alentours pour voir si Joe et Lotta revenaient.<\/p>\n

Papa devait suivre une pens\u00e9e parall\u00e8le car il a marmonn\u00e9 : \u00ab c\u2019est bien long juste pour boire un verre d\u2019eau \u00bb.<\/p>\n

A ce moment-l\u00e0, on a entendu d\u00e9bouler un chariot ; c\u2019\u00e9tait Hop-Sing qui d\u00e9valait le chemin \u00e0 toute allure. Il s\u2019est arr\u00eat\u00e9 et il a commenc\u00e9 \u00e0 criailler parce que nous n\u2019\u00e9tions pas venus \u00e0 l\u2019heure pour d\u00e9jeuner et que tout \u00e9tait br\u00fbl\u00e9. Quand il s\u2019est calm\u00e9, Papa lui a demand\u00e9 o\u00f9 \u00e9taient Joe et \u00ab la dame \u00bb. \u00ab Tr\u00e8s jolie, tr\u00e8s jolie \u00bb a dit Hop Sing la bouche fendue d\u2019un large sourire, \u00ab elle est partie avec Joe, dans la cal\u00e8che \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Je ne sais pas lequel a r\u00e9agi le plus vite, de Papa ou de moi, mais avec un ensemble touchant, nous avons saut\u00e9 sur Patch. Je l\u2019ai agripp\u00e9 par le col et Papa, par je ne sais o\u00f9 et nous lui avons fait cracher la v\u00e9rit\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Ils \u00e9taient bel et bien venus en service command\u00e9. C\u2019\u00e9tait Alpheus Troy qui lui avait graiss\u00e9 la patte pour qu\u2019il am\u00e8ne Miss Crabtree, l\u2019air de rien, sur nos terres. Pour y faire quoi, il n\u2019en savait rien, c\u2019est du moins ce qu\u2019il nous a jur\u00e9 et je pense que c\u2019\u00e9tait vrai. Je n\u2019imagine pas Alpheus Troy prendre cet imb\u00e9cile de Patch comme confident.<\/p>\n

Je n\u2019ai fait ni une ni deux, j\u2019ai saut\u00e9 en selle pour partir \u00e0 la recherche de Joe et j\u2019ai demand\u00e9 aux deux autres si \u00e7a leur disait de venir faire une petite promenade \u00e0 cheval avec moi mais au moment o\u00f9 Hoss s\u2019appr\u00eatait \u00e0 m\u2019embo\u00eeter le pas, Papa, tr\u00e8s sagement, nous a arr\u00eat\u00e9s. \u00ab Ne fon\u00e7ons pas t\u00eate baiss\u00e9e dans le pi\u00e8ge. Les quatre Cartwright en ville, loin de leurs terres, c\u2019est probablement ce que veut Troy. Donc, toi, Adam, tu vas aller rechercher nos hommes dans les p\u00e2turages et les ramener \u00e0 la maison. Qu\u2019ils ne laissent que deux hommes par troupeau. Avec Hoss, on va organiser les gardes et leur pr\u00e9parer des armes. Ensuite, seulement, nous irons tous les trois en ville. Et arm\u00e9s jusqu\u2019aux dents \u00bb.<\/p>\n

C’est donc \u00e0 onze heures bien sonn\u00e9es que nous avons fait une entr\u00e9e remarqu\u00e9e en ville. Avec nos quatre chevaux (j’avais sell\u00e9 Cochise et je le tenais en bride pour que Joe, une fois retrouv\u00e9, ait une monture), nous occupions toute la largeur de la rue. Le spectacle de Miss Crabtree \u00e9tait d\u00e9j\u00e0 fini. Nous sommes all\u00e9s droit au Bucket of Blood Saloon, le lieu de vill\u00e9giature favori de Troy. Papa est descendu de son cheval en me laissant le soin de l’attacher et s’est pr\u00e9cipit\u00e9 \u00e0 l’int\u00e9rieur. Hoss et moi, nous l’avons suivi deux minutes plus tard, juste \u00e0 temps pour entendre le tueur de Troy, ce serpent de Tr\u00e9vor, le menacer de sa voix nasale et tra\u00eenante.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Fichez le camp, Cartwright, avant que je vous troue la peau \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Si tu veux te mesurer \u00e0 un Cartwright, Tr\u00e9vor \u00bb, lui ai-je lanc\u00e9 de la porte, \u00ab c\u2019est \u00e0 moi que tu auras \u00e0 faire \u00bb<\/p>\n

Il a retourn\u00e9 vers moi sa face de fouine et a laiss\u00e9 \u00e9chapper un ricanement d\u00e9sagr\u00e9able : \u00ab Un Cartwright ou l\u2019autre, \u00e7a m\u2019est bien \u00e9gal. Fais tes pri\u00e8res, mon pote \u00bb et il a d\u00e9gain\u00e9\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026 un quart de seconde avant moi. J\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 bon gars, j\u2019ai vis\u00e9 l\u2019\u00e9paule et il s\u2019est \u00e9croul\u00e9 sans avoir eu le temps de riposter.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ils t\u2019ont dit o\u00f9 \u00e9tait Joe ? \u00bb ai-je demand\u00e9 \u00e0 Papa.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Non, il para\u00eet qu\u2019ils ne sont pas sa nourrice et que, puisque je me crois le ma\u00eetre de Virginia City, je n\u2019ai qu\u2019\u00e0 le trouver. C\u2019est tout ce qu\u2019ils ont trouv\u00e9 \u00e0 me r\u00e9pondre mais ils disent qu\u2019il a assist\u00e9 au spectacle de la chanteuse \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Il doit \u00eatre avec elle, je vais le chercher. Hoss, tant que je ne serai pas de retour, veille \u00e0 ce qu\u2019ils ne bougent pas d\u2019ici \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ne t\u2019inqui\u00e8te pas, Adam \u00bb a dit mon fr\u00e8re, les sourcils fronc\u00e9s, en braquant son gros fusil sur Troy et sa troupe. \u00ab Quand tu reviendras, ils seront toujours l\u00e0 ; je ne sais pas dans quelle forme mais ils y seront, sois en s\u00fbr \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Tandis que je m\u2019\u00e9loignais, j\u2019entendais la voix de mon p\u00e8re qui mena\u00e7ait Troy des pires s\u00e9vices s\u2019il ne r\u00e9cup\u00e9rait pas son fils.<\/p>\n

Je suis arriv\u00e9 au Grand H\u00f4tel et je suis all\u00e9 directement \u00e0 la \u00ab suite royale \u00bb. Je savais que c\u2019\u00e9tait l\u00e0 que cette petite poule de luxe devait s\u2019\u00eatre install\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

Je n\u2019ai m\u00eame pas eu \u00e0 frapper, la porte \u00e9tait grande ouverte. Lotta se tenait debout au milieu de la pi\u00e8ce qui \u00e9tait sens dessus dessous, chaises et tables renvers\u00e9es, fen\u00eatre grande ouverte et tr\u00f4nant sur un gu\u00e9ridon miraculeusement toujours debout, une bouteille de champagne entam\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

\u00ab O\u00f9 est-il ? \u00bb ai-je demand\u00e9 sans pr\u00e9ambule.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Il \u00e9tait l\u00e0, il y a quelques minutes \u00bb a-t-elle commenc\u00e9 avec un faux air innocent.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Et o\u00f9 est-il, maintenant, que lui est-il arriv\u00e9 \u00bb ai-je repris en lui saisissant brutalement l\u2019avant-bras.<\/p>\n

\u00ab L\u00e2chez-moi, vous me faites mal au bras \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je vais vous le casser si vous ne me r\u00e9pondez pas \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oh, Adam, je suis si d\u00e9sol\u00e9e. Je ne pensais pas que \u00e7a allait tourner comme \u00e7a. Vous devez avoir une bien pi\u00e8tre opinion de moi \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Au contraire, je suis tout \u00e0 fait admiratif \u00bb lui ai-je r\u00e9torqu\u00e9 en me rapprochant d\u2019elle. \u00ab Vous avez admirablement bien jou\u00e9 votre r\u00f4le et vous avez attir\u00e9 mon fr\u00e8re dans un traquenard sans avoir l\u2019air d\u2019y toucher. Vous avez de quoi \u00eatre fi\u00e8re de vous, pi\u00e9ger un gamin pour le livrer \u00e0 une bande de truands\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Pi\u00e9ger ? Mais il n\u2019\u00e9tait pas question de cela. C\u2019\u00e9tait juste un tour \u00e0 jouer, une blague \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ah oui ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oui, tout ce que je devais faire, c\u2019\u00e9tait attirer l\u2019un de vous et le ramener en ville C\u2019est tout ce que m\u2019avait demand\u00e9 Alpheus Troy \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Pour quelle somme ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab L\u2019argent n\u2019a rien \u00e0 voir l\u00e0-dedans\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Alors pour quoi d\u2019autre ? Qu\u2019est-ce qu\u2019une fille comme vous peut bien avoir \u00e0 faire avec Troy si ce n\u2019est lui tirer du fric ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Furieuse, elle s\u2019est jet\u00e9e sur moi, pr\u00eate \u00e0 me gifler. J\u2019ai intercept\u00e9 son poignet et, dans le mouvement, je l\u2019ai attir\u00e9e contre moi. \u00ab Voulez-vous me l\u00e2cher, esp\u00e8ce de brute \u00bb a-t-elle cri\u00e9. Nom d\u2019une pipe, n\u2019avait-elle jamais connu autre chose que des hommes dociles et pr\u00eats \u00e0 s\u2019aplatir au moindre signe de col\u00e8re ? Nous nous sommes mesur\u00e9s du regard. C\u2019est alors que j\u2019ai vu une nouvelle lueur vaciller dans ses yeux ; ce n\u2019\u00e9tait plus l\u2019\u00e9tincelle de rage, c\u2019\u00e9tait la docilit\u00e9 de la femme pr\u00eate \u00e0 s\u2019offrir. J\u2019ai senti passer entre nous le courant du d\u00e9sir. J\u2019ai tois\u00e9 cette femme tr\u00e8s s\u00e9duisante coll\u00e9e \u00e0 mon corps, manifestement pr\u00eate \u00e0 se soumettre \u00e0 ma virilit\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab La prochaine fois, Miss Crabtree \u00bb, lui ai-je dit d\u2019une voix sourde, \u00ab attrapez un homme, pas un gosse \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Puis je me suis repris, je lui ai tourn\u00e9 le dos et je suis reparti sans un mot de plus.<\/p>\n

Au Bucket of Blood, les choses n\u2019avaient pas chang\u00e9. Ils \u00e9taient en train de mettre un bandage \u00e0 Tr\u00e9vor sous l\u2019\u0153il vigilant de mon fr\u00e8re.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu l’as trouv\u00e9 ? \u00bb m\u2019a demand\u00e9 Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Non, mais il est en ville \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Partons \u00e0 sa recherche \u00bb, a dit Papa. Puis il s\u2019est retourn\u00e9 vers Troy. \u00ab Quant \u00e0 vous, priez pour que je le retrouve entier, sinon je ne donne pas cher de votre peau \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Et nous avons quitt\u00e9 le saloon, Hoss \u00e0 reculons pour \u00e9viter \u00e0 quiconque d\u2019avoir la malencontreuse id\u00e9e de nous tirer une balle dans le dos. Nous avons pass\u00e9 la ville au peigne fin pendant le reste de la nuit, en vain. Soudain, Hoss a lanc\u00e9 : \u00ab Regardez l\u00e0-bas, on dirait qu\u2019il y a le feu \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est dans le quartier chinois \u00bb a dit Papa.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Allons-y \u00bb, ai-je repris, \u00ab il pourrait y avoir du Joe l\u00e0-dedans. \u00bb<\/p>\n

J\u2019avais raison. Nous avons d\u00e9bouch\u00e9 au-milieu d\u2019une agitation indescriptible. Certains chinois terminaient d\u2019\u00e9teindre le feu qui avait pris \u00e0 l\u2019une des habitations, d\u2019autres tabassaient deux types patibulaires tout en criaillant. Soudain, un vieux chinois s\u2019est jet\u00e9 sur Papa et l\u2019a saisi par la veste : \u00ab Mistah Cartwright rembourser ; rembourser d\u00e9g\u00e2ts tout de suite \u00bb. Interloqu\u00e9, Papa s\u2019est d\u00e9gag\u00e9 et a reconnu Tchang Si, l\u2019un des cousins de Hop-Sing. En moins d\u2019une minute, il y avait toute une grappe de chinois autour de Papa r\u00e9clamant un remboursement. Hoss s\u2019en est m\u00eal\u00e9 et a eu vite fait de disperser tout ce monde affol\u00e9. Et nous avons enfin pu avoir le fin mot de l\u2019histoire.<\/p>\n

Joe \u00e9tait arriv\u00e9 en courant, poursuivi par les deux truands qui se trouvaient maintenant d\u00fbment saucissonn\u00e9s. Il avait demand\u00e9 asile \u00e0 Tchang Si qui l\u2019avait cach\u00e9 dans une de ses pani\u00e8res de linge. Les bandits \u00e9taient rentr\u00e9s dans plusieurs maisons et, comme tous ces chinois sont blanchisseurs sans la moindre exception, ils avaient cherch\u00e9 Joe dans les pani\u00e8res. Tout \u00e0 coup, sans raison, ils avaient mis le feu \u00e0 l\u2019une des maisons. Il s\u2019\u00e9tait ensuivi une belle empoignade \u00e0 laquelle Joe, bien s\u00fbr, avait all\u00e8grement particip\u00e9. Puis il avait disparu dans la bataille.<\/p>\n

Papa a sorti son portefeuille pour d\u00e9dommager Tchang Si mais il n\u2019a pas voulu payer tous les d\u00e9g\u00e2ts. \u00ab Adressez-vous au sh\u00e9rif et dites-lui que ce sont les hommes de main de Troy qui ont sem\u00e9 cette belle paga\u00efe \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Un peu las, nous sommes repartis \u00e0 errer dans les rues quand, en passant devant le Red Horse Saloon, nous avons entendu un air d\u2019harmonica, une valse lente. Intrigu\u00e9s, nous nous sommes approch\u00e9s. Monsieur Joe \u00e9tait l\u00e0, pas g\u00ean\u00e9 pour un sou, en train de danser avec Lotta. Elle avait troqu\u00e9 la robe rouge d\u00e9collet\u00e9e qu\u2019elle portait quelques heures plus t\u00f4t contre une tenue sage, corsage ivoire, joliment pliss\u00e9 et jupe noire. Elle avait des fleurs ivoire dans son chignon. Elle \u00e9tait \u00e0 croquer. Je me suis appuy\u00e9 au chambranle de la porte, les bras crois\u00e9s, et j\u2019ai lev\u00e9 les yeux au ciel d\u2019un air exc\u00e9d\u00e9. Ainsi, pendant que nous nous mettions en quatre pour le retrouver, Monsieur Joe se donnait du bon temps.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Toi \u00bb a hurl\u00e9 Papa derri\u00e8re moi.<\/p>\n

Joe a sursaut\u00e9, il s\u2019est arr\u00eat\u00e9 de danser. \u00ab Oh salut, Papa \u00bb a-t-il l\u00e2ch\u00e9 d\u2019un ton d\u00e9sinvolte, sans l\u00e2cher la main de Lotta.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu vas me faire le plaisir de nous suivre imm\u00e9diatement \u00bb a continu\u00e9 Papa, fumace. Et il s\u2019est avanc\u00e9 vers Joe qui, \u00e0 toute allure, a bais\u00e9 la main de Lotta et s\u2019est esquiv\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Je ne le regardais plus, mes yeux \u00e9taient riv\u00e9s sur Lotta. Rien que de la voir, \u00e7a avait r\u00e9veill\u00e9 en moi la br\u00fblure du d\u00e9sir que j\u2019avais senti quelques heures avant. J\u2019\u00e9tais t\u00e9tanis\u00e9, je la fixais ardemment et comme par un effet de magn\u00e9tisme, elle en a fait autant. Elle avait sur les l\u00e8vres un petit sourire tout doux. J\u2019avais oubli\u00e9 la pr\u00e9sence des autres quand j\u2019ai senti la lourde \u00e9paule de Hoss me pousser \u00e0 l\u2019int\u00e9rieur de la pi\u00e8ce. Je me suis avanc\u00e9, je l\u2019ai enlac\u00e9e sans mot dire et nous avons \u00e9chang\u00e9 un baiser, oh, pas bien long mais intense. Une sorte de promesse. Je me suis recul\u00e9, je l\u2019ai regard\u00e9e et j\u2019ai lu dans ses prunelles ce que j\u2019esp\u00e9rais bien y voir, le consentement.<\/p>\n

Je lui ai juste souri et je suis reparti, toujours en silence. Pendant que je d\u00e9tachais mon cheval, elle s\u2019est avanc\u00e9e dans l\u2019encadrement de la porte, toujours avec ce m\u00eame petit sourire \u00e0 la fois d\u2019inqui\u00e9tude et d\u2019espoir. Plus rien \u00e0 voir avec la femme arrogante d\u2019hier apr\u00e8s-midi. J\u2019ai soulev\u00e9 mon chapeau pour la saluer puis je suis mont\u00e9 en selle et nous sommes repartis tous les quatre en faisant un vacarme infernal, tout contents d\u2019avoir r\u00e9cup\u00e9r\u00e9 Joe et d\u00e9jou\u00e9 les machinations de Troy.<\/p>\n

Ensuite, nous avons encha\u00een\u00e9 une journ\u00e9e normale sur cette nuit blanche. C\u2019est tout juste si Papa nous a laiss\u00e9 un peu plus de temps pour prendre un solide petit-d\u00e9jeuner tandis que Joe nous contait ses tribulations et puis, au turbin ! \u00ab Nous n\u2019aurons qu\u2019\u00e0 nous coucher t\u00f4t \u00bb, a d\u00e9cr\u00e9t\u00e9 Papa.<\/p>\n

Je n\u2019ai rien dit mais je me suis d\u00e9brouill\u00e9 pour faire discr\u00e8tement une heure de sieste dans un coin de for\u00eat car j\u2019avais d\u2019autres projets que de dormir ce soir.<\/p>\n

A peine rentr\u00e9, j\u2019ai demand\u00e9 \u00e0 Hop Sing de me faire chauffer de l\u2019eau pour un bain et je me suis fait beau, comme on dit. Mes fr\u00e8res et mon p\u00e8re m\u2019ont regard\u00e9 descendre l\u2019escalier l\u2019air \u00e9bahi. \u00ab Qu\u2019est-ce que tu fais ? \u00bb a croass\u00e9 Joe comme si \u00e7a ne se voyait pas.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je vais voir le spectacle de miss Crabtree. Tu as eu l\u2019air de dire que c\u2019\u00e9tait tr\u00e8s bien \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ca ne peut pas attendre samedi ? \u00bb a commenc\u00e9 Papa.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai coup\u00e9 court et, apr\u00e8s avoir pr\u00e9venu Hop Sing que je ne restais pas d\u00eener, j\u2018ai sell\u00e9 Sport et j\u2019ai fil\u00e9 vers la ville.<\/p>\n

Le spectacle de Lotta ne valait pas grand chose du point de vue artistique mais il \u00e9tait bien fait pour \u00e9moustiller les hommes. Certains spectateurs avaient amen\u00e9 leurs femmes et je doutais que celles-ci l\u2019appr\u00e9cient. Lotta encha\u00eenait les chansons en changeant de costume entre chaque morceau. Tant\u00f4t, c\u2019\u00e9tait une jupe ample dont le devant \u00e9tait retrouss\u00e9 sur un jupon de dentelle, tant\u00f4t, un corsage noir fortement \u00e9chancr\u00e9 d\u00e9bouchant sur un court tutu rouge, tant\u00f4t encore, c\u2019\u00e9tait une d\u00e9bauche de plumes blanches d\u2019o\u00f9 s\u2019\u00e9chappaient ses bras blancs. Quant \u00e0 la derni\u00e8re chanson, dont le refrain \u00e9tait \u00ab Tout ce que je veux, tout ce que je veux, c\u2019est un bel homme \u00e0 serrer dans mes bras \u00bb, elle l\u2019interpr\u00e9tait dans un fourreau noir largement fendu jusqu\u2019en haut de la cuisse. Elle traversait la sc\u00e8ne en tout sens, laissant \u00e9merger de sa robe une jambe parfaite mise en valeur par un bas \u00e0 r\u00e9sille. Pas \u00e9tonnant, apr\u00e8s une pareille \u00ab mise en bouche \u00bb, que Joe ait \u00e9t\u00e9 un peu d\u00e9\u00e7u (il nous l\u2019avait confess\u00e9 ce matin) qu\u2019elle ne l\u2019ait m\u00eame pas autoris\u00e9 \u00e0 l\u2019embrasser.<\/p>\n

Au moment des applaudissements, je me suis faufil\u00e9 dans les coulisses La porte de sa loge \u00e9tait ferm\u00e9e mais j\u2019ai toujours sur moi un bout de fil de fer avec lequel je viens \u00e0 bout de toutes les serrures assez sommaires qu\u2019on trouve ici. Ni vu, ni connu, je me suis gliss\u00e9 derri\u00e8re un rideau et je l\u2019ai attendue.<\/p>\n

Elle est arriv\u00e9e, a referm\u00e9 soigneusement sa porte et a commenc\u00e9 \u00e0 d\u00e9faire ses cheveux devant la glace de sa coiffeuse. Quand ils se sont lib\u00e9r\u00e9s d\u2019un seul coup recouvrant ses \u00e9paules nues, j\u2019ai \u00e9mis un petit sifflement. Elle a pouss\u00e9 un cri per\u00e7ant, s\u2019est lev\u00e9e d\u2019un bond et s\u2019est retourn\u00e9e en couvrant sa poitrine de ses mains d\u2019un geste un peu d\u00e9risoire quand on pense qu\u2019elle venait de l\u2019exposer \u00e0 la ville enti\u00e8re..<\/p>\n

\u00ab Adam \u00bb a-t-elle soupir\u00e9, l\u2019air \u00e0 la fois soulag\u00e9 et interloqu\u00e9, \u00ab que faites-vous ici ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Je me suis avanc\u00e9 tout doucement : \u00ab je suis venu voir si vous \u00e9tiez toujours d\u2019accord \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab D\u2019accord pour quoi ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab D\u2019accord pour faire l\u2019amour avec moi \u00bb ai-je r\u00e9pondu cr\u00fbment en l\u2019enla\u00e7ant.<\/p>\n

Elle a ouvert la bouche pour tenter de r\u00e9pondre mais je l\u2019en ai emp\u00each\u00e9e en posant gentiment ma main sur ses l\u00e8vres. \u00ab Inutile de parler, je vais trouver ma r\u00e9ponse autrement \u00bb et je l\u2019ai embrass\u00e9e. J\u2019ai commenc\u00e9 tout doux puis sentant qu\u2019elle me r\u00e9pondait, j\u2019ai resserr\u00e9 mon \u00e9treinte et j\u2019ai prolong\u00e9 mon baiser jusqu\u2019\u00e0 ce que nous en perdions le souffle.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu vois que ce n\u2019\u00e9tait pas la peine de parler \u00bb, lui ai-je dit apr\u00e8s lui avoir rendu la facult\u00e9 de respirer. \u00ab M\u00eame si tu r\u00e9pondais non, je ne te croirais pas. Viens \u00bb. Je l\u2019ai port\u00e9e sur le canap\u00e9, j\u2019ai pass\u00e9 mes mains sous la fente de la jupe, et j\u2018ai d\u00e9graf\u00e9 son bas en embrassant chaque centim\u00e8tre de peau que je d\u00e9couvrais.<\/p>\n

Apr\u00e8s un quart d\u2019heure de ce genre de pr\u00e9mices, je tenais entre mes bras une Lotta en extase qui m\u2019a avou\u00e9 n\u2019avoir jamais connu d\u2019homme qui\u2026 ne soit pas all\u00e9 droit au but. Les caresses, la recherche du plaisir de la partenaire, c\u2019\u00e9tait une d\u00e9couverte pour elle. Pauvre gosse ! Elle avait pourtant d\u00fb en voir passer dans son lit. Rien que des rustres !<\/p>\n

Je me suis donc improvis\u00e9 professeur \u00e8s \u00e9rotisme et je dois dire que j\u2019en ai tir\u00e9 la plus grande satisfaction. J\u2019ai \u00e7a dans le sang, moi, l\u2019enseignement. Et j\u2019ai trouv\u00e9 une \u00e9l\u00e8ve dou\u00e9e et avide d\u2019apprendre.<\/p>\n

Vers trois heures du matin, j\u2019ai quand m\u00eame d\u00e9cid\u00e9 de la ramener \u00e0 son h\u00f4tel. Elle a insist\u00e9 pour m\u2019offrir un verre de champagne. \u00ab J\u2019en ai bien offert \u00e0 ton fr\u00e8re en \u00e9change d\u2019une rose qu\u2019il m\u2019avait lanc\u00e9e ; remarque, toi, tu es arriv\u00e9 les mains vides \u00bb. \u00ab Eh ma belle, \u00e0 chacun son r\u00f4le. C\u2019est de son \u00e2ge de conter fleurette, c\u2019est du mien de la cueillir \u00bb. \u00ab Oh, il aurait bien voulu la cueillir, lui aussi \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai ri : \u00ab Je n\u2019en doute pas ; j\u2019ai m\u00eame id\u00e9e qu\u2019il ne pense qu\u2019\u00e0 \u00e7a \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Elle m\u2019a donn\u00e9 une petite tape sur la joue. \u00ab Ca te va bien de te moquer de lui. Ne me raconte pas que tu es un penseur d\u00e9tach\u00e9 des plaisirs charnels, c\u2019est trop tard, j\u2019ai la preuve contraire \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Elle m\u2019a demand\u00e9 si j\u2019allais revenir et quand. \u00ab Je me lib\u00e9rerai \u00bb, m\u2019a-t-elle dit. J\u2019\u00e9tais un peu ennuy\u00e9 car je me doutais bien qu\u2019elle devait avoir d\u2019autres rendez-vous o\u00f9, contrairement \u00e0 ce qu\u2019il venait de se passer, elle se livrait \u00e0 titre on\u00e9reux. D\u2019une certaine fa\u00e7on, je repr\u00e9sentais pour elle un manque \u00e0 gagner. \u00ab Ca ne va pas te poser de probl\u00e8mes ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Elle m\u2019a devin\u00e9 et elle a ri. \u00ab Tu sais, les demandes de ces Messieurs, rien ne m\u2019oblige \u00e0 les satisfaire la nuit. C\u2019est m\u00eame quelquefois plus simple pour eux dans la journ\u00e9e, quand leurs \u00e9pouses sont occup\u00e9es \u00e0 faire leurs courses \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai r\u00e9pondu que je verrai mais qu\u2019elle ne compte pas sur moi ce soir, en tout cas. Outre qu\u2019il faut bien dormir de temps en temps, je craignais une intervention intempestive de Papa.<\/p>\n

Je suis rentr\u00e9 le plus discr\u00e8tement possible en empruntant le souterrain que j\u2019ai creus\u00e9 en grand secret au moment o\u00f9 j\u2019ai construit la maison.. Il devait \u00eatre entre quatre heures et demie et cinq heures quand je me suis gliss\u00e9 entre les draps. J\u2019avais \u00e0 peine touch\u00e9 mon oreiller que je me suis endormi du sommeil du juste. Quand Hoss m\u2019a r\u00e9veill\u00e9 avec sa m\u00e9thode habituelle – il attrape le drap, soul\u00e8ve le dormeur comme dans un hamac et le jette par terre – j\u2019avais l\u2019impression de m\u2019\u00eatre couch\u00e9 cinq minutes plus t\u00f4t.<\/p>\n

Papa et Joe avaient l\u2019air narquois quand je suis descendu pour le petit-d\u00e9jeuner. Moi, je me sentais \u00e0 la fois \u00e9reint\u00e9 et l\u00e9ger, avec cette impression de pl\u00e9nitude que laisse une nuit d\u2019amour malgr\u00e9 le manque de sommeil. Je crois que c\u2019est \u00e7a, ce qu\u2019on appelle \u00eatre bien dans sa peau. Sur quoi Papa m\u2019a assign\u00e9 comme t\u00e2che d\u2019aller marquer les veaux avec Hoss et de reprendre le dressage des chevaux quand ce serait fait. Sympathique ; dans le genre travaux de tout repos, on ne fait pas mieux. Je suis s\u00fbr qu\u2019il l\u2019a fait expr\u00e8s car Joe s\u2019est vu confier l\u2019inspection des cl\u00f4tures d\u2019une partie de la section Est, ce qui ne va pas le tuer.<\/p>\n

Curieux que Papa ne puisse pas s\u2019emp\u00eacher, quand nous prenons du bon temps avec les filles, de nous le faire payer !<\/p>\n

Joe<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est toujours pareil ! Une fois plus, c\u2019est mon fr\u00e8re Adam qui tire son \u00e9pingle du jeu. J\u2019avais pourtant bien men\u00e9 ma barque et je suis persuad\u00e9 que, sans l\u2019intervention \u00e0 contretemps de Papa, \u00e7a aurait pu d\u00e9boucher.<\/p>\n

Ce n\u2019est pourtant pas faute d\u2019avoir d\u00e9ploy\u00e9 toutes les ressources de mon charme.<\/p>\n

C\u2019\u00e9tait inesp\u00e9r\u00e9, cette apparition, avant-hier. Cela faisait plusieurs jours que je n\u2019avais pas eu d\u2019autres distractions que les parties de dames contre Hoss. Papa nous avait boucl\u00e9s au ranch depuis plusieurs jours \u00e0 cause des manigances d\u2019Alpheus Troy et je me languissais d\u2019un autre style de parties de dames.<\/p>\n

Alors, que d\u2019abord une aussi jolie femme apparaisse inopin\u00e9ment sur nos terres, \u00e0 un moment o\u00f9 je ne voyais plus depuis longtemps que des bouilles d\u2019hommes mal ras\u00e9s et qu\u2019en plus, Papa me choisisse, moi, pour aller lui tenir compagnie pendant que mes deux a\u00een\u00e9s se couvraient de poussi\u00e8re \u00e0 lui r\u00e9parer sa voiture, c\u2019\u00e9tait vraiment un cadeau du ciel. Et \u00e7a aurait \u00e9t\u00e9 offenser le ciel que de ne pas en profiter.<\/p>\n

Tandis que, conform\u00e9ment aux consignes, je l\u2019amenais au ranch en la serrant contre ma poitrine pour qu\u2019elle ne tombe pas de ma selle, j\u2019ai tr\u00e8s habilement commenc\u00e9 \u00e0 lui tracer un tableau assez noir de l\u2019\u00e9tat de la berline de Patch et j\u2019ai \u00e9mis des doutes sur la capacit\u00e9 de mes fr\u00e8res \u00e0 r\u00e9parer la roue aussi vite qu\u2019ils l\u2019avaient laiss\u00e9 entendre. Quand je l\u2019ai descendue de cheval, j\u2019ai vu qu\u2019elle avait les larmes aux yeux. Je lui ai demand\u00e9 ce qui lui arrivait et elle m\u2019a expliqu\u00e9 qu\u2019elle avait absolument besoin d\u2019\u00eatre en ville au moins deux heures avant le spectacle pour r\u00e9p\u00e9ter. Elle se d\u00e9solait \u00e0 l\u2019id\u00e9e qu\u2019elle ne pourrait pas se familiariser avec la sc\u00e8ne avant l\u2019ouverture du rideau.<\/p>\n

Avec \u00e7a, \u00e7a n\u2019\u00e9tait plus qu\u2019un jeu d\u2019enfant. Je lui ai offert un verre d\u2019eau et je lui ai propos\u00e9, pour lui gagner du temps, de l\u2019emmener en ville avec le buggy. Elle m\u2019a quasiment saut\u00e9 au cou. Je me suis excus\u00e9 cinq minutes pour prendre le temps de me changer et j\u2019ai demand\u00e9 aux hommes qui nettoyaient l\u2019\u00e9curie que l\u2019un d\u2019eux attelle. De telle sorte qu\u2019en moins de dix minutes, nous avions pris la route. Pendant le trajet, elle m\u2019a interrog\u00e9 sur la famille. D\u2019abord, elle n\u2019avait pas saisi que les quatre hommes qui l\u2019avaient interpell\u00e9e \u00e9taient de la m\u00eame famille. Que je sois le fils de papa, elle voulait bien l\u2019admettre mais que Hoss le soit aussi, \u00e7a d\u00e9passait son entendement. Je lui ai expliqu\u00e9 que nous \u00e9tions demi-fr\u00e8res. \u00ab Ah bon \u00bb, s\u2019est-elle exclam\u00e9e, \u00ab votre p\u00e8re a \u00e9t\u00e9 mari\u00e9 deux fois \u00bb. \u00ab Non trois \u00bb ai-je r\u00e9pondu, \u00ab sa premi\u00e8re femme, la m\u00e8re de mon fr\u00e8re Adam, \u00e9tait la fille d\u2019un officier de marine de la Nouvelle-Angleterre \u00bb. \u00ab Et les deux autres ? \u00bb a-t-elle demand\u00e9. \u00ab La m\u00e8re de Hoss \u00e9tait d\u2019origine norv\u00e9gienne et la mienne venait de la Nouvelle-Orl\u00e9ans. C\u2019\u00e9tait une cr\u00e9ole \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Une Fran\u00e7aise ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Une Am\u00e9ricaine d\u2019origine fran\u00e7aise \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab La Nouvelle-Orl\u00e9ans \u00bb a-t-elle soupir\u00e9, \u00ab quelle belle ville, n\u2019est-ce pas ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je ne sais pas, je n\u2019y suis h\u00e9las jamais all\u00e9 \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oh, vous devriez. Je m\u2019y suis produite plusieurs fois, dans des th\u00e9\u00e2tres magnifiques, tout dor\u00e9s, avec des si\u00e8ges recouverts de velours rouge et des lustres de cristal. C\u2019est de toute beaut\u00e9. Mais alors \u00bb, a-t-elle rebondi, \u00ab votre p\u00e8re est \u00e0 nouveau veuf ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai r\u00e9pondu oui sans trop savoir en quoi \u00e7a l\u2019int\u00e9ressait. Elle a continu\u00e9 \u00e0 me parler de lui, s\u2019\u00e9tonnant que, depuis si longtemps, il n\u2019ait pas cherch\u00e9 d\u2019autre femme. Je ne voyais pas o\u00f9 elle voulait en venir et j\u2019ai essay\u00e9 de ramener la conversation sur un sujet bien plus passionnant, moi.<\/p>\n

Mais nous \u00e9tions d\u00e9j\u00e0 en ville. Je l\u2019ai d\u00e9pos\u00e9e \u00e0 la porte du th\u00e9\u00e2tre et je lui ai demand\u00e9 si, apr\u00e8s le spectacle, je pourrais l\u2019emmener d\u00eener. Elle a pris un air malicieux et m\u2019a r\u00e9pondu que l\u2019on verrait \u00e7a le moment venu.<\/p>\n

J\u2019avais deux heures devant moi ; j\u2019ai pens\u00e9 en profiter pour rendre visite \u00e0 Tchang-Si, un cousin de Hop-Sing qui, sous des dehors bougons, est tr\u00e8s accueillant. Il m\u2019a autoris\u00e9 \u00e0 prendre un bain (pas difficile pour lui, c\u2019est un blanchisseur, il a toujours de l\u2019eau sur le feu). Ca ne me faisait pas de mal car je m\u2019\u00e9tais chang\u00e9 \u00e0 la h\u00e2te avant de partir et je n\u2019avais pas vraiment pris le temps de me d\u00e9crasser. Si je voulais que Lotta se laisse aller \u00e0 une certaine intimit\u00e9 avec moi, j\u2019avais int\u00e9r\u00eat \u00e0 \u00eatre propre comme un sou neuf.<\/p>\n

En partant, j\u2019ai demand\u00e9 \u00e0 Tchang-Si de mettre le buggy et les chevaux \u00e0 l\u2019abri en attendant que je vienne les reprendre. Puis j\u2019ai avis\u00e9 un bouton de rose rouge qui venait d\u2019\u00e9clore sur sa haie ; je l\u2019ai cueilli malgr\u00e9 ses protestations et l\u2019ai pass\u00e9 \u00e0 ma boutonni\u00e8re.<\/p>\n

Avec tout \u00e7a, je suis arriv\u00e9 en retard au spectacle. Il ne restait que peu de places, soit au fond, soit une dans la loge qui surplombe la sc\u00e8ne, \u00e0 gauche. C\u2019est celle que j\u2019ai choisie.<\/p>\n

J\u2019avais d\u00e9j\u00e0 eu, quelques heures plus t\u00f4t, un bel aper\u00e7u des charmes de Lotta, particuli\u00e8rement de ce que mon fr\u00e8re Adam appelle son \u00ab avant-sc\u00e8ne \u00bb, mais j\u2019avais \u00e0 pr\u00e9sent l\u2019occasion de v\u00e9rifier que le bas valait bien le haut. Pas de doute, elle \u00e9tait parfaite des pieds \u00e0 la t\u00eate : des jambes longues et fusel\u00e9es, une taille mince, un arri\u00e8re-train qui, dans l\u2019un des tableaux, bosselait bien joliment sa jupe serr\u00e9e \u00e0 souhait, un d\u00e9collet\u00e9 laiteux et bien garni\u2026. Jolie de figure, par ailleurs, avec un large front, des yeux de braise, une bouche charnue qui appelait au baiser.<\/p>\n

Et puis, quelle fougue, quelle audace dans sa d\u00e9marche, dans ses gestes ! Elle fanatisait le public masculin \u00e0 tel point qu\u2019on avait bien du mal \u00e0 contenir les premiers rangs qui, chaque fois qu\u2019elle s\u2019approchait du bord de sc\u00e8ne, se bousculaient pour la toucher. Elle leur \u00e9chappait avec malice et habilet\u00e9 et repartait au fond de la sc\u00e8ne. Au moment des rappels, dans l\u2019enthousiasme des applaudissements, je lui ai jet\u00e9 ma rose et elle l\u2019a ramass\u00e9e en me regardant d\u2019un air appuy\u00e9. J\u2019ai alors cru avoir partie gagn\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai guett\u00e9 son d\u00e9part, l\u2019ai suivie \u00e0 l\u2019h\u00f4tel et, apr\u00e8s lui avoir donn\u00e9 cinq minutes pour se mettre \u00e0 l\u2019aise, j\u2019ai toqu\u00e9 \u00e0 sa porte.<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est moi, Joe Cartwright \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Elle m\u2019a ouvert imm\u00e9diatement. Elle tenait encore ma rose entre ses mains. Cela m\u2019a enhardi. \u00ab Je suis venu chercher ma r\u00e9ponse pour le d\u00eener. Je voudrais vous emmener go\u00fbter de la cuisine fran\u00e7aise \u00bb lui ai-je dit en me fendant de mon sourire le plus charmeur. Je n\u2019avais pas besoin de me forcer, sa vue aurait amen\u00e9 le sourire sur les l\u00e8vres de n\u2019importe quel homme normalement constitu\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Entrez \u00bb, m\u2019a-t-elle dit en me rendant mon sourire, \u00ab je n\u2019ai pas envie de ressortir mais cela me ferait plaisir que vous restiez me tenir compagnie \u00bb.<\/p>\n

C\u2019\u00e9tait la premi\u00e8re fois que j\u2019avais l\u2019occasion de p\u00e9n\u00e9trer dans la suite royale du Grand H\u00f4tel. Je suis rest\u00e9 bouche b\u00e9e devant tout ce luxe. La pi\u00e8ce faisait bien la moiti\u00e9 de notre salle de s\u00e9jour (qui est immense car le grand fr\u00e8re a vu les choses en grand quand il a dessin\u00e9 les plans de la maison). Il y avait un canap\u00e9 en demi-cercle, tout garni de coussins de satin, des tapis \u00e9pais aux motifs fleuris, des rideaux de velours, une coiffeuse juponn\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

Elle s’est esclaff\u00e9e : \u00ab Vous avez l\u2019air d\u2019un petit gar\u00e7on qu’on emm\u00e8ne au cirque pour la premi\u00e8re fois.. Vous qui prisez la cuisine des Fran\u00e7ais, connaissez-vous leurs vins ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Et sans attendre la r\u00e9ponse, elle s\u2019est dirig\u00e9e vers un gu\u00e9ridon o\u00f9 se trouvait une dr\u00f4le de bouteille et m\u2019a servi, dans une coupe, un vin d\u2019ambre clair qui faisait des bulles.<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est du champagne \u00bb, a-t-elle comment\u00e9. Ca vaut 50 dollars la bouteille \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab 50 dollars la bouteille. C’est horriblement cher ! \u00bb dis-je en trempant mes l\u00e8vres dans ce liquide\u2026 en or.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tout ce que j\u2019utilise est cher, Joe. Mes chaussures, mes bas, mes robes, mes bijoux. Je n\u2019accepte que les objets de luxe. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Elle avait un dr\u00f4le de petit sourire en disant \u00e7a, un sourire de d\u00e9fi et de contentement d\u2019elle-m\u00eame mais elle a vu que moi, au lieu de m\u2019impressionner, \u00e7a me d\u00e9go\u00fbtait plut\u00f4t. Alors, elle a commenc\u00e9 \u00e0 plaider sa cause.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Vous ne savez pas par o\u00f9 je suis pass\u00e9e avant d\u2019avoir tout \u00e7a. J\u2019en ai pay\u00e9 le prix, je vous l\u2019assure. Et je me suis jur\u00e9 que je ne conna\u00eetrai plus jamais ni la faim ni l\u2019humiliation ni la mis\u00e8re ni m\u00eame un simple refus d\u2019un de mes caprices. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Soudain, elle s\u2019est interrompue et elle est all\u00e9e \u00e0 la fen\u00eatre. Elle a soulev\u00e9 le rideau et ses traits se sont d\u00e9faits.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Joe \u00bb, m\u2019a-t-elle dit d\u2019une voix tremblante, \u00ab il faut que vous partiez tout de suite \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai fronc\u00e9 les sourcils : \u00ab qu\u2019est-ce qui se passe ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Joe \u00bb, m\u2019a-t-elle expliqu\u00e9 piteusement, \u00ab je vous ai attir\u00e9 dans un pi\u00e8ge. C\u2019est Alpheus Troy qui m\u2019a demand\u00e9 de ramener en ville l\u2019un des fils Cartwright et\u2026 de le garder au chaud cette nuit. J\u2019ai accept\u00e9 sans penser \u00e0 mal mais je me rends compte maintenant que ce n\u2019\u00e9tait pas vraiment innocent. Je ne veux pas qu\u2019il vous arrive du mal et je viens de voir deux armoires \u00e0 glace qui se dirigeaient vers l\u2019h\u00f4tel. Ils vont \u00eatre l\u00e0 dans une minute. Fuyez par la fen\u00eatre. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Au lieu de suivre son conseil, je me suis fendu d\u2019un grand sourire, je me suis cal\u00e9 dans un fauteuil, les jambes sur la table et j\u2019ai dit : \u00ab Au contraire, je les attends. Ils vont voir si c\u2018est si facile que \u00e7a de kidnapper un Cartwright. \u00bb<\/p>\n

J\u2019avais \u00e0 peine fini ma phrase qu\u2019on a entendu toquer \u00e0 la porte. Lotta ne voulait pas ouvrir et leur a cri\u00e9 de repartir mais ils ont enfonc\u00e9 la porte. Ca allait de soi ! Comment pouvait-elle croire qu\u2019ils allaient rebrousser chemin simplement parce qu\u2019elle avait chang\u00e9 de camp ?<\/p>\n

\u00ab Bonjour Messieurs \u00bb, ai-je lanc\u00e9 tout faraud. Ils \u00e9taient patibulaires et crasseux \u00e0 souhait. Caricaturaux ! L\u2019un des deux s\u2019est jet\u00e9 sur moi, j\u2019ai lanc\u00e9 mes jambes en l\u2019air et il a valdingu\u00e9 par dessus ma t\u00eate. Je me suis lev\u00e9 pour faire face \u00e0 l\u2019autre. Pendant ce temps-l\u00e0, Lotta s\u2019\u00e9tait empar\u00e9e d\u2019une ombrelle dont elle a donn\u00e9 un coup sur la t\u00eate de celui qui \u00e9tait en train de se relever. Puis elle m\u2019a lanc\u00e9 l\u2019ombrelle. Je l\u2019ai saisie au vol et, avec une jubilation qui devait se lire sur ma figure, je l\u2019ai brandie comme une \u00e9p\u00e9e et je me suis mis \u00e0 asticoter mon adversaire. Il \u00e9tait tr\u00e8s lourd et pas tr\u00e8s vif. C\u2019\u00e9tait facile de lui faire perdre ses moyens en l\u2019\u00e9nervant. Ce faisant, je me rapprochais de la fen\u00eatre, je l\u2019ai enjamb\u00e9e et me suis retrouv\u00e9 sur le balcon.<\/p>\n

Ils m\u2019ont poursuivi mais j\u2019avais l\u2019avantage de la l\u00e9g\u00e8ret\u00e9. J\u2019ai saut\u00e9 du balcon, j\u2019ai atterri en roul\u00e9-boul\u00e9 et sous leurs yeux ahuris, j\u2019ai disparu dans la ruelle qui faisait le coin. Instinctivement, j\u2019ai repris le chemin du quartier chinois, pensant r\u00e9cup\u00e9rer mon buggy et mes chevaux. Mais ils couraient plus vite que je n\u2019aurais cru et je les ai retrouv\u00e9s \u00e0 mes trousses plus t\u00f4t que je ne pensais. J\u2019ai r\u00e9ussi \u00e0 les semer car je connais bien la ville puis je me suis pr\u00e9cipit\u00e9 chez Tchang-Si qui n\u2019a pas demand\u00e9 trop d\u2019explications quand je me suis enfoui au fond d\u2019une de ses pani\u00e8res de linge. Je crois bien, m\u00eame, qu\u2019il a rajout\u00e9 quelques chemises et des draps par dessus ma t\u00eate. Je me suis fait le plus petit possible et j\u2019ai si bien r\u00e9ussi qu\u2019ils ont renvers\u00e9 ma pani\u00e8re sans m\u2019en faire sortir. Ils sont repartis de chez Tchang-Si sans m\u2019avoir trouv\u00e9. J\u2019ai \u00e9merg\u00e9 de ma pani\u00e8re secou\u00e9 de rire mais manifestement, Tchang-Si ne trouvait pas \u00e7a dr\u00f4le du tout. Il a commenc\u00e9 \u00e0 m\u2019agonir d\u2019injures, en disant que je l\u2019avais ruin\u00e9 car il ne retrouverait jamais \u00e0 qui \u00e9tait le linge et qu\u2019il allait perdre sa client\u00e8le. J\u2019ai essay\u00e9 de le calmer quand soudain, nous avons entendu de grands cris en chinois. \u00ab Le feu \u00bb s\u2019est exclam\u00e9 Tchang-Si et il s\u2019est pr\u00e9cipit\u00e9 dehors. J\u2019ai pris le temps de me r\u00e9ajuster et je suis sorti moi aussi pour d\u00e9barquer au milieu d\u2019une paga\u00efe indescriptible. Il y avait des chinois qui couraient partout, les uns portant des seaux, les autres \u00e9vacuant des corbeilles de linge, d’autres enfin, en tas compact, en train de se colleter avec mes deux brutes. J’ai grimp\u00e9 sur un muret, j’ai pris mon \u00e9lan et j’ai saut\u00e9 all\u00e8grement dans la bagarre. Nombreux comme nous \u00e9tions, nous n’avons pas mis bien longtemps \u00e0 venir \u00e0 bout de mes assaillants. J’ai ensuite donn\u00e9 un coup de main pour finir d’arr\u00eater le feu puis j’ai d\u00e9cid\u00e9 que j’en avais fait assez.<\/p>\n

Avec tout cela, il devait quand m\u00eame \u00eatre pas loin de trois heures du matin. Que faire ? Et pourquoi pas retourner chez Lotta reprendre la conversation trop brutalement interrompue par les sbires de Troy ?<\/p>\n

Aussit\u00f4t pens\u00e9, aussit\u00f4t fait, moi, je suis un homme d\u2019action ! A la r\u00e9ception, Tom Mannigan ne m\u2019a m\u00eame pas demand\u00e9 o\u00f9 j\u2019allais, il donnait des instructions pour qu\u2019on change \u00ab la chanteuse \u00bb de chambre. Je suis mont\u00e9 chez Lotta. Evidemment, sa porte \u00e9tait toujours enfonc\u00e9e, on n\u2019avait pas eu le temps de la r\u00e9parer et on entrait chez elle comme dans un moulin. Elle \u00e9tait l\u00e0, debout devant la fen\u00eatre, regardant dehors. Elle a d\u00fb m\u2019entendre car elle s\u2019est retourn\u00e9e brusquement.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ah c\u2019est vous Joe, vous avez trouv\u00e9 Adam ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

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

\u00ab Oui, votre fr\u00e8re. Il est venu chez moi moins d\u2019une demi-heure apr\u00e8s votre d\u00e9part. Pas aimable. Il vous cherchait et il avait l\u2019air de me tenir pour responsable de ce qui vous arrivait \u00bb<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai souri : \u00ab il n\u2019avait pas compl\u00e8tement tort, si j\u2019en crois vos aveux de tout \u00e0 l\u2019heure \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Elle a eu un grand soupir : \u00ab Oui, mais je vous ai dit que je n\u2019avais pas imagin\u00e9 qu\u2019ils avaient des intentions si noires. D\u2019ailleurs, je vous ai aid\u00e9 \u00bb elle avait un petit ton plaintif en disant cela, comme si elle plaidait. \u00ab J\u2019ai voulu le lui expliquer mais il n\u2019a rien voulu entendre et moi, j\u2019ai perdu mes moyens. C\u2019est un homme, un homme\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

Elle s\u2019est arr\u00eat\u00e9e, semblant chercher le mot ad\u00e9quat pour qualifier mon fr\u00e8re a\u00een\u00e9. J\u2019aurais pu lui en souffler plusieurs, des plus louangeurs au plus moqueurs, un homme admirable, d\u00e9termin\u00e9, ent\u00eat\u00e9 comme une mule, autoritaire, insupportable, intelligent, s\u00fbr de lui jusqu\u2019\u00e0 la suffisance. Tout cela aurait coll\u00e9 avec la personnalit\u00e9 de ce vieil Adam. G\u00e9n\u00e9reux, aussi, affectueux, loyal, mais \u00e7a, elle n\u2019avait pas eu le temps de s\u2019en rendre compte dans les deux entrevues qu\u2019elle avait eues avec lui.<\/p>\n

Mais ce qui m\u2019int\u00e9ressait, c\u2019\u00e9tait de savoir \u00e0 quel qualificatif elle pensait, elle, qu\u2019allait-elle me sortir ?<\/p>\n

\u00ab Un homme quoi ? \u00bb ai-je demand\u00e9.<\/p>\n

J\u2019en ai \u00e9t\u00e9 pour mes frais. Elle a secou\u00e9 la t\u00eate et elle m\u2019a dit, avec un demi-sourire : \u00ab Oublions tout cela, voulez-vous, Joe ? Tout ce d\u00e9sordre m\u2019insupporte. Je voudrais que vous descendiez m\u2019attendre dans le hall. Je vais me changer et nous irons voir s\u2019il reste en ville un saloon encore ouvert. Je n\u2019ai pas l\u2019intention de passer la fin de la nuit \u00e0 regarder le personnel de l\u2019h\u00f4tel transf\u00e9rer mes affaires dans une autre chambre. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ce programme me convenait. Je l\u2019ai attendue un petit quart d\u2019heure ; elle est redescendue dans une vraie tenue de bourgeoise, jupe noire, corsage \u00e9cru, une coiffure tress\u00e9e avec de petites fleurs dans les cheveux. Ca la changeait compl\u00e8tement, \u00e7a lui donnait l\u2019air d\u2019une petite fille.<\/p>\n

Je ne sais pas si c\u2019\u00e9tait l\u2019heure ou ses v\u00eatements ou quelque chose de diff\u00e9rent dans son attitude mais je n\u2019avais plus dans l\u2019id\u00e9e de la s\u00e9duire ; comprenne qui voudra mais \u00e7a me suffisait de l\u2019escorter et de discuter avec elle comme si c\u2019\u00e9tait une amie d\u2019enfance.<\/p>\n

Nous nous somme dirig\u00e9s vers le Red Horse Saloon car je savais qu\u2019il restait ouvert jusqu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019aube.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je suis d\u00e9sol\u00e9 \u00bb lui ai-je dit \u00ab mais je crains qu\u2019ils n\u2019aient pas de champagne, ici \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Elle a ri. \u00ab Exceptionnellement, je me contenterai d\u2019une bi\u00e8re \u00bb. Nous avons devis\u00e9 de tout et rien pendant un petit moment. Elle voulait tout savoir de la vie \u00e0 Ponderosa, de la famille. Elle revenait toujours sur le m\u00eame sujet : comment se faisait-il que nous soyons tous c\u00e9libataires. Ca la tracassait, je me demandais bien pourquoi. A un moment, le vieux Ted Rivers qui \u00e9tait l\u00e0 sans que nous ne l\u2019ayons vraiment remarqu\u00e9 a sorti son harmonica et s\u2019est mis \u00e0 jouer un petit air lancinant. Ca m\u2019a donn\u00e9 une id\u00e9e. Je lui ai demand\u00e9 s\u2019il ne pouvait pas nous jouer une valse lente. Il a grommel\u00e9 quelque chose qui ressemblait \u00e0 \u00ab Okay \u00bb et il s\u2019est mis \u00e0 jouer en nous tournant le dos.<\/p>\n

Je me suis inclin\u00e9 devant la belle Lotta comme si j\u2019avais \u00e9t\u00e9 au bal : \u00ab M\u2019accorderez-vous cette danse, Mademoiselle ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Bien volontiers, Monsieur \u00bb, m\u2019a-t-elle r\u00e9pondu en jouant le jeu. Je l\u2019ai enlac\u00e9e assez serr\u00e9e mais elle a pris ses distances. Dommage, car mes id\u00e9es lubriques m\u2019avaient repris. Nous \u00e9tions l\u00e0 en train d\u2019\u00e9voluer bien sagement quand j\u2019ai entendu tonner \u00ab Toi ! \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Pas eu besoin de me retourner pour reconna\u00eetre l\u2019organe paternel et pour savoir qu\u2019il \u00e9tait \u00e0 bout de patience.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oh, salut Papa \u00bb ai-je lanc\u00e9 du ton le plus innocent possible, style \u00ab Vous ici ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu vas me faire le plaisir de nous suivre imm\u00e9diatement \u00bb a t-il tonitru\u00e9. J\u2019ai rapidement bais\u00e9 la main de ma danseuse et je me suis pr\u00e9cipit\u00e9 vers la porte en m\u2019esquivant de peur d\u2019attraper une taloche au passage.<\/p>\n

Papa et Hoss ont suivi presque imm\u00e9diatement. Ils avaient amen\u00e9 Cochise. Je suis mont\u00e9 en selle. Nous avons attendu Adam un instant puis il nous a rejoints avec un dr\u00f4le de petit sourire au coin des l\u00e8vres. Lotta s\u2019est avanc\u00e9e sur le seuil. Elle n\u2019avait d\u2019yeux que pour lui. Elle avait soudain un air de gamine timide. Je ne comprenais pas bien, vu la fa\u00e7on dont elle disait qu\u2019il l\u2019avait trait\u00e9e. Elle en avait peut-\u00eatre peur. Il a port\u00e9 la main \u00e0 son chapeau en accentuant son sourire puis il est mont\u00e9 en selle et nous avons quitt\u00e9 la ville au grand galop.<\/p>\n

Au petit d\u00e9jeuner, je leur ai racont\u00e9 mes aventures sans m\u2019\u00e9tendre sur ce qui ne les regardait pas. J\u2019avais bien dans l\u2019id\u00e9e de pousser mon avantage avec Lotta m\u00eame si je commen\u00e7ais \u00e0 me douter qu\u2019Adam avait, lui aussi, des vues sur ma conqu\u00eate. Enfin, ma conqu\u00eate\u2026 c\u2019\u00e9tait peut-\u00eatre un peu pr\u00e9matur\u00e9 d\u2019en parler ainsi. Disons que j\u2019avais des esp\u00e9rances.<\/p>\n

Je n\u2019ai pas os\u00e9 r\u00e9clamer \u00e0 Papa une matin\u00e9e de repos. Il m\u2019avait pass\u00e9 un savon mais rien \u00e0 c\u00f4t\u00e9 de l\u2019engueulade \u00e0 laquelle je m\u2019attendais. Ma punition, c\u2019\u00e9tait de ne pas dormir, semblait-il, mais alors je me demandais bien pourquoi tout le monde y avait droit, lui-m\u00eame, Hoss et Adam qui n\u2019avaient veill\u00e9 que pour me chercher…<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai eu du mal \u00e0 tenir le coup. Les hommes m\u2019ont r\u00e9veill\u00e9 deux ou trois fois alors que je m\u2019endormais en selle. J\u2019avais presque envie de sauter le d\u00eener. Aussi ai-je ouvert des yeux ronds, une fois rentr\u00e9 \u00e0 la maison, quand j\u2019ai vu le grand fr\u00e8re redescendre de sa chambre en grande tenue manifestement pr\u00eat \u00e0 filer en ville.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Qu\u2019est-ce que tu fais ? \u00bb lui ai-je demand\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je vais voir le spectacle de miss Crabtree. Tu as eu l\u2019air de dire que c\u2019\u00e9tait tr\u00e8s bien \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019\u00e9tais estomaqu\u00e9. Papa aussi, apparemment . Il a tent\u00e9 un timide : \u00ab Ca ne peut pas attendre samedi ? \u00bb mais le grand fr\u00e8re ne s\u2019est m\u00eame pas donn\u00e9 la peine de r\u00e9pondre, il a juste inform\u00e9 Hop-Sing qu\u2019il ne serait pas l\u00e0 pour le d\u00eener puis il s\u2019est cass\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Hoss qui n\u2019avait rien dit jusque-l\u00e0 s\u2019est esclaff\u00e9 : \u00ab On dirait qu\u2019il veut battre le fer tant qu\u2019il est chaud, hein, Papa ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Quel fer ? Est-ce que \u00e7a vous emb\u00eaterait beaucoup de me mettre au courant ? \u00bb. J\u2019\u00e9tais un peu irrit\u00e9 car j\u2019ai horreur de ce genre de conversation o\u00f9 il y en a deux qui savent de quoi ils parlent et un qui est laiss\u00e9 pour compte.<\/p>\n

Hoss m\u2019a donn\u00e9 un grand coup dans le dos du plat de sa main. \u00ab Allons Joe, ne me dis pas que tu n\u2019as rien remarqu\u00e9 ce matin, ou alors, c\u2019est que tu \u00e9tais aveugl\u00e9 par quelque chose. La fum\u00e9e de l\u2019incendie peut-\u00eatre ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

L\u00e0, je me suis franchement \u00e9nerv\u00e9 : \u00ab Qu\u2019est-ce qu\u2019il fallait que je vois, Monsieur Je-sais-tout ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Qu\u2019il se passait quelque chose entre Miss Crabtree et Adam \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai saut\u00e9 en l\u2019air : \u00ab Quelque chose ? Mais ils ne se sont pas parl\u00e9, ils ne se sont pas touch\u00e9s ; c\u2019est avec moi qu\u2019elle dansait \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Peut-\u00eatre, mais c\u2019est lui qu\u2019elle regardait avec les yeux d\u2019une souris hypnotis\u00e9e par un serpent. Quant \u00e0 dire qu\u2019ils ne se sont pas touch\u00e9s, qu\u2019est-ce que tu crois qu\u2019il est all\u00e9 faire pendant que nous poireautions sur nos selles \u00e0 l\u2019attendre ? \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Papa a lev\u00e9 la main : \u00ab Ca suffit, Hoss, et toi aussi Joe. Arr\u00eatez d\u2019\u00eatre indiscrets et venez plut\u00f4t d\u00eener. J\u2019ai h\u00e2te d\u2019aller me coucher et je pense \u00bb, a-t-il ajout\u00e9 en me jetant un regard appuy\u00e9, \u00ab que celui qui est \u00e0 l\u2019origine de notre nuit blanche ferait bien d\u2019aller dormir, \u00e7a lui \u00e9claircirait les id\u00e9es \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Que vouliez-vous que je r\u00e9ponde\u2026<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai dormi comme une masse mais le lendemain, quand je suis descendu pour le petit-d\u00e9jeuner, j\u2019ai vu que je n\u2019\u00e9tais pas le dernier, pour une fois. Adam brillait par son absence. J\u2019\u00e9tais m\u00eame en train de me demander s\u2019il \u00e9tait seulement rentr\u00e9 quand Papa a exp\u00e9di\u00e9 Hoss en haut avec la consigne de le r\u00e9veiller sans m\u00e9nagement.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu es dur \u00bb, lui ai-je lanc\u00e9 avec un sourire. \u00ab A quelle heure est-il rentr\u00e9 ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ca me stup\u00e9fie toujours de voir que Papa sait exactement \u00e0 quelle heure nous sommes rentr\u00e9s, quels que soient nos efforts pour ne pas faire de bruit.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Cinq heures moins vingt. C\u2019est son affaire mais comme nous ne sommes pas dimanche, je ne vois pas pourquoi il serait dispens\u00e9 de travailler. S\u2019il avait un autre patron que moi, crois-tu qu\u2019il se pr\u00e9occuperait de son emploi du temps nocturne avant de l\u2019envoyer au turbin ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai ri. \u00ab Et si c\u2019\u00e9tait moi, serais-tu aussi impitoyable ? \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Il m\u2019a regard\u00e9 avec ces yeux qu\u2019il fait quand il se veut mena\u00e7ant tout en luttant contre une forte envie de rire : \u00ab Si c\u2019\u00e9tait toi, jeune homme, tu n\u2019aurais pas quitt\u00e9 la maison hier soir et si tu l\u2019avais tent\u00e9, tu aurais atterri en travers de mes genoux en vue d\u2019une bonne fess\u00e9e \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Nous en \u00e9tions l\u00e0 quand Hoss est redescendu d\u2019un air satisfait : \u00ab Ca y est Papa, il est r\u00e9veill\u00e9, il fait sa toilette et il descend \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Eh bien, j\u2019esp\u00e8re qu\u2019il va se laver \u00e0 l\u2019eau glac\u00e9e pour se revigorer car il va avoir du pain sur la planche, Monsieur le bourreau des c\u0153urs \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai marmott\u00e9 : \u00ab Tiens, pour une fois que ce n\u2019est pas moi qui y ai droit \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab A quoi \u00bb a demand\u00e9 Hoss en s\u2019enfournant une cr\u00eape enti\u00e8re dans le gosier.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Au titre de bourreau des c\u0153urs, tiens \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oh, ce n\u2019est pas que tu n\u2019aies pas essay\u00e9, d\u2019apr\u00e8s mes informations \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oui, mais d\u2019apr\u00e8s les miennes, je n\u2019y suis pas parvenu \u00bb et j\u2019ai accompagn\u00e9 cette remarque d\u2019une mimique de d\u00e9ception. \u00ab Enfin, pas encore\u2026 \u00bb ai-je ajout\u00e9 en riant et en me baissant pour \u00e9viter la taloche de Papa.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Chut \u00bb a souffl\u00e9 Hoss, \u00ab voil\u00e0 Don Juan qui arrive \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Il descendait les escaliers, l\u2019air content de lui-m\u00eame. Et c\u2019est l\u00e0 que j\u2019ai vu que j\u2019avais perdu la partie.<\/p>\n

Lotta<\/p>\n

Je n\u2019aurais jamais cru que \u00e7a m\u2019arriverait. Et dans ce trou perdu, encore, dans ce coin barbare o\u00f9 on ne rencontre pratiquement que des bouseux mal lav\u00e9s ou des bourgeois d\u00e9butants qui ne savent pas s\u2019habiller ni se tenir ! Il a fallu que ce soit dans cet endroit que je rencontre, pour la premi\u00e8re fois de ma vie, un homme qui me subjugue.<\/p>\n

Pourtant, ce n\u2019est pas faute d\u2019en avoir connu des hommes. D\u2019abord, il y a eu mon p\u00e8re, ce salaud, qui m\u2019a d\u00e9pucel\u00e9e \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e2ge de 14 ans. Je m\u2019en souviens comme si c\u2019\u00e9tait hier. Nous vivions dans l\u2019Indiana, dans une ville qui s\u2019appelle Paris. Depuis que je suis artiste, \u00e7a me fait rire. Paris, c\u2019est la ville de tous les luxes, de toutes les trouvailles que nous voulons imiter, c\u2019est un nom qui fait r\u00eaver. Ha, ha, ha, s\u2019ils voyaient \u00e0 quoi \u00e7a ressemble, Paris, Indiana. Un trou \u00e0 rats ! Tiens, aussi m\u00e9diocre que Virginia City. On crevait de faim. Le p\u00e8re, il ne savait faire qu\u2019une chose, jouer de l\u2019accord\u00e9on. Il se louait dans les noces, les f\u00eates, les bals populaires. Si encore il avait pratiqu\u00e9 le violon ou la fl\u00fbte, il aurait pu faire partie d\u2019un orchestre, mais non, l\u2019accord\u00e9on\u2026<\/p>\n

R\u00e9sultat, on n\u2019avait pas un rond. Maman faisait de la couture mais \u00e0 Paris, Indiana, y\u2019avait pas des masses de clientes, j\u2019peux vous l\u2019assurer.<\/p>\n

Alors, le p\u00e8re, il a d\u00e9cid\u00e9 qu\u2019on allait partir pour Indianapolis et que l\u00e0, j\u2019allais apprendre \u00e0 chanter et \u00e0 danser. Il avait une\u2026 connaissance l\u00e0-bas, qui serait d\u2019accord pour m\u2019apprendre mais \u00e0 condition que je paye mon \u00e9ducation. Puis le p\u00e8re, il m\u2019a dit comme \u00e7a qu\u2019il n\u2019y avait pas vingt-cinq moyens et il m\u2019a d\u00e9niais\u00e9e pour qu\u2019apr\u00e8s, je sois moins godiche quand d\u2019autres hommes voudraient me \u00ab faire des politesses \u00bb comme il disait. Il m\u2019a dit : \u00ab toutes les femmes naissent avec leur gagne-pain, mais le tien, c\u2019est un gagne-pain de luxe ! \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Je n\u2019ai rien dit, je l\u2019ai laiss\u00e9 faire ; d\u2019ailleurs, je n\u2019avais pas le choix, mais je me suis dit : s\u2019il faut en passer par l\u00e0, \u00e7a sera pour mon compte, pas pour le sien. Et puisque j\u2019ai un gagne-pain de luxe, je ne vais pas le galvauder avec des sans-le-sou. Je veux le gratin. Et avec l\u2019aide de Maud et de Lola, deux entra\u00eeneuses qui avaient de l\u2019exp\u00e9rience, j\u2019ai appris \u00e0 leur tenir la drag\u00e9e haute, aux hommes. J\u2019ai vite vu comment il fallait s\u2019y prendre : tant qu\u2019ils n\u2019ont pas allong\u00e9 les dollars ou les bijoux, on ne leur montre que les \u00e9pines. En revanche, s\u2019ils casquent, on est toute douceur mais juste pour le temps qui correspond au prix qu\u2019ils ont pay\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Je me suis m\u00eame \u00e9tabli mes tarifs, \u00e0 l\u2019heure et \u00e0 la journ\u00e9e. Je ne suis aimable qu\u2019\u00e0 dur\u00e9e limit\u00e9e. A la seconde o\u00f9 leur temps est \u00e9coul\u00e9, je redeviens une chipie et je r\u00e9clame. Ca marche tr\u00e8s bien.<\/p>\n

Mais alors, avant-hier, le syst\u00e8me est tomb\u00e9 en panne. J\u2019avais pourtant rencontr\u00e9 un gars qui d\u00e9notait avec ses cong\u00e9n\u00e8res du Nevada. Un type qui ne payait pas de mine au moment o\u00f9 je l\u2019ai rencontr\u00e9 mais dont je savais qu\u2019il faisait partie d\u2019une famille riche.<\/p>\n

C\u2019\u00e9tait d\u2019ailleurs \u00e9tonnant, pour des gens fortun\u00e9s comme \u00e7a, qu\u2019ils fassent eux-m\u00eames le boulot qu\u2019ils devraient confier \u00e0 des journaliers.<\/p>\n

C\u2019\u00e9tait Alpheus Troy qui m\u2019avait envoy\u00e9e chez eux. En voil\u00e0, un bel exemple de parvenu. Un truand qui s\u2019imagine qu\u2019il est devenu respectable sous pr\u00e9texte qu\u2019il s\u2019est habill\u00e9 avec un costume trois pi\u00e8ces mais dont on devine, d\u00e8s qu\u2019il ouvre la bouche, qu\u2019il s\u2019agit d\u2019un requin. D\u2019ailleurs, il suffit de voir sa femme : une vache qui ne pense qu\u2019\u00e0 manger et qui ne sait pas articuler trois mots. Il faut voir comment elle m\u2019a regard\u00e9e quand je suis venue discuter le march\u00e9 chez eux. Bon, passons.<\/p>\n

Bref, il m\u2019a propos\u00e9 10 000 dollars simplement pour monter en berline, aller sur la propri\u00e9t\u00e9 des Cartwright et en ramener un en ville. Pour cette somme, je m\u2019attendais \u00e0 ce qu\u2019on me demande de coucher avec lui. Pas du tout, il fallait seulement que je le retienne pendant une heure ou deux, par les moyens que je voulais. J\u2019avais rarement gagn\u00e9 de l\u2019argent aussi facilement.<\/p>\n

Je m\u2019attendais \u00e0 ce qu\u2019ils soient au moins repoussants, pour qu\u2019on monte \u00e0 10 000 dollars rien que pour en capturer un, mais pas du tout. Il y a le p\u00e8re, qui a encore une fameuse allure avec ses yeux noirs de charbon, sa haute stature et ses cheveux blancs mais bien fournis. Il y a le g\u00e9ant ; celui-ci n\u2019est pas beau mais il a une sacr\u00e9e bonne bouille et puis, il est rassurant avec son bon sourire et ses yeux bleus. Ensuite, il y a le petit, celui que j\u2019ai ramen\u00e9, mignon comme un c\u0153ur ; pas tr\u00e8s grand mais avec de beaux cheveux boucl\u00e9s bruns, des yeux\u2026 j\u2019sais pas s\u2019ils sont verts ou bleus ou sombres mais ils brillent et \u00e7a accompagne un sourire enj\u00f4leur. Je l\u2019ai trouv\u00e9 attendrissant.<\/p>\n

Et puis il y a lui. Un bel homme, \u00e7a, on ne peut pas le nier. Grand, les \u00e9paules larges, la taille mince, les jambes longues. Un beau visage, aussi ; des yeux changeants dont l\u2019iris, gris ou noisette, \u00e7a d\u00e9pend, se devine sous de longs cils de fille. Un nez droit, juste un tout petit peu trop court, juste \u00e0 peine retrouss\u00e9\u2026 C\u2019est la petite imperfection qui fait tout le charme. Une bouche\u2026 Ah le dessin de la bouche. Je ne peux pas raconter mais elle est sensuelle \u00e0 souhait. Et alors, quand elle se retrousse pour un sourire\u2026 Il en a toute une panoplie : le petit sourire en coin, la l\u00e8vre sup\u00e9rieure \u00e0 peine relev\u00e9e, le sourire bouche ferm\u00e9e, avec des fossettes, le grand sourire qui montre des dents blanches impeccables. Des cheveux bruns pas boucl\u00e9s, juste souples, qui descendent bas le long de ses oreilles.<\/p>\n

Evidemment, je n\u2019ai pas vu tout \u00e7a d\u2019un seul coup d\u2019\u0153il. C\u2019est apr\u00e8s que j\u2019ai eu le temps de le d\u00e9tailler. Sur le moment, j\u2019ai vu un homme \u00e0 cheval, avec un regard d\u00e9termin\u00e9 et, il faut bien le dire, assez hostile. Il braquait son arme sur moi, tout comme son p\u00e8re et ses deux fr\u00e8res. J\u2019ai employ\u00e9 ma tactique habituelle : l\u2019agressivit\u00e9. Je sais que la col\u00e8re me va bien. Je portais une robe assez d\u00e9collet\u00e9e pour \u00eatre s\u00fbre qu\u2019ils ne me quitteraient pas des yeux et qu\u2019ils baveraient d\u2019envie.<\/p>\n

Comme je les ai houspill\u00e9s, ils ont remis\u00e9 leurs armes. Tous sauf lui.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Vous continuez \u00e0 pointer cette arme sur moi ! \u00bb lui ai-je cri\u00e9 en le d\u00e9fiant du regard.<\/p>\n

\u00ab J\u2019ai toujours l\u2019intention de m\u2019en servir \u00bb m\u2019a-t-il r\u00e9pondu, pas du tout impressionn\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Son p\u00e8re lui a dit de rengainer alors j\u2019ai un peu chang\u00e9 de registre. Je leur ai donn\u00e9 la possibilit\u00e9 de m\u2019admirer. Officiellement ! Il fallait voir les grimaces ridicules que faisait le g\u00e9ant. Je me suis un instant demand\u00e9 si ce n\u2019\u00e9tait pas ce poisson-l\u00e0 que j\u2019allais p\u00eacher mais le p\u00e8re m\u2019a servi le petit gardon sur un plateau d\u2019argent. Il lui a donn\u00e9 l\u2019ordre de m\u2019amener boire un verre d\u2019eau. Ca m\u2019a permis de voir leur baraque. Pas mal du tout pour le coin. Du style espagnol, m\u2019a dit le petit Joe. C\u2019est sous ce nom qu\u2019il s\u2019est pr\u00e9sent\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Petit Joe ? \u00bb ai-je remarqu\u00e9, \u00e9tonn\u00e9e, \u00ab vous n\u2019\u00eates pas si petit que \u00e7a ! \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Non, mais mon fr\u00e8re Hoss est si grand qu\u2019\u00e0 c\u00f4t\u00e9 de lui, je fais petit \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Il m\u2019a dit que la r\u00e9paration risquait d\u2019\u00eatre longue. J\u2019ai imm\u00e9diatement invent\u00e9 que j\u2019\u00e9tais press\u00e9e, j\u2019ai eu l\u2019air d\u2019\u00eatre sur le point d\u2019\u00e9clater en sanglots et il m\u2019a propos\u00e9 de m\u2019emmener en ville dans leur buggy. Presque trop facile !<\/p>\n

Le temps du trajet, j\u2019ai pu, sans difficult\u00e9, le d\u00e9noyauter. J\u2019ai appris que le p\u00e8re avait \u00e9t\u00e9 mari\u00e9 trois fois, d\u2019abord avec la fille d\u2019un capitaine de Boston, la m\u00e8re d\u2019Adam, ensuite avec une su\u00e9doise, la m\u00e8re de Hoss, enfin, avec sa m\u00e8re \u00e0 lui, une cr\u00e9ole de la Nouvelle-Orl\u00e9ans.<\/p>\n

Ca m\u2019a donn\u00e9 la cl\u00e9 pour le ferrer pour le reste de la soir\u00e9e. Je voyais bien qu\u2019il \u00e9tait fascin\u00e9 par la Nouvelle-Orl\u00e9ans et la colonie fran\u00e7aise. Or c\u2019est une ville que je connais bien. J\u2019ai rench\u00e9ri sur le luxe qu\u2019on y trouvait, sur les plaisirs qu\u2019on y go\u00fbtait, sur le charme de la soci\u00e9t\u00e9 cr\u00e9ole. Il \u00e9tait m\u00fbr, y\u2019avait plus qu\u2019\u00e0 le cueillir.<\/p>\n

Je lui ai demand\u00e9 de me d\u00e9poser devant le th\u00e9\u00e2tre. Il m\u2019a demand\u00e9 en retour si j\u2019accepterais une invitation \u00e0 d\u00eener apr\u00e8s le spectacle et je lui ai r\u00e9pondu qu\u2019il n\u2019avait qu\u2019\u00e0 venir chercher sa r\u00e9ponse le moment venu.<\/p>\n

C\u2019est vers la fin de mon num\u00e9ro que je l\u2019ai vu appara\u00eetre. Il tenait une rose rouge \u00e0 la main qu\u2019il a jet\u00e9e \u00e0 mes pieds au moment des applaudissements. Je l\u2019ai ramass\u00e9e, \u00e0 la fois parce que je trouvais cela gentil et po\u00e9tique et parce que c\u2019\u00e9tait un moyen de lui montrer que je l\u2019attendais \u00e0 la sortie.<\/p>\n

Je suis rentr\u00e9e \u00e0 l\u2019h\u00f4tel et je n\u2019y \u00e9tais pas depuis cinq minutes que je l\u2019ai entendu toquer \u00e0 la porte.<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est moi, Joe Cartwright \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Je lui ai ouvert. Je tenais encore sa rose \u00e0 la main. Il l\u2019a not\u00e9 avec un plaisir \u00e9vident.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je suis venu chercher ma r\u00e9ponse pour le d\u00eener. Je voudrais vous emmener go\u00fbter de la cuisine fran\u00e7aise \u00bb<\/p>\n

Il avait, en disant cela un sourire adorable. Ca m\u2019a donn\u00e9 des remords. Apr\u00e8s tout, ce n\u2019\u00e9tait encore qu\u2019un tout jeune homme. \u00ab Entrez \u00bb, lui ai-je dit en lui rendant son sourire, \u00ab je n\u2019ai pas envie de ressortir mais cela me ferait plaisir que vous restiez me tenir compagnie \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Il est rentr\u00e9 et il s\u2019est mis \u00e0 tout regarder avec des yeux \u00e9carquill\u00e9s. Il \u00e9tait clair qu\u2019il n\u2019avait encore jamais mis les pieds dans une suite d\u2019h\u00f4tel : \u00ab Vous avez l\u2019air d\u2019un petit gar\u00e7on qu’on emm\u00e8ne au cirque pour la premi\u00e8re fois. \u00bb ai-je remarqu\u00e9 en riant. Puis je me suis dit qu\u2019il fallait le d\u00e9coincer : \u00ab Vous qui prisez la cuisine des Fran\u00e7ais, connaissez-vous leurs vins ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Sans attendre la r\u00e9ponse, je lui ai servi une coupe du champagne que j\u2019exige de toujours trouver au frais quand je sors de sc\u00e8ne.<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est du champagne. Ca vaut 50 dollars la bouteille \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Il a eu une dr\u00f4le de r\u00e9action : \u00ab 50 dollars la bouteille. C’est horriblement cher ! \u00bb Comme si c\u2019\u00e9tait lui qui le payait ! Il fallait l\u2019\u00e9duquer, ce petit : \u00ab Tout ce que j\u2019utilise est cher, Joe. Mes chaussures, mes bas, mes robes, mes bijoux. Je n\u2019accepte que les objets de luxe. C\u2019est pour \u00e7a que je suis venue dans l\u2019Ouest. A cause de l\u2019or et de l\u2019argent qui sortent de terre, dit-on. Cet or et cet argent que les mineurs extraient de la roche, ils vont le jeter \u00e0 mes pieds comme l\u2019ont fait avant eux leurs compatriotes de l\u2019Est \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ca n\u2019a pas eu l\u2019air de l\u2019\u00e9pater, bien au contraire, il faisait une dr\u00f4le de grimace. Je me suis rendu compte que j\u2019avais fait une petite erreur de tactique. Ce gamin-l\u00e0, il venait d\u2019une famille riche, son int\u00e9rieur, c\u2019\u00e9tait pas une masure mais ce n\u2019\u00e9tait pas non plus de l\u2019\u00e9talage de luxe. Je voyais tr\u00e8s bien le tableau. C\u2019\u00e9tait le style : j\u2019ai de la fortune mais je me comporte comme si je n\u2019en avais pas tant que \u00e7a. Ca devait bien \u00eatre la mani\u00e8re du p\u00e8re. J\u2019en ai connu plein comme \u00e7a \u00e0 Indianapolis, \u00e0 Boston aussi. Le genre vertueux. On se la joue proche du petit peuple mais bien s\u00fbr, si on s\u2019approche trop, c\u2019est touche pas \u00e0 mon fric, touche pas \u00e0 mon domaine, touche pas \u00e0 mon pouvoir.<\/p>\n

En tout cas, moi, j\u2019pouvais toucher \u00e0 son fils si le c\u0153ur m\u2019en disait. Mais justement, il m\u2019en disait pas. Gentil, le marmot mais encore bien trop d\u00e9pendant de son p\u00e8re. Peu de chance de lui faire cracher du dollar ou du bijou.<\/p>\n

En attendant, j\u2019avais toujours la mission de Troy \u00e0 accomplir. Mes 10 000 dollars, je les avais palp\u00e9s donc il fallait que je sois r\u00e9glo. J\u2019ai donc chang\u00e9 de ton :<\/p>\n

\u00ab Vous ne savez pas par o\u00f9 je suis pass\u00e9e avant d\u2019avoir tout \u00e7a. J\u2019en ai pay\u00e9 le prix, je vous l\u2019assure. Et je me suis jur\u00e9 que je ne conna\u00eetrai plus jamais ni la faim ni l\u2019humiliation ni la mis\u00e8re ni m\u00eame un simple refus d\u2019un de mes caprices. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Je disais cela pour faire vibrer la corde sensible mais en parlant, j\u2019ai r\u00e9alis\u00e9 que c\u2019\u00e9tait la pure v\u00e9rit\u00e9. Ca a remu\u00e9 en moi d\u2019affreux souvenirs, mon d\u00e9pucelage par mon p\u00e8re, les \u00e9treintes r\u00e9pugnantes que j\u2019avais d\u00fb subir\u2026 et que je subissais encore. La brutalit\u00e9 de certains de ces hommes\u2026<\/p>\n

Celui-l\u00e0, au moins, il \u00e9tait gentil ; il \u00e9tait arriv\u00e9 une fleur \u00e0 la main et avec un bon sourire. J\u2019ai repens\u00e9 aux d\u00e9clarations de Troy. Que pr\u00e9parait-il ? Je me suis approch\u00e9e de la fen\u00eatre et j\u2019ai vu deux mastodontes qui traversaient la rue. Ils allaient le massacrer ; je ne pouvais pas laisser faire \u00e7a.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Joe, il faut que vous partiez tout de suite \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Je l\u2019ai exhort\u00e9 \u00e0 s\u2019en aller mais il n\u2019a rien voulu savoir. Au contraire, il s\u2019est install\u00e9 dans un fauteuil, les jambes sur une table basse, l\u2019air satisfait et il a dit qu\u2019il les attendait.<\/p>\n

Quand ils ont frapp\u00e9 j\u2019ai essay\u00e9 de leur refuser l\u2019entr\u00e9e mais c\u2019\u00e9tait peine perdue. Ils ont enfonc\u00e9 ma porte et se sont pr\u00e9cipit\u00e9s su le pauvre petit. J\u2019avoue qu\u2019il m\u2019a sid\u00e9r\u00e9e. C\u2019est l\u00e0 que j\u2019ai pu voir ce que l\u2019agilit\u00e9 peut contre la force massive. Il en a fait basculer un par dessus ses jambes et a esquiv\u00e9 l\u2019autre.<\/p>\n

Je ne sais pas ce qui m\u2019a pris, j\u2019ai saut\u00e9 sur mon ombrelle et j\u2019en ai donn\u00e9 un grand coup sur la t\u00eate de celui qui avait roul\u00e9 \u00e0 terre. Oh, ce n\u2019\u00e9tait pas un bien gros coup mais \u00e7a l\u2019a sonn\u00e9. Ca m\u2019a donn\u00e9 le temps de jeter mon ombrelle \u00e0 Joe qui s\u2019en est servi comme d\u2019une \u00e9p\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

Et puis tout \u00e0 coup, tout a \u00e9t\u00e9 tr\u00e8s vite. J\u2019ai vu Joe enjamber la fen\u00eatre. Les deux mastocs se sont ru\u00e9s \u00e0 sa poursuite mais comme ils \u00e9taient deux et deux gros, ils ont mis un petit moment \u00e0 franchir la fen\u00eatre. D\u2019un moment \u00e0 l\u2019autre, je me suis retrouv\u00e9e toute seule au-milieu de ma suite d\u00e9vast\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

Je suis rest\u00e9e l\u00e0, un peu ahurie, \u00e0 tourniquer et \u00e0 relever les chaises renvers\u00e9es. Je ne l\u2019ai pas entendu entrer. A un moment, je me suis retourn\u00e9e et je me suis trouv\u00e9e presque nez \u00e0 nez avec ce bel homme. C\u2019est vraiment le mot qui s\u2019impose m\u00eame s\u2019il \u00e9tait habill\u00e9 de fa\u00e7on bien rustique. Un simple pantalon de toile noir et une chemise ouverte, noire \u00e9galement et une veste en peau de mouton retourn\u00e9e. Il arrivait droit de sa cambrousse, \u00e7a se voyait et son menton et ses joues commen\u00e7aient \u00e0 se noircir d\u2019une barbe naissante. Il est entr\u00e9 comme chez lui, l\u2019arme \u00e0 la main.<\/p>\n

\u00ab O\u00f9 est-il ? \u00bb a-t-il demand\u00e9 apr\u00e8s avoir jet\u00e9 un regard circulaire sur la pi\u00e8ce en d\u00e9sordre.<\/p>\n

Je ne sais pas ce qui m\u2019a prise. Au-lieu de le prendre de haut et de lui faire remarquer qu\u2019il aurait pu \u00f4ter son chapeau en entrant chez une dame, je me suis mise \u00e0 me justifier. \u00ab Il \u00e9tait l\u00e0, il y a quelques minutes \u00bb ai-je balbuti\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Il s\u2019est approch\u00e9 et m\u2019a saisi le bras sans m\u00e9nagement : \u00ab Et o\u00f9 est-il, maintenant, que lui est-il arriv\u00e9 \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai voulu me rebiffer : \u00ab L\u00e2chez-moi, vous me faites mal au bras \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je vais vous le casser si vous ne me r\u00e9pondez pas \u00bb. Il n\u2019avait pas l\u2019air de plaisanter, il me semblait tout \u00e0 fait capable de le faire\u2026<\/p>\n

Un peu par peur r\u00e9elle, un peu par tactique, j\u2019ai chang\u00e9 de ton et j\u2019ai jou\u00e9 les ing\u00e9nues : \u00ab Oh, Adam, je suis si d\u00e9sol\u00e9e. Je ne pensais pas que \u00e7a allait tourner comme \u00e7a. Vous devez avoir une bien pi\u00e8tre opinion de moi \u00bb.<\/p>\n

A ce stade de la conversation, je m\u2019attendais \u00e0 ce qu\u2019il s\u2019adoucisse ou du moins, \u00e0 ce qu\u2019il admette ma na\u00efvet\u00e9 mais j\u2019ai vite d\u00e9chant\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Au contraire, je suis tout \u00e0 fait admiratif . Vous avez admirablement bien jou\u00e9 votre r\u00f4le et vous avez attir\u00e9 mon fr\u00e8re dans un traquenard sans avoir l\u2019air d\u2019y toucher. Vous avez de quoi \u00eatre fi\u00e8re de vous, pi\u00e9ger un gamin pour le livrer \u00e0 une bande de truands\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

Je ne peux pas expliquer ce qui s\u2019est pass\u00e9 en moi. Au lieu de lui tenir t\u00eate, de rench\u00e9rir, de lui sortir que le premier ben\u00eat \u00e0 \u00eatre dans tomb\u00e9 le panneau, c\u2019\u00e9tait son p\u00e8re (je ne pouvais pas l\u2019accuser, lui, car il faut bien dire qu\u2019il ne s\u2019\u00e9tait jamais d\u00e9parti de sa d\u00e9fiance sauf peut-\u00eatre au moment o\u00f9 il est descendu de cheval pour me hisser sur celui de son fr\u00e8re), bref, au lieu de le prendre de haut et d\u2019assumer ma conduite, je me suis prise \u00e0 tenter de me justifier : \u00ab Pi\u00e9ger ? Mais il n\u2019\u00e9tait pas question de cela. C\u2019\u00e9tait juste un tour \u00e0 jouer, une blague \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ah oui ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oui, tout ce que je devais faire, c\u2019\u00e9tait attirer l\u2019un de vous et le ramener en ville C\u2019est tout ce que m\u2019avait demand\u00e9 Alpheus Troy \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Pour quelle somme ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab L\u2019argent n\u2019a rien \u00e0 voir l\u00e0-dedans\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Alors pour quoi d\u2019autre ? Qu\u2019est-ce qu\u2019une fille comme vous peut bien avoir \u00e0 faire avec Troy si ce n\u2019est lui tirer du fric ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

C\u2019\u00e9tait on ne peut plus vrai mais toujours aussi inexplicablement, j\u2019ai vu rouge. Je ne pouvais pas supporter que cet homme-l\u00e0 me prenne pour ce que je suis, une femme entretenue. D\u2018habitude, je ne m\u2019encombre pas de pareils scrupules ; j\u2019ai m\u00eame une certaine tendance \u00e0 me payer la t\u00eate de mes soupirants. J\u2019aime \u00e0 ce qu\u2019on sache que je suis une femme ch\u00e8re, comme je n\u2019avais pu m\u2019emp\u00eacher de le montrer au petit Joe qui, pourtant, ne me demandait rien.<\/p>\n

J\u2019\u00e9tais furieuse : je me suis pr\u00e9cipit\u00e9e sur lui et j\u2019ai lev\u00e9 la main pour le gifler. Au lieu de r\u00e9agir comme les autres et de se laisser faire, il m\u2019a r\u00e9cup\u00e9r\u00e9 la main au vol, sans douceur. Je lui ai cri\u00e9 de me l\u00e2cher mais il n\u2019en a pas tenu compte. Au lieu de cela, il a tir\u00e9 sur mon poignet jusqu\u2019\u00e0 me coller contre lui. Il me surplombait du regard, un regard gris torride. Il y avait comme du feu qui coulait de ses longs cils. Je me suis sentie fondre sous ce regard. Compl\u00e8tement, inconditionnellement. Je n\u2019avais jamais connu de ma\u00eetre et je sentais que soudain, j\u2019en avais un. Maud et Lola me l\u2019avaient dit : \u00ab Des femmes comme nous, elles dominent leurs clients mais un jour elles tombent sur un homme qui les domine et elles n\u2019y peuvent rien, c\u2019est plus fort qu\u2019elles. Ce n\u2019est pas de l\u2019amour, c\u2019est autre chose mais en tout cas, c\u2019est comme \u00e7a. \u00bb<\/p>\n

D\u2019un seul coup, je ne ressentais plus qu\u2019une envie, qu\u2019il me prenne, qu\u2019il fasse de moi ce qu\u2019il voudrait. J\u2019ai bien cru que c\u2019\u00e9tait ce qu\u2019il allait faire \u00e0 la fa\u00e7on dont il m\u2019a tois\u00e9e. Mais il s\u2019est content\u00e9 de me dire d\u2019une voix que le d\u00e9sir rendait sourde :<\/p>\n

\u00ab La prochaine fois, Miss Crabtree, attrapez un homme, pas un gosse \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Et il est parti comme il \u00e9tait venu, d\u2019une d\u00e9marche silencieuse de tigre. Moi je suis rest\u00e9e l\u00e0 sans voix, sans force, pantoise.<\/p>\n

Puis j\u2019ai pris une grande respiration et je me suis dit \u00ab secoue-toi, ma fille. Si \u00e7a se trouve, c\u2019est la derni\u00e8re fois que tu le vois \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai sonn\u00e9 pour que l\u2019on me donne une autre chambre car je ne voulais pas rester dans une pi\u00e8ce ouverte \u00e0 tous vents. Et puis je suis rest\u00e9e l\u00e0, perdue dans mes pens\u00e9es, pendant que \u00e7a s\u2019agitait autour de moi.<\/p>\n

Sans y r\u00e9fl\u00e9chir, je me suis mise \u00e0 guetter \u00e0 la fen\u00eatre, esp\u00e9rant je ne sais quoi. Je me doutais bien pourtant qu\u2019il n\u2019allait pas revenir. J\u2019esp\u00e9rais surtout que petit Joe ne s\u2019\u00e9tait pas fait prendre et qu\u2019on ne lui avait pas fait de mal. Sinon, je n\u2019osais imaginer sa r\u00e9action.<\/p>\n

J\u2019en \u00e9tais l\u00e0 de ma r\u00eaverie quand petit Joe a fait une nouvelle apparition. Imm\u00e9diatement, je lui ai demand\u00e9 s\u2019il n\u2019avait pas rencontr\u00e9 son fr\u00e8re. Il m\u2019a dit que non.<\/p>\n

Je me suis laiss\u00e9e aller, je ne sais pas pourquoi, \u00e0 lui raconter notre rencontre mais j\u2019ai tout \u00e0 coup r\u00e9alis\u00e9 que j\u2019\u00e9tais sur le point d\u2019ouvrir mon c\u0153ur \u00e0 quelqu\u2019un que je n\u2019avais aucune raison de prendre comme confident, bien au contraire. Il n\u2019aurait plus manqu\u00e9 qu\u2019il aille d\u00e9voiler \u00e0 son fr\u00e8re le trouble dans lequel celui-ci me mettait.<\/p>\n

La seule chose \u00e0 faire pour me changer les id\u00e9es, c\u2019\u00e9tait de changer de d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oublions tout cela, voulez-vous, Joe ? Tout ce d\u00e9sordre m\u2019insupporte. Je voudrais que vous descendiez m\u2019attendre dans le hall. Je vais me changer et nous irons voir s\u2019il reste en ville un saloon encore ouvert. Je n\u2019ai pas l\u2019intention de passer la fin de la nuit \u00e0 regarder le personnel de l\u2019h\u00f4tel transf\u00e9rer mes affaires dans une autre chambre. \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Je suis all\u00e9e me changer. J\u2019ai rev\u00eatu une tenue de jour et, prise d\u2019une crise de romantisme, j\u2019ai pass\u00e9 un petit moment \u00e0 me poser des fleurs de satin dans les cheveux, des fleurs ivoires qui font ressortit le noir de mes cheveux. En bas, j\u2019ai demand\u00e9 \u00e0 Joe si, pendant ce temps-l\u00e0, il avait r\u00e9fl\u00e9chi \u00e0 un endroit o\u00f9 m\u2019emmener.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oui, il y a le Red Horse Saloon qui reste ouvert jusqu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019aube. Je suis d\u00e9sol\u00e9 \u00bb a-t-il plaisant\u00e9 \u00ab mais je crains qu\u2019ils n\u2019aient pas de champagne, ici \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai r\u00e9pondu sur le m\u00eame ton qu\u2019exceptionnellement, je me contenterai d\u2019une bi\u00e8re. Je me sentais bien, apais\u00e9e. Nous nous sommes install\u00e9s dans ce saloon tr\u00e8s ordinaire et nous avons bavard\u00e9 bien gentiment. J\u2019ai essay\u00e9 de la faire parler de son fr\u00e8re sans qu\u2019il s\u2019en rende compte, en noyant \u00e7a dans l\u2019histoire de sa famille. Y\u2019avait un type qui jouait de l\u2019harmonica en sourdine. Nous l\u2019entendions sans l\u2019\u00e9couter. Et puis tout \u00e0 coup, je ne sais quelle mouche l\u2019a piqu\u00e9, il s\u2019est lev\u00e9, est all\u00e9 demander une valse au vieux qui jouait et s\u2019est inclin\u00e9 devant moi pour m\u2019inviter \u00e0 danser. J\u2019ai trouv\u00e9 l\u2019id\u00e9e charmante ; elle collait tout \u00e0 fait avec mon humeur m\u00e9lancolique. Nous avons commenc\u00e9 \u00e0 tourner lentement. Quand soudain, une voix de stentor nous a fait sursauter : \u00ab Toi \u00bb a-telle braill\u00e9 dans nos oreilles.<\/p>\n

Le vieux a arr\u00eat\u00e9 de jouer. J\u2019ai lev\u00e9 les yeux et je me suis sentie rougir. Toute la famille \u00e9tait l\u00e0, le p\u00e8re et ses deux fils a\u00een\u00e9s. Joe a tent\u00e9 un timide \u00ab Oh, salut Papa \u00bb sans grande conviction et devant l\u2019insistance paternelle \u00e0 le ramener dans le droit chemin, il s\u2019est d\u00e9p\u00each\u00e9 de me faire le baisemain et il a fil\u00e9 vers la porte.<\/p>\n

Moi, je ne le regardais d\u00e9j\u00e0 plus. Je sentais sur moi un regard de feu. Il me fixait comme s\u2019il voulait m\u2019hypnotiser et, de fait, on aurait bien dit qu\u2019il y r\u00e9ussissait. Son p\u00e8re et son fr\u00e8re ont bien d\u00fb s\u2019en rendre compte car j\u2019ai vu le p\u00e8re, derri\u00e8re son dos, faire signe \u00e0 Hoss de se retirer discr\u00e8tement. Ce n\u2019est d\u2019ailleurs pas du tout ce qu\u2019a fait Hoss car sa bouche s\u2019est fendue d\u2019un large sourire et il a propuls\u00e9 son a\u00een\u00e9 en avant.<\/p>\n

Ca l\u2019a d\u00e9cid\u00e9. Il s\u2019est avanc\u00e9 vers moi, \u00e0 la fois calme, lent mais d\u00e9termin\u00e9. Mon c\u0153ur battait \u00e0 tout rompre. Il n\u2019a pas dit un mot, il s\u2019est pench\u00e9 sur moi et il m\u2019a embrass\u00e9e. C\u2019\u00e9tait doux, c\u2019\u00e9tait chaud\u2026 Il prenait ses marques. C\u2019\u00e9tait, c\u2019\u00e9tait\u2026 c\u2019\u00e9tait d\u00e9licieux. Ca n\u2019a, h\u00e9las, pas dur\u00e9 bien longtemps. Tr\u00e8s vite, il s\u2019est recul\u00e9 et il s\u2019est immobilis\u00e9 \u00e0 me regarder par dessous ses longs cils, avec un irr\u00e9sistible petit sourire au coin des l\u00e8vres. Comme s\u2019il me lisait. Ou plut\u00f4t non, il ne me lisait pas, il m\u2019avait lue gr\u00e2ce \u00e0 ce baiser. Maintenant, il traduisait mais c\u2019\u00e9taient ses yeux et son sourire qui parlaient et \u00e7a valait plus que des milliers de mots. Ils disaient : \u00ab tu me plais et tu es \u00e0 moi \u00bb. J\u2019aurais bien aim\u00e9 le lui confirmer en jetant mes bras autour de son cou et en me perdant dans un baiser plus ardent encore mais d\u00e9j\u00e0 il s\u2019\u00e9loignait. Je me suis avanc\u00e9e sur le pas de la porte. Il m\u2019a fait un l\u00e9ger salut, toujours avec le m\u00eame sourire, puis il est mont\u00e9 en selle.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai d\u00fb rester l\u00e0 un moment, \u00e0 sourire dans le vide jusqu\u2019\u00e0 ce que le patron vienne taper sur mon \u00e9paule : \u00ab on ferme, Madame \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Alors je suis repartie, la t\u00eate ailleurs ; machinalement, je suis rentr\u00e9e \u00e0 l\u2019h\u00f4tel et je me suis couch\u00e9e. Mais j\u2019ai eu un mal fou \u00e0 trouver le sommeil.<\/p>\n

Malgr\u00e9 tout, j\u2019\u00e9tais pr\u00eate, comme tous les soirs, \u00e0 rentrer en sc\u00e8ne et j\u2019ai donn\u00e9 mon spectacle. Apr\u00e8s tout, c\u2019est pour cela que j\u2019\u00e9tais \u00e0 Virginia City.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Pas de rose, ce soir \u00bb ai-je pens\u00e9 m\u00e9lancoliquement quand le rideau s\u2019est baiss\u00e9. \u00ab Le mignon petit Joe me manque \u00bb me suis-je dit. Mais je savais au fond de moi qu\u2019il n\u2019en \u00e9tait rien. Ce n\u2019\u00e9tait pas l\u2019absence de Joe que je regrettais, c\u2019\u00e9tait celle d\u2019Adam.<\/p>\n

Encore rev\u00eatue de ma derni\u00e8re robe de sc\u00e8ne, un fourreau noir fendu sur le c\u00f4t\u00e9 largement au-dessus du genou, je me suis assise devant ma coiffeuse et j\u2019ai d\u00e9fait mon chignon. Au moment o\u00f9 mes cheveux se sont \u00e9chapp\u00e9s, j\u2019ai entendu derri\u00e8re moi un sifflement. J\u2019ai d\u00fb pousser un hurlement, je me suis retourn\u00e9e en prot\u00e9geant instinctivement ma poitrine de mes mains.<\/p>\n

L\u2019instant d\u2019apr\u00e8s, la peur avait fait place au soulagement et \u00e0 la joie. C\u2019\u00e9tait lui. Lui qui \u00e9tait revenu pour achever, du moins je l\u2019esp\u00e9rais, ce que nous avions \u00e9bauch\u00e9 le matin.<\/p>\n

Je me pr\u00e9parais \u00e0 faire la coquette, \u00e0 me faire d\u00e9sirer en prenant un air outrag\u00e9 et en faisant mine de le chasser mais il ne m\u2019a pas laiss\u00e9 le temps de d\u00e9ployer mes petits artifices. A peine ai-je pu lui dire \u00ab Adam, que faites-vous ici ? \u00bb qu\u2019il s\u2019est avanc\u00e9 en me r\u00e9pondant : \u00ab je suis venu voir si vous \u00e9tiez toujours d\u2019accord \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab D\u2019accord pour quoi ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab D\u2019accord pour faire l\u2019amour avec moi \u00bb<\/p>\n

Je n\u2019en revenais pas. Jamais, depuis mon p\u00e8re, un homme ne s\u2019\u00e9tait montr\u00e9 aussi\u2026 direct avec moi. J\u2019\u00e9tais habitu\u00e9e \u00e0 \u00eatre courtis\u00e9e et \u00e0 d\u00e9velopper tout un jeu de \u00ab deux pas en avant, trois pas en arri\u00e8re \u00bb qui me permettait de faire monter les prix ou d\u2019\u00e9conduire ceux qui n\u2019avaient pas les moyens ou qui \u00e9taient d\u00e9cid\u00e9ment trop r\u00e9pugnants pour que je me laisse faire quoiqu\u2019ils aient pu me proposer.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai ouvert la bouche pour tenter de r\u00e9pondre mais il a pos\u00e9 gentiment ma main sur ma bouche. \u00ab Inutile de parler, je vais trouver ma r\u00e9ponse autrement \u00bb a-t-il murmur\u00e9 de cette voix sourde charg\u00e9e de d\u00e9sir et je me suis retrouv\u00e9e sans volont\u00e9, les l\u00e8vres coll\u00e9es aux siennes.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai perdu tout contr\u00f4le de moi-m\u00eame et je me suis laiss\u00e9e aller \u00e0 son \u00e9treinte qu\u2019il a accentu\u00e9e d\u00e8s qu\u2019il m\u2019a sentie r\u00e9ceptive. Je savourais tout \u00e0 la fois, la vigueur de ses bras, son odeur d\u2019homme (un subtil m\u00e9lange de savon, de campagne, de cuir et de lavande), la ti\u00e9deur humide de sa langue exploratrice et le renflement ferme de son bas-ventre que je sentais contre le mien.<\/p>\n

Il n\u2019a mis fin au baiser que lorsque tous les deux, nous avons \u00e9t\u00e9 \u00e0 bout de souffle.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu vois que ce n\u2019\u00e9tait pas la peine de parler \u00bb m\u2019a-t-il souffl\u00e9, le nez dans mes cheveux, \u00ab M\u00eame si tu r\u00e9pondais non, je ne te croirais pas. Viens \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Toute id\u00e9e de r\u00e9sistance m\u2019avait abandonn\u00e9e. Il m\u2019a port\u00e9e sur le canap\u00e9, a pass\u00e9 mes mains sous la fente de la jupe, et a d\u00e9graf\u00e9 mon bas en posant ses l\u00e8vres sur chaque centim\u00e8tre de peau qu\u2019il d\u00e9nudait. Puis il est remont\u00e9 vers des r\u00e9gions plus intimes et il a recommenc\u00e9 avec l\u2019autre bas. J\u2019ai cru qu\u2019il allait\u2026 passer \u00e0 l\u2019acte mais non. Il m\u2019a relev\u00e9e avec douceur, m\u2019a retourn\u00e9e et a commenc\u00e9 \u00e0 d\u00e9boutonner ma robe. Ce n\u2019\u00e9taient plus ses l\u00e8vres qui me caressaient, c\u2019\u00e9tait son souffle chaud sur mon cou, mes \u00e9paules. Ensuite, ce sont ses mains qui sont entr\u00e9es en jeu, ses deux mains en coupe autour de mes seins, pendant que je sentais ma robe tomber \u00e0 mes pieds et qu\u2019il embrassait le creux de mon cou.<\/p>\n

Apr\u00e8s, j\u2019ai perdu tout sens de la r\u00e9alit\u00e9. Plus rien ne comptait que les sensations qu\u2019il faisait na\u00eetre en moi, des sensations jusqu\u2019ici inconnues. J\u2019avais l\u2019impression que c\u2019\u00e9tait aujourd\u2019hui que je perdais ma virginit\u00e9 et non pas il y a dix ans.<\/p>\n

Il s\u2019est interrompu un instant pour se d\u00e9shabiller. Je le regardais avec d\u00e9votion, muscl\u00e9, bien d\u00e9coupl\u00e9 et pourtant \u00e9lanc\u00e9. Il avait la peau blanche et les bras bronz\u00e9s, ce qui me donnait l\u2019impression \u00e9trange qu\u2019il n\u2019\u00e9tait pas compl\u00e8tement nu. Pourtant, il l\u2019\u00e9tait bel et bien quand il m\u2019a renvers\u00e9e sur le canap\u00e9 et s\u2019est occup\u00e9 de moi jusqu\u2019\u00e0 me faire crier de plaisir.<\/p>\n

Il a continu\u00e9 comme \u00e7a, alternant de courts moments de sommeil et des \u00e9bats tous plus imaginatifs les uns que les autres. Mais les meilleures choses ayant une fin, il a propos\u00e9 de me ramener \u00e0 mon h\u00f4tel. Esp\u00e9rant le retenir jusqu\u2019\u00e0 la fin de la nuit, je lui ai offert une coupe de champagne qu\u2019il a accept\u00e9e mais il \u00e9tait, sur ce point, plus blas\u00e9 que son fr\u00e8re. J\u2019ai alors tent\u00e9 de l\u2019attirer vers le lit mais il s\u2019est d\u00e9gag\u00e9 avec un l\u00e9ger rire en me disant que le sexe, c\u2019\u00e9tait comme le champagne, il fallait en user assez pour \u00eatre gai mais sans aller jusqu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019ivresse. Moi, j\u2019en aurais bien bu un coup de plus et m\u00eame un coup de trop mais il avait l\u2019air d\u00e9termin\u00e9 \u00e0 rentrer chez lui avant l\u2019aube..<\/p>\n

J\u2019avais d\u00e9j\u00e0 eu l\u2019occasion de m\u2019apercevoir que c\u2019\u00e9tait un homme que l\u2019on ne manipulait pas facilement, voire pas du tout et que mes armes habituelles \u00e9taient sans effet sur lui. Comment avait dit son fr\u00e8re ? Ah oui, que c\u2019\u00e9tait une \u00ab t\u00eate de granit de la Nouvelle Angleterre \u00bb. Je me suis donc content\u00e9e de lui demander quand je le reverrais. Il a eu l\u2019air embarrass\u00e9 et j\u2019ai imagin\u00e9 qu\u2019il pensait \u00e0 mes autres rendez-vous. Evidemment, il n\u2019avait pas envie de croiser dans mon antichambre des Messieurs qui venaient de s\u2019offrir du bon temps contre une bonne poign\u00e9e de dollars.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je me lib\u00e9rerai \u00bb, lui ai-je assur\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ca ne va pas te poser de probl\u00e8mes ? \u00bb m\u2019a-t-il demand\u00e9 l\u2019air encore h\u00e9sitant.<\/p>\n

Ca m\u2019a fait rire : \u00ab Tu sais, les demandes de ces Messieurs, rien ne m\u2019oblige \u00e0 les satisfaire la nuit. C\u2019est m\u00eame quelquefois plus simple pour eux dans la journ\u00e9e, quand leurs \u00e9pouses sont occup\u00e9es \u00e0 faire leurs courses \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Il m\u2019a r\u00e9pondu qu\u2019il \u00ab allait voir \u00bb mais que je ne compte pas sur lui ce soir. J\u2019ai failli lui demander pourquoi mais en le regardant, j\u2019ai vu qu\u2019il avait les traits tir\u00e9s et j\u2019ai r\u00e9alis\u00e9 qu\u2019il n\u2019avait pas d\u00fb dormir plus que moi depuis deux jours et qu\u2019il n\u2019aurait peut-\u00eatre pas le loisir de faire le loir dans son lit toute la matin\u00e9e comme je me proposais de le faire.<\/p>\n

Je l\u2019ai donc laiss\u00e9 partir sur un dernier baiser puis je me suis \u00e9croul\u00e9e dans mon lit pour y dormir du profond sommeil que donnent les sens apais\u00e9s.<\/p>\n

Ben<\/p>\n

Ah les enfants ! Ils ont beau grandir, on continue de se faire des cheveux blancs \u00e0 leur propos. Et en plus, ils vous le reprochent !<\/p>\n

Je viens d\u2019avoir une double explication, l\u2019une avec Joe, l\u2019autre avec Adam et je sors de la deuxi\u00e8me compl\u00e8tement d\u00e9boussol\u00e9. Il faut absolument que je remette de l\u2019ordre dans mes id\u00e9es.<\/p>\n

Joe, c\u2019\u00e9tait du d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu. Il s\u2019\u00e9tait fait avoir comme un gamin qu\u2019il est par cette femme dont il faut reconna\u00eetre qu\u2019elle a tous les atouts pour pi\u00e9ger de jeunes m\u00e2les en manque de compagnie f\u00e9minine. En fait, j\u2019\u00e9tais surtout furieux contre moi-m\u00eame car je n\u2019aurais jamais d\u00fb confier \u00e0 un gamin de 18 ans le soin d\u2019escorter cette croqueuse d\u2019hommes. J\u2019aurais mieux fait d\u2019y aller moi-m\u00eame, c\u2019\u00e9tait moins risqu\u00e9.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai donc pass\u00e9 un savon \u00e0 Joe pour m\u2019avoir d\u00e9sob\u00e9i alors qu\u2019il savait pour quelle raison j\u2019avais donn\u00e9 la consigne de ne pas aller en ville et j\u2019ai fait suivre ma remontrance d\u2019un sermon sur le danger de perdre la t\u00eate d\u00e8s qu\u2019un joli minois appara\u00eet \u00e0 l\u2019horizon. J\u2019ai failli lui citer ses fr\u00e8res en exemple mais je me suis arr\u00eat\u00e9 \u00e0 temps car, vu le comportement d\u2019Adam, j\u2019ai pens\u00e9 que Joe allait me rire au nez.<\/p>\n

Comme toujours, j\u2019ai eu l\u2019impression que c\u2019\u00e9tait \u00ab cause toujours, tu m\u2019int\u00e9resses \u00bb mais qu\u2019y faire. A son \u00e2ge, il est trop vieux pour que je lui donne une fess\u00e9e autrement qu\u2019\u00e0 la blague, comme celle que je lui ai donn\u00e9e avant-hier au moment o\u00f9 nous l\u2019avons surpris en train de danser avec la d\u00e9nomm\u00e9e Lotta Crabtree. Je ne sais plus comment avoir prise sur lui. Il n\u2019y a que quand ses sottises lui retombent sur la figure que j\u2019ai la possibilit\u00e9 d\u2019ouvrir le dialogue et de tenter de lui mettre un peu de plomb dans le cr\u00e2ne.<\/p>\n

Ce qui est s\u00fbr, c\u2019est qu\u2019il n\u2019a aucun remords de ses fredaines de l\u2019autre soir. Il aurait pu y laisser sa peau, il a caus\u00e9 un incendie qui a ravag\u00e9 tout un quartier, il a mis en p\u00e9ril notre domaine mais tout ce qu\u2019il voit, c\u2019est qu\u2019il a fait la nique \u00e0 ses agresseurs sans notre aide et qu\u2019il s\u2019est bien amus\u00e9. Ce qui est terrible avec lui, c\u2019est qu\u2019il fonce droit devant lui sans se pr\u00e9occuper des cons\u00e9quences de ses actes et qu\u2019il ne s\u2019en soucie, la plupart du temps que quand il est trop tard.<\/p>\n

Mais j\u2019ai beau grogner contre lui, je dois avouer qu\u2019il me met en joie. Avec lui, je suis comme au spectacle, tout peut arriver. On ne sait jamais quelle id\u00e9e va germer dans son cerveau fertile. Ce n\u2019est pas comme Hoss qui est totalement pr\u00e9visible. Tout ce qu\u2019on peut craindre d\u2019inattendu, avec Hoss, c\u2019est qu\u2019il nous ram\u00e8ne Dieu sait quel animal bless\u00e9 ou abandonn\u00e9 ou Dieu sait quel pauvre diable. S\u2019il devait un jour s\u2019incarner dans une autre cr\u00e9ature, pas de doute, ce serait un Saint-Bernard.<\/p>\n

Quant \u00e0 Adam\u2026 Ah la, la, Adam\u2026 A premi\u00e8re vue, on pourrait croire que c\u2019est le plus raisonnable de mes fils, et de loin. Il est lucide, raisonnable, astucieux, instruit. L\u2019enfance qu\u2019il a eue, ou plut\u00f4t qu\u2019il n\u2019a pas eue, le pauvre petit, l\u2019a pr\u00e9cocement m\u00fbri. Mais \u00e0 certains moments, il lui arrive d\u2019avoir une conduite compl\u00e8tement incompr\u00e9hensible.<\/p>\n

A bien y regarder, chaque fois qu\u2019il a ce comportement \u00e0 contre-pied de son caract\u00e8re, il y a une femme dans le circuit. C\u2019est la l\u00e9gende dans la famille de dire que c\u2019est Joe le Don Juan de la bande mais Adam est loin d\u2019\u00eatre insensible aux charmes du beau sexe. Il est m\u00eame capable de se lancer dans des aventures insens\u00e9es, certaines fois.<\/p>\n

Je crois m\u00eame que c\u2019est pour \u00e7a qu\u2019il se contr\u00f4le tellement. Il sait que c\u2019est sa faiblesse, son talon d\u2019Achille.<\/p>\n

Tiens, si je r\u00e9capitule : il y a eu cette tocade absurde pour la fille d\u2019un mormon, tr\u00e8s sympathique au demeurant, mais dont il \u00e9tait \u00e9vident qu\u2019elle ne pourrait jamais s\u2019adapter au style de vie d\u2019un Cartwright. Et r\u00e9ciproquement, d\u2019ailleurs : j\u2019imagine Adam, habill\u00e9 par n\u2019importe quel temps d\u2019une redingote noire et d\u2019un pantalon de flanelle, portant barbe longue et chapeau rond. Non mais quelle rigolade ! Et Adam ne pouvant pas se d\u00e9fendre en cas d\u2019attaque de sa famille ou de son bien. Comment a-t-il pu croire une minute qu\u2019il y parviendrait ? Je lui ai dit ce que j\u2019en pensais, \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9poque et il m\u2019a \u00e9cout\u00e9 avec un gentil sourire mais il a persist\u00e9 dans sa d\u00e9cision. T\u00eate de mule ! Ca n\u2019a pas dur\u00e9 longtemps. Je ne peux pas dire que je me suis r\u00e9joui que son futur beau-p\u00e8re ait \u00e9t\u00e9 d\u00e9valis\u00e9 et assassin\u00e9 sous ses yeux, ce qui l\u2019a conduit \u00e0 le venger et \u00e0 r\u00e9cup\u00e9rer l\u2019argent vol\u00e9, arme au poing, mais au moins, \u00e7a a coup\u00e9 court \u00e0 cette d\u00e9sastreuse id\u00e9e de mariage.<\/p>\n

Apr\u00e8s, il y a eu Isabella de la Cuesta selon les uns, ou Rosita Moral\u00e8s selon les autres. Voil\u00e0 qu\u2019un espagnol de mes deux, un certain Se\u00f1or Luga d\u00e9barque et d\u00e9clare que toutes les terres environnantes, y compris une partie de Ponderosa, appartiennent \u00e0 sa ni\u00e8ce, l\u2019h\u00e9riti\u00e8re de la famille de la Cuesta. Et fort de ses titres de propri\u00e9t\u00e9, il fait chasser, au nom de sa ni\u00e8ce, tous les paysans \u00e0 coup de fusil, les massacrant sans vergogne. Tout le monde se mobilise. Je me pr\u00e9pare \u00e0 me battre sur tous les terrains, celui du droit et celui de la force. J\u2019envoie Hoss et Joe enqu\u00eater sur les droits de la famille de la Cuesta. Adam me sugg\u00e8re que le grand m\u00e9chant loup, c\u2019est le Se\u00f1or Luga, que ce n\u2019est peut-\u00eatre pas Isabella de la Cuesta et que, de surcro\u00eet, celle-ci n\u2019est peut-\u00eatre pas celle qu\u2019elle pr\u00e9tend \u00eatre. Je trouve que c\u2019est une bonne id\u00e9e de suivre cette piste, je lui donne carte blanche pour enqu\u00eater sur cette demoiselle et je le vois revenir, les yeux allum\u00e9s, n\u2019ayant rien d\u2019autre \u00e0 dire que \u00ab c\u2019est une tr\u00e8s jolie femme \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Je lui r\u00e9ponds que \u00e7a, on me l\u2019a d\u00e9j\u00e0 dit et que ce n\u2019est pas le genre de renseignements que j\u2019attends et il me sort, \u00e0 regret, qu\u2019il l\u2019a trouv\u00e9e, cette soi-disant h\u00e9riti\u00e8re de la noblesse espagnole, en train de danser dans une auberge mexicaine et qu\u2019elle se montre tr\u00e8s r\u00e9serv\u00e9e quand on l\u2019interroge sur son pass\u00e9. J\u2019ai le malheur de lui dire que je prends cela comme une bonne nouvelle et le voil\u00e0 qui me d\u00e9clare qu\u2019il n\u2019est pas loin de regretter l\u2019id\u00e9e qu\u2019il a eue de d\u00e9masquer cette \u00ab grande dame \u00bb. Et que je te l\u2019emm\u00e8ne en promenade \u00e0 cheval sous le pr\u00e9texte de l\u2019amener \u00e0 nos vues ! Et que je te la d\u00e9fends quand un type de San Francisco vient nous r\u00e9v\u00e9ler qu\u2019elle n\u2019est autre que la danseuse de bar Rosita Moral\u00e8s. Tout \u00e7a parce qu\u2019elle lui pla\u00eet et qu\u2019elle ne semble pas insensible \u00e0 son charme. Enfin, l\u00e0 aussi, \u00e7a s\u2019est bien termin\u00e9, mais il \u00e9tait pr\u00eat \u00e0 toutes les indulgences \u00e0 cause de son joli minois, de sa belle allure et de sa taille de gu\u00eape.<\/p>\n

Et cette affaire, heureusement avort\u00e9e, avec B\u00e9atrix Dinsford. Il faut dire que la d\u00e9nomm\u00e9e B\u00e9atrix s\u2019est jet\u00e9e \u00e0 sa t\u00eate. Mais enfin, je me souviens encore de notre stupeur, \u00e0 Marion et moi, quand, en sortant dans le jardin pour rejoindre B\u00e9atrix qui avait d\u00e9clar\u00e9 vouloir prendre l\u2019air et qui avait demand\u00e9 \u00e0 Adam de l\u2019escorter, nous sommes tomb\u00e9s sur mon fils et sa femme su le point de s\u2019embrasser ! Apr\u00e8s m\u2019\u00eatre assur\u00e9 que nos h\u00f4tes s\u2019\u00e9taient retir\u00e9s dans leur chambre, j\u2018ai emmen\u00e9 Adam dans la grange pour une explication orageuse sur la mani\u00e8re de se comporter avec l\u2019\u00e9pouse d\u2019un ami et d\u2019un h\u00f4te. Il ne s\u2019est d\u2019ailleurs pas d\u00e9fendu ; il \u00e9tait tr\u00e8s g\u00ean\u00e9. Il ne l\u2019avait pas vue venir et il s\u2019\u00e9tait laiss\u00e9 entra\u00eener. Apr\u00e8s, heureusement, il s\u2019est ressaisi mais quand m\u00eame\u2026<\/p>\n

Le bouquet, \u00e7a a \u00e9t\u00e9 cette histoire avec Sue Ellen, la danseuse de saloon avec laquelle il avait une liaison, l\u2019an dernier. Ne voil\u00e0-t-il pas que Monsieur d\u00e9cide qu\u2019il faut traiter cette jeune personne comme une grande dame et qui provoque en duel le tenancier du saloon parce qu\u2019il lui avait manqu\u00e9 de respect. Il ne prenait pas grand risque car ce pauvre Jerry n\u2019aurait pas atteint une vache dans un couloir et il a tir\u00e9 en l\u2019air pour ne pas l\u2019atteindre mais enfin, c\u2019\u00e9tait grotesque. Une fois de plus, j\u2019ai essay\u00e9 de lui faire entendre raison, de lui expliquer que je pouvais r\u00eaver mieux comme \u00e9pouse pour mon fils, le plus instruit des trois, le petit-fils d\u2019un capitaine de vaisseau, qu\u2019une entra\u00eeneuse. Rien \u00e0 faire ! Il para\u00eet que cette \u00ab jeune fille \u00bb \u00e9tait la malheureuse victime de sa s\u0153ur qui l\u2019obligeait \u00e0 pratiquer cette peu honorable profession, que Monsieur Adam \u00e9tait adulte et savait ce qu\u2019il faisait et que je n\u2019avais rien d\u2019autre \u00e0 faire qu\u2019\u00e0 demander \u00e0 Hop Sing de tuer nos plus beaux poulets pour la recevoir \u00e0 d\u00eener. Ah ce d\u00eener ! La pauvre fille s\u2019est ridiculis\u00e9e \u00e0 vouloir se faire passer pour ce qu\u2019elle n\u2019\u00e9tait pas. M\u00eame Hoss qui n\u2019est pas tr\u00e8s fut\u00e9 quand on veut lui faire prendre des vessies pour des lanternes s\u2019en rendait compte. Et pendant toute la soir\u00e9e, Adam promenait un sourire b\u00e9at pour que sa ch\u00e9rie ne s\u2019aper\u00e7oive pas qu\u2019elle passait pour une oie.<\/p>\n

R\u00e9sultat, un soir qu\u2019il la ramenait apr\u00e8s avoir\u2026 pique-niqu\u00e9 (appelons \u00e7a comme \u00e7a) avec sa belle, elle s\u2019est fait tirer dans le dos pendant qu\u2019il l\u2019embrassait et comme il a couru pour essayer de rattraper l\u2019assassin, il s\u2019est fait accuser du meurtre. Quand je suis all\u00e9 le voir dans sa cellule, il m\u2019a avou\u00e9 qu\u2019il savait qu\u2019elle ne l\u2019aimait pas vraiment, que ce qu\u2019elle voulait, c\u2019\u00e9tait l\u2019\u00e9pouser pour sortir de son cloaque. Je n\u2019ai pas insist\u00e9, nous \u00e9tions bien trop occup\u00e9s \u00e0 essayer de le disculper et \u00e0 emp\u00eacher que les habitants de Virginia City ne le lynchent. Apr\u00e8s, quand il a r\u00e9ussi \u00e0 s\u2019\u00e9vader et \u00e0 coincer le sh\u00e9rif qui \u00e9tait le vrai coupable, nous \u00e9tions tellement stup\u00e9faits que le flirt de mon fils est pass\u00e9 au second plan et nous n\u2019avons pas remis la question sur le tapis.<\/p>\n

L\u2019autre matin, j\u2019ai bien senti le courant passer entre Adam et Lotta et je n\u2019ai pas vu d\u2019objection \u00e0 leur laisser un moment d\u2019intimit\u00e9. J\u2019ai m\u00eame fait signe \u00e0 Hoss de me suivre pour qu\u2019ils soient seuls un instant<\/p>\n

Mais quand j\u2019ai vu qu\u2019il se pr\u00e9cipitait pour la rejoindre le soir alors que \u00e7a faisait pratiquement 48 heures qu\u2019il n\u2019avait pas ferm\u00e9 l\u2019\u0153il, j\u2019ai senti l\u2019inqui\u00e9tude me reprendre. Est-ce qu\u2019il n\u2019allait pas nous resservir, avec Lotta, la m\u00eame com\u00e9die qu\u2019avec Sue Ellen.<\/p>\n

C\u2019\u00e9tait presque l\u2019aube quand il est rentr\u00e9. J\u2019ai regard\u00e9 l\u2019heure, cinq heures moins vingt ! Toi mon gar\u00e7on, je ne vais pas te rater, me suis je dit. A sept heures, je l\u2019ai fait r\u00e9veiller par Hoss, dont la douceur quand il se livre \u00e0 cet exercice est proverbiale, et je lui ai confi\u00e9 un travail bien fatigant afin qu\u2019il regrette ses agapes.<\/p>\n

Le soir, quand il est rentr\u00e9, j\u2019\u00e9tais bien d\u00e9cid\u00e9 \u00e0 le prendre entre quatre z\u2019yeux. Apr\u00e8s le d\u00eener, je lui ai demand\u00e9 s\u2019il ne ferait pas quelques pas avec moi, vu la belle soir\u00e9e que c\u2019\u00e9tait. Je l\u2019ai vu lancer un regard de regret \u00e0 l\u2019escalier qui monte \u00e0 sa chambre mais il m\u2019a suivi, l\u2019air fataliste. Il devait s\u2019attendre \u00e0 ma \u00ab convocation \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Je n\u2019y suis pas all\u00e9 par quatre chemins : \u00ab C\u2019\u00e9tait vraiment indispensable d\u2019aller, toutes affaires cessantes, passer la nuit avec cette chanteuse ? \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu sais \u00bb, m\u2019a-t-il r\u00e9pondu, \u00ab il y a un proverbe qui dit qu\u2019il faut battre le fer tant qu\u2019il est chaud\u2026 et il l\u2019\u00e9tait ! Mais, si je puis me permettre, je pense que \u00e7a ne te regarde pas \u00bb.<\/p>\n

D\u2019un seul coup, le sang m\u2019est mont\u00e9 \u00e0 la t\u00eate. S\u2019il y en a qui s\u2019interrogent sur le sens de l\u2019expression \u00ab voir rouge \u00bb, je peux leur dire que je l\u2019ai exp\u00e9riment\u00e9. J\u2019ai hauss\u00e9 le ton.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tout ce qui concerne mes fils me regarde, en particulier quand ils font des \u00e2neries \u00bb<\/p>\n

Je l\u2019ai imm\u00e9diatement regrett\u00e9. Je le sais bien, pourtant. Autant le mode col\u00e9reux impressionne mes deux derniers fils, autant il est sans effet sur Adam qui n\u2019a pas peur de me tenir t\u00eate.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Il faudrait quand m\u00eame que tu te d\u00e9cides, Papa \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab A quoi ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab A savoir si ce que tu souhaites, c\u2019est que nous sachions nous assumer et prendre nos propres d\u00e9cisions ou si tu ne r\u00eaves que de nous infantiliser \u00e0 vie \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 pris de court. J\u2019ai balbuti\u00e9 deux ou trois sons sans signification et il en a profit\u00e9 pour reprendre la parole.<\/p>\n

\u00ab R\u00e9cemment, quand tu as \u00e9t\u00e9 pris en otage par Sam Briant qui mena\u00e7ait de te pendre si nous ne lib\u00e9rions pas Perkins, tu te souviens, tu as \u00e9t\u00e9 bien content que j\u2019ai su prendre une d\u00e9cision pas facile mais qui \u00e9tait la bonne, hein ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

En effet : c\u2019\u00e9tait une sombre affaire de chantage. Sam Briant dirigeait une bande de truands qui ran\u00e7onnait la ville et la terrorisait et nous avions enfin r\u00e9ussi \u00e0 faire t\u00e9moigner Madame Cameron dont le mari avait \u00e9t\u00e9 tu\u00e9 sous ses yeux et nous avions pu faire condamner Perkins, l\u2019assassin. Sam Briant avait ripost\u00e9 en me faisant prisonnier et en proposant ma vie en \u00e9change de celle de son sbire.<\/p>\n

Les gar\u00e7ons avaient \u00e9t\u00e9 confront\u00e9s \u00e0 un choix dramatique : ou c\u00e9der, en n\u2019\u00e9tant pas s\u00fbrs qu\u2019on me rel\u00e2cherait, ou aller jusqu\u2019au bout de la condamnation en jouant sur le fait que Briant \u00e9tant un l\u00e2che, il ne prendrait pas, face \u00e0 des citoyens d\u00e9termin\u00e9s \u00e0 faire justice quoiqu\u2019il arrive, le risque d\u2019une pendaison. Cette deuxi\u00e8me solution, c\u2019\u00e9tait un vrai coup de poker mais c\u2019\u00e9tait la bonne et Adam avait eu le courage de la pr\u00e9coniser contre tout le monde, ses fr\u00e8res, Madame Cameron, le sh\u00e9rif\u2026 Quand Briant m\u2019avait demand\u00e9 de lui \u00e9crire pour le faire changer d\u2019avis, je lui avais r\u00e9pondu que j\u2019avais habitu\u00e9 mes fils \u00e0 prendre leurs propres d\u00e9cisions. Je le leur avais ensuite racont\u00e9 et c\u2019est cette phrase qu\u2019Adam voulait me rappeler, \u00e7a sautait aux yeux.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Depuis que je suis tout petit \u00bb, a-t-il continu\u00e9, \u00ab tu m\u2019as appris \u00e0 prendre des risques, \u00e0 me battre \u00e0 me d\u00e9fendre. J\u2019ai connu des moments de danger mortel toute mon enfance, dont le moindre n\u2019a pas \u00e9t\u00e9 celui o\u00f9 j\u2019ai vu Inger \u00eatre abattue d\u2019une fl\u00e8che sous mes yeux. A 6 ans, j\u2019ai d\u00fb m\u2019occuper d\u2019un b\u00e9b\u00e9 de deux mois. J\u2019ai commenc\u00e9 \u00e0 tirer \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e2ge de 10 ans. D\u00e8s mes 16 ans, tu m\u2019as fait dresser des chevaux sauvages. Quand Marie est morte, tu as mis pr\u00e8s d\u2019un an avant de te ressaisir et j\u2019ai d\u00fb g\u00e9rer le ranch tout seul et m\u2019occuper de mes fr\u00e8res sans toi alors que j\u2019avais \u00e0 peine 18 ans. Ensuite je suis parti \u00e0 Boston, \u00e0 l\u2019universit\u00e9, sans mentor pour me guider. Plus tard, tu m\u2019as envoy\u00e9 en exp\u00e9dition seul, sans te laisser arr\u00eater par les dangers que court obligatoirement dans nos contr\u00e9es, un voyageur isol\u00e9. J\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 fait prisonnier plusieurs fois, j\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 bless\u00e9. Alors, je ne comprends pas pourquoi, d\u00e8s qu\u2019il s\u2019agit d\u2019aventures amoureuses, tu t\u2019immisces, tu me couves, tu me traite comme un mineur. \u00bb<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai baiss\u00e9 la t\u00eate sous ce flot de paroles. En toute logique, il avait raison. C\u2019est bien \u00e7a, d\u2019ailleurs, qui est \u00e9nervant avec Adam, il n\u2019y a jamais de place pour l\u2019irrationnel. Mais un c\u0153ur de p\u00e8re est capable de percevoir ce qui \u00e9chappe \u00e0 la logique.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Si je m\u2019inqui\u00e8te d\u00e8s que tu tournes autour d\u2019un jupon, figure-toi, c\u2019est parce que tu m\u2019as donn\u00e9 de bonnes raisons de le faire par le pass\u00e9. Et elles ont des noms, ces raisons, R\u00e9gina, B\u00e9atrix, Rosita, Sue Ellen, \u00e7a te dit quelque chose ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ce dernier nom l\u2019a calm\u00e9. Il a baiss\u00e9 la t\u00eate. Quand il a repris la parole, c\u2019\u00e9tait sur un ton beaucoup plus pos\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je sais, Sue Ellen, c\u2019\u00e9tait une b\u00eatise. Mais j\u2019ai enregistr\u00e9 la le\u00e7on, tu sais. Ne crains pas que je recommence avec Lotta. Avec elle, c\u2019est purement une attirance physique. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Il s\u2019est gratt\u00e9 la t\u00eate et a ajout\u00e9 avec ce demi-sourire qu\u2019il sait irr\u00e9sistible et qu\u2019il me sert quand il veut me faire avaler une couleuvre : \u00ab Tu sais, on n\u2019a pas tellement d\u2019occasions par ici, si on veut \u00e9viter les \u00e9treintes v\u00e9nales \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Cette habitude de parler comme Shakespeare ! Les \u00e9treintes v\u00e9nales ! Les prostitu\u00e9es, quoi ? Comme si sa Lotta n\u2019en \u00e9tait pas une ! Je le lui ai dit.<\/p>\n

Il a eu un petit rire : \u00ab je le sais mais c\u2019est le haut du panier, la poule de luxe. Elle ne s\u2019offre que des portefeuilles bien garnis \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Veux-tu dire que tu as pay\u00e9 pour l\u2019avoir ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Il m\u2019a regard\u00e9 furibond : \u00ab Tu plaisantes ? Tu n\u2019as pas vu qu\u2019elle \u00e9tait pr\u00eate \u00e0 tomber dans mes bras ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Si, je l\u2019ai vu et je n\u2019en ai pas \u00e9t\u00e9 si choqu\u00e9 que tu le crois. C\u2019est juste que\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est juste que tu aimerais bien que je m\u2019en tienne l\u00e0 et que je ne la revoie plus \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai ri jaune : \u00ab Je ne dis pas cela mais je veux que tu te m\u00e9fies \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ne t\u2019inqui\u00e8te pas. D\u2019abord, ce soir je n\u2019y vais pas \u00bb<\/p>\n

Mes paroles ont fus\u00e9 plus vite que je ne le voulais : \u00ab Il n\u2019aurait plus manqu\u00e9 que \u00e7a ! \u00bb<\/p>\n

Il est parti d\u2019un franc \u00e9clat de rire : \u00ab Je te signale que si, \u00e0 l\u2019heure qu\u2019il est, je ne dors pas, ce n\u2019est pas \u00e0 cause d\u2019elle, c\u2019est \u00e0 cause de toi. \u00bb Puis il a repris, sur un ton plus s\u00e9rieux : \u00ab J\u2019y retournerai demain soir, d\u2019abord parce que j\u2019en ai envie \u00bb (l\u00e0, il m\u2019a d\u00e9fi\u00e9 du regard) \u00ab ensuite parce que j\u2019ai un plan pour coincer Troy et qui suppose sa participation. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Il guettait son effet, il n\u2019a pas \u00e9t\u00e9 d\u00e9\u00e7u. Mon \u0153il a d\u00fb s\u2019allumer d\u2019excitation : \u00ab Tu as un plan pour coincer Troy ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oui, et pour lui faire quitter d\u00e9finitivement la r\u00e9gion \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Comment comptes-tu t\u2019y prendre ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je vais commencer par aller voir Tchang Si et le convaincre de porter plainte, lui et ses amis, pour l\u2019incendie et la destruction de leurs maisons, sans oublier le pr\u00e9judice par rapport \u00e0 sa client\u00e8le \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab J\u2019en ai pay\u00e9 une partie \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Inutile de le dire au juge. Je vais dire \u00e0 Tchang Si de porter plainte contre Troy et je me fais fort d\u2019obtenir de Lotta un t\u00e9moignage d\u00e9taill\u00e9 du march\u00e9 pass\u00e9 avec Troy et de la tentative manqu\u00e9e sur Joe. Joe lui-m\u00eame n\u2019aura qu\u2019\u00e0 raconter devant le tribunal sa fuite et ce qui s\u2019en est ensuivi. Troy va \u00eatre condamn\u00e9 \u00e0 une somme si forte qu\u2019il n\u2019aura, selon moi, d\u2019autre ressource que de vendre sa mine \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais qui pourrait l\u2019acheter ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Lotta. Je lui expliquerai qu\u2019au lieu de placer son argent dans des robes dispendieuses et du champagne, elle pourrait faire quelques placements. Ensuite ,je m\u2019occuperai de lui trouver un \u00e9tablissement \u00e0 Sacramento ou San Francisco pour qu\u2019elle puisse se fixer, s\u2019\u00e9tablir et un r\u00e9gisseur pour sa mine \u00bb.<\/p>\n

J\u2019\u00e9tais interloqu\u00e9. Pour le proc\u00e8s, c\u2019\u00e9tait bien pens\u00e9 mais quant \u00e0 la suite, sa capacit\u00e9 de trouver un \u00e9tablissement pour Lotta et de la convaincre de le prendre et de partir, je me demandais d\u2019o\u00f9 il tirait son assurance. Je lui ai pos\u00e9 la question.<\/p>\n

Ses yeux p\u00e9tillaient de malice quand il m\u2019a r\u00e9pondu : \u00ab Tu sais, au cours de mes voyages, je me suis fait de nombreuses relations. Il y a des gens que j\u2019ai tir\u00e9s d\u2019affaire et qui ne songent qu\u2019\u00e0 me rendre la politesse. Et il y en a qui sont dans le spectacle et qui investiront volontiers dans une affaire men\u00e9e par une belle fille comme Lotta. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oui, mais encore faut-il qu\u2019elle soit d\u2019accord \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Elle le sera \u00bb m\u2019a-t-il assur\u00e9 en riant. \u00ab Je peux aller dormir, maintenant ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Vas-y \u00bb, lui ai-je dit en r\u00e9primant l\u2019envie de lui flanquer une claque sur les fesses.<\/p>\n

Apr\u00e8s, je suis rest\u00e9 un moment \u00e0 retourner tout cela dans ma t\u00eate. Quand avait-il concoct\u00e9 ce plan, il faut bien le dire extr\u00eamement astucieux. Si \u00e7a se trouve, il avait germ\u00e9 dans son cerveau au moment-m\u00eame o\u00f9 il prenait du plaisir avec sa ma\u00eetresse. Cette fa\u00e7on de joindre l\u2019utile \u00e0 l\u2019agr\u00e9able. De l\u2019Adam tout crach\u00e9 !<\/p>\n

Ah les enfants ! Celui-l\u00e0, en tout cas, il n\u2019a pas fini de me surprendre.<\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

Tout a march\u00e9 comme sur des roulettes. Je savais que ce ne serait pas ais\u00e9 de convaincre les Chinois d\u2019aller en justice (ils se d\u00e9fient du juge blanc et de ses lois) aussi avais-je emmen\u00e9 Hop-Sing et pendant tout le trajet entre Ponderosa et Virginia City, je lui ai expliqu\u00e9 l\u2019int\u00e9r\u00eat de porter plainte. Hop-Sing m\u2019aime bien, il a confiance en moi. Il a vendu ma salade \u00e0 ses compatriotes.<\/p>\n

Une fois ce point acquis, je suis pass\u00e9 voir Lotta et je lui ai dit que si le c\u0153ur lui chantait, je pouvais lui consacrer toute la nuit. Elle ne s\u2019est pas fait prier. J\u2019\u00e9tais dans une forme \u00e9blouissante apr\u00e8s une bonne nuit de sommeil et je lui ai fait oublier jusqu\u2019\u00e0 son nom. Au matin, j\u2018aurais pu lui demander la lune, elle serait partie la chercher. Alors, t\u00e9moigner contre Troy, s\u2019il n\u2019y avait que \u00e7a pour me faire plaisir\u2026<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai n\u00e9anmoins veill\u00e9 \u00e0\u2026 entretenir son enthousiasme jusqu\u2019au proc\u00e8s. Papa n\u2019arrivait pas \u00e0 masquer son m\u00e9contentement quand je d\u00e9couchais mais il n\u2019a plus rien os\u00e9 dire apr\u00e8s notre explication.<\/p>\n

Sur la foi des t\u00e9moignages de Lotta, de Patch et de Joe, Troy a \u00e9t\u00e9 lourdement condamn\u00e9 comme je l\u2019avais pr\u00e9dit. A la barre, Lotta a avou\u00e9 qu\u2019il lui avait assez largement d\u00e9voil\u00e9 ses intentions, contrairement \u00e0 ce qu\u2019elle m\u2019avait dit. Ca ne m\u2019a pas \u00e9tonn\u00e9 ; de toute mani\u00e8re, je n\u2019avais pas \u00e9t\u00e9 dupe de ses d\u00e9n\u00e9gations.<\/p>\n

Toujours selon mes pr\u00e9visions, Troy, qui \u00e9tait d\u00e9j\u00e0 assez d\u00e9sargent\u00e9 depuis qu\u2019il avait pay\u00e9 10 000 dollars \u00e0 Lotta, s\u2019est trouv\u00e9 dans l\u2019obligation, pour d\u00e9dommager les Chinois, de mettre sa mine en vente.<\/p>\n

Quand j\u2019ai sugg\u00e9r\u00e9 \u00e0 Lotta qu\u2019elle pourrait l\u2019acheter, elle a tr\u00e8s bien accueilli l\u2019id\u00e9e. J\u2019\u00e9tais un peu g\u00ean\u00e9 car je me rendais bien compte qu\u2019elle me pr\u00eatait des intentions que je n\u2019avais pas. Elle pensait que c\u2019\u00e9tait un moyen que j\u2019avais trouv\u00e9 pour qu\u2019elle s\u2019installe dans la r\u00e9gion et qu\u2019elle se fasse une situation lui permettant de m\u2019\u00e9pouser.<\/p>\n

Elle a s\u00e9rieusement d\u00e9chant\u00e9 quand je lui ai fait part de ma fa\u00e7on de voir les choses pour la suite des op\u00e9rations. Elle m\u2019a regard\u00e9 avec un air de d\u00e9sespoir qui m\u2019a nou\u00e9 l\u2019estomac :<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu, tu veux te d\u00e9barrasser de moi ? Mais qu\u2019est-ce que j\u2019ai fait ? Qu\u2019est-ce que j\u2019ai fait ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Les larmes se sont mises \u00e0 couler. Je l\u2019ai prise dans mes bras comme un petit enfant \u00e0 consoler.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais qu\u2019est-ce que tu voulais, Lotta, qu\u2019est-ce que tu esp\u00e9rais ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Elle s\u2019est brutalement d\u00e9gag\u00e9e de mon \u00e9treinte : \u00ab J\u2019esp\u00e9rais ne pas te quitter, voil\u00e0 ce que j\u2019esp\u00e9rais, mais je vois bien maintenant que je me suis fait des illusions. Tu ne vaux pas mieux que les autres. Maintenant que tu as eu ce que tu cherchais, tu me laisses tomber, je ne t\u2019int\u00e9resse plus. \u00bb<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai balanc\u00e9 deux minutes entre l\u2019approche tendre et compr\u00e9hensive et l\u2019attitude ferme et autoritaire. Mais je me suis dit que ce qui m\u2019avait fait sortir du lot \u00e0 ses yeux et m\u2019avait valu son int\u00e9r\u00eat, c\u2019\u00e9tait mon absence totale de docilit\u00e9 et d\u2019\u00e9gards, dans les premiers moments de notre rencontre. Lotta faisait partie de ces femmes qui ont besoin d\u2019\u00eatre domin\u00e9es et avec qui il faut alterner le froid et le chaud en veillant \u00e0 commencer par le froid. Je n\u2019aime pas rudoyer les femmes ; j\u2019aime au contraire les prot\u00e9ger, les entourer mais \u00e0 condition qu\u2019elles n\u2019en profitent pas pour tenter de me mener \u00e0 la baguette. Je n\u2019ai pas souvenir d\u2019avoir jamais laiss\u00e9 une femme prendre avantage de sa condition f\u00e9minine pour me faire faire ce que je ne veux pas faire ni me soumettre \u00e0 ses caprices. Quand une femme a besoin d\u2019entendre la v\u00e9rit\u00e9, je la lui dis comme je la dirais \u00e0 un homme. C\u2019est une forme d\u2019estime, d\u2019ailleurs ; pour moi, la femme est une adulte.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu vas t\u2019excuser imm\u00e9diatement de ce que tu viens de dire ou je te colle une paire de claques \u00bb et vu le regard que je dardais sur elle, elle ne pouvait avoir aucun doute sur ma d\u00e9termination \u00e0 mettre ma menace \u00e0 ex\u00e9cution.<\/p>\n

C\u2019est effarant de voir \u00e0 quelle vitesse elle a fait marche arri\u00e8re. Elle a \u00e9clat\u00e9 en sanglots en balbutiant : \u00ab Je te demande pardon. Il ne faut pas m\u2019en vouloir, je suis si malheureuse. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Je lui ai tendu mon mouchoir en lui recommandant de s\u2019essuyer les yeux puis je lui ai ordonn\u00e9 de s\u2019asseoir. Elle s\u2019est ex\u00e9cut\u00e9e docilement.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Maintenant, tu vas m\u2019\u00e9couter et r\u00e9pondre franchement aux questions que je vais te poser. Tu t\u2019\u00e9tais mis en t\u00eate de m\u2019\u00e9pouser, n\u2019est ce pas ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oui \u00bb a-t-elle r\u00e9pondu piteusement.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Est-ce que tu t\u2019es demand\u00e9 \u00e0 quel genre de vie un tel mariage te conduisait ? Sais-tu ce que c\u2019est que de vivre \u00e0 la campagne, avec un mari qui, la plupart du temps sent le cheval ou la sueur, d\u2019\u00e9lever du b\u00e9tail, de rester dans une maison isol\u00e9e, si confortable puisse-t-elle \u00eatre, \u00e0 attendre qu\u2019il rentre de ses longues journ\u00e9es en lui faisant la cuisine ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Nnon\u2026 \u00bb. Elle reniflait en me r\u00e9pondant.<\/p>\n

\u00ab La seule chose \u00e0 laquelle tu as pens\u00e9, c\u2019est \u00e0 perp\u00e9tuer nos nuits dans un m\u00eame lit, c\u2019est bien \u00e7a ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oui \u00bb a-t-elle balbuti\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais maintenant que tu y penses, maintenant que tu r\u00e9alises que le mariage, \u00e7a n\u2019est pas une longue suite de moments voluptueux, maintenant que tu te rends compte que \u00e7a te ferait abandonner ton m\u00e9tier, tes habitudes, ton go\u00fbt de la vie citadine, tiens tu toujours \u00e0 m\u2019\u00e9pouser ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu pourrais peut-\u00eatre changer de vie, toi, et me suivre\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

M\u00ealant l\u2019\u00e9clat de rire et l\u2019\u00e9clat d\u2019indignation, je lui ai lanc\u00e9 : \u00ab Non mais tu ne m\u2019as pas regard\u00e9 ! Tu t\u2019imagines que je suis pr\u00eat \u00e0 devenir Monsieur Lotta Crabtree. Tu me vois en train de te suivre comme un petit chien, de te passer ton \u00e9ventail ou tes pastilles et d\u2019aller bien gentiment lire un livre dans ta loge en attendant que Madame vienne r\u00e9clamer le repos de la guerri\u00e8re. Charmant programme ! Tu m\u2019excuseras de ne pas le trouver \u00e0 mon go\u00fbt. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Elle s\u2019est soumise : \u00ab Que dois-je faire, alors ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai souri. \u00ab Ce que je te sugg\u00e9rais tout \u00e0 l\u2019heure : tu confies la gestion de ta mine \u00e0 quelqu\u2019un que je te choisirai et que je contr\u00f4lerai et tu vas t\u2018installer comme patronne d\u2019\u00e9tablissement \u00e0 Sacramento ou San Francisco. \u00bb Et j\u2019ai ajout\u00e9 avec un ton plus tendre, pour faire passer la pilule : \u00ab choisis Sacramento, c\u2019est plus pr\u00e8s et j\u2019y vais assez souvent. Je viendrai te faire de longues visites\u2026 \u00bb<\/p>\n

De l\u2019index, je lui soulev\u00e9 le menton. \u00ab C\u2019est fini, ce gros chagrin ? \u00bb lui ai-je demand\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Elle a fait un effort pour sourire \u00e0 travers ses larmes. \u00ab Comment vais-je le trouver, cet \u00e9tablissement \u00e0 Sacramento ? \u00bb a-t-elle risqu\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est moi qui m\u2019en charge. Ne t\u2019occupe de rien. Je t\u2019avance l\u2019argent sans int\u00e9r\u00eat \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu es bien riche ! \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Que veux-tu\u2026 Il y a un po\u00e8te fran\u00e7ais qui a \u00e9crit une excellente histoire \u00e0 ce sujet. C\u2019est une cigale, tu sais, cet insecte qui gratte ses ailes quand il fait soleil ; ce bruit fait de la musique et on dit que la cigale chante \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Et alors ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab La cigale qui chante, c\u2019est toi. Elle ne s\u2019occupe de rien d\u2019autre, en \u00e9t\u00e9, que de profiter de ce que la vie lui donne. La fourmi, c\u2019est le contraire. C\u2019est une travailleuse, une besogneuse, m\u00eame. Elle amasse tout ce qu\u2019elle peut comme r\u00e9serves pour l\u2019hiver. Moi, je suis la fourmi et, contrairement \u00e0 celle de la fable, qui est une horrible avaricieuse, je te pr\u00eate l\u2019argent. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu y trouves ton compte ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oui, car je r\u00e9sous tous nos probl\u00e8mes : aucun de nous ne renonce \u00e0 la vie qu\u2019il aime et comme tu cesses de te balader \u00e0 travers tout le continent en te fixant pas loin de chez moi, nous pouvons continuer notre liaison jusqu\u2019\u00e0 ce que l\u2019un de nous deux s\u2019en lasse. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Oh \u00bb, a-t-elle dit, un peu rass\u00e9r\u00e9n\u00e9e malgr\u00e9 tout, \u00ab je ne me fais pas d\u2019illusion, c\u2019est toi qui y mettras fin, \u00e0 cette liaison, s\u00fbrement pas moi. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Je lui ai envoy\u00e9 une chiquenaude.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Qu\u2019en sais-tu ? Pour le moment, tu m\u2019idol\u00e2tres parce que j\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 le premier \u00e0 te r\u00e9v\u00e9ler la volupt\u00e9 mais je ne suis pas le seul \u00e0 en d\u00e9tenir le secret. Tu verras, un jour, tu rencontreras un homme capable \u00e0 la fois de te donner du plaisir et la vie que tu aimes. N\u2019oublie pas que, gr\u00e2ce \u00e0 mon id\u00e9e, tu ne seras plus oblig\u00e9e de coucher pour de l\u2019argent. Allez viens, maintenant que tout cela est r\u00e9gl\u00e9, on va s\u2019offrir un petit moment de bonheur \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Ainsi fut dit, ainsi fut fait. Ensuite, j\u2019ai fait vite car Lotta avait termin\u00e9 son contrat \u00e0 Virginia City et que l\u2019oisivet\u00e9 ne lui valait rien. A moi non plus, car, comme elle s\u2019ennuyait, elle aurait voulu que je sois \u00e0 sa disposition toutes les nuits (elle dormait le jour mais pas moi).<\/p>\n

En moins de 15 jours, j\u2019ai trouv\u00e9 le r\u00e9gisseur, t\u00e9l\u00e9graphi\u00e9 \u00e0 mon ami Clive \u00e0 Sacramento qui m\u2019a aiguill\u00e9 sur une femme qui cherchait une associ\u00e9e capable de lui succ\u00e9der d\u2019ici deux ou trois ans. L\u2019id\u00e9al. J\u2019ai n\u00e9goci\u00e9 l\u2019achat des parts, Lotta m\u2019ayant assur\u00e9 qu\u2019elle s\u2019en remettait totalement \u00e0 moi.<\/p>\n

Elle est partie ce matin \u00e0 l\u2019aube. Hier, elle a eu une id\u00e9e charmante pour nous faire ses adieux. Elle a lou\u00e9 les services de Patch et elle est revenue sur les terres de Ponderosa avec la m\u00eame berline que celle d\u2019o\u00f9 on l\u2019avait vu \u00e9merger il y a 6 semaines. Sauf que l\u00e0, nous avons tr\u00e8s vite rengain\u00e9 nos armes. Papa lui a tendu la main pour la faire descendre : \u00ab Bonsoir Monsieur Cartwright. Vous m\u2019excuserez d\u2019avoir \u00e0 nouveau franchi les fronti\u00e8res de votre domaine mais je ne pouvais pas partir, vous le comprenez, sans offrir un petit cadeau \u00e0\u2026 Joe. \u00bb<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai soulev\u00e9 mon chapeau en souriant pour lui montrer qu\u2019elle avait marqu\u00e9 un point. Joe m\u2019a regard\u00e9 goguenard en riant franchement, lui, et Hoss et Papa l\u2019ont imit\u00e9.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Voulez-vous m\u2019aider, Hoss \u00bb a-t-elle demand\u00e9, \u00ab car c\u2019est lourd. J\u2019esp\u00e8re qu\u2019il partagera avec vous. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss s\u2019est pench\u00e9 \u00e0 l\u2019int\u00e9rieur de la berline et a extirp\u00e9 une caisse de champagne. \u00ab Il y en a 6 bouteilles \u00bb, a-t-elle annonc\u00e9 triomphalement.<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est trop, je ne peux pas accepter \u00bb a dit Joe, mollement..<\/p>\n

\u00ab Taratata, si je le fais, c\u2019est que j\u2019ai les moyens. N\u2019oubliez pas que, gr\u00e2ce \u00e0 Adam, je suis \u00e0 pr\u00e9sent la riche propri\u00e9taire d\u2019une mine d\u2019argent. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Elle s\u2019est ensuite tourn\u00e9e vers Papa : \u00ab A vous aussi, Monsieur Cartwright, je veux offrir un souvenir. J\u2019ai ou\u00ef dire que votre derni\u00e8re \u00e9pouse \u00e9tait de la Nouvelle-Orl\u00e9ans. J\u2019aimerais vous offrir cette gravure qui repr\u00e9sente une rue de cette ville que j\u2019aime beaucoup. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Papa \u00e9tait tout content. Il a demand\u00e9 \u00e0 Lotta la permission de lui faire la bise, ce qu\u2019elle a accept\u00e9 de bonne gr\u00e2ce.<\/p>\n

\u00ab J\u2019ai aussi quelque chose pour vous Hoss \u00bb a-t-elle annonc\u00e9 \u00e0 mon fr\u00e8re, ravi par avance. \u00ab figurez-vous que la chienne de Madame Troy venait juste d\u2019avoir une port\u00e9e quand ils sont partis. Elle voulait qu\u2019on noie les chiots mais j\u2019ai demand\u00e9 qu\u2019on m\u2019en donne un. Il est pour vous \u00bb. Et elle a sorti de dessous de son si\u00e8ge une corbeille en osier dans laquelle il y avait comme une boule de coton tr\u00e8s agit\u00e9e. Quand Hoss l\u2019a lib\u00e9r\u00e9, il l\u2019a copieusement l\u00e9ch\u00e9 du bout de sa langue rose.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Arr\u00eate Troy, arr\u00eate \u00bb, a lanc\u00e9 spontan\u00e9ment mon fr\u00e8re en t\u00e2chant de ma\u00eetriser l\u2019exub\u00e9rance de son chiot..<\/p>\n

\u00ab Troy ! En voil\u00e0 au moins un qui me sera sympathique \u00bb a comment\u00e9 Papa.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Bon \u00bb a dit Lotta, \u00ab il ne me reste qu\u2019\u00e0 vous faire mes adieux. Oh pardon, j\u2019oubliais, j\u2019ai aussi un petit quelque chose pour Adam. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Et elle a sorti un paquet informe envelopp\u00e9 dans du papier de soie. \u00ab Tu ne l\u2019ouvres pas ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Non \u00bb ai-je r\u00e9pondu, \u00ab j\u2019ai l\u2019intuition que je ferais mieux d\u2019attendre d\u2019\u00eatre seul. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Elle a eu un petit rire : \u00ab Viens faire un tour avec moi, nous l\u2019ouvrirons ensemble \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Je l\u2018ai conduite vers un petit bosquet que j\u2019appelle le jardin car le caprice de la nature a dispos\u00e9 les arbres de telle sorte qu\u2019on dirait l\u2019effet de la main de l\u2019homme. J\u2019y ai d\u00e9ball\u00e9 mon paquet et j\u2019en ai sorti une paire de bas de soie et des fleurs en satin ivoire.<\/p>\n

J\u2019\u00e9tais \u00e9mu. Je l\u2019ai enlac\u00e9e pour un long baiser. Quand je l\u2019ai rel\u00e2ch\u00e9e, elle avait les yeux pleins de larmes.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai bais\u00e9 sa petite main gant\u00e9e de noir : \u00ab Je viendrai bient\u00f4t \u00bb lui ai-je murmur\u00e9 et je l\u2019ai laiss\u00e9 s\u2019\u00e9loigner en restant sur place.<\/p>\n

Le soir, pas moyen de calmer Joe. Il voulait absolument me faire dire ce que Lotta m\u2019avait offert et, bien entendu, je n\u2019avais pas l\u2019intention de desserrer les dents \u00e0 ce sujet. Hoss est venu \u00e0 sa rescousse mais en vain. Alors Papa a d\u00e9clar\u00e9 que nous avions tous les trois besoin de nous rafra\u00eechir les id\u00e9es et qu\u2019il nous envoyait pour dix jours dans le p\u00e2turage de la Morena, un coin de montagne o\u00f9 nous gardons une partie du troupeau en \u00e9t\u00e9, quand il fait trop chaud en plaine.<\/p>\n

Nous sommes donc tous all\u00e9s pr\u00e9parer nos paquetages pour pouvoir partir t\u00f4t le lendemain.<\/p>\n

Je suis content de cette exp\u00e9dition. J\u2019ai besoin de calme, de puret\u00e9 et d\u2019un peu de solitude. Nous allons dormir \u00e0 la belle \u00e9toile, nous relayer pour les gardes de nuit et, le reste du temps, surveiller le b\u00e9tail en bavardant ou en jouant aux cartes. On pourra aussi p\u00eacher, un par un, bien s\u00fbr. Papa dit que le m\u00e9tier de berger ressemble beaucoup \u00e0 celui du marin et je crois qu\u2019il a raison.<\/p>\n

Ce matin, je me suis r\u00e9veill\u00e9 avant tout le monde sauf, bien s\u00fbr, Hop-Sing dont je me demande s\u2019il lui arrive de dormir. Je lui ai demand\u00e9 de nous mettre des saucisses et des pommes de terre dans nos provisions, comme quand j\u2019avais vingt ans et qu\u2019entre deux ann\u00e9es universitaires, j\u2019emmenais mes fr\u00e8res dans ce m\u00eame p\u00e2turage.<\/p>\n

Ils avaient respectivement 8 et 14 ans, \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9poque. C\u2019\u00e9tait moi qui faisais la cuisine et ce qu\u2019ils aimaient par dessus tout, c\u2019\u00e9taient des saucisses grill\u00e9es en plein air avec des patates cuites sous la cendre. Ou encore des truites mais \u00e7a, nous aurions tout notre temps pour en p\u00eacher dans la rivi\u00e8re l\u00e0-haut.<\/p>\n

Et voil\u00e0. Nous sommes en route depuis ce matin. J\u2019ai emmen\u00e9 Bimbo, un chien de berger que je compte laisser sur place \u00e0 nos hommes.<\/p>\n

C\u2019est dr\u00f4le, nous nous sommes naturellement plac\u00e9s comme autrefois, moi devant, Joe entre nous deux et Hoss fermant la marche. Le soleil baisse, d\u2019ici quelques minutes, nous devrions atteindre le petit coin o\u00f9 nous aimons faire halte pour la premi\u00e8re \u00e9tape.<\/p>\n

\u00ab On s\u2019arr\u00eate, Adam ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Comme d\u2019habitude, Hoss. On s\u2019arr\u00eate au m\u00eame endroit que d\u2019habitude \u00bb.<\/p>\n

Nous avons mis pied \u00e0, terre tous trois avec la m\u00eame bonne humeur. Nous nous sommes occup\u00e9s des chevaux et de Bimbo. puis j\u2019ai propos\u00e9 un bain dans la rivi\u00e8re.<\/p>\n

\u00ab On peut y aller. Si quelqu\u2019un s\u2019approche, Bimbo aboiera. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ce que nous nous sommes amus\u00e9s ! Comme des gosses ! Ca nous a permis de secouer l\u2019\u00e9nervement des derni\u00e8res semaines.<\/p>\n

Quand j\u2019ai allum\u00e9 le feu pour faire des cendres et que j\u2019ai sorti les saucisses, ils se sont mis \u00e0 chanter des refrains d\u2019enfant. Je les ai accompagn\u00e9s. Une fois rassasi\u00e9s, nous sommes rest\u00e9s un petit moment sans rien dire pendant que le caf\u00e9 chauffait et puis Joe a demand\u00e9 :<\/p>\n

\u00ab Adam, je peux te demander quelque chose ? \u00bb. Exactement comme dix ans plus t\u00f4t. \u00ab Dis toujours \u00bb ai-je r\u00e9pliqu\u00e9 en souriant.<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est peut-\u00eatre un peu indiscret, mais tu n\u2019as pas l\u2019air bien triste que Lotta soit partie. Pourtant, tu \u00e9tais son amant. Ne dis pas non, toute la ville en a parl\u00e9 \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je ne dis pas non \u00bb ai-je r\u00e9pondu, en regardant par terre et en tisonnant les cendres avec une baguette de bois.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Alors, \u00e7a ne te fait rien d\u2019avoir \u00e9t\u00e9 aussi intime avec une femme et puis, tout \u00e0 coup, de la voir partir ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Hoss a voulu le faire taire mais je lui ai fait signe de le laisser tranquille. En d\u2019autres moments, en d\u2019autres endroits, je n\u2019aurais peut-\u00eatre pas r\u00e9pondu \u00e0 de pareilles questions. Je n\u2019aime pas trop \u00e9taler mon c\u0153ur ou mes pens\u00e9es sur la place publique. Mais ce soir, dans cette ambiance, avec juste mes deux fr\u00e8res dont je savais qu\u2019ils n\u2019avaient pas une once de m\u00e9chancet\u00e9 dans le c\u0153ur, qu\u2019ils cherchaient juste \u00e0 comprendre la vie, je me suis laiss\u00e9 aller.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Il faut que vous sachiez que c\u2019est moi qui ai organis\u00e9 son d\u00e9part \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ca alors ! \u00bb a repris Hoss, \u00ab mais pourquoi Adam ? Tu avais l\u2019air si content. Tu sais que tout le monde t\u2019enviait ta conqu\u00eate \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Y compris moi \u00bb a fait Joe. \u00ab Et moi aussi \u00bb a rench\u00e9ri Hoss et je devinais dans la p\u00e9nombre qu\u2019il rougissait.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Il fallait que je mette fin \u00e0 cette aventure. Je ne voulais pas que \u00e7a aille plus loin et, si \u00e7a avait dur\u00e9, je me serais fait mettre la corde au cou. Je ne le voulais \u00e0 aucun prix. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu es bien difficile \u00bb a r\u00e9torqu\u00e9 Joe.<\/p>\n

Je l\u2019ai regard\u00e9 droit dans les yeux : \u00ab Tu l\u2019aurais \u00e9pous\u00e9e, toi ? \u00bb<\/p>\n

Il a pris l\u2019air \u00e9vasif. \u00ab Si c\u2019est \u00e0 moi qu\u2019elle avait accord\u00e9 les faveurs dont tu as b\u00e9n\u00e9fici\u00e9, oui, je pense que j\u2019aurais voulu l\u2019\u00e9pouser. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Ce qui prouve \u00bb ai-je dit avec une tendre ironie, \u00ab que tu ne r\u00e9fl\u00e9chis pas plus qu\u2019elle. Je lui ai demand\u00e9 si elle se sentait de vivre en pleine campagne, avec un mari qui, la plupart du temps sent le cheval ou la sueur, en mijotant des petits plats pour passer le temps et en raccommodant mes chemises. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est vrai \u00bb a opin\u00e9 Hoss, \u00ab que je ne la vois pas dans ce r\u00f4le \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Je vais te faire rire. Tu sais ce qu\u2019elle m\u2019a r\u00e9pondu ? Elle m\u2019a demand\u00e9 si, moi, je ne voulais pas tout laisser tomber et l\u2019accompagner dans sa vie de saltimbanque. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab C\u2019est pas vrai \u00bb ont-ils cri\u00e9 en ch\u0153ur. \u00ab et qu\u2019est-ce que tu as dit \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Que je ne me voyais pas devenir Monsieur Lotta Crabtree. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Ca les a fait hurler de rire, et moi aussi, d\u2019ailleurs. Une fois calm\u00e9, Hoss a repris l\u2019interrogatoire.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Alors Adam, tu ne l\u2019aimais pas ? Pourtant tu en pin\u00e7ais dr\u00f4lement pour elle le matin o\u00f9 nous avons retrouv\u00e9 Joe en train de danser avec elle \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Tu l\u2019as dit, Hoss, j\u2019en pin\u00e7ais pour elle, j\u2019\u00e9tais physiquement attir\u00e9 par elle mais ce n\u2019\u00e9tait pas de l\u2019amour. Ce n\u2019\u00e9tait rien d\u2019autre qu\u2019une aventure \u00bb.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Mais tu n\u2019as pas peur de lui avoir bris\u00e9 le c\u0153ur ? Tu sais, elle faisait peine \u00e0 voir, hier, apr\u00e8s t\u2019avoir quitt\u00e9, quand elle est mont\u00e9e dans la berline. \u00bb<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai eu un petit pin\u00e7on au c\u0153ur. Un pin\u00e7on de remords. \u00ab Sur le moment, c\u2019est s\u00fbr qu\u2019elle va avoir mal mais \u00e7a va lui passer. Ne vous inqui\u00e9tez pas, elle ne m\u2019aimait pas. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab En es-tu bien s\u00fbr ? \u00bb m\u2019a demand\u00e9 Joe d\u2019un ton inquisiteur.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai pris le temps de me servir une tasse de caf\u00e9. \u00ab Elle ne m\u2019aimait pas assez pour tout abandonner pour moi. Pas plus que je ne l\u2019aimais assez pour changer de vie pour elle. Tu sais, l\u2019exp\u00e9rience m\u2019a enseign\u00e9 qu\u2019il fallait se m\u00e9fier des mouvements imp\u00e9tueux de son c\u0153ur. L\u2019autre jour, Papa m\u2019a rappel\u00e9 certaines amours de ma jeunesse qui ont failli tourner mal. J\u2019ai appris \u00e0 mes d\u00e9pens \u00e0 distinguer une aventure ou une romance du grand amour. Et j\u2019aimerais bien que mon exp\u00e9rience vous serve \u00e0 en faire autant mais je sais que, sur ce point, les erreurs des uns ne profitent jamais aux autres. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Je suis rest\u00e9 pensif un moment puis j\u2019ai ajout\u00e9 : \u00ab de toutes fa\u00e7ons, ce n\u2019\u00e9tait pas la femme qu\u2019il me fallait. \u00bb<\/p>\n

\u00ab Elle est comment, la femme qu\u2019il te faut, Adam \u00bb a demand\u00e9 Joe d\u2019une vois douce.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai pes\u00e9 ma r\u00e9ponse : \u00ab Il faut qu\u2019elle me soit tout : la m\u00e8re et la s\u0153ur que je n\u2019ai pas eues, et en m\u00eame temps ma toute petite fille, ma complice dans les moments de joie, ma compagne dans les \u00e9preuves, mon alter ego dans la conversation, une femme \u00e0 la fois capable d\u2019aimer ce que j\u2019aime et d\u2019aimer d\u2019autres choses qu\u2019elle me fera conna\u00eetre et aimer, sans oublier la m\u00e8re de mes enfants. Et moi \u00bb ai-je continu\u00e9 en ayant presque oubli\u00e9 leur pr\u00e9sence, \u00ab je l\u2019aimerai comme un fou, sans compter, sans mesurer. Je veux l\u2019aimer \u00e0 en perdre la raison. \u00bb<\/p>\n

C\u2019est Hoss qui a interrompu le silence. \u00ab Tu es bien exigeant mais je crois que tu as raison. L\u2019amour, c\u2019est forc\u00e9ment avec folie sinon, c\u2019est comme une tarte sans sucre. \u00bb<\/p>\n

Cette comparaison culinaire a all\u00e9g\u00e9 l\u2019ambiance et nous avons eu un nouveau fou rire. Puis je leur ai dit d\u2019aller se coucher, que je prenais la premi\u00e8re garde avec Bimbo.<\/p>\n

Une fois seul, j\u2019ai attis\u00e9 un peu le feu car nous \u00e9tions d\u00e9j\u00e0 assez haut pour que la nuit soit fra\u00eeche. J\u2019ai regard\u00e9 Bimbo dont les yeux, bizarrement, me faisaient penser \u00e0 ceux de Lotta une fois que je l\u2019avais dompt\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai repens\u00e9 \u00e0 sa peau, \u00e0 ses g\u00e9missements de plaisir, \u00e0 la douceur de ses l\u00e8vres, \u00e0 nos nuits d\u2019insomnie, \u00e0 nos transports, \u00e0 nos moments d\u2019apaisement.<\/p>\n

J\u2019ai secou\u00e9 la t\u00eate. \u00ab Rien qu\u2019une aventure, rien d\u2019autre\u2026 \u00bb
\nFIN<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: A Rose for Lotta told by each of the protagonists … and we learn a bit more than in the episode. (French version included on page 2).<\/p>\n

Rated: MA WC 21,200<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":130,"featured_media":3478,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,10,690],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4189","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-french","category-ma-rated","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-10-id","wpcat-690-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":927,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12133,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12133","url_meta":{"origin":4189,"position":0},"title":"Frightened Beyond Reason (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"June 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12147,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12147","url_meta":{"origin":4189,"position":1},"title":"He Said Not To Tell (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"The author requests those who wish to read this series contact her via eMail: DLB1234@aol.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/1-joe.jpg?fit=238%2C226&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12120,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12120","url_meta":{"origin":4189,"position":2},"title":"Blundered Seduction (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"December 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Caught with his pants down and in a compromising situation by the one person he'd least likely want to find him as such, Joe learns three valuable lessons; no one ever died of embarrassment, chose your friends carefully, and being 16 and still a virgin is nothing to be\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12134,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12134","url_meta":{"origin":4189,"position":3},"title":"In My Father’s House (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12132,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12132","url_meta":{"origin":4189,"position":4},"title":"Chinese Molasses (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13631,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13631","url_meta":{"origin":4189,"position":5},"title":"Freedom from Fear (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 14, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The aftermath of Joe's kidnapping and subsequent rescue. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (33,760) Due to the subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4189","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=4189"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4189\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3478"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4189"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4189"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}