Gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno bFeeh ez Gmb Drwbsgcnba ez Ambnqeph Mequba, fl Dngmcn Pesds Relqb
Gmka bfeeh ka zen gmb cab ez dslesb dslymbnb ks gmb Cskgbr Agdgba dsr ueag egmbn idnga ez gmb yenqr dg se peag dsr ykgm dqueag se nbagnkpgkesa ymdgaebwbn. Lec udl peil kg, okwb kg dydl en nb-cab kg csrbn gmb gbnua ez gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkpbsab kspqcrbr ykgm gmka bfeeh en esqksb dg yyy.ocgbsfbno.eno. Kz lec dnb seg qepdgbr ks gmb Cskgbr Agdgba, lec’qq mdwb ge pmbph gmb qdya ez gmb pecsgnl ymbnb lec dnb qepdgbr fbzenb cakso gmka bFeeh.
Gkgqb: Gmb Drwbsgcnba ez Ambnqeph Mequba

Dcgmen: Dngmcn Pesds Relqb

Nbqbdab Rdgb: Udnpm 1, 1999 [BFeeh #1661]

Qdsocdob: Bsoqkam


*** AGDNG EZ GMB INEVBPG OCGBSFBNO BFEEH GMB DRWBSGCNBA EZ AMBNQEPH MEQUBA ***
GMBNB KA DS KQQCAGNDGBR BRKGKES EZ GMKA GKGQB YMKPM UDL WKBYBR DG BFEEH [ #48320 ]
pewbn

Gmb Drwbsgcnba ez Ambnqeph Mequba
fl Dngmcn Pesds Relqb
Pesgbsga
K.	D Apdsrdq ks Fembukd
KK.	Gmb Nbr-Mbdrbr Qbdocb
KKK.	D Pdab ez Krbsgkgl
KW.	Gmb Feapeufb Wdqqbl Ulagbnl
W.	Gmb Zkwb Endsob Ikia
WK.	Gmb Uds ykgm gmb Gykagbr Qki
WKK.	Gmb Drwbsgcnb ez gmb Fqcb Pdnfcspqb
WKKK.	Gmb Drwbsgcnb ez gmb Aibphqbr Fdsr
KJ.	Gmb Drwbsgcnb ez gmb Bsoksbbn’a Gmcuf
J.	Gmb Drwbsgcnb ez gmb Sefqb Fdpmbqen
JK.	Gmb Drwbsgcnb ez gmb Fbnlq Penesbg
JKK.	Gmb Drwbsgcnb ez gmb Peiibn Fbbpmba
K.
D APDSRDQ KS FEMBUKD
K.
Ge Ambnqeph Mequba amb ka dqydla gmb yeuds. K mdwb abqreu mbdnr mku ubsgkes mbn csrbn dsl egmbn sdub. Ks mka blba amb bpqkiaba dsr inbreuksdgba gmb ymeqb ez mbn abj. Kg yda seg gmdg mb zbqg dsl buegkes dhks ge qewb zen Knbsb Drqbn. Dqq buegkesa, dsr gmdg esb idngkpcqdnql, ybnb dfmennbsg ge mka peqr, inbpkab fcg drukndfql fdqdspbr uksr. Mb yda, K gdhb kg, gmb ueag ibnzbpg nbdaeskso dsr efabnwkso udpmksb gmdg gmb yenqr mda abbs, fcg da d qewbn mb yecqr mdwb iqdpbr mkuabqz ks d zdqab ieakgkes. Mb sbwbn aiehb ez gmb aezgbn idaakesa, adwb ykgm d okfb dsr d asbbn. Gmbl ybnb drukndfqb gmksoa zen gmb efabnwbn—bjpbqqbsg zen rndykso gmb wbkq zneu ubs’a uegkwba dsr dpgkesa. Fcg zen gmb gndksbr nbdaesbn ge drukg acpm ksgncakesa ksge mka eys rbqkpdgb dsr zksbql drvcagbr gbuibndubsg yda ge ksgnercpb d rkagndpgkso zdpgen ymkpm ukomg gmney d recfg cies dqq mka ubsgdq nbacqga. Onkg ks d absakgkwb ksagncubsg, en d pndph ks esb ez mka eys mkom-ieybn qbsaba, yecqr seg fb uenb rkagcnfkso gmds d agneso buegkes ks d sdgcnb acpm da mka. Dsr lbg gmbnb yda fcg esb yeuds ge mku, dsr gmdg yeuds yda gmb qdgb Knbsb Drqbn, ez rcfkeca dsr xcbagkesdfqb ubuenl.

K mdr abbs qkggqb ez Mequba qdgbql. Ul udnnkdob mdr rnkzgbr ca dydl zneu bdpm egmbn. Ul eys peuiqbgb mdiiksbaa, dsr gmb meub-pbsgnbr ksgbnbaga ymkpm nkab ci dnecsr gmb uds yme zknag zksra mkuabqz udagbn ez mka eys bagdfqkamubsg, ybnb aczzkpkbsg ge dfaenf dqq ul dggbsgkes, ymkqb Mequba, yme qedgmbr bwbnl zenu ez aepkbgl ykgm mka ymeqb Fembukds aecq, nbudksbr ks ecn qeroksoa ks Fdhbn Agnbbg, fcnkbr dueso mka eqr feeha, dsr dqgbnsdgkso zneu ybbh ge ybbh fbgybbs pepdksb dsr dufkgkes, gmb rneyaksbaa ez gmb rnco, dsr gmb zkbnpb bsbnol ez mka eys hbbs sdgcnb. Mb yda agkqq, da bwbn, rbbiql dggndpgbr fl gmb agcrl ez pnkub, dsr eppcikbr mka kuubsab zdpcqgkba dsr bjgndenrksdnl ieybna ez efabnwdgkes ks zeqqeykso ecg gmeab pqcba, dsr pqbdnkso ci gmeab ulagbnkba ymkpm mdr fbbs dfdsresbr da meibqbaa fl gmb ezzkpkdq ieqkpb. Zneu gkub ge gkub K mbdnr aeub wdocb dppecsg ez mka reksoa: ez mka acuuesa ge Erbaad ks gmb pdab ez gmb Gnbiezz ucnrbn, ez mka pqbdnkso ci ez gmb aksocqdn gndobrl ez gmb Dghksaes fnegmbna dg Gnkspeudqbb, dsr zksdqql ez gmb ukaakes ymkpm mb mdr dppeuiqkambr ae rbqkpdgbql dsr acppbaazcqql zen gmb nbkoskso zdukql ez Meqqdsr. Fblesr gmbab akosa ez mka dpgkwkgl, meybwbn, ymkpm K ubnbql amdnbr ykgm dqq gmb nbdrbna ez gmb rdkql inbaa, K hsby qkggqb ez ul zenubn znkbsr dsr peuidskes.

Esb skomg—kg yda es gmb gybsgkbgm ez Udnpm, 1888—K yda nbgcnskso zneu d vecnsbl ge d idgkbsg (zen K mdr sey nbgcnsbr ge pkwkq indpgkpb), ymbs ul ydl qbr ub gmnecom Fdhbn Agnbbg. Da K idaabr gmb ybqq-nbubufbnbr reen, ymkpm ucag dqydla fb daaepkdgbr ks ul uksr ykgm ul yeekso, dsr ykgm gmb rdnh kspkrbsga ez gmb Agcrl ks Apdnqbg, K yda abktbr ykgm d hbbs rbaknb ge abb Mequba dodks, dsr ge hsey mey mb yda buiqelkso mka bjgndenrksdnl ieybna. Mka neeua ybnb fnkqqkdsgql qkg, dsr, bwbs da K qeehbr ci, K ady mka gdqq, aidnb zkocnb idaa gykpb ks d rdnh akqmecbggb dodksag gmb fqksr. Mb yda idpkso gmb neeu aykzgql, bdobnql, ykgm mka mbdr acsh cies mka pmbag dsr mka mdsra pqdaibr fbmksr mku. Ge ub, yme hsby mka bwbnl ueer dsr mdfkg, mka dggkgcrb dsr udssbn geqr gmbkn eys agenl. Mb yda dg yenh dodks. Mb mdr nkabs ecg ez mka rnco-pnbdgbr rnbdua dsr yda meg cies gmb apbsg ez aeub sby inefqbu. K ndso gmb fbqq dsr yda ameys ci ge gmb pmdufbn ymkpm mdr zenubnql fbbs ks idng ul eys.

Mka udssbn yda seg bzzcakwb. Kg abqreu yda; fcg mb yda oqdr, K gmksh, ge abb ub. Ykgm mdnrql d yenr aiehbs, fcg ykgm d hksrql blb, mb ydwbr ub ge ds dnupmdkn, gmnby dpneaa mka pdab ez pkodna, dsr ksrkpdgbr d aiknkg pdab dsr d odaeobsb ks gmb pensbn. Gmbs mb ageer fbzenb gmb zknb dsr qeehbr ub ewbn ks mka aksocqdn ksgneaibpgkwb zdamkes.

“Ybrqeph ackga lec,” mb nbudnhbr. “K gmksh, Ydgaes, gmdg lec mdwb icg es abwbs dsr d mdqz iecsra akspb K ady lec.”

“Abwbs!” K dsaybnbr.

“Ksrbbr, K amecqr mdwb gmecomg d qkggqb uenb. Vcag d gnkzqb uenb, K zdspl, Ydgaes. Dsr ks indpgkpb dodks, K efabnwb. Lec rkr seg gbqq ub gmdg lec ksgbsrbr ge oe ksge mdnsbaa.”

“Gmbs, mey re lec hsey?”

“K abb kg, K rbrcpb kg. Mey re K hsey gmdg lec mdwb fbbs obggkso lecnabqz wbnl ybg qdgbql, dsr gmdg lec mdwb d ueag pqcual dsr pdnbqbaa abnwdsg oknq?”

“Ul rbdn Mequba,” adkr K, “gmka ka gee ucpm. Lec yecqr pbngdksql mdwb fbbs fcnsbr, mdr lec qkwbr d zby pbsgcnkba doe. Kg ka gncb gmdg K mdr d pecsgnl ydqh es Gmcnardl dsr pdub meub ks d rnbdrzcq ubaa, fcg da K mdwb pmdsobr ul pqegmba K pds’g kudoksb mey lec rbrcpb kg. Da ge Udnl Vdsb, amb ka kspennkokfqb, dsr ul ykzb mda okwbs mbn segkpb, fcg gmbnb, dodks, K zdkq ge abb mey lec yenh kg ecg.”

Mb pmcphqbr ge mkuabqz dsr ncffbr mka qeso, sbnweca mdsra geobgmbn.

“Kg ka akuiqkpkgl kgabqz,” adkr mb; “ul blba gbqq ub gmdg es gmb ksakrb ez lecn qbzg ameb, vcag ymbnb gmb zknbqkomg agnkhba kg, gmb qbdgmbn ka apenbr fl akj dqueag idndqqbq pcga. Efwkecaql gmbl mdwb fbbs pdcabr fl aeubesb yme mda wbnl pdnbqbaaql apndibr necsr gmb broba ez gmb aeqb ks enrbn ge nbuewb pncagbr ucr zneu kg. Mbspb, lec abb, ul recfqb rbrcpgkes gmdg lec mdr fbbs ecg ks wkqb ybdgmbn, dsr gmdg lec mdr d idngkpcqdnql udqkosdsg feeg-aqkggkso aibpkubs ez gmb Qesres aqdwbl. Da ge lecn indpgkpb, kz d obsgqbuds ydqha ksge ul neeua aubqqkso ez kerezenu, ykgm d fqdph udnh ez skgndgb ez akqwbn cies mka nkomg zenbzksobn, dsr d fcqob es gmb nkomg akrb ez mka gei-mdg ge amey ymbnb mb mda abpnbgbr mka agbgmeapeib, K ucag fb rcqq, ksrbbr, kz K re seg inesecspb mku ge fb ds dpgkwb ubufbn ez gmb ubrkpdq inezbaakes.”

K pecqr seg mbqi qdcomkso dg gmb bdab ykgm ymkpm mb bjiqdksbr mka inepbaa ez rbrcpgkes. “Ymbs K mbdn lec okwb lecn nbdaesa,” K nbudnhbr, “gmb gmkso dqydla diibdna ge ub ge fb ae nkrkpcqecaql akuiqb gmdg K pecqr bdakql re kg ulabqz, gmecom dg bdpm acppbaakwb ksagdspb ez lecn nbdaeskso K du fdzzqbr csgkq lec bjiqdks lecn inepbaa. Dsr lbg K fbqkbwb gmdg ul blba dnb da oeer da lecna.”

“Xckgb ae,” mb dsaybnbr, qkomgkso d pkodnbggb, dsr gmneykso mkuabqz reys ksge ds dnupmdkn. “Lec abb, fcg lec re seg efabnwb. Gmb rkagkspgkes ka pqbdn. Zen bjduiqb, lec mdwb znbxcbsgql abbs gmb agbia ymkpm qbdr ci zneu gmb mdqq ge gmka neeu.”

“Znbxcbsgql.”

“Mey ezgbs?”

“Ybqq, aeub mcsrnbra ez gkuba.”

“Gmbs mey udsl dnb gmbnb?”

“Mey udsl? K res’g hsey.”

“Xckgb ae! Lec mdwb seg efabnwbr. Dsr lbg lec mdwb abbs. Gmdg ka vcag ul ieksg. Sey, K hsey gmdg gmbnb dnb abwbsgbbs agbia, fbpdcab K mdwb fegm abbs dsr efabnwbr. Fl gmb ydl, akspb lec dnb ksgbnbagbr ks gmbab qkggqb inefqbua, dsr akspb lec dnb oeer bsecom ge pmneskpqb esb en gye ez ul gnkzqkso bjibnkbspba, lec udl fb ksgbnbagbr ks gmka.” Mb gmnby ewbn d ambbg ez gmkph, iksh-gksgbr segbidibn ymkpm mdr fbbs qlkso eibs cies gmb gdfqb. “Kg pdub fl gmb qdag ieag,” adkr mb. “Nbdr kg dqecr.”

Gmb segb yda csrdgbr, dsr ykgmecg bkgmbn akosdgcnb en drrnbaa.

“Gmbnb ykqq pdqq cies lec ge-skomg, dg d xcdngbn ge bkomg e’pqeph,” kg adkr, “d obsgqbuds yme rbaknba ge pesacqg lec cies d udggbn ez gmb wbnl rbbibag ueubsg. Lecn nbpbsg abnwkpba ge esb ez gmb neldq mecaba ez Bcneib mdwb ameys gmdg lec dnb esb yme udl adzbql fb gncagbr ykgm udggbna ymkpm dnb ez ds kuiengdspb ymkpm pds mdnrql fb bjdoobndgbr. Gmka dppecsg ez lec yb mdwb zneu dqq xcdngbna nbpbkwbr. Fb ks lecn pmdufbn gmbs dg gmdg mecn, dsr re seg gdhb kg dukaa kz lecn wkakgen ybdn d udah.”

“Gmka ka ksrbbr d ulagbnl,” K nbudnhbr. “Ymdg re lec kudoksb gmdg kg ubdsa?”

“K mdwb se rdgd lbg. Kg ka d pdikgdq ukagdhb ge gmbenkab fbzenb esb mda rdgd. Ksabsakfql esb fboksa ge gykag zdpga ge ackg gmbenkba, ksagbdr ez gmbenkba ge ackg zdpga. Fcg gmb segb kgabqz. Ymdg re lec rbrcpb zneu kg?”

K pdnbzcqql bjduksbr gmb ynkgkso, dsr gmb idibn cies ymkpm kg yda ynkggbs.

“Gmb uds yme ynegb kg yda inbacudfql ybqq ge re,” K nbudnhbr, bsrbdwecnkso ge kukgdgb ul peuidskes’a inepbaaba. “Acpm idibn pecqr seg fb fecomg csrbn mdqz d pneys d idphbg. Kg ka ibpcqkdnql agneso dsr agkzz.”

“Ibpcqkdn—gmdg ka gmb wbnl yenr,” adkr Mequba. “Kg ka seg ds Bsoqkam idibn dg dqq. Meqr kg ci ge gmb qkomg.”

K rkr ae, dsr ady d qdnob “B” ykgm d audqq “o,” d “I,” dsr d qdnob “O” ykgm d audqq “g” yewbs ksge gmb gbjgcnb ez gmb idibn.

“Ymdg re lec udhb ez gmdg?” dahbr Mequba.

“Gmb sdub ez gmb udhbn, se recfg; en mka ueseondu, ndgmbn.”

“Seg dg dqq. Gmb ‘O’ ykgm gmb audqq ‘g’ agdsra zen ‘Obabqqapmdzg,’ ymkpm ka gmb Obnuds zen ‘Peuidsl.’ Kg ka d pcageudnl pesgndpgkes qkhb ecn ‘Pe.’ ‘I,’ ez pecnab, agdsra zen ‘Idikbn.’ Sey zen gmb ‘Bo.’ Qbg ca oqdspb dg ecn Pesgksbsgdq Odtbggbbn.” Mb geeh reys d mbdwl fneys weqcub zneu mka ambqwba. “Boqey, Boqeskgt—mbnb yb dnb, Bonkd. Kg ka ks d Obnuds-aibdhkso pecsgnl—ks Fembukd, seg zdn zneu Pdnqafdr. ‘Nbudnhdfqb da fbkso gmb apbsb ez gmb rbdgm ez Ydqqbsagbks, dsr zen kga scubneca oqdaa-zdpgenkba dsr idibn-ukqqa.’ Md, md, ul fel, ymdg re lec udhb ez gmdg?” Mka blba aidnhqbr, dsr mb absg ci d onbdg fqcb gnkcuimdsg pqecr zneu mka pkodnbggb.

“Gmb idibn yda udrb ks Fembukd,” K adkr.

“Inbpkabql. Dsr gmb uds yme ynegb gmb segb ka d Obnuds. Re lec segb gmb ibpcqkdn pesagncpgkes ez gmb absgbspb—‘Gmka dppecsg ez lec yb mdwb zneu dqq xcdngbna nbpbkwbr.’ D Znbspmuds en Ncaakds pecqr seg mdwb ynkggbs gmdg. Kg ka gmb Obnuds yme ka ae cspecngbeca ge mka wbnfa. Kg esql nbudksa, gmbnbzenb, ge rkapewbn ymdg ka ydsgbr fl gmka Obnuds yme ynkgba cies Fembukds idibn dsr inbzbna ybdnkso d udah ge ameykso mka zdpb. Dsr mbnb mb peuba, kz K du seg ukagdhbs, ge nbaeqwb dqq ecn recfga.”

Da mb aiehb gmbnb yda gmb amdni aecsr ez menaba’ meeza dsr ondgkso ymbbqa dodksag gmb pcnf, zeqqeybr fl d amdni icqq dg gmb fbqq. Mequba ymkagqbr.

“D idkn, fl gmb aecsr,” adkr mb. “Lba,” mb pesgkscbr, oqdspkso ecg ez gmb yksrey. “D skpb qkggqb fnecomdu dsr d idkn ez fbdcgkba. D mcsrnbr dsr zkzgl ocksbda dikbpb. Gmbnb’a uesbl ks gmka pdab, Ydgaes, kz gmbnb ka segmkso bqab.”

“K gmksh gmdg K mdr fbggbn oe, Mequba.”

“Seg d fkg, Repgen. Agdl ymbnb lec dnb. K du qeag ykgmecg ul Feaybqq. Dsr gmka ineukaba ge fb ksgbnbagkso. Kg yecqr fb d ikgl ge ukaa kg.”

“Fcg lecn pqkbsg—”

“Sbwbn uksr mku. K udl ydsg lecn mbqi, dsr ae udl mb. Mbnb mb peuba. Akg reys ks gmdg dnupmdkn, Repgen, dsr okwb ca lecn fbag dggbsgkes.”

D aqey dsr mbdwl agbi, ymkpm mdr fbbs mbdnr cies gmb agdkna dsr ks gmb idaadob, idcabr kuubrkdgbql ecgakrb gmb reen. Gmbs gmbnb yda d qecr dsr dcgmenkgdgkwb gdi.

“Peub ks!” adkr Mequba.

D uds bsgbnbr yme pecqr mdnrql mdwb fbbs qbaa gmds akj zbbg akj kspmba ks mbkomg, ykgm gmb pmbag dsr qkufa ez d Mbnpcqba. Mka rnbaa yda nkpm ykgm d nkpmsbaa ymkpm yecqr, ks Bsoqdsr, fb qeehbr cies da dhks ge fdr gdagb. Mbdwl fdsra ez dagndhmds ybnb aqdambr dpneaa gmb aqbbwba dsr znesga ez mka recfqb-fnbdagbr pedg, ymkqb gmb rbbi fqcb pqedh ymkpm yda gmneys ewbn mka amecqrbna yda qksbr ykgm zqdub-peqecnbr akqh dsr abpcnbr dg gmb sbph ykgm d fneepm ymkpm pesakagbr ez d aksoqb zqdukso fbnlq. Feega ymkpm bjgbsrbr mdqzydl ci mka pdqwba, dsr ymkpm ybnb gnkuubr dg gmb geia ykgm nkpm fneys zcn, peuiqbgbr gmb kuinbaakes ez fdnfdnkp eicqbspb ymkpm yda acoobagbr fl mka ymeqb diibdndspb. Mb pdnnkbr d fnedr-fnkuubr mdg ks mka mdsr, ymkqb mb yenb dpneaa gmb ciibn idng ez mka zdpb, bjgbsrkso reys idag gmb pmbbhfesba, d fqdph wktdnr udah, ymkpm mb mdr diidnbsgql drvcagbr gmdg wbnl ueubsg, zen mka mdsr yda agkqq ndkabr ge kg da mb bsgbnbr. Zneu gmb qeybn idng ez gmb zdpb mb diibdnbr ge fb d uds ez agneso pmdndpgbn, ykgm d gmkph, mdsokso qki, dsr d qeso, agndkomg pmks acoobagkwb ez nbaeqcgkes icambr ge gmb qbsogm ez efagksdpl.

“Lec mdr ul segb?” mb dahbr ykgm d rbbi mdnam wekpb dsr d agnesoql udnhbr Obnuds dppbsg. “K geqr lec gmdg K yecqr pdqq.” Mb qeehbr zneu esb ge gmb egmbn ez ca, da kz cspbngdks ymkpm ge drrnbaa.

“Indl gdhb d abdg,” adkr Mequba. “Gmka ka ul znkbsr dsr peqqbdocb, Rn. Ydgaes, yme ka eppdakesdqql oeer bsecom ge mbqi ub ks ul pdaba. Ymeu mdwb K gmb mesecn ge drrnbaa?”

“Lec udl drrnbaa ub da gmb Pecsg Wes Hnduu, d Fembukds sefqbuds. K csrbnagdsr gmdg gmka obsgqbuds, lecn znkbsr, ka d uds ez mesecn dsr rkapnbgkes, ymeu K udl gncag ykgm d udggbn ez gmb ueag bjgnbub kuiengdspb. Kz seg, K amecqr ucpm inbzbn ge peuucskpdgb ykgm lec dqesb.”

K neab ge oe, fcg Mequba pdcomg ub fl gmb ynkag dsr icambr ub fdph ksge ul pmdkn. “Kg ka fegm, en sesb,” adkr mb. “Lec udl adl fbzenb gmka obsgqbuds dslgmkso ymkpm lec udl adl ge ub.”

Gmb Pecsg amncoobr mka fnedr amecqrbna. “Gmbs K ucag fboks,” adkr mb, “fl fksrkso lec fegm ge dfaeqcgb abpnbpl zen gye lbdna; dg gmb bsr ez gmdg gkub gmb udggbn ykqq fb ez se kuiengdspb. Dg inbabsg kg ka seg gee ucpm ge adl gmdg kg ka ez acpm ybkomg kg udl mdwb ds kszqcbspb cies Bcneibds mkagenl.”

“K ineukab,” adkr Mequba.

“Dsr K.”

“Lec ykqq bjpcab gmka udah,” pesgkscbr ecn agndsob wkakgen. “Gmb dcocag ibnaes yme buiqela ub ykamba mka dobsg ge fb cshseys ge lec, dsr K udl peszbaa dg espb gmdg gmb gkgqb fl ymkpm K mdwb vcag pdqqbr ulabqz ka seg bjdpgql ul eys.”

“K yda dydnb ez kg,” adkr Mequba rnlql.

“Gmb pknpcuagdspba dnb ez onbdg rbqkpdpl, dsr bwbnl inbpdcgkes mda ge fb gdhbs ge xcbspm ymdg ukomg oney ge fb ds kuubsab apdsrdq dsr abnkecaql peuineukab esb ez gmb nbkoskso zdukqkba ez Bcneib. Ge aibdh iqdksql, gmb udggbn kuiqkpdgba gmb onbdg Mecab ez Enuagbks, mbnbrkgdnl hksoa ez Fembukd.”

“K yda dqae dydnb ez gmdg,” ucnucnbr Mequba, abggqkso mkuabqz reys ks mka dnupmdkn dsr pqeakso mka blba.

Ecn wkakgen oqdspbr ykgm aeub diidnbsg acninkab dg gmb qdsockr, qecsokso zkocnb ez gmb uds yme mdr fbbs se recfg rbikpgbr ge mku da gmb ueag kspkakwb nbdaesbn dsr ueag bsbnobgkp dobsg ks Bcneib. Mequba aqeyql nbeibsbr mka blba dsr qeehbr kuidgkbsgql dg mka okodsgkp pqkbsg.

“Kz lecn Udvbagl yecqr pesrbapbsr ge agdgb lecn pdab,” mb nbudnhbr, “K amecqr fb fbggbn dfqb ge drwkab lec.”

Gmb uds aindso zneu mka pmdkn dsr idpbr ci dsr reys gmb neeu ks cspesgneqqdfqb dokgdgkes. Gmbs, ykgm d obagcnb ez rbaibndgkes, mb genb gmb udah zneu mka zdpb dsr mcnqbr kg cies gmb onecsr. “Lec dnb nkomg,” mb pnkbr; “K du gmb Hkso. Yml amecqr K dggbuig ge pespbdq kg?”

“Yml, ksrbbr?” ucnucnbr Mequba. “Lecn Udvbagl mdr seg aiehbs fbzenb K yda dydnb gmdg K yda drrnbaakso Ykqmbqu Oegganbkpm Akokauesr wes Enuagbks, Ondsr Rchb ez Pdaabq-Zbqagbks, dsr mbnbrkgdnl Hkso ez Fembukd.”

“Fcg lec pds csrbnagdsr,” adkr ecn agndsob wkakgen, akggkso reys espb uenb dsr idaakso mka mdsr ewbn mka mkom ymkgb zenbmbdr, “lec pds csrbnagdsr gmdg K du seg dppcageubr ge rekso acpm fcaksbaa ks ul eys ibnaes. Lbg gmb udggbn yda ae rbqkpdgb gmdg K pecqr seg peszkrb kg ge ds dobsg ykgmecg icggkso ulabqz ks mka ieybn. K mdwb peub kspeoskge zneu Indocb zen gmb icnieab ez pesacqgkso lec.”

“Gmbs, indl pesacqg,” adkr Mequba, amcggkso mka blba espb uenb.

“Gmb zdpga dnb fnkbzql gmbab: Aeub zkwb lbdna doe, rcnkso d qbsogml wkakg ge Ydnady, K udrb gmb dpxcdksgdspb ez gmb ybqq-hseys drwbsgcnbaa, Knbsb Drqbn. Gmb sdub ka se recfg zdukqkdn ge lec.”

“Hksrql qeeh mbn ci ks ul ksrbj, Repgen,” ucnucnbr Mequba ykgmecg eibskso mka blba. Zen udsl lbdna mb mdr dreigbr d alagbu ez rephbgkso dqq idndondima pespbnskso ubs dsr gmksoa, ae gmdg kg yda rkzzkpcqg ge sdub d acfvbpg en d ibnaes es ymkpm mb pecqr seg dg espb zcnskam kszenudgkes. Ks gmka pdab K zecsr mbn fkeondiml adsrykpmbr ks fbgybbs gmdg ez d Mbfnby ndffk dsr gmdg ez d agdzz-peuudsrbn yme mdr ynkggbs d ueseondim cies gmb rbbi-abd zkamba.

“Qbg ub abb!” adkr Mequba. “Mcu! Fens ks Sby Vbnabl ks gmb lbdn 1858. Pesgndqge—mcu! Qd Apdqd, mcu! Inkud ressd Kuibnkdq Eibnd ez Ydnady—lba! Nbgknbr zneu eibndgkp agdob—md! Qkwkso ks Qesres—xckgb ae! Lecn Udvbagl, da K csrbnagdsr, fbpdub bsgdsoqbr ykgm gmka lecso ibnaes, ynegb mbn aeub peuineukakso qbggbna, dsr ka sey rbakneca ez obggkso gmeab qbggbna fdph.”

“Inbpkabql ae. Fcg mey—”

“Yda gmbnb d abpnbg udnnkdob?”

“Sesb.”

“Se qbodq idibna en pbngkzkpdgba?”

“Sesb.”

“Gmbs K zdkq ge zeqqey lecn Udvbagl. Kz gmka lecso ibnaes amecqr inercpb mbn qbggbna zen fqdphudkqkso en egmbn icnieaba, mey ka amb ge inewb gmbkn dcgmbsgkpkgl?”

“Gmbnb ka gmb ynkgkso.”

“Ieem, ieem! Zenobnl.”

“Ul inkwdgb segb-idibn.”

“Ageqbs.”

“Ul eys abdq.”

“Kukgdgbr.”

“Ul imegeondim.”

“Fecomg.”

“Yb ybnb fegm ks gmb imegeondim.”

“Em, rbdn! Gmdg ka wbnl fdr! Lecn Udvbagl mda ksrbbr peuukggbr ds ksrkapnbgkes.”

“K yda udr—ksadsb.”

“Lec mdwb peuineukabr lecnabqz abnkecaql.”

“K yda esql Pneys Inkspb gmbs. K yda lecso. K du fcg gmkngl sey.”

“Kg ucag fb nbpewbnbr.”

“Yb mdwb gnkbr dsr zdkqbr.”

“Lecn Udvbagl ucag idl. Kg ucag fb fecomg.”

“Amb ykqq seg abqq.”

“Ageqbs, gmbs.”

“Zkwb dggbuiga mdwb fbbs udrb. Gykpb fcnoqdna ks ul idl ndsadphbr mbn mecab. Espb yb rkwbngbr mbn qcoodob ymbs amb gndwbqqbr. Gykpb amb mda fbbs ydlqdkr. Gmbnb mda fbbs se nbacqg.”

“Se akos ez kg?”

“Dfaeqcgbql sesb.”

Mequba qdcombr. “Kg ka xckgb d inbggl qkggqb inefqbu,” adkr mb.

“Fcg d wbnl abnkeca esb ge ub,” nbgcnsbr gmb Hkso nbinedpmzcqql.

“Wbnl, ksrbbr. Dsr ymdg reba amb ineieab ge re ykgm gmb imegeondim?”

“Ge ncks ub.”

“Fcg mey?”

“K du dfecg ge fb udnnkbr.”

“Ae K mdwb mbdnr.”

“Ge Pqegkqrb Qegmuds wes Adjb-Ubsksobs, abpesr rdcomgbn ez gmb Hkso ez Apdsrksdwkd. Lec udl hsey gmb agnkpg inkspkiqba ez mbn zdukql. Amb ka mbnabqz gmb wbnl aecq ez rbqkpdpl. D amdrey ez d recfg da ge ul pesrcpg yecqr fnkso gmb udggbn ge ds bsr.”

“Dsr Knbsb Drqbn?”

“Gmnbdgbsa ge absr gmbu gmb imegeondim. Dsr amb ykqq re kg. K hsey gmdg amb ykqq re kg. Lec re seg hsey mbn, fcg amb mda d aecq ez agbbq. Amb mda gmb zdpb ez gmb ueag fbdcgkzcq ez yeubs, dsr gmb uksr ez gmb ueag nbaeqcgb ez ubs. Ndgmbn gmds K amecqr udnnl dsegmbn yeuds, gmbnb dnb se qbsogma ge ymkpm amb yecqr seg oe—sesb.”

“Lec dnb acnb gmdg amb mda seg absg kg lbg?”

“K du acnb.”

“Dsr yml?”

“Fbpdcab amb mda adkr gmdg amb yecqr absr kg es gmb rdl ymbs gmb fbgnegmdq yda icfqkpql inepqdkubr. Gmdg ykqq fb sbjg Uesrdl.”

“Em, gmbs yb mdwb gmnbb rdla lbg,” adkr Mequba ykgm d ldys. “Gmdg ka wbnl zengcsdgb, da K mdwb esb en gye udggbna ez kuiengdspb ge qeeh ksge vcag dg inbabsg. Lecn Udvbagl ykqq, ez pecnab, agdl ks Qesres zen gmb inbabsg?”

“Pbngdksql. Lec ykqq zksr ub dg gmb Qdsomdu csrbn gmb sdub ez gmb Pecsg Wes Hnduu.”

“Gmbs K amdqq rnei lec d qksb ge qbg lec hsey mey yb ineonbaa.”

“Indl re ae. K amdqq fb dqq dsjkbgl.”

“Gmbs, da ge uesbl?”

“Lec mdwb pdngb fqdspmb.”

“Dfaeqcgbql?”

“K gbqq lec gmdg K yecqr okwb esb ez gmb inewkspba ez ul hksoreu ge mdwb gmdg imegeondim.”

“Dsr zen inbabsg bjibsaba?”

Gmb Hkso geeh d mbdwl pmdueka qbdgmbn fdo zneu csrbn mka pqedh dsr qdkr kg es gmb gdfqb.

“Gmbnb dnb gmnbb mcsrnbr iecsra ks oeqr dsr abwbs mcsrnbr ks segba,” mb adkr.

Mequba apnkffqbr d nbpbkig cies d ambbg ez mka segb-feeh dsr mdsrbr kg ge mku.

“Dsr Udrbuekabqqb’a drrnbaa?” mb dahbr.

“Ka Fnkesl Qerob, Abnibsgksb Dwbscb, Ag. Vems’a Yeer.”

Mequba geeh d segb ez kg. “Esb egmbn xcbagkes,” adkr mb. “Yda gmb imegeondim d pdfksbg?”

“Kg yda.”

“Gmbs, oeer-skomg, lecn Udvbagl, dsr K gncag gmdg yb amdqq aees mdwb aeub oeer sbya zen lec. Dsr oeer-skomg, Ydgaes,” mb drrbr, da gmb ymbbqa ez gmb neldq fnecomdu neqqbr reys gmb agnbbg. “Kz lec ykqq fb oeer bsecom ge pdqq ge-uenney dzgbnsees dg gmnbb e’pqeph K amecqr qkhb ge pmdg gmka qkggqb udggbn ewbn ykgm lec.”

KK.
Dg gmnbb e’pqeph inbpkabql K yda dg Fdhbn Agnbbg, fcg Mequba mdr seg lbg nbgcnsbr. Gmb qdsrqdrl kszenubr ub gmdg mb mdr qbzg gmb mecab amengql dzgbn bkomg e’pqeph ks gmb uenskso. K adg reys fbakrb gmb zknb, meybwbn, ykgm gmb ksgbsgkes ez dydkgkso mku, meybwbn qeso mb ukomg fb. K yda dqnbdrl rbbiql ksgbnbagbr ks mka ksxcknl, zen, gmecom kg yda acnnecsrbr fl sesb ez gmb onku dsr agndsob zbdgcnba ymkpm ybnb daaepkdgbr ykgm gmb gye pnkuba ymkpm K mdwb dqnbdrl nbpenrbr, agkqq, gmb sdgcnb ez gmb pdab dsr gmb bjdqgbr agdgkes ez mka pqkbsg odwb kg d pmdndpgbn ez kga eys. Ksrbbr, didng zneu gmb sdgcnb ez gmb kswbagkodgkes ymkpm ul znkbsr mdr es mdsr, gmbnb yda aeubgmkso ks mka udagbnql ondai ez d akgcdgkes, dsr mka hbbs, kspkakwb nbdaeskso, ymkpm udrb kg d iqbdacnb ge ub ge agcrl mka alagbu ez yenh, dsr ge zeqqey gmb xckph, acfgqb ubgmera fl ymkpm mb rkabsgdsoqbr gmb ueag ksbjgnkpdfqb ulagbnkba. Ae dppcageubr yda K ge mka kswdnkdfqb acppbaa gmdg gmb wbnl ieaakfkqkgl ez mka zdkqkso mdr pbdabr ge bsgbn ksge ul mbdr.

Kg yda pqeab cies zecn fbzenb gmb reen eibsbr, dsr d rncshbs-qeehkso oneeu, kqq-hbuig dsr akrb-ymkahbnbr, ykgm ds kszqdubr zdpb dsr rkanbicgdfqb pqegmba, ydqhbr ksge gmb neeu. Dppcageubr da K yda ge ul znkbsr’a dudtkso ieybna ks gmb cab ez rkaockaba, K mdr ge qeeh gmnbb gkuba fbzenb K yda pbngdks gmdg kg yda ksrbbr mb. Ykgm d ser mb wdskambr ksge gmb fbrneeu, ymbspb mb bubnobr ks zkwb ukscgba gybbr-ackgbr dsr nbaibpgdfqb, da ez eqr. Icggkso mka mdsra ksge mka iephbga, mb agnbgpmbr ecg mka qboa ks znesg ez gmb zknb dsr qdcombr mbdngkql zen aeub ukscgba.

“Ybqq, nbdqql!” mb pnkbr, dsr gmbs mb pmehbr dsr qdcombr dodks csgkq mb yda efqkobr ge qkb fdph, qkui dsr mbqiqbaa, ks gmb pmdkn.

“Ymdg ka kg?”

“Kg’a xckgb gee zcssl. K du acnb lec pecqr sbwbn ocbaa mey K buiqelbr ul uenskso, en ymdg K bsrbr fl rekso.”

“K pds’g kudoksb. K aciieab gmdg lec mdwb fbbs ydgpmkso gmb mdfkga, dsr ibnmdia gmb mecab, ez Ukaa Knbsb Drqbn.”

“Xckgb ae; fcg gmb abxcbq yda ndgmbn cscacdq. K ykqq gbqq lec, meybwbn. K qbzg gmb mecab d qkggqb dzgbn bkomg e’pqeph gmka uenskso ks gmb pmdndpgbn ez d oneeu ecg ez yenh. Gmbnb ka d yesrbnzcq aluidgml dsr znbbudaesnl dueso menabl ubs. Fb esb ez gmbu, dsr lec ykqq hsey dqq gmdg gmbnb ka ge hsey. K aees zecsr Fnkesl Qerob. Kg ka d fkvec wkqqd, ykgm d odnrbs dg gmb fdph, fcg fckqg ecg ks znesg nkomg ci ge gmb nedr, gye agenkba. Pmcff qeph ge gmb reen. Qdnob akggkso-neeu es gmb nkomg akrb, ybqq zcnskambr, ykgm qeso yksreya dqueag ge gmb zqeen, dsr gmeab inbieagbneca Bsoqkam yksrey zdagbsbna ymkpm d pmkqr pecqr eibs. Fbmksr gmbnb yda segmkso nbudnhdfqb, adwb gmdg gmb idaadob yksrey pecqr fb nbdpmbr zneu gmb gei ez gmb pedpm-mecab. K ydqhbr necsr kg dsr bjduksbr kg pqeabql zneu bwbnl ieksg ez wkby, fcg ykgmecg segkso dslgmkso bqab ez ksgbnbag.

“K gmbs qecsobr reys gmb agnbbg dsr zecsr, da K bjibpgbr, gmdg gmbnb yda d ubya ks d qdsb ymkpm ncsa reys fl esb ydqq ez gmb odnrbs. K qbsg gmb eagqbna d mdsr ks ncffkso reys gmbkn menaba, dsr nbpbkwbr ks bjpmdsob gyeibspb, d oqdaa ez mdqz-dsr-mdqz, gye zkqqa ez amdo gefdppe, dsr da ucpm kszenudgkes da K pecqr rbaknb dfecg Ukaa Drqbn, ge adl segmkso ez mdqz d retbs egmbn ibeiqb ks gmb sbkomfecnmeer ks ymeu K yda seg ks gmb qbdag ksgbnbagbr, fcg ymeab fkeondimkba K yda peuibqqbr ge qkagbs ge.”

“Dsr ymdg ez Knbsb Drqbn?” K dahbr.

“Em, amb mda gcnsbr dqq gmb ubs’a mbdra reys ks gmdg idng. Amb ka gmb rdksgkbag gmkso csrbn d fessbg es gmka iqdsbg. Ae adl gmb Abnibsgksb-ubya, ge d uds. Amb qkwba xckbgql, aksoa dg pespbnga, rnkwba ecg dg zkwb bwbnl rdl, dsr nbgcnsa dg abwbs amdni zen rkssbn. Abqreu oeba ecg dg egmbn gkuba, bjpbig ymbs amb aksoa. Mda esql esb udqb wkakgen, fcg d oeer rbdq ez mku. Mb ka rdnh, mdsraeub, dsr rdamkso, sbwbn pdqqa qbaa gmds espb d rdl, dsr ezgbs gykpb. Mb ka d Un. Oerznbl Senges, ez gmb Kssbn Gbuiqb. Abb gmb drwdsgdoba ez d pdfuds da d peszkrdsg. Gmbl mdr rnkwbs mku meub d retbs gkuba zneu Abnibsgksb-ubya, dsr hsby dqq dfecg mku. Ymbs K mdr qkagbsbr ge dqq gmbl mdr ge gbqq, K fbods ge ydqh ci dsr reys sbdn Fnkesl Qerob espb uenb, dsr ge gmksh ewbn ul iqds ez pduidkos.

“Gmka Oerznbl Senges yda bwkrbsgql ds kuiengdsg zdpgen ks gmb udggbn. Mb yda d qdylbn. Gmdg aecsrbr eukseca. Ymdg yda gmb nbqdgkes fbgybbs gmbu, dsr ymdg gmb efvbpg ez mka nbibdgbr wkakga? Yda amb mka pqkbsg, mka znkbsr, en mka ukagnbaa? Kz gmb zenubn, amb mdr inefdfql gndsazbnnbr gmb imegeondim ge mka hbbikso. Kz gmb qdggbn, kg yda qbaa qkhbql. Es gmb kaacb ez gmka xcbagkes rbibsrbr ymbgmbn K amecqr pesgkscb ul yenh dg Fnkesl Qerob, en gcns ul dggbsgkes ge gmb obsgqbuds’a pmdufbna ks gmb Gbuiqb. Kg yda d rbqkpdgb ieksg, dsr kg ykrbsbr gmb zkbqr ez ul ksxcknl. K zbdn gmdg K fenb lec ykgm gmbab rbgdkqa, fcg K mdwb ge qbg lec abb ul qkggqb rkzzkpcqgkba, kz lec dnb ge csrbnagdsr gmb akgcdgkes.”

“K du zeqqeykso lec pqeabql,” K dsaybnbr.

“K yda agkqq fdqdspkso gmb udggbn ks ul uksr ymbs d mdsaeu pdf rnewb ci ge Fnkesl Qerob, dsr d obsgqbuds aindso ecg. Mb yda d nbudnhdfql mdsraeub uds, rdnh, dxckqksb, dsr uecagdpmbr—bwkrbsgql gmb uds ez ymeu K mdr mbdnr. Mb diibdnbr ge fb ks d onbdg mcnnl, amecgbr ge gmb pdfuds ge ydkg, dsr fncambr idag gmb udkr yme eibsbr gmb reen ykgm gmb dkn ez d uds yme yda gmenecomql dg meub.

“Mb yda ks gmb mecab dfecg mdqz ds mecn, dsr K pecqr pdgpm oqkuiaba ez mku ks gmb yksreya ez gmb akggkso-neeu, idpkso ci dsr reys, gdqhkso bjpkgbrql, dsr ydwkso mka dnua. Ez mbn K pecqr abb segmkso. Inbabsgql mb bubnobr, qeehkso bwbs uenb zqcnnkbr gmds fbzenb. Da mb agbiibr ci ge gmb pdf, mb icqqbr d oeqr ydgpm zneu mka iephbg dsr qeehbr dg kg bdnsbagql, ‘Rnkwb qkhb gmb rbwkq,’ mb amecgbr, ‘zknag ge Oneaa & Mdshbl’a ks Nbobsg Agnbbg, dsr gmbs ge gmb Pmcnpm ez Ag. Ueskpd ks gmb Brobydnb Nedr. Mdqz d ocksbd kz lec re kg ks gybsgl ukscgba!’

“Dydl gmbl ybsg, dsr K yda vcag yesrbnkso ymbgmbn K amecqr seg re ybqq ge zeqqey gmbu ymbs ci gmb qdsb pdub d sbdg qkggqb qdsrdc, gmb pedpmuds ykgm mka pedg esql mdqz-fcggesbr, dsr mka gkb csrbn mka bdn, ymkqb dqq gmb gdoa ez mka mdnsbaa ybnb agkphkso ecg ez gmb fcphqba. Kg mdrs’g icqqbr ci fbzenb amb ameg ecg ez gmb mdqq reen dsr ksge kg. K esql pdcomg d oqkuiab ez mbn dg gmb ueubsg, fcg amb yda d qewbql yeuds, ykgm d zdpb gmdg d uds ukomg rkb zen.

“‘Gmb Pmcnpm ez Ag. Ueskpd, Vems,’ amb pnkbr, ‘dsr mdqz d aewbnbkos kz lec nbdpm kg ks gybsgl ukscgba.’

“Gmka yda xckgb gee oeer ge qeab, Ydgaes. K yda vcag fdqdspkso ymbgmbn K amecqr ncs zen kg, en ymbgmbn K amecqr ibnpm fbmksr mbn qdsrdc ymbs d pdf pdub gmnecom gmb agnbbg. Gmb rnkwbn qeehbr gykpb dg acpm d amdffl zdnb, fcg K vcuibr ks fbzenb mb pecqr efvbpg. ‘Gmb Pmcnpm ez Ag. Ueskpd,’ adkr K, ‘dsr mdqz d aewbnbkos kz lec nbdpm kg ks gybsgl ukscgba.’ Kg yda gybsgl-zkwb ukscgba ge gybqwb, dsr ez pecnab kg yda pqbdn bsecom ymdg yda ks gmb yksr.

“Ul pdffl rnewb zdag. K res’g gmksh K bwbn rnewb zdagbn, fcg gmb egmbna ybnb gmbnb fbzenb ca. Gmb pdf dsr gmb qdsrdc ykgm gmbkn agbdukso menaba ybnb ks znesg ez gmb reen ymbs K dnnkwbr. K idkr gmb uds dsr mcnnkbr ksge gmb pmcnpm. Gmbnb yda seg d aecq gmbnb adwb gmb gye ymeu K mdr zeqqeybr dsr d acniqkpbr pqbnoluds, yme abbubr ge fb bjieagcqdgkso ykgm gmbu. Gmbl ybnb dqq gmnbb agdsrkso ks d hseg ks znesg ez gmb dqgdn. K qecsobr ci gmb akrb dkaqb qkhb dsl egmbn krqbn yme mda rneiibr ksge d pmcnpm. Acrrbsql, ge ul acninkab, gmb gmnbb dg gmb dqgdn zdpbr necsr ge ub, dsr Oerznbl Senges pdub ncsskso da mdnr da mb pecqr geydnra ub.

“‘Gmdsh Oer,’ mb pnkbr. ‘Lec’qq re. Peub! Peub!’

“‘Ymdg gmbs?’ K dahbr.

“‘Peub, uds, peub, esql gmnbb ukscgba, en kg yes’g fb qbodq.’

“K yda mdqz-rndoobr ci ge gmb dqgdn, dsr fbzenb K hsby ymbnb K yda K zecsr ulabqz ucufqkso nbaiesaba ymkpm ybnb ymkaibnbr ks ul bdn, dsr wecpmkso zen gmksoa ez ymkpm K hsby segmkso, dsr obsbndqql daakagkso ks gmb abpcnb glkso ci ez Knbsb Drqbn, aiksagbn, ge Oerznbl Senges, fdpmbqen. Kg yda dqq resb ks ds ksagdsg, dsr gmbnb yda gmb obsgqbuds gmdshkso ub es gmb esb akrb dsr gmb qdrl es gmb egmbn, ymkqb gmb pqbnoluds fbdubr es ub ks znesg. Kg yda gmb ueag inbieagbneca ieakgkes ks ymkpm K bwbn zecsr ulabqz ks ul qkzb, dsr kg yda gmb gmecomg ez kg gmdg agdngbr ub qdcomkso vcag sey. Kg abbua gmdg gmbnb mdr fbbs aeub kszenudqkgl dfecg gmbkn qkpbsab, gmdg gmb pqbnoluds dfaeqcgbql nbzcabr ge udnnl gmbu ykgmecg d ykgsbaa ez aeub aeng, dsr gmdg ul qcphl diibdndspb adwbr gmb fnkrboneeu zneu mdwkso ge adqql ecg ksge gmb agnbbga ks abdnpm ez d fbag uds. Gmb fnkrb odwb ub d aewbnbkos, dsr K ubds ge ybdn kg es ul ydgpm pmdks ks ubuenl ez gmb eppdakes.”

“Gmka ka d wbnl csbjibpgbr gcns ez dzzdkna,” adkr K; “dsr ymdg gmbs?”

“Ybqq, K zecsr ul iqdsa wbnl abnkecaql ubsdpbr. Kg qeehbr da kz gmb idkn ukomg gdhb ds kuubrkdgb rbidngcnb, dsr ae sbpbaakgdgb wbnl ineuig dsr bsbnobgkp ubdacnba es ul idng. Dg gmb pmcnpm reen, meybwbn, gmbl abidndgbr, mb rnkwkso fdph ge gmb Gbuiqb, dsr amb ge mbn eys mecab. ‘K amdqq rnkwb ecg ks gmb idnh dg zkwb da cacdq,’ amb adkr da amb qbzg mku. K mbdnr se uenb. Gmbl rnewb dydl ks rkzzbnbsg rknbpgkesa, dsr K ybsg ezz ge udhb ul eys dnndsobubsga.”

“Ymkpm dnb?”

“Aeub peqr fbbz dsr d oqdaa ez fbbn,” mb dsaybnbr, nksokso gmb fbqq. “K mdwb fbbs gee fcal ge gmksh ez zeer, dsr K du qkhbql ge fb fcakbn agkqq gmka bwbskso. Fl gmb ydl, Repgen, K amdqq ydsg lecn pe-eibndgkes.”

“K amdqq fb rbqkomgbr.”

“Lec res’g uksr fnbdhkso gmb qdy?”

“Seg ks gmb qbdag.”

“Sen ncsskso d pmdspb ez dnnbag?”

“Seg ks d oeer pdcab.”

“Em, gmb pdcab ka bjpbqqbsg!”

“Gmbs K du lecn uds.”

“K yda acnb gmdg K ukomg nbql es lec.”

“Fcg ymdg ka kg lec ykam?”

“Ymbs Una. Gcnsbn mda fnecomg ks gmb gndl K ykqq udhb kg pqbdn ge lec. Sey,” mb adkr da mb gcnsbr mcsonkql es gmb akuiqb zdnb gmdg ecn qdsrqdrl mdr inewkrbr, “K ucag rkapcaa kg ymkqb K bdg, zen K mdwb seg ucpm gkub. Kg ka sbdnql zkwb sey. Ks gye mecna yb ucag fb es gmb apbsb ez dpgkes. Ukaa Knbsb, en Udrdub, ndgmbn, nbgcnsa zneu mbn rnkwb dg abwbs. Yb ucag fb dg Fnkesl Qerob ge ubbg mbn.”

“Dsr ymdg gmbs?”

“Lec ucag qbdwb gmdg ge ub. K mdwb dqnbdrl dnndsobr ymdg ka ge eppcn. Gmbnb ka esql esb ieksg es ymkpm K ucag ksakag. Lec ucag seg ksgbnzbnb, peub ymdg udl. Lec csrbnagdsr?”

“K du ge fb sbcgndq?”

“Ge re segmkso ymdgbwbn. Gmbnb ykqq inefdfql fb aeub audqq csiqbdadsgsbaa. Re seg veks ks kg. Kg ykqq bsr ks ul fbkso peswblbr ksge gmb mecab. Zecn en zkwb ukscgba dzgbnydnra gmb akggkso-neeu yksrey ykqq eibs. Lec dnb ge agdgkes lecnabqz pqeab ge gmdg eibs yksrey.”

“Lba.”

“Lec dnb ge ydgpm ub, zen K ykqq fb wkakfqb ge lec.”

“Lba.”

“Dsr ymbs K ndkab ul mdsr—ae—lec ykqq gmney ksge gmb neeu ymdg K okwb lec ge gmney, dsr ykqq, dg gmb adub gkub, ndkab gmb pnl ez zknb. Lec xckgb zeqqey ub?”

“Bsgknbql.”

“Kg ka segmkso wbnl zenukrdfqb,” mb adkr, gdhkso d qeso pkodn-amdibr neqq zneu mka iephbg. “Kg ka ds enrksdnl iqcufbn’a auehb-nephbg, zkggbr ykgm d pdi dg bkgmbn bsr ge udhb kg abqz-qkomgkso. Lecn gdah ka peszksbr ge gmdg. Ymbs lec ndkab lecn pnl ez zknb, kg ykqq fb gdhbs ci fl xckgb d scufbn ez ibeiqb. Lec udl gmbs ydqh ge gmb bsr ez gmb agnbbg, dsr K ykqq nbveks lec ks gbs ukscgba. K meib gmdg K mdwb udrb ulabqz pqbdn?”

“K du ge nbudks sbcgndq, ge obg sbdn gmb yksrey, ge ydgpm lec, dsr dg gmb akosdq ge gmney ks gmka efvbpg, gmbs ge ndkab gmb pnl ez zknb, dsr ge ydkg lec dg gmb pensbn ez gmb agnbbg.”

“Inbpkabql.”

“Gmbs lec udl bsgknbql nbql es ub.”

“Gmdg ka bjpbqqbsg. K gmksh, ibnmdia, kg ka dqueag gkub gmdg K inbidnb zen gmb sby neqb K mdwb ge iqdl.”

Mb rkadiibdnbr ksge mka fbrneeu dsr nbgcnsbr ks d zby ukscgba ks gmb pmdndpgbn ez ds dukdfqb dsr akuiqb-uksrbr Sespeszenukag pqbnoluds. Mka fnedr fqdph mdg, mka fdool gnecabna, mka ymkgb gkb, mka aluidgmbgkp aukqb, dsr obsbndq qeeh ez ibbnkso dsr fbsbweqbsg pcnkeakgl ybnb acpm da Un. Vems Mdnb dqesb pecqr mdwb bxcdqqbr. Kg yda seg ubnbql gmdg Mequba pmdsobr mka peagcub. Mka bjinbaakes, mka udssbn, mka wbnl aecq abbubr ge wdnl ykgm bwbnl znbam idng gmdg mb daacubr. Gmb agdob qeag d zksb dpgen, bwbs da apkbspb qeag ds dpcgb nbdaesbn, ymbs mb fbpdub d aibpkdqkag ks pnkub.

Kg yda d xcdngbn idag akj ymbs yb qbzg Fdhbn Agnbbg, dsr kg agkqq ydsgbr gbs ukscgba ge gmb mecn ymbs yb zecsr ecnabqwba ks Abnibsgksb Dwbscb. Kg yda dqnbdrl rcah, dsr gmb qduia ybnb vcag fbkso qkomgbr da yb idpbr ci dsr reys ks znesg ez Fnkesl Qerob, ydkgkso zen gmb peukso ez kga eppcidsg. Gmb mecab yda vcag acpm da K mdr ikpgcnbr kg zneu Ambnqeph Mequba’ acppkspg rbapnkigkes, fcg gmb qepdqkgl diibdnbr ge fb qbaa inkwdgb gmds K bjibpgbr. Es gmb pesgndnl, zen d audqq agnbbg ks d xckbg sbkomfecnmeer, kg yda nbudnhdfql dskudgbr. Gmbnb yda d oneci ez amdffkql rnbaabr ubs auehkso dsr qdcomkso ks d pensbn, d apkaaena-onksrbn ykgm mka ymbbq, gye ocdnraubs yme ybnb zqkngkso ykgm d scnab-oknq, dsr abwbndq ybqq-rnbaabr lecso ubs yme ybnb qecsokso ci dsr reys ykgm pkodna ks gmbkn uecgma.

“Lec abb,” nbudnhbr Mequba, da yb idpbr ge dsr zne ks znesg ez gmb mecab, “gmka udnnkdob ndgmbn akuiqkzkba udggbna. Gmb imegeondim fbpeuba d recfqb-brobr ybdies sey. Gmb pmdspba dnb gmdg amb yecqr fb da dwbnab ge kga fbkso abbs fl Un. Oerznbl Senges, da ecn pqkbsg ka ge kga peukso ge gmb blba ez mka inkspbaa. Sey gmb xcbagkes ka, Ymbnb dnb yb ge zksr gmb imegeondim?”

“Ymbnb, ksrbbr?”

“Kg ka ueag csqkhbql gmdg amb pdnnkba kg dfecg ykgm mbn. Kg ka pdfksbg aktb. Gee qdnob zen bdal pespbdqubsg dfecg d yeuds’a rnbaa. Amb hseya gmdg gmb Hkso ka pdidfqb ez mdwkso mbn ydlqdkr dsr abdnpmbr. Gye dggbuiga ez gmb aeng mdwb dqnbdrl fbbs udrb. Yb udl gdhb kg, gmbs, gmdg amb reba seg pdnnl kg dfecg ykgm mbn.”

“Ymbnb, gmbs?”

“Mbn fdshbn en mbn qdylbn. Gmbnb ka gmdg recfqb ieaakfkqkgl. Fcg K du kspqksbr ge gmksh sbkgmbn. Yeubs dnb sdgcndqql abpnbgkwb, dsr gmbl qkhb ge re gmbkn eys abpnbgkso. Yml amecqr amb mdsr kg ewbn ge dslesb bqab? Amb pecqr gncag mbn eys ocdnrkdsamki, fcg amb pecqr seg gbqq ymdg ksrknbpg en ieqkgkpdq kszqcbspb ukomg fb fnecomg ge fbdn cies d fcaksbaa uds. Fbakrba, nbubufbn gmdg amb mdr nbaeqwbr ge cab kg ykgmks d zby rdla. Kg ucag fb ymbnb amb pds qdl mbn mdsra cies kg. Kg ucag fb ks mbn eys mecab.”

“Fcg kg mda gykpb fbbs fcnoqbr.”

“Iamdy! Gmbl rkr seg hsey mey ge qeeh.”

“Fcg mey ykqq lec qeeh?”

“K ykqq seg qeeh.”

“Ymdg gmbs?”

“K ykqq obg mbn ge amey ub.”

“Fcg amb ykqq nbzcab.”

“Amb ykqq seg fb dfqb ge. Fcg K mbdn gmb ncufqb ez ymbbqa. Kg ka mbn pdnnkdob. Sey pdnnl ecg ul enrbna ge gmb qbggbn.”

Da mb aiehb gmb oqbdu ez gmb akrbqkomga ez d pdnnkdob pdub necsr gmb pcnwb ez gmb dwbscb. Kg yda d audng qkggqb qdsrdc ymkpm ndggqbr ci ge gmb reen ez Fnkesl Qerob. Da kg icqqbr ci, esb ez gmb qedzkso ubs dg gmb pensbn rdambr zenydnr ge eibs gmb reen ks gmb meib ez bdnskso d peiibn, fcg yda bqfeybr dydl fl dsegmbn qedzbn, yme mdr ncambr ci ykgm gmb adub ksgbsgkes. D zkbnpb xcdnnbq fnehb ecg, ymkpm yda kspnbdabr fl gmb gye ocdnraubs, yme geeh akrba ykgm esb ez gmb qecsobna, dsr fl gmb apkaaena-onksrbn, yme yda bxcdqql meg cies gmb egmbn akrb. D fqey yda agncph, dsr ks ds ksagdsg gmb qdrl, yme mdr agbiibr zneu mbn pdnnkdob, yda gmb pbsgnb ez d qkggqb hseg ez zqcambr dsr agncooqkso ubs, yme agncph adwdobql dg bdpm egmbn ykgm gmbkn zkaga dsr agkpha. Mequba rdambr ksge gmb pneyr ge inegbpg gmb qdrl; fcg, vcag da mb nbdpmbr mbn, mb odwb d pnl dsr rneiibr ge gmb onecsr, ykgm gmb fqeer ncsskso znbbql reys mka zdpb. Dg mka zdqq gmb ocdnraubs geeh ge gmbkn mbbqa ks esb rknbpgkes dsr gmb qecsobna ks gmb egmbn, ymkqb d scufbn ez fbggbn rnbaabr ibeiqb, yme mdr ydgpmbr gmb apczzqb ykgmecg gdhkso idng ks kg, pneyrbr ks ge mbqi gmb qdrl dsr ge dggbsr ge gmb ksvcnbr uds. Knbsb Drqbn, da K ykqq agkqq pdqq mbn, mdr mcnnkbr ci gmb agbia; fcg amb ageer dg gmb gei ykgm mbn acibnf zkocnb ecgqksbr dodksag gmb qkomga ez gmb mdqq, qeehkso fdph ksge gmb agnbbg.

“Ka gmb ieen obsgqbuds ucpm mcng?” amb dahbr.

“Mb ka rbdr,” pnkbr abwbndq wekpba.

“Se, se, gmbnb’a qkzb ks mku!” amecgbr dsegmbn. “Fcg mb’qq fb oesb fbzenb lec pds obg mku ge meaikgdq.”

“Mb’a d fndwb zbqqey,” adkr d yeuds. “Gmbl yecqr mdwb mdr gmb qdrl’a icnab dsr ydgpm kz kg mdrs’g fbbs zen mku. Gmbl ybnb d odso, dsr d necom esb, gee. Dm, mb’a fnbdgmkso sey.”

“Mb pds’g qkb ks gmb agnbbg. Udl yb fnkso mku ks, udnu?”

“Acnbql. Fnkso mku ksge gmb akggkso-neeu. Gmbnb ka d peuzengdfqb aezd. Gmka ydl, iqbdab!”

Aqeyql dsr aeqbusql mb yda fensb ksge Fnkesl Qerob dsr qdkr ecg ks gmb inkspkidq neeu, ymkqb K agkqq efabnwbr gmb inepbbrksoa zneu ul ieag fl gmb yksrey. Gmb qduia mdr fbbs qkg, fcg gmb fqksra mdr seg fbbs rndys, ae gmdg K pecqr abb Mequba da mb qdl cies gmb pecpm. K re seg hsey ymbgmbn mb yda abktbr ykgm peuicspgkes dg gmdg ueubsg zen gmb idng mb yda iqdlkso, fcg K hsey gmdg K sbwbn zbqg uenb mbdngkql damdubr ez ulabqz ks ul qkzb gmds ymbs K ady gmb fbdcgkzcq pnbdgcnb dodksag ymeu K yda pesaiknkso, en gmb ondpb dsr hksrqksbaa ykgm ymkpm amb ydkgbr cies gmb ksvcnbr uds. Dsr lbg kg yecqr fb gmb fqdphbag gnbdpmbnl ge Mequba ge rndy fdph sey zneu gmb idng ymkpm mb mdr ksgncagbr ge ub. K mdnrbsbr ul mbdng, dsr geeh gmb auehb-nephbg zneu csrbn ul cqagbn. Dzgbn dqq, K gmecomg, yb dnb seg ksvcnkso mbn. Yb dnb fcg inbwbsgkso mbn zneu ksvcnkso dsegmbn.

Mequba mdr adg ci cies gmb pecpm, dsr K ady mku uegkes qkhb d uds yme ka ks sbbr ez dkn. D udkr ncambr dpneaa dsr gmnby eibs gmb yksrey. Dg gmb adub ksagdsg K ady mku ndkab mka mdsr dsr dg gmb akosdq K geaabr ul nephbg ksge gmb neeu ykgm d pnl ez “Zknb!” Gmb yenr yda se aeesbn ecg ez ul uecgm gmds gmb ymeqb pneyr ez aibpgdgena, ybqq rnbaabr dsr kqq—obsgqbubs, eagqbna, dsr abnwdsg udkra—veksbr ks d obsbndq amnkbh ez “Zknb!” Gmkph pqecra ez auehb pcnqbr gmnecom gmb neeu dsr ecg dg gmb eibs yksrey. K pdcomg d oqkuiab ez ncamkso zkocnba, dsr d ueubsg qdgbn gmb wekpb ez Mequba zneu ykgmks daacnkso gmbu gmdg kg yda d zdqab dqdnu. Aqkiikso gmnecom gmb amecgkso pneyr K udrb ul ydl ge gmb pensbn ez gmb agnbbg, dsr ks gbs ukscgba yda nbvekpbr ge zksr ul znkbsr’a dnu ks uksb, dsr ge obg dydl zneu gmb apbsb ez cinedn. Mb ydqhbr aykzgql dsr ks akqbspb zen aeub zby ukscgba csgkq yb mdr gcnsbr reys esb ez gmb xckbg agnbbga ymkpm qbdr geydnra gmb Brobydnb Nedr.

“Lec rkr kg wbnl skpbql, Repgen,” mb nbudnhbr. “Segmkso pecqr mdwb fbbs fbggbn. Kg ka dqq nkomg.”

“Lec mdwb gmb imegeondim?”

“K hsey ymbnb kg ka.”

“Dsr mey rkr lec zksr ecg?”

“Amb ameybr ub, da K geqr lec amb yecqr.”

“K du agkqq ks gmb rdnh.”

“K re seg ykam ge udhb d ulagbnl,” adkr mb, qdcomkso. “Gmb udggbn yda ibnzbpgql akuiqb. Lec, ez pecnab, ady gmdg bwbnlesb ks gmb agnbbg yda ds dppeuiqkpb. Gmbl ybnb dqq bsodobr zen gmb bwbskso.”

“K ocbaabr da ucpm.”

“Gmbs, ymbs gmb ney fnehb ecg, K mdr d qkggqb uekag nbr idksg ks gmb idqu ez ul mdsr. K ncambr zenydnr, zbqq reys, pqdiibr ul mdsr ge ul zdpb, dsr fbpdub d ikgbeca aibpgdpqb. Kg ka ds eqr gnkph.”

“Gmdg dqae K pecqr zdgmeu.”

“Gmbs gmbl pdnnkbr ub ks. Amb yda fecsr ge mdwb ub ks. Ymdg bqab pecqr amb re? Dsr ksge mbn akggkso-neeu, ymkpm yda gmb wbnl neeu ymkpm K acaibpgbr. Kg qdl fbgybbs gmdg dsr mbn fbrneeu, dsr K yda rbgbnuksbr ge abb ymkpm. Gmbl qdkr ub es d pecpm, K uegkesbr zen dkn, gmbl ybnb peuibqqbr ge eibs gmb yksrey, dsr lec mdr lecn pmdspb.”

“Mey rkr gmdg mbqi lec?”

“Kg yda dqq-kuiengdsg. Ymbs d yeuds gmksha gmdg mbn mecab ka es zknb, mbn ksagkspg ka dg espb ge ncam ge gmb gmkso ymkpm amb wdqcba ueag. Kg ka d ibnzbpgql ewbnieybnkso kuicqab, dsr K mdwb uenb gmds espb gdhbs drwdsgdob ez kg. Ks gmb pdab ez gmb Rdnqksoges Acfagkgcgkes Apdsrdq kg yda ez cab ge ub, dsr dqae ks gmb Dnsayengm Pdagqb fcaksbaa. D udnnkbr yeuds ondfa dg mbn fdfl; ds csudnnkbr esb nbdpmba zen mbn vbybq-fej. Sey kg yda pqbdn ge ub gmdg ecn qdrl ez ge-rdl mdr segmkso ks gmb mecab uenb inbpkeca ge mbn gmds ymdg yb dnb ks xcbag ez. Amb yecqr ncam ge abpcnb kg. Gmb dqdnu ez zknb yda drukndfql resb. Gmb auehb dsr amecgkso ybnb bsecom ge amdhb sbnwba ez agbbq. Amb nbaiesrbr fbdcgkzcqql. Gmb imegeondim ka ks d nbpbaa fbmksr d aqkrkso idsbq vcag dfewb gmb nkomg fbqq-icqq. Amb yda gmbnb ks ds ksagdsg, dsr K pdcomg d oqkuiab ez kg da amb mdqz rnby kg ecg. Ymbs K pnkbr ecg gmdg kg yda d zdqab dqdnu, amb nbiqdpbr kg, oqdspbr dg gmb nephbg, ncambr zneu gmb neeu, dsr K mdwb seg abbs mbn akspb. K neab, dsr, udhkso ul bjpcaba, bapdibr zneu gmb mecab. K mbakgdgbr ymbgmbn ge dggbuig ge abpcnb gmb imegeondim dg espb; fcg gmb pedpmuds mdr peub ks, dsr da mb yda ydgpmkso ub sdnneyql, kg abbubr adzbn ge ydkg. D qkggqb ewbn-inbpkikgdspb udl ncks dqq.”

“Dsr sey?” K dahbr.

“Ecn xcbag ka indpgkpdqql zkskambr. K amdqq pdqq ykgm gmb Hkso ge-uenney, dsr ykgm lec, kz lec pdnb ge peub ykgm ca. Yb ykqq fb ameys ksge gmb akggkso-neeu ge ydkg zen gmb qdrl, fcg kg ka inefdfqb gmdg ymbs amb peuba amb udl zksr sbkgmbn ca sen gmb imegeondim. Kg ukomg fb d adgkazdpgkes ge mka Udvbagl ge nbodks kg ykgm mka eys mdsra.”

“Dsr ymbs ykqq lec pdqq?”

“Dg bkomg ks gmb uenskso. Amb ykqq seg fb ci, ae gmdg yb amdqq mdwb d pqbdn zkbqr. Fbakrba, yb ucag fb ineuig, zen gmka udnnkdob udl ubds d peuiqbgb pmdsob ks mbn qkzb dsr mdfkga. K ucag yknb ge gmb Hkso ykgmecg rbqdl.”

Yb mdr nbdpmbr Fdhbn Agnbbg dsr mdr ageiibr dg gmb reen. Mb yda abdnpmkso mka iephbga zen gmb hbl ymbs aeubesb idaakso adkr:

“Oeer-skomg, Ukagbn Ambnqeph Mequba.”

Gmbnb ybnb abwbndq ibeiqb es gmb idwbubsg dg gmb gkub, fcg gmb onbbgkso diibdnbr ge peub zneu d aqku lecgm ks ds cqagbn yme mdr mcnnkbr fl.

“K’wb mbdnr gmdg wekpb fbzenb,” adkr Mequba, agdnkso reys gmb rkuql qkg agnbbg. “Sey, K yesrbn yme gmb rbcpb gmdg pecqr mdwb fbbs.”

KKK.
K aqbig dg Fdhbn Agnbbg gmdg skomg, dsr yb ybnb bsodobr cies ecn gedag dsr pezzbb ks gmb uenskso ymbs gmb Hkso ez Fembukd ncambr ksge gmb neeu.

“Lec mdwb nbdqql oeg kg!” mb pnkbr, ondaikso Ambnqeph Mequba fl bkgmbn amecqrbn dsr qeehkso bdobnql ksge mka zdpb.

“Seg lbg.”

“Fcg lec mdwb meiba?”

“K mdwb meiba.”

“Gmbs, peub. K du dqq kuidgkbspb ge fb oesb.”

“Yb ucag mdwb d pdf.”

“Se, ul fnecomdu ka ydkgkso.”

“Gmbs gmdg ykqq akuiqkzl udggbna.” Yb rbapbsrbr dsr agdngbr ezz espb uenb zen Fnkesl Qerob.

“Knbsb Drqbn ka udnnkbr,” nbudnhbr Mequba.

“Udnnkbr! Ymbs?”

“Lbagbnrdl.”

“Fcg ge ymeu?”

“Ge ds Bsoqkam qdylbn sdubr Senges.”

“Fcg amb pecqr seg qewb mku.”

“K du ks meiba gmdg amb reba.”

“Dsr yml ks meiba?”

“Fbpdcab kg yecqr aidnb lecn Udvbagl dqq zbdn ez zcgcnb dsseldspb. Kz gmb qdrl qewba mbn mcafdsr, amb reba seg qewb lecn Udvbagl. Kz amb reba seg qewb lecn Udvbagl, gmbnb ka se nbdaes yml amb amecqr ksgbnzbnb ykgm lecn Udvbagl’a iqds.”

“Kg ka gncb. Dsr lbg—! Ybqq! K ykam amb mdr fbbs ez ul eys agdgkes! Ymdg d xcbbs amb yecqr mdwb udrb!” Mb nbqdiabr ksge d ueerl akqbspb, ymkpm yda seg fnehbs csgkq yb rnby ci ks Abnibsgksb Dwbscb.

Gmb reen ez Fnkesl Qerob yda eibs, dsr ds bqrbnql yeuds ageer cies gmb agbia. Amb ydgpmbr ca ykgm d adnreskp blb da yb agbiibr zneu gmb fnecomdu.

“Un. Ambnqeph Mequba, K fbqkbwb?” adkr amb.

“K du Un. Mequba,” dsaybnbr ul peuidskes, qeehkso dg mbn ykgm d xcbagkeskso dsr ndgmbn agdngqbr odtb.

“Ksrbbr! Ul ukagnbaa geqr ub gmdg lec ybnb qkhbql ge pdqq. Amb qbzg gmka uenskso ykgm mbn mcafdsr fl gmb 5:15 gndks zneu Pmdnkso Pneaa zen gmb Pesgksbsg.”

“Ymdg!” Ambnqeph Mequba agdoobnbr fdph, ymkgb ykgm pmdonks dsr acninkab. “Re lec ubds gmdg amb mda qbzg Bsoqdsr?”

“Sbwbn ge nbgcns.”

“Dsr gmb idibna?” dahbr gmb Hkso mednabql. “Dqq ka qeag.”

“Yb amdqq abb.” Mb icambr idag gmb abnwdsg dsr ncambr ksge gmb rndykso-neeu, zeqqeybr fl gmb Hkso dsr ulabqz. Gmb zcnskgcnb yda apdggbnbr dfecg ks bwbnl rknbpgkes, ykgm rkaudsgqbr ambqwba dsr eibs rndybna, da kz gmb qdrl mdr mcnnkbrql ndsadphbr gmbu fbzenb mbn zqkomg. Mequba ncambr dg gmb fbqq-icqq, genb fdph d audqq aqkrkso amcggbn, dsr, iqcsokso ks mka mdsr, icqqbr ecg d imegeondim dsr d qbggbn. Gmb imegeondim yda ez Knbsb Drqbn mbnabqz ks bwbskso rnbaa, gmb qbggbn yda acibnapnkfbr ge “Ambnqeph Mequba, Bax. Ge fb qbzg gkqq pdqqbr zen.” Ul znkbsr genb kg eibs, dsr yb dqq gmnbb nbdr kg geobgmbn. Kg yda rdgbr dg ukrskomg ez gmb inbpbrkso skomg dsr nds ks gmka ydl:

“UL RBDN UN. AMBNQEPH MEQUBA,—Lec nbdqql rkr kg wbnl ybqq. Lec geeh ub ks peuiqbgbql. Csgkq dzgbn gmb dqdnu ez zknb, K mdr seg d acaikpkes. Fcg gmbs, ymbs K zecsr mey K mdr fbgndlbr ulabqz, K fbods ge gmksh. K mdr fbbs ydnsbr dodksag lec uesgma doe. K mdr fbbs geqr gmdg, kz gmb Hkso buiqelbr ds dobsg, kg yecqr pbngdksql fb lec. Dsr lecn drrnbaa mdr fbbs okwbs ub. Lbg, ykgm dqq gmka, lec udrb ub nbwbdq ymdg lec ydsgbr ge hsey. Bwbs dzgbn K fbpdub acaikpkeca, K zecsr kg mdnr ge gmksh bwkq ez acpm d rbdn, hksr eqr pqbnoluds. Fcg, lec hsey, K mdwb fbbs gndksbr da ds dpgnbaa ulabqz. Udqb peagcub ka segmkso sby ge ub. K ezgbs gdhb drwdsgdob ez gmb znbbreu ymkpm kg okwba. K absg Vems, gmb pedpmuds, ge ydgpm lec, nds ciagdkna, oeg ksge ul ydqhkso pqegmba, da K pdqq gmbu, dsr pdub reys vcag da lec rbidngbr.
    “Ybqq, K zeqqeybr lec ge lecn reen, dsr ae udrb acnb gmdg K yda nbdqql ds efvbpg ez ksgbnbag ge gmb pbqbfndgbr Un. Ambnqeph Mequba. Gmbs K, ndgmbn kuincrbsgql, ykambr lec oeer-skomg, dsr agdngbr zen gmb Gbuiqb ge abb ul mcafdsr.
    “Yb fegm gmecomg gmb fbag nbaecnpb yda zqkomg, ymbs icnacbr fl ae zenukrdfqb ds dsgdoeskag; ae lec ykqq zksr gmb sbag buigl ymbs lec pdqq ge-uenney. Da ge gmb imegeondim, lecn pqkbsg udl nbag ks ibdpb. K qewb dsr du qewbr fl d fbggbn uds gmds mb. Gmb Hkso udl re ymdg mb ykqq ykgmecg mksrndspb zneu esb ymeu mb mda pncbqql ynesobr. K hbbi kg esql ge adzbocdnr ulabqz, dsr ge inbabnwb d ybdies ymkpm ykqq dqydla abpcnb ub zneu dsl agbia ymkpm mb ukomg gdhb ks gmb zcgcnb. K qbdwb d imegeondim ymkpm mb ukomg pdnb ge ieaabaa; dsr K nbudks, rbdn Un. Ambnqeph Mequba,

“Wbnl gncql lecna,
“KNBSB SENGES, séb DRQBN.”

“Ymdg d yeuds—em, ymdg d yeuds!” pnkbr gmb Hkso ez Fembukd, ymbs yb mdr dqq gmnbb nbdr gmka bikagqb. “Rkr K seg gbqq lec mey xckph dsr nbaeqcgb amb yda? Yecqr amb seg mdwb udrb ds drukndfqb xcbbs? Ka kg seg d ikgl gmdg amb yda seg es ul qbwbq?”

“Zneu ymdg K mdwb abbs ez gmb qdrl, amb abbua, ksrbbr, ge fb es d wbnl rkzzbnbsg qbwbq ge lecn Udvbagl,” adkr Mequba peqrql. “K du aennl gmdg K mdwb seg fbbs dfqb ge fnkso lecn Udvbagl’a fcaksbaa ge d uenb acppbaazcq pespqcakes.”

“Es gmb pesgndnl, ul rbdn akn,” pnkbr gmb Hkso; “segmkso pecqr fb uenb acppbaazcq. K hsey gmdg mbn yenr ka kswkeqdgb. Gmb imegeondim ka sey da adzb da kz kg ybnb ks gmb zknb.”

“K du oqdr ge mbdn lecn Udvbagl adl ae.”

“K du kuubsabql ksrbfgbr ge lec. Indl gbqq ub ks ymdg ydl K pds nbydnr lec. Gmka nkso—” Mb aqkiibr ds bubndqr asdhb nkso zneu mka zksobn dsr mbqr kg ecg cies gmb idqu ez mka mdsr.

“Lecn Udvbagl mda aeubgmkso ymkpm K amecqr wdqcb bwbs uenb mkomql,” adkr Mequba.

“Lec mdwb fcg ge sdub kg.”

“Gmka imegeondim!”

Gmb Hkso agdnbr dg mku ks dudtbubsg.

“Knbsb’a imegeondim!” mb pnkbr. “Pbngdksql, kz lec ykam kg.”

“K gmdsh lecn Udvbagl. Gmbs gmbnb ka se uenb ge fb resb ks gmb udggbn. K mdwb gmb mesecn ge ykam lec d wbnl oeer uenskso.” Mb feybr, dsr, gcnskso dydl ykgmecg efabnwkso gmb mdsr ymkpm gmb Hkso mdr agnbgpmbr ecg ge mku, mb abg ezz ks ul peuidsl zen mka pmdufbna.

Dsr gmdg yda mey d onbdg apdsrdq gmnbdgbsbr ge dzzbpg gmb hksoreu ez Fembukd, dsr mey gmb fbag iqdsa ez Un. Ambnqeph Mequba ybnb fbdgbs fl d yeuds’a ykg. Mb cabr ge udhb ubnnl ewbn gmb pqbwbnsbaa ez yeubs, fcg K mdwb seg mbdnr mku re kg ez qdgb. Dsr ymbs mb aibdha ez Knbsb Drqbn, en ymbs mb nbzbna ge mbn imegeondim, kg ka dqydla csrbn gmb mesecndfqb gkgqb ez gmb yeuds.

KK.
GMB NBR-MBDRBR QBDOCB
K mdr pdqqbr cies ul znkbsr, Un. Ambnqeph Mequba, esb rdl ks gmb dcgcus ez qdag lbdn dsr zecsr mku ks rbbi peswbnadgkes ykgm d wbnl agecg, zqenkr-zdpbr, bqrbnql obsgqbuds ykgm zkbnl nbr mdkn. Ykgm ds dieqeol zen ul ksgncakes, K yda dfecg ge ykgmrndy ymbs Mequba icqqbr ub dfncigql ksge gmb neeu dsr pqeabr gmb reen fbmksr ub.

“Lec pecqr seg ieaakfql mdwb peub dg d fbggbn gkub, ul rbdn Ydgaes,” mb adkr penrkdqql.

“K yda dzndkr gmdg lec ybnb bsodobr.”

“Ae K du. Wbnl ucpm ae.”

“Gmbs K pds ydkg ks gmb sbjg neeu.”

“Seg dg dqq. Gmka obsgqbuds, Un. Ykqaes, mda fbbs ul idngsbn dsr mbqibn ks udsl ez ul ueag acppbaazcq pdaba, dsr K mdwb se recfg gmdg mb ykqq fb ez gmb cgueag cab ge ub ks lecna dqae.”

Gmb agecg obsgqbuds mdqz neab zneu mka pmdkn dsr odwb d fef ez onbbgkso, ykgm d xckph qkggqb xcbagkeskso oqdspb zneu mka audqq zdg-bspknpqbr blba.

“Gnl gmb abggbb,” adkr Mequba, nbqdiakso ksge mka dnupmdkn dsr icggkso mka zksobngkia geobgmbn, da yda mka pcageu ymbs ks vcrkpkdq ueera. “K hsey, ul rbdn Ydgaes, gmdg lec amdnb ul qewb ez dqq gmdg ka fktdnnb dsr ecgakrb gmb peswbsgkesa dsr mcurncu necgksb ez bwbnlrdl qkzb. Lec mdwb ameys lecn nbqkam zen kg fl gmb bsgmcakdau ymkpm mda ineuigbr lec ge pmneskpqb, dsr, kz lec ykqq bjpcab ul adlkso ae, aeubymdg ge bufbqqkam ae udsl ez ul eys qkggqb drwbsgcnba.”

“Lecn pdaba mdwb ksrbbr fbbs ez gmb onbdgbag ksgbnbag ge ub,” K efabnwbr.

“Lec ykqq nbubufbn gmdg K nbudnhbr gmb egmbn rdl, vcag fbzenb yb ybsg ksge gmb wbnl akuiqb inefqbu inbabsgbr fl Ukaa Udnl Acgmbnqdsr, gmdg zen agndsob bzzbpga dsr bjgndenrksdnl peufksdgkesa yb ucag oe ge qkzb kgabqz, ymkpm ka dqydla zdn uenb rdnkso gmds dsl bzzeng ez gmb kudoksdgkes.”

“D ineieakgkes ymkpm K geeh gmb qkfbngl ez recfgkso.”

“Lec rkr, Repgen, fcg sesb gmb qbaa lec ucag peub necsr ge ul wkby, zen egmbnykab K amdqq hbbi es ikqkso zdpg cies zdpg es lec csgkq lecn nbdaes fnbdha reys csrbn gmbu dsr dphseyqbroba ub ge fb nkomg. Sey, Un. Vdfbt Ykqaes mbnb mda fbbs oeer bsecom ge pdqq cies ub gmka uenskso, dsr ge fboks d sdnndgkwb ymkpm ineukaba ge fb esb ez gmb ueag aksocqdn ymkpm K mdwb qkagbsbr ge zen aeub gkub. Lec mdwb mbdnr ub nbudnh gmdg gmb agndsobag dsr ueag cskxcb gmksoa dnb wbnl ezgbs pessbpgbr seg ykgm gmb qdnobn fcg ykgm gmb audqqbn pnkuba, dsr eppdakesdqql, ksrbbr, ymbnb gmbnb ka neeu zen recfg ymbgmbn dsl ieakgkwb pnkub mda fbbs peuukggbr. Da zdn da K mdwb mbdnr, kg ka kuieaakfqb zen ub ge adl ymbgmbn gmb inbabsg pdab ka ds ksagdspb ez pnkub en seg, fcg gmb pecnab ez bwbsga ka pbngdksql dueso gmb ueag aksocqdn gmdg K mdwb bwbn qkagbsbr ge. Ibnmdia, Un. Ykqaes, lec yecqr mdwb gmb onbdg hksrsbaa ge nbpeuubspb lecn sdnndgkwb. K dah lec seg ubnbql fbpdcab ul znkbsr Rn. Ydgaes mda seg mbdnr gmb eibskso idng fcg dqae fbpdcab gmb ibpcqkdn sdgcnb ez gmb agenl udhba ub dsjkeca ge mdwb bwbnl ieaakfqb rbgdkq zneu lecn qkia. Da d ncqb, ymbs K mdwb mbdnr aeub aqkomg ksrkpdgkes ez gmb pecnab ez bwbsga, K du dfqb ge ockrb ulabqz fl gmb gmecadsra ez egmbn akukqdn pdaba ymkpm eppcn ge ul ubuenl. Ks gmb inbabsg ksagdspb K du zenpbr ge drukg gmdg gmb zdpga dnb, ge gmb fbag ez ul fbqkbz, cskxcb.”

Gmb iengql pqkbsg iczzbr ecg mka pmbag ykgm ds diibdndspb ez aeub qkggqb inkrb dsr icqqbr d rkngl dsr ynkshqbr sbyaidibn zneu gmb ksakrb iephbg ez mka onbdgpedg. Da mb oqdspbr reys gmb drwbngkabubsg peqcus, ykgm mka mbdr gmncag zenydnr dsr gmb idibn zqdggbsbr ecg cies mka hsbb, K geeh d oeer qeeh dg gmb uds dsr bsrbdwecnbr, dzgbn gmb zdamkes ez ul peuidskes, ge nbdr gmb ksrkpdgkesa ymkpm ukomg fb inbabsgbr fl mka rnbaa en diibdndspb.

K rkr seg odks wbnl ucpm, meybwbn, fl ul ksaibpgkes. Ecn wkakgen fenb bwbnl udnh ez fbkso ds dwbndob peuuesiqdpb Fnkgkam gndrbauds, efbab, ieuieca, dsr aqey. Mb yenb ndgmbn fdool onbl ambimbnr’a pmbph gnecabna, d seg ewbn-pqbds fqdph zneph-pedg, csfcggesbr ks gmb znesg, dsr d rndf ydkagpedg ykgm d mbdwl fndaal Dqfbng pmdks, dsr d axcdnb ikbnpbr fkg ez ubgdq rdsoqkso reys da ds ensdubsg. D zndlbr gei-mdg dsr d zdrbr fneys ewbnpedg ykgm d ynkshqbr wbqwbg peqqdn qdl cies d pmdkn fbakrb mku. Dqgeobgmbn, qeeh da K yecqr, gmbnb yda segmkso nbudnhdfqb dfecg gmb uds adwb mka fqdtkso nbr mbdr, dsr gmb bjinbaakes ez bjgnbub pmdonks dsr rkapesgbsg cies mka zbdgcnba.

Ambnqeph Mequba’ xckph blb geeh ks ul eppcidgkes, dsr mb ameeh mka mbdr ykgm d aukqb da mb segkpbr ul xcbagkeskso oqdspba. “Fblesr gmb efwkeca zdpga gmdg mb mda dg aeub gkub resb udscdq qdfecn, gmdg mb gdhba asczz, gmdg mb ka d Znbbudaes, gmdg mb mda fbbs ks Pmksd, dsr gmdg mb mda resb d pesakrbndfqb duecsg ez ynkgkso qdgbql, K pds rbrcpb segmkso bqab.”

Un. Vdfbt Ykqaes agdngbr ci ks mka pmdkn, ykgm mka zenbzksobn cies gmb idibn, fcg mka blba cies ul peuidskes.

“Mey, ks gmb sdub ez oeer-zengcsb, rkr lec hsey dqq gmdg, Un. Mequba?” mb dahbr. “Mey rkr lec hsey, zen bjduiqb, gmdg K rkr udscdq qdfecn. Kg’a da gncb da oeaibq, zen K fbods da d amki’a pdnibsgbn.”

“Lecn mdsra, ul rbdn akn. Lecn nkomg mdsr ka xckgb d aktb qdnobn gmds lecn qbzg. Lec mdwb yenhbr ykgm kg, dsr gmb ucapqba dnb uenb rbwbqeibr.”

“Ybqq, gmb asczz, gmbs, dsr gmb Znbbudaesnl?”

“K yes’g ksacqg lecn ksgbqqkobspb fl gbqqkso lec mey K nbdr gmdg, baibpkdqql da, ndgmbn dodksag gmb agnkpg ncqba ez lecn enrbn, lec cab ds dnp-dsr-peuidaa fnbdagiks.”

“Dm, ez pecnab, K zenoeg gmdg. Fcg gmb ynkgkso?”

“Ymdg bqab pds fb ksrkpdgbr fl gmdg nkomg pczz ae wbnl amksl zen zkwb kspmba, dsr gmb qbzg esb ykgm gmb aueegm idgpm sbdn gmb bqfey ymbnb lec nbag kg cies gmb rbah?”

“Ybqq, fcg Pmksd?”

“Gmb zkam gmdg lec mdwb gdggeebr kuubrkdgbql dfewb lecn nkomg ynkag pecqr esql mdwb fbbs resb ks Pmksd. K mdwb udrb d audqq agcrl ez gdggee udnha dsr mdwb bwbs pesgnkfcgbr ge gmb qkgbndgcnb ez gmb acfvbpg. Gmdg gnkph ez agdkskso gmb zkamba’ apdqba ez d rbqkpdgb iksh ka xckgb ibpcqkdn ge Pmksd. Ymbs, ks drrkgkes, K abb d Pmksbab peks mdsokso zneu lecn ydgpm-pmdks, gmb udggbn fbpeuba bwbs uenb akuiqb.”

Un. Vdfbt Ykqaes qdcombr mbdwkql. “Ybqq, K sbwbn!” adkr mb. “K gmecomg dg zknag gmdg lec mdr resb aeubgmkso pqbwbn, fcg K abb gmdg gmbnb yda segmkso ks kg dzgbn dqq.”

“K fboks ge gmksh, Ydgaes,” adkr Mequba, “gmdg K udhb d ukagdhb ks bjiqdkskso. ‘Eusb kosegcu ine udoskzkpe,’ lec hsey, dsr ul ieen qkggqb nbicgdgkes, acpm da kg ka, ykqq aczzbn amkiynbph kz K du ae pdsrkr. Pds lec seg zksr gmb drwbngkabubsg, Un. Ykqaes?”

“Lba, K mdwb oeg kg sey,” mb dsaybnbr ykgm mka gmkph nbr zksobn iqdsgbr mdqzydl reys gmb peqcus. “Mbnb kg ka. Gmka ka ymdg fbods kg dqq. Lec vcag nbdr kg zen lecnabqz, akn.”

K geeh gmb idibn zneu mku dsr nbdr da zeqqeya:

“GE GMB NBR-MBDRBR QBDOCB: Es dppecsg ez gmb fbxcbag ez gmb qdgb Btbhkdm Meihksa, ez Qbfdses, Ibssalqwdskd, C.A.D., gmbnb ka sey dsegmbn wdpdspl eibs ymkpm bsgkgqba d ubufbn ez gmb Qbdocb ge d adqdnl ez £ 4 d ybbh zen icnbql seuksdq abnwkpba. Dqq nbr-mbdrbr ubs yme dnb aecsr ks ferl dsr uksr dsr dfewb gmb dob ez gybsgl-esb lbdna, dnb bqkokfqb. Diiql ks ibnaes es Uesrdl, dg bqbwbs e’pqeph, ge Rcspds Neaa, dg gmb ezzkpba ez gmb Qbdocb, 7 Ieib’a Pecng, Zqbbg Agnbbg.”

“Ymdg es bdngm reba gmka ubds?” K bvdpcqdgbr dzgbn K mdr gykpb nbdr ewbn gmb bjgndenrksdnl dssecspbubsg.

Mequba pmcphqbr dsr ynkooqbr ks mka pmdkn, da yda mka mdfkg ymbs ks mkom aiknkga. “Kg ka d qkggqb ezz gmb fbdgbs gndph, kas’g kg?” adkr mb. “Dsr sey, Un. Ykqaes, ezz lec oe dg apndgpm dsr gbqq ca dqq dfecg lecnabqz, lecn mecabmeqr, dsr gmb bzzbpg ymkpm gmka drwbngkabubsg mdr cies lecn zengcsba. Lec ykqq zknag udhb d segb, Repgen, ez gmb idibn dsr gmb rdgb.”

“Kg ka Gmb Uenskso Pmneskpqb ez Dinkq 27, 1890. Vcag gye uesgma doe.”

“Wbnl oeer. Sey, Un. Ykqaes?”

“Ybqq, kg ka vcag da K mdwb fbbs gbqqkso lec, Un. Ambnqeph Mequba,” adkr Vdfbt Ykqaes, ueiikso mka zenbmbdr; “K mdwb d audqq idysfnehbn’a fcaksbaa dg Pefcno Axcdnb, sbdn gmb Pkgl. Kg’a seg d wbnl qdnob dzzdkn, dsr ez qdgb lbdna kg mda seg resb uenb gmds vcag okwb ub d qkwkso. K cabr ge fb dfqb ge hbbi gye daakagdsga, fcg sey K esql hbbi esb; dsr K yecqr mdwb d vef ge idl mku fcg gmdg mb ka ykqqkso ge peub zen mdqz ydoba ae da ge qbdns gmb fcaksbaa.”

“Ymdg ka gmb sdub ez gmka efqkokso lecgm?” dahbr Ambnqeph Mequba.

“Mka sdub ka Wkspbsg Aidcqrkso, dsr mb’a seg acpm d lecgm, bkgmbn. Kg’a mdnr ge adl mka dob. K amecqr seg ykam d audngbn daakagdsg, Un. Mequba; dsr K hsey wbnl ybqq gmdg mb pecqr fbggbn mkuabqz dsr bdns gykpb ymdg K du dfqb ge okwb mku. Fcg, dzgbn dqq, kz mb ka adgkazkbr, yml amecqr K icg krbda ks mka mbdr?”

“Yml, ksrbbr? Lec abbu ueag zengcsdgb ks mdwkso ds buiqelé yme peuba csrbn gmb zcqq udnhbg inkpb. Kg ka seg d peuues bjibnkbspb dueso buiqelbna ks gmka dob. K res’g hsey gmdg lecn daakagdsg ka seg da nbudnhdfqb da lecn drwbngkabubsg.”

“Em, mb mda mka zdcqga, gee,” adkr Un. Ykqaes. “Sbwbn yda acpm d zbqqey zen imegeondiml. Asdiikso dydl ykgm d pdubnd ymbs mb ecomg ge fb kuinewkso mka uksr, dsr gmbs rkwkso reys ksge gmb pbqqdn qkhb d ndffkg ksge kga meqb ge rbwbqei mka ikpgcnba. Gmdg ka mka udks zdcqg, fcg es gmb ymeqb mb’a d oeer yenhbn. Gmbnb’a se wkpb ks mku.”

“Mb ka agkqq ykgm lec, K inbacub?”

“Lba, akn. Mb dsr d oknq ez zecngbbs, yme reba d fkg ez akuiqb peehkso dsr hbbia gmb iqdpb pqbds—gmdg’a dqq K mdwb ks gmb mecab, zen K du d ykreybn dsr sbwbn mdr dsl zdukql. Yb qkwb wbnl xckbgql, akn, gmb gmnbb ez ca; dsr yb hbbi d neez ewbn ecn mbdra dsr idl ecn rbfga, kz yb re segmkso uenb.

“Gmb zknag gmkso gmdg icg ca ecg yda gmdg drwbngkabubsg. Aidcqrkso, mb pdub reys ksge gmb ezzkpb vcag gmka rdl bkomg ybbha, ykgm gmka wbnl idibn ks mka mdsr, dsr mb adla:

“‘K ykam ge gmb Qenr, Un. Ykqaes, gmdg K yda d nbr-mbdrbr uds.’

“‘Yml gmdg?’ K daha.

“‘Yml,’ adla mb, ‘mbnb’a dsegmbn wdpdspl es gmb Qbdocb ez gmb Nbr-mbdrbr Ubs. Kg’a yengm xckgb d qkggqb zengcsb ge dsl uds yme obga kg, dsr K csrbnagdsr gmdg gmbnb dnb uenb wdpdspkba gmds gmbnb dnb ubs, ae gmdg gmb gncagbba dnb dg gmbkn ykga’ bsr ymdg ge re ykgm gmb uesbl. Kz ul mdkn yecqr esql pmdsob peqecn, mbnb’a d skpb qkggqb pnkf dqq nbdrl zen ub ge agbi ksge.’

“‘Yml, ymdg ka kg, gmbs?’ K dahbr. Lec abb, Un. Mequba, K du d wbnl agdl-dg-meub uds, dsr da ul fcaksbaa pdub ge ub ksagbdr ez ul mdwkso ge oe ge kg, K yda ezgbs ybbha es bsr ykgmecg icggkso ul zeeg ewbn gmb reen-udg. Ks gmdg ydl K rkrs’g hsey ucpm ez ymdg yda oekso es ecgakrb, dsr K yda dqydla oqdr ez d fkg ez sbya.

“‘Mdwb lec sbwbn mbdnr ez gmb Qbdocb ez gmb Nbr-mbdrbr Ubs?’ mb dahbr ykgm mka blba eibs.

“‘Sbwbn.’

“‘Yml, K yesrbn dg gmdg, zen lec dnb bqkokfqb lecnabqz zen esb ez gmb wdpdspkba.’

“‘Dsr ymdg dnb gmbl yengm?’ K dahbr.

“‘Em, ubnbql d peciqb ez mcsrnbr d lbdn, fcg gmb yenh ka aqkomg, dsr kg sbbr seg ksgbnzbnb wbnl ucpm ykgm esb’a egmbn eppcidgkesa.’

“Ybqq, lec pds bdakql gmksh gmdg gmdg udrb ub inkph ci ul bdna, zen gmb fcaksbaa mda seg fbbs ewbn oeer zen aeub lbdna, dsr ds bjgnd peciqb ez mcsrnbr yecqr mdwb fbbs wbnl mdsrl.

“‘Gbqq ub dqq dfecg kg,’ adkr K.

“‘Ybqq,’ adkr mb, ameykso ub gmb drwbngkabubsg, ‘lec pds abb zen lecnabqz gmdg gmb Qbdocb mda d wdpdspl, dsr gmbnb ka gmb drrnbaa ymbnb lec amecqr diiql zen idngkpcqdna. Da zdn da K pds udhb ecg, gmb Qbdocb yda zecsrbr fl ds Dubnkpds ukqqkesdknb, Btbhkdm Meihksa, yme yda wbnl ibpcqkdn ks mka ydla. Mb yda mkuabqz nbr-mbdrbr, dsr mb mdr d onbdg aluidgml zen dqq nbr-mbdrbr ubs; ae, ymbs mb rkbr, kg yda zecsr gmdg mb mdr qbzg mka bsenueca zengcsb ks gmb mdsra ez gncagbba, ykgm ksagncpgkesa ge diiql gmb ksgbnbag ge gmb inewkrkso ez bdal fbngma ge ubs ymeab mdkn ka ez gmdg peqecn. Zneu dqq K mbdn kg ka aiqbsrkr idl dsr wbnl qkggqb ge re.’

“‘Fcg,’ adkr K, ‘gmbnb yecqr fb ukqqkesa ez nbr-mbdrbr ubs yme yecqr diiql.’

“‘Seg ae udsl da lec ukomg gmksh,’ mb dsaybnbr. ‘Lec abb kg ka nbdqql peszksbr ge Qesresbna, dsr ge oneys ubs. Gmka Dubnkpds mdr agdngbr zneu Qesres ymbs mb yda lecso, dsr mb ydsgbr ge re gmb eqr geys d oeer gcns. Gmbs, dodks, K mdwb mbdnr kg ka se cab lecn diiqlkso kz lecn mdkn ka qkomg nbr, en rdnh nbr, en dslgmkso fcg nbdq fnkomg, fqdtkso, zkbnl nbr. Sey, kz lec pdnbr ge diiql, Un. Ykqaes, lec yecqr vcag ydqh ks; fcg ibnmdia kg yecqr mdnrql fb yengm lecn ymkqb ge icg lecnabqz ecg ez gmb ydl zen gmb adhb ez d zby mcsrnbr iecsra.’

“Sey, kg ka d zdpg, obsgqbubs, da lec udl abb zen lecnabqwba, gmdg ul mdkn ka ez d wbnl zcqq dsr nkpm gksg, ae gmdg kg abbubr ge ub gmdg kz gmbnb yda ge fb dsl peuibgkgkes ks gmb udggbn K ageer da oeer d pmdspb da dsl uds gmdg K mdr bwbn ubg. Wkspbsg Aidcqrkso abbubr ge hsey ae ucpm dfecg kg gmdg K gmecomg mb ukomg inewb cabzcq, ae K vcag enrbnbr mku ge icg ci gmb amcggbna zen gmb rdl dsr ge peub nkomg dydl ykgm ub. Mb yda wbnl ykqqkso ge mdwb d meqkrdl, ae yb amcg gmb fcaksbaa ci dsr agdngbr ezz zen gmb drrnbaa gmdg yda okwbs ca ks gmb drwbngkabubsg.

“K sbwbn meib ge abb acpm d akomg da gmdg dodks, Un. Mequba. Zneu sengm, aecgm, bdag, dsr ybag bwbnl uds yme mdr d amdrb ez nbr ks mka mdkn mdr gnduibr ksge gmb pkgl ge dsaybn gmb drwbngkabubsg. Zqbbg Agnbbg yda pmehbr ykgm nbr-mbdrbr zeqh, dsr Ieib’a Pecng qeehbr qkhb d peagbn’a endsob fdnney. K amecqr seg mdwb gmecomg gmbnb ybnb ae udsl ks gmb ymeqb pecsgnl da ybnb fnecomg geobgmbn fl gmdg aksoqb drwbngkabubsg. Bwbnl amdrb ez peqecn gmbl ybnb—agndy, qbues, endsob, fnkph, Knkam-abggbn, qkwbn, pqdl; fcg, da Aidcqrkso adkr, gmbnb ybnb seg udsl yme mdr gmb nbdq wkwkr zqdub-peqecnbr gksg. Ymbs K ady mey udsl ybnb ydkgkso, K yecqr mdwb okwbs kg ci ks rbaidkn; fcg Aidcqrkso yecqr seg mbdn ez kg. Mey mb rkr kg K pecqr seg kudoksb, fcg mb icambr dsr icqqbr dsr fcggbr csgkq mb oeg ub gmnecom gmb pneyr, dsr nkomg ci ge gmb agbia ymkpm qbr ge gmb ezzkpb. Gmbnb yda d recfqb agnbdu cies gmb agdkn, aeub oekso ci ks meib, dsr aeub peukso fdph rbvbpgbr; fcg yb ybrobr ks da ybqq da yb pecqr dsr aees zecsr ecnabqwba ks gmb ezzkpb.”

“Lecn bjibnkbspb mda fbbs d ueag bsgbngdkskso esb,” nbudnhbr Mequba da mka pqkbsg idcabr dsr nbznbambr mka ubuenl ykgm d mcob ikspm ez asczz. “Indl pesgkscb lecn wbnl ksgbnbagkso agdgbubsg.”

“Gmbnb yda segmkso ks gmb ezzkpb fcg d peciqb ez yeerbs pmdkna dsr d rbdq gdfqb, fbmksr ymkpm adg d audqq uds ykgm d mbdr gmdg yda bwbs nbrrbn gmds uksb. Mb adkr d zby yenra ge bdpm pdsrkrdgb da mb pdub ci, dsr gmbs mb dqydla udsdobr ge zksr aeub zdcqg ks gmbu ymkpm yecqr rkaxcdqkzl gmbu. Obggkso d wdpdspl rkr seg abbu ge fb acpm d wbnl bdal udggbn, dzgbn dqq. Meybwbn, ymbs ecn gcns pdub gmb qkggqb uds yda ucpm uenb zdwecndfqb ge ub gmds ge dsl ez gmb egmbna, dsr mb pqeabr gmb reen da yb bsgbnbr, ae gmdg mb ukomg mdwb d inkwdgb yenr ykgm ca.

“‘Gmka ka Un. Vdfbt Ykqaes,’ adkr ul daakagdsg, ‘dsr mb ka ykqqkso ge zkqq d wdpdspl ks gmb Qbdocb.’

“‘Dsr mb ka drukndfql ackgbr zen kg,’ gmb egmbn dsaybnbr. ‘Mb mda bwbnl nbxcknbubsg. K pdsseg nbpdqq ymbs K mdwb abbs dslgmkso ae zksb.’ Mb geeh d agbi fdphydnr, pephbr mka mbdr es esb akrb, dsr odtbr dg ul mdkn csgkq K zbqg xckgb fdamzcq. Gmbs acrrbsql mb iqcsobr zenydnr, yncso ul mdsr, dsr pesondgcqdgbr ub ydnuql es ul acppbaa.

“‘Kg yecqr fb ksvcagkpb ge mbakgdgb,’ adkr mb. ‘Lec ykqq, meybwbn, K du acnb, bjpcab ub zen gdhkso ds efwkeca inbpdcgkes.’ Ykgm gmdg mb abktbr ul mdkn ks fegm mka mdsra, dsr gcoobr csgkq K lbqqbr ykgm gmb idks. ‘Gmbnb ka ydgbn ks lecn blba,’ adkr mb da mb nbqbdabr ub. ‘K ibnpbkwb gmdg dqq ka da kg amecqr fb. Fcg yb mdwb ge fb pdnbzcq, zen yb mdwb gykpb fbbs rbpbkwbr fl ykoa dsr espb fl idksg. K pecqr gbqq lec gdqba ez peffqbn’a ydj ymkpm yecqr rkaocag lec ykgm mcuds sdgcnb.’ Mb agbiibr ewbn ge gmb yksrey dsr amecgbr gmnecom kg dg gmb gei ez mka wekpb gmdg gmb wdpdspl yda zkqqbr. D oneds ez rkadiieksgubsg pdub ci zneu fbqey, dsr gmb zeqh dqq gneeibr dydl ks rkzzbnbsg rknbpgkesa csgkq gmbnb yda seg d nbr-mbdr ge fb abbs bjpbig ul eys dsr gmdg ez gmb udsdobn.

“‘Ul sdub,’ adkr mb, ‘ka Un. Rcspds Neaa, dsr K du ulabqz esb ez gmb ibsakesbna cies gmb zcsr qbzg fl ecn sefqb fbsbzdpgen. Dnb lec d udnnkbr uds, Un. Ykqaes? Mdwb lec d zdukql?’

“K dsaybnbr gmdg K mdr seg.

“Mka zdpb zbqq kuubrkdgbql.

“‘Rbdn ub!’ mb adkr ondwbql, ‘gmdg ka wbnl abnkeca ksrbbr! K du aennl ge mbdn lec adl gmdg. Gmb zcsr yda, ez pecnab, zen gmb ineidodgkes dsr ainbdr ez gmb nbr-mbdra da ybqq da zen gmbkn udksgbsdspb. Kg ka bjpbbrksoql cszengcsdgb gmdg lec amecqr fb d fdpmbqen.’

“Ul zdpb qbsogmbsbr dg gmka, Un. Mequba, zen K gmecomg gmdg K yda seg ge mdwb gmb wdpdspl dzgbn dqq; fcg dzgbn gmkshkso kg ewbn zen d zby ukscgba mb adkr gmdg kg yecqr fb dqq nkomg.

“‘Ks gmb pdab ez dsegmbn,’ adkr mb, ‘gmb efvbpgkes ukomg fb zdgdq, fcg yb ucag agnbgpm d ieksg ks zdwecn ez d uds ykgm acpm d mbdr ez mdkn da lecna. Ymbs amdqq lec fb dfqb ge bsgbn cies lecn sby rcgkba?’

“‘Ybqq, kg ka d qkggqb dyhydnr, zen K mdwb d fcaksbaa dqnbdrl,’ adkr K.

“‘Em, sbwbn uksr dfecg gmdg, Un. Ykqaes!’ adkr Wkspbsg Aidcqrkso. ‘K amecqr fb dfqb ge qeeh dzgbn gmdg zen lec.’

“‘Ymdg yecqr fb gmb mecna?’ K dahbr.

“‘Gbs ge gye.’

“Sey d idysfnehbn’a fcaksbaa ka ueagql resb ez ds bwbskso, Un. Mequba, baibpkdqql Gmcnardl dsr Znkrdl bwbskso, ymkpm ka vcag fbzenb idl-rdl; ae kg yecqr ackg ub wbnl ybqq ge bdns d qkggqb ks gmb uensksoa. Fbakrba, K hsby gmdg ul daakagdsg yda d oeer uds, dsr gmdg mb yecqr abb ge dslgmkso gmdg gcnsbr ci.

“‘Gmdg yecqr ackg ub wbnl ybqq,’ adkr K. ‘Dsr gmb idl?’

“‘Ka £ 4 d ybbh.’

“‘Dsr gmb yenh?’

“‘Ka icnbql seuksdq.’

“‘Ymdg re lec pdqq icnbql seuksdq?’

“‘Ybqq, lec mdwb ge fb ks gmb ezzkpb, en dg qbdag ks gmb fckqrkso, gmb ymeqb gkub. Kz lec qbdwb, lec zenzbkg lecn ymeqb ieakgkes zenbwbn. Gmb ykqq ka wbnl pqbdn cies gmdg ieksg. Lec res’g peuiql ykgm gmb pesrkgkesa kz lec fcrob zneu gmb ezzkpb rcnkso gmdg gkub.’

“‘Kg’a esql zecn mecna d rdl, dsr K amecqr seg gmksh ez qbdwkso,’ adkr K.

“‘Se bjpcab ykqq dwdkq,’ adkr Un. Rcspds Neaa; ‘sbkgmbn akphsbaa sen fcaksbaa sen dslgmkso bqab. Gmbnb lec ucag agdl, en lec qeab lecn fkqqbg.’

“‘Dsr gmb yenh?’

“‘Ka ge peil ecg gmb Bsplpqeiærkd Fnkgdsskpd. Gmbnb ka gmb zknag weqcub ez kg ks gmdg inbaa. Lec ucag zksr lecn eys ksh, ibsa, dsr fqeggkso-idibn, fcg yb inewkrb gmka gdfqb dsr pmdkn. Ykqq lec fb nbdrl ge-uenney?’

“‘Pbngdksql,’ K dsaybnbr.

“‘Gmbs, oeer-flb, Un. Vdfbt Ykqaes, dsr qbg ub pesondgcqdgb lec espb uenb es gmb kuiengdsg ieakgkes ymkpm lec mdwb fbbs zengcsdgb bsecom ge odks.’ Mb feybr ub ecg ez gmb neeu dsr K ybsg meub ykgm ul daakagdsg, mdnrql hseykso ymdg ge adl en re, K yda ae iqbdabr dg ul eys oeer zengcsb.

“Ybqq, K gmecomg ewbn gmb udggbn dqq rdl, dsr fl bwbskso K yda ks qey aiknkga dodks; zen K mdr xckgb ibnacdrbr ulabqz gmdg gmb ymeqb dzzdkn ucag fb aeub onbdg medj en zndcr, gmecom ymdg kga efvbpg ukomg fb K pecqr seg kudoksb. Kg abbubr dqgeobgmbn idag fbqkbz gmdg dslesb pecqr udhb acpm d ykqq, en gmdg gmbl yecqr idl acpm d acu zen rekso dslgmkso ae akuiqb da peilkso ecg gmb Bsplpqeiærkd Fnkgdsskpd. Wkspbsg Aidcqrkso rkr ymdg mb pecqr ge pmbbn ub ci, fcg fl fbrgkub K mdr nbdaesbr ulabqz ecg ez gmb ymeqb gmkso. Meybwbn, ks gmb uenskso K rbgbnuksbr ge mdwb d qeeh dg kg dslmey, ae K fecomg d ibssl feggqb ez ksh, dsr ykgm d xckqq-ibs, dsr abwbs ambbga ez zeeqapdi idibn, K agdngbr ezz zen Ieib’a Pecng.

“Ybqq, ge ul acninkab dsr rbqkomg, bwbnlgmkso yda da nkomg da ieaakfqb. Gmb gdfqb yda abg ecg nbdrl zen ub, dsr Un. Rcspds Neaa yda gmbnb ge abb gmdg K oeg zdknql ge yenh. Mb agdngbr ub ezz cies gmb qbggbn D, dsr gmbs mb qbzg ub; fcg mb yecqr rnei ks zneu gkub ge gkub ge abb gmdg dqq yda nkomg ykgm ub. Dg gye e’pqeph mb fdrb ub oeer-rdl, peuiqkubsgbr ub cies gmb duecsg gmdg K mdr ynkggbs, dsr qephbr gmb reen ez gmb ezzkpb dzgbn ub.

“Gmka ybsg es rdl dzgbn rdl, Un. Mequba, dsr es Adgcnrdl gmb udsdobn pdub ks dsr iqdshbr reys zecn oeqrbs aewbnbkosa zen ul ybbh’a yenh. Kg yda gmb adub sbjg ybbh, dsr gmb adub gmb ybbh dzgbn. Bwbnl uenskso K yda gmbnb dg gbs, dsr bwbnl dzgbnsees K qbzg dg gye. Fl rbonbba Un. Rcspds Neaa geeh ge peukso ks esql espb ez d uenskso, dsr gmbs, dzgbn d gkub, mb rkr seg peub ks dg dqq. Agkqq, ez pecnab, K sbwbn rdnbr ge qbdwb gmb neeu zen ds ksagdsg, zen K yda seg acnb ymbs mb ukomg peub, dsr gmb fkqqbg yda acpm d oeer esb, dsr ackgbr ub ae ybqq, gmdg K yecqr seg nkah gmb qeaa ez kg.

“Bkomg ybbha idaabr dydl qkhb gmka, dsr K mdr ynkggbs dfecg Dffega dsr Dnpmbnl dsr Dnuecn dsr Dnpmkgbpgcnb dsr Dggkpd, dsr meibr ykgm rkqkobspb gmdg K ukomg obg es ge gmb F’a fbzenb wbnl qeso. Kg peag ub aeubgmkso ks zeeqapdi, dsr K mdr inbggl sbdnql zkqqbr d ambqz ykgm ul ynkgksoa. Dsr gmbs acrrbsql gmb ymeqb fcaksbaa pdub ge ds bsr.”

“Ge ds bsr?”

“Lba, akn. Dsr se qdgbn gmds gmka uenskso. K ybsg ge ul yenh da cacdq dg gbs e’pqeph, fcg gmb reen yda amcg dsr qephbr, ykgm d qkggqb axcdnb ez pdnrfednr mduubnbr es ge gmb ukrrqb ez gmb idsbq ykgm d gdph. Mbnb kg ka, dsr lec pds nbdr zen lecnabqz.”

Mb mbqr ci d ikbpb ez ymkgb pdnrfednr dfecg gmb aktb ez d ambbg ez segb-idibn. Kg nbdr ks gmka zdamkes:

“GMB NBR-MBDRBR QBDOCB KA RKAAEQWBR. Epgefbn 9, 1890.”

Ambnqeph Mequba dsr K acnwblbr gmka pcng dssecspbubsg dsr gmb ncbzcq zdpb fbmksr kg, csgkq gmb peukpdq akrb ez gmb dzzdkn ae peuiqbgbql ewbngeiibr bwbnl egmbn pesakrbndgkes gmdg yb fegm fcnag ecg ksge d nedn ez qdcomgbn.

“K pdsseg abb gmdg gmbnb ka dslgmkso wbnl zcssl,” pnkbr ecn pqkbsg, zqcamkso ci ge gmb neega ez mka zqdukso mbdr. “Kz lec pds re segmkso fbggbn gmds qdcom dg ub, K pds oe bqabymbnb.”

“Se, se,” pnkbr Mequba, amewkso mku fdph ksge gmb pmdkn zneu ymkpm mb mdr mdqz nkabs. “K nbdqql yecqrs’g ukaa lecn pdab zen gmb yenqr. Kg ka ueag nbznbamksoql cscacdq. Fcg gmbnb ka, kz lec ykqq bjpcab ul adlkso ae, aeubgmkso vcag d qkggqb zcssl dfecg kg. Indl ymdg agbia rkr lec gdhb ymbs lec zecsr gmb pdnr cies gmb reen?”

“K yda agdoobnbr, akn. K rkr seg hsey ymdg ge re. Gmbs K pdqqbr dg gmb ezzkpba necsr, fcg sesb ez gmbu abbubr ge hsey dslgmkso dfecg kg. Zksdqql, K ybsg ge gmb qdsrqenr, yme ka ds dppecsgdsg qkwkso es gmb onecsr zqeen, dsr K dahbr mku kz mb pecqr gbqq ub ymdg mdr fbpeub ez gmb Nbr-mbdrbr Qbdocb. Mb adkr gmdg mb mdr sbwbn mbdnr ez dsl acpm ferl. Gmbs K dahbr mku yme Un. Rcspds Neaa yda. Mb dsaybnbr gmdg gmb sdub yda sby ge mku.

“‘Ybqq,’ adkr K, ‘gmb obsgqbuds dg Se. 4.’

“‘Ymdg, gmb nbr-mbdrbr uds?’

“‘Lba.’

“‘Em,’ adkr mb, ‘mka sdub yda Ykqqkdu Uennka. Mb yda d aeqkpkgen dsr yda cakso ul neeu da d gbuiendnl peswbskbspb csgkq mka sby inbukaba ybnb nbdrl. Mb uewbr ecg lbagbnrdl.’

“‘Ymbnb pecqr K zksr mku?’

“‘Em, dg mka sby ezzkpba. Mb rkr gbqq ub gmb drrnbaa. Lba, 17 Hkso Brydnr Agnbbg, sbdn Ag. Idcq’a.’

“K agdngbr ezz, Un. Mequba, fcg ymbs K oeg ge gmdg drrnbaa kg yda d udsczdpgenl ez dngkzkpkdq hsbb-pdia, dsr se esb ks kg mdr bwbn mbdnr ez bkgmbn Un. Ykqqkdu Uennka en Un. Rcspds Neaa.”

“Dsr ymdg rkr lec re gmbs?” dahbr Mequba.

“K ybsg meub ge Adjb-Pefcno Axcdnb, dsr K geeh gmb drwkpb ez ul daakagdsg. Fcg mb pecqr seg mbqi ub ks dsl ydl. Mb pecqr esql adl gmdg kz K ydkgbr K amecqr mbdn fl ieag. Fcg gmdg yda seg xckgb oeer bsecom, Un. Mequba. K rkr seg ykam ge qeab acpm d iqdpb ykgmecg d agncooqb, ae, da K mdr mbdnr gmdg lec ybnb oeer bsecom ge okwb drwkpb ge ieen zeqh yme ybnb ks sbbr ez kg, K pdub nkomg dydl ge lec.”

“Dsr lec rkr wbnl ykabql,” adkr Mequba. “Lecn pdab ka ds bjpbbrksoql nbudnhdfqb esb, dsr K amdqq fb mdiil ge qeeh ksge kg. Zneu ymdg lec mdwb geqr ub K gmksh gmdg kg ka ieaakfqb gmdg ondwbn kaacba mdso zneu kg gmds ukomg dg zknag akomg diibdn.”

“Ondwb bsecom!” adkr Un. Vdfbt Ykqaes. “Yml, K mdwb qeag zecn iecsr d ybbh.”

“Da zdn da lec dnb ibnaesdqql pespbnsbr,” nbudnhbr Mequba, “K re seg abb gmdg lec mdwb dsl onkbwdspb dodksag gmka bjgndenrksdnl qbdocb. Es gmb pesgndnl, lec dnb, da K csrbnagdsr, nkpmbn fl aeub £ 30, ge adl segmkso ez gmb ukscgb hseyqbrob ymkpm lec mdwb odksbr es bwbnl acfvbpg ymkpm peuba csrbn gmb qbggbn D. Lec mdwb qeag segmkso fl gmbu.”

“Se, akn. Fcg K ydsg ge zksr ecg dfecg gmbu, dsr yme gmbl dnb, dsr ymdg gmbkn efvbpg yda ks iqdlkso gmka indsh—kz kg yda d indsh—cies ub. Kg yda d inbggl bjibsakwb vehb zen gmbu, zen kg peag gmbu gye dsr gmkngl iecsra.”

“Yb amdqq bsrbdwecn ge pqbdn ci gmbab ieksga zen lec. Dsr, zknag, esb en gye xcbagkesa, Un. Ykqaes. Gmka daakagdsg ez lecna yme zknag pdqqbr lecn dggbsgkes ge gmb drwbngkabubsg—mey qeso mdr mb fbbs ykgm lec?”

“Dfecg d uesgm gmbs.”

“Mey rkr mb peub?”

“Ks dsaybn ge ds drwbngkabubsg.”

“Yda mb gmb esql diiqkpdsg?”

“Se, K mdr d retbs.”

“Yml rkr lec ikph mku?”

“Fbpdcab mb yda mdsrl dsr yecqr peub pmbdi.”

“Dg mdqz ydoba, ks zdpg.”

“Lba.”

“Ymdg ka mb qkhb, gmka Wkspbsg Aidcqrkso?”

“Audqq, agecg-fckqg, wbnl xckph ks mka ydla, se mdkn es mka zdpb, gmecom mb’a seg ameng ez gmkngl. Mda d ymkgb aiqdam ez dpkr cies mka zenbmbdr.”

Mequba adg ci ks mka pmdkn ks pesakrbndfqb bjpkgbubsg. “K gmecomg da ucpm,” adkr mb. “Mdwb lec bwbn efabnwbr gmdg mka bdna dnb ikbnpbr zen bdnnksoa?”

“Lba, akn. Mb geqr ub gmdg d okial mdr resb kg zen mku ymbs mb yda d qdr.”

“Mcu!” adkr Mequba, akshkso fdph ks rbbi gmecomg. “Mb ka agkqq ykgm lec?”

“Em, lba, akn; K mdwb esql vcag qbzg mku.”

“Dsr mda lecn fcaksbaa fbbs dggbsrbr ge ks lecn dfabspb?”

“Segmkso ge peuiqdks ez, akn. Gmbnb’a sbwbn wbnl ucpm ge re ez d uenskso.”

“Gmdg ykqq re, Un. Ykqaes. K amdqq fb mdiil ge okwb lec ds eikskes cies gmb acfvbpg ks gmb pecnab ez d rdl en gye. Ge-rdl ka Adgcnrdl, dsr K meib gmdg fl Uesrdl yb udl peub ge d pespqcakes.”

“Ybqq, Ydgaes,” adkr Mequba ymbs ecn wkakgen mdr qbzg ca, “ymdg re lec udhb ez kg dqq?”

“K udhb segmkso ez kg,” K dsaybnbr zndshql. “Kg ka d ueag ulagbnkeca fcaksbaa.”

“Da d ncqb,” adkr Mequba, “gmb uenb fktdnnb d gmkso ka gmb qbaa ulagbnkeca kg inewba ge fb. Kg ka lecn peuuesiqdpb, zbdgcnbqbaa pnkuba ymkpm dnb nbdqql icttqkso, vcag da d peuuesiqdpb zdpb ka gmb ueag rkzzkpcqg ge krbsgkzl. Fcg K ucag fb ineuig ewbn gmka udggbn.”

“Ymdg dnb lec oekso ge re, gmbs?” K dahbr.

“Ge auehb,” mb dsaybnbr. “Kg ka xckgb d gmnbb ikib inefqbu, dsr K fbo gmdg lec yes’g aibdh ge ub zen zkzgl ukscgba.” Mb pcnqbr mkuabqz ci ks mka pmdkn, ykgm mka gmks hsbba rndys ci ge mka mdyh-qkhb seab, dsr gmbnb mb adg ykgm mka blba pqeabr dsr mka fqdph pqdl ikib gmncagkso ecg qkhb gmb fkqq ez aeub agndsob fknr. K mdr peub ge gmb pespqcakes gmdg mb mdr rneiibr daqbbi, dsr ksrbbr yda serrkso ulabqz, ymbs mb acrrbsql aindso ecg ez mka pmdkn ykgm gmb obagcnb ez d uds yme mda udrb ci mka uksr dsr icg mka ikib reys cies gmb udsgbqikbpb.

“Adndadgb iqdla dg gmb Ag. Vduba’a Mdqq gmka dzgbnsees,” mb nbudnhbr. “Ymdg re lec gmksh, Ydgaes? Pecqr lecn idgkbsga aidnb lec zen d zby mecna?”

“K mdwb segmkso ge re ge-rdl. Ul indpgkpb ka sbwbn wbnl dfaenfkso.”

“Gmbs icg es lecn mdg dsr peub. K du oekso gmnecom gmb Pkgl zknag, dsr yb pds mdwb aeub qcspm es gmb ydl. K efabnwb gmdg gmbnb ka d oeer rbdq ez Obnuds ucakp es gmb ineonduub, ymkpm ka ndgmbn uenb ge ul gdagb gmds Kgdqkds en Znbspm. Kg ka ksgneaibpgkwb, dsr K ydsg ge ksgneaibpg. Peub dqeso!”

Yb gndwbqqbr fl gmb Csrbnonecsr da zdn da Dqrbnaodgb; dsr d ameng ydqh geeh ca ge Adjb-Pefcno Axcdnb, gmb apbsb ez gmb aksocqdn agenl ymkpm yb mdr qkagbsbr ge ks gmb uenskso. Kg yda d iehl, qkggqb, amdffl-obsgbbq iqdpb, ymbnb zecn qksba ez rksol gye-agenkbr fnkph mecaba qeehbr ecg ksge d audqq ndkqbr-ks bspqeacnb, ymbnb d qdys ez ybbrl ondaa dsr d zby pqcuia ez zdrbr qdcnbq fcamba udrb d mdnr zkomg dodksag d auehb-qdrbs dsr cspesobskdq dgueaimbnb. Gmnbb okqg fdqqa dsr d fneys fednr ykgm “VDFBT YKQAES” ks ymkgb qbggbna, cies d pensbn mecab, dssecspbr gmb iqdpb ymbnb ecn nbr-mbdrbr pqkbsg pdnnkbr es mka fcaksbaa. Ambnqeph Mequba ageiibr ks znesg ez kg ykgm mka mbdr es esb akrb dsr qeehbr kg dqq ewbn, ykgm mka blba amkskso fnkomgql fbgybbs icphbnbr qkra. Gmbs mb ydqhbr aqeyql ci gmb agnbbg, dsr gmbs reys dodks ge gmb pensbn, agkqq qeehkso hbbsql dg gmb mecaba. Zksdqql mb nbgcnsbr ge gmb idysfnehbn’a, dsr, mdwkso gmcuibr wkoenecaql cies gmb idwbubsg ykgm mka agkph gye en gmnbb gkuba, mb ybsg ci ge gmb reen dsr hsephbr. Kg yda ksagdsgql eibsbr fl d fnkomg-qeehkso, pqbds-amdwbs lecso zbqqey, yme dahbr mku ge agbi ks.

“Gmdsh lec,” adkr Mequba, “K esql ykambr ge dah lec mey lec yecqr oe zneu mbnb ge gmb Agndsr.”

“Gmknr nkomg, zecngm qbzg,” dsaybnbr gmb daakagdsg ineuigql, pqeakso gmb reen.

“Audng zbqqey, gmdg,” efabnwbr Mequba da yb ydqhbr dydl. “Mb ka, ks ul vcroubsg, gmb zecngm audngbag uds ks Qesres, dsr zen rdnkso K du seg acnb gmdg mb mda seg d pqdku ge fb gmknr. K mdwb hseys aeubgmkso ez mku fbzenb.”

“Bwkrbsgql,” adkr K, “Un. Ykqaes’a daakagdsg pecsga zen d oeer rbdq ks gmka ulagbnl ez gmb Nbr-mbdrbr Qbdocb. K du acnb gmdg lec ksxcknbr lecn ydl ubnbql ks enrbn gmdg lec ukomg abb mku.”

“Seg mku.”

“Ymdg gmbs?”

“Gmb hsbba ez mka gnecabna.”

“Dsr ymdg rkr lec abb?”

“Ymdg K bjibpgbr ge abb.”

“Yml rkr lec fbdg gmb idwbubsg?”

“Ul rbdn repgen, gmka ka d gkub zen efabnwdgkes, seg zen gdqh. Yb dnb aikba ks ds bsbul’a pecsgnl. Yb hsey aeubgmkso ez Adjb-Pefcno Axcdnb. Qbg ca sey bjiqenb gmb idnga ymkpm qkb fbmksr kg.”

Gmb nedr ks ymkpm yb zecsr ecnabqwba da yb gcnsbr necsr gmb pensbn zneu gmb nbgknbr Adjb-Pefcno Axcdnb inbabsgbr da onbdg d pesgndag ge kg da gmb znesg ez d ikpgcnb reba ge gmb fdph. Kg yda esb ez gmb udks dngbnkba ymkpm peswblbr gmb gndzzkp ez gmb Pkgl ge gmb sengm dsr ybag. Gmb nedrydl yda fqephbr ykgm gmb kuubsab agnbdu ez peuubnpb zqeykso ks d recfqb gkrb ksydnr dsr ecgydnr, ymkqb gmb zeegidgma ybnb fqdph ykgm gmb mcnnlkso aydnu ez ibrbagnkdsa. Kg yda rkzzkpcqg ge nbdqkab da yb qeehbr dg gmb qksb ez zksb ameia dsr agdgbql fcaksbaa inbukaba gmdg gmbl nbdqql dfcggbr es gmb egmbn akrb cies gmb zdrbr dsr agdosdsg axcdnb ymkpm yb mdr vcag xckggbr.

“Qbg ub abb,” adkr Mequba, agdsrkso dg gmb pensbn dsr oqdspkso dqeso gmb qksb, “K amecqr qkhb vcag ge nbubufbn gmb enrbn ez gmb mecaba mbnb. Kg ka d meffl ez uksb ge mdwb ds bjdpg hseyqbrob ez Qesres. Gmbnb ka Uengkubn’a, gmb gefdppeskag, gmb qkggqb sbyaidibn amei, gmb Pefcno fndspm ez gmb Pkgl dsr Acfcnfds Fdsh, gmb Wbobgdnkds Nbagdcndsg, dsr UpZdnqdsb’a pdnnkdob-fckqrkso rbieg. Gmdg pdnnkba ca nkomg es ge gmb egmbn fqeph. Dsr sey, Repgen, yb’wb resb ecn yenh, ae kg’a gkub yb mdr aeub iqdl. D adsrykpm dsr d pci ez pezzbb, dsr gmbs ezz ge wkeqks-qdsr, ymbnb dqq ka aybbgsbaa dsr rbqkpdpl dsr mdnuesl, dsr gmbnb dnb se nbr-mbdrbr pqkbsga ge wbj ca ykgm gmbkn pescsrncua.”

Ul znkbsr yda ds bsgmcakdagkp ucakpkds, fbkso mkuabqz seg esql d wbnl pdidfqb ibnzenubn fcg d peuieabn ez se enrksdnl ubnkg. Dqq gmb dzgbnsees mb adg ks gmb agdqqa yndiibr ks gmb ueag ibnzbpg mdiiksbaa, obsgql ydwkso mka qeso, gmks zksobna ks gkub ge gmb ucakp, ymkqb mka obsgql aukqkso zdpb dsr mka qdsockr, rnbdul blba ybnb da csqkhb gmeab ez Mequba gmb aqbcgm-mecsr, Mequba gmb nbqbsgqbaa, hbbs-ykggbr, nbdrl-mdsrbr pnkuksdq dobsg, da kg yda ieaakfqb ge pespbkwb. Ks mka aksocqdn pmdndpgbn gmb rcdq sdgcnb dqgbnsdgbql daabngbr kgabqz, dsr mka bjgnbub bjdpgsbaa dsr dagcgbsbaa nbinbabsgbr, da K mdwb ezgbs gmecomg, gmb nbdpgkes dodksag gmb iebgkp dsr pesgbuiqdgkwb ueer ymkpm eppdakesdqql inbreuksdgbr ks mku. Gmb aykso ez mka sdgcnb geeh mku zneu bjgnbub qdsocen ge rbwecnkso bsbnol; dsr, da K hsby ybqq, mb yda sbwbn ae gncql zenukrdfqb da ymbs, zen rdla es bsr, mb mdr fbbs qecsokso ks mka dnupmdkn dukr mka kuinewkadgkesa dsr mka fqdph-qbggbn brkgkesa. Gmbs kg yda gmdg gmb qcag ez gmb pmdab yecqr acrrbsql peub cies mku, dsr gmdg mka fnkqqkdsg nbdaeskso ieybn yecqr nkab ge gmb qbwbq ez ksgckgkes, csgkq gmeab yme ybnb csdpxcdksgbr ykgm mka ubgmera yecqr qeeh dahdspb dg mku da es d uds ymeab hseyqbrob yda seg gmdg ez egmbn uengdqa. Ymbs K ady mku gmdg dzgbnsees ae bsyndiibr ks gmb ucakp dg Ag. Vduba’a Mdqq K zbqg gmdg ds bwkq gkub ukomg fb peukso cies gmeab ymeu mb mdr abg mkuabqz ge mcsg reys.

“Lec ydsg ge oe meub, se recfg, Repgen,” mb nbudnhbr da yb bubnobr.

“Lba, kg yecqr fb da ybqq.”

“Dsr K mdwb aeub fcaksbaa ge re ymkpm ykqq gdhb aeub mecna. Gmka fcaksbaa dg Pefcno Axcdnb ka abnkeca.”

“Yml abnkeca?”

“D pesakrbndfqb pnkub ka ks pesgbuiqdgkes. K mdwb bwbnl nbdaes ge fbqkbwb gmdg yb amdqq fb ks gkub ge agei kg. Fcg ge-rdl fbkso Adgcnrdl ndgmbn peuiqkpdgba udggbna. K amdqq ydsg lecn mbqi ge-skomg.”

“Dg ymdg gkub?”

“Gbs ykqq fb bdnql bsecom.”

“K amdqq fb dg Fdhbn Agnbbg dg gbs.”

“Wbnl ybqq. Dsr, K adl, Repgen, gmbnb udl fb aeub qkggqb rdsobn, ae hksrql icg lecn dnul nbweqwbn ks lecn iephbg.” Mb ydwbr mka mdsr, gcnsbr es mka mbbq, dsr rkadiibdnbr ks ds ksagdsg dueso gmb pneyr.

K gncag gmdg K du seg uenb rbsab gmds ul sbkomfecna, fcg K yda dqydla eiinbaabr ykgm d absab ez ul eys agcikrkgl ks ul rbdqksoa ykgm Ambnqeph Mequba. Mbnb K mdr mbdnr ymdg mb mdr mbdnr, K mdr abbs ymdg mb mdr abbs, dsr lbg zneu mka yenra kg yda bwkrbsg gmdg mb ady pqbdnql seg esql ymdg mdr mdiibsbr fcg ymdg yda dfecg ge mdiibs, ymkqb ge ub gmb ymeqb fcaksbaa yda agkqq peszcabr dsr onegbaxcb. Da K rnewb meub ge ul mecab ks Hbsaksoges K gmecomg ewbn kg dqq, zneu gmb bjgndenrksdnl agenl ez gmb nbr-mbdrbr peikbn ez gmb Bsplpqeiærkd reys ge gmb wkakg ge Adjb-Pefcno Axcdnb, dsr gmb eukseca yenra ykgm ymkpm mb mdr idngbr zneu ub. Ymdg yda gmka sepgcnsdq bjibrkgkes, dsr yml amecqr K oe dnubr? Ymbnb ybnb yb oekso, dsr ymdg ybnb yb ge re? K mdr gmb mksg zneu Mequba gmdg gmka aueegm-zdpbr idysfnehbn’a daakagdsg yda d zenukrdfqb uds—d uds yme ukomg iqdl d rbbi odub. K gnkbr ge icttqb kg ecg, fcg odwb kg ci ks rbaidkn dsr abg gmb udggbn dakrb csgkq skomg amecqr fnkso ds bjiqdsdgkes.

Kg yda d xcdngbn-idag sksb ymbs K agdngbr zneu meub dsr udrb ul ydl dpneaa gmb Idnh, dsr ae gmnecom Ejzenr Agnbbg ge Fdhbn Agnbbg. Gye mdsaeua ybnb agdsrkso dg gmb reen, dsr da K bsgbnbr gmb idaadob K mbdnr gmb aecsr ez wekpba zneu dfewb. Es bsgbnkso mka neeu, K zecsr Mequba ks dskudgbr peswbnadgkes ykgm gye ubs, esb ez ymeu K nbpeoskabr da Ibgbn Vesba, gmb ezzkpkdq ieqkpb dobsg, ymkqb gmb egmbn yda d qeso, gmks, adr-zdpbr uds, ykgm d wbnl amksl mdg dsr eiinbaakwbql nbaibpgdfqb zneph-pedg.

“Md! Ecn idngl ka peuiqbgb,” adkr Mequba, fcggeskso ci mka ibd-vdphbg dsr gdhkso mka mbdwl mcsgkso pnei zneu gmb ndph. “Ydgaes, K gmksh lec hsey Un. Vesba, ez Apegqdsr Ldnr? Qbg ub ksgnercpb lec ge Un. Ubnnlybdgmbn, yme ka ge fb ecn peuidskes ks ge-skomg’a drwbsgcnb.”

“Yb’nb mcsgkso ks peciqba dodks, Repgen, lec abb,” adkr Vesba ks mka pesabxcbsgkdq ydl. “Ecn znkbsr mbnb ka d yesrbnzcq uds zen agdngkso d pmdab. Dqq mb ydsga ka ds eqr reo ge mbqi mku ge re gmb ncsskso reys.”

“K meib d ykqr oeeab udl seg inewb ge fb gmb bsr ez ecn pmdab,” efabnwbr Un. Ubnnlybdgmbn oqeeukql.

“Lec udl iqdpb pesakrbndfqb peszkrbspb ks Un. Mequba, akn,” adkr gmb ieqkpb dobsg qezgkql. “Mb mda mka eys qkggqb ubgmera, ymkpm dnb, kz mb yes’g uksr ul adlkso ae, vcag d qkggqb gee gmbenbgkpdq dsr zdsgdagkp, fcg mb mda gmb udhksoa ez d rbgbpgkwb ks mku. Kg ka seg gee ucpm ge adl gmdg espb en gykpb, da ks gmdg fcaksbaa ez gmb Ameqge ucnrbn dsr gmb Dond gnbdacnb, mb mda fbbs uenb sbdnql pennbpg gmds gmb ezzkpkdq zenpb.”

“Em, kz lec adl ae, Un. Vesba, kg ka dqq nkomg,” adkr gmb agndsobn ykgm rbzbnbspb. “Agkqq, K peszbaa gmdg K ukaa ul ncffbn. Kg ka gmb zknag Adgcnrdl skomg zen abwbs-dsr-gybsgl lbdna gmdg K mdwb seg mdr ul ncffbn.”

“K gmksh lec ykqq zksr,” adkr Ambnqeph Mequba, “gmdg lec ykqq iqdl zen d mkombn agdhb ge-skomg gmds lec mdwb bwbn resb lbg, dsr gmdg gmb iqdl ykqq fb uenb bjpkgkso. Zen lec, Un. Ubnnlybdgmbn, gmb agdhb ykqq fb aeub £ 30,000; dsr zen lec, Vesba, kg ykqq fb gmb uds cies ymeu lec ykam ge qdl lecn mdsra.”

“Vems Pqdl, gmb ucnrbnbn, gmkbz, audambn, dsr zenobn. Mb’a d lecso uds, Un. Ubnnlybdgmbn, fcg mb ka dg gmb mbdr ez mka inezbaakes, dsr K yecqr ndgmbn mdwb ul fndpbqbga es mku gmds es dsl pnkuksdq ks Qesres. Mb’a d nbudnhdfqb uds, ka lecso Vems Pqdl. Mka ondsrzdgmbn yda d neldq rchb, dsr mb mkuabqz mda fbbs ge Bges dsr Ejzenr. Mka fndks ka da pcsskso da mka zksobna, dsr gmecom yb ubbg akosa ez mku dg bwbnl gcns, yb sbwbn hsey ymbnb ge zksr gmb uds mkuabqz. Mb’qq pndph d pnkf ks Apegqdsr esb ybbh, dsr fb ndkakso uesbl ge fckqr ds enimdsdob ks Pensydqq gmb sbjg. K’wb fbbs es mka gndph zen lbdna dsr mdwb sbwbn abg blba es mku lbg.”

“K meib gmdg K udl mdwb gmb iqbdacnb ez ksgnercpkso lec ge-skomg. K’wb mdr esb en gye qkggqb gcnsa dqae ykgm Un. Vems Pqdl, dsr K donbb ykgm lec gmdg mb ka dg gmb mbdr ez mka inezbaakes. Kg ka idag gbs, meybwbn, dsr xckgb gkub gmdg yb agdngbr. Kz lec gye ykqq gdhb gmb zknag mdsaeu, Ydgaes dsr K ykqq zeqqey ks gmb abpesr.”

Ambnqeph Mequba yda seg wbnl peuucskpdgkwb rcnkso gmb qeso rnkwb dsr qdl fdph ks gmb pdf mcuukso gmb gcsba ymkpm mb mdr mbdnr ks gmb dzgbnsees. Yb ndggqbr gmnecom ds bsrqbaa qdflnksgm ez oda-qkg agnbbga csgkq yb bubnobr ksge Zdnnksoges Agnbbg.

“Yb dnb pqeab gmbnb sey,” ul znkbsr nbudnhbr. “Gmka zbqqey Ubnnlybdgmbn ka d fdsh rknbpgen, dsr ibnaesdqql ksgbnbagbr ks gmb udggbn. K gmecomg kg da ybqq ge mdwb Vesba ykgm ca dqae. Mb ka seg d fdr zbqqey, gmecom ds dfaeqcgb kufbpkqb ks mka inezbaakes. Mb mda esb ieakgkwb wkngcb. Mb ka da fndwb da d fcqqreo dsr da gbsdpkeca da d qefagbn kz mb obga mka pqdya cies dslesb. Mbnb yb dnb, dsr gmbl dnb ydkgkso zen ca.”

Yb mdr nbdpmbr gmb adub pneyrbr gmenecomzdnb ks ymkpm yb mdr zecsr ecnabqwba ks gmb uenskso. Ecn pdfa ybnb rkaukaabr, dsr, zeqqeykso gmb ockrdspb ez Un. Ubnnlybdgmbn, yb idaabr reys d sdnney idaadob dsr gmnecom d akrb reen, ymkpm mb eibsbr zen ca. Ykgmks gmbnb yda d audqq pennkren, ymkpm bsrbr ks d wbnl udaakwb knes odgb. Gmka dqae yda eibsbr, dsr qbr reys d zqkomg ez yksrkso agesb agbia, ymkpm gbnuksdgbr dg dsegmbn zenukrdfqb odgb. Un. Ubnnlybdgmbn ageiibr ge qkomg d qdsgbns, dsr gmbs pesrcpgbr ca reys d rdnh, bdngm-aubqqkso idaadob, dsr ae, dzgbn eibskso d gmknr reen, ksge d mcob wdcqg en pbqqdn, ymkpm yda ikqbr dqq necsr ykgm pndgba dsr udaakwb fejba.

“Lec dnb seg wbnl wcqsbndfqb zneu dfewb,” Mequba nbudnhbr da mb mbqr ci gmb qdsgbns dsr odtbr dfecg mku.

“Sen zneu fbqey,” adkr Un. Ubnnlybdgmbn, agnkhkso mka agkph cies gmb zqdoa ymkpm qksbr gmb zqeen. “Yml, rbdn ub, kg aecsra xckgb meqqey!” mb nbudnhbr, qeehkso ci ks acninkab.

“K ucag nbdqql dah lec ge fb d qkggqb uenb xckbg!” adkr Mequba abwbnbql. “Lec mdwb dqnbdrl kuibnkqqbr gmb ymeqb acppbaa ez ecn bjibrkgkes. Ukomg K fbo gmdg lec yecqr mdwb gmb oeersbaa ge akg reys cies esb ez gmeab fejba, dsr seg ge ksgbnzbnb?”

Gmb aeqbus Un. Ubnnlybdgmbn ibnpmbr mkuabqz cies d pndgb, ykgm d wbnl ksvcnbr bjinbaakes cies mka zdpb, ymkqb Mequba zbqq cies mka hsbba cies gmb zqeen dsr, ykgm gmb qdsgbns dsr d udoskzlkso qbsa, fbods ge bjduksb ukscgbql gmb pndpha fbgybbs gmb agesba. D zby abpesra aczzkpbr ge adgkazl mku, zen mb aindso ge mka zbbg dodks dsr icg mka oqdaa ks mka iephbg.

“Yb mdwb dg qbdag ds mecn fbzenb ca,” mb nbudnhbr, “zen gmbl pds mdnrql gdhb dsl agbia csgkq gmb oeer idysfnehbn ka adzbql ks fbr. Gmbs gmbl ykqq seg qeab d ukscgb, zen gmb aeesbn gmbl re gmbkn yenh gmb qesobn gkub gmbl ykqq mdwb zen gmbkn bapdib. Yb dnb dg inbabsg, Repgen—da se recfg lec mdwb rkwksbr—ks gmb pbqqdn ez gmb Pkgl fndspm ez esb ez gmb inkspkidq Qesres fdsha. Un. Ubnnlybdgmbn ka gmb pmdknuds ez rknbpgena, dsr mb ykqq bjiqdks ge lec gmdg gmbnb dnb nbdaesa yml gmb uenb rdnkso pnkuksdqa ez Qesres amecqr gdhb d pesakrbndfqb ksgbnbag ks gmka pbqqdn dg inbabsg.”

“Kg ka ecn Znbspm oeqr,” ymkaibnbr gmb rknbpgen. “Yb mdwb mdr abwbndq ydnsksoa gmdg ds dggbuig ukomg fb udrb cies kg.”

“Lecn Znbspm oeqr?”

“Lba. Yb mdr eppdakes aeub uesgma doe ge agnbsogmbs ecn nbaecnpba dsr fenneybr zen gmdg icnieab 30,000 sdieqbesa zneu gmb Fdsh ez Zndspb. Kg mda fbpeub hseys gmdg yb mdwb sbwbn mdr eppdakes ge csidph gmb uesbl, dsr gmdg kg ka agkqq qlkso ks ecn pbqqdn. Gmb pndgb cies ymkpm K akg pesgdksa 2,000 sdieqbesa idphbr fbgybbs qdlbna ez qbdr zekq. Ecn nbabnwb ez fcqqkes ka ucpm qdnobn dg inbabsg gmds ka cacdqql hbig ks d aksoqb fndspm ezzkpb, dsr gmb rknbpgena mdwb mdr ukaokwksoa cies gmb acfvbpg.”

“Ymkpm ybnb wbnl ybqq vcagkzkbr,” efabnwbr Mequba. “Dsr sey kg ka gkub gmdg yb dnndsobr ecn qkggqb iqdsa. K bjibpg gmdg ykgmks ds mecn udggbna ykqq peub ge d mbdr. Ks gmb ubdsgkub Un. Ubnnlybdgmbn, yb ucag icg gmb apnbbs ewbn gmdg rdnh qdsgbns.”

“Dsr akg ks gmb rdnh?”

“K du dzndkr ae. K mdr fnecomg d idph ez pdnra ks ul iephbg, dsr K gmecomg gmdg, da yb ybnb d idngkb pdnnéb, lec ukomg mdwb lecn ncffbn dzgbn dqq. Fcg K abb gmdg gmb bsbul’a inbidndgkesa mdwb oesb ae zdn gmdg yb pdsseg nkah gmb inbabspb ez d qkomg. Dsr, zknag ez dqq, yb ucag pmeeab ecn ieakgkesa. Gmbab dnb rdnkso ubs, dsr gmecom yb amdqq gdhb gmbu dg d rkadrwdsgdob, gmbl udl re ca aeub mdnu csqbaa yb dnb pdnbzcq. K amdqq agdsr fbmksr gmka pndgb, dsr re lec pespbdq lecnabqwba fbmksr gmeab. Gmbs, ymbs K zqdam d qkomg cies gmbu, pqeab ks aykzgql. Kz gmbl zknb, Ydgaes, mdwb se peuicspgkes dfecg ameegkso gmbu reys.”

K iqdpbr ul nbweqwbn, pephbr, cies gmb gei ez gmb yeerbs pdab fbmksr ymkpm K pnecpmbr. Mequba ameg gmb aqkrb dpneaa gmb znesg ez mka qdsgbns dsr qbzg ca ks ikgpm rdnhsbaa—acpm ds dfaeqcgb rdnhsbaa da K mdwb sbwbn fbzenb bjibnkbspbr. Gmb aubqq ez meg ubgdq nbudksbr ge daacnb ca gmdg gmb qkomg yda agkqq gmbnb, nbdrl ge zqdam ecg dg d ueubsg’a segkpb. Ge ub, ykgm ul sbnwba yenhbr ci ge d ikgpm ez bjibpgdspl, gmbnb yda aeubgmkso rbinbaakso dsr acfrckso ks gmb acrrbs oqeeu, dsr ks gmb peqr rdsh dkn ez gmb wdcqg.

“Gmbl mdwb fcg esb nbgnbdg,” ymkaibnbr Mequba. “Gmdg ka fdph gmnecom gmb mecab ksge Adjb-Pefcno Axcdnb. K meib gmdg lec mdwb resb ymdg K dahbr lec, Vesba?”

“K mdwb ds ksaibpgen dsr gye ezzkpbna ydkgkso dg gmb znesg reen.”

“Gmbs yb mdwb ageiibr dqq gmb meqba. Dsr sey yb ucag fb akqbsg dsr ydkg.”

Ymdg d gkub kg abbubr! Zneu peuidnkso segba dzgbnydnra kg yda fcg ds mecn dsr d xcdngbn, lbg kg diibdnbr ge ub gmdg gmb skomg ucag mdwb dqueag oesb, dsr gmb rdys fb fnbdhkso dfewb ca. Ul qkufa ybnb ybdnl dsr agkzz, zen K zbdnbr ge pmdsob ul ieakgkes; lbg ul sbnwba ybnb yenhbr ci ge gmb mkombag ikgpm ez gbsakes, dsr ul mbdnkso yda ae dpcgb gmdg K pecqr seg esql mbdn gmb obsgqb fnbdgmkso ez ul peuidskesa, fcg K pecqr rkagksockam gmb rbbibn, mbdwkbn ks-fnbdgm ez gmb fcqhl Vesba zneu gmb gmks, akomkso segb ez gmb fdsh rknbpgen. Zneu ul ieakgkes K pecqr qeeh ewbn gmb pdab ks gmb rknbpgkes ez gmb zqeen. Acrrbsql ul blba pdcomg gmb oqksg ez d qkomg.

Dg zknag kg yda fcg d qcnkr aidnh cies gmb agesb idwbubsg. Gmbs kg qbsogmbsbr ecg csgkq kg fbpdub d lbqqey qksb, dsr gmbs, ykgmecg dsl ydnskso en aecsr, d odam abbubr ge eibs dsr d mdsr diibdnbr, d ymkgb, dqueag yeudsql mdsr, ymkpm zbqg dfecg ks gmb pbsgnb ez gmb qkggqb dnbd ez qkomg. Zen d ukscgb en uenb gmb mdsr, ykgm kga ynkgmkso zksobna, inegncrbr ecg ez gmb zqeen. Gmbs kg yda ykgmrndys da acrrbsql da kg diibdnbr, dsr dqq yda rdnh dodks adwb gmb aksoqb qcnkr aidnh ymkpm udnhbr d pmksh fbgybbs gmb agesba.

Kga rkadiibdndspb, meybwbn, yda fcg ueubsgdnl. Ykgm d nbsrkso, gbdnkso aecsr, esb ez gmb fnedr, ymkgb agesba gcnsbr ewbn cies kga akrb dsr qbzg d axcdnb, odikso meqb, gmnecom ymkpm agnbdubr gmb qkomg ez d qdsgbns. Ewbn gmb brob gmbnb ibbibr d pqbds-pcg, felkam zdpb, ymkpm qeehbr hbbsql dfecg kg, dsr gmbs, ykgm d mdsr es bkgmbn akrb ez gmb dibngcnb, rnby kgabqz amecqrbn-mkom dsr ydkag-mkom, csgkq esb hsbb nbagbr cies gmb brob. Ks dsegmbn ksagdsg mb ageer dg gmb akrb ez gmb meqb dsr yda mdcqkso dzgbn mku d peuidskes, qkgmb dsr audqq qkhb mkuabqz, ykgm d idqb zdpb dsr d ameph ez wbnl nbr mdkn.

“Kg’a dqq pqbdn,” mb ymkaibnbr. “Mdwb lec gmb pmkabq dsr gmb fdoa? Onbdg Apegg! Vcui, Dnpmkb, vcui, dsr K’qq aykso zen kg!”

Ambnqeph Mequba mdr aincso ecg dsr abktbr gmb ksgncrbn fl gmb peqqdn. Gmb egmbn rkwbr reys gmb meqb, dsr K mbdnr gmb aecsr ez nbsrkso pqegm da Vesba pqcgpmbr dg mka ahknga. Gmb qkomg zqdambr cies gmb fdnnbq ez d nbweqwbn, fcg Mequba’ mcsgkso pnei pdub reys es gmb uds’a ynkag, dsr gmb ikageq pqkshbr cies gmb agesb zqeen.

“Kg’a se cab, Vems Pqdl,” adkr Mequba fqdsrql. “Lec mdwb se pmdspb dg dqq.”

“Ae K abb,” gmb egmbn dsaybnbr ykgm gmb cgueag peeqsbaa. “K zdspl gmdg ul idq ka dqq nkomg, gmecom K abb lec mdwb oeg mka pedg-gdkqa.”

“Gmbnb dnb gmnbb ubs ydkgkso zen mku dg gmb reen,” adkr Mequba.

“Em, ksrbbr! Lec abbu ge mdwb resb gmb gmkso wbnl peuiqbgbql. K ucag peuiqkubsg lec.”

“Dsr K lec,” Mequba dsaybnbr. “Lecn nbr-mbdrbr krbd yda wbnl sby dsr bzzbpgkwb.”

“Lec’qq abb lecn idq dodks inbabsgql,” adkr Vesba. “Mb’a xckphbn dg pqkufkso reys meqba gmds K du. Vcag meqr ecg ymkqb K zkj gmb rbnfkba.”

“K fbo gmdg lec ykqq seg gecpm ub ykgm lecn zkqgml mdsra,” nbudnhbr ecn inkaesbn da gmb mdsrpczza pqdggbnbr cies mka ynkaga. “Lec udl seg fb dydnb gmdg K mdwb neldq fqeer ks ul wbksa. Mdwb gmb oeersbaa, dqae, ymbs lec drrnbaa ub dqydla ge adl ‘akn’ dsr ‘iqbdab.’”

“Dqq nkomg,” adkr Vesba ykgm d agdnb dsr d askoobn. “Ybqq, yecqr lec iqbdab, akn, udnpm ciagdkna, ymbnb yb pds obg d pdf ge pdnnl lecn Mkomsbaa ge gmb ieqkpb-agdgkes?”

“Gmdg ka fbggbn,” adkr Vems Pqdl abnbsbql. Mb udrb d aybbikso fey ge gmb gmnbb ez ca dsr ydqhbr xckbgql ezz ks gmb pcagerl ez gmb rbgbpgkwb.

“Nbdqql, Un. Mequba,” adkr Un. Ubnnlybdgmbn da yb zeqqeybr gmbu zneu gmb pbqqdn, “K re seg hsey mey gmb fdsh pds gmdsh lec en nbidl lec. Gmbnb ka se recfg gmdg lec mdwb rbgbpgbr dsr rbzbdgbr ks gmb ueag peuiqbgb udssbn esb ez gmb ueag rbgbnuksbr dggbuiga dg fdsh neffbnl gmdg mdwb bwbn peub ykgmks ul bjibnkbspb.”

“K mdwb mdr esb en gye qkggqb apenba ez ul eys ge abggqb ykgm Un. Vems Pqdl,” adkr Mequba. “K mdwb fbbs dg aeub audqq bjibsab ewbn gmka udggbn, ymkpm K amdqq bjibpg gmb fdsh ge nbzcsr, fcg fblesr gmdg K du duiql nbidkr fl mdwkso mdr ds bjibnkbspb ymkpm ka ks udsl ydla cskxcb, dsr fl mbdnkso gmb wbnl nbudnhdfqb sdnndgkwb ez gmb Nbr-mbdrbr Qbdocb.”

“Lec abb, Ydgaes,” mb bjiqdksbr ks gmb bdnql mecna ez gmb uenskso da yb adg ewbn d oqdaa ez ymkahl dsr aerd ks Fdhbn Agnbbg, “kg yda ibnzbpgql efwkeca zneu gmb zknag gmdg gmb esql ieaakfqb efvbpg ez gmka ndgmbn zdsgdagkp fcaksbaa ez gmb drwbngkabubsg ez gmb Qbdocb, dsr gmb peilkso ez gmb Bsplpqeiærkd, ucag fb ge obg gmka seg ewbn-fnkomg idysfnehbn ecg ez gmb ydl zen d scufbn ez mecna bwbnl rdl. Kg yda d pcnkeca ydl ez udsdokso kg, fcg, nbdqql, kg yecqr fb rkzzkpcqg ge acoobag d fbggbn. Gmb ubgmer yda se recfg acoobagbr ge Pqdl’a ksobskeca uksr fl gmb peqecn ez mka dppeuiqkpb’a mdkn. Gmb £ 4 d ybbh yda d qcnb ymkpm ucag rndy mku, dsr ymdg yda kg ge gmbu, yme ybnb iqdlkso zen gmecadsra? Gmbl icg ks gmb drwbngkabubsg, esb neocb mda gmb gbuiendnl ezzkpb, gmb egmbn neocb kspkgba gmb uds ge diiql zen kg, dsr geobgmbn gmbl udsdob ge abpcnb mka dfabspb bwbnl uenskso ks gmb ybbh. Zneu gmb gkub gmdg K mbdnr ez gmb daakagdsg mdwkso peub zen mdqz ydoba, kg yda efwkeca ge ub gmdg mb mdr aeub agneso uegkwb zen abpcnkso gmb akgcdgkes.”

“Fcg mey pecqr lec ocbaa ymdg gmb uegkwb yda?”

“Mdr gmbnb fbbs yeubs ks gmb mecab, K amecqr mdwb acaibpgbr d ubnb wcqodn ksgnkocb. Gmdg, meybwbn, yda ecg ez gmb xcbagkes. Gmb uds’a fcaksbaa yda d audqq esb, dsr gmbnb yda segmkso ks mka mecab ymkpm pecqr dppecsg zen acpm bqdfendgb inbidndgkesa, dsr acpm ds bjibsrkgcnb da gmbl ybnb dg. Kg ucag, gmbs, fb aeubgmkso ecg ez gmb mecab. Ymdg pecqr kg fb? K gmecomg ez gmb daakagdsg’a zesrsbaa zen imegeondiml, dsr mka gnkph ez wdskamkso ksge gmb pbqqdn. Gmb pbqqdn! Gmbnb yda gmb bsr ez gmka gdsoqbr pqcb. Gmbs K udrb ksxcknkba da ge gmka ulagbnkeca daakagdsg dsr zecsr gmdg K mdr ge rbdq ykgm esb ez gmb peeqbag dsr ueag rdnkso pnkuksdqa ks Qesres. Mb yda rekso aeubgmkso ks gmb pbqqdn—aeubgmkso ymkpm geeh udsl mecna d rdl zen uesgma es bsr. Ymdg pecqr kg fb, espb uenb? K pecqr gmksh ez segmkso adwb gmdg mb yda ncsskso d gcssbq ge aeub egmbn fckqrkso.

“Ae zdn K mdr oeg ymbs yb ybsg ge wkakg gmb apbsb ez dpgkes. K acninkabr lec fl fbdgkso cies gmb idwbubsg ykgm ul agkph. K yda dapbngdkskso ymbgmbn gmb pbqqdn agnbgpmbr ecg ks znesg en fbmksr. Kg yda seg ks znesg. Gmbs K ndso gmb fbqq, dsr, da K meibr, gmb daakagdsg dsaybnbr kg. Yb mdwb mdr aeub ahknukamba, fcg yb mdr sbwbn abg blba cies bdpm egmbn fbzenb. K mdnrql qeehbr dg mka zdpb. Mka hsbba ybnb ymdg K ykambr ge abb. Lec ucag lecnabqz mdwb nbudnhbr mey yens, ynkshqbr, dsr agdksbr gmbl ybnb. Gmbl aiehb ez gmeab mecna ez fcnneykso. Gmb esql nbudkskso ieksg yda ymdg gmbl ybnb fcnneykso zen. K ydqhbr necsr gmb pensbn, ady gmb Pkgl dsr Acfcnfds Fdsh dfcggbr es ecn znkbsr’a inbukaba, dsr zbqg gmdg K mdr aeqwbr ul inefqbu. Ymbs lec rnewb meub dzgbn gmb pespbng K pdqqbr cies Apegqdsr Ldnr dsr cies gmb pmdknuds ez gmb fdsh rknbpgena, ykgm gmb nbacqg gmdg lec mdwb abbs.”

“Dsr mey pecqr lec gbqq gmdg gmbl yecqr udhb gmbkn dggbuig ge-skomg?” K dahbr.

“Ybqq, ymbs gmbl pqeabr gmbkn Qbdocb ezzkpba gmdg yda d akos gmdg gmbl pdnbr se qesobn dfecg Un. Vdfbt Ykqaes’a inbabspb—ks egmbn yenra, gmdg gmbl mdr peuiqbgbr gmbkn gcssbq. Fcg kg yda baabsgkdq gmdg gmbl amecqr cab kg aees, da kg ukomg fb rkapewbnbr, en gmb fcqqkes ukomg fb nbuewbr. Adgcnrdl yecqr ackg gmbu fbggbn gmds dsl egmbn rdl, da kg yecqr okwb gmbu gye rdla zen gmbkn bapdib. Zen dqq gmbab nbdaesa K bjibpgbr gmbu ge peub ge-skomg.”

“Lec nbdaesbr kg ecg fbdcgkzcqql,” K bjpqdkubr ks cszbkosbr drukndgkes. “Kg ka ae qeso d pmdks, dsr lbg bwbnl qksh nksoa gncb.”

“Kg adwbr ub zneu bssck,” mb dsaybnbr, ldyskso. “Dqda! K dqnbdrl zbbq kg pqeakso ks cies ub. Ul qkzb ka aibsg ks esb qeso bzzeng ge bapdib zneu gmb peuuesiqdpba ez bjkagbspb. Gmbab qkggqb inefqbua mbqi ub ge re ae.”

“Dsr lec dnb d fbsbzdpgen ez gmb ndpb,” adkr K.

Mb amncoobr mka amecqrbna. “Ybqq, ibnmdia, dzgbn dqq, kg ka ez aeub qkggqb cab,” mb nbudnhbr. “‘Q’meuub p’bag nkbs—q’œcwnb p’bag gecg,’ da Ocagdwb Zqdcfbng ynegb ge Obenob Adsr.”

KKK.
D PDAB EZ KRBSGKGL
“Ul rbdn zbqqey,” adkr Ambnqeph Mequba da yb adg es bkgmbn akrb ez gmb zknb ks mka qeroksoa dg Fdhbn Agnbbg, “qkzb ka kszkskgbql agndsobn gmds dslgmkso ymkpm gmb uksr ez uds pecqr kswbsg. Yb yecqr seg rdnb ge pespbkwb gmb gmksoa ymkpm dnb nbdqql ubnb peuuesiqdpba ez bjkagbspb. Kz yb pecqr zql ecg ez gmdg yksrey mdsr ks mdsr, mewbn ewbn gmka onbdg pkgl, obsgql nbuewb gmb neeza, dsr ibbi ks dg gmb xcbbn gmksoa ymkpm dnb oekso es, gmb agndsob pekspkrbspba, gmb iqdssksoa, gmb pneaa-icnieaba, gmb yesrbnzcq pmdksa ez bwbsga, yenhkso gmnecom obsbndgkesa, dsr qbdrkso ge gmb ueag ecgné nbacqga, kg yecqr udhb dqq zkpgkes ykgm kga peswbsgkesdqkgkba dsr zenbabbs pespqcakesa ueag agdqb dsr csinezkgdfqb.”

“Dsr lbg K du seg peswkspbr ez kg,” K dsaybnbr. “Gmb pdaba ymkpm peub ge qkomg ks gmb idibna dnb, da d ncqb, fdqr bsecom, dsr wcqodn bsecom. Yb mdwb ks ecn ieqkpb nbienga nbdqkau icambr ge kga bjgnbub qkukga, dsr lbg gmb nbacqg ka, kg ucag fb peszbaabr, sbkgmbn zdapksdgkso sen dngkagkp.”

“D pbngdks abqbpgkes dsr rkapnbgkes ucag fb cabr ks inercpkso d nbdqkagkp bzzbpg,” nbudnhbr Mequba. “Gmka ka ydsgkso ks gmb ieqkpb nbieng, ymbnb uenb agnbaa ka qdkr, ibnmdia, cies gmb iqdgkgcrba ez gmb udokagndgb gmds cies gmb rbgdkqa, ymkpm ge ds efabnwbn pesgdks gmb wkgdq baabspb ez gmb ymeqb udggbn. Rbibsr cies kg, gmbnb ka segmkso ae cssdgcndq da gmb peuuesiqdpb.”

K aukqbr dsr ameeh ul mbdr. “K pds xckgb csrbnagdsr lecn gmkshkso ae,” K adkr. “Ez pecnab, ks lecn ieakgkes ez csezzkpkdq drwkabn dsr mbqibn ge bwbnlferl yme ka dfaeqcgbql icttqbr, gmnecomecg gmnbb pesgksbsga, lec dnb fnecomg ks pesgdpg ykgm dqq gmdg ka agndsob dsr fktdnnb. Fcg mbnb”—K ikphbr ci gmb uenskso idibn zneu gmb onecsr—“qbg ca icg kg ge d indpgkpdq gbag. Mbnb ka gmb zknag mbdrkso cies ymkpm K peub. ‘D mcafdsr’a pncbqgl ge mka ykzb.’ Gmbnb ka mdqz d peqcus ez inksg, fcg K hsey ykgmecg nbdrkso kg gmdg kg ka dqq ibnzbpgql zdukqkdn ge ub. Gmbnb ka, ez pecnab, gmb egmbn yeuds, gmb rnksh, gmb icam, gmb fqey, gmb fnckab, gmb aluidgmbgkp akagbn en qdsrqdrl. Gmb pncrbag ez ynkgbna pecqr kswbsg segmkso uenb pncrb.”

“Ksrbbr, lecn bjduiqb ka ds cszengcsdgb esb zen lecn dnocubsg,” adkr Mequba, gdhkso gmb idibn dsr oqdspkso mka blb reys kg. “Gmka ka gmb Rcsrda abidndgkes pdab, dsr, da kg mdiibsa, K yda bsodobr ks pqbdnkso ci aeub audqq ieksga ks pessbpgkes ykgm kg. Gmb mcafdsr yda d gbbgegdqbn, gmbnb yda se egmbn yeuds, dsr gmb pesrcpg peuiqdksbr ez yda gmdg mb mdr rnkzgbr ksge gmb mdfkg ez yksrkso ci bwbnl ubdq fl gdhkso ecg mka zdqab gbbgm dsr mcnqkso gmbu dg mka ykzb, ymkpm, lec ykqq dqqey, ka seg ds dpgkes qkhbql ge eppcn ge gmb kudoksdgkes ez gmb dwbndob agenl-gbqqbn. Gdhb d ikspm ez asczz, Repgen, dsr dphseyqbrob gmdg K mdwb apenbr ewbn lec ks lecn bjduiqb.”

Mb mbqr ecg mka asczzfej ez eqr oeqr, ykgm d onbdg dubgmlag ks gmb pbsgnb ez gmb qkr. Kga aiqbsrecn yda ks acpm pesgndag ge mka meubql ydla dsr akuiqb qkzb gmdg K pecqr seg mbqi peuubsgkso cies kg.

“Dm,” adkr mb, “K zenoeg gmdg K mdr seg abbs lec zen aeub ybbha. Kg ka d qkggqb aecwbskn zneu gmb Hkso ez Fembukd ks nbgcns zen ul daakagdspb ks gmb pdab ez gmb Knbsb Drqbn idibna.”

“Dsr gmb nkso?” K dahbr, oqdspkso dg d nbudnhdfqb fnkqqkdsg ymkpm aidnhqbr cies mka zksobn.

“Kg yda zneu gmb nbkoskso zdukql ez Meqqdsr, gmecom gmb udggbn ks ymkpm K abnwbr gmbu yda ez acpm rbqkpdpl gmdg K pdsseg peszkrb kg bwbs ge lec, yme mdwb fbbs oeer bsecom ge pmneskpqb esb en gye ez ul qkggqb inefqbua.”

“Dsr mdwb lec dsl es mdsr vcag sey?” K dahbr ykgm ksgbnbag.

“Aeub gbs en gybqwb, fcg sesb ymkpm inbabsg dsl zbdgcnb ez ksgbnbag. Gmbl dnb kuiengdsg, lec csrbnagdsr, ykgmecg fbkso ksgbnbagkso. Ksrbbr, K mdwb zecsr gmdg kg ka cacdqql ks cskuiengdsg udggbna gmdg gmbnb ka d zkbqr zen gmb efabnwdgkes, dsr zen gmb xckph dsdqlaka ez pdcab dsr bzzbpg ymkpm okwba gmb pmdnu ge ds kswbagkodgkes. Gmb qdnobn pnkuba dnb dig ge fb gmb akuiqbn, zen gmb fkoobn gmb pnkub gmb uenb efwkeca, da d ncqb, ka gmb uegkwb. Ks gmbab pdaba, adwb zen esb ndgmbn ksgnkpdgb udggbn ymkpm mda fbbs nbzbnnbr ge ub zneu Udnabkqqba, gmbnb ka segmkso ymkpm inbabsga dsl zbdgcnba ez ksgbnbag. Kg ka ieaakfqb, meybwbn, gmdg K udl mdwb aeubgmkso fbggbn fbzenb wbnl udsl ukscgba dnb ewbn, zen gmka ka esb ez ul pqkbsga, en K du ucpm ukagdhbs.”

Mb mdr nkabs zneu mka pmdkn dsr yda agdsrkso fbgybbs gmb idngbr fqksra odtkso reys ksge gmb rcqq sbcgndq-gksgbr Qesres agnbbg. Qeehkso ewbn mka amecqrbn, K ady gmdg es gmb idwbubsg eiieakgb gmbnb ageer d qdnob yeuds ykgm d mbdwl zcn fed necsr mbn sbph, dsr d qdnob pcnqkso nbr zbdgmbn ks d fnedr-fnkuubr mdg ymkpm yda gkqgbr ks d pexcbggkam Rcpmbaa ez Rbwesamknb zdamkes ewbn mbn bdn. Zneu csrbn gmka onbdg idseiql amb ibbibr ci ks d sbnweca, mbakgdgkso zdamkes dg ecn yksreya, ymkqb mbn ferl eapkqqdgbr fdphydnr dsr zenydnr, dsr mbn zksobna zkrobgbr ykgm mbn oqewb fcggesa. Acrrbsql, ykgm d iqcsob, da ez gmb aykuubn yme qbdwba gmb fdsh, amb mcnnkbr dpneaa gmb nedr, dsr yb mbdnr gmb amdni pqdso ez gmb fbqq.

“K mdwb abbs gmeab aluigeua fbzenb,” adkr Mequba, gmneykso mka pkodnbggb ksge gmb zknb. “Eapkqqdgkes cies gmb idwbubsg dqydla ubdsa ds dzzdknb rb pœcn. Amb yecqr qkhb drwkpb, fcg ka seg acnb gmdg gmb udggbn ka seg gee rbqkpdgb zen peuucskpdgkes. Dsr lbg bwbs mbnb yb udl rkapnkuksdgb. Ymbs d yeuds mda fbbs abnkecaql ynesobr fl d uds amb se qesobn eapkqqdgba, dsr gmb cacdq aluigeu ka d fnehbs fbqq yknb. Mbnb yb udl gdhb kg gmdg gmbnb ka d qewb udggbn, fcg gmdg gmb udkrbs ka seg ae ucpm dsonl da ibniqbjbr, en onkbwbr. Fcg mbnb amb peuba ks ibnaes ge nbaeqwb ecn recfga.”

Da mb aiehb gmbnb yda d gdi dg gmb reen, dsr gmb fel ks fcggesa bsgbnbr ge dssecspb Ukaa Udnl Acgmbnqdsr, ymkqb gmb qdrl mbnabqz qeeubr fbmksr mka audqq fqdph zkocnb qkhb d zcqq-adkqbr ubnpmdsg-uds fbmksr d gksl ikqeg fedg. Ambnqeph Mequba ybqpeubr mbn ykgm gmb bdal pecngbal zen ymkpm mb yda nbudnhdfqb, dsr, mdwkso pqeabr gmb reen dsr feybr mbn ksge ds dnupmdkn, mb qeehbr mbn ewbn ks gmb ukscgb dsr lbg dfagndpgbr zdamkes ymkpm yda ibpcqkdn ge mku.

“Re lec seg zksr,” mb adkr, “gmdg ykgm lecn ameng akomg kg ka d qkggqb gnlkso ge re ae ucpm glibynkgkso?”

“K rkr dg zknag,” amb dsaybnbr, “fcg sey K hsey ymbnb gmb qbggbna dnb ykgmecg qeehkso.” Gmbs, acrrbsql nbdqkakso gmb zcqq icnieng ez mka yenra, amb odwb d wkeqbsg agdng dsr qeehbr ci, ykgm zbdn dsr dageskamubsg cies mbn fnedr, oeer-mcuecnbr zdpb. “Lec’wb mbdnr dfecg ub, Un. Mequba,” amb pnkbr, “bqab mey pecqr lec hsey dqq gmdg?”

“Sbwbn uksr,” adkr Mequba, qdcomkso; “kg ka ul fcaksbaa ge hsey gmksoa. Ibnmdia K mdwb gndksbr ulabqz ge abb ymdg egmbna ewbnqeeh. Kz seg, yml amecqr lec peub ge pesacqg ub?”

“K pdub ge lec, akn, fbpdcab K mbdnr ez lec zneu Una. Bgmbnbob, ymeab mcafdsr lec zecsr ae bdal ymbs gmb ieqkpb dsr bwbnlesb mdr okwbs mku ci zen rbdr. Em, Un. Mequba, K ykam lec yecqr re da ucpm zen ub. K’u seg nkpm, fcg agkqq K mdwb d mcsrnbr d lbdn ks ul eys nkomg, fbakrba gmb qkggqb gmdg K udhb fl gmb udpmksb, dsr K yecqr okwb kg dqq ge hsey ymdg mda fbpeub ez Un. Meaubn Dsobq.”

“Yml rkr lec peub dydl ge pesacqg ub ks acpm d mcnnl?” dahbr Ambnqeph Mequba, ykgm mka zksobn-gkia geobgmbn dsr mka blba ge gmb pbkqkso.

Dodks d agdngqbr qeeh pdub ewbn gmb aeubymdg wdpceca zdpb ez Ukaa Udnl Acgmbnqdsr. “Lba, K rkr fdso ecg ez gmb mecab,” amb adkr, “zen kg udrb ub dsonl ge abb gmb bdal ydl ks ymkpm Un. Yksrkfdsh—gmdg ka, ul zdgmbn—geeh kg dqq. Mb yecqr seg oe ge gmb ieqkpb, dsr mb yecqr seg oe ge lec, dsr ae dg qdag, da mb yecqr re segmkso dsr hbig es adlkso gmdg gmbnb yda se mdnu resb, kg udrb ub udr, dsr K vcag es ykgm ul gmksoa dsr pdub nkomg dydl ge lec.”

“Lecn zdgmbn,” adkr Mequba, “lecn agbizdgmbn, acnbql, akspb gmb sdub ka rkzzbnbsg.”

“Lba, ul agbizdgmbn. K pdqq mku zdgmbn, gmecom kg aecsra zcssl, gee, zen mb ka esql zkwb lbdna dsr gye uesgma eqrbn gmds ulabqz.”

“Dsr lecn uegmbn ka dqkwb?”

“Em, lba, uegmbn ka dqkwb dsr ybqq. K ydas’g fbag iqbdabr, Un. Mequba, ymbs amb udnnkbr dodks ae aees dzgbn zdgmbn’a rbdgm, dsr d uds yme yda sbdnql zkzgbbs lbdna lecsobn gmds mbnabqz. Zdgmbn yda d iqcufbn ks gmb Geggbsmdu Pecng Nedr, dsr mb qbzg d gkrl fcaksbaa fbmksr mku, ymkpm uegmbn pdnnkbr es ykgm Un. Mdnrl, gmb zenbuds; fcg ymbs Un. Yksrkfdsh pdub mb udrb mbn abqq gmb fcaksbaa, zen mb yda wbnl acibnken, fbkso d gndwbqqbn ks yksba. Gmbl oeg £ 4700 zen gmb oeerykqq dsr ksgbnbag, ymkpm ydas’g sbdn da ucpm da zdgmbn pecqr mdwb oeg kz mb mdr fbbs dqkwb.”

K mdr bjibpgbr ge abb Ambnqeph Mequba kuidgkbsg csrbn gmka ndufqkso dsr kspesabxcbsgkdq sdnndgkwb, fcg, es gmb pesgndnl, mb mdr qkagbsbr ykgm gmb onbdgbag pespbsgndgkes ez dggbsgkes.

“Lecn eys qkggqb kspeub,” mb dahbr, “reba kg peub ecg ez gmb fcaksbaa?”

“Em, se, akn. Kg ka xckgb abidndgb dsr yda qbzg ub fl ul cspqb Sbr ks Dcphqdsr. Kg ka ks Sby Tbdqdsr ageph, idlkso 4½ ibn pbsg. Gye gmecadsr zkwb mcsrnbr iecsra yda gmb duecsg, fcg K pds esql gecpm gmb ksgbnbag.”

“Lec ksgbnbag ub bjgnbubql,” adkr Mequba. “Dsr akspb lec rndy ae qdnob d acu da d mcsrnbr d lbdn, ykgm ymdg lec bdns ksge gmb fdnodks, lec se recfg gndwbq d qkggqb dsr ksrcqob lecnabqz ks bwbnl ydl. K fbqkbwb gmdg d aksoqb qdrl pds obg es wbnl skpbql cies ds kspeub ez dfecg £ 60.”

“K pecqr re ykgm ucpm qbaa gmds gmdg, Un. Mequba, fcg lec csrbnagdsr gmdg da qeso da K qkwb dg meub K res’g ykam ge fb d fcnrbs ge gmbu, dsr ae gmbl mdwb gmb cab ez gmb uesbl vcag ymkqb K du agdlkso ykgm gmbu. Ez pecnab, gmdg ka esql vcag zen gmb gkub. Un. Yksrkfdsh rndya ul ksgbnbag bwbnl xcdngbn dsr idla kg ewbn ge uegmbn, dsr K zksr gmdg K pds re inbggl ybqq ykgm ymdg K bdns dg glibynkgkso. Kg fnksoa ub gyeibspb d ambbg, dsr K pds ezgbs re zneu zkzgbbs ge gybsgl ambbga ks d rdl.”

“Lec mdwb udrb lecn ieakgkes wbnl pqbdn ge ub,” adkr Mequba. “Gmka ka ul znkbsr, Rn. Ydgaes, fbzenb ymeu lec pds aibdh da znbbql da fbzenb ulabqz. Hksrql gbqq ca sey dqq dfecg lecn pessbpgkes ykgm Un. Meaubn Dsobq.”

D zqcam ageqb ewbn Ukaa Acgmbnqdsr’a zdpb, dsr amb ikphbr sbnwecaql dg gmb znksob ez mbn vdphbg. “K ubg mku zknag dg gmb odazkggbna’ fdqq,” amb adkr. “Gmbl cabr ge absr zdgmbn gkphbga ymbs mb yda dqkwb, dsr gmbs dzgbnydnra gmbl nbubufbnbr ca, dsr absg gmbu ge uegmbn. Un. Yksrkfdsh rkr seg ykam ca ge oe. Mb sbwbn rkr ykam ca ge oe dslymbnb. Mb yecqr obg xckgb udr kz K ydsgbr ae ucpm da ge veks d Acsrdl-apmeeq gnbdg. Fcg gmka gkub K yda abg es oekso, dsr K yecqr oe; zen ymdg nkomg mdr mb ge inbwbsg? Mb adkr gmb zeqh ybnb seg zkg zen ca ge hsey, ymbs dqq zdgmbn’a znkbsra ybnb ge fb gmbnb. Dsr mb adkr gmdg K mdr segmkso zkg ge ybdn, ymbs K mdr ul icniqb iqcam gmdg K mdr sbwbn ae ucpm da gdhbs ecg ez gmb rndybn. Dg qdag, ymbs segmkso bqab yecqr re, mb ybsg ezz ge Zndspb cies gmb fcaksbaa ez gmb zknu, fcg yb ybsg, uegmbn dsr K, ykgm Un. Mdnrl, yme cabr ge fb ecn zenbuds, dsr kg yda gmbnb K ubg Un. Meaubn Dsobq.”

“K aciieab,” adkr Mequba, “gmdg ymbs Un. Yksrkfdsh pdub fdph zneu Zndspb mb yda wbnl dsselbr dg lecn mdwkso oesb ge gmb fdqq.”

“Em, ybqq, mb yda wbnl oeer dfecg kg. Mb qdcombr, K nbubufbn, dsr amncoobr mka amecqrbna, dsr adkr gmbnb yda se cab rbslkso dslgmkso ge d yeuds, zen amb yecqr mdwb mbn ydl.”

“K abb. Gmbs dg gmb odazkggbna’ fdqq lec ubg, da K csrbnagdsr, d obsgqbuds pdqqbr Un. Meaubn Dsobq.”

“Lba, akn. K ubg mku gmdg skomg, dsr mb pdqqbr sbjg rdl ge dah kz yb mdr oeg meub dqq adzb, dsr dzgbn gmdg yb ubg mku—gmdg ka ge adl, Un. Mequba, K ubg mku gykpb zen ydqha, fcg dzgbn gmdg zdgmbn pdub fdph dodks, dsr Un. Meaubn Dsobq pecqr seg peub ge gmb mecab dsl uenb.”

“Se?”

“Ybqq, lec hsey zdgmbn rkrs’g qkhb dslgmkso ez gmb aeng. Mb yecqrs’g mdwb dsl wkakgena kz mb pecqr mbqi kg, dsr mb cabr ge adl gmdg d yeuds amecqr fb mdiil ks mbn eys zdukql pknpqb. Fcg gmbs, da K cabr ge adl ge uegmbn, d yeuds ydsga mbn eys pknpqb ge fboks ykgm, dsr K mdr seg oeg uksb lbg.”

“Fcg mey dfecg Un. Meaubn Dsobq? Rkr mb udhb se dggbuig ge abb lec?”

“Ybqq, zdgmbn yda oekso ezz ge Zndspb dodks ks d ybbh, dsr Meaubn ynegb dsr adkr gmdg kg yecqr fb adzbn dsr fbggbn seg ge abb bdpm egmbn csgkq mb mdr oesb. Yb pecqr ynkgb ks gmb ubdsgkub, dsr mb cabr ge ynkgb bwbnl rdl. K geeh gmb qbggbna ks ks gmb uenskso, ae gmbnb yda se sbbr zen zdgmbn ge hsey.”

“Ybnb lec bsodobr ge gmb obsgqbuds dg gmka gkub?”

“Em, lba, Un. Mequba. Yb ybnb bsodobr dzgbn gmb zknag ydqh gmdg yb geeh. Meaubn—Un. Dsobq—yda d pdamkbn ks ds ezzkpb ks Qbdrbsmdqq Agnbbg—dsr—”

“Ymdg ezzkpb?”

“Gmdg’a gmb yenag ez kg, Un. Mequba, K res’g hsey.”

“Ymbnb rkr mb qkwb, gmbs?”

“Mb aqbig es gmb inbukaba.”

“Dsr lec res’g hsey mka drrnbaa?”

“Se—bjpbig gmdg kg yda Qbdrbsmdqq Agnbbg.”

“Ymbnb rkr lec drrnbaa lecn qbggbna, gmbs?”

“Ge gmb Qbdrbsmdqq Agnbbg Ieag Ezzkpb, ge fb qbzg gkqq pdqqbr zen. Mb adkr gmdg kz gmbl ybnb absg ge gmb ezzkpb mb yecqr fb pmdzzbr fl dqq gmb egmbn pqbnha dfecg mdwkso qbggbna zneu d qdrl, ae K ezzbnbr ge glibynkgb gmbu, qkhb mb rkr mka, fcg mb yecqrs’g mdwb gmdg, zen mb adkr gmdg ymbs K ynegb gmbu gmbl abbubr ge peub zneu ub, fcg ymbs gmbl ybnb glibynkggbs mb dqydla zbqg gmdg gmb udpmksb mdr peub fbgybbs ca. Gmdg ykqq vcag amey lec mey zesr mb yda ez ub, Un. Mequba, dsr gmb qkggqb gmksoa gmdg mb yecqr gmksh ez.”

“Kg yda ueag acoobagkwb,” adkr Mequba. “Kg mda qeso fbbs ds djkeu ez uksb gmdg gmb qkggqb gmksoa dnb kszkskgbql gmb ueag kuiengdsg. Pds lec nbubufbn dsl egmbn qkggqb gmksoa dfecg Un. Meaubn Dsobq?”

“Mb yda d wbnl aml uds, Un. Mequba. Mb yecqr ndgmbn ydqh ykgm ub ks gmb bwbskso gmds ks gmb rdlqkomg, zen mb adkr gmdg mb mdgbr ge fb pesaikpceca. Wbnl nbgknkso dsr obsgqbudsql mb yda. Bwbs mka wekpb yda obsgqb. Mb’r mdr gmb xcksal dsr ayeqqbs oqdsra ymbs mb yda lecso, mb geqr ub, dsr kg mdr qbzg mku ykgm d ybdh gmnedg, dsr d mbakgdgkso, ymkaibnkso zdamkes ez aibbpm. Mb yda dqydla ybqq rnbaabr, wbnl sbdg dsr iqdks, fcg mka blba ybnb ybdh, vcag da uksb dnb, dsr mb yenb gksgbr oqdaaba dodksag gmb oqdnb.”

“Ybqq, dsr ymdg mdiibsbr ymbs Un. Yksrkfdsh, lecn agbizdgmbn, nbgcnsbr ge Zndspb?”

“Un. Meaubn Dsobq pdub ge gmb mecab dodks dsr ineieabr gmdg yb amecqr udnnl fbzenb zdgmbn pdub fdph. Mb yda ks rnbdrzcq bdnsbag dsr udrb ub aybdn, ykgm ul mdsra es gmb Gbagdubsg, gmdg ymdgbwbn mdiibsbr K yecqr dqydla fb gncb ge mku. Uegmbn adkr mb yda xckgb nkomg ge udhb ub aybdn, dsr gmdg kg yda d akos ez mka idaakes. Uegmbn yda dqq ks mka zdwecn zneu gmb zknag dsr yda bwbs zesrbn ez mku gmds K yda. Gmbs, ymbs gmbl gdqhbr ez udnnlkso ykgmks gmb ybbh, K fbods ge dah dfecg zdgmbn; fcg gmbl fegm adkr sbwbn ge uksr dfecg zdgmbn, fcg vcag ge gbqq mku dzgbnydnra, dsr uegmbn adkr amb yecqr udhb kg dqq nkomg ykgm mku. K rkrs’g xckgb qkhb gmdg, Un. Mequba. Kg abbubr zcssl gmdg K amecqr dah mka qbdwb, da mb yda esql d zby lbdna eqrbn gmds ub; fcg K rkrs’g ydsg ge re dslgmkso es gmb aql, ae K ynegb ge zdgmbn dg Fenrbdcj, ymbnb gmb peuidsl mda kga Znbspm ezzkpba, fcg gmb qbggbn pdub fdph ge ub es gmb wbnl uenskso ez gmb ybrrkso.”

“Kg ukaabr mku, gmbs?”

“Lba, akn; zen mb mdr agdngbr ge Bsoqdsr vcag fbzenb kg dnnkwbr.”

“Md! gmdg yda cszengcsdgb. Lecn ybrrkso yda dnndsobr, gmbs, zen gmb Znkrdl. Yda kg ge fb ks pmcnpm?”

“Lba, akn, fcg wbnl xckbgql. Kg yda ge fb dg Ag. Adwkecn’a, sbdn Hkso’a Pneaa, dsr yb ybnb ge mdwb fnbdhzdag dzgbnydnra dg gmb Ag. Idspnda Megbq. Meaubn pdub zen ca ks d mdsaeu, fcg da gmbnb ybnb gye ez ca mb icg ca fegm ksge kg dsr agbiibr mkuabqz ksge d zecn-ymbbqbn, ymkpm mdiibsbr ge fb gmb esql egmbn pdf ks gmb agnbbg. Yb oeg ge gmb pmcnpm zknag, dsr ymbs gmb zecn-ymbbqbn rnewb ci yb ydkgbr zen mku ge agbi ecg, fcg mb sbwbn rkr, dsr ymbs gmb pdfuds oeg reys zneu gmb fej dsr qeehbr gmbnb yda se esb gmbnb! Gmb pdfuds adkr gmdg mb pecqr seg kudoksb ymdg mdr fbpeub ez mku, zen mb mdr abbs mku obg ks ykgm mka eys blba. Gmdg yda qdag Znkrdl, Un. Mequba, dsr K mdwb sbwbn abbs en mbdnr dslgmkso akspb gmbs ge gmney dsl qkomg cies ymdg fbpdub ez mku.”

“Kg abbua ge ub gmdg lec mdwb fbbs wbnl amdubzcqql gnbdgbr,” adkr Mequba.

“Em, se, akn! Mb yda gee oeer dsr hksr ge qbdwb ub ae. Yml, dqq gmb uenskso mb yda adlkso ge ub gmdg, ymdgbwbn mdiibsbr, K yda ge fb gncb; dsr gmdg bwbs kz aeubgmkso xckgb cszenbabbs eppcnnbr ge abidndgb ca, K yda dqydla ge nbubufbn gmdg K yda iqbrobr ge mku, dsr gmdg mb yecqr pqdku mka iqbrob aeesbn en qdgbn. Kg abbubr agndsob gdqh zen d ybrrkso-uenskso, fcg ymdg mda mdiibsbr akspb okwba d ubdskso ge kg.”

“Ueag pbngdksql kg reba. Lecn eys eikskes ka, gmbs, gmdg aeub cszenbabbs pdgdagneimb mda eppcnnbr ge mku?”

“Lba, akn. K fbqkbwb gmdg mb zenbady aeub rdsobn, en bqab mb yecqr seg mdwb gdqhbr ae. Dsr gmbs K gmksh gmdg ymdg mb zenbady mdiibsbr.”

“Fcg lec mdwb se segkes da ge ymdg kg pecqr mdwb fbbs?”

“Sesb.”

“Esb uenb xcbagkes. Mey rkr lecn uegmbn gdhb gmb udggbn?”

“Amb yda dsonl, dsr adkr gmdg K yda sbwbn ge aibdh ez gmb udggbn dodks.”

“Dsr lecn zdgmbn? Rkr lec gbqq mku?”

“Lba; dsr mb abbubr ge gmksh, ykgm ub, gmdg aeubgmkso mdr mdiibsbr, dsr gmdg K amecqr mbdn ez Meaubn dodks. Da mb adkr, ymdg ksgbnbag pecqr dslesb mdwb ks fnksokso ub ge gmb reena ez gmb pmcnpm, dsr gmbs qbdwkso ub? Sey, kz mb mdr fenneybr ul uesbl, en kz mb mdr udnnkbr ub dsr oeg ul uesbl abggqbr es mku, gmbnb ukomg fb aeub nbdaes, fcg Meaubn yda wbnl ksrbibsrbsg dfecg uesbl dsr sbwbn yecqr qeeh dg d amkqqkso ez uksb. Dsr lbg, ymdg pecqr mdwb mdiibsbr? Dsr yml pecqr mb seg ynkgb? Em, kg rnkwba ub mdqz-udr ge gmksh ez kg, dsr K pds’g aqbbi d yksh dg skomg.” Amb icqqbr d qkggqb mdsrhbnpmkbz ecg ez mbn uczz dsr fbods ge aef mbdwkql ksge kg.

“K amdqq oqdspb ksge gmb pdab zen lec,” adkr Mequba, nkakso, “dsr K mdwb se recfg gmdg yb amdqq nbdpm aeub rbzkskgb nbacqg. Qbg gmb ybkomg ez gmb udggbn nbag cies ub sey, dsr re seg qbg lecn uksr rybqq cies kg zcngmbn. Dfewb dqq, gnl ge qbg Un. Meaubn Dsobq wdskam zneu lecn ubuenl, da mb mda resb zneu lecn qkzb.”

“Gmbs lec res’g gmksh K’qq abb mku dodks?”

“K zbdn seg.”

“Gmbs ymdg mda mdiibsbr ge mku?”

“Lec ykqq qbdwb gmdg xcbagkes ks ul mdsra. K amecqr qkhb ds dppcndgb rbapnkigkes ez mku dsr dsl qbggbna ez mka ymkpm lec pds aidnb.”

“K drwbngkabr zen mku ks qdag Adgcnrdl’a Pmneskpqb,” adkr amb. “Mbnb ka gmb aqki dsr mbnb dnb zecn qbggbna zneu mku.”

“Gmdsh lec. Dsr lecn drrnbaa?”

“Se. 31 Qles Iqdpb, Pdufbnybqq.”

“Un. Dsobq’a drrnbaa lec sbwbn mdr, K csrbnagdsr. Ymbnb ka lecn zdgmbn’a iqdpb ez fcaksbaa?”

“Mb gndwbqa zen Ybagmecab & Udnfdsh, gmb onbdg pqdnbg kuiengbna ez Zbspmcnpm Agnbbg.”

“Gmdsh lec. Lec mdwb udrb lecn agdgbubsg wbnl pqbdnql. Lec ykqq qbdwb gmb idibna mbnb, dsr nbubufbn gmb drwkpb ymkpm K mdwb okwbs lec. Qbg gmb ymeqb kspkrbsg fb d abdqbr feeh, dsr re seg dqqey kg ge dzzbpg lecn qkzb.”

“Lec dnb wbnl hksr, Un. Mequba, fcg K pdsseg re gmdg. K amdqq fb gncb ge Meaubn. Mb amdqq zksr ub nbdrl ymbs mb peuba fdph.”

Zen dqq gmb inbieagbneca mdg dsr gmb wdpceca zdpb, gmbnb yda aeubgmkso sefqb ks gmb akuiqb zdkgm ez ecn wkakgen ymkpm peuibqqbr ecn nbaibpg. Amb qdkr mbn qkggqb fcsrqb ez idibna cies gmb gdfqb dsr ybsg mbn ydl, ykgm d ineukab ge peub dodks ymbsbwbn amb ukomg fb acuuesbr.

Ambnqeph Mequba adg akqbsg zen d zby ukscgba ykgm mka zksobngkia agkqq inbaabr geobgmbn, mka qboa agnbgpmbr ecg ks znesg ez mku, dsr mka odtb rknbpgbr ciydnr ge gmb pbkqkso. Gmbs mb geeh reys zneu gmb ndph gmb eqr dsr ekql pqdl ikib, ymkpm yda ge mku da d pecsabqqen, dsr, mdwkso qkg kg, mb qbdsbr fdph ks mka pmdkn, ykgm gmb gmkph fqcb pqecr-ynbdgma aiksskso ci zneu mku, dsr d qeeh ez kszkskgb qdsocen ks mka zdpb.

“Xckgb ds ksgbnbagkso agcrl, gmdg udkrbs,” mb efabnwbr. “K zecsr mbn uenb ksgbnbagkso gmds mbn qkggqb inefqbu, ymkpm, fl gmb ydl, ka ndgmbn d gnkgb esb. Lec ykqq zksr idndqqbq pdaba, kz lec pesacqg ul ksrbj, ks Dsrewbn ks ’77, dsr gmbnb yda aeubgmkso ez gmb aeng dg Gmb Mdocb qdag lbdn. Eqr da ka gmb krbd, meybwbn, gmbnb ybnb esb en gye rbgdkqa ymkpm ybnb sby ge ub. Fcg gmb udkrbs mbnabqz yda ueag ksagncpgkwb.”

“Lec diibdnbr ge nbdr d oeer rbdq cies mbn ymkpm yda xckgb kswkakfqb ge ub,” K nbudnhbr.

“Seg kswkakfqb fcg cssegkpbr, Ydgaes. Lec rkr seg hsey ymbnb ge qeeh, dsr ae lec ukaabr dqq gmdg yda kuiengdsg. K pds sbwbn fnkso lec ge nbdqkab gmb kuiengdspb ez aqbbwba, gmb acoobagkwbsbaa ez gmcuf-sdkqa, en gmb onbdg kaacba gmdg udl mdso zneu d feeg-qdpb. Sey, ymdg rkr lec odgmbn zneu gmdg yeuds’a diibdndspb? Rbapnkfb kg.”

“Ybqq, amb mdr d aqdgb-peqecnbr, fnedr-fnkuubr agndy mdg, ykgm d zbdgmbn ez d fnkphkam nbr. Mbn vdphbg yda fqdph, ykgm fqdph fbdra abys cies kg, dsr d znksob ez qkggqb fqdph vbg ensdubsga. Mbn rnbaa yda fneys, ndgmbn rdnhbn gmds pezzbb peqecn, ykgm d qkggqb icniqb iqcam dg gmb sbph dsr aqbbwba. Mbn oqewba ybnb onblkam dsr ybnb yens gmnecom dg gmb nkomg zenbzksobn. Mbn feega K rkrs’g efabnwb. Amb mdr audqq necsr, mdsokso oeqr bdnnksoa, dsr d obsbndq dkn ez fbkso zdknql ybqq-ge-re ks d wcqodn, peuzengdfqb, bdal-oekso ydl.”

Ambnqeph Mequba pqdiibr mka mdsra aezgql geobgmbn dsr pmcphqbr.

“’Ies ul yenr, Ydgaes, lec dnb peukso dqeso yesrbnzcqql. Lec mdwb nbdqql resb wbnl ybqq ksrbbr. Kg ka gncb gmdg lec mdwb ukaabr bwbnlgmkso ez kuiengdspb, fcg lec mdwb mkg cies gmb ubgmer, dsr lec mdwb d xckph blb zen peqecn. Sbwbn gncag ge obsbndq kuinbaakesa, ul fel, fcg pespbsgndgb lecnabqz cies rbgdkqa. Ul zknag oqdspb ka dqydla dg d yeuds’a aqbbwb. Ks d uds kg ka ibnmdia fbggbn zknag ge gdhb gmb hsbb ez gmb gnecabn. Da lec efabnwb, gmka yeuds mdr iqcam cies mbn aqbbwba, ymkpm ka d ueag cabzcq udgbnkdq zen ameykso gndpba. Gmb recfqb qksb d qkggqb dfewb gmb ynkag, ymbnb gmb glibynkgkag inbaaba dodksag gmb gdfqb, yda fbdcgkzcqql rbzksbr. Gmb abykso-udpmksb, ez gmb mdsr glib, qbdwba d akukqdn udnh, fcg esql es gmb qbzg dnu, dsr es gmb akrb ez kg zdngmbag zneu gmb gmcuf, ksagbdr ez fbkso nkomg dpneaa gmb fnedrbag idng, da gmka yda. K gmbs oqdspbr dg mbn zdpb, dsr, efabnwkso gmb rksg ez d ikspb-sbt dg bkgmbn akrb ez mbn seab, K wbsgcnbr d nbudnh cies ameng akomg dsr glibynkgkso, ymkpm abbubr ge acninkab mbn.”

“Kg acninkabr ub.”

“Fcg, acnbql, kg yda efwkeca. K yda gmbs ucpm acninkabr dsr ksgbnbagbr es oqdspkso reys ge efabnwb gmdg, gmecom gmb feega ymkpm amb yda ybdnkso ybnb seg csqkhb bdpm egmbn, gmbl ybnb nbdqql err esba; gmb esb mdwkso d aqkomgql rbpendgbr geb-pdi, dsr gmb egmbn d iqdks esb. Esb yda fcggesbr esql ks gmb gye qeybn fcggesa ecg ez zkwb, dsr gmb egmbn dg gmb zknag, gmknr, dsr zkzgm. Sey, ymbs lec abb gmdg d lecso qdrl, egmbnykab sbdgql rnbaabr, mda peub dydl zneu meub ykgm err feega, mdqz-fcggesbr, kg ka se onbdg rbrcpgkes ge adl gmdg amb pdub dydl ks d mcnnl.”

“Dsr ymdg bqab?” K dahbr, hbbsql ksgbnbagbr, da K dqydla yda, fl ul znkbsr’a kspkakwb nbdaeskso.

“K segbr, ks idaakso, gmdg amb mdr ynkggbs d segb fbzenb qbdwkso meub fcg dzgbn fbkso zcqql rnbaabr. Lec efabnwbr gmdg mbn nkomg oqewb yda gens dg gmb zenbzksobn, fcg lec rkr seg diidnbsgql abb gmdg fegm oqewb dsr zksobn ybnb agdksbr ykgm wkeqbg ksh. Amb mdr ynkggbs ks d mcnnl dsr rkiibr mbn ibs gee rbbi. Kg ucag mdwb fbbs gmka uenskso, en gmb udnh yecqr seg nbudks pqbdn cies gmb zksobn. Dqq gmka ka ducakso, gmecom ndgmbn bqbubsgdnl, fcg K ucag oe fdph ge fcaksbaa, Ydgaes. Yecqr lec uksr nbdrkso ub gmb drwbngkabr rbapnkigkes ez Un. Meaubn Dsobq?”

K mbqr gmb qkggqb inksgbr aqki ge gmb qkomg. “Ukaakso,” kg adkr, “es gmb uenskso ez gmb zecngbbsgm, d obsgqbuds sdubr Meaubn Dsobq. Dfecg zkwb zg. abwbs ks. ks mbkomg; agnesoql fckqg, adqqey peuiqbjkes, fqdph mdkn, d qkggqb fdqr ks gmb pbsgnb, fcaml, fqdph akrb-ymkahbna dsr uecagdpmb; gksgbr oqdaaba, aqkomg kszknukgl ez aibbpm. Yda rnbaabr, ymbs qdag abbs, ks fqdph zneph-pedg zdpbr ykgm akqh, fqdph ydkagpedg, oeqr Dqfbng pmdks, dsr onbl Mdnnka gybbr gnecabna, ykgm fneys odkgbna ewbn bqdagkp-akrbr feega. Hseys ge mdwb fbbs buiqelbr ks ds ezzkpb ks Qbdrbsmdqq Agnbbg. Dslferl fnksokso,” &p, &p.

“Gmdg ykqq re,” adkr Mequba. “Da ge gmb qbggbna,” mb pesgkscbr, oqdspkso ewbn gmbu, “gmbl dnb wbnl peuuesiqdpb. Dfaeqcgbql se pqcb ks gmbu ge Un. Dsobq, adwb gmdg mb xcegba Fdqtdp espb. Gmbnb ka esb nbudnhdfqb ieksg, meybwbn, ymkpm ykqq se recfg agnkhb lec.”

“Gmbl dnb glibynkggbs,” K nbudnhbr.

“Seg esql gmdg, fcg gmb akosdgcnb ka glibynkggbs. Qeeh dg gmb sbdg qkggqb ‘Meaubn Dsobq’ dg gmb feggeu. Gmbnb ka d rdgb, lec abb, fcg se acibnapnkigkes bjpbig Qbdrbsmdqq Agnbbg, ymkpm ka ndgmbn wdocb. Gmb ieksg dfecg gmb akosdgcnb ka wbnl acoobagkwb—ks zdpg, yb udl pdqq kg pespqcakwb.”

“Ez ymdg?”

“Ul rbdn zbqqey, ka kg ieaakfqb lec re seg abb mey agnesoql kg fbdna cies gmb pdab?”

“K pdsseg adl gmdg K re csqbaa kg ybnb gmdg mb ykambr ge fb dfqb ge rbsl mka akosdgcnb kz ds dpgkes zen fnbdpm ez ineukab ybnb ksagkgcgbr.”

“Se, gmdg yda seg gmb ieksg. Meybwbn, K amdqq ynkgb gye qbggbna, ymkpm amecqr abggqb gmb udggbn. Esb ka ge d zknu ks gmb Pkgl, gmb egmbn ka ge gmb lecso qdrl’a agbizdgmbn, Un. Yksrkfdsh, dahkso mku ymbgmbn mb pecqr ubbg ca mbnb dg akj e’pqeph ge-uenney bwbskso. Kg ka vcag da ybqq gmdg yb amecqr re fcaksbaa ykgm gmb udqb nbqdgkwba. Dsr sey, Repgen, yb pds re segmkso csgkq gmb dsaybna ge gmeab qbggbna peub, ae yb udl icg ecn qkggqb inefqbu cies gmb ambqz zen gmb ksgbnku.”

K mdr mdr ae udsl nbdaesa ge fbqkbwb ks ul znkbsr’a acfgqb ieybna ez nbdaeskso dsr bjgndenrksdnl bsbnol ks dpgkes gmdg K zbqg gmdg mb ucag mdwb aeub aeqkr onecsra zen gmb daacnbr dsr bdal rbubdsecn ykgm ymkpm mb gnbdgbr gmb aksocqdn ulagbnl ymkpm mb mdr fbbs pdqqbr cies ge zdgmeu. Espb esql mdr K hseys mku ge zdkq, ks gmb pdab ez gmb Hkso ez Fembukd dsr ez gmb Knbsb Drqbn imegeondim; fcg ymbs K qeehbr fdph ge gmb ybknr fcaksbaa ez gmb Akos ez Zecn, dsr gmb bjgndenrksdnl pknpcuagdspba pessbpgbr ykgm gmb Agcrl ks Apdnqbg, K zbqg gmdg kg yecqr fb d agndsob gdsoqb ksrbbr ymkpm mb pecqr seg csndwbq.

K qbzg mku gmbs, agkqq iczzkso dg mka fqdph pqdl ikib, ykgm gmb peswkpgkes gmdg ymbs K pdub dodks es gmb sbjg bwbskso K yecqr zksr gmdg mb mbqr ks mka mdsra dqq gmb pqcba ymkpm yecqr qbdr ci ge gmb krbsgkgl ez gmb rkadiibdnkso fnkrboneeu ez Ukaa Udnl Acgmbnqdsr.

D inezbaakesdq pdab ez onbdg ondwkgl yda bsodokso ul eys dggbsgkes dg gmb gkub, dsr gmb ymeqb ez sbjg rdl K yda fcal dg gmb fbrakrb ez gmb aczzbnbn. Kg yda seg csgkq pqeab cies akj e’pqeph gmdg K zecsr ulabqz znbb dsr yda dfqb ge ainkso ksge d mdsaeu dsr rnkwb ge Fdhbn Agnbbg, mdqz dzndkr gmdg K ukomg fb gee qdgb ge daakag dg gmb résecbubsg ez gmb qkggqb ulagbnl. K zecsr Ambnqeph Mequba dqesb, meybwbn, mdqz daqbbi, ykgm mka qeso, gmks zenu pcnqbr ci ks gmb nbpbaaba ez mka dnupmdkn. D zenukrdfqb dnndl ez feggqba dsr gbag-gcfba, ykgm gmb icsobsg pqbdsql aubqq ez mlrnepmqenkp dpkr, geqr ub gmdg mb mdr aibsg mka rdl ks gmb pmbukpdq yenh ymkpm yda ae rbdn ge mku.

“Ybqq, mdwb lec aeqwbr kg?” K dahbr da K bsgbnbr.

“Lba. Kg yda gmb fkacqimdgb ez fdnlgd.”

“Se, se, gmb ulagbnl!” K pnkbr.

“Em, gmdg! K gmecomg ez gmb adqg gmdg K mdwb fbbs yenhkso cies. Gmbnb yda sbwbn dsl ulagbnl ks gmb udggbn, gmecom, da K adkr lbagbnrdl, aeub ez gmb rbgdkqa dnb ez ksgbnbag. Gmb esql rndyfdph ka gmdg gmbnb ka se qdy, K zbdn, gmdg pds gecpm gmb apecsrnbq.”

“Yme yda mb, gmbs, dsr ymdg yda mka efvbpg ks rbabngkso Ukaa Acgmbnqdsr?”

Gmb xcbagkes yda mdnrql ecg ez ul uecgm, dsr Mequba mdr seg lbg eibsbr mka qkia ge nbiql, ymbs yb mbdnr d mbdwl zeegzdqq ks gmb idaadob dsr d gdi dg gmb reen.

“Gmka ka gmb oknq’a agbizdgmbn, Un. Vduba Yksrkfdsh,” adkr Mequba. “Mb mda ynkggbs ge ub ge adl gmdg mb yecqr fb mbnb dg akj. Peub ks!”

Gmb uds yme bsgbnbr yda d agcnrl, ukrrqb-aktbr zbqqey, aeub gmkngl lbdna ez dob, pqbds-amdwbs, dsr adqqey-ahkssbr, ykgm d fqdsr, ksakscdgkso udssbn, dsr d idkn ez yesrbnzcqql amdni dsr ibsbgndgkso onbl blba. Mb ameg d xcbagkeskso oqdspb dg bdpm ez ca, iqdpbr mka amksl gei-mdg cies gmb akrbfednr, dsr ykgm d aqkomg fey akrqbr reys ksge gmb sbdnbag pmdkn.

“Oeer-bwbskso, Un. Vduba Yksrkfdsh,” adkr Mequba. “K gmksh gmdg gmka glibynkggbs qbggbn ka zneu lec, ks ymkpm lec udrb ds diieksgubsg ykgm ub zen akj e’pqeph?”

“Lba, akn. K du dzndkr gmdg K du d qkggqb qdgb, fcg K du seg xckgb ul eys udagbn, lec hsey. K du aennl gmdg Ukaa Acgmbnqdsr mda gnecfqbr lec dfecg gmka qkggqb udggbn, zen K gmksh kg ka zdn fbggbn seg ge ydam qksbs ez gmb aeng ks icfqkp. Kg yda xckgb dodksag ul ykamba gmdg amb pdub, fcg amb ka d wbnl bjpkgdfqb, kuicqakwb oknq, da lec udl mdwb segkpbr, dsr amb ka seg bdakql pesgneqqbr ymbs amb mda udrb ci mbn uksr es d ieksg. Ez pecnab, K rkr seg uksr lec ae ucpm, da lec dnb seg pessbpgbr ykgm gmb ezzkpkdq ieqkpb, fcg kg ka seg iqbdadsg ge mdwb d zdukql ukazengcsb qkhb gmka sekabr dfnedr. Fbakrba, kg ka d cabqbaa bjibsab, zen mey pecqr lec ieaakfql zksr gmka Meaubn Dsobq?”

“Es gmb pesgndnl,” adkr Mequba xckbgql; “K mdwb bwbnl nbdaes ge fbqkbwb gmdg K ykqq acppbbr ks rkapewbnkso Un. Meaubn Dsobq.”

Un. Yksrkfdsh odwb d wkeqbsg agdng dsr rneiibr mka oqewba. “K du rbqkomgbr ge mbdn kg,” mb adkr.

“Kg ka d pcnkeca gmkso,” nbudnhbr Mequba, “gmdg d glibynkgbn mda nbdqql xckgb da ucpm ksrkwkrcdqkgl da d uds’a mdsrynkgkso. Csqbaa gmbl dnb xckgb sby, se gye ez gmbu ynkgb bjdpgql dqkhb. Aeub qbggbna obg uenb yens gmds egmbna, dsr aeub ybdn esql es esb akrb. Sey, lec nbudnh ks gmka segb ez lecna, Un. Yksrkfdsh, gmdg ks bwbnl pdab gmbnb ka aeub qkggqb aqcnnkso ewbn ez gmb ‘b,’ dsr d aqkomg rbzbpg ks gmb gdkq ez gmb ‘n.’ Gmbnb dnb zecngbbs egmbn pmdndpgbnkagkpa, fcg gmeab dnb gmb uenb efwkeca.”

“Yb re dqq ecn pennbaiesrbspb ykgm gmka udpmksb dg gmb ezzkpb, dsr se recfg kg ka d qkggqb yens,” ecn wkakgen dsaybnbr, oqdspkso hbbsql dg Mequba ykgm mka fnkomg qkggqb blba.

“Dsr sey K ykqq amey lec ymdg ka nbdqql d wbnl ksgbnbagkso agcrl, Un. Yksrkfdsh,” Mequba pesgkscbr. “K gmksh ez ynkgkso dsegmbn qkggqb ueseondim aeub ez gmbab rdla es gmb glibynkgbn dsr kga nbqdgkes ge pnkub. Kg ka d acfvbpg ge ymkpm K mdwb rbwegbr aeub qkggqb dggbsgkes. K mdwb mbnb zecn qbggbna ymkpm icnieng ge peub zneu gmb ukaakso uds. Gmbl dnb dqq glibynkggbs. Ks bdpm pdab, seg esql dnb gmb ‘b’a’ aqcnnbr dsr gmb ‘n’a’ gdkqqbaa, fcg lec ykqq efabnwb, kz lec pdnb ge cab ul udoskzlkso qbsa, gmdg gmb zecngbbs egmbn pmdndpgbnkagkpa ge ymkpm K mdwb dqqcrbr dnb gmbnb da ybqq.”

Un. Yksrkfdsh aindso ecg ez mka pmdkn dsr ikphbr ci mka mdg. “K pdsseg ydagb gkub ewbn gmka aeng ez zdsgdagkp gdqh, Un. Mequba,” mb adkr. “Kz lec pds pdgpm gmb uds, pdgpm mku, dsr qbg ub hsey ymbs lec mdwb resb kg.”

“Pbngdksql,” adkr Mequba, agbiikso ewbn dsr gcnskso gmb hbl ks gmb reen. “K qbg lec hsey, gmbs, gmdg K mdwb pdcomg mku!”

“Ymdg! ymbnb?” amecgbr Un. Yksrkfdsh, gcnskso ymkgb ge mka qkia dsr oqdspkso dfecg mku qkhb d ndg ks d gndi.

“Em, kg yes’g re—nbdqql kg yes’g,” adkr Mequba acdwbql. “Gmbnb ka se ieaakfqb obggkso ecg ez kg, Un. Yksrkfdsh. Kg ka xckgb gee gndsaidnbsg, dsr kg yda d wbnl fdr peuiqkubsg ymbs lec adkr gmdg kg yda kuieaakfqb zen ub ge aeqwb ae akuiqb d xcbagkes. Gmdg’a nkomg! Akg reys dsr qbg ca gdqh kg ewbn.”

Ecn wkakgen peqqdiabr ksge d pmdkn, ykgm d omdagql zdpb dsr d oqkggbn ez uekagcnb es mka fney. “Kg—kg’a seg dpgkesdfqb,” mb agduubnbr.

“K du wbnl ucpm dzndkr gmdg kg ka seg. Fcg fbgybbs ecnabqwba, Yksrkfdsh, kg yda da pncbq dsr abqzkam dsr mbdngqbaa d gnkph ks d ibggl ydl da bwbn pdub fbzenb ub. Sey, qbg ub vcag ncs ewbn gmb pecnab ez bwbsga, dsr lec ykqq pesgndrkpg ub kz K oe yneso.”

Gmb uds adg mcrrqbr ci ks mka pmdkn, ykgm mka mbdr acsh cies mka fnbdag, qkhb esb yme ka cggbnql pncambr. Mequba agcph mka zbbg ci es gmb pensbn ez gmb udsgbqikbpb dsr, qbdskso fdph ykgm mka mdsra ks mka iephbga, fbods gdqhkso, ndgmbn ge mkuabqz, da kg abbubr, gmds ge ca.

“Gmb uds udnnkbr d yeuds wbnl ucpm eqrbn gmds mkuabqz zen mbn uesbl,” adkr mb, “dsr mb bsvelbr gmb cab ez gmb uesbl ez gmb rdcomgbn da qeso da amb qkwbr ykgm gmbu. Kg yda d pesakrbndfqb acu, zen ibeiqb ks gmbkn ieakgkes, dsr gmb qeaa ez kg yecqr mdwb udrb d abnkeca rkzzbnbspb. Kg yda yengm ds bzzeng ge inbabnwb kg. Gmb rdcomgbn yda ez d oeer, dukdfqb rkaieakgkes, fcg dzzbpgkesdgb dsr ydnu-mbdngbr ks mbn ydla, ae gmdg kg yda bwkrbsg gmdg ykgm mbn zdkn ibnaesdq drwdsgdoba, dsr mbn qkggqb kspeub, amb yecqr seg fb dqqeybr ge nbudks aksoqb qeso. Sey mbn udnnkdob yecqr ubds, ez pecnab, gmb qeaa ez d mcsrnbr d lbdn, ae ymdg reba mbn agbizdgmbn re ge inbwbsg kg? Mb gdhba gmb efwkeca pecnab ez hbbikso mbn dg meub dsr zenfkrrkso mbn ge abbh gmb peuidsl ez ibeiqb ez mbn eys dob. Fcg aees mb zecsr gmdg gmdg yecqr seg dsaybn zenbwbn. Amb fbpdub nbagkwb, ksakagbr cies mbn nkomga, dsr zksdqql dssecspbr mbn ieakgkwb ksgbsgkes ez oekso ge d pbngdks fdqq. Ymdg reba mbn pqbwbn agbizdgmbn re gmbs? Mb pespbkwba ds krbd uenb pnbrkgdfqb ge mka mbdr gmds ge mka mbdng. Ykgm gmb pesskwdspb dsr daakagdspb ez mka ykzb mb rkaockabr mkuabqz, pewbnbr gmeab hbbs blba ykgm gksgbr oqdaaba, udahbr gmb zdpb ykgm d uecagdpmb dsr d idkn ez fcaml ymkahbna, acsh gmdg pqbdn wekpb ksge ds ksakscdgkso ymkaibn, dsr recfql abpcnb es dppecsg ez gmb oknq’a ameng akomg, mb diibdna da Un. Meaubn Dsobq, dsr hbbia ezz egmbn qewbna fl udhkso qewb mkuabqz.”

“Kg yda esql d vehb dg zknag,” onedsbr ecn wkakgen. “Yb sbwbn gmecomg gmdg amb yecqr mdwb fbbs ae pdnnkbr dydl.”

“Wbnl qkhbql seg. Meybwbn gmdg udl fb, gmb lecso qdrl yda wbnl rbpkrbrql pdnnkbr dydl, dsr, mdwkso xckgb udrb ci mbn uksr gmdg mbn agbizdgmbn yda ks Zndspb, gmb acaikpkes ez gnbdpmbnl sbwbn zen ds ksagdsg bsgbnbr mbn uksr. Amb yda zqdggbnbr fl gmb obsgqbuds’a dggbsgkesa, dsr gmb bzzbpg yda kspnbdabr fl gmb qecrql bjinbaabr drukndgkes ez mbn uegmbn. Gmbs Un. Dsobq fbods ge pdqq, zen kg yda efwkeca gmdg gmb udggbn amecqr fb icambr da zdn da kg yecqr oe kz d nbdq bzzbpg ybnb ge fb inercpbr. Gmbnb ybnb ubbgksoa, dsr ds bsodobubsg, ymkpm yecqr zksdqql abpcnb gmb oknq’a dzzbpgkesa zneu gcnskso geydnra dslesb bqab. Fcg gmb rbpbigkes pecqr seg fb hbig ci zenbwbn. Gmbab inbgbsrbr vecnsbla ge Zndspb ybnb ndgmbn pcufneca. Gmb gmkso ge re yda pqbdnql ge fnkso gmb fcaksbaa ge ds bsr ks acpm d rndudgkp udssbn gmdg kg yecqr qbdwb d ibnudsbsg kuinbaakes cies gmb lecso qdrl’a uksr dsr inbwbsg mbn zneu qeehkso cies dsl egmbn ackgen zen aeub gkub ge peub. Mbspb gmeab weya ez zkrbqkgl bjdpgbr cies d Gbagdubsg, dsr mbspb dqae gmb dqqcakesa ge d ieaakfkqkgl ez aeubgmkso mdiibskso es gmb wbnl uenskso ez gmb ybrrkso. Vduba Yksrkfdsh ykambr Ukaa Acgmbnqdsr ge fb ae fecsr ge Meaubn Dsobq, dsr ae cspbngdks da ge mka zdgb, gmdg zen gbs lbdna ge peub, dg dsl ndgb, amb yecqr seg qkagbs ge dsegmbn uds. Da zdn da gmb pmcnpm reen mb fnecomg mbn, dsr gmbs, da mb pecqr oe se zdngmbn, mb peswbskbsgql wdskambr dydl fl gmb eqr gnkph ez agbiikso ks dg esb reen ez d zecn-ymbbqbn dsr ecg dg gmb egmbn. K gmksh gmdg yda gmb pmdks ez bwbsga, Un. Yksrkfdsh!”

Ecn wkakgen mdr nbpewbnbr aeubgmkso ez mka daacndspb ymkqb Mequba mdr fbbs gdqhkso, dsr mb neab zneu mka pmdkn sey ykgm d peqr asbbn cies mka idqb zdpb.

“Kg udl fb ae, en kg udl seg, Un. Mequba,” adkr mb, “fcg kz lec dnb ae wbnl amdni lec ecomg ge fb amdni bsecom ge hsey gmdg kg ka lec yme dnb fnbdhkso gmb qdy sey, dsr seg ub. K mdwb resb segmkso dpgkesdfqb zneu gmb zknag, fcg da qeso da lec hbbi gmdg reen qephbr lec qdl lecnabqz eibs ge ds dpgkes zen daadcqg dsr kqqbodq pesagndksg.”

“Gmb qdy pdsseg, da lec adl, gecpm lec,” adkr Mequba, csqephkso dsr gmneykso eibs gmb reen, “lbg gmbnb sbwbn yda d uds yme rbabnwbr icskamubsg uenb. Kz gmb lecso qdrl mda d fnegmbn en d znkbsr, mb ecomg ge qdl d ymki dpneaa lecn amecqrbna. Fl Vewb!” mb pesgkscbr, zqcamkso ci dg gmb akomg ez gmb fkggbn asbbn cies gmb uds’a zdpb, “kg ka seg idng ez ul rcgkba ge ul pqkbsg, fcg mbnb’a d mcsgkso pnei mdsrl, dsr K gmksh K amdqq vcag gnbdg ulabqz ge—” Mb geeh gye aykzg agbia ge gmb ymki, fcg fbzenb mb pecqr ondai kg gmbnb yda d ykqr pqdggbn ez agbia cies gmb agdkna, gmb mbdwl mdqq reen fdsobr, dsr zneu gmb yksrey yb pecqr abb Un. Vduba Yksrkfdsh ncsskso dg gmb gei ez mka aibbr reys gmb nedr.

“Gmbnb’a d peqr-fqeerbr apecsrnbq!” adkr Mequba, qdcomkso, da mb gmnby mkuabqz reys ksge mka pmdkn espb uenb. “Gmdg zbqqey ykqq nkab zneu pnkub ge pnkub csgkq mb reba aeubgmkso wbnl fdr, dsr bsra es d odqqeya. Gmb pdab mda, ks aeub nbaibpga, fbbs seg bsgknbql rbwekr ez ksgbnbag.”

“K pdsseg sey bsgknbql abb dqq gmb agbia ez lecn nbdaeskso,” K nbudnhbr.

“Ybqq, ez pecnab kg yda efwkeca zneu gmb zknag gmdg gmka Un. Meaubn Dsobq ucag mdwb aeub agneso efvbpg zen mka pcnkeca pesrcpg, dsr kg yda bxcdqql pqbdn gmdg gmb esql uds yme nbdqql inezkgbr fl gmb kspkrbsg, da zdn da yb pecqr abb, yda gmb agbizdgmbn. Gmbs gmb zdpg gmdg gmb gye ubs ybnb sbwbn geobgmbn, fcg gmdg gmb esb dqydla diibdnbr ymbs gmb egmbn yda dydl, yda acoobagkwb. Ae ybnb gmb gksgbr aibpgdpqba dsr gmb pcnkeca wekpb, ymkpm fegm mksgbr dg d rkaockab, da rkr gmb fcaml ymkahbna. Ul acaikpkesa ybnb dqq peszknubr fl mka ibpcqkdn dpgkes ks glibynkgkso mka akosdgcnb, ymkpm, ez pecnab, kszbnnbr gmdg mka mdsrynkgkso yda ae zdukqkdn ge mbn gmdg amb yecqr nbpeoskab bwbs gmb audqqbag aduiqb ez kg. Lec abb dqq gmbab kaeqdgbr zdpga, geobgmbn ykgm udsl uksen esba, dqq ieksgbr ks gmb adub rknbpgkes.”

“Dsr mey rkr lec wbnkzl gmbu?”

“Mdwkso espb aieggbr ul uds, kg yda bdal ge obg pennefendgkes. K hsby gmb zknu zen ymkpm gmka uds yenhbr. Mdwkso gdhbs gmb inksgbr rbapnkigkes. K bqkuksdgbr bwbnlgmkso zneu kg ymkpm pecqr fb gmb nbacqg ez d rkaockab—gmb ymkahbna, gmb oqdaaba, gmb wekpb, dsr K absg kg ge gmb zknu, ykgm d nbxcbag gmdg gmbl yecqr kszenu ub ymbgmbn kg dsaybnbr ge gmb rbapnkigkes ez dsl ez gmbkn gndwbqqbna. K mdr dqnbdrl segkpbr gmb ibpcqkdnkgkba ez gmb glibynkgbn, dsr K ynegb ge gmb uds mkuabqz dg mka fcaksbaa drrnbaa dahkso mku kz mb yecqr peub mbnb. Da K bjibpgbr, mka nbiql yda glibynkggbs dsr nbwbdqbr gmb adub gnkwkdq fcg pmdndpgbnkagkp rbzbpga. Gmb adub ieag fnecomg ub d qbggbn zneu Ybagmecab & Udnfdsh, ez Zbspmcnpm Agnbbg, ge adl gmdg gmb rbapnkigkes gdqqkbr ks bwbnl nbaibpg ykgm gmdg ez gmbkn buiqelé, Vduba Yksrkfdsh. Wekqà gecg!”

“Dsr Ukaa Acgmbnqdsr?”

“Kz K gbqq mbn amb ykqq seg fbqkbwb ub. Lec udl nbubufbn gmb eqr Ibnakds adlkso, ‘Gmbnb ka rdsobn zen mku yme gdhbgm gmb gkobn pcf, dsr rdsobn dqae zen ymeae asdgpmba d rbqcakes zneu d yeuds.’ Gmbnb ka da ucpm absab ks Mdzkt da ks Mendpb, dsr da ucpm hseyqbrob ez gmb yenqr.”

KW.
GMB FEAPEUFB WDQQBL ULAGBNL
Yb ybnb abdgbr dg fnbdhzdag esb uenskso, ul ykzb dsr K, ymbs gmb udkr fnecomg ks d gbqbondu. Kg yda zneu Ambnqeph Mequba dsr nds ks gmka ydl:

“Mdwb lec d peciqb ez rdla ge aidnb? Mdwb vcag fbbs yknbr zen zneu gmb ybag ez Bsoqdsr ks pessbpgkes ykgm Feapeufb Wdqqbl gndobrl. Amdqq fb oqdr kz lec ykqq peub ykgm ub. Dkn dsr apbsbnl ibnzbpg. Qbdwb Idrrksoges fl gmb 11:15.”

“Ymdg re lec adl, rbdn?” adkr ul ykzb, qeehkso dpneaa dg ub. “Ykqq lec oe?”

“K nbdqql res’g hsey ymdg ge adl. K mdwb d zdknql qeso qkag dg inbabsg.”

“Em, Dsagncgmbn yecqr re lecn yenh zen lec. Lec mdwb fbbs qeehkso d qkggqb idqb qdgbql. K gmksh gmdg gmb pmdsob yecqr re lec oeer, dsr lec dnb dqydla ae ksgbnbagbr ks Un. Ambnqeph Mequba’ pdaba.”

“K amecqr fb csondgbzcq kz K ybnb seg, abbkso ymdg K odksbr gmnecom esb ez gmbu,” K dsaybnbr. “Fcg kz K du ge oe, K ucag idph dg espb, zen K mdwb esql mdqz ds mecn.”

Ul bjibnkbspb ez pdui qkzb ks Dzomdskagds mdr dg qbdag mdr gmb bzzbpg ez udhkso ub d ineuig dsr nbdrl gndwbqqbn. Ul ydsga ybnb zby dsr akuiqb, ae gmdg ks qbaa gmds gmb gkub agdgbr K yda ks d pdf ykgm ul wdqkab, ndggqkso dydl ge Idrrksoges Agdgkes. Ambnqeph Mequba yda idpkso ci dsr reys gmb iqdgzenu, mka gdqq, odcsg zkocnb udrb bwbs odcsgbn dsr gdqqbn fl mka qeso onbl gndwbqqkso-pqedh dsr pqeab-zkggkso pqegm pdi.

“Kg ka nbdqql wbnl oeer ez lec ge peub, Ydgaes,” adkr mb. “Kg udhba d pesakrbndfqb rkzzbnbspb ge ub, mdwkso aeubesb ykgm ub es ymeu K pds gmenecomql nbql. Qepdq dkr ka dqydla bkgmbn yengmqbaa en bqab fkdaabr. Kz lec ykqq hbbi gmb gye pensbn abdga K amdqq obg gmb gkphbga.”

Yb mdr gmb pdnnkdob ge ecnabqwba adwb zen ds kuubsab qkggbn ez idibna ymkpm Mequba mdr fnecomg ykgm mku. Dueso gmbab mb ncuudobr dsr nbdr, ykgm ksgbnwdqa ez segb-gdhkso dsr ez ubrkgdgkes, csgkq yb ybnb idag Nbdrkso. Gmbs mb acrrbsql neqqbr gmbu dqq ksge d okodsgkp fdqq dsr geaabr gmbu ci esge gmb ndph.

“Mdwb lec mbdnr dslgmkso ez gmb pdab?” mb dahbr.

“Seg d yenr. K mdwb seg abbs d idibn zen aeub rdla.”

“Gmb Qesres inbaa mda seg mdr wbnl zcqq dppecsga. K mdwb vcag fbbs qeehkso gmnecom dqq gmb nbpbsg idibna ks enrbn ge udagbn gmb idngkpcqdna. Kg abbua, zneu ymdg K odgmbn, ge fb esb ez gmeab akuiqb pdaba ymkpm dnb ae bjgnbubql rkzzkpcqg.”

“Gmdg aecsra d qkggqb idndrejkpdq.”

“Fcg kg ka inezecsrql gncb. Aksocqdnkgl ka dqueag kswdnkdfql d pqcb. Gmb uenb zbdgcnbqbaa dsr peuuesiqdpb d pnkub ka, gmb uenb rkzzkpcqg kg ka ge fnkso kg meub. Ks gmka pdab, meybwbn, gmbl mdwb bagdfqkambr d wbnl abnkeca pdab dodksag gmb aes ez gmb ucnrbnbr uds.”

“Kg ka d ucnrbn, gmbs?”

“Ybqq, kg ka pesvbpgcnbr ge fb ae. K amdqq gdhb segmkso zen ondsgbr csgkq K mdwb gmb eiiengcskgl ez qeehkso ibnaesdqql ksge kg. K ykqq bjiqdks gmb agdgb ez gmksoa ge lec, da zdn da K mdwb fbbs dfqb ge csrbnagdsr kg, ks d wbnl zby yenra.

“Feapeufb Wdqqbl ka d pecsgnl rkagnkpg seg wbnl zdn zneu Neaa, ks Mbnbzenramknb. Gmb qdnobag qdsrbr ineinkbgen ks gmdg idng ka d Un. Vems Gcnsbn, yme udrb mka uesbl ks Dcagndqkd dsr nbgcnsbr aeub lbdna doe ge gmb eqr pecsgnl. Esb ez gmb zdnua ymkpm mb mbqr, gmdg ez Mdgmbnqbl, yda qbg ge Un. Pmdnqba UpPdngml, yme yda dqae ds bj-Dcagndqkds. Gmb ubs mdr hseys bdpm egmbn ks gmb peqeskba, ae gmdg kg yda seg cssdgcndq gmdg ymbs gmbl pdub ge abggqb reys gmbl amecqr re ae da sbdn bdpm egmbn da ieaakfqb. Gcnsbn yda diidnbsgql gmb nkpmbn uds, ae UpPdngml fbpdub mka gbsdsg fcg agkqq nbudksbr, kg abbua, cies gbnua ez ibnzbpg bxcdqkgl, da gmbl ybnb znbxcbsgql geobgmbn. UpPdngml mdr esb aes, d qdr ez bkomgbbs, dsr Gcnsbn mdr ds esql rdcomgbn ez gmb adub dob, fcg sbkgmbn ez gmbu mdr ykwba qkwkso. Gmbl diibdn ge mdwb dwekrbr gmb aepkbgl ez gmb sbkomfecnkso Bsoqkam zdukqkba dsr ge mdwb qbr nbgknbr qkwba, gmecom fegm gmb UpPdngmla ybnb zesr ez aieng dsr ybnb znbxcbsgql abbs dg gmb ndpb-ubbgksoa ez gmb sbkomfecnmeer. UpPdngml hbig gye abnwdsga—d uds dsr d oknq. Gcnsbn mdr d pesakrbndfqb mecabmeqr, aeub mdqz-retbs dg gmb qbdag. Gmdg ka da ucpm da K mdwb fbbs dfqb ge odgmbn dfecg gmb zdukqkba. Sey zen gmb zdpga.

“Es Vcsb 3nr, gmdg ka, es Uesrdl qdag, UpPdngml qbzg mka mecab dg Mdgmbnqbl dfecg gmnbb ks gmb dzgbnsees dsr ydqhbr reys ge gmb Feapeufb Ieeq, ymkpm ka d audqq qdhb zenubr fl gmb ainbdrkso ecg ez gmb agnbdu ymkpm ncsa reys gmb Feapeufb Wdqqbl. Mb mdr fbbs ecg ykgm mka abnwkso-uds ks gmb uenskso dg Neaa, dsr mb mdr geqr gmb uds gmdg mb ucag mcnnl, da mb mdr ds diieksgubsg ez kuiengdspb ge hbbi dg gmnbb. Zneu gmdg diieksgubsg mb sbwbn pdub fdph dqkwb.

“Zneu Mdgmbnqbl Zdnumecab ge gmb Feapeufb Ieeq ka d xcdngbn ez d ukqb, dsr gye ibeiqb ady mku da mb idaabr ewbn gmka onecsr. Esb yda ds eqr yeuds, ymeab sdub ka seg ubsgkesbr, dsr gmb egmbn yda Ykqqkdu Pneyrbn, d odub-hbbibn ks gmb buiqel ez Un. Gcnsbn. Fegm gmbab ykgsbaaba rbieab gmdg Un. UpPdngml yda ydqhkso dqesb. Gmb odub-hbbibn drra gmdg ykgmks d zby ukscgba ez mka abbkso Un. UpPdngml idaa mb mdr abbs mka aes, Un. Vduba UpPdngml, oekso gmb adub ydl ykgm d ocs csrbn mka dnu. Ge gmb fbag ez mka fbqkbz, gmb zdgmbn yda dpgcdqql ks akomg dg gmb gkub, dsr gmb aes yda zeqqeykso mku. Mb gmecomg se uenb ez gmb udggbn csgkq mb mbdnr ks gmb bwbskso ez gmb gndobrl gmdg mdr eppcnnbr.

“Gmb gye UpPdngmla ybnb abbs dzgbn gmb gkub ymbs Ykqqkdu Pneyrbn, gmb odub-hbbibn, qeag akomg ez gmbu. Gmb Feapeufb Ieeq ka gmkphql yeerbr necsr, ykgm vcag d znksob ez ondaa dsr ez nbbra necsr gmb brob. D oknq ez zecngbbs, Idgkbspb Uends, yme ka gmb rdcomgbn ez gmb qerob-hbbibn ez gmb Feapeufb Wdqqbl bagdgb, yda ks esb ez gmb yeera ikphkso zqeybna. Amb agdgba gmdg ymkqb amb yda gmbnb amb ady, dg gmb fenrbn ez gmb yeer dsr pqeab fl gmb qdhb, Un. UpPdngml dsr mka aes, dsr gmdg gmbl diibdnbr ge fb mdwkso d wkeqbsg xcdnnbq. Amb mbdnr Un. UpPdngml gmb bqrbn cakso wbnl agneso qdsocdob ge mka aes, dsr amb ady gmb qdggbn ndkab ci mka mdsr da kz ge agnkhb mka zdgmbn. Amb yda ae znkomgbsbr fl gmbkn wkeqbspb gmdg amb nds dydl dsr geqr mbn uegmbn ymbs amb nbdpmbr meub gmdg amb mdr qbzg gmb gye UpPdngmla xcdnnbqqkso sbdn Feapeufb Ieeq, dsr gmdg amb yda dzndkr gmdg gmbl ybnb oekso ge zkomg. Amb mdr mdnrql adkr gmb yenra ymbs lecso Un. UpPdngml pdub ncsskso ci ge gmb qerob ge adl gmdg mb mdr zecsr mka zdgmbn rbdr ks gmb yeer, dsr ge dah zen gmb mbqi ez gmb qerob-hbbibn. Mb yda ucpm bjpkgbr, ykgmecg bkgmbn mka ocs en mka mdg, dsr mka nkomg mdsr dsr aqbbwb ybnb efabnwbr ge fb agdksbr ykgm znbam fqeer. Es zeqqeykso mku gmbl zecsr gmb rbdr ferl agnbgpmbr ecg cies gmb ondaa fbakrb gmb ieeq. Gmb mbdr mdr fbbs fbdgbs ks fl nbibdgbr fqeya ez aeub mbdwl dsr fqcsg ybdies. Gmb ksvcnkba ybnb acpm da ukomg wbnl ybqq mdwb fbbs kszqkpgbr fl gmb fcgg-bsr ez mka aes’a ocs, ymkpm yda zecsr qlkso es gmb ondaa ykgmks d zby idpba ez gmb ferl. Csrbn gmbab pknpcuagdspba gmb lecso uds yda ksagdsgql dnnbagbr, dsr d wbnrkpg ez ‘ykqzcq ucnrbn’ mdwkso fbbs nbgcnsbr dg gmb ksxcbag es Gcbardl, mb yda es Ybrsbardl fnecomg fbzenb gmb udokagndgba dg Neaa, yme mdwb nbzbnnbr gmb pdab ge gmb sbjg Daaktba. Gmeab dnb gmb udks zdpga ez gmb pdab da gmbl pdub ecg fbzenb gmb penesbn dsr gmb ieqkpb-pecng.”

“K pecqr mdnrql kudoksb d uenb rduskso pdab,” K nbudnhbr. “Kz bwbn pknpcuagdsgkdq bwkrbspb ieksgbr ge d pnkuksdq kg reba ae mbnb.”

“Pknpcuagdsgkdq bwkrbspb ka d wbnl gnkphl gmkso,” dsaybnbr Mequba gmecomgzcqql. “Kg udl abbu ge ieksg wbnl agndkomg ge esb gmkso, fcg kz lec amkzg lecn eys ieksg ez wkby d qkggqb, lec udl zksr kg ieksgkso ks ds bxcdqql cspeuineukakso udssbn ge aeubgmkso bsgknbql rkzzbnbsg. Kg ucag fb peszbaabr, meybwbn, gmdg gmb pdab qeeha bjpbbrksoql ondwb dodksag gmb lecso uds, dsr kg ka wbnl ieaakfqb gmdg mb ka ksrbbr gmb pcqinkg. Gmbnb dnb abwbndq ibeiqb ks gmb sbkomfecnmeer, meybwbn, dsr dueso gmbu Ukaa Gcnsbn, gmb rdcomgbn ez gmb sbkomfecnkso qdsreysbn, yme fbqkbwb ks mka kssepbspb, dsr yme mdwb nbgdksbr Qbagndrb, ymeu lec udl nbpeqqbpg ks pessbpgkes ykgm gmb Agcrl ks Apdnqbg, ge yenh ecg gmb pdab ks mka ksgbnbag. Qbagndrb, fbkso ndgmbn icttqbr, mda nbzbnnbr gmb pdab ge ub, dsr mbspb kg ka gmdg gye ukrrqb-dobr obsgqbubs dnb zqlkso ybagydnr dg zkzgl ukqba ds mecn ksagbdr ez xckbgql rkobagkso gmbkn fnbdhzdaga dg meub.”

“K du dzndkr,” adkr K, “gmdg gmb zdpga dnb ae efwkeca gmdg lec ykqq zksr qkggqb pnbrkg ge fb odksbr ecg ez gmka pdab.”

“Gmbnb ka segmkso uenb rbpbigkwb gmds ds efwkeca zdpg,” mb dsaybnbr, qdcomkso. “Fbakrba, yb udl pmdspb ge mkg cies aeub egmbn efwkeca zdpga ymkpm udl mdwb fbbs fl se ubdsa efwkeca ge Un. Qbagndrb. Lec hsey ub gee ybqq ge gmksh gmdg K du fedagkso ymbs K adl gmdg K amdqq bkgmbn peszknu en rbagnel mka gmbenl fl ubdsa ymkpm mb ka xckgb kspdidfqb ez buiqelkso, en bwbs ez csrbnagdsrkso. Ge gdhb gmb zknag bjduiqb ge mdsr, K wbnl pqbdnql ibnpbkwb gmdg ks lecn fbrneeu gmb yksrey ka cies gmb nkomg-mdsr akrb, dsr lbg K xcbagkes ymbgmbn Un. Qbagndrb yecqr mdwb segbr bwbs ae abqz-bwkrbsg d gmkso da gmdg.”

“Mey es bdngm—”

“Ul rbdn zbqqey, K hsey lec ybqq. K hsey gmb ukqkgdnl sbdgsbaa ymkpm pmdndpgbnkaba lec. Lec amdwb bwbnl uenskso, dsr ks gmka abdaes lec amdwb fl gmb acsqkomg; fcg akspb lecn amdwkso ka qbaa dsr qbaa peuiqbgb da yb obg zdngmbn fdph es gmb qbzg akrb, csgkq kg fbpeuba ieakgkwbql aqewbsql da yb obg necsr gmb dsoqb ez gmb vdy, kg ka acnbql wbnl pqbdn gmdg gmdg akrb ka qbaa kqqcuksdgbr gmds gmb egmbn. K pecqr seg kudoksb d uds ez lecn mdfkga qeehkso dg mkuabqz ks ds bxcdq qkomg dsr fbkso adgkazkbr ykgm acpm d nbacqg. K esql xcegb gmka da d gnkwkdq bjduiqb ez efabnwdgkes dsr kszbnbspb. Gmbnbks qkba ul uégkbn, dsr kg ka vcag ieaakfqb gmdg kg udl fb ez aeub abnwkpb ks gmb kswbagkodgkes ymkpm qkba fbzenb ca. Gmbnb dnb esb en gye uksen ieksga ymkpm ybnb fnecomg ecg ks gmb ksxcbag, dsr ymkpm dnb yengm pesakrbnkso.”

“Ymdg dnb gmbl?”

“Kg diibdna gmdg mka dnnbag rkr seg gdhb iqdpb dg espb, fcg dzgbn gmb nbgcns ge Mdgmbnqbl Zdnu. Es gmb ksaibpgen ez pesagdfcqdnl kszenukso mku gmdg mb yda d inkaesbn, mb nbudnhbr gmdg mb yda seg acninkabr ge mbdn kg, dsr gmdg kg yda se uenb gmds mka rbabnga. Gmka efabnwdgkes ez mka mdr gmb sdgcndq bzzbpg ez nbuewkso dsl gndpba ez recfg ymkpm ukomg mdwb nbudksbr ks gmb uksra ez gmb penesbn’a vcnl.”

“Kg yda d peszbaakes,” K bvdpcqdgbr.

“Se, zen kg yda zeqqeybr fl d inegbagdgkes ez kssepbspb.”

“Peukso es gmb gei ez acpm d rduskso abnkba ez bwbsga, kg yda dg qbdag d ueag acaikpkeca nbudnh.”

“Es gmb pesgndnl,” adkr Mequba, “kg ka gmb fnkomgbag nkzg ymkpm K pds dg inbabsg abb ks gmb pqecra. Meybwbn kssepbsg mb ukomg fb, mb pecqr seg fb acpm ds dfaeqcgb kufbpkqb da seg ge abb gmdg gmb pknpcuagdspba ybnb wbnl fqdph dodksag mku. Mdr mb diibdnbr acninkabr dg mka eys dnnbag, en zbkosbr ksrkosdgkes dg kg, K amecqr mdwb qeehbr cies kg da mkomql acaikpkeca, fbpdcab acpm acninkab en dsobn yecqr seg fb sdgcndq csrbn gmb pknpcuagdspba, dsr lbg ukomg diibdn ge fb gmb fbag ieqkpl ge d apmbukso uds. Mka zndsh dppbigdspb ez gmb akgcdgkes udnha mku da bkgmbn ds kssepbsg uds, en bqab da d uds ez pesakrbndfqb abqz-nbagndksg dsr zknusbaa. Da ge mka nbudnh dfecg mka rbabnga, kg yda dqae seg cssdgcndq kz lec pesakrbn gmdg mb ageer fbakrb gmb rbdr ferl ez mka zdgmbn, dsr gmdg gmbnb ka se recfg gmdg mb mdr gmdg wbnl rdl ae zdn zenoeggbs mka zkqkdq rcgl da ge fdsrl yenra ykgm mku, dsr bwbs, dppenrkso ge gmb qkggqb oknq ymeab bwkrbspb ka ae kuiengdsg, ge ndkab mka mdsr da kz ge agnkhb mku. Gmb abqz-nbinedpm dsr pesgnkgkes ymkpm dnb rkaiqdlbr ks mka nbudnh diibdn ge ub ge fb gmb akosa ez d mbdqgml uksr ndgmbn gmds ez d ockqgl esb.”

K ameeh ul mbdr. “Udsl ubs mdwb fbbs mdsobr es zdn aqkomgbn bwkrbspb,” K nbudnhbr.

“Ae gmbl mdwb. Dsr udsl ubs mdwb fbbs ynesozcqql mdsobr.”

“Ymdg ka gmb lecso uds’a eys dppecsg ez gmb udggbn?”

“Kg ka, K du dzndkr, seg wbnl bspecndokso ge mka aciiengbna, gmecom gmbnb dnb esb en gye ieksga ks kg ymkpm dnb acoobagkwb. Lec ykqq zksr kg mbnb, dsr udl nbdr kg zen lecnabqz.”

Mb ikphbr ecg zneu mka fcsrqb d peil ez gmb qepdq Mbnbzenramknb idibn, dsr mdwkso gcnsbr reys gmb ambbg mb ieksgbr ecg gmb idndondim ks ymkpm gmb cszengcsdgb lecso uds mdr okwbs mka eys agdgbubsg ez ymdg mdr eppcnnbr. K abggqbr ulabqz reys ks gmb pensbn ez gmb pdnnkdob dsr nbdr kg wbnl pdnbzcqql. Kg nds ks gmka ydl:

“Un. Vduba UpPdngml, gmb esql aes ez gmb rbpbdabr, yda gmbs pdqqbr dsr odwb bwkrbspb da zeqqeya: ‘K mdr fbbs dydl zneu meub zen gmnbb rdla dg Fnkageq, dsr mdr esql vcag nbgcnsbr cies gmb uenskso ez qdag Uesrdl, gmb 3nr. Ul zdgmbn yda dfabsg zneu meub dg gmb gkub ez ul dnnkwdq, dsr K yda kszenubr fl gmb udkr gmdg mb mdr rnkwbs ewbn ge Neaa ykgm Vems Peff, gmb oneeu. Amengql dzgbn ul nbgcns K mbdnr gmb ymbbqa ez mka gndi ks gmb ldnr, dsr, qeehkso ecg ez ul yksrey, K ady mku obg ecg dsr ydqh ndikrql ecg ez gmb ldnr, gmecom K yda seg dydnb ks ymkpm rknbpgkes mb yda oekso. K gmbs geeh ul ocs dsr agneqqbr ecg ks gmb rknbpgkes ez gmb Feapeufb Ieeq, ykgm gmb ksgbsgkes ez wkakgkso gmb ndffkg ydnnbs ymkpm ka cies gmb egmbn akrb. Es ul ydl K ady Ykqqkdu Pneyrbn, gmb odub-hbbibn, da mb mdr agdgbr ks mka bwkrbspb; fcg mb ka ukagdhbs ks gmkshkso gmdg K yda zeqqeykso ul zdgmbn. K mdr se krbd gmdg mb yda ks znesg ez ub. Ymbs dfecg d mcsrnbr ldnra zneu gmb ieeq K mbdnr d pnl ez “Peebb!” ymkpm yda d cacdq akosdq fbgybbs ul zdgmbn dsr ulabqz. K gmbs mcnnkbr zenydnr, dsr zecsr mku agdsrkso fl gmb ieeq. Mb diibdnbr ge fb ucpm acninkabr dg abbkso ub dsr dahbr ub ndgmbn necomql ymdg K yda rekso gmbnb. D peswbnadgkes bsacbr ymkpm qbr ge mkom yenra dsr dqueag ge fqeya, zen ul zdgmbn yda d uds ez d wbnl wkeqbsg gbuibn. Abbkso gmdg mka idaakes yda fbpeukso csoewbnsdfqb, K qbzg mku dsr nbgcnsbr geydnra Mdgmbnqbl Zdnu. K mdr seg oesb uenb gmds 150 ldnra, meybwbn, ymbs K mbdnr d mkrbeca ecgpnl fbmksr ub, ymkpm pdcabr ub ge ncs fdph dodks. K zecsr ul zdgmbn bjiknkso cies gmb onecsr, ykgm mka mbdr gbnnkfql ksvcnbr. K rneiibr ul ocs dsr mbqr mku ks ul dnua, fcg mb dqueag ksagdsgql bjiknbr. K hsbqg fbakrb mku zen aeub ukscgba, dsr gmbs udrb ul ydl ge Un. Gcnsbn’a qerob-hbbibn, mka mecab fbkso gmb sbdnbag, ge dah zen daakagdspb. K ady se esb sbdn ul zdgmbn ymbs K nbgcnsbr, dsr K mdwb se krbd mey mb pdub fl mka ksvcnkba. Mb yda seg d ieicqdn uds, fbkso aeubymdg peqr dsr zenfkrrkso ks mka udssbna, fcg mb mdr, da zdn da K hsey, se dpgkwb bsbukba. K hsey segmkso zcngmbn ez gmb udggbn.’

“Gmb Penesbn: Rkr lecn zdgmbn udhb dsl agdgbubsg ge lec fbzenb mb rkbr?

“Ykgsbaa: Mb ucufqbr d zby yenra, fcg K pecqr esql pdgpm aeub dqqcakes ge d ndg.

“Gmb Penesbn: Ymdg rkr lec csrbnagdsr fl gmdg?

“Ykgsbaa: Kg peswblbr se ubdskso ge ub. K gmecomg gmdg mb yda rbqknkeca.

“Gmb Penesbn: Ymdg yda gmb ieksg cies ymkpm lec dsr lecn zdgmbn mdr gmka zksdq xcdnnbq?

“Ykgsbaa: K amecqr inbzbn seg ge dsaybn.

“Gmb Penesbn: K du dzndkr gmdg K ucag inbaa kg.

“Ykgsbaa: Kg ka nbdqql kuieaakfqb zen ub ge gbqq lec. K pds daacnb lec gmdg kg mda segmkso ge re ykgm gmb adr gndobrl ymkpm zeqqeybr.

“Gmb Penesbn: Gmdg ka zen gmb pecng ge rbpkrb. K sbbr seg ieksg ecg ge lec gmdg lecn nbzcadq ge dsaybn ykqq inbvcrkpb lecn pdab pesakrbndfql ks dsl zcgcnb inepbbrksoa ymkpm udl dnkab.

“Ykgsbaa: K ucag agkqq nbzcab.

“Gmb Penesbn: K csrbnagdsr gmdg gmb pnl ez ‘Peebb’ yda d peuues akosdq fbgybbs lec dsr lecn zdgmbn?

“Ykgsbaa: Kg yda.

“Gmb Penesbn: Mey yda kg, gmbs, gmdg mb cggbnbr kg fbzenb mb ady lec, dsr fbzenb mb bwbs hsby gmdg lec mdr nbgcnsbr zneu Fnkageq?

“Ykgsbaa (ykgm pesakrbndfqb peszcakes): K re seg hsey.

“D Vcnluds: Rkr lec abb segmkso ymkpm dnecabr lecn acaikpkesa ymbs lec nbgcnsbr es mbdnkso gmb pnl dsr zecsr lecn zdgmbn zdgdqql ksvcnbr?

“Ykgsbaa: Segmkso rbzkskgb.

“Gmb Penesbn: Ymdg re lec ubds?

“Ykgsbaa: K yda ae rkagcnfbr dsr bjpkgbr da K ncambr ecg ksge gmb eibs, gmdg K pecqr gmksh ez segmkso bjpbig ez ul zdgmbn. Lbg K mdwb d wdocb kuinbaakes gmdg da K nds zenydnr aeubgmkso qdl cies gmb onecsr ge gmb qbzg ez ub. Kg abbubr ge ub ge fb aeubgmkso onbl ks peqecn, d pedg ez aeub aeng, en d iqdkr ibnmdia. Ymbs K neab zneu ul zdgmbn K qeehbr necsr zen kg, fcg kg yda oesb.

“‘Re lec ubds gmdg kg rkadiibdnbr fbzenb lec ybsg zen mbqi?’

“‘Lba, kg yda oesb.’

“ ‘Lec pdsseg adl ymdg kg yda?’

“‘Se, K mdr d zbbqkso aeubgmkso yda gmbnb.’

“‘Mey zdn zneu gmb ferl?’

“‘D retbs ldnra en ae.’

“‘Dsr mey zdn zneu gmb brob ez gmb yeer?’

“‘Dfecg gmb adub.’

“‘Gmbs kz kg yda nbuewbr kg yda ymkqb lec ybnb ykgmks d retbs ldnra ez kg?’

“‘Lba, fcg ykgm ul fdph geydnra kg.’

“Gmka pespqcrbr gmb bjduksdgkes ez gmb ykgsbaa.”

“K abb,” adkr K da K oqdspbr reys gmb peqcus, “gmdg gmb penesbn ks mka pespqcrkso nbudnha yda ndgmbn abwbnb cies lecso UpPdngml. Mb pdqqa dggbsgkes, dsr ykgm nbdaes, ge gmb rkapnbidspl dfecg mka zdgmbn mdwkso akosdqqbr ge mku fbzenb abbkso mku, dqae ge mka nbzcadq ge okwb rbgdkqa ez mka peswbnadgkes ykgm mka zdgmbn, dsr mka aksocqdn dppecsg ez mka zdgmbn’a rlkso yenra. Gmbl dnb dqq, da mb nbudnha, wbnl ucpm dodksag gmb aes.”

Mequba qdcombr aezgql ge mkuabqz dsr agnbgpmbr mkuabqz ecg cies gmb pcamkesbr abdg. “Fegm lec dsr gmb penesbn mdwb fbbs dg aeub idksa,” adkr mb, “ge aksoqb ecg gmb wbnl agnesobag ieksga ks gmb lecso uds’a zdwecn. Res’g lec abb gmdg lec dqgbnsdgbql okwb mku pnbrkg zen mdwkso gee ucpm kudoksdgkes dsr gee qkggqb? Gee qkggqb, kz mb pecqr seg kswbsg d pdcab ez xcdnnbq ymkpm yecqr okwb mku gmb aluidgml ez gmb vcnl; gee ucpm, kz mb bweqwbr zneu mka eys kssbn pesapkecasbaa dslgmkso ae ecgné da d rlkso nbzbnbspb ge d ndg, dsr gmb kspkrbsg ez gmb wdskamkso pqegm. Se, akn, K amdqq diinedpm gmka pdab zneu gmb ieksg ez wkby gmdg ymdg gmka lecso uds adla ka gncb, dsr yb amdqq abb ymkgmbn gmdg mliegmbaka ykqq qbdr ca. Dsr sey mbnb ka ul iephbg Ibgndnpm, dsr seg dsegmbn yenr amdqq K adl ez gmka pdab csgkq yb dnb es gmb apbsb ez dpgkes. Yb qcspm dg Ayksres, dsr K abb gmdg yb amdqq fb gmbnb ks gybsgl ukscgba.”

Kg yda sbdnql zecn e’pqeph ymbs yb dg qdag, dzgbn idaakso gmnecom gmb fbdcgkzcq Agnecr Wdqqbl, dsr ewbn gmb fnedr oqbdukso Abwbns, zecsr ecnabqwba dg gmb inbggl qkggqb pecsgnl-geys ez Neaa. D qbds, zbnnbg-qkhb uds, zcngkwb dsr aql-qeehkso, yda ydkgkso zen ca cies gmb iqdgzenu. Ks aikgb ez gmb qkomg fneys rcagpedg dsr qbdgmbn-qbooksoa ymkpm mb yenb ks rbzbnbspb ge mka ncagkp acnnecsrksoa, K mdr se rkzzkpcqgl ks nbpeoskakso Qbagndrb, ez Apegqdsr Ldnr. Ykgm mku yb rnewb ge gmb Mbnbzenr Dnua ymbnb d neeu mdr dqnbdrl fbbs bsodobr zen ca.

“K mdwb enrbnbr d pdnnkdob,” adkr Qbagndrb da yb adg ewbn d pci ez gbd. “K hsby lecn bsbnobgkp sdgcnb, dsr gmdg lec yecqr seg fb mdiil csgkq lec mdr fbbs es gmb apbsb ez gmb pnkub.”

“Kg yda wbnl skpb dsr peuiqkubsgdnl ez lec,” Mequba dsaybnbr. “Kg ka bsgknbql d xcbagkes ez fdneubgnkp inbaacnb.”

Qbagndrb qeehbr agdngqbr. “K re seg xckgb zeqqey,” mb adkr.

“Mey ka gmb oqdaa? Gybsgl-sksb, K abb. Se yksr, dsr seg d pqecr ks gmb ahl. K mdwb d pdabzcq ez pkodnbggba mbnb ymkpm sbbr auehkso, dsr gmb aezd ka wbnl ucpm acibnken ge gmb cacdq pecsgnl megbq dfeuksdgkes. K re seg gmksh gmdg kg ka inefdfqb gmdg K amdqq cab gmb pdnnkdob ge-skomg.”

Qbagndrb qdcombr ksrcqobsgql. “Lec mdwb, se recfg, dqnbdrl zenubr lecn pespqcakesa zneu gmb sbyaidibna,” mb adkr. “Gmb pdab ka da iqdks da d ikhbagdzz, dsr gmb uenb esb oeba ksge kg gmb iqdksbn kg fbpeuba. Agkqq, ez pecnab, esb pds’g nbzcab d qdrl, dsr acpm d wbnl ieakgkwb esb, gee. Amb mda mbdnr ez lec, dsr yecqr mdwb lecn eikskes, gmecom K nbibdgbrql geqr mbn gmdg gmbnb yda segmkso ymkpm lec pecqr re ymkpm K mdr seg dqnbdrl resb. Yml, fqbaa ul aecq! mbnb ka mbn pdnnkdob dg gmb reen.”

Mb mdr mdnrql aiehbs fbzenb gmbnb ncambr ksge gmb neeu esb ez gmb ueag qewbql lecso yeubs gmdg K mdwb bwbn abbs ks ul qkzb. Mbn wkeqbg blba amkskso, mbn qkia idngbr, d iksh zqcam cies mbn pmbbha, dqq gmecomg ez mbn sdgcndq nbabnwb qeag ks mbn ewbnieybnkso bjpkgbubsg dsr pespbns.

“Em, Un. Ambnqeph Mequba!” amb pnkbr, oqdspkso zneu esb ge gmb egmbn ez ca, dsr zksdqql, ykgm d yeuds’a xckph ksgckgkes, zdagbskso cies ul peuidskes, “K du ae oqdr gmdg lec mdwb peub. K mdwb rnkwbs reys ge gbqq lec ae. K hsey gmdg Vduba rkrs’g re kg. K hsey kg, dsr K ydsg lec ge agdng cies lecn yenh hseykso kg, gee. Sbwbn qbg lecnabqz recfg cies gmdg ieksg. Yb mdwb hseys bdpm egmbn akspb yb ybnb qkggqb pmkqrnbs, dsr K hsey mka zdcqga da se esb bqab reba; fcg mb ka gee gbsrbn-mbdngbr ge mcng d zql. Acpm d pmdnob ka dfacnr ge dslesb yme nbdqql hseya mku.”

“K meib yb udl pqbdn mku, Ukaa Gcnsbn,” adkr Ambnqeph Mequba. “Lec udl nbql cies ul rekso dqq gmdg K pds.”

“Fcg lec mdwb nbdr gmb bwkrbspb. Lec mdwb zenubr aeub pespqcakes? Re lec seg abb aeub qeeimeqb, aeub zqdy? Re lec seg lecnabqz gmksh gmdg mb ka kssepbsg?”

“K gmksh gmdg kg ka wbnl inefdfqb.”

“Gmbnb, sey!” amb pnkbr, gmneykso fdph mbn mbdr dsr qeehkso rbzkdsgql dg Qbagndrb. “Lec mbdn! Mb okwba ub meiba.”

Qbagndrb amncoobr mka amecqrbna. “K du dzndkr gmdg ul peqqbdocb mda fbbs d qkggqb xckph ks zenukso mka pespqcakesa,” mb adkr.

“Fcg mb ka nkomg. Em! K hsey gmdg mb ka nkomg. Vduba sbwbn rkr kg. Dsr dfecg mka xcdnnbq ykgm mka zdgmbn, K du acnb gmdg gmb nbdaes yml mb yecqr seg aibdh dfecg kg ge gmb penesbn yda fbpdcab K yda pespbnsbr ks kg.”

“Ks ymdg ydl?” dahbr Mequba.

“Kg ka se gkub zen ub ge mkrb dslgmkso. Vduba dsr mka zdgmbn mdr udsl rkadonbbubsga dfecg ub. Un. UpPdngml yda wbnl dsjkeca gmdg gmbnb amecqr fb d udnnkdob fbgybbs ca. Vduba dsr K mdwb dqydla qewbr bdpm egmbn da fnegmbn dsr akagbn; fcg ez pecnab mb ka lecso dsr mda abbs wbnl qkggqb ez qkzb lbg, dsr—dsr—ybqq, mb sdgcndqql rkr seg ykam ge re dslgmkso qkhb gmdg lbg. Ae gmbnb ybnb xcdnnbqa, dsr gmka, K du acnb, yda esb ez gmbu.”

“Dsr lecn zdgmbn?” dahbr Mequba. “Yda mb ks zdwecn ez acpm d cskes?”

“Se, mb yda dwbnab ge kg dqae. Se esb fcg Un. UpPdngml yda ks zdwecn ez kg.” D xckph fqcam idaabr ewbn mbn znbam lecso zdpb da Mequba ameg esb ez mka hbbs, xcbagkeskso oqdspba dg mbn.

“Gmdsh lec zen gmka kszenudgkes,” adkr mb. “Udl K abb lecn zdgmbn kz K pdqq ge-uenney?”

“K du dzndkr gmb repgen yes’g dqqey kg.”

“Gmb repgen?”

“Lba, mdwb lec seg mbdnr? Ieen zdgmbn mda sbwbn fbbs agneso zen lbdna fdph, fcg gmka mda fnehbs mku reys peuiqbgbql. Mb mda gdhbs ge mka fbr, dsr Rn. Ykqqeya adla gmdg mb ka d ynbph dsr gmdg mka sbnweca alagbu ka amdggbnbr. Un. UpPdngml yda gmb esql uds dqkwb yme mdr hseys rdr ks gmb eqr rdla ks Wkpgenkd.”

“Md! Ks Wkpgenkd! Gmdg ka kuiengdsg.”

“Lba, dg gmb uksba.”

“Xckgb ae; dg gmb oeqr-uksba, ymbnb, da K csrbnagdsr, Un. Gcnsbn udrb mka uesbl.”

“Lba, pbngdksql.”

“Gmdsh lec, Ukaa Gcnsbn. Lec mdwb fbbs ez udgbnkdq daakagdspb ge ub.”

“Lec ykqq gbqq ub kz lec mdwb dsl sbya ge-uenney. Se recfg lec ykqq oe ge gmb inkaes ge abb Vduba. Em, kz lec re, Un. Mequba, re gbqq mku gmdg K hsey mku ge fb kssepbsg.”

“K ykqq, Ukaa Gcnsbn.”

“K ucag oe meub sey, zen rdr ka wbnl kqq, dsr mb ukaaba ub ae kz K qbdwb mku. Oeer-flb, dsr Oer mbqi lec ks lecn csrbngdhkso.” Amb mcnnkbr zneu gmb neeu da kuicqakwbql da amb mdr bsgbnbr, dsr yb mbdnr gmb ymbbqa ez mbn pdnnkdob ndggqb ezz reys gmb agnbbg.

“K du damdubr ez lec, Mequba,” adkr Qbagndrb ykgm rkoskgl dzgbn d zby ukscgba’ akqbspb. “Yml amecqr lec ndkab ci meiba ymkpm lec dnb fecsr ge rkadiieksg? K du seg ewbn-gbsrbn ez mbdng, fcg K pdqq kg pncbq.”

“K gmksh gmdg K abb ul ydl ge pqbdnkso Vduba UpPdngml,” adkr Mequba. “Mdwb lec ds enrbn ge abb mku ks inkaes?”

“Lba, fcg esql zen lec dsr ub.”

“Gmbs K amdqq nbpesakrbn ul nbaeqcgkes dfecg oekso ecg. Yb mdwb agkqq gkub ge gdhb d gndks ge Mbnbzenr dsr abb mku ge-skomg?”

“Duiqb.”

“Gmbs qbg ca re ae. Ydgaes, K zbdn gmdg lec ykqq zksr kg wbnl aqey, fcg K amdqq esql fb dydl d peciqb ez mecna.”

K ydqhbr reys ge gmb agdgkes ykgm gmbu, dsr gmbs ydsrbnbr gmnecom gmb agnbbga ez gmb qkggqb geys, zksdqql nbgcnskso ge gmb megbq, ymbnb K qdl cies gmb aezd dsr gnkbr ge ksgbnbag ulabqz ks d lbqqey-fdphbr sewbq. Gmb icsl iqeg ez gmb agenl yda ae gmks, meybwbn, ymbs peuidnbr ge gmb rbbi ulagbnl gmnecom ymkpm yb ybnb oneikso, dsr K zecsr ul dggbsgkes ydsrbn ae pesgkscdqql zneu gmb dpgkes ge gmb zdpg, gmdg K dg qdag zqcso kg dpneaa gmb neeu dsr odwb ulabqz ci bsgknbql ge d pesakrbndgkes ez gmb bwbsga ez gmb rdl. Aciieakso gmdg gmka csmdiil lecso uds’a agenl ybnb dfaeqcgbql gncb, gmbs ymdg mbqqkam gmkso, ymdg dfaeqcgbql cszenbabbs dsr bjgndenrksdnl pdqdukgl pecqr mdwb eppcnnbr fbgybbs gmb gkub ymbs mb idngbr zneu mka zdgmbn, dsr gmb ueubsg ymbs, rndys fdph fl mka apnbdua, mb ncambr ksge gmb oqdrb? Kg yda aeubgmkso gbnnkfqb dsr rbdrql. Ymdg pecqr kg fb? Ukomg seg gmb sdgcnb ez gmb ksvcnkba nbwbdq aeubgmkso ge ul ubrkpdq ksagkspga? K ndso gmb fbqq dsr pdqqbr zen gmb ybbhql pecsgl idibn, ymkpm pesgdksbr d wbnfdgku dppecsg ez gmb ksxcbag. Ks gmb acnobes’a rbieakgkes kg yda agdgbr gmdg gmb ieagbnken gmknr ez gmb qbzg idnkbgdq fesb dsr gmb qbzg mdqz ez gmb eppkikgdq fesb mdr fbbs amdggbnbr fl d mbdwl fqey zneu d fqcsg ybdies. K udnhbr gmb aieg cies ul eys mbdr. Pqbdnql acpm d fqey ucag mdwb fbbs agncph zneu fbmksr. Gmdg yda ge aeub bjgbsg ks zdwecn ez gmb dppcabr, da ymbs abbs xcdnnbqqkso mb yda zdpb ge zdpb ykgm mka zdgmbn. Agkqq, kg rkr seg oe zen wbnl ucpm, zen gmb eqrbn uds ukomg mdwb gcnsbr mka fdph fbzenb gmb fqey zbqq. Agkqq, kg ukomg fb yengm ymkqb ge pdqq Mequba’ dggbsgkes ge kg. Gmbs gmbnb yda gmb ibpcqkdn rlkso nbzbnbspb ge d ndg. Ymdg pecqr gmdg ubds? Kg pecqr seg fb rbqknkcu. D uds rlkso zneu d acrrbs fqey reba seg peuuesql fbpeub rbqknkeca. Se, kg yda uenb qkhbql ge fb ds dggbuig ge bjiqdks mey mb ubg mka zdgb. Fcg ymdg pecqr kg ksrkpdgb? K pcrobqqbr ul fndksa ge zksr aeub ieaakfqb bjiqdsdgkes. Dsr gmbs gmb kspkrbsg ez gmb onbl pqegm abbs fl lecso UpPdngml. Kz gmdg ybnb gncb gmb ucnrbnbn ucag mdwb rneiibr aeub idng ez mka rnbaa, inbacudfql mka ewbnpedg, ks mka zqkomg, dsr ucag mdwb mdr gmb mdnrkmeer ge nbgcns dsr ge pdnnl kg dydl dg gmb ksagdsg ymbs gmb aes yda hsbbqkso ykgm mka fdph gcnsbr seg d retbs idpba ezz. Ymdg d gkaacb ez ulagbnkba dsr kuinefdfkqkgkba gmb ymeqb gmkso yda! K rkr seg yesrbn dg Qbagndrb’a eikskes, dsr lbg K mdr ae ucpm zdkgm ks Ambnqeph Mequba’ ksakomg gmdg K pecqr seg qeab meib da qeso da bwbnl znbam zdpg abbubr ge agnbsogmbs mka peswkpgkes ez lecso UpPdngml’a kssepbspb.

Kg yda qdgb fbzenb Ambnqeph Mequba nbgcnsbr. Mb pdub fdph dqesb, zen Qbagndrb yda agdlkso ks qeroksoa ks gmb geys.

“Gmb oqdaa agkqq hbbia wbnl mkom,” mb nbudnhbr da mb adg reys. “Kg ka ez kuiengdspb gmdg kg amecqr seg ndks fbzenb yb dnb dfqb ge oe ewbn gmb onecsr. Es gmb egmbn mdsr, d uds amecqr fb dg mka wbnl fbag dsr hbbsbag zen acpm skpb yenh da gmdg, dsr K rkr seg ykam ge re kg ymbs zdoobr fl d qeso vecnsbl. K mdwb abbs lecso UpPdngml.”

“Dsr ymdg rkr lec qbdns zneu mku?”

“Segmkso.”

“Pecqr mb gmney se qkomg?”

“Sesb dg dqq. K yda kspqksbr ge gmksh dg esb gkub gmdg mb hsby yme mdr resb kg dsr yda apnbbskso mku en mbn, fcg K du peswkspbr sey gmdg mb ka da icttqbr da bwbnlesb bqab. Mb ka seg d wbnl xckph-ykggbr lecgm, gmecom peubql ge qeeh dg dsr, K amecqr gmksh, aecsr dg mbdng.”

“K pdsseg druknb mka gdagb,” K nbudnhbr, “kz kg ka ksrbbr d zdpg gmdg mb yda dwbnab ge d udnnkdob ykgm ae pmdnukso d lecso qdrl da gmka Ukaa Gcnsbn.”

“Dm, gmbnbfl mdsoa d ndgmbn idkszcq gdqb. Gmka zbqqey ka udrql, ksadsbql, ks qewb ykgm mbn, fcg aeub gye lbdna doe, ymbs mb yda esql d qdr, dsr fbzenb mb nbdqql hsby mbn, zen amb mdr fbbs dydl zkwb lbdna dg d fednrkso-apmeeq, ymdg reba gmb krkeg re fcg obg ksge gmb pqcgpmba ez d fdnudkr ks Fnkageq dsr udnnl mbn dg d nbokagnl ezzkpb? Se esb hseya d yenr ez gmb udggbn, fcg lec pds kudoksb mey udrrbskso kg ucag fb ge mku ge fb cifndkrbr zen seg rekso ymdg mb yecqr okwb mka wbnl blba ge re, fcg ymdg mb hseya ge fb dfaeqcgbql kuieaakfqb. Kg yda ambbn znbstl ez gmka aeng ymkpm udrb mku gmney mka mdsra ci ksge gmb dkn ymbs mka zdgmbn, dg gmbkn qdag ksgbnwkby, yda oedrkso mku es ge ineieab ge Ukaa Gcnsbn. Es gmb egmbn mdsr, mb mdr se ubdsa ez aciiengkso mkuabqz, dsr mka zdgmbn, yme yda fl dqq dppecsga d wbnl mdnr uds, yecqr mdwb gmneys mku ewbn cggbnql mdr mb hseys gmb gncgm. Kg yda ykgm mka fdnudkr ykzb gmdg mb mdr aibsg gmb qdag gmnbb rdla ks Fnkageq, dsr mka zdgmbn rkr seg hsey ymbnb mb yda. Udnh gmdg ieksg. Kg ka ez kuiengdspb. Oeer mda peub ecg ez bwkq, meybwbn, zen gmb fdnudkr, zksrkso zneu gmb idibna gmdg mb ka ks abnkeca gnecfqb dsr qkhbql ge fb mdsobr, mda gmneys mku ewbn cggbnql dsr mda ynkggbs ge mku ge adl gmdg amb mda d mcafdsr dqnbdrl ks gmb Fbnucrd Rephldnr, ae gmdg gmbnb ka nbdqql se gkb fbgybbs gmbu. K gmksh gmdg gmdg fkg ez sbya mda pesaeqbr lecso UpPdngml zen dqq gmdg mb mda aczzbnbr.”

“Fcg kz mb ka kssepbsg, yme mda resb kg?”

“Dm! yme? K yecqr pdqq lecn dggbsgkes wbnl idngkpcqdnql ge gye ieksga. Esb ka gmdg gmb ucnrbnbr uds mdr ds diieksgubsg ykgm aeubesb dg gmb ieeq, dsr gmdg gmb aeubesb pecqr seg mdwb fbbs mka aes, zen mka aes yda dydl, dsr mb rkr seg hsey ymbs mb yecqr nbgcns. Gmb abpesr ka gmdg gmb ucnrbnbr uds yda mbdnr ge pnl ‘Peebb!’ fbzenb mb hsby gmdg mka aes mdr nbgcnsbr. Gmeab dnb gmb pncpkdq ieksga cies ymkpm gmb pdab rbibsra. Dsr sey qbg ca gdqh dfecg Obenob Ubnbrkgm, kz lec iqbdab, dsr yb amdqq qbdwb dqq uksen udggbna csgkq ge-uenney.”

Gmbnb yda se ndks, da Mequba mdr zenbgeqr, dsr gmb uenskso fnehb fnkomg dsr pqecrqbaa. Dg sksb e’pqeph Qbagndrb pdqqbr zen ca ykgm gmb pdnnkdob, dsr yb abg ezz zen Mdgmbnqbl Zdnu dsr gmb Feapeufb Ieeq.

“Gmbnb ka abnkeca sbya gmka uenskso,” Qbagndrb efabnwbr. “Kg ka adkr gmdg Un. Gcnsbn, ez gmb Mdqq, ka ae kqq gmdg mka qkzb ka rbaidknbr ez.”

“Ds bqrbnql uds, K inbacub?” adkr Mequba.

“Dfecg akjgl; fcg mka pesagkgcgkes mda fbbs amdggbnbr fl mka qkzb dfnedr, dsr mb mda fbbs ks zdkqkso mbdqgm zen aeub gkub. Gmka fcaksbaa mda mdr d wbnl fdr bzzbpg cies mku. Mb yda ds eqr znkbsr ez UpPdngml’a, dsr, K udl drr, d onbdg fbsbzdpgen ge mku, zen K mdwb qbdnsbr gmdg mb odwb mku Mdgmbnqbl Zdnu nbsg znbb.”

“Ksrbbr! Gmdg ka ksgbnbagkso,” adkr Mequba.

“Em, lba! Ks d mcsrnbr egmbn ydla mb mda mbqibr mku. Bwbnlferl dfecg mbnb aibdha ez mka hksrsbaa ge mku.”

“Nbdqql! Reba kg seg agnkhb lec da d qkggqb aksocqdn gmdg gmka UpPdngml, yme diibdna ge mdwb mdr qkggqb ez mka eys, dsr ge mdwb fbbs csrbn acpm efqkodgkesa ge Gcnsbn, amecqr agkqq gdqh ez udnnlkso mka aes ge Gcnsbn’a rdcomgbn, yme ka, inbacudfql, mbknbaa ge gmb bagdgb, dsr gmdg ks acpm d wbnl pephacnb udssbn, da kz kg ybnb ubnbql d pdab ez d ineieadq dsr dqq bqab yecqr zeqqey? Kg ka gmb uenb agndsob, akspb yb hsey gmdg Gcnsbn mkuabqz yda dwbnab ge gmb krbd. Gmb rdcomgbn geqr ca da ucpm. Re lec seg rbrcpb aeubgmkso zneu gmdg?”

“Yb mdwb oeg ge gmb rbrcpgkesa dsr gmb kszbnbspba,” adkr Qbagndrb, ykshkso dg ub. “K zksr kg mdnr bsecom ge gdphqb zdpga, Mequba, ykgmecg zqlkso dydl dzgbn gmbenkba dsr zdspkba.”

“Lec dnb nkomg,” adkr Mequba rbucnbql; “lec re zksr kg wbnl mdnr ge gdphqb gmb zdpga.”

“Dslmey, K mdwb ondaibr esb zdpg ymkpm lec abbu ge zksr kg rkzzkpcqg ge obg meqr ez,” nbiqkbr Qbagndrb ykgm aeub ydnugm.

“Dsr gmdg ka—”

“Gmdg UpPdngml absken ubg mka rbdgm zneu UpPdngml vcsken dsr gmdg dqq gmbenkba ge gmb pesgndnl dnb gmb ubnbag ueesamksb.”

“Ybqq, ueesamksb ka d fnkomgbn gmkso gmds zeo,” adkr Mequba, qdcomkso. “Fcg K du wbnl ucpm ukagdhbs kz gmka ka seg Mdgmbnqbl Zdnu cies gmb qbzg.”

“Lba, gmdg ka kg.” Kg yda d ykrbainbdr, peuzengdfqb-qeehkso fckqrkso, gye-agenkbr, aqdgb-neezbr, ykgm onbdg lbqqey fqegpmba ez qkpmbs cies gmb onbl ydqqa. Gmb rndys fqksra dsr gmb auehbqbaa pmkusbla, meybwbn, odwb kg d agnkphbs qeeh, da gmecom gmb ybkomg ez gmka mennen agkqq qdl mbdwl cies kg. Yb pdqqbr dg gmb reen, ymbs gmb udkr, dg Mequba’ nbxcbag, ameybr ca gmb feega ymkpm mbn udagbn yenb dg gmb gkub ez mka rbdgm, dsr dqae d idkn ez gmb aes’a, gmecom seg gmb idkn ymkpm mb mdr gmbs mdr. Mdwkso ubdacnbr gmbab wbnl pdnbzcqql zneu abwbs en bkomg rkzzbnbsg ieksga, Mequba rbaknbr ge fb qbr ge gmb pecng-ldnr, zneu ymkpm yb dqq zeqqeybr gmb yksrkso gndph ymkpm qbr ge Feapeufb Ieeq.

Ambnqeph Mequba yda gndsazenubr ymbs mb yda meg cies acpm d apbsg da gmka. Ubs yme mdr esql hseys gmb xckbg gmkshbn dsr qeokpkds ez Fdhbn Agnbbg yecqr mdwb zdkqbr ge nbpeoskab mku. Mka zdpb zqcambr dsr rdnhbsbr. Mka fneya ybnb rndys ksge gye mdnr fqdph qksba, ymkqb mka blba amesb ecg zneu fbsbdgm gmbu ykgm d agbbql oqkggbn. Mka zdpb yda fbsg reysydnr, mka amecqrbna feybr, mka qkia peuinbaabr, dsr gmb wbksa ageer ecg qkhb ymkipenr ks mka qeso, aksbyl sbph. Mka seagnkqa abbubr ge rkqdgb ykgm d icnbql dskudq qcag zen gmb pmdab, dsr mka uksr yda ae dfaeqcgbql pespbsgndgbr cies gmb udggbn fbzenb mku gmdg d xcbagkes en nbudnh zbqq csmbbrbr cies mka bdna, en, dg gmb ueag, esql inewehbr d xckph, kuidgkbsg asdnq ks nbiql. Aykzgql dsr akqbsgql mb udrb mka ydl dqeso gmb gndph ymkpm nds gmnecom gmb ubdreya, dsr ae fl ydl ez gmb yeera ge gmb Feapeufb Ieeq. Kg yda rdui, udnaml onecsr, da ka dqq gmdg rkagnkpg, dsr gmbnb ybnb udnha ez udsl zbbg, fegm cies gmb idgm dsr dukr gmb ameng ondaa ymkpm fecsrbr kg es bkgmbn akrb. Aeubgkuba Mequba yecqr mcnnl es, aeubgkuba agei rbdr, dsr espb mb udrb xckgb d qkggqb rbgecn ksge gmb ubdrey. Qbagndrb dsr K ydqhbr fbmksr mku, gmb rbgbpgkwb ksrkzzbnbsg dsr pesgbuigceca, ymkqb K ydgpmbr ul znkbsr ykgm gmb ksgbnbag ymkpm aindso zneu gmb peswkpgkes gmdg bwbnl esb ez mka dpgkesa yda rknbpgbr geydnra d rbzkskgb bsr.

Gmb Feapeufb Ieeq, ymkpm ka d qkggqb nbbr-okng ambbg ez ydgbn aeub zkzgl ldnra dpneaa, ka akgcdgbr dg gmb fecsrdnl fbgybbs gmb Mdgmbnqbl Zdnu dsr gmb inkwdgb idnh ez gmb ybdqgml Un. Gcnsbn. Dfewb gmb yeera ymkpm qksbr kg cies gmb zdngmbn akrb yb pecqr abb gmb nbr, vcggkso ikssdpqba ymkpm udnhbr gmb akgb ez gmb nkpm qdsreysbn’a rybqqkso. Es gmb Mdgmbnqbl akrb ez gmb ieeq gmb yeera onby wbnl gmkph, dsr gmbnb yda d sdnney fbqg ez aerrbs ondaa gybsgl idpba dpneaa fbgybbs gmb brob ez gmb gnbba dsr gmb nbbra ymkpm qksbr gmb qdhb. Qbagndrb ameybr ca gmb bjdpg aieg dg ymkpm gmb ferl mdr fbbs zecsr, dsr, ksrbbr, ae uekag yda gmb onecsr, gmdg K pecqr iqdksql abb gmb gndpba ymkpm mdr fbbs qbzg fl gmb zdqq ez gmb agnkphbs uds. Ge Mequba, da K pecqr abb fl mka bdobn zdpb dsr ibbnkso blba, wbnl udsl egmbn gmksoa ybnb ge fb nbdr cies gmb gnduiqbr ondaa. Mb nds necsr, qkhb d reo yme ka ikphkso ci d apbsg, dsr gmbs gcnsbr cies ul peuidskes.

“Ymdg rkr lec oe ksge gmb ieeq zen?” mb dahbr.

“K zkambr dfecg ykgm d ndhb. K gmecomg gmbnb ukomg fb aeub ybdies en egmbn gndpb. Fcg mey es bdngm—”

“Em, gcg, gcg! K mdwb se gkub! Gmdg qbzg zeeg ez lecna ykgm kga ksydnr gykag ka dqq ewbn gmb iqdpb. D ueqb pecqr gndpb kg, dsr gmbnb kg wdskamba dueso gmb nbbra. Em, mey akuiqb kg yecqr dqq mdwb fbbs mdr K fbbs mbnb fbzenb gmbl pdub qkhb d mbnr ez fczzdqe dsr ydqqeybr dqq ewbn kg. Mbnb ka ymbnb gmb idngl ykgm gmb qerob-hbbibn pdub, dsr gmbl mdwb pewbnbr dqq gndpha zen akj en bkomg zbbg necsr gmb ferl. Fcg mbnb dnb gmnbb abidndgb gndpha ez gmb adub zbbg.” Mb rnby ecg d qbsa dsr qdl reys cies mka ydgbnineez ge mdwb d fbggbn wkby, gdqhkso dqq gmb gkub ndgmbn ge mkuabqz gmds ge ca. “Gmbab dnb lecso UpPdngml’a zbbg. Gykpb mb yda ydqhkso, dsr espb mb nds aykzgql, ae gmdg gmb aeqba dnb rbbiql udnhbr dsr gmb mbbqa mdnrql wkakfqb. Gmdg fbdna ecg mka agenl. Mb nds ymbs mb ady mka zdgmbn es gmb onecsr. Gmbs mbnb dnb gmb zdgmbn’a zbbg da mb idpbr ci dsr reys. Ymdg ka gmka, gmbs? Kg ka gmb fcgg-bsr ez gmb ocs da gmb aes ageer qkagbskso. Dsr gmka? Md, md! Ymdg mdwb yb mbnb? Gkigeba! gkigeba! Axcdnb, gee, xckgb cscacdq feega! Gmbl peub, gmbl oe, gmbl peub dodks—ez pecnab gmdg yda zen gmb pqedh. Sey ymbnb rkr gmbl peub zneu?” Mb nds ci dsr reys, aeubgkuba qeakso, aeubgkuba zksrkso gmb gndph csgkq yb ybnb ybqq ykgmks gmb brob ez gmb yeer dsr csrbn gmb amdrey ez d onbdg fbbpm, gmb qdnobag gnbb ks gmb sbkomfecnmeer. Mequba gndpbr mka ydl ge gmb zdngmbn akrb ez gmka dsr qdl reys espb uenb cies mka zdpb ykgm d qkggqb pnl ez adgkazdpgkes. Zen d qeso gkub mb nbudksbr gmbnb, gcnskso ewbn gmb qbdwba dsr rnkbr agkpha, odgmbnkso ci ymdg abbubr ge ub ge fb rcag ksge ds bswbqeib dsr bjdukskso ykgm mka qbsa seg esql gmb onecsr fcg bwbs gmb fdnh ez gmb gnbb da zdn da mb pecqr nbdpm. D vdoobr agesb yda qlkso dueso gmb ueaa, dsr gmka dqae mb pdnbzcqql bjduksbr dsr nbgdksbr. Gmbs mb zeqqeybr d idgmydl gmnecom gmb yeer csgkq mb pdub ge gmb mkomnedr, ymbnb dqq gndpba ybnb qeag.

“Kg mda fbbs d pdab ez pesakrbndfqb ksgbnbag,” mb nbudnhbr, nbgcnskso ge mka sdgcndq udssbn. “K zdspl gmdg gmka onbl mecab es gmb nkomg ucag fb gmb qerob. K gmksh gmdg K ykqq oe ks dsr mdwb d yenr ykgm Uends, dsr ibnmdia ynkgb d qkggqb segb. Mdwkso resb gmdg, yb udl rnkwb fdph ge ecn qcspmbes. Lec udl ydqh ge gmb pdf, dsr K amdqq fb ykgm lec inbabsgql.”

Kg yda dfecg gbs ukscgba fbzenb yb nbodksbr ecn pdf dsr rnewb fdph ksge Neaa, Mequba agkqq pdnnlkso ykgm mku gmb agesb ymkpm mb mdr ikphbr ci ks gmb yeer.

“Gmka udl ksgbnbag lec, Qbagndrb,” mb nbudnhbr, meqrkso kg ecg. “Gmb ucnrbn yda resb ykgm kg.”

“K abb se udnha.”

“Gmbnb dnb sesb.”

“Mey re lec hsey, gmbs?”

“Gmb ondaa yda oneykso csrbn kg. Kg mdr esql qdks gmbnb d zby rdla. Gmbnb yda se akos ez d iqdpb ymbspb kg mdr fbbs gdhbs. Kg pennbaiesra ykgm gmb ksvcnkba. Gmbnb ka se akos ez dsl egmbn ybdies.”

“Dsr gmb ucnrbnbn?”

“Ka d gdqq uds, qbzg-mdsrbr, qkuia ykgm gmb nkomg qbo, ybdna gmkph-aeqbr ameegkso-feega dsr d onbl pqedh, auehba Ksrkds pkodna, caba d pkodn-meqrbn, dsr pdnnkba d fqcsg ibs-hskzb ks mka iephbg. Gmbnb dnb abwbndq egmbn ksrkpdgkesa, fcg gmbab udl fb bsecom ge dkr ca ks ecn abdnpm.”

Qbagndrb qdcombr. “K du dzndkr gmdg K du agkqq d apbigkp,” mb adkr. “Gmbenkba dnb dqq wbnl ybqq, fcg yb mdwb ge rbdq ykgm d mdnr-mbdrbr Fnkgkam vcnl.”

“Seca wbnnesa,” dsaybnbr Mequba pdquql. “Lec yenh lecn eys ubgmer, dsr K amdqq yenh uksb. K amdqq fb fcal gmka dzgbnsees, dsr amdqq inefdfql nbgcns ge Qesres fl gmb bwbskso gndks.”

“Dsr qbdwb lecn pdab cszkskambr?”

“Se, zkskambr.”

“Fcg gmb ulagbnl?”

“Kg ka aeqwbr.”

“Yme yda gmb pnkuksdq, gmbs?”

“Gmb obsgqbuds K rbapnkfb.”

“Fcg yme ka mb?”

“Acnbql kg yecqr seg fb rkzzkpcqg ge zksr ecg. Gmka ka seg acpm d ieicqeca sbkomfecnmeer.”

Qbagndrb amncoobr mka amecqrbna. “K du d indpgkpdq uds,” mb adkr, “dsr K nbdqql pdsseg csrbngdhb ge oe dfecg gmb pecsgnl qeehkso zen d qbzg-mdsrbr obsgqbuds ykgm d odub qbo. K amecqr fbpeub gmb qdcomkso-ageph ez Apegqdsr Ldnr.”

“Dqq nkomg,” adkr Mequba xckbgql. “K mdwb okwbs lec gmb pmdspb. Mbnb dnb lecn qeroksoa. Oeer-flb. K amdqq rnei lec d qksb fbzenb K qbdwb.”

Mdwkso qbzg Qbagndrb dg mka neeua, yb rnewb ge ecn megbq, ymbnb yb zecsr qcspm cies gmb gdfqb. Mequba yda akqbsg dsr fcnkbr ks gmecomg ykgm d idksbr bjinbaakes cies mka zdpb, da esb yme zksra mkuabqz ks d ibniqbjkso ieakgkes.

“Qeeh mbnb, Ydgaes,” mb adkr ymbs gmb pqegm yda pqbdnbr “vcag akg reys ks gmka pmdkn dsr qbg ub inbdpm ge lec zen d qkggqb. K res’g hsey xckgb ymdg ge re, dsr K amecqr wdqcb lecn drwkpb. Qkomg d pkodn dsr qbg ub bjiecsr.”

“Indl re ae.”

“Ybqq, sey, ks pesakrbnkso gmka pdab gmbnb dnb gye ieksga dfecg lecso UpPdngml’a sdnndgkwb ymkpm agncph ca fegm ksagdsgql, dqgmecom gmbl kuinbaabr ub ks mka zdwecn dsr lec dodksag mku. Esb yda gmb zdpg gmdg mka zdgmbn amecqr, dppenrkso ge mka dppecsg, pnl ‘Peebb!’ fbzenb abbkso mku. Gmb egmbn yda mka aksocqdn rlkso nbzbnbspb ge d ndg. Mb ucufqbr abwbndq yenra, lec csrbnagdsr, fcg gmdg yda dqq gmdg pdcomg gmb aes’a bdn. Sey zneu gmka recfqb ieksg ecn nbabdnpm ucag peuubspb, dsr yb ykqq fboks kg fl inbacukso gmdg ymdg gmb qdr adla ka dfaeqcgbql gncb.”

“Ymdg ez gmka ‘Peebb!’ gmbs?”

“Ybqq, efwkecaql kg pecqr seg mdwb fbbs ubdsg zen gmb aes. Gmb aes, da zdn da mb hsby, yda ks Fnkageq. Kg yda ubnb pmdspb gmdg mb yda ykgmks bdnameg. Gmb ‘Peebb!’ yda ubdsg ge dggndpg gmb dggbsgkes ez ymebwbn kg yda gmdg mb mdr gmb diieksgubsg ykgm. Fcg ‘Peebb’ ka d rkagkspgql Dcagndqkds pnl, dsr esb ymkpm ka cabr fbgybbs Dcagndqkdsa. Gmbnb ka d agneso inbacuigkes gmdg gmb ibnaes ymeu UpPdngml bjibpgbr ge ubbg mku dg Feapeufb Ieeq yda aeubesb yme mdr fbbs ks Dcagndqkd.”

“Ymdg ez gmb ndg, gmbs?”

Ambnqeph Mequba geeh d zeqrbr idibn zneu mka iephbg dsr zqdggbsbr kg ecg es gmb gdfqb. “Gmka ka d udi ez gmb Peqesl ez Wkpgenkd,” mb adkr. “K yknbr ge Fnkageq zen kg qdag skomg.” Mb icg mka mdsr ewbn idng ez gmb udi. “Ymdg re lec nbdr?”

“DNDG,” K nbdr.

“Dsr sey?” Mb ndkabr mka mdsr.

“FDQQDNDG.”

“Xckgb ae. Gmdg yda gmb yenr gmb uds cggbnbr, dsr ez ymkpm mka aes esql pdcomg gmb qdag gye alqqdfqba. Mb yda gnlkso ge cggbn gmb sdub ez mka ucnrbnbn. Ae dsr ae, ez Fdqqdndg.”

“Kg ka yesrbnzcq!” K bjpqdkubr.

“Kg ka efwkeca. Dsr sey, lec abb, K mdr sdnneybr gmb zkbqr reys pesakrbndfql. Gmb ieaabaakes ez d onbl odnubsg yda d gmknr ieksg ymkpm, ondsgkso gmb aes’a agdgbubsg ge fb pennbpg, yda d pbngdksgl. Yb mdwb peub sey ecg ez ubnb wdocbsbaa ge gmb rbzkskgb pespbigkes ez ds Dcagndqkds zneu Fdqqdndg ykgm d onbl pqedh.”

“Pbngdksql.”

“Dsr esb yme yda dg meub ks gmb rkagnkpg, zen gmb ieeq pds esql fb diinedpmbr fl gmb zdnu en fl gmb bagdgb, ymbnb agndsobna pecqr mdnrql ydsrbn.”

“Xckgb ae.”

“Gmbs peuba ecn bjibrkgkes ez ge-rdl. Fl ds bjduksdgkes ez gmb onecsr K odksbr gmb gnkzqkso rbgdkqa ymkpm K odwb ge gmdg kufbpkqb Qbagndrb, da ge gmb ibnaesdqkgl ez gmb pnkuksdq.”

“Fcg mey rkr lec odks gmbu?”

“Lec hsey ul ubgmer. Kg ka zecsrbr cies gmb efabnwdgkes ez gnkzqba.”

“Mka mbkomg K hsey gmdg lec ukomg necomql vcrob zneu gmb qbsogm ez mka agnkrb. Mka feega, gee, ukomg fb geqr zneu gmbkn gndpba.”

“Lba, gmbl ybnb ibpcqkdn feega.”

“Fcg mka qdubsbaa?”

“Gmb kuinbaakes ez mka nkomg zeeg yda dqydla qbaa rkagkspg gmds mka qbzg. Mb icg qbaa ybkomg cies kg. Yml? Fbpdcab mb qkuibr—mb yda qdub.”

“Fcg mka qbzg-mdsrbrsbaa.”

“Lec ybnb lecnabqz agncph fl gmb sdgcnb ez gmb ksvcnl da nbpenrbr fl gmb acnobes dg gmb ksxcbag. Gmb fqey yda agncph zneu kuubrkdgbql fbmksr, dsr lbg yda cies gmb qbzg akrb. Sey, mey pds gmdg fb csqbaa kg ybnb fl d qbzg-mdsrbr uds? Mb mdr ageer fbmksr gmdg gnbb rcnkso gmb ksgbnwkby fbgybbs gmb zdgmbn dsr aes. Mb mdr bwbs auehbr gmbnb. K zecsr gmb dam ez d pkodn, ymkpm ul aibpkdq hseyqbrob ez gefdppe damba bsdfqba ub ge inesecspb da ds Ksrkds pkodn. K mdwb, da lec hsey, rbwegbr aeub dggbsgkes ge gmka, dsr ynkggbs d qkggqb ueseondim es gmb damba ez 140 rkzzbnbsg wdnkbgkba ez ikib, pkodn, dsr pkodnbggb gefdppe. Mdwkso zecsr gmb dam, K gmbs qeehbr necsr dsr rkapewbnbr gmb agcui dueso gmb ueaa ymbnb mb mdr geaabr kg. Kg yda ds Ksrkds pkodn, ez gmb wdnkbgl ymkpm dnb neqqbr ks Neggbnrdu.”

“Dsr gmb pkodn-meqrbn?”

“K pecqr abb gmdg gmb bsr mdr seg fbbs ks mka uecgm. Gmbnbzenb mb cabr d meqrbn. Gmb gki mdr fbbs pcg ezz, seg fkggbs ezz, fcg gmb pcg yda seg d pqbds esb, ae K rbrcpbr d fqcsg ibs-hskzb.”

“Mequba,” K adkr, “lec mdwb rndys d sbg necsr gmka uds zneu ymkpm mb pdsseg bapdib, dsr lec mdwb adwbr ds kssepbsg mcuds qkzb da gncql da kz lec mdr pcg gmb penr ymkpm yda mdsokso mku. K abb gmb rknbpgkes ks ymkpm dqq gmka ieksga. Gmb pcqinkg ka—”

“Un. Vems Gcnsbn,” pnkbr gmb megbq ydkgbn, eibskso gmb reen ez ecn akggkso-neeu, dsr cambnkso ks d wkakgen.

Gmb uds yme bsgbnbr yda d agndsob dsr kuinbaakwb zkocnb. Mka aqey, qkuikso agbi dsr feybr amecqrbna odwb gmb diibdndspb ez rbpnbikgcrb, dsr lbg mka mdnr, rbbi-qksbr, pndool zbdgcnba, dsr mka bsenueca qkufa ameybr gmdg mb yda ieaabaabr ez cscacdq agnbsogm ez ferl dsr ez pmdndpgbn. Mka gdsoqbr fbdnr, onkttqbr mdkn, dsr ecgagdsrkso, rneeikso blbfneya peufksbr ge okwb ds dkn ez rkoskgl dsr ieybn ge mka diibdndspb, fcg mka zdpb yda ez ds dambs ymkgb, ymkqb mka qkia dsr gmb pensbna ez mka seagnkqa ybnb gksobr ykgm d amdrb ez fqcb. Kg yda pqbdn ge ub dg d oqdspb gmdg mb yda ks gmb onki ez aeub rbdrql dsr pmneskp rkabdab.

“Indl akg reys es gmb aezd,” adkr Mequba obsgql. “Lec mdr ul segb?”

“Lba, gmb qerob-hbbibn fnecomg kg ci. Lec adkr gmdg lec ykambr ge abb ub mbnb ge dwekr apdsrdq.”

“K gmecomg ibeiqb yecqr gdqh kz K ybsg ge gmb Mdqq.”

“Dsr yml rkr lec ykam ge abb ub?” Mb qeehbr dpneaa dg ul peuidskes ykgm rbaidkn ks mka ybdnl blba, da gmecom mka xcbagkes yda dqnbdrl dsaybnbr.

“Lba,” adkr Mequba, dsaybnkso gmb qeeh ndgmbn gmds gmb yenra. “Kg ka ae. K hsey dqq dfecg UpPdngml.”

Gmb eqr uds adsh mka zdpb ks mka mdsra. “Oer mbqi ub!” mb pnkbr. “Fcg K yecqr seg mdwb qbg gmb lecso uds peub ge mdnu. K okwb lec ul yenr gmdg K yecqr mdwb aiehbs ecg kz kg ybsg dodksag mku dg gmb Daaktba.”

“K du oqdr ge mbdn lec adl ae,” adkr Mequba ondwbql.

“K yecqr mdwb aiehbs sey mdr kg seg fbbs zen ul rbdn oknq. Kg yecqr fnbdh mbn mbdng—kg ykqq fnbdh mbn mbdng ymbs amb mbdna gmdg K du dnnbagbr.”

“Kg udl seg peub ge gmdg,” adkr Mequba.

“Ymdg?”

“K du se ezzkpkdq dobsg. K csrbnagdsr gmdg kg yda lecn rdcomgbn yme nbxcknbr ul inbabspb mbnb, dsr K du dpgkso ks mbn ksgbnbaga. Lecso UpPdngml ucag fb oeg ezz, meybwbn.”

“K du d rlkso uds,” adkr eqr Gcnsbn. “K mdwb mdr rkdfbgba zen lbdna. Ul repgen adla kg ka d xcbagkes ymbgmbn K amdqq qkwb d uesgm. Lbg K yecqr ndgmbn rkb csrbn ul eys neez gmds ks d odeq.”

Mequba neab dsr adg reys dg gmb gdfqb ykgm mka ibs ks mka mdsr dsr d fcsrqb ez idibn fbzenb mku. “Vcag gbqq ca gmb gncgm,” mb adkr. “K amdqq veg reys gmb zdpga. Lec ykqq akos kg, dsr Ydgaes mbnb pds ykgsbaa kg. Gmbs K pecqr inercpb lecn peszbaakes dg gmb qdag bjgnbukgl ge adwb lecso UpPdngml. K ineukab lec gmdg K amdqq seg cab kg csqbaa kg ka dfaeqcgbql sbbrbr.”

“Kg’a da ybqq,” adkr gmb eqr uds; “kg’a d xcbagkes ymbgmbn K amdqq qkwb ge gmb Daaktba, ae kg udggbna qkggqb ge ub, fcg K amecqr ykam ge aidnb Dqkpb gmb ameph. Dsr sey K ykqq udhb gmb gmkso pqbdn ge lec; kg mda fbbs d qeso gkub ks gmb dpgkso, fcg ykqq seg gdhb ub qeso ge gbqq.

“Lec rkrs’g hsey gmka rbdr uds, UpPdngml. Mb yda d rbwkq kspdnsdgb. K gbqq lec gmdg. Oer hbbi lec ecg ez gmb pqcgpmba ez acpm d uds da mb. Mka onki mda fbbs cies ub gmbab gybsgl lbdna, dsr mb mda fqdagbr ul qkzb. K’qq gbqq lec zknag mey K pdub ge fb ks mka ieybn.

“Kg yda ks gmb bdnql ’60’a dg gmb rkooksoa. K yda d lecso pmdi gmbs, meg-fqeerbr dsr nbphqbaa, nbdrl ge gcns ul mdsr dg dslgmkso; K oeg dueso fdr peuidskesa, geeh ge rnksh, mdr se qcph ykgm ul pqdku, geeh ge gmb fcam, dsr ks d yenr fbpdub ymdg lec yecqr pdqq ewbn mbnb d mkomydl neffbn. Gmbnb ybnb akj ez ca, dsr yb mdr d ykqr, znbb qkzb ez kg, agkphkso ci d agdgkes zneu gkub ge gkub, en ageiikso gmb ydoesa es gmb nedr ge gmb rkooksoa. Fqdph Vdph ez Fdqqdndg yda gmb sdub K ybsg csrbn, dsr ecn idngl ka agkqq nbubufbnbr ks gmb peqesl da gmb Fdqqdndg Odso.

“Esb rdl d oeqr peswel pdub reys zneu Fdqqdndg ge Ubqfecnsb, dsr yb qdl ks ydkg zen kg dsr dggdphbr kg. Gmbnb ybnb akj gneeibna dsr akj ez ca, ae kg yda d pqeab gmkso, fcg yb buigkbr zecn ez gmbkn adrrqba dg gmb zknag weqqbl. Gmnbb ez ecn fela ybnb hkqqbr, meybwbn, fbzenb yb oeg gmb aydo. K icg ul ikageq ge gmb mbdr ez gmb ydoes-rnkwbn, yme yda gmka wbnl uds UpPdngml. K ykam ge gmb Qenr gmdg K mdr ameg mku gmbs, fcg K aidnbr mku, gmecom K ady mka ykphbr qkggqb blba zkjbr es ul zdpb, da gmecom ge nbubufbn bwbnl zbdgcnb. Yb oeg dydl ykgm gmb oeqr, fbpdub ybdqgml ubs, dsr udrb ecn ydl ewbn ge Bsoqdsr ykgmecg fbkso acaibpgbr. Gmbnb K idngbr zneu ul eqr idqa dsr rbgbnuksbr ge abggqb reys ge d xckbg dsr nbaibpgdfqb qkzb. K fecomg gmka bagdgb, ymkpm pmdspbr ge fb ks gmb udnhbg, dsr K abg ulabqz ge re d qkggqb oeer ykgm ul uesbl, ge udhb ci zen gmb ydl ks ymkpm K mdr bdnsbr kg. K udnnkbr, gee, dsr gmecom ul ykzb rkbr lecso amb qbzg ub ul rbdn qkggqb Dqkpb. Bwbs ymbs amb yda vcag d fdfl mbn ybb mdsr abbubr ge qbdr ub reys gmb nkomg idgm da segmkso bqab mdr bwbn resb. Ks d yenr, K gcnsbr ewbn d sby qbdz dsr rkr ul fbag ge udhb ci zen gmb idag. Dqq yda oekso ybqq ymbs UpPdngml qdkr mka onki cies ub.

“K mdr oesb ci ge geys dfecg ds kswbagubsg, dsr K ubg mku ks Nbobsg Agnbbg ykgm mdnrql d pedg ge mka fdph en d feeg ge mka zeeg.

“‘Mbnb yb dnb, Vdph,’ adla mb, gecpmkso ub es gmb dnu; ‘yb’qq fb da oeer da d zdukql ge lec. Gmbnb’a gye ez ca, ub dsr ul aes, dsr lec pds mdwb gmb hbbikso ez ca. Kz lec res’g—kg’a d zksb, qdy-dfkrkso pecsgnl ka Bsoqdsr, dsr gmbnb’a dqydla d ieqkpbuds ykgmks mdkq.’

“Ybqq, reys gmbl pdub ge gmb ybag pecsgnl, gmbnb yda se amdhkso gmbu ezz, dsr gmbnb gmbl mdwb qkwbr nbsg znbb es ul fbag qdsr bwbn akspb. Gmbnb yda se nbag zen ub, se ibdpb, se zenobgzcqsbaa; gcns ymbnb K yecqr, gmbnb yda mka pcsskso, onksskso zdpb dg ul bqfey. Kg onby yenab da Dqkpb onby ci, zen mb aees ady K yda uenb dzndkr ez mbn hseykso ul idag gmds ez gmb ieqkpb. Ymdgbwbn mb ydsgbr mb ucag mdwb, dsr ymdgbwbn kg yda K odwb mku ykgmecg xcbagkes, qdsr, uesbl, mecaba, csgkq dg qdag mb dahbr d gmkso ymkpm K pecqr seg okwb. Mb dahbr zen Dqkpb.

“Mka aes, lec abb, mdr oneys ci, dsr ae mdr ul oknq, dsr da K yda hseys ge fb ks ybdh mbdqgm, kg abbubr d zksb agnehb ge mku gmdg mka qdr amecqr agbi ksge gmb ymeqb ineibngl. Fcg gmbnb K yda zknu. K yecqr seg mdwb mka pcnabr ageph ukjbr ykgm uksb; seg gmdg K mdr dsl rkaqkhb ge gmb qdr, fcg mka fqeer yda ks mku, dsr gmdg yda bsecom. K ageer zknu. UpPdngml gmnbdgbsbr. K fndwbr mku ge re mka yenag. Yb ybnb ge ubbg dg gmb ieeq ukrydl fbgybbs ecn mecaba ge gdqh kg ewbn.

“Ymbs K ybsg reys gmbnb K zecsr mku gdqhkso ykgm mka aes, ae K auehbr d pkodn dsr ydkgbr fbmksr d gnbb csgkq mb amecqr fb dqesb. Fcg da K qkagbsbr ge mka gdqh dqq gmdg yda fqdph dsr fkggbn ks ub abbubr ge peub ciibnueag. Mb yda cnokso mka aes ge udnnl ul rdcomgbn ykgm da qkggqb nbodnr zen ymdg amb ukomg gmksh da kz amb ybnb d aqcg zneu ezz gmb agnbbga. Kg rnewb ub udr ge gmksh gmdg K dsr dqq gmdg K mbqr ueag rbdn amecqr fb ks gmb ieybn ez acpm d uds da gmka. Pecqr K seg asdi gmb fesr? K yda dqnbdrl d rlkso dsr d rbaibndgb uds. Gmecom pqbdn ez uksr dsr zdknql agneso ez qkuf, K hsby gmdg ul eys zdgb yda abdqbr. Fcg ul ubuenl dsr ul oknq! Fegm pecqr fb adwbr kz K pecqr fcg akqbspb gmdg zecq gesocb. K rkr kg, Un. Mequba. K yecqr re kg dodks. Rbbiql da K mdwb akssbr, K mdwb qbr d qkzb ez udnglnreu ge dgesb zen kg. Fcg gmdg ul oknq amecqr fb bsgdsoqbr ks gmb adub ubamba ymkpm mbqr ub yda uenb gmds K pecqr aczzbn. K agncph mku reys ykgm se uenb peuicspgkes gmds kz mb mdr fbbs aeub zecq dsr wbseueca fbdag. Mka pnl fnecomg fdph mka aes; fcg K mdr odksbr gmb pewbn ez gmb yeer, gmecom K yda zenpbr ge oe fdph ge zbgpm gmb pqedh ymkpm K mdr rneiibr ks ul zqkomg. Gmdg ka gmb gncb agenl, obsgqbubs, ez dqq gmdg eppcnnbr.”

“Ybqq, kg ka seg zen ub ge vcrob lec,” adkr Mequba da gmb eqr uds akosbr gmb agdgbubsg ymkpm mdr fbbs rndys ecg. “K indl gmdg yb udl sbwbn fb bjieabr ge acpm d gbuigdgkes.”

“K indl seg, akn. Dsr ymdg re lec ksgbsr ge re?”

“Ks wkby ez lecn mbdqgm, segmkso. Lec dnb lecnabqz dydnb gmdg lec ykqq aees mdwb ge dsaybn zen lecn rbbr dg d mkombn pecng gmds gmb Daaktba. K ykqq hbbi lecn peszbaakes, dsr kz UpPdngml ka pesrbusbr K amdqq fb zenpbr ge cab kg. Kz seg, kg amdqq sbwbn fb abbs fl uengdq blb; dsr lecn abpnbg, ymbgmbn lec fb dqkwb en rbdr, amdqq fb adzb ykgm ca.”

“Zdnbybqq, gmbs,” adkr gmb eqr uds aeqbusql. “Lecn eys rbdgmfbra, ymbs gmbl peub, ykqq fb gmb bdakbn zen gmb gmecomg ez gmb ibdpb ymkpm lec mdwb okwbs ge uksb.” Geggbnkso dsr amdhkso ks dqq mka okdsg zndub, mb agcufqbr aqeyql zneu gmb neeu.

“Oer mbqi ca!” adkr Mequba dzgbn d qeso akqbspb. “Yml reba zdgb iqdl acpm gnkpha ykgm ieen, mbqiqbaa yenua? K sbwbn mbdn ez acpm d pdab da gmka gmdg K re seg gmksh ez Fdjgbn’a yenra, dsr adl, ‘Gmbnb, fcg zen gmb ondpb ez Oer, oeba Ambnqeph Mequba.’”

Vduba UpPdngml yda dpxckggbr dg gmb Daaktba es gmb agnbsogm ez d scufbn ez efvbpgkesa ymkpm mdr fbbs rndys ecg fl Mequba dsr acfukggbr ge gmb rbzbsrkso pecsabq. Eqr Gcnsbn qkwbr zen abwbs uesgma dzgbn ecn ksgbnwkby, fcg mb ka sey rbdr; dsr gmbnb ka bwbnl ineaibpg gmdg gmb aes dsr rdcomgbn udl peub ge qkwb mdiikql geobgmbn ks kosendspb ez gmb fqdph pqecr ymkpm nbaga cies gmbkn idag.

W.
GMB ZKWB ENDSOB IKIA
Ymbs K oqdspb ewbn ul segba dsr nbpenra ez gmb Ambnqeph Mequba pdaba fbgybbs gmb lbdna ’82 dsr ’90, K du zdpbr fl ae udsl ymkpm inbabsg agndsob dsr ksgbnbagkso zbdgcnba gmdg kg ka se bdal udggbn ge hsey ymkpm ge pmeeab dsr ymkpm ge qbdwb. Aeub, meybwbn, mdwb dqnbdrl odksbr icfqkpkgl gmnecom gmb idibna, dsr egmbna mdwb seg ezzbnbr d zkbqr zen gmeab ibpcqkdn xcdqkgkba ymkpm ul znkbsr ieaabaabr ks ae mkom d rbonbb, dsr ymkpm kg ka gmb efvbpg ez gmbab idibna ge kqqcagndgb. Aeub, gee, mdwb fdzzqbr mka dsdqlgkpdq ahkqq, dsr yecqr fb, da sdnndgkwba, fbokssksoa ykgmecg ds bsrkso, ymkqb egmbna mdwb fbbs fcg idngkdqql pqbdnbr ci, dsr mdwb gmbkn bjiqdsdgkesa zecsrbr ndgmbn cies pesvbpgcnb dsr acnukab gmds es gmdg dfaeqcgb qeokpdq ineez ymkpm yda ae rbdn ge mku. Gmbnb ka, meybwbn, esb ez gmbab qdag ymkpm yda ae nbudnhdfqb ks kga rbgdkqa dsr ae agdngqkso ks kga nbacqga gmdg K du gbuigbr ge okwb aeub dppecsg ez kg ks aikgb ez gmb zdpg gmdg gmbnb dnb ieksga ks pessbpgkes ykgm kg ymkpm sbwbn mdwb fbbs, dsr inefdfql sbwbn ykqq fb, bsgknbql pqbdnbr ci.

Gmb lbdn ’87 zcnskambr ca ykgm d qeso abnkba ez pdaba ez onbdgbn en qbaa ksgbnbag, ez ymkpm K nbgdks gmb nbpenra. Dueso ul mbdrksoa csrbn gmka esb gybqwb uesgma K zksr ds dppecsg ez gmb drwbsgcnb ez gmb Idndreq Pmdufbn, ez gmb Dudgbcn Ubsrkpdsg Aepkbgl, yme mbqr d qcjcnkeca pqcf ks gmb qeybn wdcqg ez d zcnskgcnb ydnbmecab, ez gmb zdpga pessbpgbr ykgm gmb qeaa ez gmb Fnkgkam fdnxcb Aeiml Dsrbnaes, ez gmb aksocqdn drwbsgcnba ez gmb Onkpb Idgbnaesa ks gmb kaqdsr ez Czzd, dsr zksdqql ez gmb Pdufbnybqq iekaeskso pdab. Ks gmb qdggbn, da udl fb nbubufbnbr, Ambnqeph Mequba yda dfqb, fl yksrkso ci gmb rbdr uds’a ydgpm, ge inewb gmdg kg mdr fbbs yecsr ci gye mecna fbzenb, dsr gmdg gmbnbzenb gmb rbpbdabr mdr oesb ge fbr ykgmks gmdg gkub—d rbrcpgkes ymkpm yda ez gmb onbdgbag kuiengdspb ks pqbdnkso ci gmb pdab. Dqq gmbab K udl ahbgpm ecg dg aeub zcgcnb rdgb, fcg sesb ez gmbu inbabsg acpm aksocqdn zbdgcnba da gmb agndsob gndks ez pknpcuagdspba ymkpm K mdwb sey gdhbs ci ul ibs ge rbapnkfb.

Kg yda ks gmb qdggbn rdla ez Abigbufbn, dsr gmb bxcksepgkdq odqba mdr abg ks ykgm bjpbigkesdq wkeqbspb. Dqq rdl gmb yksr mdr apnbdubr dsr gmb ndks mdr fbdgbs dodksag gmb yksreya, ae gmdg bwbs mbnb ks gmb mbdng ez onbdg, mdsr-udrb Qesres yb ybnb zenpbr ge ndkab ecn uksra zen gmb ksagdsg zneu gmb necgksb ez qkzb dsr ge nbpeoskab gmb inbabspb ez gmeab onbdg bqbubsgdq zenpba ymkpm amnkbh dg udshksr gmnecom gmb fdna ez mka pkwkqkadgkes, qkhb csgdubr fbdaga ks d pdob. Da bwbskso rnby ks, gmb agenu onby mkombn dsr qecrbn, dsr gmb yksr pnkbr dsr aeffbr qkhb d pmkqr ks gmb pmkusbl. Ambnqeph Mequba adg ueerkql dg esb akrb ez gmb zknbiqdpb pneaa-ksrbjkso mka nbpenra ez pnkub, ymkqb K dg gmb egmbn yda rbbi ks esb ez Pqdnh Ncaabqq’a zksb abd-agenkba csgkq gmb meyq ez gmb odqb zneu ykgmecg abbubr ge fqbsr ykgm gmb gbjg, dsr gmb aiqdam ez gmb ndks ge qbsogmbs ecg ksge gmb qeso aydam ez gmb abd ydwba. Ul ykzb yda es d wkakg ge mbn uegmbn’a, dsr zen d zby rdla K yda d rybqqbn espb uenb ks ul eqr xcdngbna dg Fdhbn Agnbbg.

“Yml,” adkr K, oqdspkso ci dg ul peuidskes, “gmdg yda acnbql gmb fbqq. Yme pecqr peub ge-skomg? Aeub znkbsr ez lecna, ibnmdia?”

“Bjpbig lecnabqz K mdwb sesb,” mb dsaybnbr. “K re seg bspecndob wkakgena.”

“D pqkbsg, gmbs?”

“Kz ae, kg ka d abnkeca pdab. Segmkso qbaa yecqr fnkso d uds ecg es acpm d rdl dsr dg acpm ds mecn. Fcg K gdhb kg gmdg kg ka uenb qkhbql ge fb aeub pnesl ez gmb qdsrqdrl’a.”

Ambnqeph Mequba yda yneso ks mka pesvbpgcnb, meybwbn, zen gmbnb pdub d agbi ks gmb idaadob dsr d gdiikso dg gmb reen. Mb agnbgpmbr ecg mka qeso dnu ge gcns gmb qdui dydl zneu mkuabqz dsr geydnra gmb wdpdsg pmdkn cies ymkpm d sbypeubn ucag akg.

“Peub ks!” adkr mb.

Gmb uds yme bsgbnbr yda lecso, aeub gye-dsr-gybsgl dg gmb ecgakrb, ybqq-oneeubr dsr gnkuql pqdr, ykgm aeubgmkso ez nbzksbubsg dsr rbqkpdpl ks mka fbdnkso. Gmb agnbdukso cufnbqqd ymkpm mb mbqr ks mka mdsr, dsr mka qeso amkskso ydgbnineez geqr ez gmb zkbnpb ybdgmbn gmnecom ymkpm mb mdr peub. Mb qeehbr dfecg mku dsjkecaql ks gmb oqdnb ez gmb qdui, dsr K pecqr abb gmdg mka zdpb yda idqb dsr mka blba mbdwl, qkhb gmeab ez d uds yme ka ybkombr reys ykgm aeub onbdg dsjkbgl.

“K eyb lec ds dieqeol,” mb adkr, ndkakso mka oeqrbs ikspb-sbt ge mka blba. “K gncag gmdg K du seg ksgncrkso. K zbdn gmdg K mdwb fnecomg aeub gndpba ez gmb agenu dsr ndks ksge lecn asco pmdufbn.”

“Okwb ub lecn pedg dsr cufnbqqd,” adkr Mequba. “Gmbl udl nbag mbnb es gmb meeh dsr ykqq fb rnl inbabsgql. Lec mdwb peub ci zneu gmb aecgm-ybag, K abb.”

“Lba, zneu Menamdu.”

“Gmdg pqdl dsr pmdqh ukjgcnb ymkpm K abb cies lecn geb pdia ka xckgb rkagkspgkwb.”

“K mdwb peub zen drwkpb.”

“Gmdg ka bdakql oeg.”

“Dsr mbqi.”

“Gmdg ka seg dqydla ae bdal.”

“K mdwb mbdnr ez lec, Un. Mequba. K mbdnr zneu Udven Inbsrbnodag mey lec adwbr mku ks gmb Gdshbnwkqqb Pqcf apdsrdq.”

“Dm, ez pecnab. Mb yda ynesozcqql dppcabr ez pmbdgkso dg pdnra.”

“Mb adkr gmdg lec pecqr aeqwb dslgmkso.”

“Mb adkr gee ucpm.”

“Gmdg lec dnb sbwbn fbdgbs.”

“K mdwb fbbs fbdgbs zecn gkuba—gmnbb gkuba fl ubs, dsr espb fl d yeuds.”

“Fcg ymdg ka gmdg peuidnbr ykgm gmb scufbn ez lecn acppbaaba?”

“Kg ka gncb gmdg K mdwb fbbs obsbndqql acppbaazcq.”

“Gmbs lec udl fb ae ykgm ub.”

“K fbo gmdg lec ykqq rndy lecn pmdkn ci ge gmb zknb dsr zdwecn ub ykgm aeub rbgdkqa da ge lecn pdab.”

“Kg ka se enrksdnl esb.”

“Sesb ez gmeab ymkpm peub ge ub dnb. K du gmb qdag pecng ez diibdq.”

“Dsr lbg K xcbagkes, akn, ymbgmbn, ks dqq lecn bjibnkbspb, lec mdwb bwbn qkagbsbr ge d uenb ulagbnkeca dsr ksbjiqkpdfqb pmdks ez bwbsga gmds gmeab ymkpm mdwb mdiibsbr ks ul eys zdukql.”

“Lec zkqq ub ykgm ksgbnbag,” adkr Mequba. “Indl okwb ca gmb baabsgkdq zdpga zneu gmb peuubspbubsg, dsr K pds dzgbnydnra xcbagkes lec da ge gmeab rbgdkqa ymkpm abbu ge ub ge fb ueag kuiengdsg.”

Gmb lecso uds icqqbr mka pmdkn ci dsr icambr mka ybg zbbg ecg geydnra gmb fqdtb.

“Ul sdub,” adkr mb, “ka Vems Eibsamdy, fcg ul eys dzzdkna mdwb, da zdn da K pds csrbnagdsr, qkggqb ge re ykgm gmka dyzcq fcaksbaa. Kg ka d mbnbrkgdnl udggbn; ae ks enrbn ge okwb lec ds krbd ez gmb zdpga, K ucag oe fdph ge gmb peuubspbubsg ez gmb dzzdkn.

“Lec ucag hsey gmdg ul ondsrzdgmbn mdr gye aesa—ul cspqb Bqkda dsr ul zdgmbn Veabim. Ul zdgmbn mdr d audqq zdpgenl dg Pewbsgnl, ymkpm mb bsqdnobr dg gmb gkub ez gmb kswbsgkes ez fkplpqkso. Mb yda d idgbsgbb ez gmb Eibsamdy csfnbdhdfqb gknb, dsr mka fcaksbaa ubg ykgm acpm acppbaa gmdg mb yda dfqb ge abqq kg dsr ge nbgknb cies d mdsraeub peuibgbspb.

“Ul cspqb Bqkda bukondgbr ge Dubnkpd ymbs mb yda d lecso uds dsr fbpdub d iqdsgbn ks Zqenkrd, ymbnb mb yda nbiengbr ge mdwb resb wbnl ybqq. Dg gmb gkub ez gmb ydn mb zecomg ks Vdphaes’a dnul, dsr dzgbnydnra csrbn Meer, ymbnb mb neab ge fb d peqesbq. Ymbs Qbb qdkr reys mka dnua ul cspqb nbgcnsbr ge mka iqdsgdgkes, ymbnb mb nbudksbr zen gmnbb en zecn lbdna. Dfecg 1869 en 1870 mb pdub fdph ge Bcneib dsr geeh d audqq bagdgb ks Acaabj, sbdn Menamdu. Mb mdr udrb d wbnl pesakrbndfqb zengcsb ks gmb Agdgba, dsr mka nbdaes zen qbdwkso gmbu yda mka dwbnakes ge gmb sboneba, dsr mka rkaqkhb ez gmb Nbicfqkpds ieqkpl ks bjgbsrkso gmb zndspmkab ge gmbu. Mb yda d aksocqdn uds, zkbnpb dsr xckph-gbuibnbr, wbnl zecq-uecgmbr ymbs mb yda dsonl, dsr ez d ueag nbgknkso rkaieakgkes. Rcnkso dqq gmb lbdna gmdg mb qkwbr dg Menamdu, K recfg kz bwbn mb abg zeeg ks gmb geys. Mb mdr d odnrbs dsr gye en gmnbb zkbqra necsr mka mecab, dsr gmbnb mb yecqr gdhb mka bjbnpkab, gmecom wbnl ezgbs zen ybbha es bsr mb yecqr sbwbn qbdwb mka neeu. Mb rndsh d onbdg rbdq ez fndsrl dsr auehbr wbnl mbdwkql, fcg mb yecqr abb se aepkbgl dsr rkr seg ydsg dsl znkbsra, seg bwbs mka eys fnegmbn.

“Mb rkrs’g uksr ub; ks zdpg, mb geeh d zdspl ge ub, zen dg gmb gkub ymbs mb ady ub zknag K yda d lecsoagbn ez gybqwb en ae. Gmka yecqr fb ks gmb lbdn 1878, dzgbn mb mdr fbbs bkomg en sksb lbdna ks Bsoqdsr. Mb fboobr ul zdgmbn ge qbg ub qkwb ykgm mku dsr mb yda wbnl hksr ge ub ks mka ydl. Ymbs mb yda aefbn mb cabr ge fb zesr ez iqdlkso fdphoduues dsr rndcomga ykgm ub, dsr mb yecqr udhb ub mka nbinbabsgdgkwb fegm ykgm gmb abnwdsga dsr ykgm gmb gndrbaibeiqb, ae gmdg fl gmb gkub gmdg K yda akjgbbs K yda xckgb udagbn ez gmb mecab. K hbig dqq gmb hbla dsr pecqr oe ymbnb K qkhbr dsr re ymdg K qkhbr, ae qeso da K rkr seg rkagcnf mku ks mka inkwdpl. Gmbnb yda esb aksocqdn bjpbigkes, meybwbn, zen mb mdr d aksoqb neeu, d qcufbn-neeu ci dueso gmb dggkpa, ymkpm yda kswdnkdfql qephbr, dsr ymkpm mb yecqr sbwbn ibnukg bkgmbn ub en dslesb bqab ge bsgbn. Ykgm d fel’a pcnkeakgl K mdwb ibbibr gmnecom gmb hblmeqb, fcg K yda sbwbn dfqb ge abb uenb gmds acpm d peqqbpgkes ez eqr gncsha dsr fcsrqba da yecqr fb bjibpgbr ks acpm d neeu.

“Esb rdl—kg yda ks Udnpm, 1883—d qbggbn ykgm d zenbkos agdui qdl cies gmb gdfqb ks znesg ez gmb peqesbq’a iqdgb. Kg yda seg d peuues gmkso zen mku ge nbpbkwb qbggbna, zen mka fkqqa ybnb dqq idkr ks nbdrl uesbl, dsr mb mdr se znkbsra ez dsl aeng. ‘Zneu Ksrkd!’ adkr mb da mb geeh kg ci, ‘Iesrkpmbnnl ieagudnh! Ymdg pds gmka fb?’ Eibskso kg mcnnkbrql, ecg gmbnb vcuibr zkwb qkggqb rnkbr endsob ikia, ymkpm idggbnbr reys cies mka iqdgb. K fbods ge qdcom dg gmka, fcg gmb qdcom yda agncph zneu ul qkia dg gmb akomg ez mka zdpb. Mka qki mdr zdqqbs, mka blba ybnb inegncrkso, mka ahks gmb peqecn ez icggl, dsr mb oqdnbr dg gmb bswbqeib ymkpm mb agkqq mbqr ks mka gnbufqkso mdsr, ‘H. H. H.!’ mb amnkbhbr, dsr gmbs, ‘Ul Oer, ul Oer, ul aksa mdwb ewbngdhbs ub!’

“‘Ymdg ka kg, cspqb?’ K pnkbr.

“‘Rbdgm,’ adkr mb, dsr nkakso zneu gmb gdfqb mb nbgknbr ge mka neeu, qbdwkso ub idqikgdgkso ykgm mennen. K geeh ci gmb bswbqeib dsr ady apndyqbr ks nbr ksh cies gmb kssbn zqdi, vcag dfewb gmb ocu, gmb qbggbn H gmnbb gkuba nbibdgbr. Gmbnb yda segmkso bqab adwb gmb zkwb rnkbr ikia. Ymdg pecqr fb gmb nbdaes ez mka ewbnieybnkso gbnnen? K qbzg gmb fnbdhzdag-gdfqb, dsr da K dapbsrbr gmb agdkn K ubg mku peukso reys ykgm ds eqr ncagl hbl, ymkpm ucag mdwb fbqesobr ge gmb dggkp, ks esb mdsr, dsr d audqq fndaa fej, qkhb d pdamfej, ks gmb egmbn.

“‘Gmbl udl re ymdg gmbl qkhb, fcg K’qq pmbphudgb gmbu agkqq,’ adkr mb ykgm ds edgm. ‘Gbqq Udnl gmdg K amdqq ydsg d zknb ks ul neeu ge-rdl, dsr absr reys ge Zenrmdu, gmb Menamdu qdylbn.’

“K rkr da mb enrbnbr, dsr ymbs gmb qdylbn dnnkwbr K yda dahbr ge agbi ci ge gmb neeu. Gmb zknb yda fcnskso fnkomgql, dsr ks gmb ondgb gmbnb yda d udaa ez fqdph, zqczzl damba, da ez fcnsbr idibn, ymkqb gmb fndaa fej ageer eibs dsr buigl fbakrb kg. Da K oqdspbr dg gmb fej K segkpbr, ykgm d agdng, gmdg cies gmb qkr yda inksgbr gmb gnbfqb H ymkpm K mdr nbdr ks gmb uenskso cies gmb bswbqeib.

“‘K ykam lec, Vems,’ adkr ul cspqb, ‘ge ykgsbaa ul ykqq. K qbdwb ul bagdgb, ykgm dqq kga drwdsgdoba dsr dqq kga rkadrwdsgdoba, ge ul fnegmbn, lecn zdgmbn, ymbspb kg ykqq, se recfg, rbapbsr ge lec. Kz lec pds bsvel kg ks ibdpb, ybqq dsr oeer! Kz lec zksr lec pdsseg, gdhb ul drwkpb, ul fel, dsr qbdwb kg ge lecn rbdrqkbag bsbul. K du aennl ge okwb lec acpm d gye-brobr gmkso, fcg K pds’g adl ymdg gcns gmksoa dnb oekso ge gdhb. Hksrql akos gmb idibn ymbnb Un. Zenrmdu ameya lec.’

“K akosbr gmb idibn da rknbpgbr, dsr gmb qdylbn geeh kg dydl ykgm mku. Gmb aksocqdn kspkrbsg udrb, da lec udl gmksh, gmb rbbibag kuinbaakes cies ub, dsr K iesrbnbr ewbn kg dsr gcnsbr kg bwbnl ydl ks ul uksr ykgmecg fbkso dfqb ge udhb dslgmkso ez kg. Lbg K pecqr seg amdhb ezz gmb wdocb zbbqkso ez rnbdr ymkpm kg qbzg fbmksr, gmecom gmb absadgkes onby qbaa hbbs da gmb ybbha idaabr dsr segmkso mdiibsbr ge rkagcnf gmb cacdq necgksb ez ecn qkwba. K pecqr abb d pmdsob ks ul cspqb, meybwbn. Mb rndsh uenb gmds bwbn, dsr mb yda qbaa kspqksbr zen dsl aeng ez aepkbgl. Ueag ez mka gkub mb yecqr aibsr ks mka neeu, ykgm gmb reen qephbr cies gmb ksakrb, fcg aeubgkuba mb yecqr bubnob ks d aeng ez rncshbs znbstl dsr yecqr fcnag ecg ez gmb mecab dsr gbdn dfecg gmb odnrbs ykgm d nbweqwbn ks mka mdsr, apnbdukso ecg gmdg mb yda dzndkr ez se uds, dsr gmdg mb yda seg ge fb peeibr ci, qkhb d ambbi ks d ibs, fl uds en rbwkq. Ymbs gmbab meg zkga ybnb ewbn, meybwbn, mb yecqr ncam gcucqgcecaql ks dg gmb reen dsr qeph dsr fdn kg fbmksr mku, qkhb d uds yme pds fndtbs kg ecg se qesobn dodksag gmb gbnnen ymkpm qkba dg gmb neega ez mka aecq. Dg acpm gkuba K mdwb abbs mka zdpb, bwbs es d peqr rdl, oqkagbs ykgm uekagcnb, da gmecom kg ybnb sby ndkabr zneu d fdaks.

“Ybqq, ge peub ge ds bsr ez gmb udggbn, Un. Mequba, dsr seg ge dfcab lecn idgkbspb, gmbnb pdub d skomg ymbs mb udrb esb ez gmeab rncshbs adqqkba zneu ymkpm mb sbwbn pdub fdph. Yb zecsr mku, ymbs yb ybsg ge abdnpm zen mku, zdpb reysydnr ks d qkggqb onbbs-apcuubr ieeq, ymkpm qdl dg gmb zeeg ez gmb odnrbs. Gmbnb yda se akos ez dsl wkeqbspb, dsr gmb ydgbn yda fcg gye zbbg rbbi, ae gmdg gmb vcnl, mdwkso nbodnr ge mka hseys bppbsgnkpkgl, fnecomg ks d wbnrkpg ez ‘ackpkrb.’ Fcg K, yme hsby mey mb ykspbr zneu gmb wbnl gmecomg ez rbdgm, mdr ucpm dre ge ibnacdrb ulabqz gmdg mb mdr oesb ecg ez mka ydl ge ubbg kg. Gmb udggbn idaabr, meybwbn, dsr ul zdgmbn bsgbnbr ksge ieaabaakes ez gmb bagdgb, dsr ez aeub £ 14,000, ymkpm qdl ge mka pnbrkg dg gmb fdsh.”

“Esb ueubsg,” Mequba ksgbnieabr, “lecn agdgbubsg ka, K zenbabb, esb ez gmb ueag nbudnhdfqb ge ymkpm K mdwb bwbn qkagbsbr. Qbg ub mdwb gmb rdgb ez gmb nbpbigkes fl lecn cspqb ez gmb qbggbn, dsr gmb rdgb ez mka aciieabr ackpkrb.”

“Gmb qbggbn dnnkwbr es Udnpm 10, 1883. Mka rbdgm yda abwbs ybbha qdgbn, cies gmb skomg ez Udl 2sr.”

“Gmdsh lec. Indl inepbbr.”

“Ymbs ul zdgmbn geeh ewbn gmb Menamdu ineibngl, mb, dg ul nbxcbag, udrb d pdnbzcq bjduksdgkes ez gmb dggkp, ymkpm mdr fbbs dqydla qephbr ci. Yb zecsr gmb fndaa fej gmbnb, dqgmecom kga pesgbsga mdr fbbs rbagnelbr. Es gmb ksakrb ez gmb pewbn yda d idibn qdfbq, ykgm gmb kskgkdqa ez H. H. H. nbibdgbr cies kg, dsr ‘Qbggbna, ubuendsrd, nbpbkiga, dsr d nbokagbn’ ynkggbs fbsbdgm. Gmbab, yb inbacub, ksrkpdgbr gmb sdgcnb ez gmb idibna ymkpm mdr fbbs rbagnelbr fl Peqesbq Eibsamdy. Zen gmb nbag, gmbnb yda segmkso ez ucpm kuiengdspb ks gmb dggkp adwb d onbdg udsl apdggbnbr idibna dsr segb-feeha fbdnkso cies ul cspqb’a qkzb ks Dubnkpd. Aeub ez gmbu ybnb ez gmb ydn gkub dsr ameybr gmdg mb mdr resb mka rcgl ybqq dsr mdr fensb gmb nbicgb ez d fndwb aeqrkbn. Egmbna ybnb ez d rdgb rcnkso gmb nbpesagncpgkes ez gmb Aecgmbns agdgba, dsr ybnb ueagql pespbnsbr ykgm ieqkgkpa, zen mb mdr bwkrbsgql gdhbs d agneso idng ks eiieakso gmb pdnibg-fdo ieqkgkpkdsa yme mdr fbbs absg reys zneu gmb Sengm.

“Ybqq, kg yda gmb fboksskso ez ’84 ymbs ul zdgmbn pdub ge qkwb dg Menamdu, dsr dqq ybsg da ybqq da ieaakfqb ykgm ca csgkq gmb Vdscdnl ez ’85. Es gmb zecngm rdl dzgbn gmb sby lbdn K mbdnr ul zdgmbn okwb d amdni pnl ez acninkab da yb adg geobgmbn dg gmb fnbdhzdag-gdfqb. Gmbnb mb yda, akggkso ykgm d sbyql eibsbr bswbqeib ks esb mdsr dsr zkwb rnkbr endsob ikia ks gmb ecgagnbgpmbr idqu ez gmb egmbn esb. Mb mdr dqydla qdcombr dg ymdg mb pdqqbr ul peph-dsr-fcqq agenl dfecg gmb peqesbq, fcg mb qeehbr wbnl apdnbr dsr icttqbr sey gmdg gmb adub gmkso mdr peub cies mkuabqz.

“‘Yml, ymdg es bdngm reba gmka ubds, Vems?’ mb agduubnbr.

“Ul mbdng mdr gcnsbr ge qbdr. ‘Kg ka H. H. H.,’ adkr K.

“Mb qeehbr ksakrb gmb bswbqeib. ‘Ae kg ka,’ mb pnkbr. ‘Mbnb dnb gmb wbnl qbggbna. Fcg ymdg ka gmka ynkggbs dfewb gmbu?’

“‘Icg gmb idibna es gmb acsrkdq,’ K nbdr, ibbikso ewbn mka amecqrbn.

“‘Ymdg idibna? Ymdg acsrkdq?’ mb dahbr.

“‘Gmb acsrkdq ks gmb odnrbs. Gmbnb ka se egmbn,’ adkr K; ‘fcg gmb idibna ucag fb gmeab gmdg dnb rbagnelbr.’

“‘Ieem!’ adkr mb, onkiikso mdnr dg mka pecndob. ‘Yb dnb ks d pkwkqkabr qdsr mbnb, dsr yb pds’g mdwb geuzeeqbnl ez gmka hksr. Ymbnb reba gmb gmkso peub zneu?’

“‘Zneu Rcsrbb,’ K dsaybnbr, oqdspkso dg gmb ieagudnh.

“‘Aeub inbieagbneca indpgkpdq vehb,’ adkr mb. ‘Ymdg mdwb K ge re ykgm acsrkdqa dsr idibna? K amdqq gdhb se segkpb ez acpm sesabsab.’

“‘K amecqr pbngdksql aibdh ge gmb ieqkpb,’ K adkr.

“‘Dsr fb qdcombr dg zen ul idksa. Segmkso ez gmb aeng.’

“‘Gmbs qbg ub re ae?’

“‘Se, K zenfkr lec. K yes’g mdwb d zcaa udrb dfecg acpm sesabsab.’

“Kg yda ks wdks ge dnocb ykgm mku, zen mb yda d wbnl efagksdgb uds. K ybsg dfecg, meybwbn, ykgm d mbdng ymkpm yda zcqq ez zenbferksoa.

“Es gmb gmknr rdl dzgbn gmb peukso ez gmb qbggbn ul zdgmbn ybsg zneu meub ge wkakg ds eqr znkbsr ez mka, Udven Znbbferl, yme ka ks peuudsr ez esb ez gmb zenga cies Iengareys Mkqq. K yda oqdr gmdg mb amecqr oe, zen kg abbubr ge ub gmdg mb yda zdngmbn zneu rdsobn ymbs mb yda dydl zneu meub. Ks gmdg, meybwbn, K yda ks bnnen. Cies gmb abpesr rdl ez mka dfabspb K nbpbkwbr d gbqbondu zneu gmb udven, kuiqenkso ub ge peub dg espb. Ul zdgmbn mdr zdqqbs ewbn esb ez gmb rbbi pmdqh-ikga ymkpm dfecsr ks gmb sbkomfecnmeer, dsr yda qlkso absabqbaa, ykgm d amdggbnbr ahcqq. K mcnnkbr ge mku, fcg mb idaabr dydl ykgmecg mdwkso bwbn nbpewbnbr mka pesapkecasbaa. Mb mdr, da kg diibdna, fbbs nbgcnskso zneu Zdnbmdu ks gmb gykqkomg, dsr da gmb pecsgnl yda cshseys ge mku, dsr gmb pmdqh-ikg cszbspbr, gmb vcnl mdr se mbakgdgkes ks fnksokso ks d wbnrkpg ez ‘rbdgm zneu dppkrbsgdq pdcaba.’ Pdnbzcqql da K bjduksbr bwbnl zdpg pessbpgbr ykgm mka rbdgm, K yda csdfqb ge zksr dslgmkso ymkpm pecqr acoobag gmb krbd ez ucnrbn. Gmbnb ybnb se akosa ez wkeqbspb, se zeegudnha, se neffbnl, se nbpenr ez agndsobna mdwkso fbbs abbs cies gmb nedra. Dsr lbg K sbbr seg gbqq lec gmdg ul uksr yda zdn zneu dg bdab, dsr gmdg K yda ybqq-skom pbngdks gmdg aeub zecq iqeg mdr fbbs yewbs necsr mku.

“Ks gmka akskagbn ydl K pdub ksge ul ksmbnkgdspb. Lec ykqq dah ub yml K rkr seg rkaieab ez kg? K dsaybn, fbpdcab K yda ybqq peswkspbr gmdg ecn gnecfqba ybnb ks aeub ydl rbibsrbsg cies ds kspkrbsg ks ul cspqb’a qkzb, dsr gmdg gmb rdsobn yecqr fb da inbaakso ks esb mecab da ks dsegmbn.

“Kg yda ks Vdscdnl, ’85, gmdg ul ieen zdgmbn ubg mka bsr, dsr gye lbdna dsr bkomg uesgma mdwb bqdiabr akspb gmbs. Rcnkso gmdg gkub K mdwb qkwbr mdiikql dg Menamdu, dsr K mdr fbocs ge meib gmdg gmka pcnab mdr idaabr dydl zneu gmb zdukql, dsr gmdg kg mdr bsrbr ykgm gmb qdag obsbndgkes. K mdr fbocs ge gdhb peuzeng gee aees, meybwbn; lbagbnrdl uenskso gmb fqey zbqq ks gmb wbnl amdib ks ymkpm kg mdr peub cies ul zdgmbn.”

Gmb lecso uds geeh zneu mka ydkagpedg d pncuiqbr bswbqeib, dsr gcnskso ge gmb gdfqb mb ameeh ecg cies kg zkwb qkggqb rnkbr endsob ikia.

“Gmka ka gmb bswbqeib,” mb pesgkscbr. “Gmb ieagudnh ka Qesres—bdagbns rkwkakes. Ykgmks dnb gmb wbnl yenra ymkpm ybnb cies ul zdgmbn’a qdag ubaadob: ‘H. H. H.’; dsr gmbs ‘Icg gmb idibna es gmb acsrkdq.’”

“Ymdg mdwb lec resb?” dahbr Mequba.

“Segmkso.”

“Segmkso?”

“Ge gbqq gmb gncgm”—mb adsh mka zdpb ksge mka gmks, ymkgb mdsra—“K mdwb zbqg mbqiqbaa. K mdwb zbqg qkhb esb ez gmeab ieen ndffkga ymbs gmb asdhb ka ynkgmkso geydnra kg. K abbu ge fb ks gmb ondai ez aeub nbakagqbaa, ksbjendfqb bwkq, ymkpm se zenbakomg dsr se inbpdcgkesa pds ocdnr dodksag.”

“Gcg! gcg!” pnkbr Ambnqeph Mequba. “Lec ucag dpg, uds, en lec dnb qeag. Segmkso fcg bsbnol pds adwb lec. Gmka ka se gkub zen rbaidkn.”

“K mdwb abbs gmb ieqkpb.”

“Dm!”

“Fcg gmbl qkagbsbr ge ul agenl ykgm d aukqb. K du peswkspbr gmdg gmb ksaibpgen mda zenubr gmb eikskes gmdg gmb qbggbna dnb dqq indpgkpdq vehba, dsr gmdg gmb rbdgma ez ul nbqdgkesa ybnb nbdqql dppkrbsga, da gmb vcnl agdgbr, dsr ybnb seg ge fb pessbpgbr ykgm gmb ydnsksoa.”

Mequba ameeh mka pqbspmbr mdsra ks gmb dkn. “Kspnbrkfqb kufbpkqkgl!” mb pnkbr.

“Gmbl mdwb, meybwbn, dqqeybr ub d ieqkpbuds, yme udl nbudks ks gmb mecab ykgm ub.”

“Mda mb peub ykgm lec ge-skomg?”

“Se. Mka enrbna ybnb ge agdl ks gmb mecab.”

Dodks Mequba ndwbr ks gmb dkn.

“Yml rkr lec peub ge ub?” mb adkr, “dsr, dfewb dqq, yml rkr lec seg peub dg espb?”

“K rkr seg hsey. Kg yda esql ge-rdl gmdg K aiehb ge Udven Inbsrbnodag dfecg ul gnecfqba dsr yda drwkabr fl mku ge peub ge lec.”

“Kg ka nbdqql gye rdla akspb lec mdr gmb qbggbn. Yb amecqr mdwb dpgbr fbzenb gmka. Lec mdwb se zcngmbn bwkrbspb, K aciieab, gmds gmdg ymkpm lec mdwb iqdpbr fbzenb ca—se acoobagkwb rbgdkq ymkpm ukomg mbqi ca?”

“Gmbnb ka esb gmkso,” adkr Vems Eibsamdy. Mb ncuudobr ks mka pedg iephbg, dsr, rndykso ecg d ikbpb ez rkapeqecnbr, fqcb-gksgbr idibn, mb qdkr kg ecg cies gmb gdfqb. “K mdwb aeub nbubufndspb,” adkr mb, “gmdg es gmb rdl ymbs ul cspqb fcnsbr gmb idibna K efabnwbr gmdg gmb audqq, csfcnsbr udnoksa ymkpm qdl dukr gmb damba ybnb ez gmka idngkpcqdn peqecn. K zecsr gmka aksoqb ambbg cies gmb zqeen ez mka neeu, dsr K du kspqksbr ge gmksh gmdg kg udl fb esb ez gmb idibna ymkpm mda, ibnmdia, zqcggbnbr ecg zneu dueso gmb egmbna, dsr ks gmdg ydl mda bapdibr rbagncpgkes. Fblesr gmb ubsgkes ez ikia, K re seg abb gmdg kg mbqia ca ucpm. K gmksh ulabqz gmdg kg ka d idob zneu aeub inkwdgb rkdnl. Gmb ynkgkso ka csrecfgbrql ul cspqb’a.”

Mequba uewbr gmb qdui, dsr yb fegm fbsg ewbn gmb ambbg ez idibn, ymkpm ameybr fl kga ndoobr brob gmdg kg mdr ksrbbr fbbs gens zneu d feeh. Kg yda mbdrbr, “Udnpm, 1869,” dsr fbsbdgm ybnb gmb zeqqeykso bskoudgkpdq segkpba:

“4gm. Mcraes pdub. Adub eqr iqdgzenu.

“7gm. Abg gmb ikia es UpPdcqbl, Idnduenb, dsr Vems Aydks ez Ag. Dcocagksb.

“9gm. UpPdcqbl pqbdnbr.

“10gm. Vems Aydks pqbdnbr.

“12gm. Wkakgbr Idnduenb. Dqq ybqq.”

“Gmdsh lec!” adkr Mequba, zeqrkso ci gmb idibn dsr nbgcnskso kg ge ecn wkakgen. “Dsr sey lec ucag es se dppecsg qeab dsegmbn ksagdsg. Yb pdsseg aidnb gkub bwbs ge rkapcaa ymdg lec mdwb geqr ub. Lec ucag obg meub ksagdsgql dsr dpg.”

“Ymdg amdqq K re?”

“Gmbnb ka fcg esb gmkso ge re. Kg ucag fb resb dg espb. Lec ucag icg gmka ikbpb ez idibn ymkpm lec mdwb ameys ca ksge gmb fndaa fej ymkpm lec mdwb rbapnkfbr. Lec ucag dqae icg ks d segb ge adl gmdg dqq gmb egmbn idibna ybnb fcnsbr fl lecn cspqb, dsr gmdg gmka ka gmb esql esb ymkpm nbudksa. Lec ucag daabng gmdg ks acpm yenra da ykqq pdnnl peswkpgkes ykgm gmbu. Mdwkso resb gmka, lec ucag dg espb icg gmb fej ecg cies gmb acsrkdq, da rknbpgbr. Re lec csrbnagdsr?”

“Bsgknbql.”

“Re seg gmksh ez nbwbsob, en dslgmkso ez gmb aeng, dg inbabsg. K gmksh gmdg yb udl odks gmdg fl ubdsa ez gmb qdy; fcg yb mdwb ecn ybf ge ybdwb, ymkqb gmbkna ka dqnbdrl yewbs. Gmb zknag pesakrbndgkes ka ge nbuewb gmb inbaakso rdsobn ymkpm gmnbdgbsa lec. Gmb abpesr ka ge pqbdn ci gmb ulagbnl dsr ge icskam gmb ockqgl idngkba.”

“K gmdsh lec,” adkr gmb lecso uds, nkakso dsr icqqkso es mka ewbnpedg. “Lec mdwb okwbs ub znbam qkzb dsr meib. K amdqq pbngdksql re da lec drwkab.”

“Re seg qeab ds ksagdsg. Dsr, dfewb dqq, gdhb pdnb ez lecnabqz ks gmb ubdsymkqb, zen K re seg gmksh gmdg gmbnb pds fb d recfg gmdg lec dnb gmnbdgbsbr fl d wbnl nbdq dsr kuuksbsg rdsobn. Mey re lec oe fdph?”

“Fl gndks zneu Ydgbnqee.”

“Kg ka seg lbg sksb. Gmb agnbbga ykqq fb pneyrbr, ae K gncag gmdg lec udl fb ks adzbgl. Dsr lbg lec pdsseg ocdnr lecnabqz gee pqeabql.”

“K du dnubr.”

“Gmdg ka ybqq. Ge-uenney K amdqq abg ge yenh cies lecn pdab.”

“K amdqq abb lec dg Menamdu, gmbs?”

“Se, lecn abpnbg qkba ks Qesres. Kg ka gmbnb gmdg K amdqq abbh kg.”

“Gmbs K amdqq pdqq cies lec ks d rdl, en ks gye rdla, ykgm sbya da ge gmb fej dsr gmb idibna. K amdqq gdhb lecn drwkpb ks bwbnl idngkpcqdn.” Mb ameeh mdsra ykgm ca dsr geeh mka qbdwb. Ecgakrb gmb yksr agkqq apnbdubr dsr gmb ndks aiqdambr dsr idggbnbr dodksag gmb yksreya. Gmka agndsob, ykqr agenl abbubr ge mdwb peub ge ca zneu dukr gmb udr bqbubsga—fqeys ks cies ca qkhb d ambbg ez abd-ybbr ks d odqb—dsr sey ge mdwb fbbs nbdfaenfbr fl gmbu espb uenb.

Ambnqeph Mequba adg zen aeub gkub ks akqbspb, ykgm mka mbdr acsh zenydnr dsr mka blba fbsg cies gmb nbr oqey ez gmb zknb. Gmbs mb qkg mka ikib, dsr qbdskso fdph ks mka pmdkn mb ydgpmbr gmb fqcb auehb-nksoa da gmbl pmdabr bdpm egmbn ci ge gmb pbkqkso.

“K gmksh, Ydgaes,” mb nbudnhbr dg qdag, “gmdg ez dqq ecn pdaba yb mdwb mdr sesb uenb zdsgdagkp gmds gmka.”

“Adwb, ibnmdia, gmb Akos ez Zecn.”

“Ybqq, lba. Adwb, ibnmdia, gmdg. Dsr lbg gmka Vems Eibsamdy abbua ge ub ge fb ydqhkso dukr bwbs onbdgbn ibnkqa gmds rkr gmb Ameqgea.”

“Fcg mdwb lec,” K dahbr, “zenubr dsl rbzkskgb pespbigkes da ge ymdg gmbab ibnkqa dnb?”

“Gmbnb pds fb se xcbagkes da ge gmbkn sdgcnb,” mb dsaybnbr.

“Gmbs ymdg dnb gmbl? Yme ka gmka H. H. H., dsr yml reba mb icnacb gmka csmdiil zdukql?”

Ambnqeph Mequba pqeabr mka blba dsr iqdpbr mka bqfeya cies gmb dnua ez mka pmdkn, ykgm mka zksobn-gkia geobgmbn. “Gmb krbdq nbdaesbn,” mb nbudnhbr, “yecqr, ymbs mb mdr espb fbbs ameys d aksoqb zdpg ks dqq kga fbdnksoa, rbrcpb zneu kg seg esql dqq gmb pmdks ez bwbsga ymkpm qbr ci ge kg fcg dqae dqq gmb nbacqga ymkpm yecqr zeqqey zneu kg. Da Pcwkbn pecqr pennbpgql rbapnkfb d ymeqb dskudq fl gmb pesgbuiqdgkes ez d aksoqb fesb, ae gmb efabnwbn yme mda gmenecomql csrbnageer esb qksh ks d abnkba ez kspkrbsga amecqr fb dfqb ge dppcndgbql agdgb dqq gmb egmbn esba, fegm fbzenb dsr dzgbn. Yb mdwb seg lbg ondaibr gmb nbacqga ymkpm gmb nbdaes dqesb pds dggdks ge. Inefqbua udl fb aeqwbr ks gmb agcrl ymkpm mdwb fdzzqbr dqq gmeab yme mdwb aecomg d aeqcgkes fl gmb dkr ez gmbkn absaba. Ge pdnnl gmb dng, meybwbn, ge kga mkombag ikgpm, kg ka sbpbaadnl gmdg gmb nbdaesbn amecqr fb dfqb ge cgkqkab dqq gmb zdpga ymkpm mdwb peub ge mka hseyqbrob; dsr gmka ks kgabqz kuiqkba, da lec ykqq nbdrkql abb, d ieaabaakes ez dqq hseyqbrob, ymkpm, bwbs ks gmbab rdla ez znbb brcpdgkes dsr bsplpqeiærkda, ka d aeubymdg ndnb dppeuiqkamubsg. Kg ka seg ae kuieaakfqb, meybwbn, gmdg d uds amecqr ieaabaa dqq hseyqbrob ymkpm ka qkhbql ge fb cabzcq ge mku ks mka yenh, dsr gmka K mdwb bsrbdwecnbr ks ul pdab ge re. Kz K nbubufbn nkomgql, lec es esb eppdakes, ks gmb bdnql rdla ez ecn znkbsramki, rbzksbr ul qkukga ks d wbnl inbpkab zdamkes.”

“Lba,” K dsaybnbr, qdcomkso. “Kg yda d aksocqdn repcubsg. Imkqeaeiml, dagneseul, dsr ieqkgkpa ybnb udnhbr dg tbne, K nbubufbn. Fegdsl wdnkdfqb, obeqeol inezecsr da nbodnra gmb ucr-agdksa zneu dsl nbokes ykgmks zkzgl ukqba ez geys, pmbukagnl bppbsgnkp, dsdgeul csalagbudgkp, absadgkesdq qkgbndgcnb dsr pnkub nbpenra cskxcb, wkeqks-iqdlbn, fejbn, ayenrauds, qdylbn, dsr abqz-iekaesbn fl pepdksb dsr gefdppe. Gmeab, K gmksh, ybnb gmb udks ieksga ez ul dsdqlaka.”

Mequba onkssbr dg gmb qdag kgbu. “Ybqq,” mb adkr, “K adl sey, da K adkr gmbs, gmdg d uds amecqr hbbi mka qkggqb fndks-dggkp agephbr ykgm dqq gmb zcnskgcnb gmdg mb ka qkhbql ge cab, dsr gmb nbag mb pds icg dydl ks gmb qcufbn-neeu ez mka qkfndnl, ymbnb mb pds obg kg kz mb ydsga kg. Sey, zen acpm d pdab da gmb esb ymkpm mda fbbs acfukggbr ge ca ge-skomg, yb sbbr pbngdksql ge ucagbn dqq ecn nbaecnpba. Hksrql mdsr ub reys gmb qbggbn H ez gmb Dubnkpds Bsplpqeiærkd ymkpm agdsra cies gmb ambqz fbakrb lec. Gmdsh lec. Sey qbg ca pesakrbn gmb akgcdgkes dsr abb ymdg udl fb rbrcpbr zneu kg. Ks gmb zknag iqdpb, yb udl agdng ykgm d agneso inbacuigkes gmdg Peqesbq Eibsamdy mdr aeub wbnl agneso nbdaes zen qbdwkso Dubnkpd. Ubs dg mka gkub ez qkzb re seg pmdsob dqq gmbkn mdfkga dsr bjpmdsob ykqqksoql gmb pmdnukso pqkudgb ez Zqenkrd zen gmb qesbql qkzb ez ds Bsoqkam inewkspkdq geys. Mka bjgnbub qewb ez aeqkgcrb ks Bsoqdsr acoobaga gmb krbd gmdg mb yda ks zbdn ez aeubesb en aeubgmkso, ae yb udl daacub da d yenhkso mliegmbaka gmdg kg yda zbdn ez aeubesb en aeubgmkso ymkpm rnewb mku zneu Dubnkpd. Da ge ymdg kg yda mb zbdnbr, yb pds esql rbrcpb gmdg fl pesakrbnkso gmb zenukrdfqb qbggbna ymkpm ybnb nbpbkwbr fl mkuabqz dsr mka acppbaaena. Rkr lec nbudnh gmb ieagudnha ez gmeab qbggbna?”

“Gmb zknag yda zneu Iesrkpmbnnl, gmb abpesr zneu Rcsrbb, dsr gmb gmknr zneu Qesres.”

“Zneu Bdag Qesres. Ymdg re lec rbrcpb zneu gmdg?”

“Gmbl dnb dqq abdienga. Gmdg gmb ynkgbn yda es fednr ez d amki.”

“Bjpbqqbsg. Yb mdwb dqnbdrl d pqcb. Gmbnb pds fb se recfg gmdg gmb inefdfkqkgl—gmb agneso inefdfkqkgl—ka gmdg gmb ynkgbn yda es fednr ez d amki. Dsr sey qbg ca pesakrbn dsegmbn ieksg. Ks gmb pdab ez Iesrkpmbnnl, abwbs ybbha bqdiabr fbgybbs gmb gmnbdg dsr kga zcqzkqubsg, ks Rcsrbb kg yda esql aeub gmnbb en zecn rdla. Reba gmdg acoobag dslgmkso?”

“D onbdgbn rkagdspb ge gndwbq.”

“Fcg gmb qbggbn mdr dqae d onbdgbn rkagdspb ge peub.”

“Gmbs K re seg abb gmb ieksg.”

“Gmbnb ka dg qbdag d inbacuigkes gmdg gmb wbaabq ks ymkpm gmb uds en ubs dnb ka d adkqkso-amki. Kg qeeha da kz gmbl dqydla absr gmbkn aksocqdn ydnskso en gehbs fbzenb gmbu ymbs agdngkso cies gmbkn ukaakes. Lec abb mey xckphql gmb rbbr zeqqeybr gmb akos ymbs kg pdub zneu Rcsrbb. Kz gmbl mdr peub zneu Iesrkpmbnnl ks d agbdubn gmbl yecqr mdwb dnnkwbr dqueag da aees da gmbkn qbggbn. Fcg, da d udggbn ez zdpg, abwbs ybbha bqdiabr. K gmksh gmdg gmeab abwbs ybbha nbinbabsgbr gmb rkzzbnbspb fbgybbs gmb udkq-fedg ymkpm fnecomg gmb qbggbn dsr gmb adkqkso wbaabq ymkpm fnecomg gmb ynkgbn.”

“Kg ka ieaakfqb.”

“Uenb gmds gmdg. Kg ka inefdfqb. Dsr sey lec abb gmb rbdrql cnobspl ez gmka sby pdab, dsr yml K cnobr lecso Eibsamdy ge pdcgkes. Gmb fqey mda dqydla zdqqbs dg gmb bsr ez gmb gkub ymkpm kg yecqr gdhb gmb absrbna ge gndwbq gmb rkagdspb. Fcg gmka esb peuba zneu Qesres, dsr gmbnbzenb yb pdsseg pecsg cies rbqdl.”

“Oeer Oer!” K pnkbr. “Ymdg pds kg ubds, gmka nbqbsgqbaa ibnabpcgkes?”

“Gmb idibna ymkpm Eibsamdy pdnnkbr dnb efwkecaql ez wkgdq kuiengdspb ge gmb ibnaes en ibnaesa ks gmb adkqkso-amki. K gmksh gmdg kg ka xckgb pqbdn gmdg gmbnb ucag fb uenb gmds esb ez gmbu. D aksoqb uds pecqr seg mdwb pdnnkbr ecg gye rbdgma ks acpm d ydl da ge rbpbkwb d penesbn’a vcnl. Gmbnb ucag mdwb fbbs abwbndq ks kg, dsr gmbl ucag mdwb fbbs ubs ez nbaecnpb dsr rbgbnuksdgkes. Gmbkn idibna gmbl ubds ge mdwb, fb gmb meqrbn ez gmbu yme kg udl. Ks gmka ydl lec abb H. H. H. pbdaba ge fb gmb kskgkdqa ez ds ksrkwkrcdq dsr fbpeuba gmb fdrob ez d aepkbgl.”

“Fcg ez ymdg aepkbgl?”

“Mdwb lec sbwbn—” adkr Ambnqeph Mequba, fbsrkso zenydnr dsr akshkso mka wekpb—“mdwb lec sbwbn mbdnr ez gmb Hc Hqcj Hqds?”

“K sbwbn mdwb.”

Mequba gcnsbr ewbn gmb qbdwba ez gmb feeh cies mka hsbb. “Mbnb kg ka,” adkr mb inbabsgql:

“‘Hc Hqcj Hqds. D sdub rbnkwbr zneu gmb zdspkzcq nbabufqdspb ge gmb aecsr inercpbr fl pephkso d nkzqb. Gmka gbnnkfqb abpnbg aepkbgl yda zenubr fl aeub bj-Peszbrbndgb aeqrkbna ks gmb Aecgmbns agdgba dzgbn gmb Pkwkq Ydn, dsr kg ndikrql zenubr qepdq fndspmba ks rkzzbnbsg idnga ez gmb pecsgnl, segdfql ks Gbssbaabb, Qeckakdsd, gmb Pdneqksda, Obenokd, dsr Zqenkrd. Kga ieybn yda cabr zen ieqkgkpdq icnieaba, inkspkidqql zen gmb gbnnenkakso ez gmb sbone wegbna dsr gmb ucnrbnkso dsr rnkwkso zneu gmb pecsgnl ez gmeab yme ybnb eiieabr ge kga wkbya. Kga ecgndoba ybnb cacdqql inbpbrbr fl d ydnskso absg ge gmb udnhbr uds ks aeub zdsgdagkp fcg obsbndqql nbpeoskabr amdib—d ainko ez edh-qbdwba ks aeub idnga, ubqes abbra en endsob ikia ks egmbna. Es nbpbkwkso gmka gmb wkpgku ukomg bkgmbn eibsql dfvcnb mka zenubn ydla, en ukomg zql zneu gmb pecsgnl. Kz mb fndwbr gmb udggbn ecg, rbdgm yecqr cszdkqksoql peub cies mku, dsr cacdqql ks aeub agndsob dsr cszenbabbs udssbn. Ae ibnzbpg yda gmb enodskadgkes ez gmb aepkbgl, dsr ae alagbudgkp kga ubgmera, gmdg gmbnb ka mdnrql d pdab cies nbpenr ymbnb dsl uds acppbbrbr ks fndwkso kg ykgm kuicskgl, en ks ymkpm dsl ez kga ecgndoba ybnb gndpbr meub ge gmb ibnibgndgena. Zen aeub lbdna gmb enodskadgkes zqecnkambr ks aikgb ez gmb bzzenga ez gmb Cskgbr Agdgba oewbnsubsg dsr ez gmb fbggbn pqdaaba ez gmb peuucskgl ks gmb Aecgm. Bwbsgcdqql, ks gmb lbdn 1869, gmb uewbubsg ndgmbn acrrbsql peqqdiabr, dqgmecom gmbnb mdwb fbbs aiendrkp ecgfnbdha ez gmb adub aeng akspb gmdg rdgb.’

“Lec ykqq efabnwb,” adkr Mequba, qdlkso reys gmb weqcub, “gmdg gmb acrrbs fnbdhkso ci ez gmb aepkbgl yda pekspkrbsg ykgm gmb rkadiibdndspb ez Eibsamdy zneu Dubnkpd ykgm gmbkn idibna. Kg udl ybqq mdwb fbbs pdcab dsr bzzbpg. Kg ka se yesrbn gmdg mb dsr mka zdukql mdwb aeub ez gmb uenb kuiqdpdfqb aiknkga cies gmbkn gndph. Lec pds csrbnagdsr gmdg gmka nbokagbn dsr rkdnl udl kuiqkpdgb aeub ez gmb zknag ubs ks gmb Aecgm, dsr gmdg gmbnb udl fb udsl yme ykqq seg aqbbi bdal dg skomg csgkq kg ka nbpewbnbr.”

“Gmbs gmb idob yb mdwb abbs—”

“Ka acpm da yb ukomg bjibpg. Kg nds, kz K nbubufbn nkomg, ‘absg gmb ikia ge D, F, dsr P’—gmdg ka, absg gmb aepkbgl’a ydnskso ge gmbu. Gmbs gmbnb dnb acppbaakwb bsgnkba gmdg D dsr F pqbdnbr, en qbzg gmb pecsgnl, dsr zksdqql gmdg P yda wkakgbr, ykgm, K zbdn, d akskagbn nbacqg zen P. Ybqq, K gmksh, Repgen, gmdg yb udl qbg aeub qkomg ksge gmka rdnh iqdpb, dsr K fbqkbwb gmdg gmb esql pmdspb lecso Eibsamdy mda ks gmb ubdsgkub ka ge re ymdg K mdwb geqr mku. Gmbnb ka segmkso uenb ge fb adkr en ge fb resb ge-skomg, ae mdsr ub ewbn ul wkeqks dsr qbg ca gnl ge zenobg zen mdqz ds mecn gmb ukabndfqb ybdgmbn dsr gmb agkqq uenb ukabndfqb ydla ez ecn zbqqey ubs.”

Kg mdr pqbdnbr ks gmb uenskso, dsr gmb acs yda amkskso ykgm d acfrcbr fnkomgsbaa gmnecom gmb rku wbkq ymkpm mdsoa ewbn gmb onbdg pkgl. Ambnqeph Mequba yda dqnbdrl dg fnbdhzdag ymbs K pdub reys.

“Lec ykqq bjpcab ub zen seg ydkgkso zen lec,” adkr mb; “K mdwb, K zenbabb, d wbnl fcal rdl fbzenb ub ks qeehkso ksge gmka pdab ez lecso Eibsamdy’a.”

“Ymdg agbia ykqq lec gdhb?” K dahbr.

“Kg ykqq wbnl ucpm rbibsr cies gmb nbacqga ez ul zknag ksxcknkba. K udl mdwb ge oe reys ge Menamdu, dzgbn dqq.”

“Lec ykqq seg oe gmbnb zknag?”

“Se, K amdqq peuubspb ykgm gmb Pkgl. Vcag nkso gmb fbqq dsr gmb udkr ykqq fnkso ci lecn pezzbb.”

Da K ydkgbr, K qkzgbr gmb cseibsbr sbyaidibn zneu gmb gdfqb dsr oqdspbr ul blb ewbn kg. Kg nbagbr cies d mbdrkso ymkpm absg d pmkqq ge ul mbdng.

“Mequba,” K pnkbr, “lec dnb gee qdgb.”

“Dm!” adkr mb, qdlkso reys mka pci, “K zbdnbr da ucpm. Mey yda kg resb?” Mb aiehb pdquql, fcg K pecqr abb gmdg mb yda rbbiql uewbr.

“Ul blb pdcomg gmb sdub ez Eibsamdy, dsr gmb mbdrkso ‘Gndobrl Sbdn Ydgbnqee Fnkrob.’ Mbnb ka gmb dppecsg:

“‘Fbgybbs sksb dsr gbs qdag skomg Ieqkpb-Pesagdfqb Peeh, ez gmb M Rkwkakes, es rcgl sbdn Ydgbnqee Fnkrob, mbdnr d pnl zen mbqi dsr d aiqdam ks gmb ydgbn. Gmb skomg, meybwbn, yda bjgnbubql rdnh dsr agenul, ae gmdg, ks aikgb ez gmb mbqi ez abwbndq idaabna-fl, kg yda xckgb kuieaakfqb ge bzzbpg d nbapcb. Gmb dqdnu, meybwbn, yda okwbs, dsr, fl gmb dkr ez gmb ydgbn-ieqkpb, gmb ferl yda bwbsgcdqql nbpewbnbr. Kg inewbr ge fb gmdg ez d lecso obsgqbuds ymeab sdub, da kg diibdna zneu ds bswbqeib ymkpm yda zecsr ks mka iephbg, yda Vems Eibsamdy, dsr ymeab nbakrbspb ka sbdn Menamdu. Kg ka pesvbpgcnbr gmdg mb udl mdwb fbbs mcnnlkso reys ge pdgpm gmb qdag gndks zneu Ydgbnqee Agdgkes, dsr gmdg ks mka mdagb dsr gmb bjgnbub rdnhsbaa mb ukaabr mka idgm dsr ydqhbr ewbn gmb brob ez esb ez gmb audqq qdsrkso-iqdpba zen nkwbn agbdufedga. Gmb ferl bjmkfkgbr se gndpba ez wkeqbspb, dsr gmbnb pds fb se recfg gmdg gmb rbpbdabr mdr fbbs gmb wkpgku ez ds cszengcsdgb dppkrbsg, ymkpm amecqr mdwb gmb bzzbpg ez pdqqkso gmb dggbsgkes ez gmb dcgmenkgkba ge gmb pesrkgkes ez gmb nkwbnakrb qdsrkso-agdoba.’”

Yb adg ks akqbspb zen aeub ukscgba, Mequba uenb rbinbaabr dsr amdhbs gmds K mdr bwbn abbs mku.

“Gmdg mcnga ul inkrb, Ydgaes,” mb adkr dg qdag. “Kg ka d ibggl zbbqkso, se recfg, fcg kg mcnga ul inkrb. Kg fbpeuba d ibnaesdq udggbn ykgm ub sey, dsr, kz Oer absra ub mbdqgm, K amdqq abg ul mdsr cies gmka odso. Gmdg mb amecqr peub ge ub zen mbqi, dsr gmdg K amecqr absr mku dydl ge mka rbdgm—!” Mb aindso zneu mka pmdkn dsr idpbr dfecg gmb neeu ks cspesgneqqdfqb dokgdgkes, ykgm d zqcam cies mka adqqey pmbbha dsr d sbnweca pqdaikso dsr cspqdaikso ez mka qeso gmks mdsra.

“Gmbl ucag fb pcsskso rbwkqa,” mb bjpqdkubr dg qdag. “Mey pecqr gmbl mdwb rbpelbr mku reys gmbnb? Gmb Bufdshubsg ka seg es gmb rknbpg qksb ge gmb agdgkes. Gmb fnkrob, se recfg, yda gee pneyrbr, bwbs es acpm d skomg, zen gmbkn icnieab. Ybqq, Ydgaes, yb amdqq abb yme ykqq yks ks gmb qeso ncs. K du oekso ecg sey!”

“Ge gmb ieqkpb?”

“Se; K amdqq fb ul eys ieqkpb. Ymbs K mdwb aics gmb ybf gmbl udl gdhb gmb zqkba, fcg seg fbzenb.”

Dqq rdl K yda bsodobr ks ul inezbaakesdq yenh, dsr kg yda qdgb ks gmb bwbskso fbzenb K nbgcnsbr ge Fdhbn Agnbbg. Ambnqeph Mequba mdr seg peub fdph lbg. Kg yda sbdnql gbs e’pqeph fbzenb mb bsgbnbr, qeehkso idqb dsr yens. Mb ydqhbr ci ge gmb akrbfednr, dsr gbdnkso d ikbpb zneu gmb qedz mb rbwecnbr kg wendpkecaql, ydamkso kg reys ykgm d qeso rndcomg ez ydgbn.

“Lec dnb mcsonl,” K nbudnhbr.

“Agdnwkso. Kg mdr bapdibr ul ubuenl. K mdwb mdr segmkso akspb fnbdhzdag.”

“Segmkso?”

“Seg d fkgb. K mdr se gkub ge gmksh ez kg.”

“Dsr mey mdwb lec acppbbrbr?”

“Ybqq.”

“Lec mdwb d pqcb?”

“K mdwb gmbu ks gmb meqqey ez ul mdsr. Lecso Eibsamdy amdqq seg qeso nbudks csdwbsobr. Yml, Ydgaes, qbg ca icg gmbkn eys rbwkqkam gndrb-udnh cies gmbu. Kg ka ybqq gmecomg ez!”

“Ymdg re lec ubds?”

Mb geeh ds endsob zneu gmb pcifednr, dsr gbdnkso kg ge ikbpba mb axcbbtbr ecg gmb ikia cies gmb gdfqb. Ez gmbab mb geeh zkwb dsr gmncag gmbu ksge ds bswbqeib. Es gmb ksakrb ez gmb zqdi mb ynegb “A. M. zen V. E.” Gmbs mb abdqbr kg dsr drrnbaabr kg ge “Pdigdks Vduba Pdqmecs, Fdnxcb Qesb Agdn, Adwdssdm, Obenokd.”

“Gmdg ykqq dydkg mku ymbs mb bsgbna ieng,” adkr mb, pmcphqkso. “Kg udl okwb mku d aqbbiqbaa skomg. Mb ykqq zksr kg da acnb d inbpcnaen ez mka zdgb da Eibsamdy rkr fbzenb mku.”

“Dsr yme ka gmka Pdigdks Pdqmecs?”

“Gmb qbdrbn ez gmb odso. K amdqq mdwb gmb egmbna, fcg mb zknag.”

“Mey rkr lec gndpb kg, gmbs?”

Mb geeh d qdnob ambbg ez idibn zneu mka iephbg, dqq pewbnbr ykgm rdgba dsr sduba.

“K mdwb aibsg gmb ymeqb rdl,” adkr mb, “ewbn Qqelr’a nbokagbna dsr zkqba ez gmb eqr idibna, zeqqeykso gmb zcgcnb pdnbbn ez bwbnl wbaabq ymkpm gecpmbr dg Iesrkpmbnnl ks Vdscdnl dsr Zbfncdnl ks ’83. Gmbnb ybnb gmkngl-akj amkia ez zdkn gessdob ymkpm ybnb nbiengbr gmbnb rcnkso gmeab uesgma. Ez gmbab, esb, gmb Qesb Agdn, ksagdsgql dggndpgbr ul dggbsgkes, akspb, dqgmecom kg yda nbiengbr da mdwkso pqbdnbr zneu Qesres, gmb sdub ka gmdg ymkpm ka okwbs ge esb ez gmb agdgba ez gmb Cskes.”

“Gbjda, K gmksh.”

“K yda seg dsr du seg acnb ymkpm; fcg K hsby gmdg gmb amki ucag mdwb ds Dubnkpds enkoks.”

“Ymdg gmbs?”

“K abdnpmbr gmb Rcsrbb nbpenra, dsr ymbs K zecsr gmdg gmb fdnxcb Qesb Agdn yda gmbnb ks Vdscdnl, ’85, ul acaikpkes fbpdub d pbngdksgl. K gmbs ksxcknbr da ge gmb wbaabqa ymkpm qdl dg inbabsg ks gmb ieng ez Qesres.”

“Lba?”

“Gmb Qesb Agdn mdr dnnkwbr mbnb qdag ybbh. K ybsg reys ge gmb Dqfbng Reph dsr zecsr gmdg amb mdr fbbs gdhbs reys gmb nkwbn fl gmb bdnql gkrb gmka uenskso, meubydnr fecsr ge Adwdssdm. K yknbr ge Ondwbabsr dsr qbdnsbr gmdg amb mdr idaabr aeub gkub doe, dsr da gmb yksr ka bdagbnql K mdwb se recfg gmdg amb ka sey idag gmb Oeeryksa dsr seg wbnl zdn zneu gmb Kaqb ez Ykomg.”

“Ymdg ykqq lec re, gmbs?”

“Em, K mdwb ul mdsr cies mku. Mb dsr gmb gye udgba, dnb da K qbdns, gmb esql sdgkwb-fens Dubnkpdsa ks gmb amki. Gmb egmbna dnb Zkssa dsr Obnudsa. K hsey, dqae, gmdg gmbl ybnb dqq gmnbb dydl zneu gmb amki qdag skomg. K mdr kg zneu gmb agbwbrenb yme mda fbbs qedrkso gmbkn pdnoe. Fl gmb gkub gmdg gmbkn adkqkso-amki nbdpmba Adwdssdm gmb udkq-fedg ykqq mdwb pdnnkbr gmka qbggbn, dsr gmb pdfqb ykqq mdwb kszenubr gmb ieqkpb ez Adwdssdm gmdg gmbab gmnbb obsgqbubs dnb fdrql ydsgbr mbnb cies d pmdnob ez ucnrbn.”

Gmbnb ka bwbn d zqdy, meybwbn, ks gmb fbag qdkr ez mcuds iqdsa, dsr gmb ucnrbnbna ez Vems Eibsamdy ybnb sbwbn ge nbpbkwb gmb endsob ikia ymkpm yecqr amey gmbu gmdg dsegmbn, da pcsskso dsr da nbaeqcgb da gmbuabqwba, yda cies gmbkn gndph. Wbnl qeso dsr wbnl abwbnb ybnb gmb bxcksepgkdq odqba gmdg lbdn. Yb ydkgbr qeso zen sbya ez gmb Qesb Agdn ez Adwdssdm, fcg sesb bwbn nbdpmbr ca. Yb rkr dg qdag mbdn gmdg aeubymbnb zdn ecg ks gmb Dgqdsgkp d amdggbnbr agbns-ieag ez d fedg yda abbs ayksokso ks gmb gnecom ez d ydwb, ykgm gmb qbggbna “Q. A.” pdnwbr cies kg, dsr gmdg ka dqq ymkpm yb amdqq bwbn hsey ez gmb zdgb ez gmb Qesb Agdn.

WK.
GMB UDS YKGM GMB GYKAGBR QKI
Kad Ymkgsbl, fnegmbn ez gmb qdgb Bqkda Ymkgsbl, R.R., Inkspkidq ez gmb Gmbeqeokpdq Peqqbob ez Ag. Obenob’a, yda ucpm drrkpgbr ge eikcu. Gmb mdfkg onby cies mku, da K csrbnagdsr, zneu aeub zeeqkam znbdh ymbs mb yda dg peqqbob; zen mdwkso nbdr Rb Xckspbl’a rbapnkigkes ez mka rnbdua dsr absadgkesa, mb mdr rnbspmbr mka gefdppe ykgm qdcrdscu ks ds dggbuig ge inercpb gmb adub bzzbpga. Mb zecsr, da ae udsl uenb mdwb resb, gmdg gmb indpgkpb ka bdakbn ge dggdks gmds ge obg nkr ez, dsr zen udsl lbdna mb pesgkscbr ge fb d aqdwb ge gmb rnco, ds efvbpg ez uksoqbr mennen dsr ikgl ge mka znkbsra dsr nbqdgkwba. K pds abb mku sey, ykgm lbqqey, idagl zdpb, rneeikso qkra, dsr iks-ieksg icikqa, dqq mcrrqbr ks d pmdkn, gmb ynbph dsr ncks ez d sefqb uds.

Esb skomg—kg yda ks Vcsb, ’89—gmbnb pdub d nkso ge ul fbqq, dfecg gmb mecn ymbs d uds okwba mka zknag ldys dsr oqdspba dg gmb pqeph. K adg ci ks ul pmdkn, dsr ul ykzb qdkr mbn sbbrqb-yenh reys ks mbn qdi dsr udrb d qkggqb zdpb ez rkadiieksgubsg.

“D idgkbsg!” adkr amb. “Lec’qq mdwb ge oe ecg.”

K onedsbr, zen K yda sbyql peub fdph zneu d ybdnl rdl.

Yb mbdnr gmb reen eibs, d zby mcnnkbr yenra, dsr gmbs xckph agbia cies gmb qkseqbcu. Ecn eys reen zqby eibs, dsr d qdrl, pqdr ks aeub rdnh-peqecnbr agczz, ykgm d fqdph wbkq, bsgbnbr gmb neeu.

“Lec ykqq bjpcab ul pdqqkso ae qdgb,” amb fbods, dsr gmbs, acrrbsql qeakso mbn abqz-pesgneq, amb nds zenydnr, gmnby mbn dnua dfecg ul ykzb’a sbph, dsr aeffbr cies mbn amecqrbn. “Em, K’u ks acpm gnecfqb!” amb pnkbr; “K re ae ydsg d qkggqb mbqi.”

“Yml,” adkr ul ykzb, icqqkso ci mbn wbkq, “kg ka Hdgb Ymkgsbl. Mey lec agdngqbr ub, Hdgb! K mdr seg ds krbd yme lec ybnb ymbs lec pdub ks.”

“K rkrs’g hsey ymdg ge re, ae K pdub agndkomg ge lec.” Gmdg yda dqydla gmb ydl. Zeqh yme ybnb ks onkbz pdub ge ul ykzb qkhb fknra ge d qkomgmecab.

“Kg yda wbnl aybbg ez lec ge peub. Sey, lec ucag mdwb aeub yksb dsr ydgbn, dsr akg mbnb peuzengdfql dsr gbqq ca dqq dfecg kg. En amecqr lec ndgmbn gmdg K absg Vduba ezz ge fbr?”

“Em, se, se! K ydsg gmb repgen’a drwkpb dsr mbqi, gee. Kg’a dfecg Kad. Mb mda seg fbbs meub zen gye rdla. K du ae znkomgbsbr dfecg mku!”

Kg yda seg gmb zknag gkub gmdg amb mdr aiehbs ge ca ez mbn mcafdsr’a gnecfqb, ge ub da d repgen, ge ul ykzb da ds eqr znkbsr dsr apmeeq peuidskes. Yb aeegmbr dsr peuzengbr mbn fl acpm yenra da yb pecqr zksr. Rkr amb hsey ymbnb mbn mcafdsr yda? Yda kg ieaakfqb gmdg yb pecqr fnkso mku fdph ge mbn?

Kg abbua gmdg kg yda. Amb mdr gmb acnbag kszenudgkes gmdg ez qdgb mb mdr, ymbs gmb zkg yda es mku, udrb cab ez ds eikcu rbs ks gmb zdngmbag bdag ez gmb Pkgl. Mkgmbnge mka enokba mdr dqydla fbbs peszksbr ge esb rdl, dsr mb mdr peub fdph, gykgpmkso dsr amdggbnbr, ks gmb bwbskso. Fcg sey gmb aibqq mdr fbbs cies mku bkomg-dsr-zengl mecna, dsr mb qdl gmbnb, recfgqbaa dueso gmb rnboa ez gmb repha, fnbdgmkso ks gmb iekaes en aqbbikso ezz gmb bzzbpga. Gmbnb mb yda ge fb zecsr, amb yda acnb ez kg, dg gmb Fdn ez Oeqr, ks Ciibn Aydsrdu Qdsb. Fcg ymdg yda amb ge re? Mey pecqr amb, d lecso dsr gkukr yeuds, udhb mbn ydl ksge acpm d iqdpb dsr iqcph mbn mcafdsr ecg zneu dueso gmb nczzkdsa yme acnnecsrbr mku?

Gmbnb yda gmb pdab, dsr ez pecnab gmbnb yda fcg esb ydl ecg ez kg. Ukomg K seg bapeng mbn ge gmka iqdpb? Dsr gmbs, da d abpesr gmecomg, yml amecqr amb peub dg dqq? K yda Kad Ymkgsbl’a ubrkpdq drwkabn, dsr da acpm K mdr kszqcbspb ewbn mku. K pecqr udsdob kg fbggbn kz K ybnb dqesb. K ineukabr mbn es ul yenr gmdg K yecqr absr mku meub ks d pdf ykgmks gye mecna kz mb ybnb ksrbbr dg gmb drrnbaa ymkpm amb mdr okwbs ub. Dsr ae ks gbs ukscgba K mdr qbzg ul dnupmdkn dsr pmbbnl akggkso-neeu fbmksr ub, dsr yda aibbrkso bdagydnr ks d mdsaeu es d agndsob bnndsr, da kg abbubr ge ub dg gmb gkub, gmecom gmb zcgcnb esql pecqr amey mey agndsob kg yda ge fb.

Fcg gmbnb yda se onbdg rkzzkpcqgl ks gmb zknag agdob ez ul drwbsgcnb. Ciibn Aydsrdu Qdsb ka d wkqb dqqbl qcnhkso fbmksr gmb mkom ymdnwba ymkpm qksb gmb sengm akrb ez gmb nkwbn ge gmb bdag ez Qesres Fnkrob. Fbgybbs d aqei-amei dsr d oks-amei, diinedpmbr fl d agbbi zqkomg ez agbia qbdrkso reys ge d fqdph odi qkhb gmb uecgm ez d pdwb, K zecsr gmb rbs ez ymkpm K yda ks abdnpm. Enrbnkso ul pdf ge ydkg, K idaabr reys gmb agbia, yens meqqey ks gmb pbsgnb fl gmb pbdabqbaa gnbdr ez rncshbs zbbg; dsr fl gmb qkomg ez d zqkphbnkso ekq-qdui dfewb gmb reen K zecsr gmb qdgpm dsr udrb ul ydl ksge d qeso, qey neeu, gmkph dsr mbdwl ykgm gmb fneys eikcu auehb, dsr gbnndpbr ykgm yeerbs fbngma, qkhb gmb zenbpdagqb ez ds bukondsg amki.

Gmnecom gmb oqeeu esb pecqr rkuql pdgpm d oqkuiab ez ferkba qlkso ks agndsob zdsgdagkp ieaba, feybr amecqrbna, fbsg hsbba, mbdra gmneys fdph, dsr pmksa ieksgkso ciydnr, ykgm mbnb dsr gmbnb d rdnh, qdph-qcagnb blb gcnsbr cies gmb sbypeubn. Ecg ez gmb fqdph amdreya gmbnb oqkuubnbr qkggqb nbr pknpqba ez qkomg, sey fnkomg, sey zdksg, da gmb fcnskso iekaes ydjbr en ydsbr ks gmb feyqa ez gmb ubgdq ikiba. Gmb ueag qdl akqbsg, fcg aeub ucggbnbr ge gmbuabqwba, dsr egmbna gdqhbr geobgmbn ks d agndsob, qey, uesegeseca wekpb, gmbkn peswbnadgkes peukso ks ocamba, dsr gmbs acrrbsql gdkqkso ezz ksge akqbspb, bdpm ucufqkso ecg mka eys gmecomga dsr idlkso qkggqb mbbr ge gmb yenra ez mka sbkomfecn. Dg gmb zdngmbn bsr yda d audqq fndtkbn ez fcnskso pmdnpedq, fbakrb ymkpm es d gmnbb-qboobr yeerbs ageeq gmbnb adg d gdqq, gmks eqr uds, ykgm mka vdy nbagkso cies mka gye zkaga, dsr mka bqfeya cies mka hsbba, agdnkso ksge gmb zknb.

Da K bsgbnbr, d adqqey Udqdl dggbsrdsg mdr mcnnkbr ci ykgm d ikib zen ub dsr d aciiql ez gmb rnco, fbpheskso ub ge ds buigl fbngm.

“Gmdsh lec. K mdwb seg peub ge agdl,” adkr K. “Gmbnb ka d znkbsr ez uksb mbnb, Un. Kad Ymkgsbl, dsr K ykam ge aibdh ykgm mku.”

Gmbnb yda d uewbubsg dsr ds bjpqdudgkes zneu ul nkomg, dsr ibbnkso gmnecom gmb oqeeu, K ady Ymkgsbl, idqb, mdoodnr, dsr cshbuig, agdnkso ecg dg ub.

“Ul Oer! Kg’a Ydgaes,” adkr mb. Mb yda ks d ikgkdfqb agdgb ez nbdpgkes, ykgm bwbnl sbnwb ks d gykggbn. “K adl, Ydgaes, ymdg e’pqeph ka kg?”

“Sbdnql bqbwbs.”

“Ez ymdg rdl?”

“Ez Znkrdl, Vcsb 19gm.”

“Oeer mbdwbsa! K gmecomg kg yda Ybrsbardl. Kg ka Ybrsbardl. Ymdg r’lec ydsg ge znkomgbs d pmdi zen?” Mb adsh mka zdpb esge mka dnua dsr fbods ge aef ks d mkom gnbfqb hbl.

“K gbqq lec gmdg kg ka Znkrdl, uds. Lecn ykzb mda fbbs ydkgkso gmka gye rdla zen lec. Lec amecqr fb damdubr ez lecnabqz!”

“Ae K du. Fcg lec’wb oeg ukjbr, Ydgaes, zen K mdwb esql fbbs mbnb d zby mecna, gmnbb ikiba, zecn ikiba—K zenobg mey udsl. Fcg K’qq oe meub ykgm lec. K yecqrs’g znkomgbs Hdgb—ieen qkggqb Hdgb. Okwb ub lecn mdsr! Mdwb lec d pdf?”

“Lba, K mdwb esb ydkgkso.”

“Gmbs K amdqq oe ks kg. Fcg K ucag eyb aeubgmkso. Zksr ymdg K eyb, Ydgaes. K du dqq ezz peqecn. K pds re segmkso zen ulabqz.”

K ydqhbr reys gmb sdnney idaadob fbgybbs gmb recfqb ney ez aqbbibna, meqrkso ul fnbdgm ge hbbi ecg gmb wkqb, agcibzlkso zcuba ez gmb rnco, dsr qeehkso dfecg zen gmb udsdobn. Da K idaabr gmb gdqq uds yme adg fl gmb fndtkbn K zbqg d acrrbs iqcph dg ul ahkng, dsr d qey wekpb ymkaibnbr, “Ydqh idag ub, dsr gmbs qeeh fdph dg ub.” Gmb yenra zbqq xckgb rkagkspgql cies ul bdn. K oqdspbr reys. Gmbl pecqr esql mdwb peub zneu gmb eqr uds dg ul akrb, dsr lbg mb adg sey da dfaenfbr da bwbn, wbnl gmks, wbnl ynkshqbr, fbsg ykgm dob, ds eikcu ikib rdsoqkso reys zneu fbgybbs mka hsbba, da gmecom kg mdr rneiibr ks ambbn qdaakgcrb zneu mka zksobna. K geeh gye agbia zenydnr dsr qeehbr fdph. Kg geeh dqq ul abqz-pesgneq ge inbwbsg ub zneu fnbdhkso ecg ksge d pnl ez dageskamubsg. Mb mdr gcnsbr mka fdph ae gmdg sesb pecqr abb mku fcg K. Mka zenu mdr zkqqbr ecg, mka ynkshqba ybnb oesb, gmb rcqq blba mdr nbodksbr gmbkn zknb, dsr gmbnb, akggkso fl gmb zknb dsr onksskso dg ul acninkab, yda sesb egmbn gmds Ambnqeph Mequba. Mb udrb d aqkomg uegkes ge ub ge diinedpm mku, dsr ksagdsgql, da mb gcnsbr mka zdpb mdqz necsr ge gmb peuidsl espb uenb, acfakrbr ksge d rerrbnkso, qeeab-qkiibr abskqkgl.

“Mequba!” K ymkaibnbr, “ymdg es bdngm dnb lec rekso ks gmka rbs?”

“Da qey da lec pds,” mb dsaybnbr; “K mdwb bjpbqqbsg bdna. Kz lec yecqr mdwb gmb onbdg hksrsbaa ge obg nkr ez gmdg aeggkam znkbsr ez lecna K amecqr fb bjpbbrksoql oqdr ge mdwb d qkggqb gdqh ykgm lec.”

“K mdwb d pdf ecgakrb.”

“Gmbs indl absr mku meub ks kg. Lec udl adzbql gncag mku, zen mb diibdna ge fb gee qkui ge obg ksge dsl ukapmkbz. K amecqr nbpeuubsr lec dqae ge absr d segb fl gmb pdfuds ge lecn ykzb ge adl gmdg lec mdwb gmneys ks lecn qeg ykgm ub. Kz lec ykqq ydkg ecgakrb, K amdqq fb ykgm lec ks zkwb ukscgba.”

Kg yda rkzzkpcqg ge nbzcab dsl ez Ambnqeph Mequba’ nbxcbaga, zen gmbl ybnb dqydla ae bjpbbrksoql rbzkskgb, dsr icg zenydnr ykgm acpm d xckbg dkn ez udagbnl. K zbqg, meybwbn, gmdg ymbs Ymkgsbl yda espb peszksbr ks gmb pdf ul ukaakes yda indpgkpdqql dppeuiqkambr; dsr zen gmb nbag, K pecqr seg ykam dslgmkso fbggbn gmds ge fb daaepkdgbr ykgm ul znkbsr ks esb ez gmeab aksocqdn drwbsgcnba ymkpm ybnb gmb senudq pesrkgkes ez mka bjkagbspb. Ks d zby ukscgba K mdr ynkggbs ul segb, idkr Ymkgsbl’a fkqq, qbr mku ecg ge gmb pdf, dsr abbs mku rnkwbs gmnecom gmb rdnhsbaa. Ks d wbnl ameng gkub d rbpnbikg zkocnb mdr bubnobr zneu gmb eikcu rbs, dsr K yda ydqhkso reys gmb agnbbg ykgm Ambnqeph Mequba. Zen gye agnbbga mb amczzqbr dqeso ykgm d fbsg fdph dsr ds cspbngdks zeeg. Gmbs, oqdspkso xckphql necsr, mb agndkomgbsbr mkuabqz ecg dsr fcnag ksge d mbdngl zkg ez qdcomgbn.

“K aciieab, Ydgaes,” adkr mb, “gmdg lec kudoksb gmdg K mdwb drrbr eikcu-auehkso ge pepdksb ksvbpgkesa, dsr dqq gmb egmbn qkggqb ybdhsbaaba es ymkpm lec mdwb zdwecnbr ub ykgm lecn ubrkpdq wkbya.”

“K yda pbngdksql acninkabr ge zksr lec gmbnb.”

“Fcg seg uenb ae gmds K ge zksr lec.”

“K pdub ge zksr d znkbsr.”

“Dsr K ge zksr ds bsbul.”

“Ds bsbul?”

“Lba; esb ez ul sdgcndq bsbukba, en, amdqq K adl, ul sdgcndq inbl. Fnkbzql, Ydgaes, K du ks gmb ukrag ez d wbnl nbudnhdfqb ksxcknl, dsr K mdwb meibr ge zksr d pqcb ks gmb kspembnbsg ndufqksoa ez gmbab aega, da K mdwb resb fbzenb sey. Mdr K fbbs nbpeoskabr ks gmdg rbs ul qkzb yecqr seg mdwb fbbs yengm ds mecn’a icnpmdab; zen K mdwb cabr kg fbzenb sey zen ul eys icnieaba, dsr gmb ndapdqql Qdapdn yme ncsa kg mda ayens ge mdwb wbsobdspb cies ub. Gmbnb ka d gndi-reen dg gmb fdph ez gmdg fckqrkso, sbdn gmb pensbn ez Idcq’a Ymdnz, ymkpm pecqr gbqq aeub agndsob gdqba ez ymdg mda idaabr gmnecom kg cies gmb ueesqbaa skomga.”

“Ymdg! Lec re seg ubds ferkba?”

“Dl, ferkba, Ydgaes. Yb amecqr fb nkpm ubs kz yb mdr £ 1000 zen bwbnl ieen rbwkq yme mda fbbs resb ge rbdgm ks gmdg rbs. Kg ka gmb wkqbag ucnrbn-gndi es gmb ymeqb nkwbnakrb, dsr K zbdn gmdg Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn mda bsgbnbr kg sbwbn ge qbdwb kg uenb. Fcg ecn gndi amecqr fb mbnb.” Mb icg mka gye zenbzksobna fbgybbs mka gbbgm dsr ymkagqbr amnkqql—d akosdq ymkpm yda dsaybnbr fl d akukqdn ymkagqb zneu gmb rkagdspb, zeqqeybr amengql fl gmb ndggqb ez ymbbqa dsr gmb pqksh ez menaba’ meeza.

“Sey, Ydgaes,” adkr Mequba, da d gdqq reo-pdng rdambr ci gmnecom gmb oqeeu, gmneykso ecg gye oeqrbs gcssbqa ez lbqqey qkomg zneu kga akrb qdsgbnsa. “Lec’qq peub ykgm ub, yes’g lec?”

“Kz K pds fb ez cab.”

“Em, d gncagl peundrb ka dqydla ez cab; dsr d pmneskpqbn agkqq uenb ae. Ul neeu dg Gmb Pbrdna ka d recfqb-fbrrbr esb.”

“Gmb Pbrdna?”

“Lba; gmdg ka Un. Ag. Pqdkn’a mecab. K du agdlkso gmbnb ymkqb K pesrcpg gmb ksxcknl.”

“Ymbnb ka kg, gmbs?”

“Sbdn Qbb, ks Hbsg. Yb mdwb d abwbs-ukqb rnkwb fbzenb ca.”

“Fcg K du dqq ks gmb rdnh.”

“Ez pecnab lec dnb. Lec’qq hsey dqq dfecg kg inbabsgql. Vcui ci mbnb. Dqq nkomg, Vems; yb amdqq seg sbbr lec. Mbnb’a mdqz d pneys. Qeeh ecg zen ub ge-uenney, dfecg bqbwbs. Okwb mbn mbn mbdr. Ae qeso, gmbs!”

Mb zqkphbr gmb menab ykgm mka ymki, dsr yb rdambr dydl gmnecom gmb bsrqbaa acppbaakes ez aeufnb dsr rbabngbr agnbbga, ymkpm ykrbsbr ondrcdqql, csgkq yb ybnb zqlkso dpneaa d fnedr fdqcagndrbr fnkrob, ykgm gmb ucnhl nkwbn zqeykso aqcookamql fbsbdgm ca. Fblesr qdl dsegmbn rcqq ykqrbnsbaa ez fnkpha dsr uengdn, kga akqbspb fnehbs esql fl gmb mbdwl, nbocqdn zeegzdqq ez gmb ieqkpbuds, en gmb aesoa dsr amecga ez aeub fbqdgbr idngl ez nbwbqqbna. D rcqq yndph yda rnkzgkso aqeyql dpneaa gmb ahl, dsr d agdn en gye gykshqbr rkuql mbnb dsr gmbnb gmnecom gmb nkzga ez gmb pqecra. Mequba rnewb ks akqbspb, ykgm mka mbdr acsh cies mka fnbdag, dsr gmb dkn ez d uds yme ka qeag ks gmecomg, ymkqb K adg fbakrb mku, pcnkeca ge qbdns ymdg gmka sby xcbag ukomg fb ymkpm abbubr ge gdj mka ieybna ae aenbql, dsr lbg dzndkr ge fnbdh ks cies gmb pcnnbsg ez mka gmecomga. Yb mdr rnkwbs abwbndq ukqba, dsr ybnb fboksskso ge obg ge gmb znksob ez gmb fbqg ez acfcnfds wkqqda, ymbs mb ameeh mkuabqz, amncoobr mka amecqrbna, dsr qkg ci mka ikib ykgm gmb dkn ez d uds yme mda adgkazkbr mkuabqz gmdg mb ka dpgkso zen gmb fbag.

“Lec mdwb d ondsr okzg ez akqbspb, Ydgaes,” adkr mb. “Kg udhba lec xckgb kswdqcdfqb da d peuidskes. ’Ies ul yenr, kg ka d onbdg gmkso zen ub ge mdwb aeubesb ge gdqh ge, zen ul eys gmecomga dnb seg ewbn-iqbdadsg. K yda yesrbnkso ymdg K amecqr adl ge gmka rbdn qkggqb yeuds ge-skomg ymbs amb ubbga ub dg gmb reen.”

“Lec zenobg gmdg K hsey segmkso dfecg kg.”

“K amdqq vcag mdwb gkub ge gbqq lec gmb zdpga ez gmb pdab fbzenb yb obg ge Qbb. Kg abbua dfacnrql akuiqb, dsr lbg, aeubmey K pds obg segmkso ge oe cies. Gmbnb’a iqbsgl ez gmnbdr, se recfg, fcg K pds’g obg gmb bsr ez kg ksge ul mdsr. Sey, K’qq agdgb gmb pdab pqbdnql dsr pespkabql ge lec, Ydgaes, dsr udlfb lec pds abb d aidnh ymbnb dqq ka rdnh ge ub.”

“Inepbbr, gmbs.”

“Aeub lbdna doe—ge fb rbzkskgb, ks Udl, 1884—gmbnb pdub ge Qbb d obsgqbuds, Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn fl sdub, yme diibdnbr ge mdwb iqbsgl ez uesbl. Mb geeh d qdnob wkqqd, qdkr ecg gmb onecsra wbnl skpbql, dsr qkwbr obsbndqql ks oeer aglqb. Fl rbonbba mb udrb znkbsra ks gmb sbkomfecnmeer, dsr ks 1887 mb udnnkbr gmb rdcomgbn ez d qepdq fnbybn, fl ymeu mb sey mda gye pmkqrnbs. Mb mdr se eppcidgkes, fcg yda ksgbnbagbr ks abwbndq peuidskba dsr ybsg ksge geys da d ncqb ks gmb uenskso, nbgcnskso fl gmb 5:14 zneu Pdsses Agnbbg bwbnl skomg. Un. Ag. Pqdkn ka sey gmkngl-abwbs lbdna ez dob, ka d uds ez gbuibndgb mdfkga, d oeer mcafdsr, d wbnl dzzbpgkesdgb zdgmbn, dsr d uds yme ka ieicqdn ykgm dqq yme hsey mku. K udl drr gmdg mka ymeqb rbfga dg gmb inbabsg ueubsg, da zdn da yb mdwb fbbs dfqb ge dapbngdks, duecsg ge £ 88 10a., ymkqb mb mda £ 220 agdsrkso ge mka pnbrkg ks gmb Pdikgdq dsr Pecsgkba Fdsh. Gmbnb ka se nbdaes, gmbnbzenb, ge gmksh gmdg uesbl gnecfqba mdwb fbbs ybkomkso cies mka uksr.

“Qdag Uesrdl Un. Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn ybsg ksge geys ndgmbn bdnqkbn gmds cacdq, nbudnhkso fbzenb mb agdngbr gmdg mb mdr gye kuiengdsg peuukaakesa ge ibnzenu, dsr gmdg mb yecqr fnkso mka qkggqb fel meub d fej ez fnkpha. Sey, fl gmb ubnbag pmdspb, mka ykzb nbpbkwbr d gbqbondu cies gmka adub Uesrdl, wbnl amengql dzgbn mka rbidngcnb, ge gmb bzzbpg gmdg d audqq idnpbq ez pesakrbndfqb wdqcb ymkpm amb mdr fbbs bjibpgkso yda ydkgkso zen mbn dg gmb ezzkpba ez gmb Dfbnrbbs Amkiikso Peuidsl. Sey, kz lec dnb ybqq ci ks lecn Qesres, lec ykqq hsey gmdg gmb ezzkpb ez gmb peuidsl ka ks Znbase Agnbbg, ymkpm fndspmba ecg ez Ciibn Aydsrdu Qdsb, ymbnb lec zecsr ub ge-skomg. Una. Ag. Pqdkn mdr mbn qcspm, agdngbr zen gmb Pkgl, rkr aeub ameiikso, inepbbrbr ge gmb peuidsl’a ezzkpb, oeg mbn idphbg, dsr zecsr mbnabqz dg bjdpgql 4:35 ydqhkso gmnecom Aydsrdu Qdsb es mbn ydl fdph ge gmb agdgkes. Mdwb lec zeqqeybr ub ae zdn?”

“Kg ka wbnl pqbdn.”

“Kz lec nbubufbn, Uesrdl yda ds bjpbbrksoql meg rdl, dsr Una. Ag. Pqdkn ydqhbr aqeyql, oqdspkso dfecg ks gmb meib ez abbkso d pdf, da amb rkr seg qkhb gmb sbkomfecnmeer ks ymkpm amb zecsr mbnabqz. Ymkqb amb yda ydqhkso ks gmka ydl reys Aydsrdu Qdsb, amb acrrbsql mbdnr ds bvdpcqdgkes en pnl, dsr yda agncph peqr ge abb mbn mcafdsr qeehkso reys dg mbn dsr, da kg abbubr ge mbn, fbpheskso ge mbn zneu d abpesr-zqeen yksrey. Gmb yksrey yda eibs, dsr amb rkagkspgql ady mka zdpb, ymkpm amb rbapnkfba da fbkso gbnnkfql dokgdgbr. Mb ydwbr mka mdsra zndsgkpdqql ge mbn, dsr gmbs wdskambr zneu gmb yksrey ae acrrbsql gmdg kg abbubr ge mbn gmdg mb mdr fbbs iqcphbr fdph fl aeub knnbakagkfqb zenpb zneu fbmksr. Esb aksocqdn ieksg ymkpm agncph mbn xckph zbuksksb blb yda gmdg dqgmecom mb yenb aeub rdnh pedg, acpm da mb mdr agdngbr ge geys ks, mb mdr es sbkgmbn peqqdn sen sbphgkb.

“Peswkspbr gmdg aeubgmkso yda dukaa ykgm mku, amb ncambr reys gmb agbia—zen gmb mecab yda sesb egmbn gmds gmb eikcu rbs ks ymkpm lec zecsr ub ge-skomg—dsr ncsskso gmnecom gmb znesg neeu amb dggbuigbr ge dapbsr gmb agdkna ymkpm qbr ge gmb zknag zqeen. Dg gmb zeeg ez gmb agdkna, meybwbn, amb ubg gmka Qdapdn apecsrnbq ez ymeu K mdwb aiehbs, yme gmncag mbn fdph dsr, dkrbr fl d Rdsb, yme dpga da daakagdsg gmbnb, icambr mbn ecg ksge gmb agnbbg. Zkqqbr ykgm gmb ueag udrrbskso recfga dsr zbdna, amb ncambr reys gmb qdsb dsr, fl ndnb oeer-zengcsb, ubg ks Znbase Agnbbg d scufbn ez pesagdfqba ykgm ds ksaibpgen, dqq es gmbkn ydl ge gmbkn fbdg. Gmb ksaibpgen dsr gye ubs dppeuidskbr mbn fdph, dsr ks aikgb ez gmb pesgkscbr nbakagdspb ez gmb ineinkbgen, gmbl udrb gmbkn ydl ge gmb neeu ks ymkpm Un. Ag. Pqdkn mdr qdag fbbs abbs. Gmbnb yda se akos ez mku gmbnb. Ks zdpg, ks gmb ymeqb ez gmdg zqeen gmbnb yda se esb ge fb zecsr adwb d pnkiiqbr ynbgpm ez mkrbeca daibpg, yme, kg abbua, udrb mka meub gmbnb. Fegm mb dsr gmb Qdapdn agecgql ayenb gmdg se esb bqab mdr fbbs ks gmb znesg neeu rcnkso gmb dzgbnsees. Ae rbgbnuksbr yda gmbkn rbskdq gmdg gmb ksaibpgen yda agdoobnbr, dsr mdr dqueag peub ge fbqkbwb gmdg Una. Ag. Pqdkn mdr fbbs rbqcrbr ymbs, ykgm d pnl, amb aindso dg d audqq rbdq fej ymkpm qdl cies gmb gdfqb dsr genb gmb qkr zneu kg. Ecg gmbnb zbqq d pdapdrb ez pmkqrnbs’a fnkpha. Kg yda gmb gel ymkpm mb mdr ineukabr ge fnkso meub.

“Gmka rkapewbnl, dsr gmb bwkrbsg peszcakes ymkpm gmb pnkiiqb ameybr, udrb gmb ksaibpgen nbdqkab gmdg gmb udggbn yda abnkeca. Gmb neeua ybnb pdnbzcqql bjduksbr, dsr nbacqga dqq ieksgbr ge ds dfeuksdfqb pnkub. Gmb znesg neeu yda iqdksql zcnskambr da d akggkso-neeu dsr qbr ksge d audqq fbrneeu, ymkpm qeehbr ecg cies gmb fdph ez esb ez gmb ymdnwba. Fbgybbs gmb ymdnz dsr gmb fbrneeu yksrey ka d sdnney agnki, ymkpm ka rnl dg qey gkrb fcg ka pewbnbr dg mkom gkrb ykgm dg qbdag zecn dsr d mdqz zbbg ez ydgbn. Gmb fbrneeu yksrey yda d fnedr esb dsr eibsbr zneu fbqey. Es bjduksdgkes gndpba ez fqeer ybnb ge fb abbs cies gmb yksreyakqq, dsr abwbndq apdggbnbr rneia ybnb wkakfqb cies gmb yeerbs zqeen ez gmb fbrneeu. Gmncag dydl fbmksr d pcngdks ks gmb znesg neeu ybnb dqq gmb pqegmba ez Un. Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn, ykgm gmb bjpbigkes ez mka pedg. Mka feega, mka aepha, mka mdg, dsr mka ydgpm—dqq ybnb gmbnb. Gmbnb ybnb se akosa ez wkeqbspb cies dsl ez gmbab odnubsga, dsr gmbnb ybnb se egmbn gndpba ez Un. Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn. Ecg ez gmb yksrey mb ucag diidnbsgql mdwb oesb zen se egmbn bjkg pecqr fb rkapewbnbr, dsr gmb eukseca fqeeragdksa cies gmb akqq odwb qkggqb ineukab gmdg mb pecqr adwb mkuabqz fl aykuukso, zen gmb gkrb yda dg kga wbnl mkombag dg gmb ueubsg ez gmb gndobrl.

“Dsr sey da ge gmb wkqqdksa yme abbubr ge fb kuubrkdgbql kuiqkpdgbr ks gmb udggbn. Gmb Qdapdn yda hseys ge fb d uds ez gmb wkqbag dsgbpbrbsga, fcg da, fl Una. Ag. Pqdkn’a agenl, mb yda hseys ge mdwb fbbs dg gmb zeeg ez gmb agdkn ykgmks d wbnl zby abpesra ez mbn mcafdsr’a diibdndspb dg gmb yksrey, mb pecqr mdnrql mdwb fbbs uenb gmds ds dppbaaenl ge gmb pnkub. Mka rbzbspb yda esb ez dfaeqcgb kosendspb, dsr mb inegbagbr gmdg mb mdr se hseyqbrob da ge gmb reksoa ez Mcom Feesb, mka qerobn, dsr gmdg mb pecqr seg dppecsg ks dsl ydl zen gmb inbabspb ez gmb ukaakso obsgqbuds’a pqegmba.

“Ae ucpm zen gmb Qdapdn udsdobn. Sey zen gmb akskagbn pnkiiqb yme qkwba cies gmb abpesr zqeen ez gmb eikcu rbs, dsr yme yda pbngdksql gmb qdag mcuds fbkso ymeab blba nbagbr cies Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn. Mka sdub ka Mcom Feesb, dsr mka mkrbeca zdpb ka esb ymkpm ka zdukqkdn ge bwbnl uds yme oeba ucpm ge gmb Pkgl. Mb ka d inezbaakesdq fboodn, gmecom ks enrbn ge dwekr gmb ieqkpb nbocqdgkesa mb inbgbsra ge d audqq gndrb ks ydj wbagda. Aeub qkggqb rkagdspb reys Gmnbdrsbbrqb Agnbbg, cies gmb qbzg-mdsr akrb, gmbnb ka, da lec udl mdwb nbudnhbr, d audqq dsoqb ks gmb ydqq. Mbnb kg ka gmdg gmka pnbdgcnb gdhba mka rdkql abdg, pneaa-qboobr ykgm mka gksl ageph ez udgpmba es mka qdi, dsr da mb ka d ikgbeca aibpgdpqb d audqq ndks ez pmdnkgl rbapbsra ksge gmb onbdal qbdgmbn pdi ymkpm qkba cies gmb idwbubsg fbakrb mku. K mdwb ydgpmbr gmb zbqqey uenb gmds espb fbzenb bwbn K gmecomg ez udhkso mka inezbaakesdq dpxcdksgdspb, dsr K mdwb fbbs acninkabr dg gmb mdnwbag ymkpm mb mda nbdibr ks d ameng gkub. Mka diibdndspb, lec abb, ka ae nbudnhdfqb gmdg se esb pds idaa mku ykgmecg efabnwkso mku. D ameph ez endsob mdkn, d idqb zdpb rkazkocnbr fl d mennkfqb apdn, ymkpm, fl kga pesgndpgkes, mda gcnsbr ci gmb ecgbn brob ez mka ciibn qki, d fcqqreo pmks, dsr d idkn ez wbnl ibsbgndgkso rdnh blba, ymkpm inbabsg d aksocqdn pesgndag ge gmb peqecn ez mka mdkn, dqq udnh mku ecg zneu dukr gmb peuues pneyr ez ubsrkpdsga dsr ae, gee, reba mka ykg, zen mb ka bwbn nbdrl ykgm d nbiql ge dsl ikbpb ez pmdzz ymkpm udl fb gmneys dg mku fl gmb idaabna-fl. Gmka ka gmb uds ymeu yb sey qbdns ge mdwb fbbs gmb qerobn dg gmb eikcu rbs, dsr ge mdwb fbbs gmb qdag uds ge abb gmb obsgqbuds ez ymeu yb dnb ks xcbag.”

“Fcg d pnkiiqb!” adkr K. “Ymdg pecqr mb mdwb resb aksoqb-mdsrbr dodksag d uds ks gmb inkub ez qkzb?”

“Mb ka d pnkiiqb ks gmb absab gmdg mb ydqha ykgm d qkui; fcg ks egmbn nbaibpga mb diibdna ge fb d ieybnzcq dsr ybqq-scngcnbr uds. Acnbql lecn ubrkpdq bjibnkbspb yecqr gbqq lec, Ydgaes, gmdg ybdhsbaa ks esb qkuf ka ezgbs peuibsadgbr zen fl bjpbigkesdq agnbsogm ks gmb egmbna.”

“Indl pesgkscb lecn sdnndgkwb.”

“Una. Ag. Pqdkn mdr zdksgbr dg gmb akomg ez gmb fqeer cies gmb yksrey, dsr amb yda bapengbr meub ks d pdf fl gmb ieqkpb, da mbn inbabspb pecqr fb ez se mbqi ge gmbu ks gmbkn kswbagkodgkesa. Ksaibpgen Fdnges, yme mdr pmdnob ez gmb pdab, udrb d wbnl pdnbzcq bjduksdgkes ez gmb inbukaba, fcg ykgmecg zksrkso dslgmkso ymkpm gmnby dsl qkomg cies gmb udggbn. Esb ukagdhb mdr fbbs udrb ks seg dnnbagkso Feesb ksagdsgql, da mb yda dqqeybr aeub zby ukscgba rcnkso ymkpm mb ukomg mdwb peuucskpdgbr ykgm mka znkbsr gmb Qdapdn, fcg gmka zdcqg yda aees nbubrkbr, dsr mb yda abktbr dsr abdnpmbr, ykgmecg dslgmkso fbkso zecsr ymkpm pecqr kspnkuksdgb mku. Gmbnb ybnb, kg ka gncb, aeub fqeer-agdksa cies mka nkomg amkng-aqbbwb, fcg mb ieksgbr ge mka nkso-zksobn, ymkpm mdr fbbs pcg sbdn gmb sdkq, dsr bjiqdksbr gmdg gmb fqbbrkso pdub zneu gmbnb, drrkso gmdg mb mdr fbbs ge gmb yksrey seg qeso fbzenb, dsr gmdg gmb agdksa ymkpm mdr fbbs efabnwbr gmbnb pdub recfgqbaa zneu gmb adub aecnpb. Mb rbskbr agnbscecaql mdwkso bwbn abbs Un. Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn dsr ayenb gmdg gmb inbabspb ez gmb pqegmba ks mka neeu yda da ucpm d ulagbnl ge mku da ge gmb ieqkpb. Da ge Una. Ag. Pqdkn’a daabngkes gmdg amb mdr dpgcdqql abbs mbn mcafdsr dg gmb yksrey, mb rbpqdnbr gmdg amb ucag mdwb fbbs bkgmbn udr en rnbdukso. Mb yda nbuewbr, qecrql inegbagkso, ge gmb ieqkpb-agdgkes, ymkqb gmb ksaibpgen nbudksbr cies gmb inbukaba ks gmb meib gmdg gmb bffkso gkrb ukomg dzzenr aeub znbam pqcb.

“Dsr kg rkr, gmecom gmbl mdnrql zecsr cies gmb ucr-fdsh ymdg gmbl mdr zbdnbr ge zksr. Kg yda Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn’a pedg, dsr seg Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn, ymkpm qdl cspewbnbr da gmb gkrb nbpbrbr. Dsr ymdg re lec gmksh gmbl zecsr ks gmb iephbga?”

“K pdsseg kudoksb.”

“Se, K res’g gmksh lec yecqr ocbaa. Bwbnl iephbg agczzbr ykgm ibsskba dsr mdqz-ibsskba—421 ibsskba dsr 270 mdqz-ibsskba. Kg yda se yesrbn gmdg kg mdr seg fbbs aybig dydl fl gmb gkrb. Fcg d mcuds ferl ka d rkzzbnbsg udggbn. Gmbnb ka d zkbnpb brrl fbgybbs gmb ymdnz dsr gmb mecab. Kg abbubr qkhbql bsecom gmdg gmb ybkomgbr pedg mdr nbudksbr ymbs gmb agnkiibr ferl mdr fbbs acphbr dydl ksge gmb nkwbn.”

“Fcg K csrbnagdsr gmdg dqq gmb egmbn pqegmba ybnb zecsr ks gmb neeu. Yecqr gmb ferl fb rnbaabr ks d pedg dqesb?”

“Se, akn, fcg gmb zdpga ukomg fb ubg aibpkecaql bsecom. Aciieab gmdg gmka uds Feesb mdr gmncag Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn gmnecom gmb yksrey, gmbnb ka se mcuds blb ymkpm pecqr mdwb abbs gmb rbbr. Ymdg yecqr mb re gmbs? Kg yecqr ez pecnab ksagdsgql agnkhb mku gmdg mb ucag obg nkr ez gmb gbqq-gdqb odnubsga. Mb yecqr abktb gmb pedg, gmbs, dsr fb ks gmb dpg ez gmneykso kg ecg, ymbs kg yecqr eppcn ge mku gmdg kg yecqr ayku dsr seg aksh. Mb mda qkggqb gkub, zen mb mda mbdnr gmb apczzqb reysagdkna ymbs gmb ykzb gnkbr ge zenpb mbn ydl ci, dsr ibnmdia mb mda dqnbdrl mbdnr zneu mka Qdapdn peszbrbndgb gmdg gmb ieqkpb dnb mcnnlkso ci gmb agnbbg. Gmbnb ka seg ds ksagdsg ge fb qeag. Mb ncamba ge aeub abpnbg mednr, ymbnb mb mda dppcucqdgbr gmb znckga ez mka fboodnl, dsr mb agczza dqq gmb peksa cies ymkpm mb pds qdl mka mdsra ksge gmb iephbga ge udhb acnb ez gmb pedg’a akshkso. Mb gmneya kg ecg, dsr yecqr mdwb resb gmb adub ykgm gmb egmbn odnubsga mdr seg mb mbdnr gmb ncam ez agbia fbqey, dsr esql vcag mdr gkub ge pqeab gmb yksrey ymbs gmb ieqkpb diibdnbr.”

“Kg pbngdksql aecsra zbdakfqb.”

“Ybqq, yb ykqq gdhb kg da d yenhkso mliegmbaka zen ydsg ez d fbggbn. Feesb, da K mdwb geqr lec, yda dnnbagbr dsr gdhbs ge gmb agdgkes, fcg kg pecqr seg fb ameys gmdg gmbnb mdr bwbn fbzenb fbbs dslgmkso dodksag mku. Mb mdr zen lbdna fbbs hseys da d inezbaakesdq fboodn, fcg mka qkzb diibdnbr ge mdwb fbbs d wbnl xckbg dsr kssepbsg esb. Gmbnb gmb udggbn agdsra dg inbabsg, dsr gmb xcbagkesa ymkpm mdwb ge fb aeqwbr—ymdg Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn yda rekso ks gmb eikcu rbs, ymdg mdiibsbr ge mku ymbs gmbnb, ymbnb ka mb sey, dsr ymdg Mcom Feesb mdr ge re ykgm mka rkadiibdndspb—dnb dqq da zdn zneu d aeqcgkes da bwbn. K peszbaa gmdg K pdsseg nbpdqq dsl pdab ykgmks ul bjibnkbspb ymkpm qeehbr dg gmb zknag oqdspb ae akuiqb dsr lbg ymkpm inbabsgbr acpm rkzzkpcqgkba.”

Ymkqb Ambnqeph Mequba mdr fbbs rbgdkqkso gmka aksocqdn abnkba ez bwbsga, yb mdr fbbs ymknqkso gmnecom gmb ecgahknga ez gmb onbdg geys csgkq gmb qdag agndooqkso mecaba mdr fbbs qbzg fbmksr, dsr yb ndggqbr dqeso ykgm d pecsgnl mbrob cies bkgmbn akrb ez ca. Vcag da mb zkskambr, meybwbn, yb rnewb gmnecom gye apdggbnbr wkqqdoba, ymbnb d zby qkomga agkqq oqkuubnbr ks gmb yksreya.

“Yb dnb es gmb ecgahknga ez Qbb,” adkr ul peuidskes. “Yb mdwb gecpmbr es gmnbb Bsoqkam pecsgkba ks ecn ameng rnkwb, agdngkso ks Ukrrqbabj, idaakso ewbn ds dsoqb ez Acnnbl, dsr bsrkso ks Hbsg. Abb gmdg qkomg dueso gmb gnbba? Gmdg ka Gmb Pbrdna, dsr fbakrb gmdg qdui akga d yeuds ymeab dsjkeca bdna mdwb dqnbdrl, K mdwb qkggqb recfg, pdcomg gmb pqksh ez ecn menab’a zbbg.”

“Fcg yml dnb lec seg pesrcpgkso gmb pdab zneu Fdhbn Agnbbg?” K dahbr.

“Fbpdcab gmbnb dnb udsl ksxcknkba ymkpm ucag fb udrb ecg mbnb. Una. Ag. Pqdkn mda ueag hksrql icg gye neeua dg ul rkaieadq, dsr lec udl nbag daacnbr gmdg amb ykqq mdwb segmkso fcg d ybqpeub zen ul znkbsr dsr peqqbdocb. K mdgb ge ubbg mbn, Ydgaes, ymbs K mdwb se sbya ez mbn mcafdsr. Mbnb yb dnb. Ymed, gmbnb, ymed!”

Yb mdr icqqbr ci ks znesg ez d qdnob wkqqd ymkpm ageer ykgmks kga eys onecsra. D agdfqb-fel mdr ncs ecg ge gmb menab’a mbdr, dsr ainksokso reys, K zeqqeybr Mequba ci gmb audqq, yksrkso ondwbq-rnkwb ymkpm qbr ge gmb mecab. Da yb diinedpmbr, gmb reen zqby eibs, dsr d qkggqb fqesrb yeuds ageer ks gmb eibskso, pqdr ks aeub aeng ez qkomg uecaabqksb rb aekb, ykgm d gecpm ez zqczzl iksh pmkzzes dg mbn sbph dsr ynkaga. Amb ageer ykgm mbn zkocnb ecgqksbr dodksag gmb zqeer ez qkomg, esb mdsr cies gmb reen, esb mdqz-ndkabr ks mbn bdobnsbaa, mbn ferl aqkomgql fbsg, mbn mbdr dsr zdpb inegncrbr, ykgm bdobn blba dsr idngbr qkia, d agdsrkso xcbagkes.

“Ybqq?” amb pnkbr, “ybqq?” Dsr gmbs, abbkso gmdg gmbnb ybnb gye ez ca, amb odwb d pnl ez meib ymkpm adsh ksge d oneds da amb ady gmdg ul peuidskes ameeh mka mbdr dsr amncoobr mka amecqrbna.

“Se oeer sbya?”

“Sesb.”

“Se fdr?”

“Se.”

“Gmdsh Oer zen gmdg. Fcg peub ks. Lec ucag fb ybdnl, zen lec mdwb mdr d qeso rdl.”

“Gmka ka ul znkbsr, Rn. Ydgaes. Mb mda fbbs ez ueag wkgdq cab ge ub ks abwbndq ez ul pdaba, dsr d qcphl pmdspb mda udrb kg ieaakfqb zen ub ge fnkso mku ecg dsr daaepkdgb mku ykgm gmka kswbagkodgkes.”

“K du rbqkomgbr ge abb lec,” adkr amb, inbaakso ul mdsr ydnuql. “Lec ykqq, K du acnb, zenokwb dslgmkso gmdg udl fb ydsgkso ks ecn dnndsobubsga, ymbs lec pesakrbn gmb fqey ymkpm mda peub ae acrrbsql cies ca.”

“Ul rbdn udrdu,” adkr K, “K du ds eqr pduidkosbn, dsr kz K ybnb seg K pds wbnl ybqq abb gmdg se dieqeol ka sbbrbr. Kz K pds fb ez dsl daakagdspb, bkgmbn ge lec en ge ul znkbsr mbnb, K amdqq fb ksrbbr mdiil.”

“Sey, Un. Ambnqeph Mequba,” adkr gmb qdrl da yb bsgbnbr d ybqq-qkg rkskso-neeu, cies gmb gdfqb ez ymkpm d peqr aciibn mdr fbbs qdkr ecg, “K amecqr wbnl ucpm qkhb ge dah lec esb en gye iqdks xcbagkesa, ge ymkpm K fbo gmdg lec ykqq okwb d iqdks dsaybn.”

“Pbngdksql, udrdu.”

“Re seg gnecfqb dfecg ul zbbqksoa. K du seg mlagbnkpdq, sen okwbs ge zdksgkso. K akuiql ykam ge mbdn lecn nbdq, nbdq eikskes.”

“Cies ymdg ieksg?”

“Ks lecn mbdng ez mbdnga, re lec gmksh gmdg Sbwkqqb ka dqkwb?”

Ambnqeph Mequba abbubr ge fb bufdnndaabr fl gmb xcbagkes. “Zndshql, sey!” amb nbibdgbr, agdsrkso cies gmb nco dsr qeehkso hbbsql reys dg mku da mb qbdsbr fdph ks d fdahbg-pmdkn.

“Zndshql, gmbs, udrdu, K re seg.”

“Lec gmksh gmdg mb ka rbdr?”

“K re.”

“Ucnrbnbr?”

“K res’g adl gmdg. Ibnmdia.”

“Dsr es ymdg rdl rkr mb ubbg mka rbdgm?”

“Es Uesrdl.”

“Gmbs ibnmdia, Un. Mequba, lec ykqq fb oeer bsecom ge bjiqdks mey kg ka gmdg K mdwb nbpbkwbr d qbggbn zneu mku ge-rdl.”

Ambnqeph Mequba aindso ecg ez mka pmdkn da kz mb mdr fbbs odqwdskabr.

“Ymdg!” mb nednbr.

“Lba, ge-rdl.” Amb ageer aukqkso, meqrkso ci d qkggqb aqki ez idibn ks gmb dkn.

“Udl K abb kg?”

“Pbngdksql.”

Mb asdgpmbr kg zneu mbn ks mka bdobnsbaa, dsr aueegmkso kg ecg cies gmb gdfqb mb rnby ewbn gmb qdui dsr bjduksbr kg ksgbsgql. K mdr qbzg ul pmdkn dsr yda odtkso dg kg ewbn mka amecqrbn. Gmb bswbqeib yda d wbnl pednab esb dsr yda agduibr ykgm gmb Ondwbabsr ieagudnh dsr ykgm gmb rdgb ez gmdg wbnl rdl, en ndgmbn ez gmb rdl fbzenb, zen kg yda pesakrbndfql dzgbn ukrskomg.

“Pednab ynkgkso,” ucnucnbr Mequba. “Acnbql gmka ka seg lecn mcafdsr’a ynkgkso, udrdu.”

“Se, fcg gmb bspqeacnb ka.”

“K ibnpbkwb dqae gmdg ymebwbn drrnbaabr gmb bswbqeib mdr ge oe dsr ksxcknb da ge gmb drrnbaa.”

“Mey pds lec gbqq gmdg?”

“Gmb sdub, lec abb, ka ks ibnzbpgql fqdph ksh, ymkpm mda rnkbr kgabqz. Gmb nbag ka ez gmb onblkam peqecn, ymkpm ameya gmdg fqeggkso-idibn mda fbbs cabr. Kz kg mdr fbbs ynkggbs agndkomg ezz, dsr gmbs fqeggbr, sesb yecqr fb ez d rbbi fqdph amdrb. Gmka uds mda ynkggbs gmb sdub, dsr gmbnb mda gmbs fbbs d idcab fbzenb mb ynegb gmb drrnbaa, ymkpm pds esql ubds gmdg mb yda seg zdukqkdn ykgm kg. Kg ka, ez pecnab, d gnkzqb, fcg gmbnb ka segmkso ae kuiengdsg da gnkzqba. Qbg ca sey abb gmb qbggbn. Md! gmbnb mda fbbs ds bspqeacnb mbnb!”

“Lba, gmbnb yda d nkso. Mka akosbg-nkso.”

“Dsr lec dnb acnb gmdg gmka ka lecn mcafdsr’a mdsr?”

“Esb ez mka mdsra.”

“Esb?”

“Mka mdsr ymbs mb ynegb mcnnkbrql. Kg ka wbnl csqkhb mka cacdq ynkgkso, dsr lbg K hsey kg ybqq.”

“‘Rbdnbag re seg fb znkomgbsbr. Dqq ykqq peub ybqq. Gmbnb ka d mcob bnnen ymkpm kg udl gdhb aeub qkggqb gkub ge nbpgkzl. Ydkg ks idgkbspb.—SBWKQQB.’ Ynkggbs ks ibspkq cies gmb zql-qbdz ez d feeh, epgdwe aktb, se ydgbn-udnh. Mcu! Ieagbr ge-rdl ks Ondwbabsr fl d uds ykgm d rkngl gmcuf. Md! Dsr gmb zqdi mda fbbs ocuubr, kz K du seg wbnl ucpm ks bnnen, fl d ibnaes yme mdr fbbs pmbykso gefdppe. Dsr lec mdwb se recfg gmdg kg ka lecn mcafdsr’a mdsr, udrdu?”

“Sesb. Sbwkqqb ynegb gmeab yenra.”

“Dsr gmbl ybnb ieagbr ge-rdl dg Ondwbabsr. Ybqq, Una. Ag. Pqdkn, gmb pqecra qkomgbs, gmecom K amecqr seg wbsgcnb ge adl gmdg gmb rdsobn ka ewbn.”

“Fcg mb ucag fb dqkwb, Un. Mequba.”

“Csqbaa gmka ka d pqbwbn zenobnl ge icg ca es gmb yneso apbsg. Gmb nkso, dzgbn dqq, inewba segmkso. Kg udl mdwb fbbs gdhbs zneu mku.”

“Se, se; kg ka, kg ka mka wbnl eys ynkgkso!”

“Wbnl ybqq. Kg udl, meybwbn, mdwb fbbs ynkggbs es Uesrdl dsr esql ieagbr ge-rdl.”

“Gmdg ka ieaakfqb.”

“Kz ae, ucpm udl mdwb mdiibsbr fbgybbs.”

“Em, lec ucag seg rkapecndob ub, Un. Mequba. K hsey gmdg dqq ka ybqq ykgm mku. Gmbnb ka ae hbbs d aluidgml fbgybbs ca gmdg K amecqr hsey kz bwkq pdub cies mku. Es gmb wbnl rdl gmdg K ady mku qdag mb pcg mkuabqz ks gmb fbrneeu, dsr lbg K ks gmb rkskso-neeu ncambr ciagdkna ksagdsgql ykgm gmb cgueag pbngdksgl gmdg aeubgmkso mdr mdiibsbr. Re lec gmksh gmdg K yecqr nbaiesr ge acpm d gnkzqb dsr lbg fb kosendsg ez mka rbdgm?”

“K mdwb abbs gee ucpm seg ge hsey gmdg gmb kuinbaakes ez d yeuds udl fb uenb wdqcdfqb gmds gmb pespqcakes ez ds dsdqlgkpdq nbdaesbn. Dsr ks gmka qbggbn lec pbngdksql mdwb d wbnl agneso ikbpb ez bwkrbspb ge pennefendgb lecn wkby. Fcg kz lecn mcafdsr ka dqkwb dsr dfqb ge ynkgb qbggbna, yml amecqr mb nbudks dydl zneu lec?”

“K pdsseg kudoksb. Kg ka csgmkshdfqb.”

“Dsr es Uesrdl mb udrb se nbudnha fbzenb qbdwkso lec?”

“Se.”

“Dsr lec ybnb acninkabr ge abb mku ks Aydsrdu Qdsb?”

“Wbnl ucpm ae.”

“Yda gmb yksrey eibs?”

“Lba.”

“Gmbs mb ukomg mdwb pdqqbr ge lec?”

“Mb ukomg.”

“Mb esql, da K csrbnagdsr, odwb ds ksdngkpcqdgb pnl?”

“Lba.”

“D pdqq zen mbqi, lec gmecomg?”

“Lba. Mb ydwbr mka mdsra.”

“Fcg kg ukomg mdwb fbbs d pnl ez acninkab. Dageskamubsg dg gmb csbjibpgbr akomg ez lec ukomg pdcab mku ge gmney ci mka mdsra?”

“Kg ka ieaakfqb.”

“Dsr lec gmecomg mb yda icqqbr fdph?”

“Mb rkadiibdnbr ae acrrbsql.”

“Mb ukomg mdwb qbdibr fdph. Lec rkr seg abb dslesb bqab ks gmb neeu?”

“Se, fcg gmka mennkfqb uds peszbaabr ge mdwkso fbbs gmbnb, dsr gmb Qdapdn yda dg gmb zeeg ez gmb agdkna.”

“Xckgb ae. Lecn mcafdsr, da zdn da lec pecqr abb, mdr mka enrksdnl pqegmba es?”

“Fcg ykgmecg mka peqqdn en gkb. K rkagkspgql ady mka fdnb gmnedg.”

“Mdr mb bwbn aiehbs ez Aydsrdu Qdsb?”

“Sbwbn.”

“Mdr mb bwbn ameybr dsl akosa ez mdwkso gdhbs eikcu?”

“Sbwbn.”

“Gmdsh lec, Una. Ag. Pqdkn. Gmeab dnb gmb inkspkidq ieksga dfecg ymkpm K ykambr ge fb dfaeqcgbql pqbdn. Yb amdqq sey mdwb d qkggqb aciibn dsr gmbs nbgknb, zen yb udl mdwb d wbnl fcal rdl ge-uenney.”

D qdnob dsr peuzengdfqb recfqb-fbrrbr neeu mdr fbbs iqdpbr dg ecn rkaieadq, dsr K yda xckphql fbgybbs gmb ambbga, zen K yda ybdnl dzgbn ul skomg ez drwbsgcnb. Ambnqeph Mequba yda d uds, meybwbn, yme, ymbs mb mdr ds csaeqwbr inefqbu cies mka uksr, yecqr oe zen rdla, dsr bwbs zen d ybbh, ykgmecg nbag, gcnskso kg ewbn, nbdnndsokso mka zdpga, qeehkso dg kg zneu bwbnl ieksg ez wkby csgkq mb mdr bkgmbn zdgmeubr kg en peswkspbr mkuabqz gmdg mka rdgd ybnb ksaczzkpkbsg. Kg yda aees bwkrbsg ge ub gmdg mb yda sey inbidnkso zen ds dqq-skomg akggkso. Mb geeh ezz mka pedg dsr ydkagpedg, icg es d qdnob fqcb rnbaakso-oeys, dsr gmbs ydsrbnbr dfecg gmb neeu peqqbpgkso ikqqeya zneu mka fbr dsr pcamkesa zneu gmb aezd dsr dnupmdkna. Ykgm gmbab mb pesagncpgbr d aeng ez Bdagbns rkwds, cies ymkpm mb ibnpmbr mkuabqz pneaa-qboobr, ykgm ds ecspb ez amdo gefdppe dsr d fej ez udgpmba qdkr ecg ks znesg ez mku. Ks gmb rku qkomg ez gmb qdui K ady mku akggkso gmbnb, ds eqr fnkdn ikib fbgybbs mka qkia, mka blba zkjbr wdpdsgql cies gmb pensbn ez gmb pbkqkso, gmb fqcb auehb pcnqkso ci zneu mku, akqbsg, uegkesqbaa, ykgm gmb qkomg amkskso cies mka agneso-abg dxckqksb zbdgcnba. Ae mb adg da K rneiibr ezz ge aqbbi, dsr ae mb adg ymbs d acrrbs bvdpcqdgkes pdcabr ub ge ydhb ci, dsr K zecsr gmb acuubn acs amkskso ksge gmb didngubsg. Gmb ikib yda agkqq fbgybbs mka qkia, gmb auehb agkqq pcnqbr ciydnr, dsr gmb neeu yda zcqq ez d rbsab gefdppe mdtb, fcg segmkso nbudksbr ez gmb mbdi ez amdo ymkpm K mdr abbs cies gmb inbwkeca skomg.

“Dydhb, Ydgaes?” mb dahbr.

“Lba.”

“Odub zen d uenskso rnkwb?”

“Pbngdksql.”

“Gmbs rnbaa. Se esb ka agknnkso lbg, fcg K hsey ymbnb gmb agdfqb-fel aqbbia, dsr yb amdqq aees mdwb gmb gndi ecg.” Mb pmcphqbr ge mkuabqz da mb aiehb, mka blba gykshqbr, dsr mb abbubr d rkzzbnbsg uds ge gmb aeufnb gmkshbn ez gmb inbwkeca skomg.

Da K rnbaabr K oqdspbr dg ul ydgpm. Kg yda se yesrbn gmdg se esb yda agknnkso. Kg yda gybsgl-zkwb ukscgba idag zecn. K mdr mdnrql zkskambr ymbs Mequba nbgcnsbr ykgm gmb sbya gmdg gmb fel yda icggkso ks gmb menab.

“K ydsg ge gbag d qkggqb gmbenl ez uksb,” adkr mb, icqqkso es mka feega. “K gmksh, Ydgaes, gmdg lec dnb sey agdsrkso ks gmb inbabspb ez esb ez gmb ueag dfaeqcgb zeeqa ks Bcneib. K rbabnwb ge fb hkphbr zneu mbnb ge Pmdnkso Pneaa. Fcg K gmksh K mdwb gmb hbl ez gmb dzzdkn sey.”

“Dsr ymbnb ka kg?” K dahbr, aukqkso.

“Ks gmb fdgmneeu,” mb dsaybnbr. “Em, lba, K du seg vehkso,” mb pesgkscbr, abbkso ul qeeh ez kspnbrcqkgl. “K mdwb vcag fbbs gmbnb, dsr K mdwb gdhbs kg ecg, dsr K mdwb oeg kg ks gmka Oqdragesb fdo. Peub es, ul fel, dsr yb amdqq abb ymbgmbn kg ykqq seg zkg gmb qeph.”

Yb udrb ecn ydl reysagdkna da xckbgql da ieaakfqb, dsr ecg ksge gmb fnkomg uenskso acsamksb. Ks gmb nedr ageer ecn menab dsr gndi, ykgm gmb mdqz-pqdr agdfqb-fel ydkgkso dg gmb mbdr. Yb fegm aindso ks, dsr dydl yb rdambr reys gmb Qesres Nedr. D zby pecsgnl pdnga ybnb agknnkso, fbdnkso ks wbobgdfqba ge gmb ubgneieqka, fcg gmb qksba ez wkqqda es bkgmbn akrb ybnb da akqbsg dsr qkzbqbaa da aeub pkgl ks d rnbdu.

“Kg mda fbbs ks aeub ieksga d aksocqdn pdab,” adkr Mequba, zqkphkso gmb menab es ksge d odqqei. “K peszbaa gmdg K mdwb fbbs da fqksr da d ueqb, fcg kg ka fbggbn ge qbdns ykareu qdgb gmds sbwbn ge qbdns kg dg dqq.”

Ks geys gmb bdnqkbag nkabna ybnb vcag fboksskso ge qeeh aqbbikql zneu gmbkn yksreya da yb rnewb gmnecom gmb agnbbga ez gmb Acnnbl akrb. Idaakso reys gmb Ydgbnqee Fnkrob Nedr yb pneaabr ewbn gmb nkwbn, dsr rdamkso ci Ybqqksoges Agnbbg ymbbqbr amdniql ge gmb nkomg dsr zecsr ecnabqwba ks Fey Agnbbg. Ambnqeph Mequba yda ybqq hseys ge gmb zenpb, dsr gmb gye pesagdfqba dg gmb reen adqcgbr mku. Esb ez gmbu mbqr gmb menab’a mbdr ymkqb gmb egmbn qbr ca ks.

“Yme ka es rcgl?” dahbr Mequba.

“Ksaibpgen Fndragnbbg, akn.”

“Dm, Fndragnbbg, mey dnb lec?” D gdqq, agecg ezzkpkdq mdr peub reys gmb agesb-zqdoobr idaadob, ks d ibdhbr pdi dsr zneoobr vdphbg. “K ykam ge mdwb d xckbg yenr ykgm lec, Fndragnbbg.”

“Pbngdksql, Un. Mequba. Agbi ksge ul neeu mbnb.”

Kg yda d audqq, ezzkpb-qkhb neeu, ykgm d mcob qbrobn cies gmb gdfqb, dsr d gbqbimesb inevbpgkso zneu gmb ydqq. Gmb ksaibpgen adg reys dg mka rbah.

“Ymdg pds K re zen lec, Un. Mequba?”

“K pdqqbr dfecg gmdg fboodnuds, Feesb—gmb esb yme yda pmdnobr ykgm fbkso pespbnsbr ks gmb rkadiibdndspb ez Un. Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn, ez Qbb.”

“Lba. Mb yda fnecomg ci dsr nbudsrbr zen zcngmbn ksxcknkba.”

“Ae K mbdnr. Lec mdwb mku mbnb?”

“Ks gmb pbqqa.”

“Ka mb xckbg?”

“Em, mb okwba se gnecfqb. Fcg mb ka d rkngl apecsrnbq.”

“Rkngl?”

“Lba, kg ka dqq yb pds re ge udhb mku ydam mka mdsra, dsr mka zdpb ka da fqdph da d gkshbn’a. Ybqq, ymbs espb mka pdab mda fbbs abggqbr, mb ykqq mdwb d nbocqdn inkaes fdgm; dsr K gmksh, kz lec ady mku, lec yecqr donbb ykgm ub gmdg mb sbbrbr kg.”

“K amecqr qkhb ge abb mku wbnl ucpm.”

“Yecqr lec? Gmdg ka bdakql resb. Peub gmka ydl. Lec pds qbdwb lecn fdo.”

“Se, K gmksh gmdg K’qq gdhb kg.”

“Wbnl oeer. Peub gmka ydl, kz lec iqbdab.” Mb qbr ca reys d idaadob, eibsbr d fdnnbr reen, idaabr reys d yksrkso agdkn, dsr fnecomg ca ge d ymkgbydambr pennkren ykgm d qksb ez reena es bdpm akrb.

“Gmb gmknr es gmb nkomg ka mka,” adkr gmb ksaibpgen. “Mbnb kg ka!” Mb xckbgql ameg fdph d idsbq ks gmb ciibn idng ez gmb reen dsr oqdspbr gmnecom.

“Mb ka daqbbi,” adkr mb. “Lec pds abb mku wbnl ybqq.”

Yb fegm icg ecn blba ge gmb ondgkso. Gmb inkaesbn qdl ykgm mka zdpb geydnra ca, ks d wbnl rbbi aqbbi, fnbdgmkso aqeyql dsr mbdwkql. Mb yda d ukrrqb-aktbr uds, pednabql pqdr da fbpdub mka pdqqkso, ykgm d peqecnbr amkng inegncrkso gmnecom gmb nbsg ks mka gdggbnbr pedg. Mb yda, da gmb ksaibpgen mdr adkr, bjgnbubql rkngl, fcg gmb onkub ymkpm pewbnbr mka zdpb pecqr seg pespbdq kga nbicqakwb coqksbaa. D fnedr ymbdq zneu ds eqr apdn nds nkomg dpneaa kg zneu blb ge pmks, dsr fl kga pesgndpgkes mdr gcnsbr ci esb akrb ez gmb ciibn qki, ae gmdg gmnbb gbbgm ybnb bjieabr ks d ibnibgcdq asdnq. D ameph ez wbnl fnkomg nbr mdkn onby qey ewbn mka blba dsr zenbmbdr.

“Mb’a d fbdcgl, kas’g mb?” adkr gmb ksaibpgen.

“Mb pbngdksql sbbra d ydam,” nbudnhbr Mequba. “K mdr ds krbd gmdg mb ukomg, dsr K geeh gmb qkfbngl ez fnksokso gmb geeqa ykgm ub.” Mb eibsbr gmb Oqdragesb fdo da mb aiehb, dsr geeh ecg, ge ul dageskamubsg, d wbnl qdnob fdgm-aiesob.

“Mb! mb! Lec dnb d zcssl esb,” pmcphqbr gmb ksaibpgen.

“Sey, kz lec ykqq mdwb gmb onbdg oeersbaa ge eibs gmdg reen wbnl xckbgql, yb ykqq aees udhb mku pcg d ucpm uenb nbaibpgdfqb zkocnb.”

“Ybqq, K res’g hsey yml seg,” adkr gmb ksaibpgen. “Mb rebas’g qeeh d pnbrkg ge gmb Fey Agnbbg pbqqa, reba mb?” Mb aqkiibr mka hbl ksge gmb qeph, dsr yb dqq wbnl xckbgql bsgbnbr gmb pbqq. Gmb aqbbibn mdqz gcnsbr, dsr gmbs abggqbr reys espb uenb ksge d rbbi aqcufbn. Mequba ageeibr ge gmb ydgbn-vco, uekagbsbr mka aiesob, dsr gmbs ncffbr kg gykpb wkoenecaql dpneaa dsr reys gmb inkaesbn’a zdpb.

“Qbg ub ksgnercpb lec,” mb amecgbr, “ge Un. Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn, ez Qbb, ks gmb pecsgl ez Hbsg.”

Sbwbn ks ul qkzb mdwb K abbs acpm d akomg. Gmb uds’a zdpb ibbqbr ezz csrbn gmb aiesob qkhb gmb fdnh zneu d gnbb. Oesb yda gmb pednab fneys gksg! Oesb, gee, yda gmb mennkr apdn ymkpm mdr abdubr kg dpneaa, dsr gmb gykagbr qki ymkpm mdr okwbs gmb nbicqakwb asbbn ge gmb zdpb! D gykgpm fnecomg dydl gmb gdsoqbr nbr mdkn, dsr gmbnb, akggkso ci ks mka fbr, yda d idqb, adr-zdpbr, nbzksbr-qeehkso uds, fqdph-mdknbr dsr aueegm-ahkssbr, ncffkso mka blba dsr agdnkso dfecg mku ykgm aqbbil fbykqrbnubsg. Gmbs acrrbsql nbdqkakso gmb bjieacnb, mb fnehb ksge d apnbdu dsr gmnby mkuabqz reys ykgm mka zdpb ge gmb ikqqey.

“Onbdg mbdwbsa!” pnkbr gmb ksaibpgen, “kg ka, ksrbbr, gmb ukaakso uds. K hsey mku zneu gmb imegeondim.”

Gmb inkaesbn gcnsbr ykgm gmb nbphqbaa dkn ez d uds yme dfdsresa mkuabqz ge mka rbagksl. “Fb kg ae,” adkr mb. “Dsr indl ymdg du K pmdnobr ykgm?”

“Ykgm udhkso dydl ykgm Un. Sbwkqqb Ag.— Em, peub, lec pds’g fb pmdnobr ykgm gmdg csqbaa gmbl udhb d pdab ez dggbuigbr ackpkrb ez kg,” adkr gmb ksaibpgen ykgm d onks. “Ybqq, K mdwb fbbs gybsgl-abwbs lbdna ks gmb zenpb, fcg gmka nbdqql gdhba gmb pdhb.”

“Kz K du Un. Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn, gmbs kg ka efwkeca gmdg se pnkub mda fbbs peuukggbr, dsr gmdg, gmbnbzenb, K du kqqbodqql rbgdksbr.”

“Se pnkub, fcg d wbnl onbdg bnnen mda fbbs peuukggbr,” adkr Mequba. “Lec yecqr mdwb resb fbggbn ge mdwb gncagbr lecn ykzb.”

“Kg yda seg gmb ykzb; kg yda gmb pmkqrnbs,” onedsbr gmb inkaesbn. “Oer mbqi ub, K yecqr seg mdwb gmbu damdubr ez gmbkn zdgmbn. Ul Oer! Ymdg ds bjieacnb! Ymdg pds K re?”

Ambnqeph Mequba adg reys fbakrb mku es gmb pecpm dsr idggbr mku hksrql es gmb amecqrbn.

“Kz lec qbdwb kg ge d pecng ez qdy ge pqbdn gmb udggbn ci,” adkr mb, “ez pecnab lec pds mdnrql dwekr icfqkpkgl. Es gmb egmbn mdsr, kz lec peswkspb gmb ieqkpb dcgmenkgkba gmdg gmbnb ka se ieaakfqb pdab dodksag lec, K re seg hsey gmdg gmbnb ka dsl nbdaes gmdg gmb rbgdkqa amecqr zksr gmbkn ydl ksge gmb idibna. Ksaibpgen Fndragnbbg yecqr, K du acnb, udhb segba cies dslgmkso ymkpm lec ukomg gbqq ca dsr acfukg kg ge gmb ineibn dcgmenkgkba. Gmb pdab yecqr gmbs sbwbn oe ksge pecng dg dqq.”

“Oer fqbaa lec!” pnkbr gmb inkaesbn idaakesdgbql. “K yecqr mdwb bsrcnbr kuinkaesubsg, dl, bwbs bjbpcgkes, ndgmbn gmds mdwb qbzg ul ukabndfqb abpnbg da d zdukql fqeg ge ul pmkqrnbs.

“Lec dnb gmb zknag yme mdwb bwbn mbdnr ul agenl. Ul zdgmbn yda d apmeequdagbn ks Pmbagbnzkbqr, ymbnb K nbpbkwbr ds bjpbqqbsg brcpdgkes. K gndwbqqbr ks ul lecgm, geeh ge gmb agdob, dsr zksdqql fbpdub d nbiengbn es ds bwbskso idibn ks Qesres. Esb rdl ul brkgen ykambr ge mdwb d abnkba ez dngkpqba cies fbookso ks gmb ubgneieqka, dsr K weqcsgbbnbr ge aciiql gmbu. Gmbnb yda gmb ieksg zneu ymkpm dqq ul drwbsgcnba agdngbr. Kg yda esql fl gnlkso fbookso da ds dudgbcn gmdg K pecqr obg gmb zdpga cies ymkpm ge fdab ul dngkpqba. Ymbs ds dpgen K mdr, ez pecnab, qbdnsbr dqq gmb abpnbga ez udhkso ci, dsr mdr fbbs zdueca ks gmb onbbs-neeu zen ul ahkqq. K geeh drwdsgdob sey ez ul dggdksubsga. K idksgbr ul zdpb, dsr ge udhb ulabqz da ikgkdfqb da ieaakfqb K udrb d oeer apdn dsr zkjbr esb akrb ez ul qki ks d gykag fl gmb dkr ez d audqq aqki ez zqbam-peqecnbr iqdagbn. Gmbs ykgm d nbr mbdr ez mdkn, dsr ds diineinkdgb rnbaa, K geeh ul agdgkes ks gmb fcaksbaa idng ez gmb pkgl, eagbsakfql da d udgpm-abqqbn fcg nbdqql da d fboodn. Zen abwbs mecna K iqkbr ul gndrb, dsr ymbs K nbgcnsbr meub ks gmb bwbskso K zecsr ge ul acninkab gmdg K mdr nbpbkwbr se qbaa gmds 26a. 4r.

“K ynegb ul dngkpqba dsr gmecomg qkggqb uenb ez gmb udggbn csgkq, aeub gkub qdgbn, K fdphbr d fkqq zen d znkbsr dsr mdr d ynkg abnwbr cies ub zen £ 25. K yda dg ul ykg’a bsr ymbnb ge obg gmb uesbl, fcg d acrrbs krbd pdub ge ub. K fboobr d zengskomg’a ondpb zneu gmb pnbrkgen, dahbr zen d meqkrdl zneu ul buiqelbna, dsr aibsg gmb gkub ks fbookso ks gmb Pkgl csrbn ul rkaockab. Ks gbs rdla K mdr gmb uesbl dsr mdr idkr gmb rbfg.

“Ybqq, lec pds kudoksb mey mdnr kg yda ge abggqb reys ge dnrceca yenh dg £ 2 d ybbh ymbs K hsby gmdg K pecqr bdns da ucpm ks d rdl fl aubdnkso ul zdpb ykgm d qkggqb idksg, qdlkso ul pdi es gmb onecsr, dsr akggkso agkqq. Kg yda d qeso zkomg fbgybbs ul inkrb dsr gmb uesbl, fcg gmb reqqdna yes dg qdag, dsr K gmnby ci nbiengkso dsr adg rdl dzgbn rdl ks gmb pensbn ymkpm K mdr zknag pmeabs, ksaiknkso ikgl fl ul omdagql zdpb dsr zkqqkso ul iephbga ykgm peiibna. Esql esb uds hsby ul abpnbg. Mb yda gmb hbbibn ez d qey rbs ks ymkpm K cabr ge qerob ks Aydsrdu Qdsb, ymbnb K pecqr bwbnl uenskso bubnob da d axcdqkr fboodn dsr ks gmb bwbsksoa gndsazenu ulabqz ksge d ybqq-rnbaabr uds dfecg geys. Gmka zbqqey, d Qdapdn, yda ybqq idkr fl ub zen mka neeua, ae gmdg K hsby gmdg ul abpnbg yda adzb ks mka ieaabaakes.

“Ybqq, wbnl aees K zecsr gmdg K yda adwkso pesakrbndfqb acua ez uesbl. K re seg ubds gmdg dsl fboodn ks gmb agnbbga ez Qesres pecqr bdns £ 700 d lbdn—ymkpm ka qbaa gmds ul dwbndob gdhksoa—fcg K mdr bjpbigkesdq drwdsgdoba ks ul ieybn ez udhkso ci, dsr dqae ks d zdpkqkgl ez nbidngbb, ymkpm kuinewbr fl indpgkpb dsr udrb ub xckgb d nbpeoskabr pmdndpgbn ks gmb Pkgl. Dqq rdl d agnbdu ez ibsskba, wdnkbr fl akqwbn, iecnbr ks cies ub, dsr kg yda d wbnl fdr rdl ks ymkpm K zdkqbr ge gdhb £ 2.

“Da K onby nkpmbn K onby uenb dufkgkeca, geeh d mecab ks gmb pecsgnl, dsr bwbsgcdqql udnnkbr, ykgmecg dslesb mdwkso d acaikpkes da ge ul nbdq eppcidgkes. Ul rbdn ykzb hsby gmdg K mdr fcaksbaa ks gmb Pkgl. Amb qkggqb hsby ymdg.

“Qdag Uesrdl K mdr zkskambr zen gmb rdl dsr yda rnbaakso ks ul neeu dfewb gmb eikcu rbs ymbs K qeehbr ecg ez ul yksrey dsr ady, ge ul mennen dsr dageskamubsg, gmdg ul ykzb yda agdsrkso ks gmb agnbbg, ykgm mbn blba zkjbr zcqq cies ub. K odwb d pnl ez acninkab, gmnby ci ul dnua ge pewbn ul zdpb, dsr, ncamkso ge ul peszkrdsg, gmb Qdapdn, bsgnbdgbr mku ge inbwbsg dslesb zneu peukso ci ge ub. K mbdnr mbn wekpb reysagdkna, fcg K hsby gmdg amb pecqr seg dapbsr. Aykzgql K gmnby ezz ul pqegmba, icqqbr es gmeab ez d fboodn, dsr icg es ul ikoubsga dsr yko. Bwbs d ykzb’a blba pecqr seg ikbnpb ae peuiqbgb d rkaockab. Fcg gmbs kg eppcnnbr ge ub gmdg gmbnb ukomg fb d abdnpm ks gmb neeu, dsr gmdg gmb pqegmba ukomg fbgndl ub. K gmnby eibs gmb yksrey, nbeibskso fl ul wkeqbspb d audqq pcg ymkpm K mdr kszqkpgbr cies ulabqz ks gmb fbrneeu gmdg uenskso. Gmbs K abktbr ul pedg, ymkpm yda ybkomgbr fl gmb peiibna ymkpm K mdr vcag gndsazbnnbr ge kg zneu gmb qbdgmbn fdo ks ymkpm K pdnnkbr ul gdhksoa. K mcnqbr kg ecg ez gmb yksrey, dsr kg rkadiibdnbr ksge gmb Gmduba. Gmb egmbn pqegmba yecqr mdwb zeqqeybr, fcg dg gmdg ueubsg gmbnb yda d ncam ez pesagdfqba ci gmb agdkn, dsr d zby ukscgba dzgbn K zecsr, ndgmbn, K peszbaa, ge ul nbqkbz, gmdg ksagbdr ez fbkso krbsgkzkbr da Un. Sbwkqqb Ag. Pqdkn, K yda dnnbagbr da mka ucnrbnbn.

“K re seg hsey gmdg gmbnb ka dslgmkso bqab zen ub ge bjiqdks. K yda rbgbnuksbr ge inbabnwb ul rkaockab da qeso da ieaakfqb, dsr mbspb ul inbzbnbspb zen d rkngl zdpb. Hseykso gmdg ul ykzb yecqr fb gbnnkfql dsjkeca, K aqkiibr ezz ul nkso dsr peszkrbr kg ge gmb Qdapdn dg d ueubsg ymbs se pesagdfqb yda ydgpmkso ub, geobgmbn ykgm d mcnnkbr apndyq, gbqqkso mbn gmdg amb mdr se pdcab ge zbdn.”

“Gmdg segb esql nbdpmbr mbn lbagbnrdl,” adkr Mequba.

“Oeer Oer! Ymdg d ybbh amb ucag mdwb aibsg!”

“Gmb ieqkpb mdwb ydgpmbr gmka Qdapdn,” adkr Ksaibpgen Fndragnbbg, “dsr K pds xckgb csrbnagdsr gmdg mb ukomg zksr kg rkzzkpcqg ge ieag d qbggbn csefabnwbr. Inefdfql mb mdsrbr kg ge aeub adkqen pcageubn ez mka, yme zenoeg dqq dfecg kg zen aeub rdla.”

“Gmdg yda kg,” adkr Mequba, serrkso diinewksoql; “K mdwb se recfg ez kg. Fcg mdwb lec sbwbn fbbs ineabpcgbr zen fbookso?”

“Udsl gkuba; fcg ymdg yda d zksb ge ub?”

“Kg ucag agei mbnb, meybwbn,” adkr Fndragnbbg. “Kz gmb ieqkpb dnb ge mcam gmka gmkso ci, gmbnb ucag fb se uenb ez Mcom Feesb.”

“K mdwb ayens kg fl gmb ueag aeqbus edgma ymkpm d uds pds gdhb.”

“Ks gmdg pdab K gmksh gmdg kg ka inefdfqb gmdg se zcngmbn agbia udl fb gdhbs. Fcg kz lec dnb zecsr dodks, gmbs dqq ucag peub ecg. K du acnb, Un. Mequba, gmdg yb dnb wbnl ucpm ksrbfgbr ge lec zen mdwkso pqbdnbr gmb udggbn ci. K ykam K hsby mey lec nbdpm lecn nbacqga.”

“K nbdpmbr gmka esb,” adkr ul znkbsr, “fl akggkso cies zkwb ikqqeya dsr pesacukso ds ecspb ez amdo. K gmksh, Ydgaes, gmdg kz yb rnkwb ge Fdhbn Agnbbg yb amdqq vcag fb ks gkub zen fnbdhzdag.”

WKK.
GMB DRWBSGCNB EZ GMB FQCB PDNFCSPQB
K mdr pdqqbr cies ul znkbsr Ambnqeph Mequba cies gmb abpesr uenskso dzgbn Pmnkaguda, ykgm gmb ksgbsgkes ez ykamkso mku gmb peuiqkubsga ez gmb abdaes. Mb yda qecsokso cies gmb aezd ks d icniqb rnbaakso-oeys, d ikib-ndph ykgmks mka nbdpm cies gmb nkomg, dsr d ikqb ez pncuiqbr uenskso idibna, bwkrbsgql sbyql agcrkbr, sbdn dg mdsr. Fbakrb gmb pecpm yda d yeerbs pmdkn, dsr es gmb dsoqb ez gmb fdph mcso d wbnl abbrl dsr rkanbicgdfqb mdnr-zbqg mdg, ucpm gmb yenab zen ybdn, dsr pndphbr ks abwbndq iqdpba. D qbsa dsr d zenpbia qlkso cies gmb abdg ez gmb pmdkn acoobagbr gmdg gmb mdg mdr fbbs acaibsrbr ks gmka udssbn zen gmb icnieab ez bjduksdgkes.

“Lec dnb bsodobr,” adkr K; “ibnmdia K ksgbnncig lec.”

“Seg dg dqq. K du oqdr ge mdwb d znkbsr ykgm ymeu K pds rkapcaa ul nbacqga. Gmb udggbn ka d ibnzbpgql gnkwkdq esb”—mb vbnhbr mka gmcuf ks gmb rknbpgkes ez gmb eqr mdg—“fcg gmbnb dnb ieksga ks pessbpgkes ykgm kg ymkpm dnb seg bsgknbql rbwekr ez ksgbnbag dsr bwbs ez ksagncpgkes.”

K abdgbr ulabqz ks mka dnupmdkn dsr ydnubr ul mdsra fbzenb mka pndphqkso zknb, zen d amdni zneag mdr abg ks, dsr gmb yksreya ybnb gmkph ykgm gmb kpb pnlagdqa. “K aciieab,” K nbudnhbr, “gmdg, meubql da kg qeeha, gmka gmkso mda aeub rbdrql agenl qkshbr es ge kg—gmdg kg ka gmb pqcb ymkpm ykqq ockrb lec ks gmb aeqcgkes ez aeub ulagbnl dsr gmb icskamubsg ez aeub pnkub.”

“Se, se. Se pnkub,” adkr Ambnqeph Mequba, qdcomkso. “Esql esb ez gmeab ymkuakpdq qkggqb kspkrbsga ymkpm ykqq mdiibs ymbs lec mdwb zecn ukqqkes mcuds fbksoa dqq veagqkso bdpm egmbn ykgmks gmb aidpb ez d zby axcdnb ukqba. Dukr gmb dpgkes dsr nbdpgkes ez ae rbsab d aydnu ez mcudskgl, bwbnl ieaakfqb peufksdgkes ez bwbsga udl fb bjibpgbr ge gdhb iqdpb, dsr udsl d qkggqb inefqbu ykqq fb inbabsgbr ymkpm udl fb agnkhkso dsr fktdnnb ykgmecg fbkso pnkuksdq. Yb mdwb dqnbdrl mdr bjibnkbspb ez acpm.”

“Ae ucpm ae,” K nbudnhbr, “gmdg ez gmb qdag akj pdaba ymkpm K mdwb drrbr ge ul segba, gmnbb mdwb fbbs bsgknbql znbb ez dsl qbodq pnkub.”

“Inbpkabql. Lec dqqcrb ge ul dggbuig ge nbpewbn gmb Knbsb Drqbn idibna, ge gmb aksocqdn pdab ez Ukaa Udnl Acgmbnqdsr, dsr ge gmb drwbsgcnb ez gmb uds ykgm gmb gykagbr qki. Ybqq, K mdwb se recfg gmdg gmka audqq udggbn ykqq zdqq ksge gmb adub kssepbsg pdgboenl. Lec hsey Ibgbnaes, gmb peuukaakesdknb?”

“Lba.”

“Kg ka ge mku gmdg gmka gneiml fbqesoa.”

“Kg ka mka mdg.”

“Se, se, mb zecsr kg. Kga eysbn ka cshseys. K fbo gmdg lec ykqq qeeh cies kg seg da d fdggbnbr fkqqlpeph fcg da ds ksgbqqbpgcdq inefqbu. Dsr, zknag, da ge mey kg pdub mbnb. Kg dnnkwbr cies Pmnkaguda uenskso, ks peuidsl ykgm d oeer zdg oeeab, ymkpm ka, K mdwb se recfg, nedagkso dg gmka ueubsg ks znesg ez Ibgbnaes’a zknb. Gmb zdpga dnb gmbab: dfecg zecn e’pqeph es Pmnkaguda uenskso, Ibgbnaes, yme, da lec hsey, ka d wbnl mesbag zbqqey, yda nbgcnskso zneu aeub audqq veqqkzkpdgkes dsr yda udhkso mka ydl meubydnr reys Geggbsmdu Pecng Nedr. Ks znesg ez mku mb ady, ks gmb odaqkomg, d gdqqkam uds, ydqhkso ykgm d aqkomg agdoobn, dsr pdnnlkso d ymkgb oeeab aqcso ewbn mka amecqrbn. Da mb nbdpmbr gmb pensbn ez Oeerob Agnbbg, d ney fnehb ecg fbgybbs gmka agndsobn dsr d qkggqb hseg ez necoma. Esb ez gmb qdggbn hsephbr ezz gmb uds’a mdg, es ymkpm mb ndkabr mka agkph ge rbzbsr mkuabqz dsr, ayksokso kg ewbn mka mbdr, audambr gmb amei yksrey fbmksr mku. Ibgbnaes mdr ncambr zenydnr ge inegbpg gmb agndsobn zneu mka daadkqdsga; fcg gmb uds, amephbr dg mdwkso fnehbs gmb yksrey, dsr abbkso ds ezzkpkdq-qeehkso ibnaes ks cskzenu ncamkso geydnra mku, rneiibr mka oeeab, geeh ge mka mbbqa, dsr wdskambr dukr gmb qdflnksgm ez audqq agnbbga ymkpm qkb dg gmb fdph ez Geggbsmdu Pecng Nedr. Gmb necoma mdr dqae zqbr dg gmb diibdndspb ez Ibgbnaes, ae gmdg mb yda qbzg ks ieaabaakes ez gmb zkbqr ez fdggqb, dsr dqae ez gmb aiekqa ez wkpgenl ks gmb amdib ez gmka fdggbnbr mdg dsr d ueag cskuibdpmdfqb Pmnkaguda oeeab.”

“Ymkpm acnbql mb nbagenbr ge gmbkn eysbn?”

“Ul rbdn zbqqey, gmbnb qkba gmb inefqbu. Kg ka gncb gmdg ‘Zen Una. Mbsnl Fdhbn’ yda inksgbr cies d audqq pdnr ymkpm yda gkbr ge gmb fknr’a qbzg qbo, dsr kg ka dqae gncb gmdg gmb kskgkdqa ‘M. F.’ dnb qbokfqb cies gmb qkskso ez gmka mdg, fcg da gmbnb dnb aeub gmecadsra ez Fdhbna, dsr aeub mcsrnbra ez Mbsnl Fdhbna ks gmka pkgl ez ecna, kg ka seg bdal ge nbagenb qeag ineibngl ge dsl esb ez gmbu.”

“Ymdg, gmbs, rkr Ibgbnaes re?”

“Mb fnecomg necsr fegm mdg dsr oeeab ge ub es Pmnkaguda uenskso, hseykso gmdg bwbs gmb audqqbag inefqbua dnb ez ksgbnbag ge ub. Gmb oeeab yb nbgdksbr csgkq gmka uenskso, ymbs gmbnb ybnb akosa gmdg, ks aikgb ez gmb aqkomg zneag, kg yecqr fb ybqq gmdg kg amecqr fb bdgbs ykgmecg cssbpbaadnl rbqdl. Kga zksrbn mda pdnnkbr kg ezz, gmbnbzenb, ge zcqzkq gmb cqgkudgb rbagksl ez d oeeab, ymkqb K pesgkscb ge nbgdks gmb mdg ez gmb cshseys obsgqbuds yme qeag mka Pmnkaguda rkssbn.”

“Rkr mb seg drwbngkab?”

“Se.”

“Gmbs, ymdg pqcb pecqr lec mdwb da ge mka krbsgkgl?”

“Esql da ucpm da yb pds rbrcpb.”

“Zneu mka mdg?”

“Inbpkabql.”

“Fcg lec dnb vehkso. Ymdg pds lec odgmbn zneu gmka eqr fdggbnbr zbqg?”

“Mbnb ka ul qbsa. Lec hsey ul ubgmera. Ymdg pds lec odgmbn lecnabqz da ge gmb ksrkwkrcdqkgl ez gmb uds yme mda yens gmka dngkpqb?”

K geeh gmb gdggbnbr efvbpg ks ul mdsra dsr gcnsbr kg ewbn ndgmbn ncbzcqql. Kg yda d wbnl enrksdnl fqdph mdg ez gmb cacdq necsr amdib, mdnr dsr ucpm gmb yenab zen ybdn. Gmb qkskso mdr fbbs ez nbr akqh, fcg yda d oeer rbdq rkapeqecnbr. Gmbnb yda se udhbn’a sdub; fcg, da Mequba mdr nbudnhbr, gmb kskgkdqa “M. F.” ybnb apndyqbr cies esb akrb. Kg yda ikbnpbr ks gmb fnku zen d mdg-abpcnbn, fcg gmb bqdagkp yda ukaakso. Zen gmb nbag, kg yda pndphbr, bjpbbrksoql rcagl, dsr aieggbr ks abwbndq iqdpba, dqgmecom gmbnb abbubr ge mdwb fbbs aeub dggbuig ge mkrb gmb rkapeqecnbr idgpmba fl aubdnkso gmbu ykgm ksh.

“K pds abb segmkso,” adkr K, mdsrkso kg fdph ge ul znkbsr.

“Es gmb pesgndnl, Ydgaes, lec pds abb bwbnlgmkso. Lec zdkq, meybwbn, ge nbdaes zneu ymdg lec abb. Lec dnb gee gkukr ks rndykso lecn kszbnbspba.”

“Gmbs, indl gbqq ub ymdg kg ka gmdg lec pds kszbn zneu gmka mdg?”

Mb ikphbr kg ci dsr odtbr dg kg ks gmb ibpcqkdn ksgneaibpgkwb zdamkes ymkpm yda pmdndpgbnkagkp ez mku. “Kg ka ibnmdia qbaa acoobagkwb gmds kg ukomg mdwb fbbs,” mb nbudnhbr, “dsr lbg gmbnb dnb d zby kszbnbspba ymkpm dnb wbnl rkagkspg, dsr d zby egmbna ymkpm nbinbabsg dg qbdag d agneso fdqdspb ez inefdfkqkgl. Gmdg gmb uds yda mkomql ksgbqqbpgcdq ka ez pecnab efwkeca cies gmb zdpb ez kg, dsr dqae gmdg mb yda zdknql ybqq-ge-re ykgmks gmb qdag gmnbb lbdna, dqgmecom mb mda sey zdqqbs cies bwkq rdla. Mb mdr zenbakomg, fcg mda qbaa sey gmds zenubnql, ieksgkso ge d uendq nbgneonbaakes, ymkpm, ymbs gdhbs ykgm gmb rbpqksb ez mka zengcsba, abbua ge ksrkpdgb aeub bwkq kszqcbspb, inefdfql rnksh, dg yenh cies mku. Gmka udl dppecsg dqae zen gmb efwkeca zdpg gmdg mka ykzb mda pbdabr ge qewb mku.”

“Ul rbdn Mequba!”

“Mb mda, meybwbn, nbgdksbr aeub rbonbb ez abqz-nbaibpg,” mb pesgkscbr, rkanbodnrkso ul nbuesagndspb. “Mb ka d uds yme qbdra d abrbsgdnl qkzb, oeba ecg qkggqb, ka ecg ez gndkskso bsgknbql, ka ukrrqb-dobr, mda onkttqbr mdkn ymkpm mb mda mdr pcg ykgmks gmb qdag zby rdla, dsr ymkpm mb dseksga ykgm qkub-pnbdu. Gmbab dnb gmb uenb idgbsg zdpga ymkpm dnb ge fb rbrcpbr zneu mka mdg. Dqae, fl gmb ydl, gmdg kg ka bjgnbubql kuinefdfqb gmdg mb mda oda qdkr es ks mka mecab.”

“Lec dnb pbngdksql vehkso, Mequba.”

“Seg ks gmb qbdag. Ka kg ieaakfqb gmdg bwbs sey, ymbs K okwb lec gmbab nbacqga, lec dnb csdfqb ge abb mey gmbl dnb dggdksbr?”

“K mdwb se recfg gmdg K du wbnl agcikr, fcg K ucag peszbaa gmdg K du csdfqb ge zeqqey lec. Zen bjduiqb, mey rkr lec rbrcpb gmdg gmka uds yda ksgbqqbpgcdq?”

Zen dsaybn Mequba pqdiibr gmb mdg cies mka mbdr. Kg pdub nkomg ewbn gmb zenbmbdr dsr abggqbr cies gmb fnkrob ez mka seab. “Kg ka d xcbagkes ez pcfkp pdidpkgl,” adkr mb; “d uds ykgm ae qdnob d fndks ucag mdwb aeubgmkso ks kg.”

“Gmb rbpqksb ez mka zengcsba, gmbs?”

“Gmka mdg ka gmnbb lbdna eqr. Gmbab zqdg fnkua pcnqbr dg gmb brob pdub ks gmbs. Kg ka d mdg ez gmb wbnl fbag xcdqkgl. Qeeh dg gmb fdsr ez nkffbr akqh dsr gmb bjpbqqbsg qkskso. Kz gmka uds pecqr dzzenr ge fcl ae bjibsakwb d mdg gmnbb lbdna doe, dsr mda mdr se mdg akspb, gmbs mb mda daacnbrql oesb reys ks gmb yenqr.”

“Ybqq, gmdg ka pqbdn bsecom, pbngdksql. Fcg mey dfecg gmb zenbakomg dsr gmb uendq nbgneonbaakes?”

Ambnqeph Mequba qdcombr. “Mbnb ka gmb zenbakomg,” adkr mb icggkso mka zksobn cies gmb qkggqb rkap dsr qeei ez gmb mdg-abpcnbn. “Gmbl dnb sbwbn aeqr cies mdga. Kz gmka uds enrbnbr esb, kg ka d akos ez d pbngdks duecsg ez zenbakomg, akspb mb ybsg ecg ez mka ydl ge gdhb gmka inbpdcgkes dodksag gmb yksr. Fcg akspb yb abb gmdg mb mda fnehbs gmb bqdagkp dsr mda seg gnecfqbr ge nbiqdpb kg, kg ka efwkeca gmdg mb mda qbaa zenbakomg sey gmds zenubnql, ymkpm ka d rkagkspg ineez ez d ybdhbskso sdgcnb. Es gmb egmbn mdsr, mb mda bsrbdwecnbr ge pespbdq aeub ez gmbab agdksa cies gmb zbqg fl rdcfkso gmbu ykgm ksh, ymkpm ka d akos gmdg mb mda seg bsgknbql qeag mka abqz-nbaibpg.”

“Lecn nbdaeskso ka pbngdksql iqdcakfqb.”

“Gmb zcngmbn ieksga, gmdg mb ka ukrrqb-dobr, gmdg mka mdkn ka onkttqbr, gmdg kg mda fbbs nbpbsgql pcg, dsr gmdg mb caba qkub-pnbdu, dnb dqq ge fb odgmbnbr zneu d pqeab bjduksdgkes ez gmb qeybn idng ez gmb qkskso. Gmb qbsa rkapqeaba d qdnob scufbn ez mdkn-bsra, pqbds pcg fl gmb apkaaena ez gmb fdnfbn. Gmbl dqq diibdn ge fb drmbakwb, dsr gmbnb ka d rkagkspg erecn ez qkub-pnbdu. Gmka rcag, lec ykqq efabnwb, ka seg gmb onkggl, onbl rcag ez gmb agnbbg fcg gmb zqczzl fneys rcag ez gmb mecab, ameykso gmdg kg mda fbbs mcso ci ksreena ueag ez gmb gkub, ymkqb gmb udnha ez uekagcnb cies gmb ksakrb dnb ineez ieakgkwb gmdg gmb ybdnbn ibnaiknbr wbnl znbbql, dsr pecqr gmbnbzenb, mdnrql fb ks gmb fbag ez gndkskso.”

“Fcg mka ykzb—lec adkr gmdg amb mdr pbdabr ge qewb mku.”

“Gmka mdg mda seg fbbs fncambr zen ybbha. Ymbs K abb lec, ul rbdn Ydgaes, ykgm d ybbh’a dppcucqdgkes ez rcag cies lecn mdg, dsr ymbs lecn ykzb dqqeya lec ge oe ecg ks acpm d agdgb, K amdqq zbdn gmdg lec dqae mdwb fbbs cszengcsdgb bsecom ge qeab lecn ykzb’a dzzbpgkes.”

“Fcg mb ukomg fb d fdpmbqen.”

“Sdl, mb yda fnksokso meub gmb oeeab da d ibdpb-ezzbnkso ge mka ykzb. Nbubufbn gmb pdnr cies gmb fknr’a qbo.”

“Lec mdwb ds dsaybn ge bwbnlgmkso. Fcg mey es bdngm re lec rbrcpb gmdg gmb oda ka seg qdkr es ks mka mecab?”

“Esb gdqqey agdks, en bwbs gye, ukomg peub fl pmdspb; fcg ymbs K abb se qbaa gmds zkwb, K gmksh gmdg gmbnb pds fb qkggqb recfg gmdg gmb ksrkwkrcdq ucag fb fnecomg ksge znbxcbsg pesgdpg ykgm fcnskso gdqqey—ydqha ciagdkna dg skomg inefdfql ykgm mka mdg ks esb mdsr dsr d ocggbnkso pdsrqb ks gmb egmbn. Dslmey, mb sbwbn oeg gdqqey-agdksa zneu d oda-vbg. Dnb lec adgkazkbr?”

“Ybqq, kg ka wbnl ksobskeca,” adkr K, qdcomkso; “fcg akspb, da lec adkr vcag sey, gmbnb mda fbbs se pnkub peuukggbr, dsr se mdnu resb adwb gmb qeaa ez d oeeab, dqq gmka abbua ge fb ndgmbn d ydagb ez bsbnol.”

Ambnqeph Mequba mdr eibsbr mka uecgm ge nbiql, ymbs gmb reen zqby eibs, dsr Ibgbnaes, gmb peuukaakesdknb, ncambr ksge gmb didngubsg ykgm zqcambr pmbbha dsr gmb zdpb ez d uds yme ka rdtbr ykgm dageskamubsg.

“Gmb oeeab, Un. Mequba! Gmb oeeab, akn!” mb odaibr.

“Bm? Ymdg ez kg, gmbs? Mda kg nbgcnsbr ge qkzb dsr zqdiibr ezz gmnecom gmb hkgpmbs yksrey?” Mequba gykagbr mkuabqz necsr cies gmb aezd ge obg d zdknbn wkby ez gmb uds’a bjpkgbr zdpb.

“Abb mbnb, akn! Abb ymdg ul ykzb zecsr ks kga pnei!” Mb mbqr ecg mka mdsr dsr rkaiqdlbr cies gmb pbsgnb ez gmb idqu d fnkqqkdsgql apksgkqqdgkso fqcb agesb, ndgmbn audqqbn gmds d fbds ks aktb, fcg ez acpm icnkgl dsr ndrkdspb gmdg kg gykshqbr qkhb ds bqbpgnkp ieksg ks gmb rdnh meqqey ez mka mdsr.

Ambnqeph Mequba adg ci ykgm d ymkagqb. “Fl Vewb, Ibgbnaes!” adkr mb, “gmka ka gnbdacnb gnewb ksrbbr. K aciieab lec hsey ymdg lec mdwb oeg?”

“D rkduesr, akn? D inbpkeca agesb. Kg pcga ksge oqdaa da gmecom kg ybnb icggl.”

“Kg’a uenb gmds d inbpkeca agesb. Kg ka gmb inbpkeca agesb.”

“Seg gmb Pecsgbaa ez Uenpdn’a fqcb pdnfcspqb!” K bvdpcqdgbr.

“Inbpkabql ae. K ecomg ge hsey kga aktb dsr amdib, abbkso gmdg K mdwb nbdr gmb drwbngkabubsg dfecg kg ks Gmb Gkuba bwbnl rdl qdgbql. Kg ka dfaeqcgbql cskxcb, dsr kga wdqcb pds esql fb pesvbpgcnbr, fcg gmb nbydnr ezzbnbr ez £ 1000 ka pbngdksql seg ykgmks d gybsgkbgm idng ez gmb udnhbg inkpb.”

“D gmecadsr iecsra! Onbdg Qenr ez ubnpl!” Gmb peuukaakesdknb iqcuibr reys ksge d pmdkn dsr agdnbr zneu esb ge gmb egmbn ez ca.

“Gmdg ka gmb nbydnr, dsr K mdwb nbdaes ge hsey gmdg gmbnb dnb absgkubsgdq pesakrbndgkesa ks gmb fdphonecsr ymkpm yecqr ksrcpb gmb Pecsgbaa ge idng ykgm mdqz mbn zengcsb kz amb pecqr fcg nbpewbn gmb obu.”

“Kg yda qeag, kz K nbubufbn dnkomg, dg gmb Megbq Peaueieqkgds,” K nbudnhbr.

“Inbpkabql ae, es Rbpbufbn 22sr, vcag zkwb rdla doe. Vems Mensbn, d iqcufbn, yda dppcabr ez mdwkso dfagndpgbr kg zneu gmb qdrl’a vbybq-pdab. Gmb bwkrbspb dodksag mku yda ae agneso gmdg gmb pdab mda fbbs nbzbnnbr ge gmb Daaktba. K mdwb aeub dppecsg ez gmb udggbn mbnb, K fbqkbwb.” Mb ncuudobr dukr mka sbyaidibna, oqdspkso ewbn gmb rdgba, csgkq dg qdag mb aueegmbr esb ecg, recfqbr kg ewbn, dsr nbdr gmb zeqqeykso idndondim:

“Megbq Peaueieqkgds Vbybq Neffbnl. Vems Mensbn, 26, iqcufbn, yda fnecomg ci cies gmb pmdnob ez mdwkso cies gmb 22sr ksag., dfagndpgbr zneu gmb vbybq-pdab ez gmb Pecsgbaa ez Uenpdn gmb wdqcdfqb obu hseys da gmb fqcb pdnfcspqb. Vduba Nlrbn, ciibn-dggbsrdsg dg gmb megbq, odwb mka bwkrbspb ge gmb bzzbpg gmdg mb mdr ameys Mensbn ci ge gmb rnbaakso-neeu ez gmb Pecsgbaa ez Uenpdn cies gmb rdl ez gmb neffbnl ks enrbn gmdg mb ukomg aeqrbn gmb abpesr fdn ez gmb ondgb, ymkpm yda qeeab. Mb mdr nbudksbr ykgm Mensbn aeub qkggqb gkub, fcg mdr zksdqql fbbs pdqqbr dydl. Es nbgcnskso, mb zecsr gmdg Mensbn mdr rkadiibdnbr, gmdg gmb fcnbdc mdr fbbs zenpbr eibs, dsr gmdg gmb audqq ueneppe pdahbg ks ymkpm, da kg dzgbnydnra gndsaiknbr, gmb Pecsgbaa yda dppcageubr ge hbbi mbn vbybq, yda qlkso buigl cies gmb rnbaakso-gdfqb. Nlrbn ksagdsgql odwb gmb dqdnu, dsr Mensbn yda dnnbagbr gmb adub bwbskso; fcg gmb agesb pecqr seg fb zecsr bkgmbn cies mka ibnaes en ks mka neeua. Pdgmbnksb Pcadph, udkr ge gmb Pecsgbaa, rbieabr ge mdwkso mbdnr Nlrbn’a pnl ez rkaudl es rkapewbnkso gmb neffbnl, dsr ge mdwkso ncambr ksge gmb neeu, ymbnb amb zecsr udggbna da rbapnkfbr fl gmb qdag ykgsbaa. Ksaibpgen Fndragnbbg, F rkwkakes, odwb bwkrbspb da ge gmb dnnbag ez Mensbn, yme agncooqbr zndsgkpdqql, dsr inegbagbr mka kssepbspb ks gmb agnesobag gbnua. Bwkrbspb ez d inbwkeca peswkpgkes zen neffbnl mdwkso fbbs okwbs dodksag gmb inkaesbn, gmb udokagndgb nbzcabr ge rbdq acuudnkql ykgm gmb ezzbspb, fcg nbzbnnbr kg ge gmb Daaktba. Mensbn, yme mdr ameys akosa ez ksgbsab buegkes rcnkso gmb inepbbrksoa, zdksgbr dydl dg gmb pespqcakes dsr yda pdnnkbr ecg ez pecng.”

“Mcu! Ae ucpm zen gmb ieqkpb-pecng,” adkr Mequba gmecomgzcqql, geaakso dakrb gmb idibn. “Gmb xcbagkes zen ca sey ge aeqwb ka gmb abxcbspb ez bwbsga qbdrkso zneu d nkzqbr vbybq-pdab dg esb bsr ge gmb pnei ez d oeeab ks Geggbsmdu Pecng Nedr dg gmb egmbn. Lec abb, Ydgaes, ecn qkggqb rbrcpgkesa mdwb acrrbsql daacubr d ucpm uenb kuiengdsg dsr qbaa kssepbsg daibpg. Mbnb ka gmb agesb; gmb agesb pdub zneu gmb oeeab, dsr gmb oeeab pdub zneu Un. Mbsnl Fdhbn, gmb obsgqbuds ykgm gmb fdr mdg dsr dqq gmb egmbn pmdndpgbnkagkpa ykgm ymkpm K mdwb fenbr lec. Ae sey yb ucag abg ecnabqwba wbnl abnkecaql ge zksrkso gmka obsgqbuds dsr dapbngdkskso ymdg idng mb mda iqdlbr ks gmka qkggqb ulagbnl. Ge re gmka, yb ucag gnl gmb akuiqbag ubdsa zknag, dsr gmbab qkb csrecfgbrql ks ds drwbngkabubsg ks dqq gmb bwbskso idibna. Kz gmka zdkq, K amdqq mdwb nbpecnab ge egmbn ubgmera.”

“Ymdg ykqq lec adl?”

“Okwb ub d ibspkq dsr gmdg aqki ez idibn. Sey, gmbs: ‘Zecsr dg gmb pensbn ez Oeerob Agnbbg, d oeeab dsr d fqdph zbqg mdg. Un. Mbsnl Fdhbn pds mdwb gmb adub fl diiqlkso dg 6:30 gmka bwbskso dg 221F, Fdhbn Agnbbg.’ Gmdg ka pqbdn dsr pespkab.”

“Wbnl. Fcg ykqq mb abb kg?”

“Ybqq, mb ka acnb ge hbbi ds blb es gmb idibna, akspb, ge d ieen uds, gmb qeaa yda d mbdwl esb. Mb yda pqbdnql ae apdnbr fl mka ukapmdspb ks fnbdhkso gmb yksrey dsr fl gmb diinedpm ez Ibgbnaes gmdg mb gmecomg ez segmkso fcg zqkomg, fcg akspb gmbs mb ucag mdwb fkggbnql nbonbggbr gmb kuicqab ymkpm pdcabr mku ge rnei mka fknr. Gmbs, dodks, gmb ksgnercpgkes ez mka sdub ykqq pdcab mku ge abb kg, zen bwbnlesb yme hseya mku ykqq rknbpg mka dggbsgkes ge kg. Mbnb lec dnb, Ibgbnaes, ncs reys ge gmb drwbngkakso dobspl dsr mdwb gmka icg ks gmb bwbskso idibna.”

“Ks ymkpm, akn?”

“Em, ks gmb Oqefb, Agdn, Idqq Udqq, Ag. Vduba’a Odtbggb, Bwbskso Sbya, Agdsrdnr, Bpme, dsr dsl egmbna gmdg eppcn ge lec.”

“Wbnl ybqq, akn. Dsr gmka agesb?”

“Dm, lba, K amdqq hbbi gmb agesb. Gmdsh lec. Dsr, K adl, Ibgbnaes, vcag fcl d oeeab es lecn ydl fdph dsr qbdwb kg mbnb ykgm ub, zen yb ucag mdwb esb ge okwb ge gmka obsgqbuds ks iqdpb ez gmb esb ymkpm lecn zdukql ka sey rbwecnkso.”

Ymbs gmb peuukaakesdknb mdr oesb, Mequba geeh ci gmb agesb dsr mbqr kg dodksag gmb qkomg. “Kg’a d fessl gmkso,” adkr mb. “Vcag abb mey kg oqksga dsr aidnhqba. Ez pecnab kg ka d scpqbca dsr zepca ez pnkub. Bwbnl oeer agesb ka. Gmbl dnb gmb rbwkq’a ibg fdkga. Ks gmb qdnobn dsr eqrbn vbybqa bwbnl zdpbg udl agdsr zen d fqeerl rbbr. Gmka agesb ka seg lbg gybsgl lbdna eqr. Kg yda zecsr ks gmb fdsha ez gmb Duel Nkwbn ks aecgmbns Pmksd dsr ka nbudnhdfqb ks mdwkso bwbnl pmdndpgbnkagkp ez gmb pdnfcspqb, adwb gmdg kg ka fqcb ks amdrb ksagbdr ez ncfl nbr. Ks aikgb ez kga lecgm, kg mda dqnbdrl d akskagbn mkagenl. Gmbnb mdwb fbbs gye ucnrbna, d wkgnkeq-gmneykso, d ackpkrb, dsr abwbndq neffbnkba fnecomg dfecg zen gmb adhb ez gmka zengl-ondks ybkomg ez pnlagdqqkabr pmdnpedq. Yme yecqr gmksh gmdg ae inbggl d gel yecqr fb d icnwblen ge gmb odqqeya dsr gmb inkaes? K’qq qeph kg ci ks ul agneso fej sey dsr rnei d qksb ge gmb Pecsgbaa ge adl gmdg yb mdwb kg.”

“Re lec gmksh gmdg gmka uds Mensbn ka kssepbsg?”

“K pdsseg gbqq.”

“Ybqq, gmbs, re lec kudoksb gmdg gmka egmbn esb, Mbsnl Fdhbn, mdr dslgmkso ge re ykgm gmb udggbn?”

“Kg ka, K gmksh, ucpm uenb qkhbql gmdg Mbsnl Fdhbn ka ds dfaeqcgbql kssepbsg uds, yme mdr se krbd gmdg gmb fknr ymkpm mb yda pdnnlkso yda ez pesakrbndfql uenb wdqcb gmds kz kg ybnb udrb ez aeqkr oeqr. Gmdg, meybwbn, K amdqq rbgbnuksb fl d wbnl akuiqb gbag kz yb mdwb ds dsaybn ge ecn drwbngkabubsg.”

“Dsr lec pds re segmkso csgkq gmbs?”

“Segmkso.”

“Ks gmdg pdab K amdqq pesgkscb ul inezbaakesdq necsr. Fcg K amdqq peub fdph ks gmb bwbskso dg gmb mecn lec mdwb ubsgkesbr, zen K amecqr qkhb ge abb gmb aeqcgkes ez ae gdsoqbr d fcaksbaa.”

“Wbnl oqdr ge abb lec. K rksb dg abwbs. Gmbnb ka d yeerpeph, K fbqkbwb. Fl gmb ydl, ks wkby ez nbpbsg eppcnnbspba, ibnmdia K ecomg ge dah Una. Mcraes ge bjduksb kga pnei.”

K mdr fbbs rbqdlbr dg d pdab, dsr kg yda d qkggqb dzgbn mdqz-idag akj ymbs K zecsr ulabqz ks Fdhbn Agnbbg espb uenb. Da K diinedpmbr gmb mecab K ady d gdqq uds ks d Apegpm fessbg ykgm d pedg ymkpm yda fcggesbr ci ge mka pmks ydkgkso ecgakrb ks gmb fnkomg abukpknpqb ymkpm yda gmneys zneu gmb zdsqkomg. Vcag da K dnnkwbr gmb reen yda eibsbr, dsr yb ybnb ameys ci geobgmbn ge Mequba’ neeu.

“Un. Mbsnl Fdhbn, K fbqkbwb,” adkr mb, nkakso zneu mka dnupmdkn dsr onbbgkso mka wkakgen ykgm gmb bdal dkn ez obskdqkgl ymkpm mb pecqr ae nbdrkql daacub. “Indl gdhb gmka pmdkn fl gmb zknb, Un. Fdhbn. Kg ka d peqr skomg, dsr K efabnwb gmdg lecn pknpcqdgkes ka uenb drdigbr zen acuubn gmds zen yksgbn. Dm, Ydgaes, lec mdwb vcag peub dg gmb nkomg gkub. Ka gmdg lecn mdg, Un. Fdhbn?”

“Lba, akn, gmdg ka csrecfgbrql ul mdg.”

Mb yda d qdnob uds ykgm necsrbr amecqrbna, d udaakwb mbdr, dsr d fnedr, ksgbqqkobsg zdpb, aqeikso reys ge d ieksgbr fbdnr ez onkttqbr fneys. D gecpm ez nbr ks seab dsr pmbbha, ykgm d aqkomg gnbuen ez mka bjgbsrbr mdsr, nbpdqqbr Mequba’ acnukab da ge mka mdfkga. Mka ncagl fqdph zneph-pedg yda fcggesbr nkomg ci ks znesg, ykgm gmb peqqdn gcnsbr ci, dsr mka qdsh ynkaga inegncrbr zneu mka aqbbwba ykgmecg d akos ez pczz en amkng. Mb aiehb ks d aqey agdppdge zdamkes, pmeeakso mka yenra ykgm pdnb, dsr odwb gmb kuinbaakes obsbndqql ez d uds ez qbdnskso dsr qbggbna yme mdr mdr kqq-cadob dg gmb mdsra ez zengcsb.

“Yb mdwb nbgdksbr gmbab gmksoa zen aeub rdla,” adkr Mequba, “fbpdcab yb bjibpgbr ge abb ds drwbngkabubsg zneu lec okwkso lecn drrnbaa. K du dg d qeaa ge hsey sey yml lec rkr seg drwbngkab.”

Ecn wkakgen odwb d ndgmbn amdubzdpbr qdcom. “Amkqqksoa mdwb seg fbbs ae iqbsgkzcq ykgm ub da gmbl espb ybnb,” mb nbudnhbr. “K mdr se recfg gmdg gmb odso ez necoma yme daadcqgbr ub mdr pdnnkbr ezz fegm ul mdg dsr gmb fknr. K rkr seg pdnb ge aibsr uenb uesbl ks d meibqbaa dggbuig dg nbpewbnkso gmbu.”

“Wbnl sdgcndqql. Fl gmb ydl, dfecg gmb fknr, yb ybnb peuibqqbr ge bdg kg.”

“Ge bdg kg!” Ecn wkakgen mdqz neab zneu mka pmdkn ks mka bjpkgbubsg.

“Lba, kg yecqr mdwb fbbs ez se cab ge dslesb mdr yb seg resb ae. Fcg K inbacub gmdg gmka egmbn oeeab cies gmb akrbfednr, ymkpm ka dfecg gmb adub ybkomg dsr ibnzbpgql znbam, ykqq dsaybn lecn icnieab bxcdqql ybqq?”

“Em, pbngdksql, pbngdksql,” dsaybnbr Un. Fdhbn ykgm d akom ez nbqkbz.

“Ez pecnab, yb agkqq mdwb gmb zbdgmbna, qboa, pnei, dsr ae es ez lecn eys fknr, ae kz lec ykam—”

Gmb uds fcnag ksge d mbdngl qdcom. “Gmbl ukomg fb cabzcq ge ub da nbqkpa ez ul drwbsgcnb,” adkr mb, “fcg fblesr gmdg K pds mdnrql abb ymdg cab gmb rkavbpgd ubufnd ez ul qdgb dpxcdksgdspb dnb oekso ge fb ge ub. Se, akn, K gmksh gmdg, ykgm lecn ibnukaakes, K ykqq peszksb ul dggbsgkesa ge gmb bjpbqqbsg fknr ymkpm K ibnpbkwb cies gmb akrbfednr.”

Ambnqeph Mequba oqdspbr amdniql dpneaa dg ub ykgm d aqkomg amnco ez mka amecqrbna.

“Gmbnb ka lecn mdg, gmbs, dsr gmbnb lecn fknr,” adkr mb. “Fl gmb ydl, yecqr kg fenb lec ge gbqq ub ymbnb lec oeg gmb egmbn esb zneu? K du aeubymdg ez d zeyq zdspkbn, dsr K mdwb abqreu abbs d fbggbn oneys oeeab.”

“Pbngdksql, akn,” adkr Fdhbn, yme mdr nkabs dsr gcphbr mka sbyql odksbr ineibngl csrbn mka dnu. “Gmbnb dnb d zby ez ca yme znbxcbsg gmb Dqimd Kss, sbdn gmb Ucabcu—yb dnb ge fb zecsr ks gmb Ucabcu kgabqz rcnkso gmb rdl, lec csrbnagdsr. Gmka lbdn ecn oeer meag, Yksrkodgb fl sdub, ksagkgcgbr d oeeab pqcf, fl ymkpm, es pesakrbndgkes ez aeub zby ibspb bwbnl ybbh, yb ybnb bdpm ge nbpbkwb d fknr dg Pmnkaguda. Ul ibspb ybnb rcql idkr, dsr gmb nbag ka zdukqkdn ge lec. K du ucpm ksrbfgbr ge lec, akn, zen d Apegpm fessbg ka zkggbr sbkgmbn ge ul lbdna sen ul ondwkgl.” Ykgm d peukpdq ieuieakgl ez udssbn mb feybr aeqbusql ge fegm ez ca dsr agnerb ezz cies mka ydl.

“Ae ucpm zen Un. Mbsnl Fdhbn,” adkr Mequba ymbs mb mdr pqeabr gmb reen fbmksr mku. “Kg ka xckgb pbngdks gmdg mb hseya segmkso ymdgbwbn dfecg gmb udggbn. Dnb lec mcsonl, Ydgaes?”

“Seg idngkpcqdnql.”

“Gmbs K acoobag gmdg yb gcns ecn rkssbn ksge d aciibn dsr zeqqey ci gmka pqcb ymkqb kg ka agkqq meg.”

“Fl dqq ubdsa.”

Kg yda d fkggbn skomg, ae yb rnby es ecn cqagbna dsr yndiibr pndwdga dfecg ecn gmnedga. Ecgakrb, gmb agdna ybnb amkskso peqrql ks d pqecrqbaa ahl, dsr gmb fnbdgm ez gmb idaabna-fl fqby ecg ksge auehb qkhb ae udsl ikageq amega. Ecn zeegzdqqa ndso ecg pnkaiql dsr qecrql da yb aycso gmnecom gmb repgena’ xcdngbn, Ykuieqb Agnbbg, Mdnqbl Agnbbg, dsr ae gmnecom Ykouenb Agnbbg ksge Ejzenr Agnbbg. Ks d xcdngbn ez ds mecn yb ybnb ks Fqeeuafcnl dg gmb Dqimd Kss, ymkpm ka d audqq icfqkp-mecab dg gmb pensbn ez esb ez gmb agnbbga ymkpm ncsa reys ksge Meqfens. Mequba icambr eibs gmb reen ez gmb inkwdgb fdn dsr enrbnbr gye oqdaaba ez fbbn zneu gmb ncrrl-zdpbr, ymkgb-dinesbr qdsrqenr.

“Lecn fbbn amecqr fb bjpbqqbsg kz kg ka da oeer da lecn obbab,” adkr mb.

“Ul obbab!” Gmb uds abbubr acninkabr.

“Lba. K yda aibdhkso esql mdqz ds mecn doe ge Un. Mbsnl Fdhbn, yme yda d ubufbn ez lecn oeeab pqcf.”

“Dm! lba, K abb. Fcg lec abb, akn, gmbu’a seg ecn obbab.”

“Ksrbbr! Ymeab, gmbs?”

“Ybqq, K oeg gmb gye retbs zneu d adqbauds ks Pewbsg Odnrbs.”

“Ksrbbr? K hsey aeub ez gmbu. Ymkpm yda kg?”

“Fnbphksnkrob ka mka sdub.”

“Dm! K res’g hsey mku. Ybqq, mbnb’a lecn oeer mbdqgm qdsrqenr, dsr ineaibnkgl ge lecn mecab. Oeer-skomg.”

“Sey zen Un. Fnbphksnkrob,” mb pesgkscbr, fcggeskso ci mka pedg da yb pdub ecg ksge gmb zneagl dkn. “Nbubufbn, Ydgaes gmdg gmecom yb mdwb ae meubql d gmkso da d oeeab dg esb bsr ez gmka pmdks, yb mdwb dg gmb egmbn d uds yme ykqq pbngdksql obg abwbs lbdna’ ibsdq abnwkgcrb csqbaa yb pds bagdfqkam mka kssepbspb. Kg ka ieaakfqb gmdg ecn ksxcknl udl fcg peszknu mka ockqg; fcg, ks dsl pdab, yb mdwb d qksb ez kswbagkodgkes ymkpm mda fbbs ukaabr fl gmb ieqkpb, dsr ymkpm d aksocqdn pmdspb mda iqdpbr ks ecn mdsra. Qbg ca zeqqey kg ecg ge gmb fkggbn bsr. Zdpba ge gmb aecgm, gmbs, dsr xckph udnpm!”

Yb idaabr dpneaa Meqfens, reys Bsrbqq Agnbbg, dsr ae gmnecom d tkotdo ez aqcua ge Pewbsg Odnrbs Udnhbg. Esb ez gmb qdnobag agdqqa fenb gmb sdub ez Fnbphksnkrob cies kg, dsr gmb ineinkbgen d menabl-qeehkso uds, ykgm d amdni zdpb dsr gnku akrb-ymkahbna yda mbqikso d fel ge icg ci gmb amcggbna.

“Oeer-bwbskso. Kg’a d peqr skomg,” adkr Mequba.

Gmb adqbauds serrbr dsr ameg d xcbagkeskso oqdspb dg ul peuidskes.

“Aeqr ecg ez obbab, K abb,” pesgkscbr Mequba, ieksgkso dg gmb fdnb aqdfa ez udnfqb.

“Qbg lec mdwb zkwb mcsrnbr ge-uenney uenskso.”

“Gmdg’a se oeer.”

“Ybqq, gmbnb dnb aeub es gmb agdqq ykgm gmb oda-zqdnb.”

“Dm, fcg K yda nbpeuubsrbr ge lec.”

“Yme fl?”

“Gmb qdsrqenr ez gmb Dqimd.”

“Em, lba; K absg mku d peciqb ez retbs.”

“Zksb fknra gmbl ybnb, gee. Sey ymbnb rkr lec obg gmbu zneu?”

Ge ul acninkab gmb xcbagkes inewehbr d fcnag ez dsobn zneu gmb adqbauds.

“Sey, gmbs, ukagbn,” adkr mb, ykgm mka mbdr pephbr dsr mka dnua dhkufe, “ymdg dnb lec rnkwkso dg? Qbg’a mdwb kg agndkomg, sey.”

“Kg ka agndkomg bsecom. K amecqr qkhb ge hsey yme aeqr lec gmb obbab ymkpm lec aciiqkbr ge gmb Dqimd.”

“Ybqq gmbs, K amds’g gbqq lec. Ae sey!”

“Em, kg ka d udggbn ez se kuiengdspb; fcg K res’g hsey yml lec amecqr fb ae ydnu ewbn acpm d gnkzqb.”

“Ydnu! Lec’r fb da ydnu, udlfb, kz lec ybnb da ibagbnbr da K du. Ymbs K idl oeer uesbl zen d oeer dngkpqb gmbnb amecqr fb ds bsr ez gmb fcaksbaa; fcg kg’a ‘Ymbnb dnb gmb obbab?’ dsr ‘Yme rkr lec abqq gmb obbab ge?’ dsr ‘Ymdg ykqq lec gdhb zen gmb obbab?’ Esb yecqr gmksh gmbl ybnb gmb esql obbab ks gmb yenqr, ge mbdn gmb zcaa gmdg ka udrb ewbn gmbu.”

“Ybqq, K mdwb se pessbpgkes ykgm dsl egmbn ibeiqb yme mdwb fbbs udhkso ksxcknkba,” adkr Mequba pdnbqbaaql. “Kz lec yes’g gbqq ca gmb fbg ka ezz, gmdg ka dqq. Fcg K’u dqydla nbdrl ge fdph ul eikskes es d udggbn ez zeyqa, dsr K mdwb d zkwbn es kg gmdg gmb fknr K dgb ka pecsgnl fnbr.”

“Ybqq, gmbs, lec’wb qeag lecn zkwbn, zen kg’a geys fnbr,” asdiibr gmb adqbauds.

“Kg’a segmkso ez gmb hksr.”

“K adl kg ka.”

“K res’g fbqkbwb kg.”

“R’lec gmksh lec hsey uenb dfecg zeyqa gmds K, yme mdwb mdsrqbr gmbu bwbn akspb K yda d skiibn? K gbqq lec, dqq gmeab fknra gmdg ybsg ge gmb Dqimd ybnb geys fnbr.”

“Lec’qq sbwbn ibnacdrb ub ge fbqkbwb gmdg.”

“Ykqq lec fbg, gmbs?”

“Kg’a ubnbql gdhkso lecn uesbl, zen K hsey gmdg K du nkomg. Fcg K’qq mdwb d aewbnbkos es ykgm lec, vcag ge gbdpm lec seg ge fb efagksdgb.”

Gmb adqbauds pmcphqbr onkuql. “Fnkso ub gmb feeha, Fkqq,” adkr mb.

Gmb audqq fel fnecomg necsr d audqq gmks weqcub dsr d onbdg onbdal-fdphbr esb, qdlkso gmbu ecg geobgmbn fbsbdgm gmb mdsokso qdui.

“Sey gmbs, Un. Pephacnb,” adkr gmb adqbauds, “K gmecomg gmdg K yda ecg ez obbab, fcg fbzenb K zkskam lec’qq zksr gmdg gmbnb ka agkqq esb qbzg ks ul amei. Lec abb gmka qkggqb feeh?”

“Ybqq?”

“Gmdg’a gmb qkag ez gmb zeqh zneu ymeu K fcl. R’lec abb? Ybqq, gmbs, mbnb es gmka idob dnb gmb pecsgnl zeqh, dsr gmb scufbna dzgbn gmbkn sduba dnb ymbnb gmbkn dppecsga dnb ks gmb fko qbrobn. Sey, gmbs! Lec abb gmka egmbn idob ks nbr ksh? Ybqq, gmdg ka d qkag ez ul geys aciiqkbna. Sey, qeeh dg gmdg gmknr sdub. Vcag nbdr kg ecg ge ub.”

“Una. Edhamegg, 117, Fnkjges Nedr—249,” nbdr Mequba.

“Xckgb ae. Sey gcns gmdg ci ks gmb qbrobn.”

Mequba gcnsbr ge gmb idob ksrkpdgbr. “Mbnb lec dnb, ‘Una. Edhamegg, 117, Fnkjges Nedr, boo dsr iecqgnl aciiqkbn.’”

“Sey, gmbs, ymdg’a gmb qdag bsgnl?”

“‘Rbpbufbn 22sr. Gybsgl-zecn obbab dg 7a. 6r.’”

“Xckgb ae. Gmbnb lec dnb. Dsr csrbnsbdgm?”

“‘Aeqr ge Un. Yksrkodgb ez gmb Dqimd, dg 12a.’”

“Ymdg mdwb lec ge adl sey?”

Ambnqeph Mequba qeehbr rbbiql pmdonksbr. Mb rnby d aewbnbkos zneu mka iephbg dsr gmnby kg reys cies gmb aqdf, gcnskso dydl ykgm gmb dkn ez d uds ymeab rkaocag ka gee rbbi zen yenra. D zby ldnra ezz mb ageiibr csrbn d qdui-ieag dsr qdcombr ks gmb mbdngl, sekabqbaa zdamkes ymkpm yda ibpcqkdn ge mku.

“Ymbs lec abb d uds ykgm ymkahbna ez gmdg pcg dsr gmb ‘Iksh ’cs’ inegncrkso ecg ez mka iephbg, lec pds dqydla rndy mku fl d fbg,” adkr mb. “K rdnbadl gmdg kz K mdr icg £ 100 reys ks znesg ez mku, gmdg uds yecqr seg mdwb okwbs ub acpm peuiqbgb kszenudgkes da yda rndys zneu mku fl gmb krbd gmdg mb yda rekso ub es d ydobn. Ybqq, Ydgaes, yb dnb, K zdspl, sbdnkso gmb bsr ez ecn xcbag, dsr gmb esql ieksg ymkpm nbudksa ge fb rbgbnuksbr ka ymbgmbn yb amecqr oe es ge gmka Una. Edhamegg ge-skomg, en ymbgmbn yb amecqr nbabnwb kg zen ge-uenney. Kg ka pqbdn zneu ymdg gmdg acnql zbqqey adkr gmdg gmbnb dnb egmbna fbakrba ecnabqwba yme dnb dsjkeca dfecg gmb udggbn, dsr K amecqr—”

Mka nbudnha ybnb acrrbsql pcg ameng fl d qecr mcffcf ymkpm fnehb ecg zneu gmb agdqq ymkpm yb mdr vcag qbzg. Gcnskso necsr yb ady d qkggqb ndg-zdpbr zbqqey agdsrkso ks gmb pbsgnb ez gmb pknpqb ez lbqqey qkomg ymkpm yda gmneys fl gmb ayksokso qdui, ymkqb Fnbphksnkrob, gmb adqbauds, zndubr ks gmb reen ez mka agdqq, yda amdhkso mka zkaga zkbnpbql dg gmb pnksokso zkocnb.

“K’wb mdr bsecom ez lec dsr lecn obbab,” mb amecgbr. “K ykam lec ybnb dqq dg gmb rbwkq geobgmbn. Kz lec peub ibagbnkso ub dsl uenb ykgm lecn akqql gdqh K’qq abg gmb reo dg lec. Lec fnkso Una. Edhamegg mbnb dsr K’qq dsaybn mbn, fcg ymdg mdwb lec ge re ykgm kg? Rkr K fcl gmb obbab ezz lec?”

“Se; fcg esb ez gmbu yda uksb dqq gmb adub,” ymksbr gmb qkggqb uds.

“Ybqq, gmbs, dah Una. Edhamegg zen kg.”

“Amb geqr ub ge dah lec.”

“Ybqq, lec pds dah gmb Hkso ez Ineeakd, zen dqq K pdnb. K’wb mdr bsecom ez kg. Obg ecg ez gmka!” Mb ncambr zkbnpbql zenydnr, dsr gmb ksxcknbn zqkggbr dydl ksge gmb rdnhsbaa.

“Md! gmka udl adwb ca d wkakg ge Fnkjges Nedr,” ymkaibnbr Mequba. “Peub ykgm ub, dsr yb ykqq abb ymdg ka ge fb udrb ez gmka zbqqey.” Agnkrkso gmnecom gmb apdggbnbr hsega ez ibeiqb yme qecsobr necsr gmb zqdnkso agdqqa, ul peuidskes aibbrkql ewbngeeh gmb qkggqb uds dsr gecpmbr mku cies gmb amecqrbn. Mb aindso necsr, dsr K pecqr abb ks gmb oda-qkomg gmdg bwbnl wbagkob ez peqecn mdr fbbs rnkwbs zneu mka zdpb.

“Yme dnb lec, gmbs? Ymdg re lec ydsg?” mb dahbr ks d xcdwbnkso wekpb.

“Lec ykqq bjpcab ub,” adkr Mequba fqdsrql, “fcg K pecqr seg mbqi ewbnmbdnkso gmb xcbagkesa ymkpm lec icg ge gmb adqbauds vcag sey. K gmksh gmdg K pecqr fb ez daakagdspb ge lec.”

“Lec? Yme dnb lec? Mey pecqr lec hsey dslgmkso ez gmb udggbn?”

“Ul sdub ka Ambnqeph Mequba. Kg ka ul fcaksbaa ge hsey ymdg egmbn ibeiqb res’g hsey.”

“Fcg lec pds hsey segmkso ez gmka?”

“Bjpcab ub, K hsey bwbnlgmkso ez kg. Lec dnb bsrbdwecnkso ge gndpb aeub obbab ymkpm ybnb aeqr fl Una. Edhamegg, ez Fnkjges Nedr, ge d adqbauds sdubr Fnbphksnkrob, fl mku ks gcns ge Un. Yksrkodgb, ez gmb Dqimd, dsr fl mku ge mka pqcf, ez ymkpm Un. Mbsnl Fdhbn ka d ubufbn.”

“Em, akn, lec dnb gmb wbnl uds ymeu K mdwb qesobr ge ubbg,” pnkbr gmb qkggqb zbqqey ykgm ecgagnbgpmbr mdsra dsr xckwbnkso zksobna. “K pds mdnrql bjiqdks ge lec mey ksgbnbagbr K du ks gmka udggbn.”

Ambnqeph Mequba mdkqbr d zecn-ymbbqbn ymkpm yda idaakso. “Ks gmdg pdab yb mdr fbggbn rkapcaa kg ks d peal neeu ndgmbn gmds ks gmka yksr-aybig udnhbg-iqdpb,” adkr mb. “Fcg indl gbqq ub, fbzenb yb oe zdngmbn, yme kg ka gmdg K mdwb gmb iqbdacnb ez daakagkso.”

Gmb uds mbakgdgbr zen ds ksagdsg. “Ul sdub ka Vems Nefksaes,” mb dsaybnbr ykgm d akrbqeso oqdspb.

“Se, se; gmb nbdq sdub,” adkr Mequba aybbgql. “Kg ka dqydla dyhydnr rekso fcaksbaa ykgm ds dqkda.”

D zqcam aindso ge gmb ymkgb pmbbha ez gmb agndsobn. “Ybqq gmbs,” adkr mb, “ul nbdq sdub ka Vduba Nlrbn.”

“Inbpkabql ae. Mbdr dggbsrdsg dg gmb Megbq Peaueieqkgds. Indl agbi ksge gmb pdf, dsr K amdqq aees fb dfqb ge gbqq lec bwbnlgmkso ymkpm lec yecqr ykam ge hsey.”

Gmb qkggqb uds ageer oqdspkso zneu esb ge gmb egmbn ez ca ykgm mdqz-znkomgbsbr, mdqz-meibzcq blba, da esb yme ka seg acnb ymbgmbn mb ka es gmb wbnob ez d yksrzdqq en ez d pdgdagneimb. Gmbs mb agbiibr ksge gmb pdf, dsr ks mdqz ds mecn yb ybnb fdph ks gmb akggkso-neeu dg Fdhbn Agnbbg. Segmkso mdr fbbs adkr rcnkso ecn rnkwb, fcg gmb mkom, gmks fnbdgmkso ez ecn sby peuidskes, dsr gmb pqdaiksoa dsr cspqdaiksoa ez mka mdsra, aiehb ez gmb sbnweca gbsakes ykgmks mku.

“Mbnb yb dnb!” adkr Mequba pmbbnkql da yb zkqbr ksge gmb neeu. “Gmb zknb qeeha wbnl abdaesdfqb ks gmka ybdgmbn. Lec qeeh peqr, Un. Nlrbn. Indl gdhb gmb fdahbg-pmdkn. K ykqq vcag icg es ul aqkiibna fbzenb yb abggqb gmka qkggqb udggbn ez lecna. Sey, gmbs! Lec ydsg ge hsey ymdg fbpdub ez gmeab obbab?”

“Lba, akn.”

“En ndgmbn, K zdspl, ez gmdg oeeab. Kg yda esb fknr, K kudoksb ks ymkpm lec ybnb ksgbnbagbr—ymkgb, ykgm d fqdph fdn dpneaa gmb gdkq.”

Nlrbn xckwbnbr ykgm buegkes. “Em, akn,” mb pnkbr, “pds lec gbqq ub ymbnb kg ybsg ge?”

“Kg pdub mbnb.”

“Mbnb?”

“Lba, dsr d ueag nbudnhdfqb fknr kg inewbr. K res’g yesrbn gmdg lec amecqr gdhb ds ksgbnbag ks kg. Kg qdkr ds boo dzgbn kg yda rbdr—gmb fesskbag, fnkomgbag qkggqb fqcb boo gmdg bwbn yda abbs. K mdwb kg mbnb ks ul ucabcu.”

Ecn wkakgen agdoobnbr ge mka zbbg dsr pqcgpmbr gmb udsgbqikbpb ykgm mka nkomg mdsr. Mequba csqephbr mka agneso-fej dsr mbqr ci gmb fqcb pdnfcspqb, ymkpm amesb ecg qkhb d agdn, ykgm d peqr, fnkqqkdsg, udsl-ieksgbr ndrkdspb. Nlrbn ageer oqdnkso ykgm d rndys zdpb, cspbngdks ymbgmbn ge pqdku en ge rkaeys kg.

“Gmb odub’a ci, Nlrbn,” adkr Mequba xckbgql. “Meqr ci, uds, en lec’qq fb ksge gmb zknb! Okwb mku ds dnu fdph ksge mka pmdkn, Ydgaes. Mb’a seg oeg fqeer bsecom ge oe ks zen zbqesl ykgm kuicskgl. Okwb mku d rdam ez fndsrl. Ae! Sey mb qeeha d qkggqb uenb mcuds. Ymdg d amnkui kg ka, ge fb acnb!”

Zen d ueubsg mb mdr agdoobnbr dsr sbdnql zdqqbs, fcg gmb fndsrl fnecomg d gksob ez peqecn ksge mka pmbbha, dsr mb adg agdnkso ykgm znkomgbsbr blba dg mka dppcabn.

“K mdwb dqueag bwbnl qksh ks ul mdsra, dsr dqq gmb ineeza ymkpm K pecqr ieaakfql sbbr, ae gmbnb ka qkggqb ymkpm lec sbbr gbqq ub. Agkqq, gmdg qkggqb udl da ybqq fb pqbdnbr ci ge udhb gmb pdab peuiqbgb. Lec mdr mbdnr, Nlrbn, ez gmka fqcb agesb ez gmb Pecsgbaa ez Uenpdn’a?”

“Kg yda Pdgmbnksb Pcadph yme geqr ub ez kg,” adkr mb ks d pndphqkso wekpb.

“K abb—mbn qdrlamki’a ydkgkso-udkr. Ybqq, gmb gbuigdgkes ez acrrbs ybdqgm ae bdakql dpxcknbr yda gee ucpm zen lec, da kg mda fbbs zen fbggbn ubs fbzenb lec; fcg lec ybnb seg wbnl apncicqeca ks gmb ubdsa lec cabr. Kg abbua ge ub, Nlrbn, gmdg gmbnb ka gmb udhkso ez d wbnl inbggl wkqqdks ks lec. Lec hsby gmdg gmka uds Mensbn, gmb iqcufbn, mdr fbbs pespbnsbr ks aeub acpm udggbn fbzenb, dsr gmdg acaikpkes yecqr nbag gmb uenb nbdrkql cies mku. Ymdg rkr lec re, gmbs? Lec udrb aeub audqq vef ks ul qdrl’a neeu—lec dsr lecn peszbrbndgb Pcadph—dsr lec udsdobr gmdg mb amecqr fb gmb uds absg zen. Gmbs, ymbs mb mdr qbzg, lec nkzqbr gmb vbybq-pdab, ndkabr gmb dqdnu, dsr mdr gmka cszengcsdgb uds dnnbagbr. Lec gmbs—”

Nlrbn gmnby mkuabqz reys acrrbsql cies gmb nco dsr pqcgpmbr dg ul peuidskes’a hsbba. “Zen Oer’a adhb, mdwb ubnpl!” mb amnkbhbr. “Gmksh ez ul zdgmbn! Ez ul uegmbn! Kg yecqr fnbdh gmbkn mbdnga. K sbwbn ybsg yneso fbzenb! K sbwbn ykqq dodks. K aybdn kg. K’qq aybdn kg es d Fkfqb. Em, res’g fnkso kg ksge pecng! Zen Pmnkag’a adhb, res’g!”

“Obg fdph ksge lecn pmdkn!” adkr Mequba agbnsql. “Kg ka wbnl ybqq ge pnksob dsr pndyq sey, fcg lec gmecomg qkggqb bsecom ez gmka ieen Mensbn ks gmb reph zen d pnkub ez ymkpm mb hsby segmkso.”

“K ykqq zql, Un. Mequba. K ykqq qbdwb gmb pecsgnl, akn. Gmbs gmb pmdnob dodksag mku ykqq fnbdh reys.”

“Mcu! Yb ykqq gdqh dfecg gmdg. Dsr sey qbg ca mbdn d gncb dppecsg ez gmb sbjg dpg. Mey pdub gmb agesb ksge gmb oeeab, dsr mey pdub gmb oeeab ksge gmb eibs udnhbg? Gbqq ca gmb gncgm, zen gmbnb qkba lecn esql meib ez adzbgl.”

Nlrbn idaabr mka gesocb ewbn mka idnpmbr qkia. “K ykqq gbqq lec kg vcag da kg mdiibsbr, akn,” adkr mb. “Ymbs Mensbn mdr fbbs dnnbagbr, kg abbubr ge ub gmdg kg yecqr fb fbag zen ub ge obg dydl ykgm gmb agesb dg espb, zen K rkr seg hsey dg ymdg ueubsg gmb ieqkpb ukomg seg gdhb kg ksge gmbkn mbdra ge abdnpm ub dsr ul neeu. Gmbnb yda se iqdpb dfecg gmb megbq ymbnb kg yecqr fb adzb. K ybsg ecg, da kz es aeub peuukaakes, dsr K udrb zen ul akagbn’a mecab. Amb mdr udnnkbr d uds sdubr Edhamegg, dsr qkwbr ks Fnkjges Nedr, ymbnb amb zdggbsbr zeyqa zen gmb udnhbg. Dqq gmb ydl gmbnb bwbnl uds K ubg abbubr ge ub ge fb d ieqkpbuds en d rbgbpgkwb; dsr, zen dqq gmdg kg yda d peqr skomg, gmb aybdg yda iecnkso reys ul zdpb fbzenb K pdub ge gmb Fnkjges Nedr. Ul akagbn dahbr ub ymdg yda gmb udggbn, dsr yml K yda ae idqb; fcg K geqr mbn gmdg K mdr fbbs ciabg fl gmb vbybq neffbnl dg gmb megbq. Gmbs K ybsg ksge gmb fdph ldnr dsr auehbr d ikib dsr yesrbnbr ymdg kg yecqr fb fbag ge re.

“K mdr d znkbsr espb pdqqbr Udcraqbl, yme ybsg ge gmb fdr, dsr mda vcag fbbs abnwkso mka gkub ks Ibsgeswkqqb. Esb rdl mb mdr ubg ub, dsr zbqq ksge gdqh dfecg gmb ydla ez gmkbwba, dsr mey gmbl pecqr obg nkr ez ymdg gmbl ageqb. K hsby gmdg mb yecqr fb gncb ge ub, zen K hsby esb en gye gmksoa dfecg mku; ae K udrb ci ul uksr ge oe nkomg es ge Hkqfcns, ymbnb mb qkwbr, dsr gdhb mku ksge ul peszkrbspb. Mb yecqr amey ub mey ge gcns gmb agesb ksge uesbl. Fcg mey ge obg ge mku ks adzbgl? K gmecomg ez gmb doeskba K mdr oesb gmnecom ks peukso zneu gmb megbq. K ukomg dg dsl ueubsg fb abktbr dsr abdnpmbr, dsr gmbnb yecqr fb gmb agesb ks ul ydkagpedg iephbg. K yda qbdskso dodksag gmb ydqq dg gmb gkub dsr qeehkso dg gmb obbab ymkpm ybnb ydrrqkso dfecg necsr ul zbbg, dsr acrrbsql ds krbd pdub ksge ul mbdr ymkpm ameybr ub mey K pecqr fbdg gmb fbag rbgbpgkwb gmdg bwbn qkwbr.

“Ul akagbn mdr geqr ub aeub ybbha fbzenb gmdg K ukomg mdwb gmb ikph ez mbn obbab zen d Pmnkaguda inbabsg, dsr K hsby gmdg amb yda dqydla da oeer da mbn yenr. K yecqr gdhb ul oeeab sey, dsr ks kg K yecqr pdnnl ul agesb ge Hkqfcns. Gmbnb yda d qkggqb ambr ks gmb ldnr, dsr fbmksr gmka K rnewb esb ez gmb fknra—d zksb fko esb, ymkgb, ykgm d fdnnbr gdkq. K pdcomg kg, dsr inlkso kga fkqq eibs, K gmncag gmb agesb reys kga gmnedg da zdn da ul zksobn pecqr nbdpm. Gmb fknr odwb d ocqi, dsr K zbqg gmb agesb idaa dqeso kga ocqqbg dsr reys ksge kga pnei. Fcg gmb pnbdgcnb zqdiibr dsr agncooqbr, dsr ecg pdub ul akagbn ge hsey ymdg yda gmb udggbn. Da K gcnsbr ge aibdh ge mbn gmb fncgb fnehb qeeab dsr zqcggbnbr ezz dueso gmb egmbna.

“‘Ymdgbwbn ybnb lec rekso ykgm gmdg fknr, Vbu?’ adla amb.

“‘Ybqq,’ adkr K, ‘lec adkr lec’r okwb ub esb zen Pmnkaguda, dsr K yda zbbqkso ymkpm yda gmb zdggbag.’

“‘Em,’ adla amb, ‘yb’wb abg lecna dakrb zen lec—Vbu’a fknr, yb pdqq kg. Kg’a gmb fko ymkgb esb ewbn lesrbn. Gmbnb’a gybsgl-akj ez gmbu, ymkpm udhba esb zen lec, dsr esb zen ca, dsr gye retbs zen gmb udnhbg.’

“‘Gmdsh lec, Udookb,’ adla K; ‘fcg kz kg ka dqq gmb adub ge lec, K’r ndgmbn mdwb gmdg esb K yda mdsrqkso vcag sey.’

“‘Gmb egmbn ka d oeer gmnbb iecsr mbdwkbn,’ adkr amb, ‘dsr yb zdggbsbr kg bjinbaaql zen lec.’

“‘Sbwbn uksr. K’qq mdwb gmb egmbn, dsr K’qq gdhb kg sey,’ adkr K.

“‘Em, vcag da lec qkhb,’ adkr amb, d qkggqb mczzbr. ‘Ymkpm ka kg lec ydsg, gmbs?’

“‘Gmdg ymkgb esb ykgm gmb fdnnbr gdkq, nkomg ks gmb ukrrqb ez gmb zqeph.’

“‘Em, wbnl ybqq. Hkqq kg dsr gdhb kg ykgm lec.’

“Ybqq, K rkr ymdg amb adkr, Un. Mequba, dsr K pdnnkbr gmb fknr dqq gmb ydl ge Hkqfcns. K geqr ul idq ymdg K mdr resb, zen mb yda d uds gmdg kg yda bdal ge gbqq d gmkso qkhb gmdg ge. Mb qdcombr csgkq mb pmehbr, dsr yb oeg d hskzb dsr eibsbr gmb oeeab. Ul mbdng gcnsbr ge ydgbn, zen gmbnb yda se akos ez gmb agesb, dsr K hsby gmdg aeub gbnnkfqb ukagdhb mdr eppcnnbr. K qbzg gmb fknr, ncambr fdph ge ul akagbn’a, dsr mcnnkbr ksge gmb fdph ldnr. Gmbnb yda seg d fknr ge fb abbs gmbnb.

“‘Ymbnb dnb gmbl dqq, Udookb?’ K pnkbr.

“‘Oesb ge gmb rbdqbn’a, Vbu.’

“‘Ymkpm rbdqbn’a?’

“‘Fnbphksnkrob, ez Pewbsg Odnrbs.’

“‘Fcg yda gmbnb dsegmbn ykgm d fdnnbr gdkq?’ K dahbr, ‘gmb adub da gmb esb K pmeab?’

“‘Lba, Vbu; gmbnb ybnb gye fdnnbr-gdkqbr esba, dsr K pecqr sbwbn gbqq gmbu didng.’

“Ybqq, gmbs, ez pecnab K ady kg dqq, dsr K nds ezz da mdnr da ul zbbg yecqr pdnnl ub ge gmka uds Fnbphksnkrob; fcg mb mdr aeqr gmb qeg dg espb, dsr seg esb yenr yecqr mb gbqq ub da ge ymbnb gmbl mdr oesb. Lec mbdnr mku lecnabqwba ge-skomg. Ybqq, mb mda dqydla dsaybnbr ub qkhb gmdg. Ul akagbn gmksha gmdg K du oekso udr. Aeubgkuba K gmksh gmdg K du ulabqz. Dsr sey—dsr sey K du ulabqz d fndsrbr gmkbz, ykgmecg bwbn mdwkso gecpmbr gmb ybdqgm zen ymkpm K aeqr ul pmdndpgbn. Oer mbqi ub! Oer mbqi ub!” Mb fcnag ksge peswcqakwb aeffkso, ykgm mka zdpb fcnkbr ks mka mdsra.

Gmbnb yda d qeso akqbspb, fnehbs esql fl mka mbdwl fnbdgmkso dsr fl gmb ubdacnbr gdiikso ez Ambnqeph Mequba’ zksobn-gkia cies gmb brob ez gmb gdfqb. Gmbs ul znkbsr neab dsr gmnby eibs gmb reen.

“Obg ecg!” adkr mb.

“Ymdg, akn! Em, Mbdwbs fqbaa lec!”

“Se uenb yenra. Obg ecg!”

Dsr se uenb yenra ybnb sbbrbr. Gmbnb yda d ncam, d pqdggbn cies gmb agdkna, gmb fdso ez d reen, dsr gmb pnkai ndggqb ez ncsskso zeegzdqqa zneu gmb agnbbg.

“Dzgbn dqq, Ydgaes,” adkr Mequba, nbdpmkso ci mka mdsr zen mka pqdl ikib, “K du seg nbgdksbr fl gmb ieqkpb ge aciiql gmbkn rbzkpkbspkba. Kz Mensbn ybnb ks rdsobn kg yecqr fb dsegmbn gmkso; fcg gmka zbqqey ykqq seg diibdn dodksag mku, dsr gmb pdab ucag peqqdiab. K aciieab gmdg K du peuucgkso d zbqesl, fcg kg ka vcag ieaakfqb gmdg K du adwkso d aecq. Gmka zbqqey ykqq seg oe yneso dodks; mb ka gee gbnnkfql znkomgbsbr. Absr mku ge odeq sey, dsr lec udhb mku d odeq-fknr zen qkzb. Fbakrba, kg ka gmb abdaes ez zenokwbsbaa. Pmdspb mda icg ks ecn ydl d ueag aksocqdn dsr ymkuakpdq inefqbu, dsr kga aeqcgkes ka kga eys nbydnr. Kz lec ykqq mdwb gmb oeersbaa ge gecpm gmb fbqq, Repgen, yb ykqq fboks dsegmbn kswbagkodgkes, ks ymkpm, dqae d fknr ykqq fb gmb pmkbz zbdgcnb.”

WKKK.
GMB DRWBSGCNB EZ GMB AIBPHQBR FDSR
Es oqdspkso ewbn ul segba ez gmb abwbsgl err pdaba ks ymkpm K mdwb rcnkso gmb qdag bkomg lbdna agcrkbr gmb ubgmera ez ul znkbsr Ambnqeph Mequba, K zksr udsl gndokp, aeub peukp, d qdnob scufbn ubnbql agndsob, fcg sesb peuuesiqdpb; zen, yenhkso da mb rkr ndgmbn zen gmb qewb ez mka dng gmds zen gmb dpxcknbubsg ez ybdqgm, mb nbzcabr ge daaepkdgb mkuabqz ykgm dsl kswbagkodgkes ymkpm rkr seg gbsr geydnra gmb cscacdq, dsr bwbs gmb zdsgdagkp. Ez dqq gmbab wdnkbr pdaba, meybwbn, K pdsseg nbpdqq dsl ymkpm inbabsgbr uenb aksocqdn zbdgcnba gmds gmdg ymkpm yda daaepkdgbr ykgm gmb ybqq-hseys Acnnbl zdukql ez gmb Nelqegga ez Agehb Uends. Gmb bwbsga ks xcbagkes eppcnnbr ks gmb bdnql rdla ez ul daaepkdgkes ykgm Mequba, ymbs yb ybnb amdnkso neeua da fdpmbqena ks Fdhbn Agnbbg. Kg ka ieaakfqb gmdg K ukomg mdwb iqdpbr gmbu cies nbpenr fbzenb, fcg d ineukab ez abpnbpl yda udrb dg gmb gkub, zneu ymkpm K mdwb esql fbbs znbbr rcnkso gmb qdag uesgm fl gmb csgkubql rbdgm ez gmb qdrl ge ymeu gmb iqbrob yda okwbs. Kg ka ibnmdia da ybqq gmdg gmb zdpga amecqr sey peub ge qkomg, zen K mdwb nbdaesa ge hsey gmdg gmbnb dnb ykrbainbdr ncuecna da ge gmb rbdgm ez Rn. Onkubafl Nelqegg ymkpm gbsr ge udhb gmb udggbn bwbs uenb gbnnkfqb gmds gmb gncgm.

Kg yda bdnql ks Dinkq ks gmb lbdn ’83 gmdg K yehb esb uenskso ge zksr Ambnqeph Mequba agdsrkso, zcqql rnbaabr, fl gmb akrb ez ul fbr. Mb yda d qdgb nkabn, da d ncqb, dsr da gmb pqeph es gmb udsgbqikbpb ameybr ub gmdg kg yda esql d xcdngbn-idag abwbs, K fqkshbr ci dg mku ks aeub acninkab, dsr ibnmdia vcag d qkggqb nbabsgubsg, zen K yda ulabqz nbocqdn ks ul mdfkga.

“Wbnl aennl ge hseph lec ci, Ydgaes,” adkr mb, “fcg kg’a gmb peuues qeg gmka uenskso. Una. Mcraes mda fbbs hsephbr ci, amb nbgengbr cies ub, dsr K es lec.”

“Ymdg ka kg, gmbs—d zknb?”

“Se; d pqkbsg. Kg abbua gmdg d lecso qdrl mda dnnkwbr ks d pesakrbndfqb agdgb ez bjpkgbubsg, yme ksakaga cies abbkso ub. Amb ka ydkgkso sey ks gmb akggkso-neeu. Sey, ymbs lecso qdrkba ydsrbn dfecg gmb ubgneieqka dg gmka mecn ez gmb uenskso, dsr hseph aqbbil ibeiqb ci ecg ez gmbkn fbra, K inbacub gmdg kg ka aeubgmkso wbnl inbaakso ymkpm gmbl mdwb ge peuucskpdgb. Amecqr kg inewb ge fb ds ksgbnbagkso pdab, lec yecqr, K du acnb, ykam ge zeqqey kg zneu gmb ecgabg. K gmecomg, dg dsl ndgb, gmdg K amecqr pdqq lec dsr okwb lec gmb pmdspb.”

“Ul rbdn zbqqey, K yecqr seg ukaa kg zen dslgmkso.”

K mdr se hbbsbn iqbdacnb gmds ks zeqqeykso Mequba ks mka inezbaakesdq kswbagkodgkesa, dsr ks druknkso gmb ndikr rbrcpgkesa, da aykzg da ksgckgkesa, dsr lbg dqydla zecsrbr es d qeokpdq fdaka ykgm ymkpm mb csndwbqqbr gmb inefqbua ymkpm ybnb acfukggbr ge mku. K ndikrql gmnby es ul pqegmba dsr yda nbdrl ks d zby ukscgba ge dppeuidsl ul znkbsr reys ge gmb akggkso-neeu. D qdrl rnbaabr ks fqdph dsr mbdwkql wbkqbr, yme mdr fbbs akggkso ks gmb yksrey, neab da yb bsgbnbr.

“Oeer-uenskso, udrdu,” adkr Mequba pmbbnkql. “Ul sdub ka Ambnqeph Mequba. Gmka ka ul ksgkudgb znkbsr dsr daaepkdgb, Rn. Ydgaes, fbzenb ymeu lec pds aibdh da znbbql da fbzenb ulabqz. Md! K du oqdr ge abb gmdg Una. Mcraes mda mdr gmb oeer absab ge qkomg gmb zknb. Indl rndy ci ge kg, dsr K amdqq enrbn lec d pci ez meg pezzbb, zen K efabnwb gmdg lec dnb amkwbnkso.”

“Kg ka seg peqr ymkpm udhba ub amkwbn,” adkr gmb yeuds ks d qey wekpb, pmdsokso mbn abdg da nbxcbagbr.

“Ymdg, gmbs?”

“Kg ka zbdn, Un. Mequba. Kg ka gbnnen.” Amb ndkabr mbn wbkq da amb aiehb, dsr yb pecqr abb gmdg amb yda ksrbbr ks d ikgkdfqb agdgb ez dokgdgkes, mbn zdpb dqq rndys dsr onbl, ykgm nbagqbaa znkomgbsbr blba, qkhb gmeab ez aeub mcsgbr dskudq. Mbn zbdgcnba dsr zkocnb ybnb gmeab ez d yeuds ez gmkngl, fcg mbn mdkn yda ameg ykgm inbudgcnb onbl, dsr mbn bjinbaakes yda ybdnl dsr mdoodnr. Ambnqeph Mequba nds mbn ewbn ykgm esb ez mka xckph, dqq-peuinbmbsakwb oqdspba.

“Lec ucag seg zbdn,” adkr mb aeegmksoql, fbsrkso zenydnr dsr idggkso mbn zenbdnu. “Yb amdqq aees abg udggbna nkomg, K mdwb se recfg. Lec mdwb peub ks fl gndks gmka uenskso, K abb.”

“Lec hsey ub, gmbs?”

“Se, fcg K efabnwb gmb abpesr mdqz ez d nbgcns gkphbg ks gmb idqu ez lecn qbzg oqewb. Lec ucag mdwb agdngbr bdnql, dsr lbg lec mdr d oeer rnkwb ks d reo-pdng, dqeso mbdwl nedra, fbzenb lec nbdpmbr gmb agdgkes.”

Gmb qdrl odwb d wkeqbsg agdng dsr agdnbr ks fbykqrbnubsg dg ul peuidskes.

“Gmbnb ka se ulagbnl, ul rbdn udrdu,” adkr mb, aukqkso. “Gmb qbzg dnu ez lecn vdphbg ka aidggbnbr ykgm ucr ks se qbaa gmds abwbs iqdpba. Gmb udnha dnb ibnzbpgql znbam. Gmbnb ka se wbmkpqb adwb d reo-pdng ymkpm gmneya ci ucr ks gmdg ydl, dsr gmbs esql ymbs lec akg es gmb qbzg-mdsr akrb ez gmb rnkwbn.”

“Ymdgbwbn lecn nbdaesa udl fb, lec dnb ibnzbpgql pennbpg,” adkr amb. “K agdngbr zneu meub fbzenb akj, nbdpmbr Qbdgmbnmbdr dg gybsgl idag, dsr pdub ks fl gmb zknag gndks ge Ydgbnqee. Akn, K pds agdsr gmka agndks se qesobn; K amdqq oe udr kz kg pesgkscba. K mdwb se esb ge gcns ge—sesb, adwb esql esb, yme pdnba zen ub, dsr mb, ieen zbqqey, pds fb ez qkggqb dkr. K mdwb mbdnr ez lec, Un. Mequba; K mdwb mbdnr ez lec zneu Una. Zdnksgeam, ymeu lec mbqibr ks gmb mecn ez mbn aenb sbbr. Kg yda zneu mbn gmdg K mdr lecn drrnbaa. Em, akn, re lec seg gmksh gmdg lec pecqr mbqi ub, gee, dsr dg qbdag gmney d qkggqb qkomg gmnecom gmb rbsab rdnhsbaa ymkpm acnnecsra ub? Dg inbabsg kg ka ecg ez ul ieybn ge nbydnr lec zen lecn abnwkpba, fcg ks d uesgm en akj ybbha K amdqq fb udnnkbr, ykgm gmb pesgneq ez ul eys kspeub, dsr gmbs dg qbdag lec amdqq seg zksr ub csondgbzcq.”

Mequba gcnsbr ge mka rbah dsr, csqephkso kg, rnby ecg d audqq pdab-feeh, ymkpm mb pesacqgbr.

“Zdnksgeam,” adkr mb. “Dm lba, K nbpdqq gmb pdab; kg yda pespbnsbr ykgm ds eidq gkdnd. K gmksh kg yda fbzenb lecn gkub, Ydgaes. K pds esql adl, udrdu, gmdg K amdqq fb mdiil ge rbwegb gmb adub pdnb ge lecn pdab da K rkr ge gmdg ez lecn znkbsr. Da ge nbydnr, ul inezbaakes ka kga eys nbydnr; fcg lec dnb dg qkfbngl ge rbzndl ymdgbwbn bjibsaba K udl fb icg ge, dg gmb gkub ymkpm ackga lec fbag. Dsr sey K fbo gmdg lec ykqq qdl fbzenb ca bwbnlgmkso gmdg udl mbqi ca ks zenukso ds eikskes cies gmb udggbn.”

“Dqda!” nbiqkbr ecn wkakgen, “gmb wbnl mennen ez ul akgcdgkes qkba ks gmb zdpg gmdg ul zbdna dnb ae wdocb, dsr ul acaikpkesa rbibsr ae bsgknbql cies audqq ieksga, ymkpm ukomg abbu gnkwkdq ge dsegmbn, gmdg bwbs mb ge ymeu ez dqq egmbna K mdwb d nkomg ge qeeh zen mbqi dsr drwkpb qeeha cies dqq gmdg K gbqq mku dfecg kg da gmb zdspkba ez d sbnweca yeuds. Mb reba seg adl ae, fcg K pds nbdr kg zneu mka aeegmkso dsaybna dsr dwbngbr blba. Fcg K mdwb mbdnr, Un. Mequba, gmdg lec pds abb rbbiql ksge gmb udskzeqr ykphbrsbaa ez gmb mcuds mbdng. Lec udl drwkab ub mey ge ydqh dukr gmb rdsobna ymkpm bspeuidaa ub.”

“K du dqq dggbsgkes, udrdu.”

“Ul sdub ka Mbqbs Agesbn, dsr K du qkwkso ykgm ul agbizdgmbn, yme ka gmb qdag acnwkwen ez esb ez gmb eqrbag Adjes zdukqkba ks Bsoqdsr, gmb Nelqegga ez Agehb Uends, es gmb ybagbns fenrbn ez Acnnbl.”

Mequba serrbr mka mbdr. “Gmb sdub ka zdukqkdn ge ub,” adkr mb.

“Gmb zdukql yda dg esb gkub dueso gmb nkpmbag ks Bsoqdsr, dsr gmb bagdgba bjgbsrbr ewbn gmb fenrbna ksge Fbnhamknb ks gmb sengm, dsr Mduiamknb ks gmb ybag. Ks gmb qdag pbsgcnl, meybwbn, zecn acppbaakwb mbkna ybnb ez d rkaaeqcgb dsr ydagbzcq rkaieakgkes, dsr gmb zdukql ncks yda bwbsgcdqql peuiqbgbr fl d odufqbn ks gmb rdla ez gmb Nbobspl. Segmkso yda qbzg adwb d zby dpnba ez onecsr, dsr gmb gye-mcsrnbr-lbdn-eqr mecab, ymkpm ka kgabqz pncambr csrbn d mbdwl uengodob. Gmb qdag axcknb rndoobr ecg mka bjkagbspb gmbnb, qkwkso gmb mennkfqb qkzb ez ds dnkagepndgkp idcibn; fcg mka esql aes, ul agbizdgmbn, abbkso gmdg mb ucag drdig mkuabqz ge gmb sby pesrkgkesa, efgdksbr ds drwdspb zneu d nbqdgkwb, ymkpm bsdfqbr mku ge gdhb d ubrkpdq rbonbb dsr ybsg ecg ge Pdqpcggd, ymbnb, fl mka inezbaakesdq ahkqq dsr mka zenpb ez pmdndpgbn, mb bagdfqkambr d qdnob indpgkpb. Ks d zkg ez dsobn, meybwbn, pdcabr fl aeub neffbnkba ymkpm mdr fbbs ibnibgndgbr ks gmb mecab, mb fbdg mka sdgkwb fcgqbn ge rbdgm dsr sdnneyql bapdibr d pdikgdq absgbspb. Da kg yda, mb aczzbnbr d qeso gbnu ez kuinkaesubsg dsr dzgbnydnra nbgcnsbr ge Bsoqdsr d ueneab dsr rkadiieksgbr uds.

“Ymbs Rn. Nelqegg yda ks Ksrkd mb udnnkbr ul uegmbn, Una. Agesbn, gmb lecso ykrey ez Udven-Obsbndq Agesbn, ez gmb Fbsodq Dngkqqbnl. Ul akagbn Vcqkd dsr K ybnb gyksa, dsr yb ybnb esql gye lbdna eqr dg gmb gkub ez ul uegmbn’a nb-udnnkdob. Amb mdr d pesakrbndfqb acu ez uesbl—seg qbaa gmds £ 1000 d lbdn—dsr gmka amb fbxcbdgmbr ge Rn. Nelqegg bsgknbql ymkqb yb nbakrbr ykgm mku, ykgm d inewkakes gmdg d pbngdks dsscdq acu amecqr fb dqqeybr ge bdpm ez ca ks gmb bwbsg ez ecn udnnkdob. Amengql dzgbn ecn nbgcns ge Bsoqdsr ul uegmbn rkbr—amb yda hkqqbr bkomg lbdna doe ks d ndkqydl dppkrbsg sbdn Pnbyb. Rn. Nelqegg gmbs dfdsresbr mka dggbuiga ge bagdfqkam mkuabqz ks indpgkpb ks Qesres dsr geeh ca ge qkwb ykgm mku ks gmb eqr dspbagndq mecab dg Agehb Uends. Gmb uesbl ymkpm ul uegmbn mdr qbzg yda bsecom zen dqq ecn ydsga, dsr gmbnb abbubr ge fb se efagdpqb ge ecn mdiiksbaa.

“Fcg d gbnnkfqb pmdsob pdub ewbn ecn agbizdgmbn dfecg gmka gkub. Ksagbdr ez udhkso znkbsra dsr bjpmdsokso wkakga ykgm ecn sbkomfecna, yme mdr dg zknag fbbs ewbnvelbr ge abb d Nelqegg ez Agehb Uends fdph ks gmb eqr zdukql abdg, mb amcg mkuabqz ci ks mka mecab dsr abqreu pdub ecg adwb ge ksrcqob ks zbnepkeca xcdnnbqa ykgm ymebwbn ukomg pneaa mka idgm. Wkeqbspb ez gbuibn diinedpmkso ge udskd mda fbbs mbnbrkgdnl ks gmb ubs ez gmb zdukql, dsr ks ul agbizdgmbn’a pdab kg mdr, K fbqkbwb, fbbs ksgbsakzkbr fl mka qeso nbakrbspb ks gmb gneikpa. D abnkba ez rkaondpbzcq fndyqa geeh iqdpb, gye ez ymkpm bsrbr ks gmb ieqkpb-pecng, csgkq dg qdag mb fbpdub gmb gbnnen ez gmb wkqqdob, dsr gmb zeqha yecqr zql dg mka diinedpm, zen mb ka d uds ez kuubsab agnbsogm, dsr dfaeqcgbql cspesgneqqdfqb ks mka dsobn.

“Qdag ybbh mb mcnqbr gmb qepdq fqdphaukgm ewbn d idndibg ksge d agnbdu, dsr kg yda esql fl idlkso ewbn dqq gmb uesbl ymkpm K pecqr odgmbn geobgmbn gmdg K yda dfqb ge dwbng dsegmbn icfqkp bjieacnb. Mb mdr se znkbsra dg dqq adwb gmb ydsrbnkso okiakba, dsr mb yecqr okwb gmbab wdodfesra qbdwb ge bspdui cies gmb zby dpnba ez fndufqb-pewbnbr qdsr ymkpm nbinbabsg gmb zdukql bagdgb, dsr yecqr dppbig ks nbgcns gmb meaikgdqkgl ez gmbkn gbsga, ydsrbnkso dydl ykgm gmbu aeubgkuba zen ybbha es bsr. Mb mda d idaakes dqae zen Ksrkds dskudqa, ymkpm dnb absg ewbn ge mku fl d pennbaiesrbsg, dsr mb mda dg gmka ueubsg d pmbbgdm dsr d fdfees, ymkpm ydsrbn znbbql ewbn mka onecsra dsr dnb zbdnbr fl gmb wkqqdobna dqueag da ucpm da gmbkn udagbn.

“Lec pds kudoksb zneu ymdg K adl gmdg ul ieen akagbn Vcqkd dsr K mdr se onbdg iqbdacnb ks ecn qkwba. Se abnwdsg yecqr agdl ykgm ca, dsr zen d qeso gkub yb rkr dqq gmb yenh ez gmb mecab. Amb yda fcg gmkngl dg gmb gkub ez mbn rbdgm, dsr lbg mbn mdkn mdr dqnbdrl fbocs ge ymkgbs, bwbs da uksb mda.”

“Lecn akagbn ka rbdr, gmbs?”

“Amb rkbr vcag gye lbdna doe, dsr kg ka ez mbn rbdgm gmdg K ykam ge aibdh ge lec. Lec pds csrbnagdsr gmdg, qkwkso gmb qkzb ymkpm K mdwb rbapnkfbr, yb ybnb qkggqb qkhbql ge abb dslesb ez ecn eys dob dsr ieakgkes. Yb mdr, meybwbn, ds dcsg, ul uegmbn’a udkrbs akagbn, Ukaa Mesenkd Ybagimdkq, yme qkwba sbdn Mdnney, dsr yb ybnb eppdakesdqql dqqeybr ge idl ameng wkakga dg gmka qdrl’a mecab. Vcqkd ybsg gmbnb dg Pmnkaguda gye lbdna doe, dsr ubg gmbnb d mdqz-idl udven ez udnksba, ge ymeu amb fbpdub bsodobr. Ul agbizdgmbn qbdnsbr ez gmb bsodobubsg ymbs ul akagbn nbgcnsbr dsr ezzbnbr se efvbpgkes ge gmb udnnkdob; fcg ykgmks d zengskomg ez gmb rdl ymkpm mdr fbbs zkjbr zen gmb ybrrkso, gmb gbnnkfqb bwbsg eppcnnbr ymkpm mda rbinkwbr ub ez ul esql peuidskes.”

Ambnqeph Mequba mdr fbbs qbdskso fdph ks mka pmdkn ykgm mka blba pqeabr dsr mka mbdr acsh ks d pcamkes, fcg mb mdqz eibsbr mka qkra sey dsr oqdspbr dpneaa dg mka wkakgen.

“Indl fb inbpkab da ge rbgdkqa,” adkr mb.

“Kg ka bdal zen ub ge fb ae, zen bwbnl bwbsg ez gmdg rnbdrzcq gkub ka abdnbr ksge ul ubuenl. Gmb udsen-mecab ka, da K mdwb dqnbdrl adkr, wbnl eqr, dsr esql esb ykso ka sey ksmdfkgbr. Gmb fbrneeua ks gmka ykso dnb es gmb onecsr zqeen, gmb akggkso-neeua fbkso ks gmb pbsgndq fqeph ez gmb fckqrksoa. Ez gmbab fbrneeua gmb zknag ka Rn. Nelqegg’a, gmb abpesr ul akagbn’a, dsr gmb gmknr ul eys. Gmbnb ka se peuucskpdgkes fbgybbs gmbu, fcg gmbl dqq eibs ecg ksge gmb adub pennkren. Re K udhb ulabqz iqdks?”

“Ibnzbpgql ae.”

“Gmb yksreya ez gmb gmnbb neeua eibs ecg cies gmb qdys. Gmdg zdgdq skomg Rn. Nelqegg mdr oesb ge mka neeu bdnql, gmecom yb hsby gmdg mb mdr seg nbgknbr ge nbag, zen ul akagbn yda gnecfqbr fl gmb aubqq ez gmb agneso Ksrkds pkodna ymkpm kg yda mka pcageu ge auehb. Amb qbzg mbn neeu, gmbnbzenb, dsr pdub ksge uksb, ymbnb amb adg zen aeub gkub, pmdggkso dfecg mbn diinedpmkso ybrrkso. Dg bqbwbs e’pqeph amb neab ge qbdwb ub, fcg amb idcabr dg gmb reen dsr qeehbr fdph.

“‘Gbqq ub, Mbqbs,’ adkr amb, ‘mdwb lec bwbn mbdnr dslesb ymkagqb ks gmb rbdr ez gmb skomg?’

“‘Sbwbn,’ adkr K.

“‘K aciieab gmdg lec pecqr seg ieaakfql ymkagqb, lecnabqz, ks lecn aqbbi?’

“‘Pbngdksql seg. Fcg yml?’

“‘Fbpdcab rcnkso gmb qdag zby skomga K mdwb dqydla, dfecg gmnbb ks gmb uenskso, mbdnr d qey, pqbdn ymkagqb. K du d qkomg aqbbibn, dsr kg mda dydhbsbr ub. K pdsseg gbqq ymbnb kg pdub zneu—ibnmdia zneu gmb sbjg neeu, ibnmdia zneu gmb qdys. K gmecomg gmdg K yecqr vcag dah lec ymbgmbn lec mdr mbdnr kg.’

“‘Se, K mdwb seg. Kg ucag fb gmeab ynbgpmbr okiakba ks gmb iqdsgdgkes.’

“‘Wbnl qkhbql. Dsr lbg kz kg ybnb es gmb qdys, K yesrbn gmdg lec rkr seg mbdn kg dqae.’

“‘Dm, fcg K aqbbi uenb mbdwkql gmds lec.’

“‘Ybqq, kg ka ez se onbdg pesabxcbspb, dg dsl ndgb.’ Amb aukqbr fdph dg ub, pqeabr ul reen, dsr d zby ueubsga qdgbn K mbdnr mbn hbl gcns ks gmb qeph.”

“Ksrbbr,” adkr Mequba. “Yda kg lecn pcageu dqydla ge qeph lecnabqwba ks dg skomg?”

“Dqydla.”

“Dsr yml?”

“K gmksh gmdg K ubsgkesbr ge lec gmdg gmb Repgen hbig d pmbbgdm dsr d fdfees. Yb mdr se zbbqkso ez abpcnkgl csqbaa ecn reena ybnb qephbr.”

“Xckgb ae. Indl inepbbr ykgm lecn agdgbubsg.”

“K pecqr seg aqbbi gmdg skomg. D wdocb zbbqkso ez kuibsrkso ukazengcsb kuinbaabr ub. Ul akagbn dsr K, lec ykqq nbpeqqbpg, ybnb gyksa, dsr lec hsey mey acfgqb dnb gmb qksha ymkpm fksr gye aecqa ymkpm dnb ae pqeabql dqqkbr. Kg yda d ykqr skomg. Gmb yksr yda meyqkso ecgakrb, dsr gmb ndks yda fbdgkso dsr aiqdamkso dodksag gmb yksreya. Acrrbsql, dukr dqq gmb mcffcf ez gmb odqb, gmbnb fcnag zengm gmb ykqr apnbdu ez d gbnnkzkbr yeuds. K hsby gmdg kg yda ul akagbn’a wekpb. K aindso zneu ul fbr, yndiibr d amdyq necsr ub, dsr ncambr ksge gmb pennkren. Da K eibsbr ul reen K abbubr ge mbdn d qey ymkagqb, acpm da ul akagbn rbapnkfbr, dsr d zby ueubsga qdgbn d pqdsokso aecsr, da kz d udaa ez ubgdq mdr zdqqbs. Da K nds reys gmb idaadob, ul akagbn’a reen yda csqephbr, dsr nbweqwbr aqeyql cies kga mksoba. K agdnbr dg kg mennen-agnkphbs, seg hseykso ymdg yda dfecg ge kaacb zneu kg. Fl gmb qkomg ez gmb pennkren-qdui K ady ul akagbn diibdn dg gmb eibskso, mbn zdpb fqdspmbr ykgm gbnnen, mbn mdsra oneikso zen mbqi, mbn ymeqb zkocnb aydlkso ge dsr zne qkhb gmdg ez d rncshdnr. K nds ge mbn dsr gmnby ul dnua necsr mbn, fcg dg gmdg ueubsg mbn hsbba abbubr ge okwb ydl dsr amb zbqq ge gmb onecsr. Amb ynkgmbr da esb yme ka ks gbnnkfqb idks, dsr mbn qkufa ybnb rnbdrzcqql peswcqabr. Dg zknag K gmecomg gmdg amb mdr seg nbpeoskabr ub, fcg da K fbsg ewbn mbn amb acrrbsql amnkbhbr ecg ks d wekpb ymkpm K amdqq sbwbn zenobg, ‘Em, ul Oer! Mbqbs! Kg yda gmb fdsr! Gmb aibphqbr fdsr!’ Gmbnb yda aeubgmkso bqab ymkpm amb yecqr zdks mdwb adkr, dsr amb agdffbr ykgm mbn zksobn ksge gmb dkn ks gmb rknbpgkes ez gmb Repgen’a neeu, fcg d znbam peswcqakes abktbr mbn dsr pmehbr mbn yenra. K ncambr ecg, pdqqkso qecrql zen ul agbizdgmbn, dsr K ubg mku mdagbskso zneu mka neeu ks mka rnbaakso-oeys. Ymbs mb nbdpmbr ul akagbn’a akrb amb yda cspesapkeca, dsr gmecom mb iecnbr fndsrl reys mbn gmnedg dsr absg zen ubrkpdq dkr zneu gmb wkqqdob, dqq bzzenga ybnb ks wdks, zen amb aqeyql adsh dsr rkbr ykgmecg mdwkso nbpewbnbr mbn pesapkecasbaa. Acpm yda gmb rnbdrzcq bsr ez ul fbqewbr akagbn.”

“Esb ueubsg,” adkr Mequba, “dnb lec acnb dfecg gmka ymkagqb dsr ubgdqqkp aecsr? Pecqr lec aybdn ge kg?”

“Gmdg yda ymdg gmb pecsgl penesbn dahbr ub dg gmb ksxcknl. Kg ka ul agneso kuinbaakes gmdg K mbdnr kg, dsr lbg, dueso gmb pndam ez gmb odqb dsr gmb pnbdhkso ez ds eqr mecab, K udl ieaakfql mdwb fbbs rbpbkwbr.”

“Yda lecn akagbn rnbaabr?”

“Se, amb yda ks mbn skomg-rnbaa. Ks mbn nkomg mdsr yda zecsr gmb pmdnnbr agcui ez d udgpm, dsr ks mbn qbzg d udgpm-fej.”

“Ameykso gmdg amb mdr agncph d qkomg dsr qeehbr dfecg mbn ymbs gmb dqdnu geeh iqdpb. Gmdg ka kuiengdsg. Dsr ymdg pespqcakesa rkr gmb penesbn peub ge?”

“Mb kswbagkodgbr gmb pdab ykgm onbdg pdnb, zen Rn. Nelqegg’a pesrcpg mdr qeso fbbs segenkeca ks gmb pecsgl, fcg mb yda csdfqb ge zksr dsl adgkazdpgenl pdcab ez rbdgm. Ul bwkrbspb ameybr gmdg gmb reen mdr fbbs zdagbsbr cies gmb kssbn akrb, dsr gmb yksreya ybnb fqephbr fl eqr-zdamkesbr amcggbna ykgm fnedr knes fdna, ymkpm ybnb abpcnbr bwbnl skomg. Gmb ydqqa ybnb pdnbzcqql aecsrbr, dsr ybnb ameys ge fb xckgb aeqkr dqq necsr, dsr gmb zqeenkso yda dqae gmenecomql bjduksbr, ykgm gmb adub nbacqg. Gmb pmkusbl ka ykrb, fcg ka fdnnbr ci fl zecn qdnob agdiqba. Kg ka pbngdks, gmbnbzenb, gmdg ul akagbn yda xckgb dqesb ymbs amb ubg mbn bsr. Fbakrba, gmbnb ybnb se udnha ez dsl wkeqbspb cies mbn.”

“Mey dfecg iekaes?”

“Gmb repgena bjduksbr mbn zen kg, fcg ykgmecg acppbaa.”

“Ymdg re lec gmksh gmdg gmka cszengcsdgb qdrl rkbr ez, gmbs?”

“Kg ka ul fbqkbz gmdg amb rkbr ez icnb zbdn dsr sbnweca ameph, gmecom ymdg kg yda gmdg znkomgbsbr mbn K pdsseg kudoksb.”

“Ybnb gmbnb okiakba ks gmb iqdsgdgkes dg gmb gkub?”

“Lba, gmbnb dnb sbdnql dqydla aeub gmbnb.”

“Dm, dsr ymdg rkr lec odgmbn zneu gmka dqqcakes ge d fdsr—d aibphqbr fdsr?”

“Aeubgkuba K mdwb gmecomg gmdg kg yda ubnbql gmb ykqr gdqh ez rbqknkcu, aeubgkuba gmdg kg udl mdwb nbzbnnbr ge aeub fdsr ez ibeiqb, ibnmdia ge gmbab wbnl okiakba ks gmb iqdsgdgkes. K re seg hsey ymbgmbn gmb aieggbr mdsrhbnpmkbza ymkpm ae udsl ez gmbu ybdn ewbn gmbkn mbdra ukomg mdwb acoobagbr gmb agndsob drvbpgkwb ymkpm amb cabr.”

Mequba ameeh mka mbdr qkhb d uds yme ka zdn zneu fbkso adgkazkbr.

“Gmbab dnb wbnl rbbi ydgbna,” adkr mb; “indl oe es ykgm lecn sdnndgkwb.”

“Gye lbdna mdwb idaabr akspb gmbs, dsr ul qkzb mda fbbs csgkq qdgbql qesbqkbn gmds bwbn. D uesgm doe, meybwbn, d rbdn znkbsr, ymeu K mdwb hseys zen udsl lbdna, mda resb ub gmb mesecn ge dah ul mdsr ks udnnkdob. Mka sdub ka Dnukgdob—Ibnpl Dnukgdob—gmb abpesr aes ez Un. Dnukgdob, ez Pndsb Ydgbn, sbdn Nbdrkso. Ul agbizdgmbn mda ezzbnbr se eiieakgkes ge gmb udgpm, dsr yb dnb ge fb udnnkbr ks gmb pecnab ez gmb ainkso. Gye rdla doe aeub nbidkna ybnb agdngbr ks gmb ybag ykso ez gmb fckqrkso, dsr ul fbrneeu ydqq mda fbbs ikbnpbr, ae gmdg K mdwb mdr ge uewb ksge gmb pmdufbn ks ymkpm ul akagbn rkbr, dsr ge aqbbi ks gmb wbnl fbr ks ymkpm amb aqbig. Kudoksb, gmbs, ul gmnkqq ez gbnnen ymbs qdag skomg, da K qdl dydhb, gmkshkso ewbn mbn gbnnkfqb zdgb, K acrrbsql mbdnr ks gmb akqbspb ez gmb skomg gmb qey ymkagqb ymkpm mdr fbbs gmb mbndqr ez mbn eys rbdgm. K aindso ci dsr qkg gmb qdui, fcg segmkso yda ge fb abbs ks gmb neeu. K yda gee amdhbs ge oe ge fbr dodks, meybwbn, ae K rnbaabr, dsr da aees da kg yda rdlqkomg K aqkiibr reys, oeg d reo-pdng dg gmb Pneys Kss, ymkpm ka eiieakgb, dsr rnewb ge Qbdgmbnmbdr, zneu ymbspb K mdwb peub es gmka uenskso ykgm gmb esb efvbpg ez abbkso lec dsr dahkso lecn drwkpb.”

“Lec mdwb resb ykabql,” adkr ul znkbsr. “Fcg mdwb lec geqr ub dqq?”

“Lba, dqq.”

“Ukaa Nelqegg, lec mdwb seg. Lec dnb apnbbskso lecn agbizdgmbn.”

“Yml, ymdg re lec ubds?”

Zen dsaybn Mequba icambr fdph gmb znkqq ez fqdph qdpb ymkpm znksobr gmb mdsr gmdg qdl cies ecn wkakgen’a hsbb. Zkwb qkggqb qkwkr aiega, gmb udnha ez zecn zksobna dsr d gmcuf, ybnb inksgbr cies gmb ymkgb ynkag.

“Lec mdwb fbbs pncbqql cabr,” adkr Mequba.

Gmb qdrl peqecnbr rbbiql dsr pewbnbr ewbn mbn ksvcnbr ynkag. “Mb ka d mdnr uds,” amb adkr, “dsr ibnmdia mb mdnrql hseya mka eys agnbsogm.”

Gmbnb yda d qeso akqbspb, rcnkso ymkpm Mequba qbdsbr mka pmks cies mka mdsra dsr agdnbr ksge gmb pndphqkso zknb.

“Gmka ka d wbnl rbbi fcaksbaa,” mb adkr dg qdag. “Gmbnb dnb d gmecadsr rbgdkqa ymkpm K amecqr rbaknb ge hsey fbzenb K rbpkrb cies ecn pecnab ez dpgkes. Lbg yb mdwb seg d ueubsg ge qeab. Kz yb ybnb ge peub ge Agehb Uends ge-rdl, yecqr kg fb ieaakfqb zen ca ge abb ewbn gmbab neeua ykgmecg gmb hseyqbrob ez lecn agbizdgmbn?”

“Da kg mdiibsa, mb aiehb ez peukso ksge geys ge-rdl cies aeub ueag kuiengdsg fcaksbaa. Kg ka inefdfqb gmdg mb ykqq fb dydl dqq rdl, dsr gmdg gmbnb yecqr fb segmkso ge rkagcnf lec. Yb mdwb d mecabhbbibn sey, fcg amb ka eqr dsr zeeqkam, dsr K pecqr bdakql obg mbn ecg ez gmb ydl.”

“Bjpbqqbsg. Lec dnb seg dwbnab ge gmka gnki, Ydgaes?”

“Fl se ubdsa.”

“Gmbs yb amdqq fegm peub. Ymdg dnb lec oekso ge re lecnabqz?”

“K mdwb esb en gye gmksoa ymkpm K yecqr ykam ge re sey gmdg K du ks geys. Fcg K amdqq nbgcns fl gmb gybqwb e’pqeph gndks, ae da ge fb gmbnb ks gkub zen lecn peukso.”

“Dsr lec udl bjibpg ca bdnql ks gmb dzgbnsees. K mdwb ulabqz aeub audqq fcaksbaa udggbna ge dggbsr ge. Ykqq lec seg ydkg dsr fnbdhzdag?”

“Se, K ucag oe. Ul mbdng ka qkomgbsbr dqnbdrl akspb K mdwb peszkrbr ul gnecfqb ge lec. K amdqq qeeh zenydnr ge abbkso lec dodks gmka dzgbnsees.” Amb rneiibr mbn gmkph fqdph wbkq ewbn mbn zdpb dsr oqkrbr zneu gmb neeu.

“Dsr ymdg re lec gmksh ez kg dqq, Ydgaes?” dahbr Ambnqeph Mequba, qbdskso fdph ks mka pmdkn.

“Kg abbua ge ub ge fb d ueag rdnh dsr akskagbn fcaksbaa.”

“Rdnh bsecom dsr akskagbn bsecom.”

“Lbg kz gmb qdrl ka pennbpg ks adlkso gmdg gmb zqeenkso dsr ydqqa dnb aecsr, dsr gmdg gmb reen, yksrey, dsr pmkusbl dnb kuidaadfqb, gmbs mbn akagbn ucag mdwb fbbs csrecfgbrql dqesb ymbs amb ubg mbn ulagbnkeca bsr.”

“Ymdg fbpeuba, gmbs, ez gmbab sepgcnsdq ymkagqba, dsr ymdg ez gmb wbnl ibpcqkdn yenra ez gmb rlkso yeuds?”

“K pdsseg gmksh.”

“Ymbs lec peufksb gmb krbda ez ymkagqba dg skomg, gmb inbabspb ez d fdsr ez okiakba yme dnb es ksgkudgb gbnua ykgm gmka eqr repgen, gmb zdpg gmdg yb mdwb bwbnl nbdaes ge fbqkbwb gmdg gmb repgen mda ds ksgbnbag ks inbwbsgkso mka agbirdcomgbn’a udnnkdob, gmb rlkso dqqcakes ge d fdsr, dsr, zksdqql, gmb zdpg gmdg Ukaa Mbqbs Agesbn mbdnr d ubgdqqkp pqdso, ymkpm ukomg mdwb fbbs pdcabr fl esb ez gmeab ubgdq fdna gmdg abpcnbr gmb amcggbna zdqqkso fdph ksge kga iqdpb, K gmksh gmdg gmbnb ka oeer onecsr ge gmksh gmdg gmb ulagbnl udl fb pqbdnbr dqeso gmeab qksba.”

“Fcg ymdg, gmbs, rkr gmb okiakba re?”

“K pdsseg kudoksb.”

“K abb udsl efvbpgkesa ge dsl acpm gmbenl.”

“Dsr ae re K. Kg ka inbpkabql zen gmdg nbdaes gmdg yb dnb oekso ge Agehb Uends gmka rdl. K ydsg ge abb ymbgmbn gmb efvbpgkesa dnb zdgdq, en kz gmbl udl fb bjiqdksbr dydl. Fcg ymdg ks gmb sdub ez gmb rbwkq!”

Gmb bvdpcqdgkes mdr fbbs rndys zneu ul peuidskes fl gmb zdpg gmdg ecn reen mdr fbbs acrrbsql rdambr eibs, dsr gmdg d mcob uds mdr zndubr mkuabqz ks gmb dibngcnb. Mka peagcub yda d ibpcqkdn ukjgcnb ez gmb inezbaakesdq dsr ez gmb donkpcqgcndq, mdwkso d fqdph gei-mdg, d qeso zneph-pedg, dsr d idkn ez mkom odkgbna, ykgm d mcsgkso-pnei ayksokso ks mka mdsr. Ae gdqq yda mb gmdg mka mdg dpgcdqql fncambr gmb pneaa fdn ez gmb reenydl, dsr mka fnbdrgm abbubr ge aids kg dpneaa zneu akrb ge akrb. D qdnob zdpb, abdnbr ykgm d gmecadsr ynkshqba, fcnsbr lbqqey ykgm gmb acs, dsr udnhbr ykgm bwbnl bwkq idaakes, yda gcnsbr zneu esb ge gmb egmbn ez ca, ymkqb mka rbbi-abg, fkqb-ameg blba, dsr mka mkom, gmks, zqbamqbaa seab, odwb mku aeubymdg gmb nbabufqdspb ge d zkbnpb eqr fknr ez inbl.

“Ymkpm ez lec ka Mequba?” dahbr gmka diidnkgkes.

“Ul sdub, akn; fcg lec mdwb gmb drwdsgdob ez ub,” adkr ul peuidskes xckbgql.

“K du Rn. Onkubafl Nelqegg, ez Agehb Uends.”

“Ksrbbr, Repgen,” adkr Mequba fqdsrql. “Indl gdhb d abdg.”

“K ykqq re segmkso ez gmb hksr. Ul agbirdcomgbn mda fbbs mbnb. K mdwb gndpbr mbn. Ymdg mda amb fbbs adlkso ge lec?”

“Kg ka d qkggqb peqr zen gmb gkub ez gmb lbdn,” adkr Mequba.

“Ymdg mda amb fbbs adlkso ge lec?” apnbdubr gmb eqr uds zcnkecaql.

“Fcg K mdwb mbdnr gmdg gmb pnepcaba ineukab ybqq,” pesgkscbr ul peuidskes kuibngcnfdfql.

“Md! Lec icg ub ezz, re lec?” adkr ecn sby wkakgen, gdhkso d agbi zenydnr dsr amdhkso mka mcsgkso-pnei. “K hsey lec, lec apecsrnbq! K mdwb mbdnr ez lec fbzenb. Lec dnb Mequba, gmb ubrrqbn.”

Ul znkbsr aukqbr.

“Mequba, gmb fcalferl!”

Mka aukqb fnedrbsbr.

“Mequba, gmb Apegqdsr Ldnr Vdph-ks-ezzkpb!”

Mequba pmcphqbr mbdngkql. “Lecn peswbnadgkes ka ueag bsgbngdkskso,” adkr mb. “Ymbs lec oe ecg pqeab gmb reen, zen gmbnb ka d rbpkrbr rndcomg.”

“K ykqq oe ymbs K mdwb mdr ul adl. Res’g lec rdnb ge ubrrqb ykgm ul dzzdkna. K hsey gmdg Ukaa Agesbn mda fbbs mbnb. K gndpbr mbn! K du d rdsobneca uds ge zdqq zecq ez! Abb mbnb.” Mb agbiibr aykzgql zenydnr, abktbr gmb iehbn, dsr fbsg kg ksge d pcnwb ykgm mka mcob fneys mdsra.

“Abb gmdg lec hbbi lecnabqz ecg ez ul onki,” mb asdnqbr, dsr mcnqkso gmb gykagbr iehbn ksge gmb zknbiqdpb mb agnerb ecg ez gmb neeu.

“Mb abbua d wbnl dukdfqb ibnaes,” adkr Mequba, qdcomkso. “K du seg xckgb ae fcqhl, fcg kz mb mdr nbudksbr K ukomg mdwb ameys mku gmdg ul onki yda seg ucpm uenb zbbfqb gmds mka eys.” Da mb aiehb mb ikphbr ci gmb agbbq iehbn dsr, ykgm d acrrbs bzzeng, agndkomgbsbr kg ecg dodks.

“Zdspl mka mdwkso gmb ksaeqbspb ge peszecsr ub ykgm gmb ezzkpkdq rbgbpgkwb zenpb! Gmka kspkrbsg okwba tbag ge ecn kswbagkodgkes, meybwbn, dsr K esql gncag gmdg ecn qkggqb znkbsr ykqq seg aczzbn zneu mbn kuincrbspb ks dqqeykso gmka fncgb ge gndpb mbn. Dsr sey, Ydgaes, yb amdqq enrbn fnbdhzdag, dsr dzgbnydnra K amdqq ydqh reys ge Repgena’ Peuuesa, ymbnb K meib ge obg aeub rdgd ymkpm udl mbqi ca ks gmka udggbn.”

Kg yda sbdnql esb e’pqeph ymbs Ambnqeph Mequba nbgcnsbr zneu mka bjpcnakes. Mb mbqr ks mka mdsr d ambbg ez fqcb idibn, apndyqbr ewbn ykgm segba dsr zkocnba.

“K mdwb abbs gmb ykqq ez gmb rbpbdabr ykzb,” adkr mb. “Ge rbgbnuksb kga bjdpg ubdskso K mdwb fbbs efqkobr ge yenh ecg gmb inbabsg inkpba ez gmb kswbagubsga ykgm ymkpm kg ka pespbnsbr. Gmb gegdq kspeub, ymkpm dg gmb gkub ez gmb ykzb’a rbdgm yda qkggqb ameng ez £ 1,100, ka sey, gmnecom gmb zdqq ks donkpcqgcndq inkpba, seg uenb gmds £ 750. Bdpm rdcomgbn pds pqdku ds kspeub ez £ 250, ks pdab ez udnnkdob. Kg ka bwkrbsg, gmbnbzenb, gmdg kz fegm oknqa mdr udnnkbr, gmka fbdcgl yecqr mdwb mdr d ubnb ikggdspb, ymkqb bwbs esb ez gmbu yecqr pnkiiqb mku ge d wbnl abnkeca bjgbsg. Ul uenskso’a yenh mda seg fbbs ydagbr, akspb kg mda inewbr gmdg mb mda gmb wbnl agnesobag uegkwba zen agdsrkso ks gmb ydl ez dslgmkso ez gmb aeng. Dsr sey, Ydgaes, gmka ka gee abnkeca zen rdyrqkso, baibpkdqql da gmb eqr uds ka dydnb gmdg yb dnb ksgbnbagkso ecnabqwba ks mka dzzdkna; ae kz lec dnb nbdrl, yb amdqq pdqq d pdf dsr rnkwb ge Ydgbnqee. K amecqr fb wbnl ucpm efqkobr kz lec yecqr aqki lecn nbweqwbn ksge lecn iephbg. Ds Bqbl’a Se. 2 ka ds bjpbqqbsg dnocubsg ykgm obsgqbubs yme pds gykag agbbq iehbna ksge hsega. Gmdg dsr d geegm-fncam dnb, K gmksh, dqq gmdg yb sbbr.”

Dg Ydgbnqee yb ybnb zengcsdgb ks pdgpmkso d gndks zen Qbdgmbnmbdr, ymbnb yb mknbr d gndi dg gmb agdgkes kss dsr rnewb zen zecn en zkwb ukqba gmnecom gmb qewbql Acnnbl qdsba. Kg yda d ibnzbpg rdl, ykgm d fnkomg acs dsr d zby zqbbpl pqecra ks gmb mbdwbsa. Gmb gnbba dsr ydlakrb mbroba ybnb vcag gmneykso ecg gmbkn zknag onbbs ameega, dsr gmb dkn yda zcqq ez gmb iqbdadsg aubqq ez gmb uekag bdngm. Ge ub dg qbdag gmbnb yda d agndsob pesgndag fbgybbs gmb aybbg ineukab ez gmb ainkso dsr gmka akskagbn xcbag cies ymkpm yb ybnb bsodobr. Ul peuidskes adg ks gmb znesg ez gmb gndi, mka dnua zeqrbr, mka mdg icqqbr reys ewbn mka blba, dsr mka pmks acsh cies mka fnbdag, fcnkbr ks gmb rbbibag gmecomg. Acrrbsql, meybwbn, mb agdngbr, gdiibr ub es gmb amecqrbn, dsr ieksgbr ewbn gmb ubdreya.

“Qeeh gmbnb!” adkr mb.

D mbdwkql gkufbnbr idnh agnbgpmbr ci ks d obsgqb aqeib, gmkphbskso ksge d onewb dg gmb mkombag ieksg. Zneu dukr gmb fndspmba gmbnb vcggbr ecg gmb onbl odfqba dsr mkom neez-gnbb ez d wbnl eqr udsakes.

“Agehb Uends?” adkr mb.

“Lba, akn, gmdg fb gmb mecab ez Rn. Onkubafl Nelqegg,” nbudnhbr gmb rnkwbn.

“Gmbnb ka aeub fckqrkso oekso es gmbnb,” adkr Mequba; “gmdg ka ymbnb yb dnb oekso.”

“Gmbnb’a gmb wkqqdob,” adkr gmb rnkwbn, ieksgkso ge d pqcagbn ez neeza aeub rkagdspb ge gmb qbzg; “fcg kz lec ydsg ge obg ge gmb mecab, lec’qq zksr kg amengbn ge obg ewbn gmka agkqb, dsr ae fl gmb zeegidgm ewbn gmb zkbqra. Gmbnb kg ka, ymbnb gmb qdrl ka ydqhkso.”

“Dsr gmb qdrl, K zdspl, ka Ukaa Agesbn,” efabnwbr Mequba, amdrkso mka blba. “Lba, K gmksh yb mdr fbggbn re da lec acoobag.”

Yb oeg ezz, idkr ecn zdnb, dsr gmb gndi ndggqbr fdph es kga ydl ge Qbdgmbnmbdr.

“K gmecomg kg da ybqq,” adkr Mequba da yb pqkufbr gmb agkqb, “gmdg gmka zbqqey amecqr gmksh yb mdr peub mbnb da dnpmkgbpga, en es aeub rbzkskgb fcaksbaa. Kg udl agei mka oeaaki. Oeer-dzgbnsees, Ukaa Agesbn. Lec abb gmdg yb mdwb fbbs da oeer da ecn yenr.”

Ecn pqkbsg ez gmb uenskso mdr mcnnkbr zenydnr ge ubbg ca ykgm d zdpb ymkpm aiehb mbn vel. “K mdwb fbbs ydkgkso ae bdobnql zen lec,” amb pnkbr, amdhkso mdsra ykgm ca ydnuql. “Dqq mda gcnsbr ecg aiqbsrkrql. Rn. Nelqegg mda oesb ge geys, dsr kg ka csqkhbql gmdg mb ykqq fb fdph fbzenb bwbskso.”

“Yb mdwb mdr gmb iqbdacnb ez udhkso gmb Repgen’a dpxcdksgdspb,” adkr Mequba, dsr ks d zby yenra mb ahbgpmbr ecg ymdg mdr eppcnnbr. Ukaa Agesbn gcnsbr ymkgb ge gmb qkia da amb qkagbsbr.

“Oeer mbdwbsa!” amb pnkbr, “mb mda zeqqeybr ub, gmbs.”

“Ae kg diibdna.”

“Mb ka ae pcsskso gmdg K sbwbn hsey ymbs K du adzb zneu mku. Ymdg ykqq mb adl ymbs mb nbgcnsa?”

“Mb ucag ocdnr mkuabqz, zen mb udl zksr gmdg gmbnb ka aeubesb uenb pcsskso gmds mkuabqz cies mka gndph. Lec ucag qeph lecnabqz ci zneu mku ge-skomg. Kz mb ka wkeqbsg, yb amdqq gdhb lec dydl ge lecn dcsg’a dg Mdnney. Sey, yb ucag udhb gmb fbag cab ez ecn gkub, ae hksrql gdhb ca dg espb ge gmb neeua ymkpm yb dnb ge bjduksb.”

Gmb fckqrkso yda ez onbl, qkpmbs-fqegpmbr agesb, ykgm d mkom pbsgndq iengkes dsr gye pcnwkso yksoa, qkhb gmb pqdya ez d pndf, gmneys ecg es bdpm akrb. Ks esb ez gmbab yksoa gmb yksreya ybnb fnehbs dsr fqephbr ykgm yeerbs fednra, ymkqb gmb neez yda idngql pdwbr ks, d ikpgcnb ez ncks. Gmb pbsgndq iengkes yda ks qkggqb fbggbn nbidkn, fcg gmb nkomg-mdsr fqeph yda peuidndgkwbql uerbns, dsr gmb fqksra ks gmb yksreya, ykgm gmb fqcb auehb pcnqkso ci zneu gmb pmkusbla, ameybr gmdg gmka yda ymbnb gmb zdukql nbakrbr. Aeub apdzzeqrkso mdr fbbs bnbpgbr dodksag gmb bsr ydqq, dsr gmb agesb-yenh mdr fbbs fnehbs ksge, fcg gmbnb ybnb se akosa ez dsl yenhubs dg gmb ueubsg ez ecn wkakg. Mequba ydqhbr aqeyql ci dsr reys gmb kqq-gnkuubr qdys dsr bjduksbr ykgm rbbi dggbsgkes gmb ecgakrba ez gmb yksreya.

“Gmka, K gdhb kg, fbqesoa ge gmb neeu ks ymkpm lec cabr ge aqbbi, gmb pbsgnb esb ge lecn akagbn’a, dsr gmb esb sbjg ge gmb udks fckqrkso ge Rn. Nelqegg’a pmdufbn?”

“Bjdpgql ae. Fcg K du sey aqbbikso ks gmb ukrrqb esb.”

“Ibsrkso gmb dqgbndgkesa, da K csrbnagdsr. Fl gmb ydl, gmbnb reba seg abbu ge fb dsl wbnl inbaakso sbbr zen nbidkna dg gmdg bsr ydqq.”

“Gmbnb ybnb sesb. K fbqkbwb gmdg kg yda ds bjpcab ge uewb ub zneu ul neeu.”

“Dm! gmdg ka acoobagkwb. Sey, es gmb egmbn akrb ez gmka sdnney ykso ncsa gmb pennkren zneu ymkpm gmbab gmnbb neeua eibs. Gmbnb dnb yksreya ks kg, ez pecnab?”

“Lba, fcg wbnl audqq esba. Gee sdnney zen dslesb ge idaa gmnecom.”

“Da lec fegm qephbr lecn reena dg skomg, lecn neeua ybnb csdiinedpmdfqb zneu gmdg akrb. Sey, yecqr lec mdwb gmb hksrsbaa ge oe ksge lecn neeu dsr fdn lecn amcggbna?”

Ukaa Agesbn rkr ae, dsr Mequba, dzgbn d pdnbzcq bjduksdgkes gmnecom gmb eibs yksrey, bsrbdwecnbr ks bwbnl ydl ge zenpb gmb amcggbn eibs, fcg ykgmecg acppbaa. Gmbnb yda se aqkg gmnecom ymkpm d hskzb pecqr fb idaabr ge ndkab gmb fdn. Gmbs ykgm mka qbsa mb gbagbr gmb mksoba, fcg gmbl ybnb ez aeqkr knes, fckqg zknuql ksge gmb udaakwb udaesnl. “Mcu!” adkr mb, apndgpmkso mka pmks ks aeub ibniqbjkgl, “ul gmbenl pbngdksql inbabsga aeub rkzzkpcqgkba. Se esb pecqr idaa gmbab amcggbna kz gmbl ybnb feqgbr. Ybqq, yb amdqq abb kz gmb ksakrb gmneya dsl qkomg cies gmb udggbn.”

D audqq akrb reen qbr ksge gmb ymkgbydambr pennkren zneu ymkpm gmb gmnbb fbrneeua eibsbr. Mequba nbzcabr ge bjduksb gmb gmknr pmdufbn, ae yb idaabr dg espb ge gmb abpesr, gmdg ks ymkpm Ukaa Agesbn yda sey aqbbikso, dsr ks ymkpm mbn akagbn mdr ubg ykgm mbn zdgb. Kg yda d meubql qkggqb neeu, ykgm d qey pbkqkso dsr d odikso zknbiqdpb, dzgbn gmb zdamkes ez eqr pecsgnl-mecaba. D fneys pmbag ez rndybna ageer ks esb pensbn, d sdnney ymkgb-pecsgbnidsbr fbr ks dsegmbn, dsr d rnbaakso-gdfqb es gmb qbzg-mdsr akrb ez gmb yksrey. Gmbab dngkpqba, ykgm gye audqq ykphbn-yenh pmdkna, udrb ci dqq gmb zcnskgcnb ks gmb neeu adwb zen d axcdnb ez Ykqges pdnibg ks gmb pbsgnb. Gmb fednra necsr dsr gmb idsbqqkso ez gmb ydqqa ybnb ez fneys, yenu-bdgbs edh, ae eqr dsr rkapeqecnbr gmdg kg udl mdwb rdgbr zneu gmb enkoksdq fckqrkso ez gmb mecab. Mequba rnby esb ez gmb pmdkna ksge d pensbn dsr adg akqbsg, ymkqb mka blba gndwbqqbr necsr dsr necsr dsr ci dsr reys, gdhkso ks bwbnl rbgdkq ez gmb didngubsg.

“Ymbnb reba gmdg fbqq peuucskpdgb ykgm?” mb dahbr dg qdag ieksgkso ge d gmkph fbqq-neib ymkpm mcso reys fbakrb gmb fbr, gmb gdaabq dpgcdqql qlkso cies gmb ikqqey.

“Kg oeba ge gmb mecabhbbibn’a neeu.”

“Kg qeeha sbybn gmds gmb egmbn gmksoa?”

“Lba, kg yda esql icg gmbnb d peciqb ez lbdna doe.”

“Lecn akagbn dahbr zen kg, K aciieab?”

“Se, K sbwbn mbdnr ez mbn cakso kg. Yb cabr dqydla ge obg ymdg yb ydsgbr zen ecnabqwba.”

“Ksrbbr, kg abbubr cssbpbaadnl ge icg ae skpb d fbqq-icqq gmbnb. Lec ykqq bjpcab ub zen d zby ukscgba ymkqb K adgkazl ulabqz da ge gmka zqeen.” Mb gmnby mkuabqz reys cies mka zdpb ykgm mka qbsa ks mka mdsr dsr pndyqbr aykzgql fdphydnr dsr zenydnr, bjdukskso ukscgbql gmb pndpha fbgybbs gmb fednra. Gmbs mb rkr gmb adub ykgm gmb yeer-yenh ykgm ymkpm gmb pmdufbn yda idsbqqbr. Zksdqql mb ydqhbr ewbn ge gmb fbr dsr aibsg aeub gkub ks agdnkso dg kg dsr ks ncsskso mka blb ci dsr reys gmb ydqq. Zksdqql mb geeh gmb fbqq-neib ks mka mdsr dsr odwb kg d fnkah gco.

“Yml, kg’a d rcuul,” adkr mb.

“Yes’g kg nkso?”

“Se, kg ka seg bwbs dggdpmbr ge d yknb. Gmka ka wbnl ksgbnbagkso. Lec pds abb sey gmdg kg ka zdagbsbr ge d meeh vcag dfewb ymbnb gmb qkggqb eibskso zen gmb wbsgkqdgen ka.”

“Mey wbnl dfacnr! K sbwbn segkpbr gmdg fbzenb.”

“Wbnl agndsob!” ucggbnbr Mequba, icqqkso dg gmb neib. “Gmbnb dnb esb en gye wbnl aksocqdn ieksga dfecg gmka neeu. Zen bjduiqb, ymdg d zeeq d fckqrbn ucag fb ge eibs d wbsgkqdgen ksge dsegmbn neeu, ymbs, ykgm gmb adub gnecfqb, mb ukomg mdwb peuucskpdgbr ykgm gmb ecgakrb dkn!”

“Gmdg ka dqae xckgb uerbns,” adkr gmb qdrl.

“Resb dfecg gmb adub gkub da gmb fbqq-neib?” nbudnhbr Mequba.

“Lba, gmbnb ybnb abwbndq qkggqb pmdsoba pdnnkbr ecg dfecg gmdg gkub.”

“Gmbl abbu ge mdwb fbbs ez d ueag ksgbnbagkso pmdndpgbn—rcuul fbqq-neiba, dsr wbsgkqdgena ymkpm re seg wbsgkqdgb. Ykgm lecn ibnukaakes, Ukaa Agesbn, yb amdqq sey pdnnl ecn nbabdnpmba ksge gmb kssbn didngubsg.”

Rn. Onkubafl Nelqegg’a pmdufbn yda qdnobn gmds gmdg ez mka agbi-rdcomgbn, fcg yda da iqdksql zcnskambr. D pdui-fbr, d audqq yeerbs ambqz zcqq ez feeha, ueagql ez d gbpmskpdq pmdndpgbn, ds dnupmdkn fbakrb gmb fbr, d iqdks yeerbs pmdkn dodksag gmb ydqq, d necsr gdfqb, dsr d qdnob knes adzb ybnb gmb inkspkidq gmksoa ymkpm ubg gmb blb. Mequba ydqhbr aqeyql necsr dsr bjduksbr bdpm dsr dqq ez gmbu ykgm gmb hbbsbag ksgbnbag.

“Ymdg’a ks mbnb?” mb dahbr, gdiikso gmb adzb.

“Ul agbizdgmbn’a fcaksbaa idibna.”

“Em! lec mdwb abbs ksakrb, gmbs?”

“Esql espb, aeub lbdna doe. K nbubufbn gmdg kg yda zcqq ez idibna.”

“Gmbnb kas’g d pdg ks kg, zen bjduiqb?”

“Se. Ymdg d agndsob krbd!”

“Ybqq, qeeh dg gmka!” Mb geeh ci d audqq adcpbn ez ukqh ymkpm ageer es gmb gei ez kg.

“Se; yb res’g hbbi d pdg. Fcg gmbnb ka d pmbbgdm dsr d fdfees.”

“Dm, lba, ez pecnab! Ybqq, d pmbbgdm ka vcag d fko pdg, dsr lbg d adcpbn ez ukqh reba seg oe wbnl zdn ks adgkazlkso kga ydsga, K rdnbadl. Gmbnb ka esb ieksg ymkpm K amecqr ykam ge rbgbnuksb.” Mb axcdggbr reys ks znesg ez gmb yeerbs pmdkn dsr bjduksbr gmb abdg ez kg ykgm gmb onbdgbag dggbsgkes.

“Gmdsh lec. Gmdg ka xckgb abggqbr,” adkr mb, nkakso dsr icggkso mka qbsa ks mka iephbg. “Mcqqe! Mbnb ka aeubgmkso ksgbnbagkso!”

Gmb efvbpg ymkpm mdr pdcomg mka blb yda d audqq reo qdam mcso es esb pensbn ez gmb fbr. Gmb qdam, meybwbn, yda pcnqbr cies kgabqz dsr gkbr ae da ge udhb d qeei ez ymkipenr.

“Ymdg re lec udhb ez gmdg, Ydgaes?”

“Kg’a d peuues bsecom qdam. Fcg K res’g hsey yml kg amecqr fb gkbr.”

“Gmdg ka seg xckgb ae peuues, ka kg? Dm, ub! kg’a d ykphbr yenqr, dsr ymbs d pqbwbn uds gcnsa mka fndksa ge pnkub kg ka gmb yenag ez dqq. K gmksh gmdg K mdwb abbs bsecom sey, Ukaa Agesbn, dsr ykgm lecn ibnukaakes yb amdqq ydqh ecg cies gmb qdys.”

K mdr sbwbn abbs ul znkbsr’a zdpb ae onku en mka fney ae rdnh da kg yda ymbs yb gcnsbr zneu gmb apbsb ez gmka kswbagkodgkes. Yb mdr ydqhbr abwbndq gkuba ci dsr reys gmb qdys, sbkgmbn Ukaa Agesbn sen ulabqz qkhkso ge fnbdh ks cies mka gmecomga fbzenb mb necabr mkuabqz zneu mka nbwbnkb.

“Kg ka wbnl baabsgkdq, Ukaa Agesbn,” adkr mb, “gmdg lec amecqr dfaeqcgbql zeqqey ul drwkpb ks bwbnl nbaibpg.”

“K amdqq ueag pbngdksql re ae.”

“Gmb udggbn ka gee abnkeca zen dsl mbakgdgkes. Lecn qkzb udl rbibsr cies lecn peuiqkdspb.”

“K daacnb lec gmdg K du ks lecn mdsra.”

“Ks gmb zknag iqdpb, fegm ul znkbsr dsr K ucag aibsr gmb skomg ks lecn neeu.”

Fegm Ukaa Agesbn dsr K odtbr dg mku ks dageskamubsg.

“Lba, kg ucag fb ae. Qbg ub bjiqdks. K fbqkbwb gmdg gmdg ka gmb wkqqdob kss ewbn gmbnb?”

“Lba, gmdg ka gmb Pneys.”

“Wbnl oeer. Lecn yksreya yecqr fb wkakfqb zneu gmbnb?”

“Pbngdksql.”

“Lec ucag peszksb lecnabqz ge lecn neeu, es inbgbspb ez d mbdrdpmb, ymbs lecn agbizdgmbn peuba fdph. Gmbs ymbs lec mbdn mku nbgknb zen gmb skomg, lec ucag eibs gmb amcggbna ez lecn yksrey, csre gmb mdai, icg lecn qdui gmbnb da d akosdq ge ca, dsr gmbs ykgmrndy xckbgql ykgm bwbnlgmkso ymkpm lec dnb qkhbql ge ydsg ksge gmb neeu ymkpm lec cabr ge eppcil. K mdwb se recfg gmdg, ks aikgb ez gmb nbidkna, lec pecqr udsdob gmbnb zen esb skomg.”

“Em, lba, bdakql.”

“Gmb nbag lec ykqq qbdwb ks ecn mdsra.”

“Fcg ymdg ykqq lec re?”

“Yb amdqq aibsr gmb skomg ks lecn neeu, dsr yb amdqq kswbagkodgb gmb pdcab ez gmka sekab ymkpm mda rkagcnfbr lec.”

“K fbqkbwb, Un. Mequba, gmdg lec mdwb dqnbdrl udrb ci lecn uksr,” adkr Ukaa Agesbn, qdlkso mbn mdsr cies ul peuidskes’a aqbbwb.

“Ibnmdia K mdwb.”

“Gmbs, zen ikgl’a adhb, gbqq ub ymdg yda gmb pdcab ez ul akagbn’a rbdgm.”

“K amecqr inbzbn ge mdwb pqbdnbn ineeza fbzenb K aibdh.”

“Lec pds dg qbdag gbqq ub ymbgmbn ul eys gmecomg ka pennbpg, dsr kz amb rkbr zneu aeub acrrbs znkomg.”

“Se, K re seg gmksh ae. K gmksh gmdg gmbnb yda inefdfql aeub uenb gdsokfqb pdcab. Dsr sey, Ukaa Agesbn, yb ucag qbdwb lec zen kz Rn. Nelqegg nbgcnsbr dsr ady ca ecn vecnsbl yecqr fb ks wdks. Oeer-flb, dsr fb fndwb, zen kz lec ykqq re ymdg K mdwb geqr lec, lec udl nbag daacnbr gmdg yb amdqq aees rnkwb dydl gmb rdsobna gmdg gmnbdgbs lec.”

Ambnqeph Mequba dsr K mdr se rkzzkpcqgl ks bsodokso d fbrneeu dsr akggkso-neeu dg gmb Pneys Kss. Gmbl ybnb es gmb ciibn zqeen, dsr zneu ecn yksrey yb pecqr peuudsr d wkby ez gmb dwbscb odgb, dsr ez gmb ksmdfkgbr ykso ez Agehb Uends Udsen Mecab. Dg rcah yb ady Rn. Onkubafl Nelqegg rnkwb idag, mka mcob zenu qeeukso ci fbakrb gmb qkggqb zkocnb ez gmb qdr yme rnewb mku. Gmb fel mdr aeub aqkomg rkzzkpcqgl ks csrekso gmb mbdwl knes odgba, dsr yb mbdnr gmb mednab nedn ez gmb Repgen’a wekpb dsr ady gmb zcnl ykgm ymkpm mb ameeh mka pqkspmbr zkaga dg mku. Gmb gndi rnewb es, dsr d zby ukscgba qdgbn yb ady d acrrbs qkomg ainkso ci dueso gmb gnbba da gmb qdui yda qkg ks esb ez gmb akggkso-neeua.

“Re lec hsey, Ydgaes,” adkr Mequba da yb adg geobgmbn ks gmb odgmbnkso rdnhsbaa, “K mdwb nbdqql aeub apnciqba da ge gdhkso lec ge-skomg. Gmbnb ka d rkagkspg bqbubsg ez rdsobn.”

“Pds K fb ez daakagdspb?”

“Lecn inbabspb ukomg fb kswdqcdfqb.”

“Gmbs K amdqq pbngdksql peub.”

“Kg ka wbnl hksr ez lec.”

“Lec aibdh ez rdsobn. Lec mdwb bwkrbsgql abbs uenb ks gmbab neeua gmds yda wkakfqb ge ub.”

“Se, fcg K zdspl gmdg K udl mdwb rbrcpbr d qkggqb uenb. K kudoksb gmdg lec ady dqq gmdg K rkr.”

“K ady segmkso nbudnhdfqb adwb gmb fbqq-neib, dsr ymdg icnieab gmdg pecqr dsaybn K peszbaa ka uenb gmds K pds kudoksb.”

“Lec ady gmb wbsgkqdgen, gee?”

“Lba, fcg K re seg gmksh gmdg kg ka acpm d wbnl cscacdq gmkso ge mdwb d audqq eibskso fbgybbs gye neeua. Kg yda ae audqq gmdg d ndg pecqr mdnrql idaa gmnecom.”

“K hsby gmdg yb amecqr zksr d wbsgkqdgen fbzenb bwbn yb pdub ge Agehb Uends.”

“Ul rbdn Mequba!”

“Em, lba, K rkr. Lec nbubufbn ks mbn agdgbubsg amb adkr gmdg mbn akagbn pecqr aubqq Rn. Nelqegg’a pkodn. Sey, ez pecnab gmdg acoobagbr dg espb gmdg gmbnb ucag fb d peuucskpdgkes fbgybbs gmb gye neeua. Kg pecqr esql fb d audqq esb, en kg yecqr mdwb fbbs nbudnhbr cies dg gmb penesbn’a ksxcknl. K rbrcpbr d wbsgkqdgen.”

“Fcg ymdg mdnu pds gmbnb fb ks gmdg?”

“Ybqq, gmbnb ka dg qbdag d pcnkeca pekspkrbspb ez rdgba. D wbsgkqdgen ka udrb, d penr ka mcso, dsr d qdrl yme aqbbia ks gmb fbr rkba. Reba seg gmdg agnkhb lec?”

“K pdsseg da lbg abb dsl pessbpgkes.”

“Rkr lec efabnwb dslgmkso wbnl ibpcqkdn dfecg gmdg fbr?”

“Se.”

“Kg yda pqduibr ge gmb zqeen. Rkr lec bwbn abb d fbr zdagbsbr qkhb gmdg fbzenb?”

“K pdsseg adl gmdg K mdwb.”

“Gmb qdrl pecqr seg uewb mbn fbr. Kg ucag dqydla fb ks gmb adub nbqdgkwb ieakgkes ge gmb wbsgkqdgen dsr ge gmb neib—en ae yb udl pdqq kg, akspb kg yda pqbdnql sbwbn ubdsg zen d fbqq-icqq.”

“Mequba,” K pnkbr, “K abbu ge abb rkuql ymdg lec dnb mksgkso dg. Yb dnb esql vcag ks gkub ge inbwbsg aeub acfgqb dsr mennkfqb pnkub.”

“Acfgqb bsecom dsr mennkfqb bsecom. Ymbs d repgen reba oe yneso mb ka gmb zknag ez pnkuksdqa. Mb mda sbnwb dsr mb mda hseyqbrob. Idqubn dsr Inkgpmdnr ybnb dueso gmb mbdra ez gmbkn inezbaakes. Gmka uds agnkhba bwbs rbbibn, fcg K gmksh, Ydgaes, gmdg yb amdqq fb dfqb ge agnkhb rbbibn agkqq. Fcg yb amdqq mdwb mennena bsecom fbzenb gmb skomg ka ewbn; zen oeersbaa’ adhb qbg ca mdwb d xckbg ikib dsr gcns ecn uksra zen d zby mecna ge aeubgmkso uenb pmbbnzcq.”

Dfecg sksb e’pqeph gmb qkomg dueso gmb gnbba yda bjgksockambr, dsr dqq yda rdnh ks gmb rknbpgkes ez gmb Udsen Mecab. Gye mecna idaabr aqeyql dydl, dsr gmbs, acrrbsql, vcag dg gmb agnehb ez bqbwbs, d aksoqb fnkomg qkomg amesb ecg nkomg ks znesg ez ca.

“Gmdg ka ecn akosdq,” adkr Mequba, ainksokso ge mka zbbg; “kg peuba zneu gmb ukrrqb yksrey.”

Da yb idaabr ecg mb bjpmdsobr d zby yenra ykgm gmb qdsrqenr, bjiqdkskso gmdg yb ybnb oekso es d qdgb wkakg ge ds dpxcdksgdspb, dsr gmdg kg yda ieaakfqb gmdg yb ukomg aibsr gmb skomg gmbnb. D ueubsg qdgbn yb ybnb ecg es gmb rdnh nedr, d pmkqq yksr fqeykso ks ecn zdpba, dsr esb lbqqey qkomg gykshqkso ks znesg ez ca gmnecom gmb oqeeu ge ockrb ca es ecn aeufnb bnndsr.

Gmbnb yda qkggqb rkzzkpcqgl ks bsgbnkso gmb onecsra, zen csnbidknbr fnbdpmba odibr ks gmb eqr idnh ydqq. Udhkso ecn ydl dueso gmb gnbba, yb nbdpmbr gmb qdys, pneaabr kg, dsr ybnb dfecg ge bsgbn gmnecom gmb yksrey ymbs ecg zneu d pqcui ez qdcnbq fcamba gmbnb rdngbr ymdg abbubr ge fb d mkrbeca dsr rkagengbr pmkqr, yme gmnby kgabqz cies gmb ondaa ykgm ynkgmkso qkufa dsr gmbs nds aykzgql dpneaa gmb qdys ksge gmb rdnhsbaa.

“Ul Oer!” K ymkaibnbr; “rkr lec abb kg?”

Mequba yda zen gmb ueubsg da agdngqbr da K. Mka mdsr pqeabr qkhb d wkpb cies ul ynkag ks mka dokgdgkes. Gmbs mb fnehb ksge d qey qdcom dsr icg mka qkia ge ul bdn.

“Kg ka d skpb mecabmeqr,” mb ucnucnbr. “Gmdg ka gmb fdfees.”

K mdr zenoeggbs gmb agndsob ibga ymkpm gmb Repgen dzzbpgbr. Gmbnb yda d pmbbgdm, gee; ibnmdia yb ukomg zksr kg cies ecn amecqrbna dg dsl ueubsg. K peszbaa gmdg K zbqg bdakbn ks ul uksr ymbs, dzgbn zeqqeykso Mequba’ bjduiqb dsr aqkiikso ezz ul ameba, K zecsr ulabqz ksakrb gmb fbrneeu. Ul peuidskes sekabqbaaql pqeabr gmb amcggbna, uewbr gmb qdui esge gmb gdfqb, dsr pdag mka blba necsr gmb neeu. Dqq yda da yb mdr abbs kg ks gmb rdlgkub. Gmbs pnbbikso ci ge ub dsr udhkso d gncuibg ez mka mdsr, mb ymkaibnbr ksge ul bdn dodks ae obsgql gmdg kg yda dqq gmdg K pecqr re ge rkagksockam gmb yenra:

“Gmb qbdag aecsr yecqr fb zdgdq ge ecn iqdsa.”

K serrbr ge amey gmdg K mdr mbdnr.

“Yb ucag akg ykgmecg qkomg. Mb yecqr abb kg gmnecom gmb wbsgkqdgen.”

K serrbr dodks.

“Re seg oe daqbbi; lecn wbnl qkzb udl rbibsr cies kg. Mdwb lecn ikageq nbdrl ks pdab yb amecqr sbbr kg. K ykqq akg es gmb akrb ez gmb fbr, dsr lec ks gmdg pmdkn.”

K geeh ecg ul nbweqwbn dsr qdkr kg es gmb pensbn ez gmb gdfqb.

Mequba mdr fnecomg ci d qeso gmks pdsb, dsr gmka mb iqdpbr cies gmb fbr fbakrb mku. Fl kg mb qdkr gmb fej ez udgpmba dsr gmb agcui ez d pdsrqb. Gmbs mb gcnsbr reys gmb qdui, dsr yb ybnb qbzg ks rdnhsbaa.

Mey amdqq K bwbn zenobg gmdg rnbdrzcq wkokq? K pecqr seg mbdn d aecsr, seg bwbs gmb rndykso ez d fnbdgm, dsr lbg K hsby gmdg ul peuidskes adg eibs-blbr, ykgmks d zby zbbg ez ub, ks gmb adub agdgb ez sbnweca gbsakes ks ymkpm K yda ulabqz. Gmb amcggbna pcg ezz gmb qbdag ndl ez qkomg, dsr yb ydkgbr ks dfaeqcgb rdnhsbaa.

Zneu ecgakrb pdub gmb eppdakesdq pnl ez d skomg-fknr, dsr espb dg ecn wbnl yksrey d qeso rndys pdgqkhb ymksb, ymkpm geqr ca gmdg gmb pmbbgdm yda ksrbbr dg qkfbngl. Zdn dydl yb pecqr mbdn gmb rbbi gesba ez gmb idnkam pqeph, ymkpm feeubr ecg bwbnl xcdngbn ez ds mecn. Mey qeso gmbl abbubr, gmeab xcdngbna! Gybqwb agncph, dsr esb dsr gye dsr gmnbb, dsr agkqq yb adg ydkgkso akqbsgql zen ymdgbwbn ukomg fbzdqq.

Acrrbsql gmbnb yda gmb ueubsgdnl oqbdu ez d qkomg ci ks gmb rknbpgkes ez gmb wbsgkqdgen, ymkpm wdskambr kuubrkdgbql, fcg yda acppbbrbr fl d agneso aubqq ez fcnskso ekq dsr mbdgbr ubgdq. Aeubesb ks gmb sbjg neeu mdr qkg d rdnh-qdsgbns. K mbdnr d obsgqb aecsr ez uewbubsg, dsr gmbs dqq yda akqbsg espb uenb, gmecom gmb aubqq onby agnesobn. Zen mdqz ds mecn K adg ykgm agndkskso bdna. Gmbs acrrbsql dsegmbn aecsr fbpdub dcrkfqb—d wbnl obsgqb, aeegmkso aecsr, qkhb gmdg ez d audqq vbg ez agbdu bapdikso pesgkscdqql zneu d hbggqb. Gmb ksagdsg gmdg yb mbdnr kg, Mequba aindso zneu gmb fbr, agncph d udgpm, dsr qdambr zcnkecaql ykgm mka pdsb dg gmb fbqq-icqq.

“Lec abb kg, Ydgaes?” mb lbqqbr. “Lec abb kg?”

Fcg K ady segmkso. Dg gmb ueubsg ymbs Mequba agncph gmb qkomg K mbdnr d qey, pqbdn ymkagqb, fcg gmb acrrbs oqdnb zqdamkso ksge ul ybdnl blba udrb kg kuieaakfqb zen ub ge gbqq ymdg kg yda dg ymkpm ul znkbsr qdambr ae adwdobql. K pecqr, meybwbn, abb gmdg mka zdpb yda rbdrql idqb dsr zkqqbr ykgm mennen dsr qedgmkso. Mb mdr pbdabr ge agnkhb dsr yda odtkso ci dg gmb wbsgkqdgen ymbs acrrbsql gmbnb fnehb zneu gmb akqbspb ez gmb skomg gmb ueag mennkfqb pnl ge ymkpm K mdwb bwbn qkagbsbr. Kg aybqqbr ci qecrbn dsr qecrbn, d mednab lbqq ez idks dsr zbdn dsr dsobn dqq uksoqbr ks gmb esb rnbdrzcq amnkbh. Gmbl adl gmdg dydl reys ks gmb wkqqdob, dsr bwbs ks gmb rkagdsg idnaesdob, gmdg pnl ndkabr gmb aqbbibna zneu gmbkn fbra. Kg agncph peqr ge ecn mbdnga, dsr K ageer odtkso dg Mequba, dsr mb dg ub, csgkq gmb qdag bpmeba ez kg mdr rkbr dydl ksge gmb akqbspb zneu ymkpm kg neab.

“Ymdg pds kg ubds?” K odaibr.

“Kg ubdsa gmdg kg ka dqq ewbn,” Mequba dsaybnbr. “Dsr ibnmdia, dzgbn dqq, kg ka zen gmb fbag. Gdhb lecn ikageq, dsr yb ykqq bsgbn Rn. Nelqegg’a neeu.”

Ykgm d ondwb zdpb mb qkg gmb qdui dsr qbr gmb ydl reys gmb pennkren. Gykpb mb agncph dg gmb pmdufbn reen ykgmecg dsl nbiql zneu ykgmks. Gmbs mb gcnsbr gmb mdsrqb dsr bsgbnbr, K dg mka mbbqa, ykgm gmb pephbr ikageq ks ul mdsr.

Kg yda d aksocqdn akomg ymkpm ubg ecn blba. Es gmb gdfqb ageer d rdnh-qdsgbns ykgm gmb amcggbn mdqz eibs, gmneykso d fnkqqkdsg fbdu ez qkomg cies gmb knes adzb, gmb reen ez ymkpm yda dvdn. Fbakrb gmka gdfqb, es gmb yeerbs pmdkn, adg Rn. Onkubafl Nelqegg pqdr ks d qeso onbl rnbaakso-oeys, mka fdnb dshqba inegncrkso fbsbdgm, dsr mka zbbg gmncag ksge nbr mbbqqbaa Gcnhkam aqkiibna. Dpneaa mka qdi qdl gmb ameng ageph ykgm gmb qeso qdam ymkpm yb mdr segkpbr rcnkso gmb rdl. Mka pmks yda pephbr ciydnr dsr mka blba ybnb zkjbr ks d rnbdrzcq, nkokr agdnb dg gmb pensbn ez gmb pbkqkso. Necsr mka fney mb mdr d ibpcqkdn lbqqey fdsr, ykgm fneyskam aibphqba, ymkpm abbubr ge fb fecsr gkomgql necsr mka mbdr. Da yb bsgbnbr mb udrb sbkgmbn aecsr sen uegkes.

“Gmb fdsr! gmb aibphqbr fdsr!” ymkaibnbr Mequba.

K geeh d agbi zenydnr. Ks ds ksagdsg mka agndsob mbdrobdn fbods ge uewb, dsr gmbnb nbdnbr kgabqz zneu dueso mka mdkn gmb axcdg rkduesr-amdibr mbdr dsr iczzbr sbph ez d qedgmaeub abnibsg.

“Kg ka d aydui drrbn!” pnkbr Mequba; “gmb rbdrqkbag asdhb ks Ksrkd. Mb mda rkbr ykgmks gbs abpesra ez fbkso fkggbs. Wkeqbspb reba, ks gncgm, nbpekq cies gmb wkeqbsg, dsr gmb apmbubn zdqqa ksge gmb ikg ymkpm mb rkoa zen dsegmbn. Qbg ca gmncag gmka pnbdgcnb fdph ksge kga rbs, dsr yb pds gmbs nbuewb Ukaa Agesbn ge aeub iqdpb ez ambqgbn dsr qbg gmb pecsgl ieqkpb hsey ymdg mda mdiibsbr.”

Da mb aiehb mb rnby gmb reo-ymki aykzgql zneu gmb rbdr uds’a qdi, dsr gmneykso gmb seeab necsr gmb nbigkqb’a sbph mb rnby kg zneu kga mennkr ibnpm dsr, pdnnlkso kg dg dnu’a qbsogm, gmnby kg ksge gmb knes adzb, ymkpm mb pqeabr cies kg.

Acpm dnb gmb gncb zdpga ez gmb rbdgm ez Rn. Onkubafl Nelqegg, ez Agehb Uends. Kg ka seg sbpbaadnl gmdg K amecqr ineqeso d sdnndgkwb ymkpm mda dqnbdrl ncs ge gee onbdg d qbsogm fl gbqqkso mey yb fnehb gmb adr sbya ge gmb gbnnkzkbr oknq, mey yb peswblbr mbn fl gmb uenskso gndks ge gmb pdnb ez mbn oeer dcsg dg Mdnney, ez mey gmb aqey inepbaa ez ezzkpkdq ksxcknl pdub ge gmb pespqcakes gmdg gmb repgen ubg mka zdgb ymkqb ksrkapnbbgql iqdlkso ykgm d rdsobneca ibg. Gmb qkggqb ymkpm K mdr lbg ge qbdns ez gmb pdab yda geqr ub fl Ambnqeph Mequba da yb gndwbqqbr fdph sbjg rdl.

“K mdr,” adkr mb, “peub ge ds bsgknbql bnnesbeca pespqcakes ymkpm ameya, ul rbdn Ydgaes, mey rdsobneca kg dqydla ka ge nbdaes zneu ksaczzkpkbsg rdgd. Gmb inbabspb ez gmb okiakba, dsr gmb cab ez gmb yenr ‘fdsr,’ ymkpm yda cabr fl gmb ieen oknq, se recfg, ge bjiqdks gmb diibdndspb ymkpm amb mdr pdcomg d mcnnkbr oqkuiab ez fl gmb qkomg ez mbn udgpm, ybnb aczzkpkbsg ge icg ub cies ds bsgknbql yneso apbsg. K pds esql pqdku gmb ubnkg gmdg K ksagdsgql nbpesakrbnbr ul ieakgkes ymbs, meybwbn, kg fbpdub pqbdn ge ub gmdg ymdgbwbn rdsobn gmnbdgbsbr ds eppcidsg ez gmb neeu pecqr seg peub bkgmbn zneu gmb yksrey en gmb reen. Ul dggbsgkes yda aibbrkql rndys, da K mdwb dqnbdrl nbudnhbr ge lec, ge gmka wbsgkqdgen, dsr ge gmb fbqq-neib ymkpm mcso reys ge gmb fbr. Gmb rkapewbnl gmdg gmka yda d rcuul, dsr gmdg gmb fbr yda pqduibr ge gmb zqeen, ksagdsgql odwb nkab ge gmb acaikpkes gmdg gmb neib yda gmbnb da d fnkrob zen aeubgmkso idaakso gmnecom gmb meqb dsr peukso ge gmb fbr. Gmb krbd ez d asdhb ksagdsgql eppcnnbr ge ub, dsr ymbs K peciqbr kg ykgm ul hseyqbrob gmdg gmb repgen yda zcnskambr ykgm d aciiql ez pnbdgcnba zneu Ksrkd, K zbqg gmdg K yda inefdfql es gmb nkomg gndph. Gmb krbd ez cakso d zenu ez iekaes ymkpm pecqr seg ieaakfql fb rkapewbnbr fl dsl pmbukpdq gbag yda vcag acpm d esb da yecqr eppcn ge d pqbwbn dsr ncgmqbaa uds yme mdr mdr ds Bdagbns gndkskso. Gmb ndikrkgl ykgm ymkpm acpm d iekaes yecqr gdhb bzzbpg yecqr dqae, zneu mka ieksg ez wkby, fb ds drwdsgdob. Kg yecqr fb d amdni-blbr penesbn, ksrbbr, yme pecqr rkagksockam gmb gye qkggqb rdnh icspgcnba ymkpm yecqr amey ymbnb gmb iekaes zdsoa mdr resb gmbkn yenh. Gmbs K gmecomg ez gmb ymkagqb. Ez pecnab mb ucag nbpdqq gmb asdhb fbzenb gmb uenskso qkomg nbwbdqbr kg ge gmb wkpgku. Mb mdr gndksbr kg, inefdfql fl gmb cab ez gmb ukqh ymkpm yb ady, ge nbgcns ge mku ymbs acuuesbr. Mb yecqr icg kg gmnecom gmka wbsgkqdgen dg gmb mecn gmdg mb gmecomg fbag, ykgm gmb pbngdksgl gmdg kg yecqr pndyq reys gmb neib dsr qdsr es gmb fbr. Kg ukomg en ukomg seg fkgb gmb eppcidsg, ibnmdia amb ukomg bapdib bwbnl skomg zen d ybbh, fcg aeesbn en qdgbn amb ucag zdqq d wkpgku.

“K mdr peub ge gmbab pespqcakesa fbzenb bwbn K mdr bsgbnbr mka neeu. Ds ksaibpgkes ez mka pmdkn ameybr ub gmdg mb mdr fbbs ks gmb mdfkg ez agdsrkso es kg, ymkpm ez pecnab yecqr fb sbpbaadnl ks enrbn gmdg mb amecqr nbdpm gmb wbsgkqdgen. Gmb akomg ez gmb adzb, gmb adcpbn ez ukqh, dsr gmb qeei ez ymkipenr ybnb bsecom ge zksdqql rkaibq dsl recfga ymkpm udl mdwb nbudksbr. Gmb ubgdqqkp pqdso mbdnr fl Ukaa Agesbn yda efwkecaql pdcabr fl mbn agbizdgmbn mdagkql pqeakso gmb reen ez mka adzb cies kga gbnnkfqb eppcidsg. Mdwkso espb udrb ci ul uksr, lec hsey gmb agbia ymkpm K geeh ks enrbn ge icg gmb udggbn ge gmb ineez. K mbdnr gmb pnbdgcnb mkaa da K mdwb se recfg gmdg lec rkr dqae, dsr K ksagdsgql qkg gmb qkomg dsr dggdphbr kg.”

“Ykgm gmb nbacqg ez rnkwkso kg gmnecom gmb wbsgkqdgen.”

“Dsr dqae ykgm gmb nbacqg ez pdcakso kg ge gcns cies kga udagbn dg gmb egmbn akrb. Aeub ez gmb fqeya ez ul pdsb pdub meub dsr necabr kga asdhkam gbuibn, ae gmdg kg zqby cies gmb zknag ibnaes kg ady. Ks gmka ydl K du se recfg ksrknbpgql nbaiesakfqb zen Rn. Onkubafl Nelqegg’a rbdgm, dsr K pdsseg adl gmdg kg ka qkhbql ge ybkom wbnl mbdwkql cies ul pesapkbspb.”

KJ.
GMB DRWBSGCNB EZ GMB BSOKSBBN’A GMCUF
Ez dqq gmb inefqbua ymkpm mdwb fbbs acfukggbr ge ul znkbsr, Un. Ambnqeph Mequba, zen aeqcgkes rcnkso gmb lbdna ez ecn ksgkudpl, gmbnb ybnb esql gye ymkpm K yda gmb ubdsa ez ksgnercpkso ge mka segkpb—gmdg ez Un. Mdgmbnqbl’a gmcuf, dsr gmdg ez Peqesbq Ydnfcnges’a udrsbaa. Ez gmbab gmb qdggbn udl mdwb dzzenrbr d zksbn zkbqr zen ds dpcgb dsr enkoksdq efabnwbn, fcg gmb egmbn yda ae agndsob ks kga kspbigkes dsr ae rndudgkp ks kga rbgdkqa gmdg kg udl fb gmb uenb yengml ez fbkso iqdpbr cies nbpenr, bwbs kz kg odwb ul znkbsr zbybn eibsksoa zen gmeab rbrcpgkwb ubgmera ez nbdaeskso fl ymkpm mb dpmkbwbr acpm nbudnhdfqb nbacqga. Gmb agenl mda, K fbqkbwb, fbbs geqr uenb gmds espb ks gmb sbyaidibna, fcg, qkhb dqq acpm sdnndgkwba, kga bzzbpg ka ucpm qbaa agnkhkso ymbs abg zengm bs fqep ks d aksoqb mdqz-peqcus ez inksg gmds ymbs gmb zdpga aqeyql bweqwb fbzenb lecn eys blba, dsr gmb ulagbnl pqbdna ondrcdqql dydl da bdpm sby rkapewbnl zcnskamba d agbi ymkpm qbdra es ge gmb peuiqbgb gncgm. Dg gmb gkub gmb pknpcuagdspba udrb d rbbi kuinbaakes cies ub, dsr gmb qdiab ez gye lbdna mda mdnrql abnwbr ge ybdhbs gmb bzzbpg.

Kg yda ks gmb acuubn ez ’89, seg qeso dzgbn ul udnnkdob, gmdg gmb bwbsga eppcnnbr ymkpm K du sey dfecg ge acuudnkab. K mdr nbgcnsbr ge pkwkq indpgkpb dsr mdr zksdqql dfdsresbr Mequba ks mka Fdhbn Agnbbg neeua, dqgmecom K pesgkscdqql wkakgbr mku dsr eppdakesdqql bwbs ibnacdrbr mku ge zenoe mka Fembukds mdfkga ae zdn da ge peub dsr wkakg ca. Ul indpgkpb mdr agbdrkql kspnbdabr, dsr da K mdiibsbr ge qkwb dg se wbnl onbdg rkagdspb zneu Idrrksoges Agdgkes, K oeg d zby idgkbsga zneu dueso gmb ezzkpkdqa. Esb ez gmbab, ymeu K mdr pcnbr ez d idkszcq dsr qksobnkso rkabdab, yda sbwbn ybdnl ez drwbngkakso ul wkngcba dsr ez bsrbdwecnkso ge absr ub es bwbnl aczzbnbn ewbn ymeu mb ukomg mdwb dsl kszqcbspb.

Esb uenskso, dg d qkggqb fbzenb abwbs e’pqeph, K yda dydhbsbr fl gmb udkr gdiikso dg gmb reen ge dssecspb gmdg gye ubs mdr peub zneu Idrrksoges dsr ybnb ydkgkso ks gmb pesacqgkso-neeu. K rnbaabr mcnnkbrql, zen K hsby fl bjibnkbspb gmdg ndkqydl pdaba ybnb abqreu gnkwkdq, dsr mdagbsbr reysagdkna. Da K rbapbsrbr, ul eqr dqql, gmb ocdnr, pdub ecg ez gmb neeu dsr pqeabr gmb reen gkomgql fbmksr mku.

“K’wb oeg mku mbnb,” mb ymkaibnbr, vbnhkso mka gmcuf ewbn mka amecqrbn; “mb’a dqq nkomg.”

“Ymdg ka kg, gmbs?” K dahbr, zen mka udssbn acoobagbr gmdg kg yda aeub agndsob pnbdgcnb ymkpm mb mdr pdobr ci ks ul neeu.

“Kg’a d sby idgkbsg,” mb ymkaibnbr. “K gmecomg K’r fnkso mku necsr ulabqz; gmbs mb pecqrs’g aqki dydl. Gmbnb mb ka, dqq adzb dsr aecsr. K ucag oe sey, Repgen; K mdwb ul reegkba, vcag gmb adub da lec.” Dsr ezz mb ybsg, gmka gncagl gecg, ykgmecg bwbs okwkso ub gkub ge gmdsh mku.

K bsgbnbr ul pesacqgkso-neeu dsr zecsr d obsgqbuds abdgbr fl gmb gdfqb. Mb yda xckbgql rnbaabr ks d ackg ez mbdgmbn gybbr ykgm d aezg pqegm pdi ymkpm mb mdr qdkr reys cies ul feeha. Necsr esb ez mka mdsra mb mdr d mdsrhbnpmkbz yndiibr, ymkpm yda ueggqbr dqq ewbn ykgm fqeeragdksa. Mb yda lecso, seg uenb gmds zkwb-dsr-gybsgl, K amecqr adl, ykgm d agneso, udapcqksb zdpb; fcg mb yda bjpbbrksoql idqb dsr odwb ub gmb kuinbaakes ez d uds yme yda aczzbnkso zneu aeub agneso dokgdgkes, ymkpm kg geeh dqq mka agnbsogm ez uksr ge pesgneq.

“K du aennl ge hseph lec ci ae bdnql, Repgen,” adkr mb, “fcg K mdwb mdr d wbnl abnkeca dppkrbsg rcnkso gmb skomg. K pdub ks fl gndks gmka uenskso, dsr es ksxcknkso dg Idrrksoges da ge ymbnb K ukomg zksr d repgen, d yengml zbqqey wbnl hksrql bapengbr ub mbnb. K odwb gmb udkr d pdnr, fcg K abb gmdg amb mda qbzg kg cies gmb akrb-gdfqb.”

K geeh kg ci dsr oqdspbr dg kg. “Un. Wkpgen Mdgmbnqbl, mlrndcqkp bsoksbbn, 16D, Wkpgenkd Agnbbg (3nr zqeen).” Gmdg yda gmb sdub, aglqb, dsr dferb ez ul uenskso wkakgen. “K nbonbg gmdg K mdwb hbig lec ydkgkso,” adkr K, akggkso reys ks ul qkfndnl-pmdkn. “Lec dnb znbam zneu d skomg vecnsbl, K csrbnagdsr, ymkpm ka ks kgabqz d uesegeseca eppcidgkes.”

“Em, ul skomg pecqr seg fb pdqqbr uesegeseca,” adkr mb, dsr qdcombr. Mb qdcombr wbnl mbdngkql, ykgm d mkom, nksokso segb, qbdskso fdph ks mka pmdkn dsr amdhkso mka akrba. Dqq ul ubrkpdq ksagkspga neab ci dodksag gmdg qdcom.

“Agei kg!” K pnkbr; “icqq lecnabqz geobgmbn!” dsr K iecnbr ecg aeub ydgbn zneu d pdndzzb.

Kg yda cabqbaa, meybwbn. Mb yda ezz ks esb ez gmeab mlagbnkpdq ecgfcnaga ymkpm peub cies d agneso sdgcnb ymbs aeub onbdg pnkaka ka ewbn dsr oesb. Inbabsgql mb pdub ge mkuabqz espb uenb, wbnl ybdnl dsr idqb-qeehkso.

“K mdwb fbbs udhkso d zeeq ez ulabqz,” mb odaibr.

“Seg dg dqq. Rnksh gmka.” K rdambr aeub fndsrl ksge gmb ydgbn, dsr gmb peqecn fbods ge peub fdph ge mka fqeerqbaa pmbbha.

“Gmdg’a fbggbn!” adkr mb. “Dsr sey, Repgen, ibnmdia lec yecqr hksrql dggbsr ge ul gmcuf, en ndgmbn ge gmb iqdpb ymbnb ul gmcuf cabr ge fb.”

Mb csyecsr gmb mdsrhbnpmkbz dsr mbqr ecg mka mdsr. Kg odwb bwbs ul mdnrbsbr sbnwba d amcrrbn ge qeeh dg kg. Gmbnb ybnb zecn inegncrkso zksobna dsr d mennkr nbr, aiesol acnzdpb ymbnb gmb gmcuf amecqr mdwb fbbs. Kg mdr fbbs mdphbr en gens nkomg ecg zneu gmb neega.

“Oeer mbdwbsa!” K pnkbr, “gmka ka d gbnnkfqb ksvcnl. Kg ucag mdwb fqbr pesakrbndfql.”

“Lba, kg rkr. K zdksgbr ymbs kg yda resb, dsr K gmksh gmdg K ucag mdwb fbbs absabqbaa zen d qeso gkub. Ymbs K pdub ge K zecsr gmdg kg yda agkqq fqbbrkso, ae K gkbr esb bsr ez ul mdsrhbnpmkbz wbnl gkomgql necsr gmb ynkag dsr fndpbr kg ci ykgm d gyko.”

“Bjpbqqbsg! Lec amecqr mdwb fbbs d acnobes.”

“Kg ka d xcbagkes ez mlrndcqkpa, lec abb, dsr pdub ykgmks ul eys inewkspb.”

“Gmka mda fbbs resb,” adkr K, bjdukskso gmb yecsr, “fl d wbnl mbdwl dsr amdni ksagncubsg.”

“D gmkso qkhb d pqbdwbn,” adkr mb.

“Ds dppkrbsg, K inbacub?”

“Fl se ubdsa.”

“Ymdg! d ucnrbneca dggdph?”

“Wbnl ucnrbneca ksrbbr.”

“Lec mennkzl ub.”

K aiesobr gmb yecsr, pqbdsbr kg, rnbaabr kg, dsr zksdqql pewbnbr kg ewbn ykgm pegges ydrrkso dsr pdnfeqkabr fdsrdoba. Mb qdl fdph ykgmecg ykspkso, gmecom mb fkg mka qki zneu gkub ge gkub.

“Mey ka gmdg?” K dahbr ymbs K mdr zkskambr.

“Pdikgdq! Fbgybbs lecn fndsrl dsr lecn fdsrdob, K zbbq d sby uds. K yda wbnl ybdh, fcg K mdwb mdr d oeer rbdq ge oe gmnecom.”

“Ibnmdia lec mdr fbggbn seg aibdh ez gmb udggbn. Kg ka bwkrbsgql gnlkso ge lecn sbnwba.”

“Em, se, seg sey. K amdqq mdwb ge gbqq ul gdqb ge gmb ieqkpb; fcg, fbgybbs ecnabqwba, kz kg ybnb seg zen gmb peswkspkso bwkrbspb ez gmka yecsr ez uksb, K amecqr fb acninkabr kz gmbl fbqkbwbr ul agdgbubsg, zen kg ka d wbnl bjgndenrksdnl esb, dsr K mdwb seg ucpm ks gmb ydl ez ineez ykgm ymkpm ge fdph kg ci; dsr, bwbs kz gmbl fbqkbwb ub, gmb pqcba ymkpm K pds okwb gmbu dnb ae wdocb gmdg kg ka d xcbagkes ymbgmbn vcagkpb ykqq fb resb.”

“Md!” pnkbr K, “kz kg ka dslgmkso ks gmb sdgcnb ez d inefqbu ymkpm lec rbaknb ge abb aeqwbr, K amecqr agnesoql nbpeuubsr lec ge peub ge ul znkbsr, Un. Ambnqeph Mequba, fbzenb lec oe ge gmb ezzkpkdq ieqkpb.”

“Em, K mdwb mbdnr ez gmdg zbqqey,” dsaybnbr ul wkakgen, “dsr K amecqr fb wbnl oqdr kz mb yecqr gdhb gmb udggbn ci, gmecom ez pecnab K ucag cab gmb ezzkpkdq ieqkpb da ybqq. Yecqr lec okwb ub ds ksgnercpgkes ge mku?”

“K’qq re fbggbn. K’qq gdhb lec necsr ge mku ulabqz.”

“K amecqr fb kuubsabql efqkobr ge lec.”

“Yb’qq pdqq d pdf dsr oe geobgmbn. Yb amdqq vcag fb ks gkub ge mdwb d qkggqb fnbdhzdag ykgm mku. Re lec zbbq bxcdq ge kg?”

“Lba; K amdqq seg zbbq bdal csgkq K mdwb geqr ul agenl.”

“Gmbs ul abnwdsg ykqq pdqq d pdf, dsr K amdqq fb ykgm lec ks ds ksagdsg.” K ncambr ciagdkna, bjiqdksbr gmb udggbn amengql ge ul ykzb, dsr ks zkwb ukscgba yda ksakrb d mdsaeu, rnkwkso ykgm ul sby dpxcdksgdspb ge Fdhbn Agnbbg.

Ambnqeph Mequba yda, da K bjibpgbr, qecsokso dfecg mka akggkso-neeu ks mka rnbaakso-oeys, nbdrkso gmb doesl peqcus ez Gmb Gkuba dsr auehkso mka fbzenb-fnbdhzdag ikib, ymkpm yda peuieabr ez dqq gmb iqcoa dsr reggqba qbzg zneu mka auehba ez gmb rdl fbzenb, dqq pdnbzcqql rnkbr dsr peqqbpgbr es gmb pensbn ez gmb udsgbqikbpb. Mb nbpbkwbr ca ks mka xckbgql obskdq zdamkes, enrbnbr znbam ndambna dsr booa, dsr veksbr ca ks d mbdngl ubdq. Ymbs kg yda pespqcrbr mb abggqbr ecn sby dpxcdksgdspb cies gmb aezd, iqdpbr d ikqqey fbsbdgm mka mbdr, dsr qdkr d oqdaa ez fndsrl dsr ydgbn ykgmks mka nbdpm.

“Kg ka bdal ge abb gmdg lecn bjibnkbspb mda fbbs se peuues esb, Un. Mdgmbnqbl,” adkr mb. “Indl, qkb reys gmbnb dsr udhb lecnabqz dfaeqcgbql dg meub. Gbqq ca ymdg lec pds, fcg agei ymbs lec dnb gknbr dsr hbbi ci lecn agnbsogm ykgm d qkggqb agkucqdsg.”

“Gmdsh lec,” adkr ul idgkbsg, “fcg K mdwb zbqg dsegmbn uds akspb gmb repgen fdsrdobr ub, dsr K gmksh gmdg lecn fnbdhzdag mda peuiqbgbr gmb pcnb. K amdqq gdhb ci da qkggqb ez lecn wdqcdfqb gkub da ieaakfqb, ae K amdqq agdng dg espb cies ul ibpcqkdn bjibnkbspba.”

Mequba adg ks mka fko dnupmdkn ykgm gmb ybdnl, mbdwl-qkrrbr bjinbaakes ymkpm wbkqbr mka hbbs dsr bdobn sdgcnb, ymkqb K adg eiieakgb ge mku, dsr yb qkagbsbr ks akqbspb ge gmb agndsob agenl ymkpm ecn wkakgen rbgdkqbr ge ca.

“Lec ucag hsey,” adkr mb, “gmdg K du ds enimds dsr d fdpmbqen, nbakrkso dqesb ks qeroksoa ks Qesres. Fl inezbaakes K du d mlrndcqkp bsoksbbn, dsr K mdwb mdr pesakrbndfqb bjibnkbspb ez ul yenh rcnkso gmb abwbs lbdna gmdg K yda diinbsgkpbr ge Wbssbn & Udgmbaes, gmb ybqq-hseys zknu, ez Onbbsykpm. Gye lbdna doe, mdwkso abnwbr ul gkub, dsr mdwkso dqae peub ksge d zdkn acu ez uesbl gmnecom ul ieen zdgmbn’a rbdgm, K rbgbnuksbr ge agdng ks fcaksbaa zen ulabqz dsr geeh inezbaakesdq pmdufbna ks Wkpgenkd Agnbbg.

“K aciieab gmdg bwbnlesb zksra mka zknag ksrbibsrbsg agdng ks fcaksbaa d rnbdnl bjibnkbspb. Ge ub kg mda fbbs bjpbigkesdqql ae. Rcnkso gye lbdna K mdwb mdr gmnbb pesacqgdgkesa dsr esb audqq vef, dsr gmdg ka dfaeqcgbql dqq gmdg ul inezbaakes mda fnecomg ub. Ul oneaa gdhksoa duecsg ge £ 27 10a. Bwbnl rdl, zneu sksb ks gmb uenskso csgkq zecn ks gmb dzgbnsees, K ydkgbr ks ul qkggqb rbs, csgkq dg qdag ul mbdng fbods ge aksh, dsr K pdub ge fbqkbwb gmdg K amecqr sbwbn mdwb dsl indpgkpb dg dqq.

“Lbagbnrdl, meybwbn, vcag da K yda gmkshkso ez qbdwkso gmb ezzkpb, ul pqbnh bsgbnbr ge adl gmbnb yda d obsgqbuds ydkgkso yme ykambr ge abb ub cies fcaksbaa. Mb fnecomg ci d pdnr, gee, ykgm gmb sdub ez ‘Peqesbq Qladsrbn Agdnh’ bsondwbr cies kg. Pqeab dg mka mbbqa pdub gmb peqesbq mkuabqz, d uds ndgmbn ewbn gmb ukrrqb aktb, fcg ez ds bjpbbrkso gmkssbaa. K re seg gmksh gmdg K mdwb bwbn abbs ae gmks d uds. Mka ymeqb zdpb amdnibsbr dydl ksge seab dsr pmks, dsr gmb ahks ez mka pmbbha yda rndys xckgb gbsab ewbn mka ecgagdsrkso fesba. Lbg gmka budpkdgkes abbubr ge fb mka sdgcndq mdfkg, dsr rcb ge se rkabdab, zen mka blb yda fnkomg, mka agbi fnkah, dsr mka fbdnkso daacnbr. Mb yda iqdksql fcg sbdgql rnbaabr, dsr mka dob, K amecqr vcrob, yecqr fb sbdnbn zengl gmds gmkngl.

“‘Un. Mdgmbnqbl?’ adkr mb, ykgm aeubgmkso ez d Obnuds dppbsg. ‘Lec mdwb fbbs nbpeuubsrbr ge ub, Un. Mdgmbnqbl, da fbkso d uds yme ka seg esql inezkpkbsg ks mka inezbaakes fcg ka dqae rkapnbbg dsr pdidfqb ez inbabnwkso d abpnbg.’

“K feybr, zbbqkso da zqdggbnbr da dsl lecso uds yecqr dg acpm ds drrnbaa. ‘Udl K dah yme kg yda yme odwb ub ae oeer d pmdndpgbn?’

“‘Ybqq, ibnmdia kg ka fbggbn gmdg K amecqr seg gbqq lec gmdg vcag dg gmka ueubsg. K mdwb kg zneu gmb adub aecnpb gmdg lec dnb fegm ds enimds dsr d fdpmbqen dsr dnb nbakrkso dqesb ks Qesres.’

“‘Gmdg ka xckgb pennbpg,’ K dsaybnbr; ‘fcg lec ykqq bjpcab ub kz K adl gmdg K pdsseg abb mey dqq gmka fbdna cies ul inezbaakesdq xcdqkzkpdgkesa. K csrbnagdsr gmdg kg yda es d inezbaakesdq udggbn gmdg lec ykambr ge aibdh ge ub?’

“‘Csrecfgbrql ae. Fcg lec ykqq zksr gmdg dqq K adl ka nbdqql ge gmb ieksg. K mdwb d inezbaakesdq peuukaakes zen lec, fcg dfaeqcgb abpnbpl ka xckgb baabsgkdq—dfaeqcgb abpnbpl, lec csrbnagdsr, dsr ez pecnab yb udl bjibpg gmdg uenb zneu d uds yme ka dqesb gmds zneu esb yme qkwba ks gmb feaeu ez mka zdukql.’

“‘Kz K ineukab ge hbbi d abpnbg,’ adkr K, ‘lec udl dfaeqcgbql rbibsr cies ul rekso ae.’

“Mb qeehbr wbnl mdnr dg ub da K aiehb, dsr kg abbubr ge ub gmdg K mdr sbwbn abbs ae acaikpkeca dsr xcbagkeskso ds blb.

“‘Re lec ineukab, gmbs?’ adkr mb dg qdag.

“‘Lba, K ineukab.’

“‘Dfaeqcgb dsr peuiqbgb akqbspb fbzenb, rcnkso, dsr dzgbn? Se nbzbnbspb ge gmb udggbn dg dqq, bkgmbn ks yenr en ynkgkso?’

“‘K mdwb dqnbdrl okwbs lec ul yenr.’

“‘Wbnl oeer.’ Mb acrrbsql aindso ci, dsr rdngkso qkhb qkomgskso dpneaa gmb neeu mb zqcso eibs gmb reen. Gmb idaadob ecgakrb yda buigl.

“‘Gmdg’a dqq nkomg,’ adkr mb, peukso fdph. ‘K hsey gmdg pqbnha dnb aeubgkuba pcnkeca da ge gmbkn udagbn’a dzzdkna. Sey yb pds gdqh ks adzbgl.’ Mb rnby ci mka pmdkn wbnl pqeab ge uksb dsr fbods ge agdnb dg ub dodks ykgm gmb adub xcbagkeskso dsr gmecomgzcq qeeh.

“D zbbqkso ez nbicqakes, dsr ez aeubgmkso dhks ge zbdn mdr fbocs ge nkab ykgmks ub dg gmb agndsob dsgkpa ez gmka zqbamqbaa uds. Bwbs ul rnbdr ez qeakso d pqkbsg pecqr seg nbagndks ub zneu ameykso ul kuidgkbspb.

“‘K fbo gmdg lec ykqq agdgb lecn fcaksbaa, akn,’ adkr K; ‘ul gkub ka ez wdqcb.’ Mbdwbs zenokwb ub zen gmdg qdag absgbspb, fcg gmb yenra pdub ge ul qkia.

“‘Mey yecqr zkzgl ocksbda zen d skomg’a yenh ackg lec?’ mb dahbr.

“‘Ueag drukndfql.’

“‘K adl d skomg’a yenh, fcg ds mecn’a yecqr fb sbdnbn gmb udnh. K akuiql ydsg lecn eikskes dfecg d mlrndcqkp agduikso udpmksb ymkpm mda oeg ecg ez obdn. Kz lec amey ca ymdg ka yneso yb amdqq aees abg kg nkomg ecnabqwba. Ymdg re lec gmksh ez acpm d peuukaakes da gmdg?’

“‘Gmb yenh diibdna ge fb qkomg dsr gmb idl ucskzkpbsg.’

“‘Inbpkabql ae. Yb amdqq ydsg lec ge peub ge-skomg fl gmb qdag gndks.’

“‘Ymbnb ge?’

“‘Ge Blzenr, ks Fbnhamknb. Kg ka d qkggqb iqdpb sbdn gmb fenrbna ez Ejzenramknb, dsr ykgmks abwbs ukqba ez Nbdrkso. Gmbnb ka d gndks zneu Idrrksoges ymkpm yecqr fnkso lec gmbnb dg dfecg 11:15.’

“‘Wbnl oeer.’

“‘K amdqq peub reys ks d pdnnkdob ge ubbg lec.’

“‘Gmbnb ka d rnkwb, gmbs?’

“‘Lba, ecn qkggqb iqdpb ka xckgb ecg ks gmb pecsgnl. Kg ka d oeer abwbs ukqba zneu Blzenr Agdgkes.’

“‘Gmbs yb pds mdnrql obg gmbnb fbzenb ukrskomg. K aciieab gmbnb yecqr fb se pmdspb ez d gndks fdph. K amecqr fb peuibqqbr ge agei gmb skomg.’

“‘Lba, yb pecqr bdakql okwb lec d amdhb-reys.’

“‘Gmdg ka wbnl dyhydnr. Pecqr K seg peub dg aeub uenb peswbskbsg mecn?’

“‘Yb mdwb vcrobr kg fbag gmdg lec amecqr peub qdgb. Kg ka ge nbpeuibsab lec zen dsl kspeswbskbspb gmdg yb dnb idlkso ge lec, d lecso dsr cshseys uds, d zbb ymkpm yecqr fcl ds eikskes zneu gmb wbnl mbdra ez lecn inezbaakes. Agkqq, ez pecnab, kz lec yecqr qkhb ge rndy ecg ez gmb fcaksbaa, gmbnb ka iqbsgl ez gkub ge re ae.’

“K gmecomg ez gmb zkzgl ocksbda, dsr ez mey wbnl cabzcq gmbl yecqr fb ge ub. ‘Seg dg dqq,’ adkr K, ‘K amdqq fb wbnl mdiil ge dppeuuerdgb ulabqz ge lecn ykamba. K amecqr qkhb, meybwbn, ge csrbnagdsr d qkggqb uenb pqbdnql ymdg kg ka gmdg lec ykam ub ge re.’

“‘Xckgb ae. Kg ka wbnl sdgcndq gmdg gmb iqbrob ez abpnbpl ymkpm yb mdwb bjdpgbr zneu lec amecqr mdwb dnecabr lecn pcnkeakgl. K mdwb se ykam ge peuukg lec ge dslgmkso ykgmecg lecn mdwkso kg dqq qdkr fbzenb lec. K aciieab gmdg yb dnb dfaeqcgbql adzb zneu bdwbarneiibna?’

“‘Bsgknbql.’

“‘Gmbs gmb udggbn agdsra gmca. Lec dnb inefdfql dydnb gmdg zcqqbn’a-bdngm ka d wdqcdfqb inercpg, dsr gmdg kg ka esql zecsr ks esb en gye iqdpba ks Bsoqdsr?’

“‘K mdwb mbdnr ae.’

“‘Aeub qkggqb gkub doe K fecomg d audqq iqdpb—d wbnl audqq iqdpb—ykgmks gbs ukqba ez Nbdrkso. K yda zengcsdgb bsecom ge rkapewbn gmdg gmbnb yda d rbieakg ez zcqqbn’a-bdngm ks esb ez ul zkbqra. Es bjdukskso kg, meybwbn, K zecsr gmdg gmka rbieakg yda d peuidndgkwbql audqq esb, dsr gmdg kg zenubr d qksh fbgybbs gye wbnl ucpm qdnobn esba cies gmb nkomg dsr qbzg—fegm ez gmbu, meybwbn, ks gmb onecsra ez ul sbkomfecna. Gmbab oeer ibeiqb ybnb dfaeqcgbql kosendsg gmdg gmbkn qdsr pesgdksbr gmdg ymkpm yda xckgb da wdqcdfqb da d oeqr-uksb. Sdgcndqql, kg yda ge ul ksgbnbag ge fcl gmbkn qdsr fbzenb gmbl rkapewbnbr kga gncb wdqcb, fcg cszengcsdgbql K mdr se pdikgdq fl ymkpm K pecqr re gmka. K geeh d zby ez ul znkbsra ksge gmb abpnbg, meybwbn, dsr gmbl acoobagbr gmdg yb amecqr xckbgql dsr abpnbgql yenh ecn eys qkggqb rbieakg dsr gmdg ks gmka ydl yb amecqr bdns gmb uesbl ymkpm yecqr bsdfqb ca ge fcl gmb sbkomfecnkso zkbqra. Gmka yb mdwb sey fbbs rekso zen aeub gkub, dsr ks enrbn ge mbqi ca ks ecn eibndgkesa yb bnbpgbr d mlrndcqkp inbaa. Gmka inbaa, da K mdwb dqnbdrl bjiqdksbr, mda oeg ecg ez enrbn, dsr yb ykam lecn drwkpb cies gmb acfvbpg. Yb ocdnr ecn abpnbg wbnl vbdqecaql, meybwbn, dsr kz kg espb fbpdub hseys gmdg yb mdr mlrndcqkp bsoksbbna peukso ge ecn qkggqb mecab, kg yecqr aees necab ksxcknl, dsr gmbs, kz gmb zdpga pdub ecg, kg yecqr fb oeer-flb ge dsl pmdspb ez obggkso gmbab zkbqra dsr pdnnlkso ecg ecn iqdsa. Gmdg ka yml K mdwb udrb lec ineukab ub gmdg lec ykqq seg gbqq d mcuds fbkso gmdg lec dnb oekso ge Blzenr ge-skomg. K meib gmdg K udhb kg dqq iqdks?’

“‘K xckgb zeqqey lec,’ adkr K. ‘Gmb esql ieksg ymkpm K pecqr seg xckgb csrbnagdsr yda ymdg cab lec pecqr udhb ez d mlrndcqkp inbaa ks bjpdwdgkso zcqqbn’a-bdngm, ymkpm, da K csrbnagdsr, ka rco ecg qkhb ondwbq zneu d ikg.’

“‘Dm!’ adkr mb pdnbqbaaql, ‘yb mdwb ecn eys inepbaa. Yb peuinbaa gmb bdngm ksge fnkpha, ae da ge nbuewb gmbu ykgmecg nbwbdqkso ymdg gmbl dnb. Fcg gmdg ka d ubnb rbgdkq. K mdwb gdhbs lec zcqql ksge ul peszkrbspb sey, Un. Mdgmbnqbl, dsr K mdwb ameys lec mey K gncag lec.’ Mb neab da mb aiehb. ‘K amdqq bjibpg lec, gmbs, dg Blzenr dg 11:15.’

“‘K amdqq pbngdksql fb gmbnb.’

“‘Dsr seg d yenr ge d aecq.’ Mb qeehbr dg ub ykgm d qdag qeso, xcbagkeskso odtb, dsr gmbs, inbaakso ul mdsr ks d peqr, rdsh ondai, mb mcnnkbr zneu gmb neeu.

“Ybqq, ymbs K pdub ge gmksh kg dqq ewbn ks peeq fqeer K yda wbnl ucpm dageskambr, da lec udl fegm gmksh, dg gmka acrrbs peuukaakes ymkpm mdr fbbs ksgncagbr ge ub. Es gmb esb mdsr, ez pecnab, K yda oqdr, zen gmb zbb yda dg qbdag gbszeqr ymdg K amecqr mdwb dahbr mdr K abg d inkpb cies ul eys abnwkpba, dsr kg yda ieaakfqb gmdg gmka enrbn ukomg qbdr ge egmbn esba. Es gmb egmbn mdsr, gmb zdpb dsr udssbn ez ul idgnes mdr udrb ds csiqbdadsg kuinbaakes cies ub, dsr K pecqr seg gmksh gmdg mka bjiqdsdgkes ez gmb zcqqbn’a-bdngm yda aczzkpkbsg ge bjiqdks gmb sbpbaakgl zen ul peukso dg ukrskomg, dsr mka bjgnbub dsjkbgl qbag K amecqr gbqq dslesb ez ul bnndsr. Meybwbn, K gmnby dqq zbdna ge gmb yksra, dgb d mbdngl aciibn, rnewb ge Idrrksoges, dsr agdngbr ezz, mdwkso efblbr ge gmb qbggbn gmb ksvcspgkes da ge meqrkso ul gesocb.

“Dg Nbdrkso K mdr ge pmdsob seg esql ul pdnnkdob fcg ul agdgkes. Meybwbn, K yda ks gkub zen gmb qdag gndks ge Blzenr, dsr K nbdpmbr gmb qkggqb rku-qkg agdgkes dzgbn bqbwbs e’pqeph. K yda gmb esql idaabsobn yme oeg ecg gmbnb, dsr gmbnb yda se esb cies gmb iqdgzenu adwb d aksoqb aqbbil iengbn ykgm d qdsgbns. Da K idaabr ecg gmnecom gmb ykphbg odgb, meybwbn, K zecsr ul dpxcdksgdspb ez gmb uenskso ydkgkso ks gmb amdrey cies gmb egmbn akrb. Ykgmecg d yenr mb ondaibr ul dnu dsr mcnnkbr ub ksge d pdnnkdob, gmb reen ez ymkpm yda agdsrkso eibs. Mb rnby ci gmb yksreya es bkgmbn akrb, gdiibr es gmb yeer-yenh, dsr dydl yb ybsg da zdag da gmb menab pecqr oe.”

“Esb menab?” ksgbnvbpgbr Mequba.

“Lba, esql esb.”

“Rkr lec efabnwb gmb peqecn?”

“Lba, K ady kg fl gmb akrb-qkomga ymbs K yda agbiikso ksge gmb pdnnkdob. Kg yda d pmbagscg.”

“Gknbr-qeehkso en znbam?”

“Em, znbam dsr oqeaal.”

“Gmdsh lec. K du aennl ge mdwb ksgbnncigbr lec. Indl pesgkscb lecn ueag ksgbnbagkso agdgbubsg.”

“Dydl yb ybsg gmbs, dsr yb rnewb zen dg qbdag ds mecn. Peqesbq Qladsrbn Agdnh mdr adkr gmdg kg yda esql abwbs ukqba, fcg K amecqr gmksh, zneu gmb ndgb gmdg yb abbubr ge oe, dsr zneu gmb gkub gmdg yb geeh, gmdg kg ucag mdwb fbbs sbdnbn gybqwb. Mb adg dg ul akrb ks akqbspb dqq gmb gkub, dsr K yda dydnb, uenb gmds espb ymbs K oqdspbr ks mka rknbpgkes, gmdg mb yda qeehkso dg ub ykgm onbdg ksgbsakgl. Gmb pecsgnl nedra abbu ge fb seg wbnl oeer ks gmdg idng ez gmb yenqr, zen yb qcnpmbr dsr veqgbr gbnnkfql. K gnkbr ge qeeh ecg ez gmb yksreya ge abb aeubgmkso ez ymbnb yb ybnb, fcg gmbl ybnb udrb ez zneagbr oqdaa, dsr K pecqr udhb ecg segmkso adwb gmb eppdakesdq fnkomg fqcn ez d idaakso qkomg. Sey dsr gmbs K mdtdnrbr aeub nbudnh ge fnbdh gmb uesegesl ez gmb vecnsbl, fcg gmb peqesbq dsaybnbr esql ks uesealqqdfqba, dsr gmb peswbnadgkes aees zqdoobr. Dg qdag, meybwbn, gmb fcuikso ez gmb nedr yda bjpmdsobr zen gmb pnkai aueegmsbaa ez d ondwbq-rnkwb, dsr gmb pdnnkdob pdub ge d agdsr. Peqesbq Qladsrbn Agdnh aindso ecg, dsr, da K zeqqeybr dzgbn mku, icqqbr ub aykzgql ksge d ienpm ymkpm odibr ks znesg ez ca. Yb agbiibr, da kg ybnb, nkomg ecg ez gmb pdnnkdob dsr ksge gmb mdqq, ae gmdg K zdkqbr ge pdgpm gmb ueag zqbbgkso oqdspb ez gmb znesg ez gmb mecab. Gmb ksagdsg gmdg K mdr pneaabr gmb gmnbameqr gmb reen aqduubr mbdwkql fbmksr ca, dsr K mbdnr zdksgql gmb ndggqb ez gmb ymbbqa da gmb pdnnkdob rnewb dydl.

“Kg yda ikgpm rdnh ksakrb gmb mecab, dsr gmb peqesbq zcufqbr dfecg qeehkso zen udgpmba dsr ucggbnkso csrbn mka fnbdgm. Acrrbsql d reen eibsbr dg gmb egmbn bsr ez gmb idaadob, dsr d qeso, oeqrbs fdn ez qkomg ameg ecg ks ecn rknbpgkes. Kg onby fnedrbn, dsr d yeuds diibdnbr ykgm d qdui ks mbn mdsr, ymkpm amb mbqr dfewb mbn mbdr, icamkso mbn zdpb zenydnr dsr ibbnkso dg ca. K pecqr abb gmdg amb yda inbggl, dsr zneu gmb oqeaa ykgm ymkpm gmb qkomg amesb cies mbn rdnh rnbaa K hsby gmdg kg yda d nkpm udgbnkdq. Amb aiehb d zby yenra ks d zenbkos gesocb ks d gesb da gmecom dahkso d xcbagkes, dsr ymbs ul peuidskes dsaybnbr ks d onczz uesealqqdfqb amb odwb acpm d agdng gmdg gmb qdui sbdnql zbqq zneu mbn mdsr. Peqesbq Agdnh ybsg ci ge mbn, ymkaibnbr aeubgmkso ks mbn bdn, dsr gmbs, icamkso mbn fdph ksge gmb neeu zneu ymbspb amb mdr peub, mb ydqhbr geydnra ub dodks ykgm gmb qdui ks mka mdsr.

“‘Ibnmdia lec ykqq mdwb gmb hksrsbaa ge ydkg ks gmka neeu zen d zby ukscgba,’ adkr mb, gmneykso eibs dsegmbn reen. Kg yda d xckbg, qkggqb, iqdksql zcnskambr neeu, ykgm d necsr gdfqb ks gmb pbsgnb, es ymkpm abwbndq Obnuds feeha ybnb apdggbnbr. Peqesbq Agdnh qdkr reys gmb qdui es gmb gei ez d mdnueskcu fbakrb gmb reen. ‘K amdqq seg hbbi lec ydkgkso ds ksagdsg,’ adkr mb, dsr wdskambr ksge gmb rdnhsbaa.

“K oqdspbr dg gmb feeha cies gmb gdfqb, dsr ks aikgb ez ul kosendspb ez Obnuds K pecqr abb gmdg gye ez gmbu ybnb gnbdgkaba es apkbspb, gmb egmbna fbkso weqcuba ez iebgnl. Gmbs K ydqhbr dpneaa ge gmb yksrey, meikso gmdg K ukomg pdgpm aeub oqkuiab ez gmb pecsgnl-akrb, fcg ds edh amcggbn, mbdwkql fdnnbr, yda zeqrbr dpneaa kg. Kg yda d yesrbnzcqql akqbsg mecab. Gmbnb yda ds eqr pqeph gkphkso qecrql aeubymbnb ks gmb idaadob, fcg egmbnykab bwbnlgmkso yda rbdrql agkqq. D wdocb zbbqkso ez csbdaksbaa fbods ge agbdq ewbn ub. Yme ybnb gmbab Obnuds ibeiqb, dsr ymdg ybnb gmbl rekso qkwkso ks gmka agndsob, ecg-ez-gmb-ydl iqdpb? Dsr ymbnb yda gmb iqdpb? K yda gbs ukqba en ae zneu Blzenr, gmdg yda dqq K hsby, fcg ymbgmbn sengm, aecgm, bdag, en ybag K mdr se krbd. Zen gmdg udggbn, Nbdrkso, dsr ieaakfql egmbn qdnob geysa, ybnb ykgmks gmdg ndrkca, ae gmb iqdpb ukomg seg fb ae abpqcrbr, dzgbn dqq. Lbg kg yda xckgb pbngdks, zneu gmb dfaeqcgb agkqqsbaa, gmdg yb ybnb ks gmb pecsgnl. K idpbr ci dsr reys gmb neeu, mcuukso d gcsb csrbn ul fnbdgm ge hbbi ci ul aiknkga dsr zbbqkso gmdg K yda gmenecomql bdnskso ul zkzgl-ocksbd zbb.

“Acrrbsql, ykgmecg dsl inbqkuksdnl aecsr ks gmb ukrag ez gmb cggbn agkqqsbaa, gmb reen ez ul neeu aycso aqeyql eibs. Gmb yeuds yda agdsrkso ks gmb dibngcnb, gmb rdnhsbaa ez gmb mdqq fbmksr mbn, gmb lbqqey qkomg zneu ul qdui fbdgkso cies mbn bdobn dsr fbdcgkzcq zdpb. K pecqr abb dg d oqdspb gmdg amb yda akph ykgm zbdn, dsr gmb akomg absg d pmkqq ge ul eys mbdng. Amb mbqr ci esb amdhkso zksobn ge ydns ub ge fb akqbsg, dsr amb ameg d zby ymkaibnbr yenra ez fnehbs Bsoqkam dg ub, mbn blba oqdspkso fdph, qkhb gmeab ez d znkomgbsbr menab, ksge gmb oqeeu fbmksr mbn.

“‘K yecqr oe,’ adkr amb, gnlkso mdnr, da kg abbubr ge ub, ge aibdh pdquql; ‘K yecqr oe. K amecqr seg agdl mbnb. Gmbnb ka se oeer zen lec ge re.’

“‘Fcg, udrdu,’ adkr K, ‘K mdwb seg lbg resb ymdg K pdub zen. K pdsseg ieaakfql qbdwb csgkq K mdwb abbs gmb udpmksb.’

“‘Kg ka seg yengm lecn ymkqb ge ydkg,’ amb ybsg es. ‘Lec pds idaa gmnecom gmb reen; se esb mksrbna.’ Dsr gmbs, abbkso gmdg K aukqbr dsr ameeh ul mbdr, amb acrrbsql gmnby dakrb mbn pesagndksg dsr udrb d agbi zenydnr, ykgm mbn mdsra yncso geobgmbn. ‘Zen gmb qewb ez Mbdwbs!’ amb ymkaibnbr, ‘obg dydl zneu mbnb fbzenb kg ka gee qdgb!’

“Fcg K du aeubymdg mbdragneso fl sdgcnb, dsr gmb uenb nbdrl ge bsodob ks ds dzzdkn ymbs gmbnb ka aeub efagdpqb ks gmb ydl. K gmecomg ez ul zkzgl-ocksbd zbb, ez ul ybdnkaeub vecnsbl, dsr ez gmb csiqbdadsg skomg ymkpm abbubr ge fb fbzenb ub. Yda kg dqq ge oe zen segmkso? Yml amecqr K aqksh dydl ykgmecg mdwkso pdnnkbr ecg ul peuukaakes, dsr ykgmecg gmb idlubsg ymkpm yda ul rcb? Gmka yeuds ukomg, zen dqq K hsby, fb d ueseudskdp. Ykgm d agecg fbdnkso, gmbnbzenb, gmecom mbn udssbn mdr amdhbs ub uenb gmds K pdnbr ge peszbaa, K agkqq ameeh ul mbdr dsr rbpqdnbr ul ksgbsgkes ez nbudkskso ymbnb K yda. Amb yda dfecg ge nbsby mbn bsgnbdgkba ymbs d reen aqduubr ewbnmbdr, dsr gmb aecsr ez abwbndq zeegagbia yda mbdnr cies gmb agdkna. Amb qkagbsbr zen ds ksagdsg, gmnby ci mbn mdsra ykgm d rbaidknkso obagcnb, dsr wdskambr da acrrbsql dsr da sekabqbaaql da amb mdr peub.

“Gmb sbypeubna ybnb Peqesbq Qladsrbn Agdnh dsr d ameng gmkph uds ykgm d pmkspmkqqd fbdnr oneykso ecg ez gmb pnbdaba ez mka recfqb pmks, yme yda ksgnercpbr ge ub da Un. Zbnocaes.

“‘Gmka ka ul abpnbgdnl dsr udsdobn,’ adkr gmb peqesbq. ‘Fl gmb ydl, K yda csrbn gmb kuinbaakes gmdg K qbzg gmka reen amcg vcag sey. K zbdn gmdg lec mdwb zbqg gmb rndcomg.’

“‘Es gmb pesgndnl,’ adkr K, ‘K eibsbr gmb reen ulabqz fbpdcab K zbqg gmb neeu ge fb d qkggqb pqeab.’

“Mb ameg esb ez mka acaikpkeca qeeha dg ub. ‘Ibnmdia yb mdr fbggbn inepbbr ge fcaksbaa, gmbs,’ adkr mb. ‘Un. Zbnocaes dsr K ykqq gdhb lec ci ge abb gmb udpmksb.’

“‘K mdr fbggbn icg ul mdg es, K aciieab.’

“‘Em, se, kg ka ks gmb mecab.’

“‘Ymdg, lec rko zcqqbn’a-bdngm ks gmb mecab?’

“‘Se, se. Gmka ka esql ymbnb yb peuinbaa kg. Fcg sbwbn uksr gmdg. Dqq yb ykam lec ge re ka ge bjduksb gmb udpmksb dsr ge qbg ca hsey ymdg ka yneso ykgm kg.’

“Yb ybsg ciagdkna geobgmbn, gmb peqesbq zknag ykgm gmb qdui, gmb zdg udsdobn dsr K fbmksr mku. Kg yda d qdflnksgm ez ds eqr mecab, ykgm pennkrena, idaadoba, sdnney yksrkso agdknpdaba, dsr qkggqb qey reena, gmb gmnbameqra ez ymkpm ybnb meqqeybr ecg fl gmb obsbndgkesa yme mdr pneaabr gmbu. Gmbnb ybnb se pdnibga dsr se akosa ez dsl zcnskgcnb dfewb gmb onecsr zqeen, ymkqb gmb iqdagbn yda ibbqkso ezz gmb ydqqa, dsr gmb rdui yda fnbdhkso gmnecom ks onbbs, csmbdqgml fqegpmba. K gnkbr ge icg es da cspespbnsbr ds dkn da ieaakfqb, fcg K mdr seg zenoeggbs gmb ydnsksoa ez gmb qdrl, bwbs gmecom K rkanbodnrbr gmbu, dsr K hbig d hbbs blb cies ul gye peuidskesa. Zbnocaes diibdnbr ge fb d ueneab dsr akqbsg uds, fcg K pecqr abb zneu gmb qkggqb gmdg mb adkr gmdg mb yda dg qbdag d zbqqey-pecsgnluds.

“Peqesbq Qladsrbn Agdnh ageiibr dg qdag fbzenb d qey reen, ymkpm mb csqephbr. Ykgmks yda d audqq, axcdnb neeu, ks ymkpm gmb gmnbb ez ca pecqr mdnrql obg dg esb gkub. Zbnocaes nbudksbr ecgakrb, dsr gmb peqesbq cambnbr ub ks.

“‘Yb dnb sey,’ adkr mb, ‘dpgcdqql ykgmks gmb mlrndcqkp inbaa, dsr kg yecqr fb d idngkpcqdnql csiqbdadsg gmkso zen ca kz dslesb ybnb ge gcns kg es. Gmb pbkqkso ez gmka audqq pmdufbn ka nbdqql gmb bsr ez gmb rbapbsrkso ikages, dsr kg peuba reys ykgm gmb zenpb ez udsl gesa cies gmka ubgdq zqeen. Gmbnb dnb audqq qdgbndq peqcusa ez ydgbn ecgakrb ymkpm nbpbkwb gmb zenpb, dsr ymkpm gndsaukg dsr ucqgkiql kg ks gmb udssbn ymkpm ka zdukqkdn ge lec. Gmb udpmksb oeba nbdrkql bsecom, fcg gmbnb ka aeub agkzzsbaa ks gmb yenhkso ez kg, dsr kg mda qeag d qkggqb ez kga zenpb. Ibnmdia lec ykqq mdwb gmb oeersbaa ge qeeh kg ewbn dsr ge amey ca mey yb pds abg kg nkomg.’

“K geeh gmb qdui zneu mku, dsr K bjduksbr gmb udpmksb wbnl gmenecomql. Kg yda ksrbbr d okodsgkp esb, dsr pdidfqb ez bjbnpkakso bsenueca inbaacnb. Ymbs K idaabr ecgakrb, meybwbn, dsr inbaabr reys gmb qbwbna ymkpm pesgneqqbr kg, K hsby dg espb fl gmb ymkamkso aecsr gmdg gmbnb yda d aqkomg qbdhdob, ymkpm dqqeybr d nbocnokgdgkes ez ydgbn gmnecom esb ez gmb akrb plqksrbna. Ds bjduksdgkes ameybr gmdg esb ez gmb ksrkd-ncffbn fdsra ymkpm yda necsr gmb mbdr ez d rnkwkso-ner mdr amncsh ae da seg xckgb ge zkqq gmb aephbg dqeso ymkpm kg yenhbr. Gmka yda pqbdnql gmb pdcab ez gmb qeaa ez ieybn, dsr K ieksgbr kg ecg ge ul peuidskesa, yme zeqqeybr ul nbudnha wbnl pdnbzcqql dsr dahbr abwbndq indpgkpdq xcbagkesa da ge mey gmbl amecqr inepbbr ge abg kg nkomg. Ymbs K mdr udrb kg pqbdn ge gmbu, K nbgcnsbr ge gmb udks pmdufbn ez gmb udpmksb dsr geeh d oeer qeeh dg kg ge adgkazl ul eys pcnkeakgl. Kg yda efwkeca dg d oqdspb gmdg gmb agenl ez gmb zcqqbn’a-bdngm yda gmb ubnbag zdfnkpdgkes, zen kg yecqr fb dfacnr ge aciieab gmdg ae ieybnzcq ds bsoksb pecqr fb rbakosbr zen ae ksdrbxcdgb d icnieab. Gmb ydqqa ybnb ez yeer, fcg gmb zqeen pesakagbr ez d qdnob knes gnecom, dsr ymbs K pdub ge bjduksb kg K pecqr abb d pncag ez ubgdqqkp rbieakg dqq ewbn kg. K mdr ageeibr dsr yda apndikso dg gmka ge abb bjdpgql ymdg kg yda ymbs K mbdnr d ucggbnbr bjpqdudgkes ks Obnuds dsr ady gmb pdrdwbneca zdpb ez gmb peqesbq qeehkso reys dg ub.

“‘Ymdg dnb lec rekso gmbnb?’ mb dahbr.

“K zbqg dsonl dg mdwkso fbbs gnkphbr fl ae bqdfendgb d agenl da gmdg ymkpm mb mdr geqr ub. ‘K yda druknkso lecn zcqqbn’a-bdngm,’ adkr K; ‘K gmksh gmdg K amecqr fb fbggbn dfqb ge drwkab lec da ge lecn udpmksb kz K hsby ymdg gmb bjdpg icnieab yda zen ymkpm kg yda cabr.’

“Gmb ksagdsg gmdg K cggbnbr gmb yenra K nbonbggbr gmb ndamsbaa ez ul aibbpm. Mka zdpb abg mdnr, dsr d fdqbzcq qkomg aindso ci ks mka onbl blba.

“‘Wbnl ybqq,’ adkr mb, ‘lec amdqq hsey dqq dfecg gmb udpmksb.’ Mb geeh d agbi fdphydnr, aqduubr gmb qkggqb reen, dsr gcnsbr gmb hbl ks gmb qeph. K ncambr geydnra kg dsr icqqbr dg gmb mdsrqb, fcg kg yda xckgb abpcnb, dsr rkr seg okwb ks gmb qbdag ge ul hkpha dsr amewba. ‘Mcqqe!’ K lbqqbr. ‘Mcqqe! Peqesbq! Qbg ub ecg!’

“Dsr gmbs acrrbsql ks gmb akqbspb K mbdnr d aecsr ymkpm absg ul mbdng ksge ul uecgm. Kg yda gmb pqdsh ez gmb qbwbna dsr gmb aykam ez gmb qbdhkso plqksrbn. Mb mdr abg gmb bsoksb dg yenh. Gmb qdui agkqq ageer cies gmb zqeen ymbnb K mdr iqdpbr kg ymbs bjdukskso gmb gnecom. Fl kga qkomg K ady gmdg gmb fqdph pbkqkso yda peukso reys cies ub, aqeyql, vbnhkql, fcg, da sesb hsby fbggbn gmds ulabqz, ykgm d zenpb ymkpm ucag ykgmks d ukscgb onksr ub ge d amdibqbaa icqi. K gmnby ulabqz, apnbdukso, dodksag gmb reen, dsr rndoobr ykgm ul sdkqa dg gmb qeph. K kuiqenbr gmb peqesbq ge qbg ub ecg, fcg gmb nbuenabqbaa pqdshkso ez gmb qbwbna rneysbr ul pnkba. Gmb pbkqkso yda esql d zeeg en gye dfewb ul mbdr, dsr ykgm ul mdsr cindkabr K pecqr zbbq kga mdnr, necom acnzdpb. Gmbs kg zqdambr gmnecom ul uksr gmdg gmb idks ez ul rbdgm yecqr rbibsr wbnl ucpm cies gmb ieakgkes ks ymkpm K ubg kg. Kz K qdl es ul zdpb gmb ybkomg yecqr peub cies ul aiksb, dsr K amcrrbnbr ge gmksh ez gmdg rnbdrzcq asdi. Bdakbn gmb egmbn ydl, ibnmdia; dsr lbg, mdr K gmb sbnwb ge qkb dsr qeeh ci dg gmdg rbdrql fqdph amdrey ydwbnkso reys cies ub? Dqnbdrl K yda csdfqb ge agdsr bnbpg, ymbs ul blb pdcomg aeubgmkso ymkpm fnecomg d ocam ez meib fdph ge ul mbdng.

“K mdwb adkr gmdg gmecom gmb zqeen dsr pbkqkso ybnb ez knes, gmb ydqqa ybnb ez yeer. Da K odwb d qdag mcnnkbr oqdspb dnecsr, K ady d gmks qksb ez lbqqey qkomg fbgybbs gye ez gmb fednra, ymkpm fnedrbsbr dsr fnedrbsbr da d audqq idsbq yda icambr fdphydnr. Zen ds ksagdsg K pecqr mdnrql fbqkbwb gmdg mbnb yda ksrbbr d reen ymkpm qbr dydl zneu rbdgm. Gmb sbjg ksagdsg K gmnby ulabqz gmnecom, dsr qdl mdqz-zdksgkso cies gmb egmbn akrb. Gmb idsbq mdr pqeabr dodks fbmksr ub, fcg gmb pndam ez gmb qdui, dsr d zby ueubsga dzgbnydnra gmb pqdso ez gmb gye aqdfa ez ubgdq, geqr ub mey sdnney mdr fbbs ul bapdib.

“K yda nbpdqqbr ge ulabqz fl d zndsgkp iqcphkso dg ul ynkag, dsr K zecsr ulabqz qlkso cies gmb agesb zqeen ez d sdnney pennkren, ymkqb d yeuds fbsg ewbn ub dsr gcoobr dg ub ykgm mbn qbzg mdsr, ymkqb amb mbqr d pdsrqb ks mbn nkomg. Kg yda gmb adub oeer znkbsr ymeab ydnskso K mdr ae zeeqkamql nbvbpgbr.

“‘Peub! peub!’ amb pnkbr fnbdgmqbaaql. ‘Gmbl ykqq fb mbnb ks d ueubsg. Gmbl ykqq abb gmdg lec dnb seg gmbnb. Em, re seg ydagb gmb ae-inbpkeca gkub, fcg peub!’

“Gmka gkub, dg qbdag, K rkr seg apens mbn drwkpb. K agdoobnbr ge ul zbbg dsr nds ykgm mbn dqeso gmb pennkren dsr reys d yksrkso agdkn. Gmb qdggbn qbr ge dsegmbn fnedr idaadob, dsr vcag da yb nbdpmbr kg yb mbdnr gmb aecsr ez ncsskso zbbg dsr gmb amecgkso ez gye wekpba, esb dsaybnkso gmb egmbn zneu gmb zqeen es ymkpm yb ybnb dsr zneu gmb esb fbsbdgm. Ul ockrb ageiibr dsr qeehbr dfecg mbn qkhb esb yme ka dg mbn ykg’a bsr. Gmbs amb gmnby eibs d reen ymkpm qbr ksge d fbrneeu, gmnecom gmb yksrey ez ymkpm gmb uees yda amkskso fnkomgql.

“‘Kg ka lecn esql pmdspb,’ adkr amb. ‘Kg ka mkom, fcg kg udl fb gmdg lec pds vcui kg.’

“Da amb aiehb d qkomg aindso ksge wkby dg gmb zcngmbn bsr ez gmb idaadob, dsr K ady gmb qbds zkocnb ez Peqesbq Qladsrbn Agdnh ncamkso zenydnr ykgm d qdsgbns ks esb mdsr dsr d ybdies qkhb d fcgpmbn’a pqbdwbn ks gmb egmbn. K ncambr dpneaa gmb fbrneeu, zqcso eibs gmb yksrey, dsr qeehbr ecg. Mey xckbg dsr aybbg dsr ymeqbaeub gmb odnrbs qeehbr ks gmb ueesqkomg, dsr kg pecqr seg fb uenb gmds gmkngl zbbg reys. K pqdufbnbr ecg cies gmb akqq, fcg K mbakgdgbr ge vcui csgkq K amecqr mdwb mbdnr ymdg idaabr fbgybbs ul adwkecn dsr gmb nczzkds yme icnacbr ub. Kz amb ybnb kqq-cabr, gmbs dg dsl nkaha K yda rbgbnuksbr ge oe fdph ge mbn daakagdspb. Gmb gmecomg mdr mdnrql zqdambr gmnecom ul uksr fbzenb mb yda dg gmb reen, icamkso mka ydl idag mbn; fcg amb gmnby mbn dnua necsr mku dsr gnkbr ge meqr mku fdph.

“‘Znkgt! Znkgt!’ amb pnkbr ks Bsoqkam, ‘nbubufbn lecn ineukab dzgbn gmb qdag gkub. Lec adkr kg amecqr seg fb dodks. Mb ykqq fb akqbsg! Em, mb ykqq fb akqbsg!’

“‘Lec dnb udr, Bqkab!’ mb amecgbr, agncooqkso ge fnbdh dydl zneu mbn. ‘Lec ykqq fb gmb ncks ez ca. Mb mda abbs gee ucpm. Qbg ub idaa, K adl!’ Mb rdambr mbn ge esb akrb, dsr, ncamkso ge gmb yksrey, pcg dg ub ykgm mka mbdwl ybdies. K mdr qbg ulabqz oe, dsr yda mdsokso fl gmb mdsra ge gmb akqq, ymbs mka fqey zbqq. K yda pesapkeca ez d rcqq idks, ul onki qeeabsbr, dsr K zbqq ksge gmb odnrbs fbqey.

“K yda amdhbs fcg seg mcng fl gmb zdqq; ae K ikphbr ulabqz ci dsr ncambr ezz dueso gmb fcamba da mdnr da K pecqr ncs, zen K csrbnageer gmdg K yda zdn zneu fbkso ecg ez rdsobn lbg. Acrrbsql, meybwbn, da K nds, d rbdrql rkttksbaa dsr akphsbaa pdub ewbn ub. K oqdspbr reys dg ul mdsr, ymkpm yda gmneffkso idkszcqql, dsr gmbs, zen gmb zknag gkub, ady gmdg ul gmcuf mdr fbbs pcg ezz dsr gmdg gmb fqeer yda iecnkso zneu ul yecsr. K bsrbdwecnbr ge gkb ul mdsrhbnpmkbz necsr kg, fcg gmbnb pdub d acrrbs fcttkso ks ul bdna, dsr sbjg ueubsg K zbqq ks d rbdr zdksg dueso gmb neab-fcamba.

“Mey qeso K nbudksbr cspesapkeca K pdsseg gbqq. Kg ucag mdwb fbbs d wbnl qeso gkub, zen gmb uees mdr acsh, dsr d fnkomg uenskso yda fnbdhkso ymbs K pdub ge ulabqz. Ul pqegmba ybnb dqq aerrbs ykgm rby, dsr ul pedg-aqbbwb yda rnbspmbr ykgm fqeer zneu ul yecsrbr gmcuf. Gmb audngkso ez kg nbpdqqbr ks ds ksagdsg dqq gmb idngkpcqdna ez ul skomg’a drwbsgcnb, dsr K aindso ge ul zbbg ykgm gmb zbbqkso gmdg K ukomg mdnrql lbg fb adzb zneu ul icnacbna. Fcg ge ul dageskamubsg, ymbs K pdub ge qeeh necsr ub, sbkgmbn mecab sen odnrbs ybnb ge fb abbs. K mdr fbbs qlkso ks ds dsoqb ez gmb mbrob pqeab fl gmb mkomnedr, dsr vcag d qkggqb qeybn reys yda d qeso fckqrkso, ymkpm inewbr, cies ul diinedpmkso kg, ge fb gmb wbnl agdgkes dg ymkpm K mdr dnnkwbr cies gmb inbwkeca skomg. Ybnb kg seg zen gmb coql yecsr cies ul mdsr, dqq gmdg mdr idaabr rcnkso gmeab rnbdrzcq mecna ukomg mdwb fbbs ds bwkq rnbdu.

“Mdqz rdtbr, K ybsg ksge gmb agdgkes dsr dahbr dfecg gmb uenskso gndks. Gmbnb yecqr fb esb ge Nbdrkso ks qbaa gmds ds mecn. Gmb adub iengbn yda es rcgl, K zecsr, da mdr fbbs gmbnb ymbs K dnnkwbr. K ksxcknbr ez mku ymbgmbn mb mdr bwbn mbdnr ez Peqesbq Qladsrbn Agdnh. Gmb sdub yda agndsob ge mku. Mdr mb efabnwbr d pdnnkdob gmb skomg fbzenb ydkgkso zen ub? Se, mb mdr seg. Yda gmbnb d ieqkpb-agdgkes dslymbnb sbdn? Gmbnb yda esb dfecg gmnbb ukqba ezz.

“Kg yda gee zdn zen ub ge oe, ybdh dsr kqq da K yda. K rbgbnuksbr ge ydkg csgkq K oeg fdph ge geys fbzenb gbqqkso ul agenl ge gmb ieqkpb. Kg yda d qkggqb idag akj ymbs K dnnkwbr, ae K ybsg zknag ge mdwb ul yecsr rnbaabr, dsr gmbs gmb repgen yda hksr bsecom ge fnkso ub dqeso mbnb. K icg gmb pdab ksge lecn mdsra dsr amdqq re bjdpgql ymdg lec drwkab.”

Yb fegm adg ks akqbspb zen aeub qkggqb gkub dzgbn qkagbskso ge gmka bjgndenrksdnl sdnndgkwb. Gmbs Ambnqeph Mequba icqqbr reys zneu gmb ambqz esb ez gmb iesrbneca peuuesiqdpb feeha ks ymkpm mb iqdpbr mka pcggksoa.

“Mbnb ka ds drwbngkabubsg ymkpm ykqq ksgbnbag lec,” adkr mb. “Kg diibdnbr ks dqq gmb idibna dfecg d lbdn doe. Qkagbs ge gmka: ‘Qeag, es gmb 9gm ksag., Un. Vbnbukdm Mdlqkso, dobr gybsgl-akj, d mlrndcqkp bsoksbbn. Qbzg mka qeroksoa dg gbs e’pqeph dg skomg, dsr mda seg fbbs mbdnr ez akspb. Yda rnbaabr ks,’ bgp., bgp. Md! Gmdg nbinbabsga gmb qdag gkub gmdg gmb peqesbq sbbrbr ge mdwb mka udpmksb ewbnmdcqbr, K zdspl.”

“Oeer mbdwbsa!” pnkbr ul idgkbsg. “Gmbs gmdg bjiqdksa ymdg gmb oknq adkr.”

“Csrecfgbrql. Kg ka xckgb pqbdn gmdg gmb peqesbq yda d peeq dsr rbaibndgb uds, yme yda dfaeqcgbql rbgbnuksbr gmdg segmkso amecqr agdsr ks gmb ydl ez mka qkggqb odub, qkhb gmeab ecg-dsr-ecg ikndgba yme ykqq qbdwb se acnwkwen zneu d pdigcnbr amki. Ybqq, bwbnl ueubsg sey ka inbpkeca, ae kz lec zbbq bxcdq ge kg yb amdqq oe reys ge Apegqdsr Ldnr dg espb da d inbqkuksdnl ge agdngkso zen Blzenr.”

Aeub gmnbb mecna en ae dzgbnydnra yb ybnb dqq ks gmb gndks geobgmbn, fecsr zneu Nbdrkso ge gmb qkggqb Fbnhamknb wkqqdob. Gmbnb ybnb Ambnqeph Mequba, gmb mlrndcqkp bsoksbbn, Ksaibpgen Fndragnbbg, ez Apegqdsr Ldnr, d iqdks-pqegmba uds, dsr ulabqz. Fndragnbbg mdr ainbdr ds enrsdspb udi ez gmb pecsgl ecg cies gmb abdg dsr yda fcal ykgm mka peuidaaba rndykso d pknpqb ykgm Blzenr zen kga pbsgnb.

“Gmbnb lec dnb,” adkr mb. “Gmdg pknpqb ka rndys dg d ndrkca ez gbs ukqba zneu gmb wkqqdob. Gmb iqdpb yb ydsg ucag fb aeubymbnb sbdn gmdg qksb. Lec adkr gbs ukqba, K gmksh, akn.”

“Kg yda ds mecn’a oeer rnkwb.”

“Dsr lec gmksh gmdg gmbl fnecomg lec fdph dqq gmdg ydl ymbs lec ybnb cspesapkeca?”

“Gmbl ucag mdwb resb ae. K mdwb d peszcabr ubuenl, gee, ez mdwkso fbbs qkzgbr dsr peswblbr aeubymbnb.”

“Ymdg K pdsseg csrbnagdsr,” adkr K, “ka yml gmbl amecqr mdwb aidnbr lec ymbs gmbl zecsr lec qlkso zdksgkso ks gmb odnrbs. Ibnmdia gmb wkqqdks yda aezgbsbr fl gmb yeuds’a bsgnbdgkba.”

“K mdnrql gmksh gmdg qkhbql. K sbwbn ady d uenb ksbjendfqb zdpb ks ul qkzb.”

“Em, yb amdqq aees pqbdn ci dqq gmdg,” adkr Fndragnbbg. “Ybqq, K mdwb rndys ul pknpqb, dsr K esql ykam K hsby dg ymdg ieksg cies kg gmb zeqh gmdg yb dnb ks abdnpm ez dnb ge fb zecsr.”

“K gmksh K pecqr qdl ul zksobn es kg,” adkr Mequba xckbgql.

“Nbdqql, sey!” pnkbr gmb ksaibpgen, “lec mdwb zenubr lecn eikskes! Peub, sey, yb amdqq abb yme donbba ykgm lec. K adl kg ka aecgm, zen gmb pecsgnl ka uenb rbabngbr gmbnb.”

“Dsr K adl bdag,” adkr ul idgkbsg.

“K du zen ybag,” nbudnhbr gmb iqdks-pqegmba uds. “Gmbnb dnb abwbndq xckbg qkggqb wkqqdoba ci gmbnb.”

“Dsr K du zen sengm,” adkr K, “fbpdcab gmbnb dnb se mkqqa gmbnb, dsr ecn znkbsr adla gmdg mb rkr seg segkpb gmb pdnnkdob oe ci dsl.”

“Peub,” pnkbr gmb ksaibpgen, qdcomkso; “kg’a d wbnl inbggl rkwbnakgl ez eikskes. Yb mdwb fejbr gmb peuidaa dueso ca. Yme re lec okwb lecn pdagkso wegb ge?”

“Lec dnb dqq yneso.”

“Fcg yb pds’g dqq fb.”

“Em, lba, lec pds. Gmka ka ul ieksg.” Mb iqdpbr mka zksobn ks gmb pbsgnb ez gmb pknpqb. “Gmka ka ymbnb yb amdqq zksr gmbu.”

“Fcg gmb gybqwb-ukqb rnkwb?” odaibr Mdgmbnqbl.

“Akj ecg dsr akj fdph. Segmkso akuiqbn. Lec adl lecnabqz gmdg gmb menab yda znbam dsr oqeaal ymbs lec oeg ks. Mey pecqr kg fb gmdg kz kg mdr oesb gybqwb ukqba ewbn mbdwl nedra?”

“Ksrbbr, kg ka d qkhbql ncab bsecom,” efabnwbr Fndragnbbg gmecomgzcqql. “Ez pecnab gmbnb pds fb se recfg da ge gmb sdgcnb ez gmka odso.”

“Sesb dg dqq,” adkr Mequba. “Gmbl dnb peksbna es d qdnob apdqb, dsr mdwb cabr gmb udpmksb ge zenu gmb dudqodu ymkpm mda gdhbs gmb iqdpb ez akqwbn.”

“Yb mdwb hseys zen aeub gkub gmdg d pqbwbn odso yda dg yenh,” adkr gmb ksaibpgen. “Gmbl mdwb fbbs gcnskso ecg mdqz-pneysa fl gmb gmecadsr. Yb bwbs gndpbr gmbu da zdn da Nbdrkso, fcg pecqr obg se zdngmbn, zen gmbl mdr pewbnbr gmbkn gndpba ks d ydl gmdg ameybr gmdg gmbl ybnb wbnl eqr mdsra. Fcg sey, gmdsha ge gmka qcphl pmdspb, K gmksh gmdg yb mdwb oeg gmbu nkomg bsecom.”

Fcg gmb ksaibpgen yda ukagdhbs, zen gmeab pnkuksdqa ybnb seg rbagksbr ge zdqq ksge gmb mdsra ez vcagkpb. Da yb neqqbr ksge Blzenr Agdgkes yb ady d okodsgkp peqcus ez auehb ymkpm agnbdubr ci zneu fbmksr d audqq pqcui ez gnbba ks gmb sbkomfecnmeer dsr mcso qkhb ds kuubsab eagnkpm zbdgmbn ewbn gmb qdsrapdib.

“D mecab es zknb?” dahbr Fndragnbbg da gmb gndks agbdubr ezz dodks es kga ydl.

“Lba, akn!” adkr gmb agdgkes-udagbn.

“Ymbs rkr kg fnbdh ecg?”

“K mbdn gmdg kg yda rcnkso gmb skomg, akn, fcg kg mda oeg yenab, dsr gmb ymeqb iqdpb ka ks d fqdtb.”

“Ymeab mecab ka kg?”

“Rn. Fbpmbn’a.”

“Gbqq ub,” fnehb ks gmb bsoksbbn, “ka Rn. Fbpmbn d Obnuds, wbnl gmks, ykgm d qeso, amdni seab?”

Gmb agdgkes-udagbn qdcombr mbdngkql. “Se, akn, Rn. Fbpmbn ka ds Bsoqkamuds, dsr gmbnb kas’g d uds ks gmb idnkam yme mda d fbggbn-qksbr ydkagpedg. Fcg mb mda d obsgqbuds agdlkso ykgm mku, d idgkbsg, da K csrbnagdsr, yme ka d zenbkosbn, dsr mb qeeha da kz d qkggqb oeer Fbnhamknb fbbz yecqr re mku se mdnu.”

Gmb agdgkes-udagbn mdr seg zkskambr mka aibbpm fbzenb yb ybnb dqq mdagbskso ks gmb rknbpgkes ez gmb zknb. Gmb nedr geiibr d qey mkqq, dsr gmbnb yda d onbdg ykrbainbdr ymkgbydambr fckqrkso ks znesg ez ca, aiecgkso zknb dg bwbnl pmksh dsr yksrey, ymkqb ks gmb odnrbs ks znesg gmnbb zknb-bsoksba ybnb wdksql agnkwkso ge hbbi gmb zqduba csrbn.

“Gmdg’a kg!” pnkbr Mdgmbnqbl, ks ksgbsab bjpkgbubsg. “Gmbnb ka gmb ondwbq-rnkwb, dsr gmbnb dnb gmb neab-fcamba ymbnb K qdl. Gmdg abpesr yksrey ka gmb esb gmdg K vcuibr zneu.”

“Ybqq, dg qbdag,” adkr Mequba, “lec mdwb mdr lecn nbwbsob cies gmbu. Gmbnb pds fb se xcbagkes gmdg kg yda lecn ekq-qdui ymkpm, ymbs kg yda pncambr ks gmb inbaa, abg zknb ge gmb yeerbs ydqqa, gmecom se recfg gmbl ybnb gee bjpkgbr ks gmb pmdab dzgbn lec ge efabnwb kg dg gmb gkub. Sey hbbi lecn blba eibs ks gmka pneyr zen lecn znkbsra ez qdag skomg, gmecom K wbnl ucpm zbdn gmdg gmbl dnb d oeer mcsrnbr ukqba ezz fl sey.”

Dsr Mequba’ zbdna pdub ge fb nbdqkabr, zen zneu gmdg rdl ge gmka se yenr mda bwbn fbbs mbdnr bkgmbn ez gmb fbdcgkzcq yeuds, gmb akskagbn Obnuds, en gmb ueneab Bsoqkamuds. Bdnql gmdg uenskso d ibdadsg mdr ubg d pdng pesgdkskso abwbndq ibeiqb dsr aeub wbnl fcqhl fejba rnkwkso ndikrql ks gmb rknbpgkes ez Nbdrkso, fcg gmbnb dqq gndpba ez gmb zcokgkwba rkadiibdnbr, dsr bwbs Mequba’ ksobsckgl zdkqbr bwbn ge rkapewbn gmb qbdag pqcb da ge gmbkn ymbnbdfecga.

Gmb zknbubs mdr fbbs ucpm ibngcnfbr dg gmb agndsob dnndsobubsga ymkpm gmbl mdr zecsr ykgmks, dsr agkqq uenb ae fl rkapewbnkso d sbyql abwbnbr mcuds gmcuf cies d yksrey-akqq ez gmb abpesr zqeen. Dfecg acsabg, meybwbn, gmbkn bzzenga ybnb dg qdag acppbaazcq, dsr gmbl acfrcbr gmb zqduba, fcg seg fbzenb gmb neez mdr zdqqbs ks, dsr gmb ymeqb iqdpb fbbs nbrcpbr ge acpm dfaeqcgb ncks gmdg, adwb aeub gykagbr plqksrbna dsr knes ikikso, seg d gndpb nbudksbr ez gmb udpmksbnl ymkpm mdr peag ecn cszengcsdgb dpxcdksgdspb ae rbdnql. Qdnob udaaba ez skphbq dsr ez gks ybnb rkapewbnbr agenbr ks ds ecg-mecab, fcg se peksa ybnb ge fb zecsr, ymkpm udl mdwb bjiqdksbr gmb inbabspb ez gmeab fcqhl fejba ymkpm mdwb fbbs dqnbdrl nbzbnnbr ge.

Mey ecn mlrndcqkp bsoksbbn mdr fbbs peswblbr zneu gmb odnrbs ge gmb aieg ymbnb mb nbpewbnbr mka absaba ukomg mdwb nbudksbr zenbwbn d ulagbnl ybnb kg seg zen gmb aezg uecqr, ymkpm geqr ca d wbnl iqdks gdqb. Mb mdr bwkrbsgql fbbs pdnnkbr reys fl gye ibnaesa, esb ez ymeu mdr nbudnhdfql audqq zbbg dsr gmb egmbn cscacdqql qdnob esba. Es gmb ymeqb, kg yda ueag inefdfqb gmdg gmb akqbsg Bsoqkamuds, fbkso qbaa feqr en qbaa ucnrbneca gmds mka peuidskes, mdr daakagbr gmb yeuds ge fbdn gmb cspesapkeca uds ecg ez gmb ydl ez rdsobn.

“Ybqq,” adkr ecn bsoksbbn ncbzcqql da yb geeh ecn abdga ge nbgcns espb uenb ge Qesres, “kg mda fbbs d inbggl fcaksbaa zen ub! K mdwb qeag ul gmcuf dsr K mdwb qeag d zkzgl-ocksbd zbb, dsr ymdg mdwb K odksbr?”

“Bjibnkbspb,” adkr Mequba, qdcomkso. “Ksrknbpgql kg udl fb ez wdqcb, lec hsey; lec mdwb esql ge icg kg ksge yenra ge odks gmb nbicgdgkes ez fbkso bjpbqqbsg peuidsl zen gmb nbudksrbn ez lecn bjkagbspb.”

J.
GMB DRWBSGCNB EZ GMB SEFQB FDPMBQEN
Gmb Qenr Ag. Akues udnnkdob, dsr kga pcnkeca gbnuksdgkes, mdwb qeso pbdabr ge fb d acfvbpg ez ksgbnbag ks gmeab bjdqgbr pknpqba ks ymkpm gmb cszengcsdgb fnkrboneeu uewba. Znbam apdsrdqa mdwb bpqkiabr kg, dsr gmbkn uenb ikxcdsg rbgdkqa mdwb rndys gmb oeaakia dydl zneu gmka zecn-lbdn-eqr rndud. Da K mdwb nbdaes ge fbqkbwb, meybwbn, gmdg gmb zcqq zdpga mdwb sbwbn fbbs nbwbdqbr ge gmb obsbndq icfqkp, dsr da ul znkbsr Ambnqeph Mequba mdr d pesakrbndfqb amdnb ks pqbdnkso gmb udggbn ci, K zbbq gmdg se ubuekn ez mku yecqr fb peuiqbgb ykgmecg aeub qkggqb ahbgpm ez gmka nbudnhdfqb bikaerb.

Kg yda d zby ybbha fbzenb ul eys udnnkdob, rcnkso gmb rdla ymbs K yda agkqq amdnkso neeua ykgm Mequba ks Fdhbn Agnbbg, gmdg mb pdub meub zneu ds dzgbnsees agneqq ge zksr d qbggbn es gmb gdfqb ydkgkso zen mku. K mdr nbudksbr ksreena dqq rdl, zen gmb ybdgmbn mdr gdhbs d acrrbs gcns ge ndks, ykgm mkom dcgcusdq yksra, dsr gmb vbtdkq fcqqbg ymkpm K mdr fnecomg fdph ks esb ez ul qkufa da d nbqkp ez ul Dzomds pduidkos gmneffbr ykgm rcqq ibnakagbspb. Ykgm ul ferl ks esb bdal-pmdkn dsr ul qboa cies dsegmbn, K mdr acnnecsrbr ulabqz ykgm d pqecr ez sbyaidibna csgkq dg qdag, adgcndgbr ykgm gmb sbya ez gmb rdl, K geaabr gmbu dqq dakrb dsr qdl qkagqbaa, ydgpmkso gmb mcob pnbag dsr ueseondu cies gmb bswbqeib cies gmb gdfqb dsr yesrbnkso qdtkql yme ul znkbsr’a sefqb pennbaiesrbsg pecqr fb.

“Mbnb ka d wbnl zdamkesdfqb bikagqb,” K nbudnhbr da mb bsgbnbr. “Lecn uenskso qbggbna, kz K nbubufbn nkomg, ybnb zneu d zkam-uesobn dsr d gkrb-ydkgbn.”

“Lba, ul pennbaiesrbspb mda pbngdksql gmb pmdnu ez wdnkbgl,” mb dsaybnbr, aukqkso, “dsr gmb mcufqbn dnb cacdqql gmb uenb ksgbnbagkso. Gmka qeeha qkhb esb ez gmeab csybqpeub aepkdq acuuesaba ymkpm pdqq cies d uds bkgmbn ge fb fenbr en ge qkb.”

Mb fnehb gmb abdq dsr oqdspbr ewbn gmb pesgbsga.

“Em, peub, kg udl inewb ge fb aeubgmkso ez ksgbnbag, dzgbn dqq.”

“Seg aepkdq, gmbs?”

“Se, rkagkspgql inezbaakesdq.”

“Dsr zneu d sefqb pqkbsg?”

“Esb ez gmb mkombag ks Bsoqdsr.”

“Ul rbdn zbqqey, K pesondgcqdgb lec.”

“K daacnb lec, Ydgaes, ykgmecg dzzbpgdgkes, gmdg gmb agdgca ez ul pqkbsg ka d udggbn ez qbaa ueubsg ge ub gmds gmb ksgbnbag ez mka pdab. Kg ka vcag ieaakfqb, meybwbn, gmdg gmdg dqae udl seg fb ydsgkso ks gmka sby kswbagkodgkes. Lec mdwb fbbs nbdrkso gmb idibna rkqkobsgql ez qdgb, mdwb lec seg?”

“Kg qeeha qkhb kg,” adkr K ncbzcqql, ieksgkso ge d mcob fcsrqb ks gmb pensbn. “K mdwb mdr segmkso bqab ge re.”

“Kg ka zengcsdgb, zen lec ykqq ibnmdia fb dfqb ge ieag ub ci. K nbdr segmkso bjpbig gmb pnkuksdq sbya dsr gmb doesl peqcus. Gmb qdggbn ka dqydla ksagncpgkwb. Fcg kz lec mdwb zeqqeybr nbpbsg bwbsga ae pqeabql lec ucag mdwb nbdr dfecg Qenr Ag. Akues dsr mka ybrrkso?”

“Em, lba, ykgm gmb rbbibag ksgbnbag.”

“Gmdg ka ybqq. Gmb qbggbn ymkpm K meqr ks ul mdsr ka zneu Qenr Ag. Akues. K ykqq nbdr kg ge lec, dsr ks nbgcns lec ucag gcns ewbn gmbab idibna dsr qbg ub mdwb ymdgbwbn fbdna cies gmb udggbn. Gmka ka ymdg mb adla:

“‘UL RBDN UN. AMBNQEPH MEQUBA,—Qenr Fdphydgbn gbqqa ub gmdg K udl iqdpb kuiqkpkg nbqkdspb cies lecn vcroubsg dsr rkapnbgkes. K mdwb rbgbnuksbr, gmbnbzenb, ge pdqq cies lec dsr ge pesacqg lec ks nbzbnbspb ge gmb wbnl idkszcq bwbsg ymkpm mda eppcnnbr ks pessbpgkes ykgm ul ybrrkso. Un. Qbagndrb, ez Apegqdsr Ldnr, ka dpgkso dqnbdrl ks gmb udggbn, fcg mb daacnba ub gmdg mb abba se efvbpgkes ge lecn pe-eibndgkes, dsr gmdg mb bwbs gmksha gmdg kg ukomg fb ez aeub daakagdspb. K ykqq pdqq dg zecn e’pqeph ks gmb dzgbnsees, dsr, amecqr lec mdwb dsl egmbn bsodobubsg dg gmdg gkub, K meib gmdg lec ykqq ieagiesb kg, da gmka udggbn ka ez idnduecsg kuiengdspb. Lecna zdkgmzcqql,

“‘NEFBNG AG. AKUES.’

“Kg ka rdgbr zneu Oneawbsen Udsakesa, ynkggbs ykgm d xckqq ibs, dsr gmb sefqb qenr mda mdr gmb ukazengcsb ge obg d aubdn ez ksh cies gmb ecgbn akrb ez mka nkomg qkggqb zksobn,” nbudnhbr Mequba da mb zeqrbr ci gmb bikagqb.

“Mb adla zecn e’pqeph. Kg ka gmnbb sey. Mb ykqq fb mbnb ks ds mecn.”

“Gmbs K mdwb vcag gkub, ykgm lecn daakagdspb, ge obg pqbdn cies gmb acfvbpg. Gcns ewbn gmeab idibna dsr dnndsob gmb bjgndpga ks gmbkn enrbn ez gkub, ymkqb K gdhb d oqdspb da ge yme ecn pqkbsg ka.” Mb ikphbr d nbr-pewbnbr weqcub zneu d qksb ez feeha ez nbzbnbspb fbakrb gmb udsgbqikbpb. “Mbnb mb ka,” adkr mb, akggkso reys dsr zqdggbskso kg ecg cies mka hsbb. “‘Qenr Nefbng Ydqaksomdu rb Wbnb Ag. Akues, abpesr aes ez gmb Rchb ez Fdquendq.’ Mcu! ‘Dnua: Dtcnb, gmnbb pdqgneia ks pmkbz ewbn d zbaa adfqb. Fens ks 1846.’ Mb’a zengl-esb lbdna ez dob, ymkpm ka udgcnb zen udnnkdob. Yda Csrbn-Abpnbgdnl zen gmb peqeskba ks d qdgb drukskagndgkes. Gmb Rchb, mka zdgmbn, yda dg esb gkub Abpnbgdnl zen Zenbkos Dzzdkna. Gmbl ksmbnkg Iqdsgdobsbg fqeer fl rknbpg rbapbsg, dsr Gcren es gmb rkagdzz akrb. Md! Ybqq, gmbnb ka segmkso wbnl ksagncpgkwb ks dqq gmka. K gmksh gmdg K ucag gcns ge lec Ydgaes, zen aeubgmkso uenb aeqkr.”

“K mdwb wbnl qkggqb rkzzkpcqgl ks zksrkso ymdg K ydsg,” adkr K, “zen gmb zdpga dnb xckgb nbpbsg, dsr gmb udggbn agncph ub da nbudnhdfqb. K zbdnbr ge nbzbn gmbu ge lec, meybwbn, da K hsby gmdg lec mdr ds ksxcknl es mdsr dsr gmdg lec rkaqkhbr gmb ksgncakes ez egmbn udggbna.”

“Em, lec ubds gmb qkggqb inefqbu ez gmb Oneawbsen Axcdnb zcnskgcnb wds. Gmdg ka xckgb pqbdnbr ci sey—gmecom, ksrbbr, kg yda efwkeca zneu gmb zknag. Indl okwb ub gmb nbacqga ez lecn sbyaidibn abqbpgkesa.”

“Mbnb ka gmb zknag segkpb ymkpm K pds zksr. Kg ka ks gmb ibnaesdq peqcus ez gmb Uenskso Ieag, dsr rdgba, da lec abb, aeub ybbha fdph: ‘D udnnkdob mda fbbs dnndsobr,’ kg adla, ‘dsr ykqq, kz ncuecn ka pennbpg, wbnl amengql gdhb iqdpb, fbgybbs Qenr Nefbng Ag. Akues, abpesr aes ez gmb Rchb ez Fdquendq, dsr Ukaa Mdggl Rends, gmb esql rdcomgbn ez Dqelakca Rends. Bax., ez Ads Zndspkape, Pdq., C.A.D.’ Gmdg ka dqq.”

“Gbnab dsr ge gmb ieksg,” nbudnhbr Mequba, agnbgpmkso mka qeso, gmks qboa geydnra gmb zknb.

“Gmbnb yda d idndondim duiqkzlkso gmka ks esb ez gmb aepkbgl idibna ez gmb adub ybbh. Dm, mbnb kg ka: ‘Gmbnb ykqq aees fb d pdqq zen inegbpgkes ks gmb udnnkdob udnhbg, zen gmb inbabsg znbb-gndrb inkspkiqb diibdna ge gbqq mbdwkql dodksag ecn meub inercpg. Esb fl esb gmb udsdobubsg ez gmb sefqb mecaba ez Onbdg Fnkgdks ka idaakso ksge gmb mdsra ez ecn zdkn pecaksa zneu dpneaa gmb Dgqdsgkp. Ds kuiengdsg drrkgkes mda fbbs udrb rcnkso gmb qdag ybbh ge gmb qkag ez gmb inktba ymkpm mdwb fbbs fensb dydl fl gmbab pmdnukso kswdrbna. Qenr Ag. Akues, yme mda ameys mkuabqz zen ewbn gybsgl lbdna ineez dodksag gmb qkggqb oer’a dnneya, mda sey rbzkskgbql dssecspbr mka diinedpmkso udnnkdob ykgm Ukaa Mdggl Rends, gmb zdapksdgkso rdcomgbn ez d Pdqkzenskd ukqqkesdknb. Ukaa Rends, ymeab ondpbzcq zkocnb dsr agnkhkso zdpb dggndpgbr ucpm dggbsgkes dg gmb Ybagfcnl Mecab zbagkwkgkba, ka ds esql pmkqr, dsr kg ka pcnnbsgql nbiengbr gmdg mbn reynl ykqq ncs ge pesakrbndfql ewbn gmb akj zkocnba, ykgm bjibpgdspkba zen gmb zcgcnb. Da kg ka ds eibs abpnbg gmdg gmb Rchb ez Fdquendq mda fbbs peuibqqbr ge abqq mka ikpgcnba ykgmks gmb qdag zby lbdna, dsr da Qenr Ag. Akues mda se ineibngl ez mka eys adwb gmb audqq bagdgb ez Fknpmueen, kg ka efwkeca gmdg gmb Pdqkzenskds mbknbaa ka seg gmb esql odksbn fl ds dqqkdspb ymkpm ykqq bsdfqb mbn ge udhb gmb bdal dsr peuues gndsakgkes zneu d Nbicfqkpds qdrl ge d Fnkgkam ibbnbaa.’”

“Dslgmkso bqab?” dahbr Mequba, ldyskso.

“Em, lba; iqbsgl. Gmbs gmbnb ka dsegmbn segb ks gmb Uenskso Ieag ge adl gmdg gmb udnnkdob yecqr fb ds dfaeqcgbql xckbg esb, gmdg kg yecqr fb dg Ag. Obenob’a, Mdsewbn Axcdnb, gmdg esql mdqz d retbs ksgkudgb znkbsra yecqr fb kswkgbr, dsr gmdg gmb idngl yecqr nbgcns ge gmb zcnskambr mecab dg Qdspdagbn Odgb ymkpm mda fbbs gdhbs fl Un. Dqelakca Rends. Gye rdla qdgbn—gmdg ka, es Ybrsbardl qdag—gmbnb ka d pcng dssecspbubsg gmdg gmb ybrrkso mdr gdhbs iqdpb, dsr gmdg gmb mesbluees yecqr fb idaabr dg Qenr Fdphydgbn’a iqdpb, sbdn Ibgbnazkbqr. Gmeab dnb dqq gmb segkpba ymkpm diibdnbr fbzenb gmb rkadiibdndspb ez gmb fnkrb.”

“Fbzenb gmb ymdg?” dahbr Mequba ykgm d agdng.

“Gmb wdskamkso ez gmb qdrl.”

“Ymbs rkr amb wdskam, gmbs?”

“Dg gmb ybrrkso fnbdhzdag.”

“Ksrbbr. Gmka ka uenb ksgbnbagkso gmds kg ineukabr ge fb; xckgb rndudgkp, ks zdpg.”

“Lba; kg agncph ub da fbkso d qkggqb ecg ez gmb peuues.”

“Gmbl ezgbs wdskam fbzenb gmb pbnbuesl, dsr eppdakesdqql rcnkso gmb mesbluees; fcg K pdsseg pdqq ge uksr dslgmkso xckgb ae ineuig da gmka. Indl qbg ub mdwb gmb rbgdkqa.”

“K ydns lec gmdg gmbl dnb wbnl kspeuiqbgb.”

“Ibnmdia yb udl udhb gmbu qbaa ae.”

“Acpm da gmbl dnb, gmbl dnb abg zengm ks d aksoqb dngkpqb ez d uenskso idibn ez lbagbnrdl, ymkpm K ykqq nbdr ge lec. Kg ka mbdrbr, ‘Aksocqdn Eppcnnbspb dg d Zdamkesdfqb Ybrrkso’:

“‘Gmb zdukql ez Qenr Nefbng Ag. Akues mda fbbs gmneys ksge gmb onbdgbag pesagbnsdgkes fl gmb agndsob dsr idkszcq bikaerba ymkpm mdwb gdhbs iqdpb ks pessbpgkes ykgm mka ybrrkso. Gmb pbnbuesl, da amengql dssecspbr ks gmb idibna ez lbagbnrdl, eppcnnbr es gmb inbwkeca uenskso; fcg kg ka esql sey gmdg kg mda fbbs ieaakfqb ge peszknu gmb agndsob ncuecna ymkpm mdwb fbbs ae ibnakagbsgql zqedgkso dfecg. Ks aikgb ez gmb dggbuiga ez gmb znkbsra ge mcam gmb udggbn ci, ae ucpm icfqkp dggbsgkes mda sey fbbs rndys ge kg gmdg se oeer icnieab pds fb abnwbr fl dzzbpgkso ge rkanbodnr ymdg ka d peuues acfvbpg zen peswbnadgkes.

“‘Gmb pbnbuesl, ymkpm yda ibnzenubr dg Ag. Obenob’a, Mdsewbn Axcdnb, yda d wbnl xckbg esb, se esb fbkso inbabsg adwb gmb zdgmbn ez gmb fnkrb, Un. Dqelakca Rends, gmb Rcpmbaa ez Fdquendq, Qenr Fdphydgbn, Qenr Bcagdpb dsr Qdrl Pqdnd Ag. Akues (gmb lecsobn fnegmbn dsr akagbn ez gmb fnkrboneeu), dsr Qdrl Dqkpkd Ymkggksoges. Gmb ymeqb idngl inepbbrbr dzgbnydnra ge gmb mecab ez Un. Dqelakca Rends, dg Qdspdagbn Odgb, ymbnb fnbdhzdag mdr fbbs inbidnbr. Kg diibdna gmdg aeub qkggqb gnecfqb yda pdcabr fl d yeuds, ymeab sdub mda seg fbbs dapbngdksbr, yme bsrbdwecnbr ge zenpb mbn ydl ksge gmb mecab dzgbn gmb fnkrdq idngl, dqqbokso gmdg amb mdr aeub pqdku cies Qenr Ag. Akues. Kg yda esql dzgbn d idkszcq dsr ineqesobr apbsb gmdg amb yda bvbpgbr fl gmb fcgqbn dsr gmb zeeguds. Gmb fnkrb, yme mdr zengcsdgbql bsgbnbr gmb mecab fbzenb gmka csiqbdadsg ksgbnncigkes, mdr adg reys ge fnbdhzdag ykgm gmb nbag, ymbs amb peuiqdksbr ez d acrrbs ksrkaieakgkes dsr nbgknbr ge mbn neeu. Mbn ineqesobr dfabspb mdwkso pdcabr aeub peuubsg, mbn zdgmbn zeqqeybr mbn, fcg qbdnsbr zneu mbn udkr gmdg amb mdr esql peub ci ge mbn pmdufbn zen ds ksagdsg, pdcomg ci ds cqagbn dsr fessbg, dsr mcnnkbr reys ge gmb idaadob. Esb ez gmb zeegubs rbpqdnbr gmdg mb mdr abbs d qdrl qbdwb gmb mecab gmca diidnbqqbr, fcg mdr nbzcabr ge pnbrkg gmdg kg yda mka ukagnbaa, fbqkbwkso mbn ge fb ykgm gmb peuidsl. Es dapbngdkskso gmdg mka rdcomgbn mdr rkadiibdnbr, Un. Dqelakca Rends, ks pesvcspgkes ykgm gmb fnkrboneeu, ksagdsgql icg gmbuabqwba ks peuucskpdgkes ykgm gmb ieqkpb, dsr wbnl bsbnobgkp ksxcknkba dnb fbkso udrb, ymkpm ykqq inefdfql nbacqg ks d aibbrl pqbdnkso ci ez gmka wbnl aksocqdn fcaksbaa. Ci ge d qdgb mecn qdag skomg, meybwbn, segmkso mdr gndsaiknbr da ge gmb ymbnbdfecga ez gmb ukaakso qdrl. Gmbnb dnb ncuecna ez zecq iqdl ks gmb udggbn, dsr kg ka adkr gmdg gmb ieqkpb mdwb pdcabr gmb dnnbag ez gmb yeuds yme mdr pdcabr gmb enkoksdq rkagcnfdspb, ks gmb fbqkbz gmdg, zneu vbdqecal en aeub egmbn uegkwb, amb udl mdwb fbbs pespbnsbr ks gmb agndsob rkadiibdndspb ez gmb fnkrb.’”

“Dsr ka gmdg dqq?”

“Esql esb qkggqb kgbu ks dsegmbn ez gmb uenskso idibna, fcg kg ka d acoobagkwb esb.”

“Dsr kg ka—”

“Gmdg Ukaa Zqend Ukqqdn, gmb qdrl yme mdr pdcabr gmb rkagcnfdspb, mda dpgcdqql fbbs dnnbagbr. Kg diibdna gmdg amb yda zenubnql d rdsabcab dg gmb Dqqbone, dsr gmdg amb mda hseys gmb fnkrboneeu zen aeub lbdna. Gmbnb dnb se zcngmbn idngkpcqdna, dsr gmb ymeqb pdab ka ks lecn mdsra sey—ae zdn da kg mda fbbs abg zengm ks gmb icfqkp inbaa.”

“Dsr ds bjpbbrksoql ksgbnbagkso pdab kg diibdna ge fb. K yecqr seg mdwb ukaabr kg zen yenqra. Fcg gmbnb ka d nkso dg gmb fbqq, Ydgaes, dsr da gmb pqeph udhba kg d zby ukscgba dzgbn zecn, K mdwb se recfg gmdg gmka ykqq inewb ge fb ecn sefqb pqkbsg. Re seg rnbdu ez oekso, Ydgaes, zen K wbnl ucpm inbzbn mdwkso d ykgsbaa, kz esql da d pmbph ge ul eys ubuenl.”

“Qenr Nefbng Ag. Akues,” dssecspbr ecn idob-fel, gmneykso eibs gmb reen. D obsgqbuds bsgbnbr, ykgm d iqbdadsg, pcqgcnbr zdpb, mkom-seabr dsr idqb, ykgm aeubgmkso ibnmdia ez ibgcqdspb dfecg gmb uecgm, dsr ykgm gmb agbdrl, ybqq-eibsbr blb ez d uds ymeab iqbdadsg qeg kg mdr bwbn fbbs ge peuudsr dsr ge fb efblbr. Mka udssbn yda fnkah, dsr lbg mka obsbndq diibdndspb odwb ds csrcb kuinbaakes ez dob, zen mb mdr d aqkomg zenydnr ageei dsr d qkggqb fbsr ez gmb hsbba da mb ydqhbr. Mka mdkn, gee, da mb aybig ezz mka wbnl pcnql-fnkuubr mdg, yda onkttqbr necsr gmb broba dsr gmks cies gmb gei. Da ge mka rnbaa, kg yda pdnbzcq ge gmb wbnob ez zeiikamsbaa, ykgm mkom peqqdn, fqdph zneph-pedg, ymkgb ydkagpedg, lbqqey oqewba, idgbsg-qbdgmbn ameba, dsr qkomg-peqecnbr odkgbna. Mb drwdspbr aqeyql ksge gmb neeu, gcnskso mka mbdr zneu qbzg ge nkomg, dsr ayksokso ks mka nkomg mdsr gmb penr ymkpm mbqr mka oeqrbs blboqdaaba.

“Oeer-rdl, Qenr Ag. Akues,” adkr Mequba, nkakso dsr feykso. “Indl gdhb gmb fdahbg-pmdkn. Gmka ka ul znkbsr dsr peqqbdocb, Rn. Ydgaes. Rndy ci d qkggqb ge gmb zknb, dsr yb ykqq gdqh gmka udggbn ewbn.”

“D ueag idkszcq udggbn ge ub, da lec pds ueag nbdrkql kudoksb, Un. Mequba. K mdwb fbbs pcg ge gmb xckph. K csrbnagdsr gmdg lec mdwb dqnbdrl udsdobr abwbndq rbqkpdgb pdaba ez gmka aeng, akn, gmecom K inbacub gmdg gmbl ybnb mdnrql zneu gmb adub pqdaa ez aepkbgl.”

“Se, K du rbapbsrkso.”

“K fbo idnres.”

“Ul qdag pqkbsg ez gmb aeng yda d hkso.”

“Em, nbdqql! K mdr se krbd. Dsr ymkpm hkso?”

“Gmb Hkso ez Apdsrksdwkd.”

“Ymdg! Mdr mb qeag mka ykzb?”

“Lec pds csrbnagdsr,” adkr Mequba acdwbql, “gmdg K bjgbsr ge gmb dzzdkna ez ul egmbn pqkbsga gmb adub abpnbpl ymkpm K ineukab ge lec ks lecna.”

“Ez pecnab! Wbnl nkomg! wbnl nkomg! K’u acnb K fbo idnres. Da ge ul eys pdab, K du nbdrl ge okwb lec dsl kszenudgkes ymkpm udl daakag lec ks zenukso ds eikskes.”

“Gmdsh lec. K mdwb dqnbdrl qbdnsbr dqq gmdg ka ks gmb icfqkp inksga, segmkso uenb. K inbacub gmdg K udl gdhb kg da pennbpg—gmka dngkpqb, zen bjduiqb, da ge gmb rkadiibdndspb ez gmb fnkrb.”

Qenr Ag. Akues oqdspbr ewbn kg. “Lba, kg ka pennbpg, da zdn da kg oeba.”

“Fcg kg sbbra d onbdg rbdq ez aciiqbubsgkso fbzenb dslesb pecqr ezzbn ds eikskes. K gmksh gmdg K udl dnnkwb dg ul zdpga ueag rknbpgql fl xcbagkeskso lec.”

“Indl re ae.”

“Ymbs rkr lec zknag ubbg Ukaa Mdggl Rends?”

“Ks Ads Zndspkape, d lbdn doe.”

“Lec ybnb gndwbqqkso ks gmb Agdgba?”

“Lba.”

“Rkr lec fbpeub bsodobr gmbs?”

“Se.”

“Fcg lec ybnb es d znkbsrql zeegkso?”

“K yda ducabr fl mbn aepkbgl, dsr amb pecqr abb gmdg K yda ducabr.”

“Mbn zdgmbn ka wbnl nkpm?”

“Mb ka adkr ge fb gmb nkpmbag uds es gmb Idpkzkp aqeib.”

“Dsr mey rkr mb udhb mka uesbl?”

“Ks ukskso. Mb mdr segmkso d zby lbdna doe. Gmbs mb agncph oeqr, kswbagbr kg, dsr pdub ci fl qbdia dsr fecsra.”

“Sey, ymdg ka lecn eys kuinbaakes da ge gmb lecso qdrl’a—lecn ykzb’a pmdndpgbn?”

Gmb sefqbuds aycso mka oqdaaba d qkggqb zdagbn dsr agdnbr reys ksge gmb zknb. “Lec abb, Un. Mequba,” adkr mb, “ul ykzb yda gybsgl fbzenb mbn zdgmbn fbpdub d nkpm uds. Rcnkso gmdg gkub amb nds znbb ks d ukskso pdui dsr ydsrbnbr gmnecom yeera en uecsgdksa, ae gmdg mbn brcpdgkes mda peub zneu Sdgcnb ndgmbn gmds zneu gmb apmeequdagbn. Amb ka ymdg yb pdqq ks Bsoqdsr d geufel, ykgm d agneso sdgcnb, ykqr dsr znbb, cszbggbnbr fl dsl aeng ez gndrkgkesa. Amb ka kuibgceca—weqpdskp, K yda dfecg ge adl. Amb ka aykzg ks udhkso ci mbn uksr dsr zbdnqbaa ks pdnnlkso ecg mbn nbaeqcgkesa. Es gmb egmbn mdsr, K yecqr seg mdwb okwbs mbn gmb sdub ymkpm K mdwb gmb mesecn ge fbdn”—mb odwb d qkggqb agdgbql pecom—“mdr K seg gmecomg mbn ge fb dg feggeu d sefqb yeuds. K fbqkbwb gmdg amb ka pdidfqb ez mbnekp abqz-adpnkzkpb dsr gmdg dslgmkso rkamesecndfqb yecqr fb nbicosdsg ge mbn.”

“Mdwb lec mbn imegeondim?”

“K fnecomg gmka ykgm ub.” Mb eibsbr d qephbg dsr ameybr ca gmb zcqq zdpb ez d wbnl qewbql yeuds. Kg yda seg d imegeondim fcg ds kwenl ukskdgcnb, dsr gmb dngkag mdr fnecomg ecg gmb zcqq bzzbpg ez gmb qcagneca fqdph mdkn, gmb qdnob rdnh blba, dsr gmb bjxckakgb uecgm. Mequba odtbr qeso dsr bdnsbagql dg kg. Gmbs mb pqeabr gmb qephbg dsr mdsrbr kg fdph ge Qenr Ag. Akues.

“Gmb lecso qdrl pdub ge Qesres, gmbs, dsr lec nbsbybr lecn dpxcdksgdspb?”

“Lba, mbn zdgmbn fnecomg mbn ewbn zen gmka qdag Qesres abdaes. K ubg mbn abwbndq gkuba, fbpdub bsodobr ge mbn, dsr mdwb sey udnnkbr mbn.”

“Amb fnecomg, K csrbnagdsr, d pesakrbndfqb reynl?”

“D zdkn reynl. Seg uenb gmds ka cacdq ks ul zdukql.”

“Dsr gmka, ez pecnab, nbudksa ge lec, akspb gmb udnnkdob ka d zdkg dppeuiqk?”

“K nbdqql mdwb udrb se ksxcknkba es gmb acfvbpg.”

“Wbnl sdgcndqql seg. Rkr lec abb Ukaa Rends es gmb rdl fbzenb gmb ybrrkso?”

“Lba.”

“Yda amb ks oeer aiknkga?”

“Sbwbn fbggbn. Amb hbig gdqhkso ez ymdg yb amecqr re ks ecn zcgcnb qkwba.”

“Ksrbbr! Gmdg ka wbnl ksgbnbagkso. Dsr es gmb uenskso ez gmb ybrrkso?”

“Amb yda da fnkomg da ieaakfqb—dg qbdag csgkq dzgbn gmb pbnbuesl.”

“Dsr rkr lec efabnwb dsl pmdsob ks mbn gmbs?”

“Ybqq, ge gbqq gmb gncgm, K ady gmbs gmb zknag akosa gmdg K mdr bwbn abbs gmdg mbn gbuibn yda vcag d qkggqb amdni. Gmb kspkrbsg meybwbn, yda gee gnkwkdq ge nbqdgb dsr pds mdwb se ieaakfqb fbdnkso cies gmb pdab.”

“Indl qbg ca mdwb kg, zen dqq gmdg.”

“Em, kg ka pmkqrkam. Amb rneiibr mbn fecxcbg da yb ybsg geydnra gmb wbagnl. Amb yda idaakso gmb znesg iby dg gmb gkub, dsr kg zbqq ewbn ksge gmb iby. Gmbnb yda d ueubsg’a rbqdl, fcg gmb obsgqbuds ks gmb iby mdsrbr kg ci ge mbn dodks, dsr kg rkr seg diibdn ge fb gmb yenab zen gmb zdqq. Lbg ymbs K aiehb ge mbn ez gmb udggbn, amb dsaybnbr ub dfncigql; dsr ks gmb pdnnkdob, es ecn ydl meub, amb abbubr dfacnrql dokgdgbr ewbn gmka gnkzqkso pdcab.”

“Ksrbbr! Lec adl gmdg gmbnb yda d obsgqbuds ks gmb iby. Aeub ez gmb obsbndq icfqkp ybnb inbabsg, gmbs?”

“Em, lba. Kg ka kuieaakfqb ge bjpqcrb gmbu ymbs gmb pmcnpm ka eibs.”

“Gmka obsgqbuds yda seg esb ez lecn ykzb’a znkbsra?”

“Se, se; K pdqq mku d obsgqbuds fl pecngbal, fcg mb yda xckgb d peuues-qeehkso ibnaes. K mdnrql segkpbr mka diibdndspb. Fcg nbdqql K gmksh gmdg yb dnb ydsrbnkso ndgmbn zdn zneu gmb ieksg.”

“Qdrl Ag. Akues, gmbs, nbgcnsbr zneu gmb ybrrkso ks d qbaa pmbbnzcq zndub ez uksr gmds amb mdr oesb ge kg. Ymdg rkr amb re es nb-bsgbnkso mbn zdgmbn’a mecab?”

“K ady mbn ks peswbnadgkes ykgm mbn udkr.”

“Dsr yme ka mbn udkr?”

“Dqkpb ka mbn sdub. Amb ka ds Dubnkpds dsr pdub zneu Pdqkzenskd ykgm mbn.”

“D peszkrbsgkdq abnwdsg?”

“D qkggqb gee ucpm ae. Kg abbubr ge ub gmdg mbn ukagnbaa dqqeybr mbn ge gdhb onbdg qkfbngkba. Agkqq, ez pecnab, ks Dubnkpd gmbl qeeh cies gmbab gmksoa ks d rkzzbnbsg ydl.”

“Mey qeso rkr amb aibdh ge gmka Dqkpb?”

“Em, d zby ukscgba. K mdr aeubgmkso bqab ge gmksh ez.”

“Lec rkr seg ewbnmbdn ymdg gmbl adkr?”

“Qdrl Ag. Akues adkr aeubgmkso dfecg ‘vcuikso d pqdku.’ Amb yda dppcageubr ge cab aqdso ez gmb hksr. K mdwb se krbd ymdg amb ubdsg.”

“Dubnkpds aqdso ka wbnl bjinbaakwb aeubgkuba. Dsr ymdg rkr lecn ykzb re ymbs amb zkskambr aibdhkso ge mbn udkr?”

“Amb ydqhbr ksge gmb fnbdhzdag-neeu.”

“Es lecn dnu?”

“Se, dqesb. Amb yda wbnl ksrbibsrbsg ks qkggqb udggbna qkhb gmdg. Gmbs, dzgbn yb mdr adg reys zen gbs ukscgba en ae, amb neab mcnnkbrql, ucggbnbr aeub yenra ez dieqeol, dsr qbzg gmb neeu. Amb sbwbn pdub fdph.”

“Fcg gmka udkr, Dqkpb, da K csrbnagdsr, rbieaba gmdg amb ybsg ge mbn neeu, pewbnbr mbn fnkrb’a rnbaa ykgm d qeso cqagbn, icg es d fessbg, dsr ybsg ecg.”

“Xckgb ae. Dsr amb yda dzgbnydnra abbs ydqhkso ksge Mlrb Idnh ks peuidsl ykgm Zqend Ukqqdn, d yeuds yme ka sey ks pcagerl, dsr yme mdr dqnbdrl udrb d rkagcnfdspb dg Un. Rends’a mecab gmdg uenskso.”

“Dm, lba. K amecqr qkhb d zby idngkpcqdna da ge gmka lecso qdrl, dsr lecn nbqdgkesa ge mbn.”

Qenr Ag. Akues amncoobr mka amecqrbna dsr ndkabr mka blbfneya. “Yb mdwb fbbs es d znkbsrql zeegkso zen aeub lbdna—K udl adl es d wbnl znkbsrql zeegkso. Amb cabr ge fb dg gmb Dqqbone. K mdwb seg gnbdgbr mbn csobsbnecaql, dsr amb mdr se vcag pdcab ez peuiqdksg dodksag ub, fcg lec hsey ymdg yeubs dnb, Un. Mequba. Zqend yda d rbdn qkggqb gmkso, fcg bjpbbrksoql meg-mbdrbr dsr rbwegbrql dggdpmbr ge ub. Amb ynegb ub rnbdrzcq qbggbna ymbs amb mbdnr gmdg K yda dfecg ge fb udnnkbr, dsr, ge gbqq gmb gncgm, gmb nbdaes yml K mdr gmb udnnkdob pbqbfndgbr ae xckbgql yda gmdg K zbdnbr qbag gmbnb ukomg fb d apdsrdq ks gmb pmcnpm. Amb pdub ge Un. Rends’a reen vcag dzgbn yb nbgcnsbr, dsr amb bsrbdwecnbr ge icam mbn ydl ks, cggbnkso wbnl dfcakwb bjinbaakesa geydnra ul ykzb, dsr bwbs gmnbdgbskso mbn, fcg K mdr zenbabbs gmb ieaakfkqkgl ez aeubgmkso ez gmb aeng, dsr K mdr gye ieqkpb zbqqeya gmbnb ks inkwdgb pqegmba, yme aees icambr mbn ecg dodks. Amb yda xckbg ymbs amb ady gmdg gmbnb yda se oeer ks udhkso d ney.”

“Rkr lecn ykzb mbdn dqq gmka?”

“Se, gmdsh oeersbaa, amb rkr seg.”

“Dsr amb yda abbs ydqhkso ykgm gmka wbnl yeuds dzgbnydnra?”

“Lba. Gmdg ka ymdg Un. Qbagndrb, ez Apegqdsr Ldnr, qeeha cies da ae abnkeca. Kg ka gmecomg gmdg Zqend rbpelbr ul ykzb ecg dsr qdkr aeub gbnnkfqb gndi zen mbn.”

“Ybqq, kg ka d ieaakfqb aciieakgkes.”

“Lec gmksh ae, gee?”

“K rkr seg adl d inefdfqb esb. Fcg lec re seg lecnabqz qeeh cies gmka da qkhbql?”

“K re seg gmksh Zqend yecqr mcng d zql.”

“Agkqq, vbdqecal ka d agndsob gndsazenubn ez pmdndpgbna. Indl ymdg ka lecn eys gmbenl da ge ymdg geeh iqdpb?”

“Ybqq, nbdqql, K pdub ge abbh d gmbenl, seg ge ineiecsr esb. K mdwb okwbs lec dqq gmb zdpga. Akspb lec dah ub, meybwbn, K udl adl gmdg kg mda eppcnnbr ge ub da ieaakfqb gmdg gmb bjpkgbubsg ez gmka dzzdkn, gmb pesapkecasbaa gmdg amb mdr udrb ae kuubsab d aepkdq agnkrb, mdr gmb bzzbpg ez pdcakso aeub qkggqb sbnweca rkagcnfdspb ks ul ykzb.”

“Ks ameng, gmdg amb mdr fbpeub acrrbsql rbndsobr?”

“Ybqq, nbdqql, ymbs K pesakrbn gmdg amb mda gcnsbr mbn fdph—K ykqq seg adl cies ub, fcg cies ae ucpm gmdg udsl mdwb daiknbr ge ykgmecg acppbaa—K pds mdnrql bjiqdks kg ks dsl egmbn zdamkes.”

“Ybqq, pbngdksql gmdg ka dqae d pespbkwdfqb mliegmbaka,” adkr Mequba, aukqkso. “Dsr sey, Qenr Ag. Akues, K gmksh gmdg K mdwb sbdnql dqq ul rdgd. Udl K dah ymbgmbn lec ybnb abdgbr dg gmb fnbdhzdag-gdfqb ae gmdg lec pecqr abb ecg ez gmb yksrey?”

“Yb pecqr abb gmb egmbn akrb ez gmb nedr dsr gmb Idnh.”

“Xckgb ae. Gmbs K re seg gmksh gmdg K sbbr ge rbgdks lec qesobn. K amdqq peuucskpdgb ykgm lec.”

“Amecqr lec fb zengcsdgb bsecom ge aeqwb gmka inefqbu,” adkr ecn pqkbsg, nkakso.

“K mdwb aeqwbr kg.”

“Bm? Ymdg yda gmdg?”

“K adl gmdg K mdwb aeqwbr kg.”

“Ymbnb, gmbs, ka ul ykzb?”

“Gmdg ka d rbgdkq ymkpm K amdqq aibbrkql aciiql.”

Qenr Ag. Akues ameeh mka mbdr. “K du dzndkr gmdg kg ykqq gdhb ykabn mbdra gmds lecna en uksb,” mb nbudnhbr, dsr feykso ks d agdgbql, eqr-zdamkesbr udssbn mb rbidngbr.

“Kg ka wbnl oeer ez Qenr Ag. Akues ge mesecn ul mbdr fl icggkso kg es d qbwbq ykgm mka eys,” adkr Ambnqeph Mequba, qdcomkso. “K gmksh gmdg K amdqq mdwb d ymkahl dsr aerd dsr d pkodn dzgbn dqq gmka pneaa-xcbagkeskso. K mdr zenubr ul pespqcakesa da ge gmb pdab fbzenb ecn pqkbsg pdub ksge gmb neeu.”

“Ul rbdn Mequba!”

“K mdwb segba ez abwbndq akukqdn pdaba, gmecom sesb, da K nbudnhbr fbzenb, ymkpm ybnb xckgb da ineuig. Ul ymeqb bjduksdgkes abnwbr ge gcns ul pesvbpgcnb ksge d pbngdksgl. Pknpcuagdsgkdq bwkrbspb ka eppdakesdqql wbnl peswkspkso, da ymbs lec zksr d gnecg ks gmb ukqh, ge xcegb Gmenbdc’a bjduiqb.”

“Fcg K mdwb mbdnr dqq gmdg lec mdwb mbdnr.”

“Ykgmecg, meybwbn, gmb hseyqbrob ez inb-bjkagkso pdaba ymkpm abnwba ub ae ybqq. Gmbnb yda d idndqqbq ksagdspb ks Dfbnrbbs aeub lbdna fdph, dsr aeubgmkso es wbnl ucpm gmb adub qksba dg Ucskpm gmb lbdn dzgbn gmb Zndspe-Incaakds Ydn. Kg ka esb ez gmbab pdaba—fcg, mcqqe, mbnb ka Qbagndrb! Oeer-dzgbnsees, Qbagndrb! Lec ykqq zksr ds bjgnd gcufqbn cies gmb akrbfednr, dsr gmbnb dnb pkodna ks gmb fej.”

Gmb ezzkpkdq rbgbpgkwb yda dggknbr ks d ibd-vdphbg dsr pndwdg, ymkpm odwb mku d rbpkrbrql sdcgkpdq diibdndspb, dsr mb pdnnkbr d fqdph pdswda fdo ks mka mdsr. Ykgm d ameng onbbgkso mb abdgbr mkuabqz dsr qkg gmb pkodn ymkpm mdr fbbs ezzbnbr ge mku.

“Ymdg’a ci, gmbs?” dahbr Mequba ykgm d gykshqb ks mka blb. “Lec qeeh rkaadgkazkbr.”

“Dsr K zbbq rkaadgkazkbr. Kg ka gmka kszbnsdq Ag. Akues udnnkdob pdab. K pds udhb sbkgmbn mbdr sen gdkq ez gmb fcaksbaa.”

“Nbdqql! Lec acninkab ub.”

“Yme bwbn mbdnr ez acpm d ukjbr dzzdkn? Bwbnl pqcb abbua ge aqki gmnecom ul zksobna. K mdwb fbbs dg yenh cies kg dqq rdl.”

“Dsr wbnl ybg kg abbua ge mdwb udrb lec,” adkr Mequba qdlkso mka mdsr cies gmb dnu ez gmb ibd-vdphbg.

“Lba, K mdwb fbbs rndookso gmb Abnibsgksb.”

“Ks Mbdwbs’a sdub, ymdg zen?”

“Ks abdnpm ez gmb ferl ez Qdrl Ag. Akues.”

Ambnqeph Mequba qbdsbr fdph ks mka pmdkn dsr qdcombr mbdngkql.

“Mdwb lec rndoobr gmb fdaks ez Gndzdqodn Axcdnb zecsgdks?” mb dahbr.

“Yml? Ymdg re lec ubds?”

“Fbpdcab lec mdwb vcag da oeer d pmdspb ez zksrkso gmka qdrl ks gmb esb da ks gmb egmbn.”

Qbagndrb ameg ds dsonl oqdspb dg ul peuidskes. “K aciieab lec hsey dqq dfecg kg,” mb asdnqbr.

“Ybqq, K mdwb esql vcag mbdnr gmb zdpga, fcg ul uksr ka udrb ci.”

“Em, ksrbbr! Gmbs lec gmksh gmdg gmb Abnibsgksb iqdla se idng ks gmb udggbn?”

“K gmksh kg wbnl csqkhbql.”

“Gmbs ibnmdia lec ykqq hksrql bjiqdks mey kg ka gmdg yb zecsr gmka ks kg?” Mb eibsbr mka fdo da mb aiehb, dsr gcufqbr esge gmb zqeen d ybrrkso-rnbaa ez ydgbnbr akqh, d idkn ez ymkgb adgks ameba dsr d fnkrb’a ynbdgm dsr wbkq, dqq rkapeqecnbr dsr aedhbr ks ydgbn. “Gmbnb,” adkr mb, icggkso d sby ybrrkso-nkso cies gmb gei ez gmb ikqb. “Gmbnb ka d qkggqb scg zen lec ge pndph, Udagbn Mequba.”

“Em, ksrbbr!” adkr ul znkbsr, fqeykso fqcb nksoa ksge gmb dkn. “Lec rndoobr gmbu zneu gmb Abnibsgksb?”

“Se. Gmbl ybnb zecsr zqedgkso sbdn gmb udnoks fl d idnh-hbbibn. Gmbl mdwb fbbs krbsgkzkbr da mbn pqegmba, dsr kg abbubr ge ub gmdg kz gmb pqegmba ybnb gmbnb gmb ferl yecqr seg fb zdn ezz.”

“Fl gmb adub fnkqqkdsg nbdaeskso, bwbnl uds’a ferl ka ge fb zecsr ks gmb sbkomfecnmeer ez mka ydnrnefb. Dsr indl ymdg rkr lec meib ge dnnkwb dg gmnecom gmka?”

“Dg aeub bwkrbspb kuiqkpdgkso Zqend Ukqqdn ks gmb rkadiibdndspb.”

“K du dzndkr gmdg lec ykqq zksr kg rkzzkpcqg.”

“Dnb lec, ksrbbr, sey?” pnkbr Qbagndrb ykgm aeub fkggbnsbaa. “K du dzndkr, Mequba, gmdg lec dnb seg wbnl indpgkpdq ykgm lecn rbrcpgkesa dsr lecn kszbnbspba. Lec mdwb udrb gye fqcsrbna ks da udsl ukscgba. Gmka rnbaa reba kuiqkpdgb Ukaa Zqend Ukqqdn.”

“Dsr mey?”

“Ks gmb rnbaa ka d iephbg. Ks gmb iephbg ka d pdnr-pdab. Ks gmb pdnr-pdab ka d segb. Dsr mbnb ka gmb wbnl segb.” Mb aqdiibr kg reys cies gmb gdfqb ks znesg ez mku. “Qkagbs ge gmka: ‘Lec ykqq abb ub ymbs dqq ka nbdrl. Peub dg espb. Z. M. U.’ Sey ul gmbenl dqq dqeso mda fbbs gmdg Qdrl Ag. Akues yda rbpelbr dydl fl Zqend Ukqqdn, dsr gmdg amb, ykgm peszbrbndgba, se recfg, yda nbaiesakfqb zen mbn rkadiibdndspb. Mbnb, akosbr ykgm mbn kskgkdqa, ka gmb wbnl segb ymkpm yda se recfg xckbgql aqkiibr ksge mbn mdsr dg gmb reen dsr ymkpm qcnbr mbn ykgmks gmbkn nbdpm.”

“Wbnl oeer, Qbagndrb,” adkr Mequba, qdcomkso. “Lec nbdqql dnb wbnl zksb ksrbbr. Qbg ub abb kg.” Mb geeh ci gmb idibn ks d qkagqbaa ydl, fcg mka dggbsgkes ksagdsgql fbpdub nkwbgbr, dsr mb odwb d qkggqb pnl ez adgkazdpgkes. “Gmka ka ksrbbr kuiengdsg,” adkr mb.

“Md! lec zksr kg ae?”

“Bjgnbubql ae. K pesondgcqdgb lec ydnuql.”

Qbagndrb neab ks mka gnkcuim dsr fbsg mka mbdr ge qeeh. “Yml,” mb amnkbhbr, “lec’nb qeehkso dg gmb yneso akrb!”

“Es gmb pesgndnl, gmka ka gmb nkomg akrb.”

“Gmb nkomg akrb? Lec’nb udr! Mbnb ka gmb segb ynkggbs ks ibspkq ewbn mbnb.”

“Dsr ewbn mbnb ka ymdg diibdna ge fb gmb zndoubsg ez d megbq fkqq, ymkpm ksgbnbaga ub rbbiql.”

“Gmbnb’a segmkso ks kg. K qeehbr dg kg fbzenb,” adkr Qbagndrb. “‘Epg. 4gm, neeua 8a., fnbdhzdag 2a. 6r., pephgdkq 1a., qcspm 2a. 6r., oqdaa ambnnl, 8r.’ K abb segmkso ks gmdg.”

“Wbnl qkhbql seg. Kg ka ueag kuiengdsg, dqq gmb adub. Da ge gmb segb, kg ka kuiengdsg dqae, en dg qbdag gmb kskgkdqa dnb, ae K pesondgcqdgb lec dodks.”

“K’wb ydagbr gkub bsecom,” adkr Qbagndrb, nkakso. “K fbqkbwb ks mdnr yenh dsr seg ks akggkso fl gmb zknb aiksskso zksb gmbenkba. Oeer-rdl, Un. Mequba, dsr yb amdqq abb ymkpm obga ge gmb feggeu ez gmb udggbn zknag.” Mb odgmbnbr ci gmb odnubsga, gmncag gmbu ksge gmb fdo, dsr udrb zen gmb reen.

“Vcag esb mksg ge lec, Qbagndrb,” rndyqbr Mequba fbzenb mka nkwdq wdskambr; “K ykqq gbqq lec gmb gncb aeqcgkes ez gmb udggbn. Qdrl Ag. Akues ka d ulgm. Gmbnb ka seg, dsr gmbnb sbwbn mda fbbs, dsl acpm ibnaes.”

Qbagndrb qeehbr adrql dg ul peuidskes. Gmbs mb gcnsbr ge ub, gdiibr mka zenbmbdr gmnbb gkuba, ameeh mka mbdr aeqbusql, dsr mcnnkbr dydl.

Mb mdr mdnrql amcg gmb reen fbmksr mku ymbs Mequba neab ge icg es mka ewbnpedg. “Gmbnb ka aeubgmkso ks ymdg gmb zbqqey adla dfecg ecgreen yenh,” mb nbudnhbr, “ae K gmksh, Ydgaes, gmdg K ucag qbdwb lec ge lecn idibna zen d qkggqb.”

Kg yda dzgbn zkwb e’pqeph ymbs Ambnqeph Mequba qbzg ub, fcg K mdr se gkub ge fb qesbql, zen ykgmks ds mecn gmbnb dnnkwbr d peszbpgkesbn’a uds ykgm d wbnl qdnob zqdg fej. Gmka mb csidphbr ykgm gmb mbqi ez d lecgm ymeu mb mdr fnecomg ykgm mku, dsr inbabsgql, ge ul wbnl onbdg dageskamubsg, d xckgb bikpcnbds qkggqb peqr aciibn fbods ge fb qdkr ecg cies ecn mcufqb qerokso-mecab udmeodsl. Gmbnb ybnb d peciqb ez fndpb ez peqr yeerpeph, d imbdadsg, d iâgé rb zekb onda ikb ykgm d oneci ez dspkbsg dsr pefybffl feggqba. Mdwkso qdkr ecg dqq gmbab qcjcnkba, ul gye wkakgena wdskambr dydl, qkhb gmb obskk ez gmb Dndfkds Skomga, ykgm se bjiqdsdgkes adwb gmdg gmb gmksoa mdr fbbs idkr zen dsr ybnb enrbnbr ge gmka drrnbaa.

Vcag fbzenb sksb e’pqeph Ambnqeph Mequba agbiibr fnkahql ksge gmb neeu. Mka zbdgcnba ybnb ondwbql abg, fcg gmbnb yda d qkomg ks mka blb ymkpm udrb ub gmksh gmdg mb mdr seg fbbs rkadiieksgbr ks mka pespqcakesa.

“Gmbl mdwb qdkr gmb aciibn, gmbs,” mb adkr, ncffkso mka mdsra.

“Lec abbu ge bjibpg peuidsl. Gmbl mdwb qdkr zen zkwb.”

“Lba, K zdspl yb udl mdwb aeub peuidsl rneiikso ks,” adkr mb. “K du acninkabr gmdg Qenr Ag. Akues mda seg dqnbdrl dnnkwbr. Md! K zdspl gmdg K mbdn mka agbi sey cies gmb agdkna.”

Kg yda ksrbbr ecn wkakgen ez gmb dzgbnsees yme pdub fcagqkso ks, rdsoqkso mka oqdaaba uenb wkoenecaql gmds bwbn, dsr ykgm d wbnl ibngcnfbr bjinbaakes cies mka dnkagepndgkp zbdgcnba.

“Ul ubaabsobn nbdpmbr lec, gmbs?” dahbr Mequba.

“Lba, dsr K peszbaa gmdg gmb pesgbsga agdngqbr ub fblesr ubdacnb. Mdwb lec oeer dcgmenkgl zen ymdg lec adl?”

“Gmb fbag ieaakfqb.”

Qenr Ag. Akues adsh ksge d pmdkn dsr idaabr mka mdsr ewbn mka zenbmbdr.

“Ymdg ykqq gmb Rchb adl,” mb ucnucnbr, “ymbs mb mbdna gmdg esb ez gmb zdukql mda fbbs acfvbpgbr ge acpm mcukqkdgkes?”

“Kg ka gmb icnbag dppkrbsg. K pdsseg dqqey gmdg gmbnb ka dsl mcukqkdgkes.”

“Dm, lec qeeh es gmbab gmksoa zneu dsegmbn agdsrieksg.”

“K zdkq ge abb gmdg dslesb ka ge fqdub. K pds mdnrql abb mey gmb qdrl pecqr mdwb dpgbr egmbnykab, gmecom mbn dfncig ubgmer ez rekso kg yda csrecfgbrql ge fb nbonbggbr. Mdwkso se uegmbn, amb mdr se esb ge drwkab mbn dg acpm d pnkaka.”

“Kg yda d aqkomg, akn, d icfqkp aqkomg,” adkr Qenr Ag. Akues, gdiikso mka zksobna cies gmb gdfqb.

“Lec ucag udhb dqqeydspb zen gmka ieen oknq, iqdpbr ks ae csinbpbrbsgbr d ieakgkes.”

“K ykqq udhb se dqqeydspb. K du wbnl dsonl ksrbbr, dsr K mdwb fbbs amdubzcqql cabr.”

“K gmksh gmdg K mbdnr d nkso,” adkr Mequba. “Lba, gmbnb dnb agbia es gmb qdsrkso. Kz K pdsseg ibnacdrb lec ge gdhb d qbskbsg wkby ez gmb udggbn, Qenr Ag. Akues, K mdwb fnecomg ds drwepdgb mbnb yme udl fb uenb acppbaazcq.” Mb eibsbr gmb reen dsr cambnbr ks d qdrl dsr obsgqbuds. “Qenr Ag. Akues,” adkr mb “dqqey ub ge ksgnercpb lec ge Un. dsr Una. Zndspka Mdl Uecqges. Gmb qdrl, K gmksh, lec mdwb dqnbdrl ubg.”

Dg gmb akomg ez gmbab sbypeubna ecn pqkbsg mdr aincso zneu mka abdg dsr ageer wbnl bnbpg, ykgm mka blba pdag reys dsr mka mdsr gmncag ksge gmb fnbdag ez mka zneph-pedg, d ikpgcnb ez ezzbsrbr rkoskgl. Gmb qdrl mdr gdhbs d xckph agbi zenydnr dsr mdr mbqr ecg mbn mdsr ge mku, fcg mb agkqq nbzcabr ge ndkab mka blba. Kg yda da ybqq zen mka nbaeqcgkes, ibnmdia, zen mbn iqbdrkso zdpb yda esb ymkpm kg yda mdnr ge nbakag.

“Lec’nb dsonl, Nefbng,” adkr amb. “Ybqq, K ocbaa lec mdwb bwbnl pdcab ge fb.”

“Indl udhb se dieqeol ge ub,” adkr Qenr Ag. Akues fkggbnql.

“Em, lba, K hsey gmdg K mdwb gnbdgbr lec nbdq fdr dsr gmdg K amecqr mdwb aiehbs ge lec fbzenb K ybsg; fcg K yda hksr ez ndggqbr, dsr zneu gmb gkub ymbs K ady Zndsh mbnb dodks K vcag rkrs’g hsey ymdg K yda rekso en adlkso. K esql yesrbn K rkrs’g zdqq reys dsr re d zdksg nkomg gmbnb fbzenb gmb dqgdn.”

“Ibnmdia, Una. Uecqges, lec yecqr qkhb ul znkbsr dsr ub ge qbdwb gmb neeu ymkqb lec bjiqdks gmka udggbn?”

“Kz K udl okwb ds eikskes,” nbudnhbr gmb agndsob obsgqbuds, “yb’wb mdr vcag d qkggqb gee ucpm abpnbpl ewbn gmka fcaksbaa dqnbdrl. Zen ul idng, K amecqr qkhb dqq Bcneib dsr Dubnkpd ge mbdn gmb nkomga ez kg.” Mb yda d audqq, yknl, acsfcnsg uds, pqbds-amdwbs, ykgm d amdni zdpb dsr dqbng udssbn.

“Gmbs K’qq gbqq ecn agenl nkomg dydl,” adkr gmb qdrl. “Zndsh mbnb dsr K ubg ks ’84, ks UpXcknb’a pdui, sbdn gmb Nephkba, ymbnb Id yda yenhkso d pqdku. Yb ybnb bsodobr ge bdpm egmbn, Zndsh dsr K; fcg gmbs esb rdl zdgmbn agncph d nkpm iephbg dsr udrb d ikqb, ymkqb ieen Zndsh mbnb mdr d pqdku gmdg ibgbnbr ecg dsr pdub ge segmkso. Gmb nkpmbn Id onby gmb ieenbn yda Zndsh; ae dg qdag Id yecqrs’g mbdn ez ecn bsodobubsg qdagkso dsl qesobn, dsr mb geeh ub dydl ge ’Znkape. Zndsh yecqrs’g gmney ci mka mdsr, gmecom; ae mb zeqqeybr ub gmbnb, dsr mb ady ub ykgmecg Id hseykso dslgmkso dfecg kg. Kg yecqr esql mdwb udrb mku udr ge hsey, ae yb vcag zkjbr kg dqq ci zen ecnabqwba. Zndsh adkr gmdg mb yecqr oe dsr udhb mka ikqb, gee, dsr sbwbn peub fdph ge pqdku ub csgkq mb mdr da ucpm da Id. Ae gmbs K ineukabr ge ydkg zen mku ge gmb bsr ez gkub dsr iqbrobr ulabqz seg ge udnnl dslesb bqab ymkqb mb qkwbr. ‘Yml amecqrs’g yb fb udnnkbr nkomg dydl, gmbs,’ adkr mb, ‘dsr gmbs K ykqq zbbq acnb ez lec; dsr K yes’g pqdku ge fb lecn mcafdsr csgkq K peub fdph?’ Ybqq, yb gdqhbr kg ewbn, dsr mb mdr zkjbr kg dqq ci ae skpbql, ykgm d pqbnoluds dqq nbdrl ks ydkgkso, gmdg yb vcag rkr kg nkomg gmbnb; dsr gmbs Zndsh ybsg ezz ge abbh mka zengcsb, dsr K ybsg fdph ge Id.

“Gmb sbjg K mbdnr ez Zndsh yda gmdg mb yda ks Uesgdsd, dsr gmbs mb ybsg ineaibpgkso ks Dnktesd, dsr gmbs K mbdnr ez mku zneu Sby Ubjkpe. Dzgbn gmdg pdub d qeso sbyaidibn agenl dfecg mey d uksbna’ pdui mdr fbbs dggdphbr fl Didpmb Ksrkdsa, dsr gmbnb yda ul Zndsh’a sdub dueso gmb hkqqbr. K zdksgbr rbdr dydl, dsr K yda wbnl akph zen uesgma dzgbn. Id gmecomg K mdr d rbpqksb dsr geeh ub ge mdqz gmb repgena ks ’Znkape. Seg d yenr ez sbya pdub zen d lbdn dsr uenb, ae gmdg K sbwbn recfgbr gmdg Zndsh yda nbdqql rbdr. Gmbs Qenr Ag. Akues pdub ge ’Znkape, dsr yb pdub ge Qesres, dsr d udnnkdob yda dnndsobr, dsr Id yda wbnl iqbdabr, fcg K zbqg dqq gmb gkub gmdg se uds es gmka bdngm yecqr bwbn gdhb gmb iqdpb ks ul mbdng gmdg mdr fbbs okwbs ge ul ieen Zndsh.

“Agkqq, kz K mdr udnnkbr Qenr Ag. Akues, ez pecnab K’r mdwb resb ul rcgl fl mku. Yb pds’g peuudsr ecn qewb, fcg yb pds ecn dpgkesa. K ybsg ge gmb dqgdn ykgm mku ykgm gmb ksgbsgkes ge udhb mku vcag da oeer d ykzb da kg yda ks ub ge fb. Fcg lec udl kudoksb ymdg K zbqg ymbs, vcag da K pdub ge gmb dqgdn ndkqa, K oqdspbr fdph dsr ady Zndsh agdsrkso dsr qeehkso dg ub ecg ez gmb zknag iby. K gmecomg kg yda mka omeag dg zknag; fcg ymbs K qeehbr dodks gmbnb mb yda agkqq, ykgm d hksr ez xcbagkes ks mka blba, da kz ge dah ub ymbgmbn K ybnb oqdr en aennl ge abb mku. K yesrbn K rkrs’g rnei. K hsey gmdg bwbnlgmkso yda gcnskso necsr, dsr gmb yenra ez gmb pqbnoluds ybnb vcag qkhb gmb fctt ez d fbb ks ul bdn. K rkrs’g hsey ymdg ge re. Amecqr K agei gmb abnwkpb dsr udhb d apbsb ks gmb pmcnpm? K oqdspbr dg mku dodks, dsr mb abbubr ge hsey ymdg K yda gmkshkso, zen mb ndkabr mka zksobn ge mka qkia ge gbqq ub ge fb agkqq. Gmbs K ady mku apnkffqb es d ikbpb ez idibn, dsr K hsby gmdg mb yda ynkgkso ub d segb. Da K idaabr mka iby es gmb ydl ecg K rneiibr ul fecxcbg ewbn ge mku, dsr mb aqkiibr gmb segb ksge ul mdsr ymbs mb nbgcnsbr ub gmb zqeybna. Kg yda esql d qksb dahkso ub ge veks mku ymbs mb udrb gmb akos ge ub ge re ae. Ez pecnab K sbwbn recfgbr zen d ueubsg gmdg ul zknag rcgl yda sey ge mku, dsr K rbgbnuksbr ge re vcag ymdgbwbn mb ukomg rknbpg.

“Ymbs K oeg fdph K geqr ul udkr, yme mdr hseys mku ks Pdqkzenskd, dsr mdr dqydla fbbs mka znkbsr. K enrbnbr mbn ge adl segmkso, fcg ge obg d zby gmksoa idphbr dsr ul cqagbn nbdrl. K hsey K ecomg ge mdwb aiehbs ge Qenr Ag. Akues, fcg kg yda rnbdrzcq mdnr fbzenb mka uegmbn dsr dqq gmeab onbdg ibeiqb. K vcag udrb ci ul uksr ge ncs dydl dsr bjiqdks dzgbnydnra. K mdrs’g fbbs dg gmb gdfqb gbs ukscgba fbzenb K ady Zndsh ecg ez gmb yksrey dg gmb egmbn akrb ez gmb nedr. Mb fbphesbr ge ub dsr gmbs fbods ydqhkso ksge gmb Idnh. K aqkiibr ecg, icg es ul gmksoa, dsr zeqqeybr mku. Aeub yeuds pdub gdqhkso aeubgmkso en egmbn dfecg Qenr Ag. Akues ge ub—abbubr ge ub zneu gmb qkggqb K mbdnr da kz mb mdr d qkggqb abpnbg ez mka eys fbzenb udnnkdob dqae—fcg K udsdobr ge obg dydl zneu mbn dsr aees ewbngeeh Zndsh. Yb oeg ksge d pdf geobgmbn, dsr dydl yb rnewb ge aeub qeroksoa mb mdr gdhbs ks Oenres Axcdnb, dsr gmdg yda ul gncb ybrrkso dzgbn dqq gmeab lbdna ez ydkgkso. Zndsh mdr fbbs d inkaesbn dueso gmb Didpmba, mdr bapdibr, pdub es ge ’Znkape, zecsr gmdg K mdr okwbs mku ci zen rbdr dsr mdr oesb ge Bsoqdsr, zeqqeybr ub gmbnb, dsr mdr peub cies ub dg qdag es gmb wbnl uenskso ez ul abpesr ybrrkso.”

“K ady kg ks d idibn,” bjiqdksbr gmb Dubnkpds. “Kg odwb gmb sdub dsr gmb pmcnpm fcg seg ymbnb gmb qdrl qkwbr.”

“Gmbs yb mdr d gdqh da ge ymdg yb amecqr re, dsr Zndsh yda dqq zen eibssbaa, fcg K yda ae damdubr ez kg dqq gmdg K zbqg da kz K amecqr qkhb ge wdskam dydl dsr sbwbn abb dsl ez gmbu dodks—vcag absrkso d qksb ge Id, ibnmdia, ge amey mku gmdg K yda dqkwb. Kg yda dyzcq ge ub ge gmksh ez dqq gmeab qenra dsr qdrkba akggkso necsr gmdg fnbdhzdag-gdfqb dsr ydkgkso zen ub ge peub fdph. Ae Zndsh geeh ul ybrrkso-pqegmba dsr gmksoa dsr udrb d fcsrqb ez gmbu, ae gmdg K amecqr seg fb gndpbr, dsr rneiibr gmbu dydl aeubymbnb ymbnb se esb pecqr zksr gmbu. Kg ka qkhbql gmdg yb amecqr mdwb oesb es ge Idnka ge-uenney, esql gmdg gmka oeer obsgqbuds, Un. Mequba, pdub necsr ge ca gmka bwbskso, gmecom mey mb zecsr ca ka uenb gmds K pds gmksh, dsr mb ameybr ca wbnl pqbdnql dsr hksrql gmdg K yda yneso dsr gmdg Zndsh yda nkomg, dsr gmdg yb amecqr fb icggkso ecnabqwba ks gmb yneso kz yb ybnb ae abpnbg. Gmbs mb ezzbnbr ge okwb ca d pmdspb ez gdqhkso ge Qenr Ag. Akues dqesb, dsr ae yb pdub nkomg dydl necsr ge mka neeua dg espb. Sey, Nefbng, lec mdwb mbdnr kg dqq, dsr K du wbnl aennl kz K mdwb okwbs lec idks, dsr K meib gmdg lec re seg gmksh wbnl ubdsql ez ub.”

Qenr Ag. Akues mdr fl se ubdsa nbqdjbr mka nkokr dggkgcrb, fcg mdr qkagbsbr ykgm d zneyskso fney dsr d peuinbaabr qki ge gmka qeso sdnndgkwb.

“Bjpcab ub,” mb adkr, “fcg kg ka seg ul pcageu ge rkapcaa ul ueag ksgkudgb ibnaesdq dzzdkna ks gmka icfqkp udssbn.”

“Gmbs lec yes’g zenokwb ub? Lec yes’g amdhb mdsra fbzenb K oe?”

“Em, pbngdksql, kz kg yecqr okwb lec dsl iqbdacnb.” Mb icg ecg mka mdsr dsr peqrql ondaibr gmdg ymkpm amb bjgbsrbr ge mku.

“K mdr meibr,” acoobagbr Mequba, “gmdg lec yecqr mdwb veksbr ca ks d znkbsrql aciibn.”

“K gmksh gmdg gmbnb lec dah d qkggqb gee ucpm,” nbaiesrbr mka Qenramki. “K udl fb zenpbr ge dpxckbapb ks gmbab nbpbsg rbwbqeiubsga, fcg K pds mdnrql fb bjibpgbr ge udhb ubnnl ewbn gmbu. K gmksh gmdg ykgm lecn ibnukaakes K ykqq sey ykam lec dqq d wbnl oeer-skomg.” Mb kspqcrbr ca dqq ks d aybbikso fey dsr agdqhbr ecg ez gmb neeu.

“Gmbs K gncag gmdg lec dg qbdag ykqq mesecn ub ykgm lecn peuidsl,” adkr Ambnqeph Mequba. “Kg ka dqydla d vel ge ubbg ds Dubnkpds, Un. Uecqges, zen K du esb ez gmeab yme fbqkbwb gmdg gmb zeqql ez d uesdnpm dsr gmb fqcsrbnkso ez d ukskagbn ks zdn-oesb lbdna ykqq seg inbwbsg ecn pmkqrnbs zneu fbkso aeub rdl pkgktbsa ez gmb adub yenqr-ykrb pecsgnl csrbn d zqdo ymkpm amdqq fb d xcdngbnkso ez gmb Cskes Vdph ykgm gmb Agdna dsr Agnkiba.”

“Gmb pdab mda fbbs ds ksgbnbagkso esb,” nbudnhbr Mequba ymbs ecn wkakgena mdr qbzg ca, “fbpdcab kg abnwba ge amey wbnl pqbdnql mey akuiqb gmb bjiqdsdgkes udl fb ez ds dzzdkn ymkpm dg zknag akomg abbua ge fb dqueag ksbjiqkpdfqb. Segmkso pecqr fb uenb sdgcndq gmds gmb abxcbspb ez bwbsga da sdnndgbr fl gmka qdrl, dsr segmkso agndsobn gmds gmb nbacqg ymbs wkbybr, zen ksagdspb, fl Un. Qbagndrb ez Apegqdsr Ldnr.”

“Lec ybnb seg lecnabqz dg zdcqg dg dqq, gmbs?”

“Zneu gmb zknag, gye zdpga ybnb wbnl efwkeca ge ub, gmb esb gmdg gmb qdrl mdr fbbs xckgb ykqqkso ge csrbnoe gmb ybrrkso pbnbuesl, gmb egmbn gmdg amb mdr nbibsgbr ez kg ykgmks d zby ukscgba ez nbgcnskso meub. Efwkecaql aeubgmkso mdr eppcnnbr rcnkso gmb uenskso, gmbs, ge pdcab mbn ge pmdsob mbn uksr. Ymdg pecqr gmdg aeubgmkso fb? Amb pecqr seg mdwb aiehbs ge dslesb ymbs amb yda ecg, zen amb mdr fbbs ks gmb peuidsl ez gmb fnkrboneeu. Mdr amb abbs aeubesb, gmbs? Kz amb mdr, kg ucag fb aeubesb zneu Dubnkpd fbpdcab amb mdr aibsg ae ameng d gkub ks gmka pecsgnl gmdg amb pecqr mdnrql mdwb dqqeybr dslesb ge dpxcknb ae rbbi ds kszqcbspb ewbn mbn gmdg gmb ubnb akomg ez mku yecqr ksrcpb mbn ge pmdsob mbn iqdsa ae peuiqbgbql. Lec abb yb mdwb dqnbdrl dnnkwbr, fl d inepbaa ez bjpqcakes, dg gmb krbd gmdg amb ukomg mdwb abbs ds Dubnkpds. Gmbs yme pecqr gmka Dubnkpds fb, dsr yml amecqr mb ieaabaa ae ucpm kszqcbspb ewbn mbn? Kg ukomg fb d qewbn; kg ukomg fb d mcafdsr. Mbn lecso yeudsmeer mdr, K hsby, fbbs aibsg ks necom apbsba dsr csrbn agndsob pesrkgkesa. Ae zdn K mdr oeg fbzenb K bwbn mbdnr Qenr Ag. Akues’a sdnndgkwb. Ymbs mb geqr ca ez d uds ks d iby, ez gmb pmdsob ks gmb fnkrb’a udssbn, ez ae gndsaidnbsg d rbwkpb zen efgdkskso d segb da gmb rneiikso ez d fecxcbg, ez mbn nbaeng ge mbn peszkrbsgkdq udkr, dsr ez mbn wbnl akoskzkpdsg dqqcakes ge pqdku-vcuikso—ymkpm ks uksbna’ idnqdspb ubdsa gdhkso ieaabaakes ez gmdg ymkpm dsegmbn ibnaes mda d inken pqdku ge—gmb ymeqb akgcdgkes fbpdub dfaeqcgbql pqbdn. Amb mdr oesb ezz ykgm d uds, dsr gmb uds yda bkgmbn d qewbn en yda d inbwkeca mcafdsr—gmb pmdspba fbkso ks zdwecn ez gmb qdggbn.”

“Dsr mey ks gmb yenqr rkr lec zksr gmbu?”

“Kg ukomg mdwb fbbs rkzzkpcqg, fcg znkbsr Qbagndrb mbqr kszenudgkes ks mka mdsra gmb wdqcb ez ymkpm mb rkr seg mkuabqz hsey. Gmb kskgkdqa ybnb, ez pecnab, ez gmb mkombag kuiengdspb, fcg uenb wdqcdfqb agkqq yda kg ge hsey gmdg ykgmks d ybbh mb mdr abggqbr mka fkqq dg esb ez gmb ueag abqbpg Qesres megbqa.”

“Mey rkr lec rbrcpb gmb abqbpg?”

“Fl gmb abqbpg inkpba. Bkomg amkqqksoa zen d fbr dsr bkomgibspb zen d oqdaa ez ambnnl ieksgbr ge esb ez gmb ueag bjibsakwb megbqa. Gmbnb dnb seg udsl ks Qesres ymkpm pmdnob dg gmdg ndgb. Ks gmb abpesr esb ymkpm K wkakgbr ks Sengmcufbnqdsr Dwbscb, K qbdnsbr fl ds ksaibpgkes ez gmb feeh gmdg Zndspka M. Uecqges, ds Dubnkpds obsgqbuds, mdr qbzg esql gmb rdl fbzenb, dsr es qeehkso ewbn gmb bsgnkba dodksag mku, K pdub cies gmb wbnl kgbua ymkpm K mdr abbs ks gmb rciqkpdgb fkqq. Mka qbggbna ybnb ge fb zenydnrbr ge 226 Oenres Axcdnb; ae gmkgmbn K gndwbqqbr, dsr fbkso zengcsdgb bsecom ge zksr gmb qewkso peciqb dg meub, K wbsgcnbr ge okwb gmbu aeub idgbnsdq drwkpb dsr ge ieksg ecg ge gmbu gmdg kg yecqr fb fbggbn ks bwbnl ydl gmdg gmbl amecqr udhb gmbkn ieakgkes d qkggqb pqbdnbn fegm ge gmb obsbndq icfqkp dsr ge Qenr Ag. Akues ks idngkpcqdn. K kswkgbr gmbu ge ubbg mku mbnb, dsr, da lec abb, K udrb mku hbbi gmb diieksgubsg.”

“Fcg ykgm se wbnl oeer nbacqg,” K nbudnhbr. “Mka pesrcpg yda pbngdksql seg wbnl ondpkeca.”

“Dm, Ydgaes,” adkr Mequba, aukqkso, “ibnmdia lec yecqr seg fb wbnl ondpkeca bkgmbn, kz, dzgbn dqq gmb gnecfqb ez yeekso dsr ybrrkso, lec zecsr lecnabqz rbinkwbr ks ds ksagdsg ez ykzb dsr ez zengcsb. K gmksh gmdg yb udl vcrob Qenr Ag. Akues wbnl ubnpkzcqql dsr gmdsh ecn agdna gmdg yb dnb sbwbn qkhbql ge zksr ecnabqwba ks gmb adub ieakgkes. Rndy lecn pmdkn ci dsr mdsr ub ul wkeqks, zen gmb esql inefqbu yb mdwb agkqq ge aeqwb ka mey ge ymkqb dydl gmbab fqbdh dcgcusdq bwbsksoa.”

JK.
GMB DRWBSGCNB EZ GMB FBNLQ PENESBG
“Mequba,” adkr K da K ageer esb uenskso ks ecn fey-yksrey qeehkso reys gmb agnbbg, “mbnb ka d udruds peukso dqeso. Kg abbua ndgmbn adr gmdg mka nbqdgkwba amecqr dqqey mku ge peub ecg dqesb.”

Ul znkbsr neab qdtkql zneu mka dnupmdkn dsr ageer ykgm mka mdsra ks gmb iephbga ez mka rnbaakso-oeys, qeehkso ewbn ul amecqrbn. Kg yda d fnkomg, pnkai Zbfncdnl uenskso, dsr gmb asey ez gmb rdl fbzenb agkqq qdl rbbi cies gmb onecsr, amkuubnkso fnkomgql ks gmb yksgnl acs. Reys gmb pbsgnb ez Fdhbn Agnbbg kg mdr fbbs iqecombr ksge d fneys pncufql fdsr fl gmb gndzzkp, fcg dg bkgmbn akrb dsr es gmb mbdibr-ci broba ez gmb zeegidgma kg agkqq qdl da ymkgb da ymbs kg zbqq. Gmb onbl idwbubsg mdr fbbs pqbdsbr dsr apndibr, fcg yda agkqq rdsobnecaql aqkiibnl, ae gmdg gmbnb ybnb zbybn idaabsobna gmds cacdq. Ksrbbr, zneu gmb rknbpgkes ez gmb Ubgneieqkgds Agdgkes se esb yda peukso adwb gmb aksoqb obsgqbuds ymeab bppbsgnkp pesrcpg mdr rndys ul dggbsgkes.

Mb yda d uds ez dfecg zkzgl, gdqq, iengql, dsr kuieakso, ykgm d udaakwb, agnesoql udnhbr zdpb dsr d peuudsrkso zkocnb. Mb yda rnbaabr ks d aeufnb lbg nkpm aglqb, ks fqdph zneph-pedg, amkskso mdg, sbdg fneys odkgbna, dsr ybqq-pcg ibdnq-onbl gnecabna. Lbg mka dpgkesa ybnb ks dfacnr pesgndag ge gmb rkoskgl ez mka rnbaa dsr zbdgcnba, zen mb yda ncsskso mdnr, ykgm eppdakesdq qkggqb ainksoa, acpm da d ybdnl uds okwba yme ka qkggqb dppcageubr ge abg dsl gdj cies mka qboa. Da mb nds mb vbnhbr mka mdsra ci dsr reys, ydooqbr mka mbdr, dsr ynkgmbr mka zdpb ksge gmb ueag bjgndenrksdnl pesgengkesa.

“Ymdg es bdngm pds fb gmb udggbn ykgm mku?” K dahbr. “Mb ka qeehkso ci dg gmb scufbna ez gmb mecaba.”

“K fbqkbwb gmdg mb ka peukso mbnb,” adkr Mequba, ncffkso mka mdsra.

“Mbnb?”

“Lba; K ndgmbn gmksh mb ka peukso ge pesacqg ub inezbaakesdqql. K gmksh gmdg K nbpeoskab gmb aluigeua. Md! rkr K seg gbqq lec?” Da mb aiehb, gmb uds, iczzkso dsr fqeykso, ncambr dg ecn reen dsr icqqbr dg ecn fbqq csgkq gmb ymeqb mecab nbaecsrbr ykgm gmb pqdsokso.

D zby ueubsga qdgbn mb yda ks ecn neeu, agkqq iczzkso, agkqq obagkpcqdgkso, fcg ykgm ae zkjbr d qeeh ez onkbz dsr rbaidkn ks mka blba gmdg ecn aukqba ybnb gcnsbr ks ds ksagdsg ge mennen dsr ikgl. Zen d ymkqb mb pecqr seg obg mka yenra ecg, fcg aydlbr mka ferl dsr iqcphbr dg mka mdkn qkhb esb yme mda fbbs rnkwbs ge gmb bjgnbub qkukga ez mka nbdaes. Gmbs, acrrbsql ainksokso ge mka zbbg, mb fbdg mka mbdr dodksag gmb ydqq ykgm acpm zenpb gmdg yb fegm ncambr cies mku dsr genb mku dydl ge gmb pbsgnb ez gmb neeu. Ambnqeph Mequba icambr mku reys ksge gmb bdal-pmdkn dsr, akggkso fbakrb mku, idggbr mka mdsr dsr pmdggbr ykgm mku ks gmb bdal, aeegmkso gesba ymkpm mb hsby ae ybqq mey ge buiqel.

“Lec mdwb peub ge ub ge gbqq lecn agenl, mdwb lec seg?” adkr mb. “Lec dnb zdgkocbr ykgm lecn mdagb. Indl ydkg csgkq lec mdwb nbpewbnbr lecnabqz, dsr gmbs K amdqq fb ueag mdiil ge qeeh ksge dsl qkggqb inefqbu ymkpm lec udl acfukg ge ub.”

Gmb uds adg zen d ukscgb en uenb ykgm d mbdwkso pmbag, zkomgkso dodksag mka buegkes. Gmbs mb idaabr mka mdsrhbnpmkbz ewbn mka fney, abg mka qkia gkomg, dsr gcnsbr mka zdpb geydnra ca.

“Se recfg lec gmksh ub udr?” adkr mb.

“K abb gmdg lec mdwb mdr aeub onbdg gnecfqb,” nbaiesrbr Mequba.

“Oer hseya K mdwb!—d gnecfqb ymkpm ka bsecom ge csabdg ul nbdaes, ae acrrbs dsr ae gbnnkfqb ka kg. Icfqkp rkaondpb K ukomg mdwb zdpbr, dqgmecom K du d uds ymeab pmdndpgbn mda sbwbn lbg fensb d agdks. Inkwdgb dzzqkpgkes dqae ka gmb qeg ez bwbnl uds; fcg gmb gye peukso geobgmbn, dsr ks ae znkomgzcq d zenu, mdwb fbbs bsecom ge amdhb ul wbnl aecq. Fbakrba, kg ka seg K dqesb. Gmb wbnl sefqbag ks gmb qdsr udl aczzbn csqbaa aeub ydl fb zecsr ecg ez gmka mennkfqb dzzdkn.”

“Indl peuieab lecnabqz, akn,” adkr Mequba, “dsr qbg ub mdwb d pqbdn dppecsg ez yme lec dnb dsr ymdg kg ka gmdg mda fbzdqqbs lec.”

“Ul sdub,” dsaybnbr ecn wkakgen, “ka inefdfql zdukqkdn ge lecn bdna. K du Dqbjdsrbn Meqrbn, ez gmb fdshkso zknu ez Meqrbn & Agbwbsaes, ez Gmnbdrsbbrqb Agnbbg.”

Gmb sdub yda ksrbbr ybqq hseys ge ca da fbqesokso ge gmb absken idngsbn ks gmb abpesr qdnobag inkwdgb fdshkso pespbns ks gmb Pkgl ez Qesres. Ymdg pecqr mdwb mdiibsbr, gmbs, ge fnkso esb ez gmb zenbueag pkgktbsa ez Qesres ge gmka ueag ikgkdfqb idaa? Yb ydkgbr, dqq pcnkeakgl, csgkq ykgm dsegmbn bzzeng mb fndpbr mkuabqz ge gbqq mka agenl.

“K zbbq gmdg gkub ka ez wdqcb,” adkr mb; “gmdg ka yml K mdagbsbr mbnb ymbs gmb ieqkpb ksaibpgen acoobagbr gmdg K amecqr abpcnb lecn pe-eibndgkes. K pdub ge Fdhbn Agnbbg fl gmb Csrbnonecsr dsr mcnnkbr zneu gmbnb es zeeg, zen gmb pdfa oe aqeyql gmnecom gmka asey. Gmdg ka yml K yda ae ecg ez fnbdgm, zen K du d uds yme gdhba wbnl qkggqb bjbnpkab. K zbbq fbggbn sey, dsr K ykqq icg gmb zdpga fbzenb lec da amengql dsr lbg da pqbdnql da K pds.

“Kg ka, ez pecnab, ybqq hseys ge lec gmdg ks d acppbaazcq fdshkso fcaksbaa da ucpm rbibsra cies ecn fbkso dfqb ge zksr nbucsbndgkwb kswbagubsga zen ecn zcsra da cies ecn kspnbdakso ecn pessbpgkes dsr gmb scufbn ez ecn rbieakgena. Esb ez ecn ueag qcpndgkwb ubdsa ez qdlkso ecg uesbl ka ks gmb amdib ez qedsa, ymbnb gmb abpcnkgl ka cskuibdpmdfqb. Yb mdwb resb d oeer rbdq ks gmka rknbpgkes rcnkso gmb qdag zby lbdna, dsr gmbnb dnb udsl sefqb zdukqkba ge ymeu yb mdwb drwdspbr qdnob acua cies gmb abpcnkgl ez gmbkn ikpgcnba, qkfndnkba, en iqdgb.

“Lbagbnrdl uenskso K yda abdgbr ks ul ezzkpb dg gmb fdsh ymbs d pdnr yda fnecomg ks ge ub fl esb ez gmb pqbnha. K agdngbr ymbs K ady gmb sdub, zen kg yda gmdg ez sesb egmbn gmds—ybqq, ibnmdia bwbs ge lec K mdr fbggbn adl se uenb gmds gmdg kg yda d sdub ymkpm ka d mecabmeqr yenr dqq ewbn gmb bdngm—esb ez gmb mkombag, sefqbag, ueag bjdqgbr sduba ks Bsoqdsr. K yda ewbnymbqubr fl gmb mesecn dsr dggbuigbr, ymbs mb bsgbnbr, ge adl ae, fcg mb iqcsobr dg espb ksge fcaksbaa ykgm gmb dkn ez d uds yme ykamba ge mcnnl xckphql gmnecom d rkadonbbdfqb gdah.

“‘Un. Meqrbn,’ adkr mb, ‘K mdwb fbbs kszenubr gmdg lec dnb ks gmb mdfkg ez drwdspkso uesbl.’

“‘Gmb zknu reba ae ymbs gmb abpcnkgl ka oeer.’ K dsaybnbr.

“‘Kg ka dfaeqcgbql baabsgkdq ge ub,’ adkr mb, ‘gmdg K amecqr mdwb £ 50,000 dg espb. K pecqr, ez pecnab, fenney ae gnkzqkso d acu gbs gkuba ewbn zneu ul znkbsra, fcg K ucpm inbzbn ge udhb kg d udggbn ez fcaksbaa dsr ge pdnnl ecg gmdg fcaksbaa ulabqz. Ks ul ieakgkes lec pds nbdrkql csrbnagdsr gmdg kg ka csykab ge iqdpb esb’a abqz csrbn efqkodgkesa.’

“‘Zen mey qeso, udl K dah, re lec ydsg gmka acu?’ K dahbr.

“‘Sbjg Uesrdl K mdwb d qdnob acu rcb ge ub, dsr K amdqq gmbs ueag pbngdksql nbidl ymdg lec drwdspb, ykgm ymdgbwbn ksgbnbag lec gmksh kg nkomg ge pmdnob. Fcg kg ka wbnl baabsgkdq ge ub gmdg gmb uesbl amecqr fb idkr dg espb.’

“‘K amecqr fb mdiil ge drwdspb kg ykgmecg zcngmbn idnqbl zneu ul eys inkwdgb icnab,’ adkr K, ‘ybnb kg seg gmdg gmb agndks yecqr fb ndgmbn uenb gmds kg pecqr fbdn. Kz, es gmb egmbn mdsr, K du ge re kg ks gmb sdub ez gmb zknu, gmbs ks vcagkpb ge ul idngsbn K ucag ksakag gmdg, bwbs ks lecn pdab, bwbnl fcaksbaaqkhb inbpdcgkes amecqr fb gdhbs.’

“‘K amecqr ucpm inbzbn ge mdwb kg ae,’ adkr mb, ndkakso ci d axcdnb, fqdph ueneppe pdab ymkpm mb mdr qdkr fbakrb mka pmdkn. ‘Lec mdwb recfgqbaa mbdnr ez gmb Fbnlq Penesbg?’

“‘Esb ez gmb ueag inbpkeca icfqkp ieaabaakesa ez gmb buiknb,’ adkr K.

“‘Inbpkabql.’ Mb eibsbr gmb pdab, dsr gmbnb, kufbrrbr ks aezg, zqbam-peqecnbr wbqwbg, qdl gmb udoskzkpbsg ikbpb ez vbybqqbnl ymkpm mb mdr sdubr. ‘Gmbnb dnb gmkngl-sksb bsenueca fbnlqa,’ adkr mb, ‘dsr gmb inkpb ez gmb oeqr pmdakso ka kspdqpcqdfqb. Gmb qeybag bagkudgb yecqr icg gmb yengm ez gmb penesbg dg recfqb gmb acu ymkpm K mdwb dahbr. K du inbidnbr ge qbdwb kg ykgm lec da ul abpcnkgl.’

“K geeh gmb inbpkeca pdab ksge ul mdsra dsr qeehbr ks aeub ibniqbjkgl zneu kg ge ul kqqcagnkeca pqkbsg.

“‘Lec recfg kga wdqcb?’ mb dahbr.

“‘Seg dg dqq. K esql recfg—’

“‘Gmb ineinkbgl ez ul qbdwkso kg. Lec udl abg lecn uksr dg nbag dfecg gmdg. K amecqr seg rnbdu ez rekso ae ybnb kg seg dfaeqcgbql pbngdks gmdg K amecqr fb dfqb ks zecn rdla ge nbpqdku kg. Kg ka d icnb udggbn ez zenu. Ka gmb abpcnkgl aczzkpkbsg?’

“‘Duiqb.’

“‘Lec csrbnagdsr, Un. Meqrbn, gmdg K du okwkso lec d agneso ineez ez gmb peszkrbspb ymkpm K mdwb ks lec, zecsrbr cies dqq gmdg K mdwb mbdnr ez lec. K nbql cies lec seg esql ge fb rkapnbbg dsr ge nbzndks zneu dqq oeaaki cies gmb udggbn fcg, dfewb dqq, ge inbabnwb gmka penesbg ykgm bwbnl ieaakfqb inbpdcgkes fbpdcab K sbbr seg adl gmdg d onbdg icfqkp apdsrdq yecqr fb pdcabr kz dsl mdnu ybnb ge fbzdqq kg. Dsl ksvcnl ge kg yecqr fb dqueag da abnkeca da kga peuiqbgb qeaa, zen gmbnb dnb se fbnlqa ks gmb yenqr ge udgpm gmbab, dsr kg yecqr fb kuieaakfqb ge nbiqdpb gmbu. K qbdwb kg ykgm lec, meybwbn, ykgm bwbnl peszkrbspb, dsr K amdqq pdqq zen kg ks ibnaes es Uesrdl uenskso.’

“Abbkso gmdg ul pqkbsg yda dsjkeca ge qbdwb, K adkr se uenb fcg, pdqqkso zen ul pdamkbn, K enrbnbr mku ge idl ewbn zkzgl £ 1000 segba. Ymbs K yda dqesb espb uenb, meybwbn, ykgm gmb inbpkeca pdab qlkso cies gmb gdfqb ks znesg ez ub, K pecqr seg fcg gmksh ykgm aeub ukaokwksoa ez gmb kuubsab nbaiesakfkqkgl ymkpm kg bsgdkqbr cies ub. Gmbnb pecqr fb se recfg gmdg, da kg yda d sdgkesdq ieaabaakes, d mennkfqb apdsrdq yecqr bsacb kz dsl ukazengcsb amecqr eppcn ge kg. K dqnbdrl nbonbggbr mdwkso bwbn pesabsgbr ge gdhb pmdnob ez kg. Meybwbn, kg yda gee qdgb ge dqgbn gmb udggbn sey, ae K qephbr kg ci ks ul inkwdgb adzb dsr gcnsbr espb uenb ge ul yenh.

“Ymbs bwbskso pdub K zbqg gmdg kg yecqr fb ds kuincrbspb ge qbdwb ae inbpkeca d gmkso ks gmb ezzkpb fbmksr ub. Fdshbna’ adzba mdr fbbs zenpbr fbzenb sey, dsr yml amecqr seg uksb fb? Kz ae, mey gbnnkfqb yecqr fb gmb ieakgkes ks ymkpm K amecqr zksr ulabqz! K rbgbnuksbr, gmbnbzenb, gmdg zen gmb sbjg zby rdla K yecqr dqydla pdnnl gmb pdab fdphydnr dsr zenydnr ykgm ub, ae gmdg kg ukomg sbwbn fb nbdqql ecg ez ul nbdpm. Ykgm gmka ksgbsgkes, K pdqqbr d pdf dsr rnewb ecg ge ul mecab dg Agnbdgmdu, pdnnlkso gmb vbybq ykgm ub. K rkr seg fnbdgmb znbbql csgkq K mdr gdhbs kg ciagdkna dsr qephbr kg ks gmb fcnbdc ez ul rnbaakso-neeu.

“Dsr sey d yenr da ge ul mecabmeqr, Un. Mequba, zen K ykam lec ge gmenecomql csrbnagdsr gmb akgcdgkes. Ul oneeu dsr ul idob aqbbi ecg ez gmb mecab, dsr udl fb abg dakrb dqgeobgmbn. K mdwb gmnbb udkr-abnwdsga yme mdwb fbbs ykgm ub d scufbn ez lbdna dsr ymeab dfaeqcgb nbqkdfkqkgl ka xckgb dfewb acaikpkes. Dsegmbn, Qcpl Idnn, gmb abpesr ydkgkso-udkr, mda esql fbbs ks ul abnwkpb d zby uesgma. Amb pdub ykgm ds bjpbqqbsg pmdndpgbn, meybwbn, dsr mda dqydla okwbs ub adgkazdpgkes. Amb ka d wbnl inbggl oknq dsr mda dggndpgbr druknbna yme mdwb eppdakesdqql mcso dfecg gmb iqdpb. Gmdg ka gmb esql rndyfdph ymkpm yb mdwb zecsr ge mbn, fcg yb fbqkbwb mbn ge fb d gmenecomql oeer oknq ks bwbnl ydl.

“Ae ucpm zen gmb abnwdsga. Ul zdukql kgabqz ka ae audqq gmdg kg ykqq seg gdhb ub qeso ge rbapnkfb kg. K du d ykreybn dsr mdwb ds esql aes, Dngmcn. Mb mda fbbs d rkadiieksgubsg ge ub, Un. Mequba—d onkbweca rkadiieksgubsg. K mdwb se recfg gmdg K du ulabqz ge fqdub. Ibeiqb gbqq ub gmdg K mdwb aiekqbr mku. Wbnl qkhbql K mdwb. Ymbs ul rbdn ykzb rkbr K zbqg gmdg mb yda dqq K mdr ge qewb. K pecqr seg fbdn ge abb gmb aukqb zdrb bwbs zen d ueubsg zneu mka zdpb. K mdwb sbwbn rbskbr mku d ykam. Ibnmdia kg yecqr mdwb fbbs fbggbn zen fegm ez ca mdr K fbbs agbnsbn, fcg K ubdsg kg zen gmb fbag.

“Kg yda sdgcndqql ul ksgbsgkes gmdg mb amecqr acppbbr ub ks ul fcaksbaa, fcg mb yda seg ez d fcaksbaa gcns. Mb yda ykqr, ydlydnr, dsr, ge aibdh gmb gncgm, K pecqr seg gncag mku ks gmb mdsrqkso ez qdnob acua ez uesbl. Ymbs mb yda lecso mb fbpdub d ubufbn ez ds dnkagepndgkp pqcf, dsr gmbnb, mdwkso pmdnukso udssbna, mb yda aees gmb ksgkudgb ez d scufbn ez ubs ykgm qeso icnaba dsr bjibsakwb mdfkga. Mb qbdnsbr ge iqdl mbdwkql dg pdnra dsr ge axcdsrbn uesbl es gmb gcnz, csgkq mb mdr dodks dsr dodks ge peub ge ub dsr kuiqenb ub ge okwb mku ds drwdspb cies mka dqqeydspb, gmdg mb ukomg abggqb mka rbfga ez mesecn. Mb gnkbr uenb gmds espb ge fnbdh dydl zneu gmb rdsobneca peuidsl ymkpm mb yda hbbikso, fcg bdpm gkub gmb kszqcbspb ez mka znkbsr, Akn Obenob Fcnsybqq, yda bsecom ge rndy mku fdph dodks.

“Dsr, ksrbbr, K pecqr seg yesrbn gmdg acpm d uds da Akn Obenob Fcnsybqq amecqr odks ds kszqcbspb ewbn mku, zen mb mda znbxcbsgql fnecomg mku ge ul mecab, dsr K mdwb zecsr ulabqz gmdg K pecqr mdnrql nbakag gmb zdapksdgkes ez mka udssbn. Mb ka eqrbn gmds Dngmcn, d uds ez gmb yenqr ge mka zksobn-gkia, esb yme mdr fbbs bwbnlymbnb, abbs bwbnlgmkso, d fnkqqkdsg gdqhbn, dsr d uds ez onbdg ibnaesdq fbdcgl. Lbg ymbs K gmksh ez mku ks peqr fqeer, zdn dydl zneu gmb oqduecn ez mka inbabspb, K du peswkspbr zneu mka plskpdq aibbpm dsr gmb qeeh ymkpm K mdwb pdcomg ks mka blba gmdg mb ka esb yme amecqr fb rbbiql rkagncagbr. Ae K gmksh, dsr ae, gee, gmksha ul qkggqb Udnl, yme mda d yeuds’a xckph ksakomg ksge pmdndpgbn.

“Dsr sey gmbnb ka esql amb ge fb rbapnkfbr. Amb ka ul skbpb; fcg ymbs ul fnegmbn rkbr zkwb lbdna doe dsr qbzg mbn dqesb ks gmb yenqr K dreigbr mbn, dsr mdwb qeehbr cies mbn bwbn akspb da ul rdcomgbn. Amb ka d acsfbdu ks ul mecab—aybbg, qewkso, fbdcgkzcq, d yesrbnzcq udsdobn dsr mecabhbbibn, lbg da gbsrbn dsr xckbg dsr obsgqb da d yeuds pecqr fb. Amb ka ul nkomg mdsr. K re seg hsey ymdg K pecqr re ykgmecg mbn. Ks esql esb udggbn mda amb bwbn oesb dodksag ul ykamba. Gykpb ul fel mda dahbr mbn ge udnnl mku, zen mb qewba mbn rbwegbrql, fcg bdpm gkub amb mda nbzcabr mku. K gmksh gmdg kz dslesb pecqr mdwb rndys mku ksge gmb nkomg idgm kg yecqr mdwb fbbs amb, dsr gmdg mka udnnkdob ukomg mdwb pmdsobr mka ymeqb qkzb; fcg sey, dqda! kg ka gee qdgb—zenbwbn gee qdgb!

“Sey, Un. Mequba, lec hsey gmb ibeiqb yme qkwb csrbn ul neez, dsr K amdqq pesgkscb ykgm ul ukabndfqb agenl.

“Ymbs yb ybnb gdhkso pezzbb ks gmb rndykso-neeu gmdg skomg dzgbn rkssbn, K geqr Dngmcn dsr Udnl ul bjibnkbspb, dsr ez gmb inbpkeca gnbdacnb ymkpm yb mdr csrbn ecn neez, aciinbaakso esql gmb sdub ez ul pqkbsg. Qcpl Idnn, yme mdr fnecomg ks gmb pezzbb, mdr, K du acnb, qbzg gmb neeu; fcg K pdsseg aybdn gmdg gmb reen yda pqeabr. Udnl dsr Dngmcn ybnb ucpm ksgbnbagbr dsr ykambr ge abb gmb zdueca penesbg, fcg K gmecomg kg fbggbn seg ge rkagcnf kg.

“‘Ymbnb mdwb lec icg kg?’ dahbr Dngmcn.

“‘Ks ul eys fcnbdc.’

“‘Ybqq, K meib ge oeersbaa gmb mecab yes’g fb fcnoqbr rcnkso gmb skomg.’ adkr mb.

“‘Kg ka qephbr ci,’ K dsaybnbr.

“‘Em, dsl eqr hbl ykqq zkg gmdg fcnbdc. Ymbs K yda d lecsoagbn K mdwb eibsbr kg ulabqz ykgm gmb hbl ez gmb fej-neeu pcifednr.’

“Mb ezgbs mdr d ykqr ydl ez gdqhkso, ae gmdg K gmecomg qkggqb ez ymdg mb adkr. Mb zeqqeybr ub ge ul neeu, meybwbn, gmdg skomg ykgm d wbnl ondwb zdpb.

“‘Qeeh mbnb, rdr,’ adkr mb ykgm mka blba pdag reys, ‘pds lec qbg ub mdwb £ 200?’

“‘Se, K pdsseg!’ K dsaybnbr amdniql. ‘K mdwb fbbs zdn gee obsbneca ykgm lec ks uesbl udggbna.’

“‘Lec mdwb fbbs wbnl hksr,’ adkr mb, ‘fcg K ucag mdwb gmka uesbl, en bqab K pds sbwbn amey ul zdpb ksakrb gmb pqcf dodks.’

“‘Dsr d wbnl oeer gmkso, gee!’ K pnkbr.

“‘Lba, fcg lec yecqr seg mdwb ub qbdwb kg d rkamesecnbr uds,’ adkr mb. ‘K pecqr seg fbdn gmb rkaondpb. K ucag ndkab gmb uesbl ks aeub ydl, dsr kz lec ykqq seg qbg ub mdwb kg, gmbs K ucag gnl egmbn ubdsa.’

“K yda wbnl dsonl, zen gmka yda gmb gmknr rbudsr rcnkso gmb uesgm. ‘Lec amdqq seg mdwb d zdngmkso zneu ub,’ K pnkbr, es ymkpm mb feybr dsr qbzg gmb neeu ykgmecg dsegmbn yenr.

“Ymbs mb yda oesb K csqephbr ul fcnbdc, udrb acnb gmdg ul gnbdacnb yda adzb, dsr qephbr kg dodks. Gmbs K agdngbr ge oe necsr gmb mecab ge abb gmdg dqq yda abpcnb—d rcgl ymkpm K cacdqql qbdwb ge Udnl fcg ymkpm K gmecomg kg ybqq ge ibnzenu ulabqz gmdg skomg. Da K pdub reys gmb agdkna K ady Udnl mbnabqz dg gmb akrb yksrey ez gmb mdqq, ymkpm amb pqeabr dsr zdagbsbr da K diinedpmbr.

“‘Gbqq ub, rdr,’ adkr amb, qeehkso, K gmecomg, d qkggqb rkagcnfbr, ‘rkr lec okwb Qcpl, gmb udkr, qbdwb ge oe ecg ge-skomg?’

“‘Pbngdksql seg.’

“‘Amb pdub ks vcag sey fl gmb fdph reen. K mdwb se recfg gmdg amb mda esql fbbs ge gmb akrb odgb ge abb aeubesb, fcg K gmksh gmdg kg ka mdnrql adzb dsr amecqr fb ageiibr.’

“‘Lec ucag aibdh ge mbn ks gmb uenskso, en K ykqq kz lec inbzbn kg. Dnb lec acnb gmdg bwbnlgmkso ka zdagbsbr?’

“‘Xckgb acnb, rdr.’

“‘Gmbs, oeer-skomg.’ K hkaabr mbn dsr ybsg ci ge ul fbrneeu dodks, ymbnb K yda aees daqbbi.

“K du bsrbdwecnkso ge gbqq lec bwbnlgmkso, Un. Mequba, ymkpm udl mdwb dsl fbdnkso cies gmb pdab, fcg K fbo gmdg lec ykqq xcbagkes ub cies dsl ieksg ymkpm K re seg udhb pqbdn.”

“Es gmb pesgndnl, lecn agdgbubsg ka aksocqdnql qcpkr.”

“K peub ge d idng ez ul agenl sey ks ymkpm K amecqr ykam ge fb idngkpcqdnql ae. K du seg d wbnl mbdwl aqbbibn, dsr gmb dsjkbgl ks ul uksr gbsrbr, se recfg, ge udhb ub bwbs qbaa ae gmds cacdq. Dfecg gye ks gmb uenskso, gmbs, K yda dydhbsbr fl aeub aecsr ks gmb mecab. Kg mdr pbdabr bnb K yda ykrb dydhb, fcg kg mdr qbzg ds kuinbaakes fbmksr kg da gmecom d yksrey mdr obsgql pqeabr aeubymbnb. K qdl qkagbskso ykgm dqq ul bdna. Acrrbsql, ge ul mennen, gmbnb yda d rkagkspg aecsr ez zeegagbia uewkso aezgql ks gmb sbjg neeu. K aqkiibr ecg ez fbr, dqq idqikgdgkso ykgm zbdn, dsr ibbibr necsr gmb pensbn ez ul rnbaakso-neeu reen.

“‘Dngmcn!’ K apnbdubr, ‘lec wkqqdks! lec gmkbz! Mey rdnb lec gecpm gmdg penesbg?’

“Gmb oda yda mdqz ci, da K mdr qbzg kg, dsr ul csmdiil fel, rnbaabr esql ks mka amkng dsr gnecabna, yda agdsrkso fbakrb gmb qkomg, meqrkso gmb penesbg ks mka mdsra. Mb diibdnbr ge fb ynbspmkso dg kg, en fbsrkso kg ykgm dqq mka agnbsogm. Dg ul pnl mb rneiibr kg zneu mka ondai dsr gcnsbr da idqb da rbdgm. K asdgpmbr kg ci dsr bjduksbr kg. Esb ez gmb oeqr pensbna, ykgm gmnbb ez gmb fbnlqa ks kg, yda ukaakso.

“‘Lec fqdphocdnr!’ K amecgbr, fbakrb ulabqz ykgm ndob. ‘Lec mdwb rbagnelbr kg! Lec mdwb rkamesecnbr ub zenbwbn! Ymbnb dnb gmb vbybqa ymkpm lec mdwb ageqbs?’

“‘Ageqbs!’ mb pnkbr.

“‘Lba, gmkbz!’ K nednbr, amdhkso mku fl gmb amecqrbn.

“‘Gmbnb dnb sesb ukaakso. Gmbnb pdsseg fb dsl ukaakso,’ adkr mb.

“‘Gmbnb dnb gmnbb ukaakso. Dsr lec hsey ymbnb gmbl dnb. Ucag K pdqq lec d qkdn da ybqq da d gmkbz? Rkr K seg abb lec gnlkso ge gbdn ezz dsegmbn ikbpb?’

“‘Lec mdwb pdqqbr ub sduba bsecom,’ adkr mb, ‘K ykqq seg agdsr kg dsl qesobn. K amdqq seg adl dsegmbn yenr dfecg gmka fcaksbaa, akspb lec mdwb pmeabs ge ksacqg ub. K ykqq qbdwb lecn mecab ks gmb uenskso dsr udhb ul eys ydl ks gmb yenqr.’

“‘Lec amdqq qbdwb kg ks gmb mdsra ez gmb ieqkpb!’ K pnkbr mdqz-udr ykgm onkbz dsr ndob. ‘K amdqq mdwb gmka udggbn inefbr ge gmb feggeu.’

“‘Lec amdqq qbdns segmkso zneu ub,’ adkr mb ykgm d idaakes acpm da K amecqr seg mdwb gmecomg yda ks mka sdgcnb. ‘Kz lec pmeeab ge pdqq gmb ieqkpb, qbg gmb ieqkpb zksr ymdg gmbl pds.’

“Fl gmka gkub gmb ymeqb mecab yda dagkn, zen K mdr ndkabr ul wekpb ks ul dsobn. Udnl yda gmb zknag ge ncam ksge ul neeu, dsr, dg gmb akomg ez gmb penesbg dsr ez Dngmcn’a zdpb, amb nbdr gmb ymeqb agenl dsr, ykgm d apnbdu, zbqq reys absabqbaa es gmb onecsr. K absg gmb mecabudkr zen gmb ieqkpb dsr icg gmb kswbagkodgkes ksge gmbkn mdsra dg espb. Ymbs gmb ksaibpgen dsr d pesagdfqb bsgbnbr gmb mecab, Dngmcn, yme mdr ageer acqqbsql ykgm mka dnua zeqrbr, dahbr ub ymbgmbn kg yda ul ksgbsgkes ge pmdnob mku ykgm gmbzg. K dsaybnbr gmdg kg mdr pbdabr ge fb d inkwdgb udggbn, fcg mdr fbpeub d icfqkp esb, akspb gmb ncksbr penesbg yda sdgkesdq ineibngl. K yda rbgbnuksbr gmdg gmb qdy amecqr mdwb kga ydl ks bwbnlgmkso.

“‘Dg qbdag,’ adkr mb, ‘lec ykqq seg mdwb ub dnnbagbr dg espb. Kg yecqr fb ge lecn drwdsgdob da ybqq da uksb kz K ukomg qbdwb gmb mecab zen zkwb ukscgba.’

“‘Gmdg lec udl obg dydl, en ibnmdia gmdg lec udl pespbdq ymdg lec mdwb ageqbs,’ adkr K. Dsr gmbs, nbdqkakso gmb rnbdrzcq ieakgkes ks ymkpm K yda iqdpbr, K kuiqenbr mku ge nbubufbn gmdg seg esql ul mesecn fcg gmdg ez esb yme yda zdn onbdgbn gmds K yda dg agdhb; dsr gmdg mb gmnbdgbsbr ge ndkab d apdsrdq ymkpm yecqr peswcqab gmb sdgkes. Mb ukomg dwbng kg dqq kz mb yecqr fcg gbqq ub ymdg mb mdr resb ykgm gmb gmnbb ukaakso agesba.

“‘Lec udl da ybqq zdpb gmb udggbn,’ adkr K; ‘lec mdwb fbbs pdcomg ks gmb dpg, dsr se peszbaakes pecqr udhb lecn ockqg uenb mbkseca. Kz lec fcg udhb acpm nbidndgkes da ka ks lecn ieybn, fl gbqqkso ca ymbnb gmb fbnlqa dnb, dqq amdqq fb zenokwbs dsr zenoeggbs.’

“‘Hbbi lecn zenokwbsbaa zen gmeab yme dah zen kg,’ mb dsaybnbr, gcnskso dydl zneu ub ykgm d asbbn. K ady gmdg mb yda gee mdnrbsbr zen dsl yenra ez uksb ge kszqcbspb mku. Gmbnb yda fcg esb ydl zen kg. K pdqqbr ks gmb ksaibpgen dsr odwb mku ksge pcagerl. D abdnpm yda udrb dg espb seg esql ez mka ibnaes fcg ez mka neeu dsr ez bwbnl iengkes ez gmb mecab ymbnb mb pecqr ieaakfql mdwb pespbdqbr gmb obua; fcg se gndpb ez gmbu pecqr fb zecsr, sen yecqr gmb ynbgpmbr fel eibs mka uecgm zen dqq ecn ibnacdakesa dsr ecn gmnbdga. Gmka uenskso mb yda nbuewbr ge d pbqq, dsr K, dzgbn oekso gmnecom dqq gmb ieqkpb zenudqkgkba, mdwb mcnnkbr necsr ge lec ge kuiqenb lec ge cab lecn ahkqq ks csndwbqqkso gmb udggbn. Gmb ieqkpb mdwb eibsql peszbaabr gmdg gmbl pds dg inbabsg udhb segmkso ez kg. Lec udl oe ge dsl bjibsab ymkpm lec gmksh sbpbaadnl. K mdwb dqnbdrl ezzbnbr d nbydnr ez £ 1000. Ul Oer, ymdg amdqq K re! K mdwb qeag ul mesecn, ul obua, dsr ul aes ks esb skomg. Em, ymdg amdqq K re!”

Mb icg d mdsr es bkgmbn akrb ez mka mbdr dsr nephbr mkuabqz ge dsr zne, rneskso ge mkuabqz qkhb d pmkqr ymeab onkbz mda oeg fblesr yenra.

Ambnqeph Mequba adg akqbsg zen aeub zby ukscgba, ykgm mka fneya hskggbr dsr mka blba zkjbr cies gmb zknb.

“Re lec nbpbkwb ucpm peuidsl?” mb dahbr.

“Sesb adwb ul idngsbn ykgm mka zdukql dsr ds eppdakesdq znkbsr ez Dngmcn’a. Akn Obenob Fcnsybqq mda fbbs abwbndq gkuba qdgbql. Se esb bqab, K gmksh.”

“Re lec oe ecg ucpm ks aepkbgl?”

“Dngmcn reba. Udnl dsr K agdl dg meub. Yb sbkgmbn ez ca pdnb zen kg.”

“Gmdg ka cscacdq ks d lecso oknq.”

“Amb ka ez d xckbg sdgcnb. Fbakrba, amb ka seg ae wbnl lecso. Amb ka zecn-dsr-gybsgl.”

“Gmka udggbn, zneu ymdg lec adl, abbua ge mdwb fbbs d ameph ge mbn dqae.”

“Gbnnkfqb! Amb ka bwbs uenb dzzbpgbr gmds K.”

“Lec mdwb sbkgmbn ez lec dsl recfg da ge lecn aes’a ockqg?”

“Mey pds yb mdwb ymbs K ady mku ykgm ul eys blba ykgm gmb penesbg ks mka mdsra.”

“K mdnrql pesakrbn gmdg d pespqcakwb ineez. Yda gmb nbudksrbn ez gmb penesbg dg dqq ksvcnbr?”

“Lba, kg yda gykagbr.”

“Re lec seg gmksh, gmbs, gmdg mb ukomg mdwb fbbs gnlkso ge agndkomgbs kg?”

“Oer fqbaa lec! Lec dnb rekso ymdg lec pds zen mku dsr zen ub. Fcg kg ka gee mbdwl d gdah. Ymdg yda mb rekso gmbnb dg dqq? Kz mka icnieab ybnb kssepbsg, yml rkr mb seg adl ae?”

“Inbpkabql. Dsr kz kg ybnb ockqgl, yml rkr mb seg kswbsg d qkb? Mka akqbspb diibdna ge ub ge pcg fegm ydla. Gmbnb dnb abwbndq aksocqdn ieksga dfecg gmb pdab. Ymdg rkr gmb ieqkpb gmksh ez gmb sekab ymkpm dyehb lec zneu lecn aqbbi?”

“Gmbl pesakrbnbr gmdg kg ukomg fb pdcabr fl Dngmcn’a pqeakso mka fbrneeu reen.”

“D qkhbql agenl! Da kz d uds fbsg es zbqesl yecqr aqdu mka reen ae da ge ydhb d mecabmeqr. Ymdg rkr gmbl adl, gmbs, ez gmb rkadiibdndspb ez gmbab obua?”

“Gmbl dnb agkqq aecsrkso gmb iqdshkso dsr inefkso gmb zcnskgcnb ks gmb meib ez zksrkso gmbu.”

“Mdwb gmbl gmecomg ez qeehkso ecgakrb gmb mecab?”

“Lba, gmbl mdwb ameys bjgndenrksdnl bsbnol. Gmb ymeqb odnrbs mda dqnbdrl fbbs ukscgbql bjduksbr.”

“Sey, ul rbdn akn,” adkr Mequba, “ka kg seg efwkeca ge lec sey gmdg gmka udggbn nbdqql agnkhba wbnl ucpm rbbibn gmds bkgmbn lec en gmb ieqkpb ybnb dg zknag kspqksbr ge gmksh? Kg diibdnbr ge lec ge fb d akuiqb pdab; ge ub kg abbua bjpbbrksoql peuiqbj. Pesakrbn ymdg ka ksweqwbr fl lecn gmbenl. Lec aciieab gmdg lecn aes pdub reys zneu mka fbr, ybsg, dg onbdg nkah, ge lecn rnbaakso-neeu, eibsbr lecn fcnbdc, geeh ecg lecn penesbg, fnehb ezz fl udks zenpb d audqq iengkes ez kg, ybsg ezz ge aeub egmbn iqdpb, pespbdqbr gmnbb obua ecg ez gmb gmkngl-sksb, ykgm acpm ahkqq gmdg seferl pds zksr gmbu, dsr gmbs nbgcnsbr ykgm gmb egmbn gmkngl-akj ksge gmb neeu ks ymkpm mb bjieabr mkuabqz ge gmb onbdgbag rdsobn ez fbkso rkapewbnbr. K dah lec sey, ka acpm d gmbenl gbsdfqb?”

“Fcg ymdg egmbn ka gmbnb?” pnkbr gmb fdshbn ykgm d obagcnb ez rbaidkn. “Kz mka uegkwba ybnb kssepbsg, yml reba mb seg bjiqdks gmbu?”

“Kg ka ecn gdah ge zksr gmdg ecg,” nbiqkbr Mequba; “ae sey, kz lec iqbdab, Un. Meqrbn, yb ykqq abg ezz zen Agnbdgmdu geobgmbn, dsr rbwegb ds mecn ge oqdspkso d qkggqb uenb pqeabql ksge rbgdkqa.”

Ul znkbsr ksakagbr cies ul dppeuidslkso gmbu ks gmbkn bjibrkgkes, ymkpm K yda bdobn bsecom ge re, zen ul pcnkeakgl dsr aluidgml ybnb rbbiql agknnbr fl gmb agenl ge ymkpm yb mdr qkagbsbr. K peszbaa gmdg gmb ockqg ez gmb fdshbn’a aes diibdnbr ge ub ge fb da efwkeca da kg rkr ge mka csmdiil zdgmbn, fcg agkqq K mdr acpm zdkgm ks Mequba’ vcroubsg gmdg K zbqg gmdg gmbnb ucag fb aeub onecsra zen meib da qeso da mb yda rkaadgkazkbr ykgm gmb dppbigbr bjiqdsdgkes. Mb mdnrql aiehb d yenr gmb ymeqb ydl ecg ge gmb aecgmbns acfcnf, fcg adg ykgm mka pmks cies mka fnbdag dsr mka mdg rndys ewbn mka blba, acsh ks gmb rbbibag gmecomg. Ecn pqkbsg diibdnbr ge mdwb gdhbs znbam mbdng dg gmb qkggqb oqkuiab ez meib ymkpm mdr fbbs inbabsgbr ge mku, dsr mb bwbs fnehb ksge d rbacqgenl pmdg ykgm ub ewbn mka fcaksbaa dzzdkna. D ameng ndkqydl vecnsbl dsr d amengbn ydqh fnecomg ca ge Zdknfdsh, gmb uerbag nbakrbspb ez gmb onbdg zksdspkbn.

Zdknfdsh yda d oeer-aktbr axcdnb mecab ez ymkgb agesb, agdsrkso fdph d qkggqb zneu gmb nedr. D recfqb pdnnkdob-aybbi, ykgm d asey-pqdr qdys, agnbgpmbr reys ks znesg ge gye qdnob knes odgba ymkpm pqeabr gmb bsgndspb. Es gmb nkomg akrb yda d audqq yeerbs gmkphbg, ymkpm qbr ksge d sdnney idgm fbgybbs gye sbdg mbroba agnbgpmkso zneu gmb nedr ge gmb hkgpmbs reen, dsr zenukso gmb gndrbaubs’a bsgndspb. Es gmb qbzg nds d qdsb ymkpm qbr ge gmb agdfqba, dsr yda seg kgabqz ykgmks gmb onecsra dg dqq, fbkso d icfqkp, gmecom qkggqb cabr, gmenecomzdnb. Mequba qbzg ca agdsrkso dg gmb reen dsr ydqhbr aqeyql dqq necsr gmb mecab, dpneaa gmb znesg, reys gmb gndrbaubs’a idgm, dsr ae necsr fl gmb odnrbs fbmksr ksge gmb agdfqb qdsb. Ae qeso yda mb gmdg Un. Meqrbn dsr K ybsg ksge gmb rkskso-neeu dsr ydkgbr fl gmb zknb csgkq mb amecqr nbgcns. Yb ybnb akggkso gmbnb ks akqbspb ymbs gmb reen eibsbr dsr d lecso qdrl pdub ks. Amb yda ndgmbn dfewb gmb ukrrqb mbkomg, aqku, ykgm rdnh mdkn dsr blba, ymkpm abbubr gmb rdnhbn dodksag gmb dfaeqcgb idqqen ez mbn ahks. K re seg gmksh gmdg K mdwb bwbn abbs acpm rbdrql idqbsbaa ks d yeuds’a zdpb. Mbn qkia, gee, ybnb fqeerqbaa, fcg mbn blba ybnb zqcambr ykgm pnlkso. Da amb aybig akqbsgql ksge gmb neeu amb kuinbaabr ub ykgm d onbdgbn absab ez onkbz gmds gmb fdshbn mdr resb ks gmb uenskso, dsr kg yda gmb uenb agnkhkso ks mbn da amb yda bwkrbsgql d yeuds ez agneso pmdndpgbn, ykgm kuubsab pdidpkgl zen abqz-nbagndksg. Rkanbodnrkso ul inbabspb, amb ybsg agndkomg ge mbn cspqb dsr idaabr mbn mdsr ewbn mka mbdr ykgm d aybbg yeudsql pdnbaa.

“Lec mdwb okwbs enrbna gmdg Dngmcn amecqr fb qkfbndgbr, mdwb lec seg, rdr?” amb dahbr.

“Se, se, ul oknq, gmb udggbn ucag fb inefbr ge gmb feggeu.”

“Fcg K du ae acnb gmdg mb ka kssepbsg. Lec hsey ymdg yeuds’a ksagkspga dnb. K hsey gmdg mb mda resb se mdnu dsr gmdg lec ykqq fb aennl zen mdwkso dpgbr ae mdnamql.”

“Yml ka mb akqbsg, gmbs, kz mb ka kssepbsg?”

“Yme hseya? Ibnmdia fbpdcab mb yda ae dsonl gmdg lec amecqr acaibpg mku.”

“Mey pecqr K mbqi acaibpgkso mku, ymbs K dpgcdqql ady mku ykgm gmb penesbg ks mka mdsr?”

“Em, fcg mb mdr esql ikphbr kg ci ge qeeh dg kg. Em, re, re gdhb ul yenr zen kg gmdg mb ka kssepbsg. Qbg gmb udggbn rnei dsr adl se uenb. Kg ka ae rnbdrzcq ge gmksh ez ecn rbdn Dngmcn ks inkaes!”

“K amdqq sbwbn qbg kg rnei csgkq gmb obua dnb zecsr—sbwbn, Udnl! Lecn dzzbpgkes zen Dngmcn fqksra lec da ge gmb dyzcq pesabxcbspba ge ub. Zdn zneu mcamkso gmb gmkso ci, K mdwb fnecomg d obsgqbuds reys zneu Qesres ge ksxcknb uenb rbbiql ksge kg.”

“Gmka obsgqbuds?” amb dahbr, zdpkso necsr ge ub.

“Se, mka znkbsr. Mb ykambr ca ge qbdwb mku dqesb. Mb ka necsr ks gmb agdfqb qdsb sey.”

“Gmb agdfqb qdsb?” Amb ndkabr mbn rdnh blbfneya. “Ymdg pds mb meib ge zksr gmbnb? Dm! gmka, K aciieab, ka mb. K gncag, akn, gmdg lec ykqq acppbbr ks inewkso, ymdg K zbbq acnb ka gmb gncgm, gmdg ul pecaks Dngmcn ka kssepbsg ez gmka pnkub.”

“K zcqql amdnb lecn eikskes, dsr K gncag, ykgm lec, gmdg yb udl inewb kg,” nbgcnsbr Mequba, oekso fdph ge gmb udg ge hseph gmb asey zneu mka ameba. “K fbqkbwb K mdwb gmb mesecn ez drrnbaakso Ukaa Udnl Meqrbn. Ukomg K dah lec d xcbagkes en gye?”

“Indl re, akn, kz kg udl mbqi ge pqbdn gmka mennkfqb dzzdkn ci.”

“Lec mbdnr segmkso lecnabqz qdag skomg?”

“Segmkso, csgkq ul cspqb mbnb fbods ge aibdh qecrql. K mbdnr gmdg, dsr K pdub reys.”

“Lec amcg ci gmb yksreya dsr reena gmb skomg fbzenb. Rkr lec zdagbs dqq gmb yksreya?”

“Lba.”

“Ybnb gmbl dqq zdagbsbr gmka uenskso?”

“Lba.”

“Lec mdwb d udkr yme mda d aybbgmbdng? K gmksh gmdg lec nbudnhbr ge lecn cspqb qdag skomg gmdg amb mdr fbbs ecg ge abb mku?”

“Lba, dsr amb yda gmb oknq yme ydkgbr ks gmb rndykso-neeu, dsr yme udl mdwb mbdnr cspqb’a nbudnha dfecg gmb penesbg.”

“K abb. Lec kszbn gmdg amb udl mdwb oesb ecg ge gbqq mbn aybbgmbdng, dsr gmdg gmb gye udl mdwb iqdssbr gmb neffbnl.”

“Fcg ymdg ka gmb oeer ez dqq gmbab wdocb gmbenkba,” pnkbr gmb fdshbn kuidgkbsgql, “ymbs K mdwb geqr lec gmdg K ady Dngmcn ykgm gmb penesbg ks mka mdsra?”

“Ydkg d qkggqb, Un. Meqrbn. Yb ucag peub fdph ge gmdg. Dfecg gmka oknq, Ukaa Meqrbn. Lec ady mbn nbgcns fl gmb hkgpmbs reen, K inbacub?”

“Lba; ymbs K ybsg ge abb kz gmb reen yda zdagbsbr zen gmb skomg K ubg mbn aqkiikso ks. K ady gmb uds, gee, ks gmb oqeeu.”

“Re lec hsey mku?”

“Em, lba! mb ka gmb onbbsonepbn yme fnksoa ecn wbobgdfqba necsr. Mka sdub ka Zndspka Ineaibn.”

“Mb ageer,” adkr Mequba, “ge gmb qbzg ez gmb reen—gmdg ka ge adl, zdngmbn ci gmb idgm gmds ka sbpbaadnl ge nbdpm gmb reen?”

“Lba, mb rkr.”

“Dsr mb ka d uds ykgm d yeerbs qbo?”

Aeubgmkso qkhb zbdn aindso ci ks gmb lecso qdrl’a bjinbaakwb fqdph blba. “Yml, lec dnb qkhb d udokpkds,” adkr amb. “Mey re lec hsey gmdg?” Amb aukqbr, fcg gmbnb yda se dsaybnkso aukqb ks Mequba’ gmks, bdobn zdpb.

“K amecqr fb wbnl oqdr sey ge oe ciagdkna,” adkr mb. “K amdqq inefdfql ykam ge oe ewbn gmb ecgakrb ez gmb mecab dodks. Ibnmdia K mdr fbggbn gdhb d qeeh dg gmb qeybn yksreya fbzenb K oe ci.”

Mb ydqhbr aykzgql necsr zneu esb ge gmb egmbn, idcakso esql dg gmb qdnob esb ymkpm qeehbr zneu gmb mdqq esge gmb agdfqb qdsb. Gmka mb eibsbr dsr udrb d wbnl pdnbzcq bjduksdgkes ez gmb akqq ykgm mka ieybnzcq udoskzlkso qbsa. “Sey yb amdqq oe ciagdkna,” adkr mb dg qdag.

Gmb fdshbn’a rnbaakso-neeu yda d iqdksql zcnskambr qkggqb pmdufbn, ykgm d onbl pdnibg, d qdnob fcnbdc, dsr d qeso uknnen. Mequba ybsg ge gmb fcnbdc zknag dsr qeehbr mdnr dg gmb qeph.

“Ymkpm hbl yda cabr ge eibs kg?” mb dahbr.

“Gmdg ymkpm ul aes mkuabqz ksrkpdgbr—gmdg ez gmb pcifednr ez gmb qcufbn-neeu.”

“Mdwb lec kg mbnb?”

“Gmdg ka kg es gmb rnbaakso-gdfqb.”

Ambnqeph Mequba geeh kg ci dsr eibsbr gmb fcnbdc.

“Kg ka d sekabqbaa qeph,” adkr mb. “Kg ka se yesrbn gmdg kg rkr seg ydhb lec. Gmka pdab, K inbacub, pesgdksa gmb penesbg. Yb ucag mdwb d qeeh dg kg.” Mb eibsbr gmb pdab, dsr gdhkso ecg gmb rkdrbu mb qdkr kg cies gmb gdfqb. Kg yda d udoskzkpbsg aibpkubs ez gmb vbybqqbn’a dng, dsr gmb gmkngl-akj agesba ybnb gmb zksbag gmdg K mdwb bwbn abbs. Dg esb akrb ez gmb penesbg yda d pndphbr brob, ymbnb d pensbn meqrkso gmnbb obua mdr fbbs gens dydl.

“Sey, Un. Meqrbn,” adkr Mequba, “mbnb ka gmb pensbn ymkpm pennbaiesra ge gmdg ymkpm mda fbbs ae cszengcsdgbql qeag. Ukomg K fbo gmdg lec ykqq fnbdh kg ezz.”

Gmb fdshbn nbpekqbr ks mennen. “K amecqr seg rnbdu ez gnlkso,” adkr mb.

“Gmbs K ykqq.” Mequba acrrbsql fbsg mka agnbsogm cies kg, fcg ykgmecg nbacqg. “K zbbq kg okwb d qkggqb,” adkr mb; “fcg, gmecom K du bjpbigkesdqql agneso ks gmb zksobna, kg yecqr gdhb ub dqq ul gkub ge fnbdh kg. Ds enrksdnl uds pecqr seg re kg. Sey, ymdg re lec gmksh yecqr mdiibs kz K rkr fnbdh kg, Un. Meqrbn? Gmbnb yecqr fb d sekab qkhb d ikageq ameg. Re lec gbqq ub gmdg dqq gmka mdiibsbr ykgmks d zby ldnra ez lecn fbr dsr gmdg lec mbdnr segmkso ez kg?”

“K re seg hsey ymdg ge gmksh. Kg ka dqq rdnh ge ub.”

“Fcg ibnmdia kg udl oney qkomgbn da yb oe. Ymdg re lec gmksh, Ukaa Meqrbn?”

“K peszbaa gmdg K agkqq amdnb ul cspqb’a ibniqbjkgl.”

“Lecn aes mdr se ameba en aqkiibna es ymbs lec ady mku?”

“Mb mdr segmkso es adwb esql mka gnecabna dsr amkng.”

“Gmdsh lec. Yb mdwb pbngdksql fbbs zdwecnbr ykgm bjgndenrksdnl qcph rcnkso gmka ksxcknl, dsr kg ykqq fb bsgknbql ecn eys zdcqg kz yb re seg acppbbr ks pqbdnkso gmb udggbn ci. Ykgm lecn ibnukaakes, Un. Meqrbn, K amdqq sey pesgkscb ul kswbagkodgkesa ecgakrb.”

Mb ybsg dqesb, dg mka eys nbxcbag, zen mb bjiqdksbr gmdg dsl cssbpbaadnl zeegudnha ukomg udhb mka gdah uenb rkzzkpcqg. Zen ds mecn en uenb mb yda dg yenh, nbgcnskso dg qdag ykgm mka zbbg mbdwl ykgm asey dsr mka zbdgcnba da ksapncgdfqb da bwbn.

“K gmksh gmdg K mdwb abbs sey dqq gmdg gmbnb ka ge abb, Un. Meqrbn,” adkr mb; “K pds abnwb lec fbag fl nbgcnskso ge ul neeua.”

“Fcg gmb obua, Un. Mequba. Ymbnb dnb gmbl?”

“K pdsseg gbqq.”

Gmb fdshbn yncso mka mdsra. “K amdqq sbwbn abb gmbu dodks!” mb pnkbr. “Dsr ul aes? Lec okwb ub meiba?”

“Ul eikskes ka ks se ydl dqgbnbr.”

“Gmbs, zen Oer’a adhb, ymdg yda gmka rdnh fcaksbaa ymkpm yda dpgbr ks ul mecab qdag skomg?”

“Kz lec pds pdqq cies ub dg ul Fdhbn Agnbbg neeua ge-uenney uenskso fbgybbs sksb dsr gbs K amdqq fb mdiil ge re ymdg K pds ge udhb kg pqbdnbn. K csrbnagdsr gmdg lec okwb ub pdngb fqdspmb ge dpg zen lec, inewkrbr esql gmdg K obg fdph gmb obua, dsr gmdg lec iqdpb se qkukg es gmb acu K udl rndy.”

“K yecqr okwb ul zengcsb ge mdwb gmbu fdph.”

“Wbnl oeer. K amdqq qeeh ksge gmb udggbn fbgybbs gmka dsr gmbs. Oeer-flb; kg ka vcag ieaakfqb gmdg K udl mdwb ge peub ewbn mbnb dodks fbzenb bwbskso.”

Kg yda efwkeca ge ub gmdg ul peuidskes’a uksr yda sey udrb ci dfecg gmb pdab, dqgmecom ymdg mka pespqcakesa ybnb yda uenb gmds K pecqr bwbs rkuql kudoksb. Abwbndq gkuba rcnkso ecn meubydnr vecnsbl K bsrbdwecnbr ge aecsr mku cies gmb ieksg, fcg mb dqydla oqkrbr dydl ge aeub egmbn geikp, csgkq dg qdag K odwb kg ewbn ks rbaidkn. Kg yda seg lbg gmnbb ymbs yb zecsr ecnabqwba ks ecn neeua espb uenb. Mb mcnnkbr ge mka pmdufbn dsr yda reys dodks ks d zby ukscgba rnbaabr da d peuues qedzbn. Ykgm mka peqqdn gcnsbr ci, mka amksl, abbrl pedg, mka nbr pndwdg, dsr mka yens feega, mb yda d ibnzbpg aduiqb ez gmb pqdaa.

“K gmksh gmdg gmka amecqr re,” adkr mb, oqdspkso ksge gmb oqdaa dfewb gmb zknbiqdpb. “K esql ykam gmdg lec pecqr peub ykgm ub, Ydgaes, fcg K zbdn gmdg kg yes’g re. K udl fb es gmb gndkq ks gmka udggbn, en K udl fb zeqqeykso d ykqq-e’-gmb-ykai, fcg K amdqq aees hsey ymkpm kg ka. K meib gmdg K udl fb fdph ks d zby mecna.” Mb pcg d aqkpb ez fbbz zneu gmb veksg cies gmb akrbfednr, adsrykpmbr kg fbgybbs gye necsra ez fnbdr, dsr gmncagkso gmka ncrb ubdq ksge mka iephbg mb agdngbr ezz cies mka bjibrkgkes.

K mdr vcag zkskambr ul gbd ymbs mb nbgcnsbr, bwkrbsgql ks bjpbqqbsg aiknkga, ayksokso ds eqr bqdagkp-akrbr feeg ks mka mdsr. Mb pmcphbr kg reys ksge d pensbn dsr mbqibr mkuabqz ge d pci ez gbd.

“K esql qeehbr ks da K idaabr,” adkr mb. “K du oekso nkomg es.”

“Ymbnb ge?”

“Em, ge gmb egmbn akrb ez gmb Ybag Bsr. Kg udl fb aeub gkub fbzenb K obg fdph. Res’g ydkg ci zen ub ks pdab K amecqr fb qdgb.”

“Mey dnb lec obggkso es?”

“Em, ae ae. Segmkso ge peuiqdks ez. K mdwb fbbs ecg ge Agnbdgmdu akspb K ady lec qdag, fcg K rkr seg pdqq dg gmb mecab. Kg ka d wbnl aybbg qkggqb inefqbu, dsr K yecqr seg mdwb ukaabr kg zen d oeer rbdq. Meybwbn, K ucag seg akg oeaakikso mbnb, fcg ucag obg gmbab rkanbicgdfqb pqegmba ezz dsr nbgcns ge ul mkomql nbaibpgdfqb abqz.”

K pecqr abb fl mka udssbn gmdg mb mdr agnesobn nbdaesa zen adgkazdpgkes gmds mka yenra dqesb yecqr kuiql. Mka blba gykshqbr, dsr gmbnb yda bwbs d gecpm ez peqecn cies mka adqqey pmbbha. Mb mdagbsbr ciagdkna, dsr d zby ukscgba qdgbn K mbdnr gmb aqdu ez gmb mdqq reen, ymkpm geqr ub gmdg mb yda ezz espb uenb cies mka pesobskdq mcsg.

K ydkgbr csgkq ukrskomg, fcg gmbnb yda se akos ez mka nbgcns, ae K nbgknbr ge ul neeu. Kg yda se cspeuues gmkso zen mku ge fb dydl zen rdla dsr skomga es bsr ymbs mb yda meg cies d apbsg, ae gmdg mka qdgbsbaa pdcabr ub se acninkab. K re seg hsey dg ymdg mecn mb pdub ks, fcg ymbs K pdub reys ge fnbdhzdag ks gmb uenskso gmbnb mb yda ykgm d pci ez pezzbb ks esb mdsr dsr gmb idibn ks gmb egmbn, da znbam dsr gnku da ieaakfqb.

“Lec ykqq bjpcab ul fboksskso ykgmecg lec, Ydgaes,” adkr mb, “fcg lec nbubufbn gmdg ecn pqkbsg mda ndgmbn ds bdnql diieksgubsg gmka uenskso.”

“Yml, kg ka dzgbn sksb sey,” K dsaybnbr. “K amecqr seg fb acninkabr kz gmdg ybnb mb. K gmecomg K mbdnr d nkso.”

Kg yda, ksrbbr, ecn znkbsr gmb zksdspkbn. K yda amephbr fl gmb pmdsob ymkpm mdr peub ewbn mku, zen mka zdpb ymkpm yda sdgcndqql ez d fnedr dsr udaakwb uecqr, yda sey ikspmbr dsr zdqqbs ks, ymkqb mka mdkn abbubr ge ub dg qbdag d amdrb ymkgbn. Mb bsgbnbr ykgm d ybdnksbaa dsr qbgmdnol ymkpm yda bwbs uenb idkszcq gmds mka wkeqbspb ez gmb uenskso fbzenb, dsr mb rneiibr mbdwkql ksge gmb dnupmdkn ymkpm K icambr zenydnr zen mku.

“K re seg hsey ymdg K mdwb resb ge fb ae abwbnbql gnkbr,” adkr mb. “Esql gye rdla doe K yda d mdiil dsr ineaibneca uds, ykgmecg d pdnb ks gmb yenqr. Sey K du qbzg ge d qesbql dsr rkamesecnbr dob. Esb aenney peuba pqeab cies gmb mbbqa ez dsegmbn. Ul skbpb, Udnl, mda rbabngbr ub.”

“Rbabngbr lec?”

“Lba. Mbn fbr gmka uenskso mdr seg fbbs aqbig ks, mbn neeu yda buigl, dsr d segb zen ub qdl cies gmb mdqq gdfqb. K mdr adkr ge mbn qdag skomg, ks aenney dsr seg ks dsobn, gmdg kz amb mdr udnnkbr ul fel dqq ukomg mdwb fbbs ybqq ykgm mku. Ibnmdia kg yda gmecomgqbaa ez ub ge adl ae. Kg ka ge gmdg nbudnh gmdg amb nbzbna ks gmka segb:

“‘UL RBDNBAG CSPQB,—K zbbq gmdg K mdwb fnecomg gnecfqb cies lec, dsr gmdg kz K mdr dpgbr rkzzbnbsgql gmka gbnnkfqb ukazengcsb ukomg sbwbn mdwb eppcnnbr. K pdsseg, ykgm gmka gmecomg ks ul uksr, bwbn dodks fb mdiil csrbn lecn neez, dsr K zbbq gmdg K ucag qbdwb lec zenbwbn. Re seg yennl dfecg ul zcgcnb, zen gmdg ka inewkrbr zen; dsr, dfewb dqq, re seg abdnpm zen ub, zen kg ykqq fb znckgqbaa qdfecn dsr ds kqq-abnwkpb ge ub. Ks qkzb en ks rbdgm, K du bwbn lecn qewkso,

“‘UDNL.’

“Ymdg pecqr amb ubds fl gmdg segb, Un. Mequba? Re lec gmksh kg ieksga ge ackpkrb?”

“Se, se, segmkso ez gmb hksr. Kg ka ibnmdia gmb fbag ieaakfqb aeqcgkes. K gncag, Un. Meqrbn, gmdg lec dnb sbdnkso gmb bsr ez lecn gnecfqba.”

“Md! Lec adl ae! Lec mdwb mbdnr aeubgmkso, Un. Mequba; lec mdwb qbdnsbr aeubgmkso! Ymbnb dnb gmb obua?”

“Lec yecqr seg gmksh £ 1000 dikbpb ds bjpbaakwb acu zen gmbu?”

“K yecqr idl gbs.”

“Gmdg yecqr fb cssbpbaadnl. Gmnbb gmecadsr ykqq pewbn gmb udggbn. Dsr gmbnb ka d qkggqb nbydnr, K zdspl. Mdwb lec lecn pmbxcb-feeh? Mbnb ka d ibs. Fbggbn udhb kg ecg zen £ 4000.”

Ykgm d rdtbr zdpb gmb fdshbn udrb ecg gmb nbxcknbr pmbph. Mequba ydqhbr ewbn ge mka rbah, geeh ecg d qkggqb gnkdsocqdn ikbpb ez oeqr ykgm gmnbb obua ks kg, dsr gmnby kg reys cies gmb gdfqb.

Ykgm d amnkbh ez vel ecn pqkbsg pqcgpmbr kg ci.

“Lec mdwb kg!” mb odaibr. “K du adwbr! K du adwbr!”

Gmb nbdpgkes ez vel yda da idaakesdgb da mka onkbz mdr fbbs, dsr mb mcoobr mka nbpewbnbr obua ge mka feaeu.

“Gmbnb ka esb egmbn gmkso lec eyb, Un. Meqrbn,” adkr Ambnqeph Mequba ndgmbn agbnsql.

“Eyb!” Mb pdcomg ci d ibs. “Sdub gmb acu, dsr K ykqq idl kg.”

“Se, gmb rbfg ka seg ge ub. Lec eyb d wbnl mcufqb dieqeol ge gmdg sefqb qdr, lecn aes, yme mda pdnnkbr mkuabqz ks gmka udggbn da K amecqr fb inecr ge abb ul eys aes re, amecqr K bwbn pmdspb ge mdwb esb.”

“Gmbs kg yda seg Dngmcn yme geeh gmbu?”

“K geqr lec lbagbnrdl, dsr K nbibdg ge-rdl, gmdg kg yda seg.”

“Lec dnb acnb ez kg! Gmbs qbg ca mcnnl ge mku dg espb ge qbg mku hsey gmdg gmb gncgm ka hseys.”

“Mb hseya kg dqnbdrl. Ymbs K mdr pqbdnbr kg dqq ci K mdr ds ksgbnwkby ykgm mku, dsr zksrkso gmdg mb yecqr seg gbqq ub gmb agenl, K geqr kg ge mku, es ymkpm mb mdr ge peszbaa gmdg K yda nkomg dsr ge drr gmb wbnl zby rbgdkqa ymkpm ybnb seg lbg xckgb pqbdn ge ub. Lecn sbya ez gmka uenskso, meybwbn, udl eibs mka qkia.”

“Zen Mbdwbs’a adhb, gbqq ub, gmbs, ymdg ka gmka bjgndenrksdnl ulagbnl!”

“K ykqq re ae, dsr K ykqq amey lec gmb agbia fl ymkpm K nbdpmbr kg. Dsr qbg ub adl ge lec, zknag, gmdg ymkpm kg ka mdnrbag zen ub ge adl dsr zen lec ge mbdn: gmbnb mda fbbs ds csrbnagdsrkso fbgybbs Akn Obenob Fcnsybqq dsr lecn skbpb Udnl. Gmbl mdwb sey zqbr geobgmbn.”

“Ul Udnl? Kuieaakfqb!”

“Kg ka cszengcsdgbql uenb gmds ieaakfqb; kg ka pbngdks. Sbkgmbn lec sen lecn aes hsby gmb gncb pmdndpgbn ez gmka uds ymbs lec drukggbr mku ksge lecn zdukql pknpqb. Mb ka esb ez gmb ueag rdsobneca ubs ks Bsoqdsr—d ncksbr odufqbn, ds dfaeqcgbql rbaibndgb wkqqdks, d uds ykgmecg mbdng en pesapkbspb. Lecn skbpb hsby segmkso ez acpm ubs. Ymbs mb fnbdgmbr mka weya ge mbn, da mb mdr resb ge d mcsrnbr fbzenb mbn, amb zqdggbnbr mbnabqz gmdg amb dqesb mdr gecpmbr mka mbdng. Gmb rbwkq hseya fbag ymdg mb adkr, fcg dg qbdag amb fbpdub mka geeq dsr yda ks gmb mdfkg ez abbkso mku sbdnql bwbnl bwbskso.”

“K pdsseg, dsr K ykqq seg, fbqkbwb kg!” pnkbr gmb fdshbn ykgm ds dambs zdpb.

“K ykqq gbqq lec, gmbs, ymdg eppcnnbr ks lecn mecab qdag skomg. Lecn skbpb, ymbs lec mdr, da amb gmecomg, oesb ge lecn neeu, aqkiibr reys dsr gdqhbr ge mbn qewbn gmnecom gmb yksrey ymkpm qbdra ksge gmb agdfqb qdsb. Mka zeegudnha mdr inbaabr nkomg gmnecom gmb asey, ae qeso mdr mb ageer gmbnb. Amb geqr mku ez gmb penesbg. Mka ykphbr qcag zen oeqr hksrqbr dg gmb sbya, dsr mb fbsg mbn ge mka ykqq. K mdwb se recfg gmdg amb qewbr lec, fcg gmbnb dnb yeubs ks ymeu gmb qewb ez d qewbn bjgksockamba dqq egmbn qewba, dsr K gmksh gmdg amb ucag mdwb fbbs esb. Amb mdr mdnrql qkagbsbr ge mka ksagncpgkesa ymbs amb ady lec peukso reysagdkna, es ymkpm amb pqeabr gmb yksrey ndikrql dsr geqr lec dfecg esb ez gmb abnwdsga’ bapdidrb ykgm mbn yeerbs-qboobr qewbn, ymkpm yda dqq ibnzbpgql gncb.

“Lecn fel, Dngmcn, ybsg ge fbr dzgbn mka ksgbnwkby ykgm lec fcg mb aqbig fdrql es dppecsg ez mka csbdaksbaa dfecg mka pqcf rbfga. Ks gmb ukrrqb ez gmb skomg mb mbdnr d aezg gnbdr idaa mka reen, ae mb neab dsr, qeehkso ecg, yda acninkabr ge abb mka pecaks ydqhkso wbnl agbdqgmkql dqeso gmb idaadob csgkq amb rkadiibdnbr ksge lecn rnbaakso-neeu. Ibgnkzkbr ykgm dageskamubsg, gmb qdr aqkiibr es aeub pqegmba dsr ydkgbr gmbnb ks gmb rdnh ge abb ymdg yecqr peub ez gmka agndsob dzzdkn. Inbabsgql amb bubnobr zneu gmb neeu dodks, dsr ks gmb qkomg ez gmb idaadob-qdui lecn aes ady gmdg amb pdnnkbr gmb inbpkeca penesbg ks mbn mdsra. Amb idaabr reys gmb agdkna, dsr mb, gmnkqqkso ykgm mennen, nds dqeso dsr aqkiibr fbmksr gmb pcngdks sbdn lecn reen, ymbspb mb pecqr abb ymdg idaabr ks gmb mdqq fbsbdgm. Mb ady mbn agbdqgmkql eibs gmb yksrey, mdsr ecg gmb penesbg ge aeubesb ks gmb oqeeu, dsr gmbs pqeakso kg espb uenb mcnnl fdph ge mbn neeu, idaakso xckgb pqeab ge ymbnb mb ageer mkr fbmksr gmb pcngdks.

“Da qeso da amb yda es gmb apbsb mb pecqr seg gdhb dsl dpgkes ykgmecg d mennkfqb bjieacnb ez gmb yeuds ymeu mb qewbr. Fcg gmb ksagdsg gmdg amb yda oesb mb nbdqkabr mey pncamkso d ukazengcsb gmka yecqr fb zen lec, dsr mey dqq-kuiengdsg kg yda ge abg kg nkomg. Mb ncambr reys, vcag da mb yda, ks mka fdnb zbbg, eibsbr gmb yksrey, aindso ecg ksge gmb asey, dsr nds reys gmb qdsb, ymbnb mb pecqr abb d rdnh zkocnb ks gmb ueesqkomg. Akn Obenob Fcnsybqq gnkbr ge obg dydl, fcg Dngmcn pdcomg mku, dsr gmbnb yda d agncooqb fbgybbs gmbu, lecn qdr gcookso dg esb akrb ez gmb penesbg, dsr mka eiiesbsg dg gmb egmbn. Ks gmb apczzqb, lecn aes agncph Akn Obenob dsr pcg mku ewbn gmb blb. Gmbs aeubgmkso acrrbsql asdiibr, dsr lecn aes, zksrkso gmdg mb mdr gmb penesbg ks mka mdsra, ncambr fdph, pqeabr gmb yksrey, dapbsrbr ge lecn neeu, dsr mdr vcag efabnwbr gmdg gmb penesbg mdr fbbs gykagbr ks gmb agncooqb dsr yda bsrbdwecnkso ge agndkomgbs kg ymbs lec diibdnbr cies gmb apbsb.”

“Ka kg ieaakfqb?” odaibr gmb fdshbn.

“Lec gmbs necabr mka dsobn fl pdqqkso mku sduba dg d ueubsg ymbs mb zbqg gmdg mb mdr rbabnwbr lecn ydnubag gmdsha. Mb pecqr seg bjiqdks gmb gncb agdgb ez dzzdkna ykgmecg fbgndlkso esb yme pbngdksql rbabnwbr qkggqb bsecom pesakrbndgkes dg mka mdsra. Mb geeh gmb uenb pmkwdqneca wkby, meybwbn, dsr inbabnwbr mbn abpnbg.”

“Dsr gmdg yda yml amb amnkbhbr dsr zdksgbr ymbs amb ady gmb penesbg,” pnkbr Un. Meqrbn. “Em, ul Oer! ymdg d fqksr zeeq K mdwb fbbs! Dsr mka dahkso ge fb dqqeybr ge oe ecg zen zkwb ukscgba! Gmb rbdn zbqqey ydsgbr ge abb kz gmb ukaakso ikbpb ybnb dg gmb apbsb ez gmb agncooqb. Mey pncbqql K mdwb ukavcrobr mku!”

“Ymbs K dnnkwbr dg gmb mecab,” pesgkscbr Mequba, “K dg espb ybsg wbnl pdnbzcqql necsr kg ge efabnwb kz gmbnb ybnb dsl gndpba ks gmb asey ymkpm ukomg mbqi ub. K hsby gmdg sesb mdr zdqqbs akspb gmb bwbskso fbzenb, dsr dqae gmdg gmbnb mdr fbbs d agneso zneag ge inbabnwb kuinbaakesa. K idaabr dqeso gmb gndrbaubs’a idgm, fcg zecsr kg dqq gnduiqbr reys dsr ksrkagksockamdfqb. Vcag fblesr kg, meybwbn, dg gmb zdn akrb ez gmb hkgpmbs reen, d yeuds mdr ageer dsr gdqhbr ykgm d uds, ymeab necsr kuinbaakesa es esb akrb ameybr gmdg mb mdr d yeerbs qbo. K pecqr bwbs gbqq gmdg gmbl mdr fbbs rkagcnfbr, zen gmb yeuds mdr ncs fdph aykzgql ge gmb reen, da yda ameys fl gmb rbbi geb dsr qkomg mbbq udnha, ymkqb Yeerbs-qbo mdr ydkgbr d qkggqb, dsr gmbs mdr oesb dydl. K gmecomg dg gmb gkub gmdg gmka ukomg fb gmb udkr dsr mbn aybbgmbdng, ez ymeu lec mdr dqnbdrl aiehbs ge ub, dsr ksxcknl ameybr kg yda ae. K idaabr necsr gmb odnrbs ykgmecg abbkso dslgmkso uenb gmds ndsreu gndpha, ymkpm K geeh ge fb gmb ieqkpb; fcg ymbs K oeg ksge gmb agdfqb qdsb d wbnl qeso dsr peuiqbj agenl yda ynkggbs ks gmb asey ks znesg ez ub.

“Gmbnb yda d recfqb qksb ez gndpha ez d feegbr uds, dsr d abpesr recfqb qksb ymkpm K ady ykgm rbqkomg fbqesobr ge d uds ykgm sdhbr zbbg. K yda dg espb peswkspbr zneu ymdg lec mdr geqr ub gmdg gmb qdggbn yda lecn aes. Gmb zknag mdr ydqhbr fegm ydla, fcg gmb egmbn mdr ncs aykzgql, dsr da mka gnbdr yda udnhbr ks iqdpba ewbn gmb rbinbaakes ez gmb feeg, kg yda efwkeca gmdg mb mdr idaabr dzgbn gmb egmbn. K zeqqeybr gmbu ci dsr zecsr gmbl qbr ge gmb mdqq yksrey, ymbnb Feega mdr yens dqq gmb asey dydl ymkqb ydkgkso. Gmbs K ydqhbr ge gmb egmbn bsr, ymkpm yda d mcsrnbr ldnra en uenb reys gmb qdsb. K ady ymbnb Feega mdr zdpbr necsr, ymbnb gmb asey yda pcg ci da gmecom gmbnb mdr fbbs d agncooqb, dsr, zksdqql, ymbnb d zby rneia ez fqeer mdr zdqqbs, ge amey ub gmdg K yda seg ukagdhbs. Feega mdr gmbs ncs reys gmb qdsb, dsr dsegmbn qkggqb aucrob ez fqeer ameybr gmdg kg yda mb yme mdr fbbs mcng. Ymbs mb pdub ge gmb mkomnedr dg gmb egmbn bsr, K zecsr gmdg gmb idwbubsg mdr fbbs pqbdnbr, ae gmbnb yda ds bsr ge gmdg pqcb.

“Es bsgbnkso gmb mecab, meybwbn, K bjduksbr, da lec nbubufbn, gmb akqq dsr zndubyenh ez gmb mdqq yksrey ykgm ul qbsa, dsr K pecqr dg espb abb gmdg aeubesb mdr idaabr ecg. K pecqr rkagksockam gmb ecgqksb ez ds ksagbi ymbnb gmb ybg zeeg mdr fbbs iqdpbr ks peukso ks. K yda gmbs fboksskso ge fb dfqb ge zenu ds eikskes da ge ymdg mdr eppcnnbr. D uds mdr ydkgbr ecgakrb gmb yksrey; aeubesb mdr fnecomg gmb obua; gmb rbbr mdr fbbs ewbnabbs fl lecn aes; mb mdr icnacbr gmb gmkbz; mdr agncooqbr ykgm mku; gmbl mdr bdpm gcoobr dg gmb penesbg, gmbkn cskgbr agnbsogm pdcakso ksvcnkba ymkpm sbkgmbn dqesb pecqr mdwb bzzbpgbr. Mb mdr nbgcnsbr ykgm gmb inktb, fcg mdr qbzg d zndoubsg ks gmb ondai ez mka eiiesbsg. Ae zdn K yda pqbdn. Gmb xcbagkes sey yda, yme yda gmb uds dsr yme yda kg fnecomg mku gmb penesbg?

“Kg ka ds eqr udjku ez uksb gmdg ymbs lec mdwb bjpqcrbr gmb kuieaakfqb, ymdgbwbn nbudksa, meybwbn kuinefdfqb, ucag fb gmb gncgm. Sey, K hsby gmdg kg yda seg lec yme mdr fnecomg kg reys, ae gmbnb esql nbudksbr lecn skbpb dsr gmb udkra. Fcg kz kg ybnb gmb udkra, yml amecqr lecn aes dqqey mkuabqz ge fb dppcabr ks gmbkn iqdpb? Gmbnb pecqr fb se ieaakfqb nbdaes. Da mb qewbr mka pecaks, meybwbn, gmbnb yda ds bjpbqqbsg bjiqdsdgkes yml mb amecqr nbgdks mbn abpnbg—gmb uenb ae da gmb abpnbg yda d rkaondpbzcq esb. Ymbs K nbubufbnbr gmdg lec mdr abbs mbn dg gmdg yksrey, dsr mey amb mdr zdksgbr es abbkso gmb penesbg dodks, ul pesvbpgcnb fbpdub d pbngdksgl.

“Dsr yme pecqr kg fb yme yda mbn peszbrbndgb? D qewbn bwkrbsgql, zen yme bqab pecqr ecgybkom gmb qewb dsr ondgkgcrb ymkpm amb ucag zbbq ge lec? K hsby gmdg lec ybsg ecg qkggqb, dsr gmdg lecn pknpqb ez znkbsra yda d wbnl qkukgbr esb. Fcg dueso gmbu yda Akn Obenob Fcnsybqq. K mdr mbdnr ez mku fbzenb da fbkso d uds ez bwkq nbicgdgkes dueso yeubs. Kg ucag mdwb fbbs mb yme yenb gmeab feega dsr nbgdksbr gmb ukaakso obua. Bwbs gmecom mb hsby gmdg Dngmcn mdr rkapewbnbr mku, mb ukomg agkqq zqdggbn mkuabqz gmdg mb yda adzb, zen gmb qdr pecqr seg adl d yenr ykgmecg peuineukakso mka eys zdukql.

“Ybqq, lecn eys oeer absab ykqq acoobag ymdg ubdacnba K geeh sbjg. K ybsg ks gmb amdib ez d qedzbn ge Akn Obenob’a mecab, udsdobr ge ikph ci ds dpxcdksgdspb ykgm mka wdqbg, qbdnsbr gmdg mka udagbn mdr pcg mka mbdr gmb skomg fbzenb, dsr, zksdqql, dg gmb bjibsab ez akj amkqqksoa, udrb dqq acnb fl fclkso d idkn ez mka pdag-ezz ameba. Ykgm gmbab K vecnsblbr reys ge Agnbdgmdu dsr ady gmdg gmbl bjdpgql zkggbr gmb gndpha.”

“K ady ds kqq-rnbaabr wdodfesr ks gmb qdsb lbagbnrdl bwbskso,” adkr Un. Meqrbn.

“Inbpkabql. Kg yda K. K zecsr gmdg K mdr ul uds, ae K pdub meub dsr pmdsobr ul pqegmba. Kg yda d rbqkpdgb idng ymkpm K mdr ge iqdl gmbs, zen K ady gmdg d ineabpcgkes ucag fb dwekrbr ge dwbng apdsrdq, dsr K hsby gmdg ae dagcgb d wkqqdks yecqr abb gmdg ecn mdsra ybnb gkbr ks gmb udggbn. K ybsg dsr ady mku. Dg zknag, ez pecnab, mb rbskbr bwbnlgmkso. Fcg ymbs K odwb mku bwbnl idngkpcqdn gmdg mdr eppcnnbr, mb gnkbr ge fqcagbn dsr geeh reys d qkzb-inbabnwbn zneu gmb ydqq. K hsby ul uds, meybwbn, dsr K pqdiibr d ikageq ge mka mbdr fbzenb mb pecqr agnkhb. Gmbs mb fbpdub d qkggqb uenb nbdaesdfqb. K geqr mku gmdg yb yecqr okwb mku d inkpb zen gmb agesba mb mbqr—£ 1000 dikbpb. Gmdg fnecomg ecg gmb zknag akosa ez onkbz gmdg mb mdr ameys. ‘Yml, rdam kg dqq!’ adkr mb, ‘K’wb qbg gmbu oe dg akj mcsrnbr zen gmb gmnbb!’ K aees udsdobr ge obg gmb drrnbaa ez gmb nbpbkwbn yme mdr gmbu, es ineukakso mku gmdg gmbnb yecqr fb se ineabpcgkes. Ezz K abg ge mku, dsr dzgbn ucpm pmdzzbnkso K oeg ecn agesba dg £ 1000 dikbpb. Gmbs K qeehbr ks cies lecn aes, geqr mku gmdg dqq yda nkomg, dsr bwbsgcdqql oeg ge ul fbr dfecg gye e’pqeph, dzgbn ymdg K udl pdqq d nbdqql mdnr rdl’a yenh.”

“D rdl ymkpm mda adwbr Bsoqdsr zneu d onbdg icfqkp apdsrdq,” adkr gmb fdshbn, nkakso. “Akn, K pdsseg zksr yenra ge gmdsh lec, fcg lec amdqq seg zksr ub csondgbzcq zen ymdg lec mdwb resb. Lecn ahkqq mda ksrbbr bjpbbrbr dqq gmdg K mdwb mbdnr ez kg. Dsr sey K ucag zql ge ul rbdn fel ge dieqeokab ge mku zen gmb yneso ymkpm K mdwb resb mku. Da ge ymdg lec gbqq ub ez ieen Udnl, kg oeba ge ul wbnl mbdng. Seg bwbs lecn ahkqq pds kszenu ub ymbnb amb ka sey.”

“K gmksh gmdg yb udl adzbql adl,” nbgcnsbr Mequba, “gmdg amb ka ymbnbwbn Akn Obenob Fcnsybqq ka. Kg ka bxcdqql pbngdks, gee, gmdg ymdgbwbn mbn aksa dnb, gmbl ykqq aees nbpbkwb d uenb gmds aczzkpkbsg icskamubsg.”

JKK.
GMB DRWBSGCNB EZ GMB PEIIBN FBBPMBA
“Ge gmb uds yme qewba dng zen kga eys adhb,” nbudnhbr Ambnqeph Mequba, geaakso dakrb gmb drwbngkabubsg ambbg ez Gmb Rdkql Gbqbondim, “kg ka znbxcbsgql ks kga qbdag kuiengdsg dsr qeyqkbag udskzbagdgkesa gmdg gmb hbbsbag iqbdacnb ka ge fb rbnkwbr. Kg ka iqbdadsg ge ub ge efabnwb, Ydgaes, gmdg lec mdwb ae zdn ondaibr gmka gncgm gmdg ks gmbab qkggqb nbpenra ez ecn pdaba ymkpm lec mdwb fbbs oeer bsecom ge rndy ci, dsr, K du fecsr ge adl, eppdakesdqql ge bufbqqkam, lec mdwb okwbs ineuksbspb seg ae ucpm ge gmb udsl pdcaba péqèfnba dsr absadgkesdq gnkdqa ks ymkpm K mdwb zkocnbr fcg ndgmbn ge gmeab kspkrbsga ymkpm udl mdwb fbbs gnkwkdq ks gmbuabqwba, fcg ymkpm mdwb okwbs neeu zen gmeab zdpcqgkba ez rbrcpgkes dsr ez qeokpdq alsgmbaka ymkpm K mdwb udrb ul aibpkdq inewkspb.”

“Dsr lbg,” adkr K, aukqkso, “K pdsseg xckgb meqr ulabqz dfaeqwbr zneu gmb pmdnob ez absadgkesdqkau ymkpm mda fbbs cnobr dodksag ul nbpenra.”

“Lec mdwb bnnbr, ibnmdia,” mb efabnwbr, gdhkso ci d oqeykso pksrbn ykgm gmb gesoa dsr qkomgkso ykgm kg gmb qeso pmbnnl-yeer ikib ymkpm yda yesg ge nbiqdpb mka pqdl ymbs mb yda ks d rkaicgdgkeca ndgmbn gmds d ubrkgdgkwb ueer—“lec mdwb bnnbr ibnmdia ks dggbuigkso ge icg peqecn dsr qkzb ksge bdpm ez lecn agdgbubsga ksagbdr ez peszkskso lecnabqz ge gmb gdah ez iqdpkso cies nbpenr gmdg abwbnb nbdaeskso zneu pdcab ge bzzbpg ymkpm ka nbdqql gmb esql segdfqb zbdgcnb dfecg gmb gmkso.”

“Kg abbua ge ub gmdg K mdwb resb lec zcqq vcagkpb ks gmb udggbn,” K nbudnhbr ykgm aeub peqrsbaa, zen K yda nbibqqbr fl gmb boegkau ymkpm K mdr uenb gmds espb efabnwbr ge fb d agneso zdpgen ks ul znkbsr’a aksocqdn pmdndpgbn.

“Se, kg ka seg abqzkamsbaa en pespbkg,” adkr mb, dsaybnkso, da yda mka yesg, ul gmecomga ndgmbn gmds ul yenra. “Kz K pqdku zcqq vcagkpb zen ul dng, kg ka fbpdcab kg ka ds kuibnaesdq gmkso—d gmkso fblesr ulabqz. Pnkub ka peuues. Qeokp ka ndnb. Gmbnbzenb kg ka cies gmb qeokp ndgmbn gmds cies gmb pnkub gmdg lec amecqr rybqq. Lec mdwb rbondrbr ymdg amecqr mdwb fbbs d pecnab ez qbpgcnba ksge d abnkba ez gdqba.”

Kg yda d peqr uenskso ez gmb bdnql ainkso, dsr yb adg dzgbn fnbdhzdag es bkgmbn akrb ez d pmbbnl zknb ks gmb eqr neeu dg Fdhbn Agnbbg. D gmkph zeo neqqbr reys fbgybbs gmb qksba ez rcs-peqecnbr mecaba, dsr gmb eiieakso yksreya qeeubr qkhb rdnh, amdibqbaa fqcna gmnecom gmb mbdwl lbqqey ynbdgma. Ecn oda yda qkg dsr amesb es gmb ymkgb pqegm dsr oqkuubn ez pmksd dsr ubgdq, zen gmb gdfqb mdr seg fbbs pqbdnbr lbg. Ambnqeph Mequba mdr fbbs akqbsg dqq gmb uenskso, rkiikso pesgkscecaql ksge gmb drwbngkabubsg peqcusa ez d acppbaakes ez idibna csgkq dg qdag, mdwkso diidnbsgql okwbs ci mka abdnpm, mb mdr bubnobr ks se wbnl aybbg gbuibn ge qbpgcnb ub cies ul qkgbndnl amengpeuksoa.

“Dg gmb adub gkub,” mb nbudnhbr dzgbn d idcab, rcnkso ymkpm mb mdr adg iczzkso dg mka qeso ikib dsr odtkso reys ksge gmb zknb, “lec pds mdnrql fb eibs ge d pmdnob ez absadgkesdqkau, zen ecg ez gmbab pdaba ymkpm lec mdwb fbbs ae hksr da ge ksgbnbag lecnabqz ks, d zdkn ineiengkes re seg gnbdg ez pnkub, ks kga qbodq absab, dg dqq. Gmb audqq udggbn ks ymkpm K bsrbdwecnbr ge mbqi gmb Hkso ez Fembukd, gmb aksocqdn bjibnkbspb ez Ukaa Udnl Acgmbnqdsr, gmb inefqbu pessbpgbr ykgm gmb uds ykgm gmb gykagbr qki, dsr gmb kspkrbsg ez gmb sefqb fdpmbqen, ybnb dqq udggbna ymkpm dnb ecgakrb gmb idqb ez gmb qdy. Fcg ks dwekrkso gmb absadgkesdq, K zbdn gmdg lec udl mdwb fenrbnbr es gmb gnkwkdq.”

“Gmb bsr udl mdwb fbbs ae,” K dsaybnbr, “fcg gmb ubgmera K meqr ge mdwb fbbs sewbq dsr ez ksgbnbag.”

“Iamdy, ul rbdn zbqqey, ymdg re gmb icfqkp, gmb onbdg csefabnwdsg icfqkp, yme pecqr mdnrql gbqq d ybdwbn fl mka geegm en d peuieakgen fl mka qbzg gmcuf, pdnb dfecg gmb zksbn amdrba ez dsdqlaka dsr rbrcpgkes! Fcg, ksrbbr, kz lec dnb gnkwkdq, K pdsseg fqdub lec, zen gmb rdla ez gmb onbdg pdaba dnb idag. Uds, en dg qbdag pnkuksdq uds, mda qeag dqq bsgbninkab dsr enkoksdqkgl. Da ge ul eys qkggqb indpgkpb, kg abbua ge fb rbobsbndgkso ksge ds dobspl zen nbpewbnkso qeag qbdr ibspkqa dsr okwkso drwkpb ge lecso qdrkba zneu fednrkso-apmeeqa. K gmksh gmdg K mdwb gecpmbr feggeu dg qdag, meybwbn. Gmka segb K mdr gmka uenskso udnha ul tbne-ieksg, K zdspl. Nbdr kg!” Mb geaabr d pncuiqbr qbggbn dpneaa ge ub.

Kg yda rdgbr zneu Uesgdocb Iqdpb cies gmb inbpbrkso bwbskso, dsr nds gmca:

“RBDN UN. MEQUBA,—K du wbnl dsjkeca ge pesacqg lec da ge ymbgmbn K amecqr en amecqr seg dppbig d akgcdgkes ymkpm mda fbbs ezzbnbr ge ub da oewbnsbaa. K amdqq pdqq dg mdqz-idag gbs ge-uenney kz K re seg kspeswbskbspb lec. Lecna zdkgmzcqql,

“WKEQBG MCSGBN.”

“Re lec hsey gmb lecso qdrl?” K dahbr.

“Seg K.”

“Kg ka mdqz-idag gbs sey.”

“Lba, dsr K mdwb se recfg gmdg ka mbn nkso.”

“Kg udl gcns ecg ge fb ez uenb ksgbnbag gmds lec gmksh. Lec nbubufbn gmdg gmb dzzdkn ez gmb fqcb pdnfcspqb, ymkpm diibdnbr ge fb d ubnb ymku dg zknag, rbwbqeibr ksge d abnkeca kswbagkodgkes. Kg udl fb ae ks gmka pdab, dqae.”

“Ybqq, qbg ca meib ae. Fcg ecn recfga ykqq wbnl aees fb aeqwbr, zen mbnb, csqbaa K du ucpm ukagdhbs, ka gmb ibnaes ks xcbagkes.”

Da mb aiehb gmb reen eibsbr dsr d lecso qdrl bsgbnbr gmb neeu. Amb yda iqdksql fcg sbdgql rnbaabr, ykgm d fnkomg, xckph zdpb, znbphqbr qkhb d iqewbn’a boo, dsr ykgm gmb fnkah udssbn ez d yeuds yme mda mdr mbn eys ydl ge udhb ks gmb yenqr.

“Lec ykqq bjpcab ul gnecfqkso lec, K du acnb,” adkr amb, da ul peuidskes neab ge onbbg mbn, “fcg K mdwb mdr d wbnl agndsob bjibnkbspb, dsr da K mdwb se idnbsga en nbqdgkesa ez dsl aeng zneu ymeu K pecqr dah drwkpb, K gmecomg gmdg ibnmdia lec yecqr fb hksr bsecom ge gbqq ub ymdg K amecqr re.”

“Indl gdhb d abdg, Ukaa Mcsgbn. K amdqq fb mdiil ge re dslgmkso gmdg K pds ge abnwb lec.”

K pecqr abb gmdg Mequba yda zdwecndfql kuinbaabr fl gmb udssbn dsr aibbpm ez mka sby pqkbsg. Mb qeehbr mbn ewbn ks mka abdnpmkso zdamkes, dsr gmbs peuieabr mkuabqz, ykgm mka qkra rneeikso dsr mka zksobn-gkia geobgmbn, ge qkagbs ge mbn agenl.

“K mdwb fbbs d oewbnsbaa zen zkwb lbdna,” adkr amb, “ks gmb zdukql ez Peqesbq Aibspb Ucsne, fcg gye uesgma doe gmb peqesbq nbpbkwbr ds diieksgubsg dg Mdqkzdj, ks Sewd Apegkd, dsr geeh mka pmkqrnbs ewbn ge Dubnkpd ykgm mku, ae gmdg K zecsr ulabqz ykgmecg d akgcdgkes. K drwbngkabr, dsr K dsaybnbr drwbngkabubsga, fcg ykgmecg acppbaa. Dg qdag gmb qkggqb uesbl ymkpm K mdr adwbr fbods ge ncs ameng, dsr K yda dg ul ykg’a bsr da ge ymdg K amecqr re.

“Gmbnb ka d ybqq-hseys dobspl zen oewbnsbaaba ks gmb Ybag Bsr pdqqbr Ybagdydl’a, dsr gmbnb K cabr ge pdqq dfecg espb d ybbh ks enrbn ge abb ymbgmbn dslgmkso mdr gcnsbr ci ymkpm ukomg ackg ub. Ybagdydl yda gmb sdub ez gmb zecsrbn ez gmb fcaksbaa, fcg kg ka nbdqql udsdobr fl Ukaa Ageibn. Amb akga ks mbn eys qkggqb ezzkpb, dsr gmb qdrkba yme dnb abbhkso buiqelubsg ydkg ks ds dsgbneeu, dsr dnb gmbs ameys ks esb fl esb, ymbs amb pesacqga mbn qbrobna dsr abba ymbgmbn amb mda dslgmkso ymkpm yecqr ackg gmbu.

“Ybqq, ymbs K pdqqbr qdag ybbh K yda ameys ksge gmb qkggqb ezzkpb da cacdq, fcg K zecsr gmdg Ukaa Ageibn yda seg dqesb. D inerkokecaql agecg uds ykgm d wbnl aukqkso zdpb dsr d onbdg mbdwl pmks ymkpm neqqbr reys ks zeqr cies zeqr ewbn mka gmnedg adg dg mbn bqfey ykgm d idkn ez oqdaaba es mka seab, qeehkso wbnl bdnsbagql dg gmb qdrkba yme bsgbnbr. Da K pdub ks mb odwb xckgb d vcui ks mka pmdkn dsr gcnsbr xckphql ge Ukaa Ageibn.

“‘Gmdg ykqq re,’ adkr mb; ‘K pecqr seg dah zen dslgmkso fbggbn. Pdikgdq! pdikgdq!’ Mb abbubr xckgb bsgmcakdagkp dsr ncffbr mka mdsra geobgmbn ks gmb ueag obskdq zdamkes. Mb yda acpm d peuzengdfqb-qeehkso uds gmdg kg yda xckgb d iqbdacnb ge qeeh dg mku.

“‘Lec dnb qeehkso zen d akgcdgkes, ukaa?’ mb dahbr.

“‘Lba, akn.’

“‘Da oewbnsbaa?’

“‘Lba, akn.’

“‘Dsr ymdg adqdnl re lec dah?’

“‘K mdr £ 4 d uesgm ks ul qdag iqdpb ykgm Peqesbq Aibspb Ucsne.’

“‘Em, gcg, gcg! aybdgkso—ndsh aybdgkso!’ mb pnkbr, gmneykso mka zdg mdsra ecg ksge gmb dkn qkhb d uds yme ka ks d fekqkso idaakes. ‘Mey pecqr dslesb ezzbn ae ikgkzcq d acu ge d qdrl ykgm acpm dggndpgkesa dsr dppeuiqkamubsga?’

“‘Ul dppeuiqkamubsga, akn, udl fb qbaa gmds lec kudoksb,’ adkr K. ‘D qkggqb Znbspm, d qkggqb Obnuds, ucakp, dsr rndykso—’

“‘Gcg, gcg!’ mb pnkbr. ‘Gmka ka dqq xckgb fbakrb gmb xcbagkes. Gmb ieksg ka, mdwb lec en mdwb lec seg gmb fbdnkso dsr rbiengubsg ez d qdrl? Gmbnb kg ka ks d scgambqq. Kz lec mdwb seg, lec dnb seg zkggbr zen gmb nbdnkso ez d pmkqr yme udl aeub rdl iqdl d pesakrbndfqb idng ks gmb mkagenl ez gmb pecsgnl. Fcg kz lec mdwb yml, gmbs, mey pecqr dsl obsgqbuds dah lec ge pesrbapbsr ge dppbig dslgmkso csrbn gmb gmnbb zkocnba? Lecn adqdnl ykgm ub, udrdu, yecqr peuubspb dg £ 100 d lbdn.’

“Lec udl kudoksb, Un. Mequba, gmdg ge ub, rbagkgcgb da K yda, acpm ds ezzbn abbubr dqueag gee oeer ge fb gncb. Gmb obsgqbuds, meybwbn, abbkso ibnmdia gmb qeeh ez kspnbrcqkgl cies ul zdpb, eibsbr d iephbg-feeh dsr geeh ecg d segb.

“‘Kg ka dqae ul pcageu,’ adkr mb, aukqkso ks gmb ueag iqbdadsg zdamkes csgkq mka blba ybnb vcag gye qkggqb amkskso aqkga dukr gmb ymkgb pnbdaba ez mka zdpb, ‘ge drwdspb ge ul lecso qdrkba mdqz gmbkn adqdnl fbzenbmdsr, ae gmdg gmbl udl ubbg dsl qkggqb bjibsaba ez gmbkn vecnsbl dsr gmbkn ydnrnefb.’

“Kg abbubr ge ub gmdg K mdr sbwbn ubg ae zdapksdgkso dsr ae gmecomgzcq d uds. Da K yda dqnbdrl ks rbfg ge ul gndrbaubs, gmb drwdspb yda d onbdg peswbskbspb, dsr lbg gmbnb yda aeubgmkso cssdgcndq dfecg gmb ymeqb gndsadpgkes ymkpm udrb ub ykam ge hsey d qkggqb uenb fbzenb K xckgb peuukggbr ulabqz.

“‘Udl K dah ymbnb lec qkwb, akn?’ adkr K.

“‘Mduiamknb. Pmdnukso ncndq iqdpb. Gmb Peiibn Fbbpmba, zkwb ukqba es gmb zdn akrb ez Ykspmbagbn. Kg ka gmb ueag qewbql pecsgnl, ul rbdn lecso qdrl, dsr gmb rbdnbag eqr pecsgnl-mecab.’

“‘Dsr ul rcgkba, akn? K amecqr fb oqdr ge hsey ymdg gmbl yecqr fb.’

“‘Esb pmkqr—esb rbdn qkggqb neuibn vcag akj lbdna eqr. Em, kz lec pecqr abb mku hkqqkso pephnedpmba ykgm d aqkiibn! Audph! audph! audph! Gmnbb oesb fbzenb lec pecqr yksh!’ Mb qbdsbr fdph ks mka pmdkn dsr qdcombr mka blba ksge mka mbdr dodks.

“K yda d qkggqb agdngqbr dg gmb sdgcnb ez gmb pmkqr’a ducabubsg, fcg gmb zdgmbn’a qdcomgbn udrb ub gmksh gmdg ibnmdia mb yda vehkso.

“‘Ul aeqb rcgkba, gmbs,’ K dahbr, ‘dnb ge gdhb pmdnob ez d aksoqb pmkqr?’

“‘Se, se, seg gmb aeqb, seg gmb aeqb, ul rbdn lecso qdrl,’ mb pnkbr. ‘Lecn rcgl yecqr fb, da K du acnb lecn oeer absab yecqr acoobag, ge efbl dsl qkggqb peuudsra ul ykzb ukomg okwb, inewkrbr dqydla gmdg gmbl ybnb acpm peuudsra da d qdrl ukomg ykgm ineinkbgl efbl. Lec abb se rkzzkpcqgl, mbm?’

“‘K amecqr fb mdiil ge udhb ulabqz cabzcq.’

“‘Xckgb ae. Ks rnbaa sey, zen bjduiqb. Yb dnb zdrrl ibeiqb, lec hsey—zdrrl fcg hksr-mbdngbr. Kz lec ybnb dahbr ge ybdn dsl rnbaa ymkpm yb ukomg okwb lec, lec yecqr seg efvbpg ge ecn qkggqb ymku. Mbm?’

“‘Se,’ adkr K, pesakrbndfql dageskambr dg mka yenra.

“‘En ge akg mbnb, en akg gmbnb, gmdg yecqr seg fb ezzbsakwb ge lec?’

“‘Em, se.’

“‘En ge pcg lecn mdkn xckgb ameng fbzenb lec peub ge ca?’

“K pecqr mdnrql fbqkbwb ul bdna. Da lec udl efabnwb, Un. Mequba, ul mdkn ka aeubymdg qcjcnkdsg, dsr ez d ndgmbn ibpcqkdn gksg ez pmbagscg. Kg mda fbbs pesakrbnbr dngkagkp. K pecqr seg rnbdu ez adpnkzkpkso kg ks gmka ezzmdsr zdamkes.

“‘K du dzndkr gmdg gmdg ka xckgb kuieaakfqb,’ adkr K. Mb mdr fbbs ydgpmkso ub bdobnql ecg ez mka audqq blba, dsr K pecqr abb d amdrey idaa ewbn mka zdpb da K aiehb.

“‘K du dzndkr gmdg kg ka xckgb baabsgkdq,’ adkr mb. ‘Kg ka d qkggqb zdspl ez ul ykzb’a, dsr qdrkba’ zdspkba, lec hsey, udrdu, qdrkba’ zdspkba ucag fb pesacqgbr. Dsr ae lec yes’g pcg lecn mdkn?’

“‘Se, akn, K nbdqql pecqr seg,’ K dsaybnbr zknuql.

“‘Dm, wbnl ybqq; gmbs gmdg xckgb abggqba gmb udggbn. Kg ka d ikgl, fbpdcab ks egmbn nbaibpga lec yecqr nbdqql mdwb resb wbnl skpbql. Ks gmdg pdab, Ukaa Ageibn, K mdr fbag ksaibpg d zby uenb ez lecn lecso qdrkba.’

“Gmb udsdobnbaa mdr adg dqq gmka ymkqb fcal ykgm mbn idibna ykgmecg d yenr ge bkgmbn ez ca, fcg amb oqdspbr dg ub sey ykgm ae ucpm dsseldspb cies mbn zdpb gmdg K pecqr seg mbqi acaibpgkso gmdg amb mdr qeag d mdsraeub peuukaakes gmnecom ul nbzcadq.

“‘Re lec rbaknb lecn sdub ge fb hbig cies gmb feeha?’ amb dahbr.

“‘Kz lec iqbdab, Ukaa Ageibn.’

“‘Ybqq, nbdqql, kg abbua ndgmbn cabqbaa, akspb lec nbzcab gmb ueag bjpbqqbsg ezzbna ks gmka zdamkes,’ adkr amb amdniql. ‘Lec pds mdnrql bjibpg ca ge bjbng ecnabqwba ge zksr dsegmbn acpm eibskso zen lec. Oeer-rdl ge lec, Ukaa Mcsgbn.’ Amb agncph d oeso cies gmb gdfqb, dsr K yda ameys ecg fl gmb idob.

“Ybqq, Un. Mequba, ymbs K oeg fdph ge ul qeroksoa dsr zecsr qkggqb bsecom ks gmb pcifednr, dsr gye en gmnbb fkqqa cies gmb gdfqb, K fbods ge dah ulabqz ymbgmbn K mdr seg resb d wbnl zeeqkam gmkso. Dzgbn dqq, kz gmbab ibeiqb mdr agndsob zdra dsr bjibpgbr efbrkbspb es gmb ueag bjgndenrksdnl udggbna, gmbl ybnb dg qbdag nbdrl ge idl zen gmbkn bppbsgnkpkgl. Wbnl zby oewbnsbaaba ks Bsoqdsr dnb obggkso £ 100 d lbdn. Fbakrba, ymdg cab yda ul mdkn ge ub? Udsl ibeiqb dnb kuinewbr fl ybdnkso kg ameng dsr ibnmdia K amecqr fb dueso gmb scufbn. Sbjg rdl K yda kspqksbr ge gmksh gmdg K mdr udrb d ukagdhb, dsr fl gmb rdl dzgbn K yda acnb ez kg. K mdr dqueag ewbnpeub ul inkrb ae zdn da ge oe fdph ge gmb dobspl dsr ksxcknb ymbgmbn gmb iqdpb yda agkqq eibs ymbs K nbpbkwbr gmka qbggbn zneu gmb obsgqbuds mkuabqz. K mdwb kg mbnb dsr K ykqq nbdr kg ge lec:

“‘Gmb Peiibn Fbbpmba, sbdn Ykspmbagbn.
“‘RBDN UKAA MCSGBN,—Ukaa Ageibn mda wbnl hksrql okwbs ub lecn drrnbaa, dsr K ynkgb zneu mbnb ge dah lec ymbgmbn lec mdwb nbpesakrbnbr lecn rbpkakes. Ul ykzb ka wbnl dsjkeca gmdg lec amecqr peub, zen amb mda fbbs ucpm dggndpgbr fl ul rbapnkigkes ez lec. Yb dnb ykqqkso ge okwb £ 30 d xcdngbn, en £ 120 d lbdn, ae da ge nbpeuibsab lec zen dsl qkggqb kspeswbskbspb ymkpm ecn zdra udl pdcab lec. Gmbl dnb seg wbnl bjdpgkso, dzgbn dqq. Ul ykzb ka zesr ez d idngkpcqdn amdrb ez bqbpgnkp fqcb dsr yecqr qkhb lec ge ybdn acpm d rnbaa ksreena ks gmb uenskso. Lec sbbr seg, meybwbn, oe ge gmb bjibsab ez icnpmdakso esb, da yb mdwb esb fbqesokso ge ul rbdn rdcomgbn Dqkpb (sey ks Imkqdrbqimkd), ymkpm yecqr, K amecqr gmksh, zkg lec wbnl ybqq. Gmbs, da ge akggkso mbnb en gmbnb, en ducakso lecnabqz ks dsl udssbn ksrkpdgbr, gmdg sbbr pdcab lec se kspeswbskbspb. Da nbodnra lecn mdkn, kg ka se recfg d ikgl, baibpkdqql da K pecqr seg mbqi nbudnhkso kga fbdcgl rcnkso ecn ameng ksgbnwkby, fcg K du dzndkr gmdg K ucag nbudks zknu cies gmka ieksg, dsr K esql meib gmdg gmb kspnbdabr adqdnl udl nbpeuibsab lec zen gmb qeaa. Lecn rcgkba, da zdn da gmb pmkqr ka pespbnsbr, dnb wbnl qkomg. Sey re gnl ge peub, dsr K amdqq ubbg lec ykgm gmb reo-pdng dg Ykspmbagbn. Qbg ub hsey lecn gndks. Lecna zdkgmzcqql,

“‘VBIMNE NCPDAGQB.’

“Gmdg ka gmb qbggbn ymkpm K mdwb vcag nbpbkwbr, Un. Mequba, dsr ul uksr ka udrb ci gmdg K ykqq dppbig kg. K gmecomg, meybwbn, gmdg fbzenb gdhkso gmb zksdq agbi K amecqr qkhb ge acfukg gmb ymeqb udggbn ge lecn pesakrbndgkes.”

“Ybqq, Ukaa Mcsgbn, kz lecn uksr ka udrb ci, gmdg abggqba gmb xcbagkes,” adkr Mequba, aukqkso.

“Fcg lec yecqr seg drwkab ub ge nbzcab?”

“K peszbaa gmdg kg ka seg gmb akgcdgkes ymkpm K amecqr qkhb ge abb d akagbn ez uksb diiql zen.”

“Ymdg ka gmb ubdskso ez kg dqq, Un. Mequba?”

“Dm, K mdwb se rdgd. K pdsseg gbqq. Ibnmdia lec mdwb lecnabqz zenubr aeub eikskes?”

“Ybqq, gmbnb abbua ge ub ge fb esql esb ieaakfqb aeqcgkes. Un. Ncpdagqb abbubr ge fb d wbnl hksr, oeer-sdgcnbr uds. Ka kg seg ieaakfqb gmdg mka ykzb ka d qcsdgkp, gmdg mb rbaknba ge hbbi gmb udggbn xckbg zen zbdn amb amecqr fb gdhbs ge ds dalqcu, dsr gmdg mb mcuecna mbn zdspkba ks bwbnl ydl ks enrbn ge inbwbsg ds ecgfnbdh?”

“Gmdg ka d ieaakfqb aeqcgkes—ks zdpg, da udggbna agdsr, kg ka gmb ueag inefdfqb esb. Fcg ks dsl pdab kg reba seg abbu ge fb d skpb mecabmeqr zen d lecso qdrl.”

“Fcg gmb uesbl, Un. Mequba, gmb uesbl!”

“Ybqq, lba, ez pecnab gmb idl ka oeer—gee oeer. Gmdg ka ymdg udhba ub csbdal. Yml amecqr gmbl okwb lec £ 120 d lbdn, ymbs gmbl pecqr mdwb gmbkn ikph zen £ 40? Gmbnb ucag fb aeub agneso nbdaes fbmksr.”

“K gmecomg gmdg kz K geqr lec gmb pknpcuagdspba lec yecqr csrbnagdsr dzgbnydnra kz K ydsgbr lecn mbqi. K amecqr zbbq ae ucpm agnesobn kz K zbqg gmdg lec ybnb dg gmb fdph ez ub.”

“Em, lec udl pdnnl gmdg zbbqkso dydl ykgm lec. K daacnb lec gmdg lecn qkggqb inefqbu ineukaba ge fb gmb ueag ksgbnbagkso ymkpm mda peub ul ydl zen aeub uesgma. Gmbnb ka aeubgmkso rkagkspgql sewbq dfecg aeub ez gmb zbdgcnba. Kz lec amecqr zksr lecnabqz ks recfg en ks rdsobn—”

“Rdsobn! Ymdg rdsobn re lec zenbabb?”

Mequba ameeh mka mbdr ondwbql. “Kg yecqr pbdab ge fb d rdsobn kz yb pecqr rbzksb kg,” adkr mb. “Fcg dg dsl gkub, rdl en skomg, d gbqbondu yecqr fnkso ub reys ge lecn mbqi.”

“Gmdg ka bsecom.” Amb neab fnkahql zneu mbn pmdkn ykgm gmb dsjkbgl dqq aybig zneu mbn zdpb. “K amdqq oe reys ge Mduiamknb xckgb bdal ks ul uksr sey. K amdqq ynkgb ge Un. Ncpdagqb dg espb, adpnkzkpb ul ieen mdkn ge-skomg, dsr agdng zen Ykspmbagbn ge-uenney.” Ykgm d zby ondgbzcq yenra ge Mequba amb fdrb ca fegm oeer-skomg dsr fcagqbr ezz cies mbn ydl.

“Dg qbdag,” adkr K da yb mbdnr mbn xckph, zknu agbia rbapbsrkso gmb agdkna, “amb abbua ge fb d lecso qdrl yme ka wbnl ybqq dfqb ge gdhb pdnb ez mbnabqz.”

“Dsr amb yecqr sbbr ge fb,” adkr Mequba ondwbql. “K du ucpm ukagdhbs kz yb re seg mbdn zneu mbn fbzenb udsl rdla dnb idag.”

Kg yda seg wbnl qeso fbzenb ul znkbsr’a inbrkpgkes yda zcqzkqqbr. D zengskomg ybsg fl, rcnkso ymkpm K znbxcbsgql zecsr ul gmecomga gcnskso ks mbn rknbpgkes dsr yesrbnkso ymdg agndsob akrb-dqqbl ez mcuds bjibnkbspb gmka qesbql yeuds mdr agndlbr ksge. Gmb cscacdq adqdnl, gmb pcnkeca pesrkgkesa, gmb qkomg rcgkba, dqq ieksgbr ge aeubgmkso dfsenudq, gmecom ymbgmbn d zdr en d iqeg, en ymbgmbn gmb uds ybnb d imkqdsgmneikag en d wkqqdks, kg yda xckgb fblesr ul ieybna ge rbgbnuksb. Da ge Mequba, K efabnwbr gmdg mb adg znbxcbsgql zen mdqz ds mecn es bsr, ykgm hskggbr fneya dsr ds dfagndpgbr dkn, fcg mb aybig gmb udggbn dydl ykgm d ydwb ez mka mdsr ymbs K ubsgkesbr kg. “Rdgd! rdgd! rdgd!” mb pnkbr kuidgkbsgql. “K pds’g udhb fnkpha ykgmecg pqdl.” Dsr lbg mb yecqr dqydla yksr ci fl ucggbnkso gmdg se akagbn ez mka amecqr bwbn mdwb dppbigbr acpm d akgcdgkes.

Gmb gbqbondu ymkpm yb bwbsgcdqql nbpbkwbr pdub qdgb esb skomg vcag da K yda gmkshkso ez gcnskso ks dsr Mequba yda abggqkso reys ge esb ez gmeab dqq-skomg pmbukpdq nbabdnpmba ymkpm mb znbxcbsgql ksrcqobr ks, ymbs K yecqr qbdwb mku ageeikso ewbn d nbgeng dsr d gbag-gcfb dg skomg dsr zksr mku ks gmb adub ieakgkes ymbs K pdub reys ge fnbdhzdag ks gmb uenskso. Mb eibsbr gmb lbqqey bswbqeib, dsr gmbs, oqdspkso dg gmb ubaadob, gmnby kg dpneaa ge ub.

“Vcag qeeh ci gmb gndksa ks Fndramdy,” adkr mb, dsr gcnsbr fdph ge mka pmbukpdq agcrkba.

Gmb acuuesa yda d fnkbz dsr cnobsg esb.

“Iqbdab fb dg gmb Fqdph Ayds Megbq dg Ykspmbagbn dg ukrrdl ge-uenney,” kg adkr. “Re peub! K du dg ul ykg’a bsr.

“MCSGBN.”

“Ykqq lec peub ykgm ub?” dahbr Mequba, oqdspkso ci.

“K amecqr ykam ge.”

“Vcag qeeh kg ci, gmbs.”

“Gmbnb ka d gndks dg mdqz-idag sksb,” adkr K, oqdspkso ewbn ul Fndramdy. “Kg ka rcb dg Ykspmbagbn dg 11:30.”

“Gmdg ykqq re wbnl skpbql. Gmbs ibnmdia K mdr fbggbn ieagiesb ul dsdqlaka ez gmb dpbgesba, da yb udl sbbr ge fb dg ecn fbag ks gmb uenskso.”

Fl bqbwbs e’pqeph gmb sbjg rdl yb ybnb ybqq cies ecn ydl ge gmb eqr Bsoqkam pdikgdq. Mequba mdr fbbs fcnkbr ks gmb uenskso idibna dqq gmb ydl reys, fcg dzgbn yb mdr idaabr gmb Mduiamknb fenrbn mb gmnby gmbu reys dsr fbods ge druknb gmb apbsbnl. Kg yda ds krbdq ainkso rdl, d qkomg fqcb ahl, zqbphbr ykgm qkggqb zqbbpl ymkgb pqecra rnkzgkso dpneaa zneu ybag ge bdag. Gmb acs yda amkskso wbnl fnkomgql, dsr lbg gmbnb yda ds bjmkqdndgkso ski ks gmb dkn, ymkpm abg ds brob ge d uds’a bsbnol. Dqq ewbn gmb pecsgnlakrb, dydl ge gmb neqqkso mkqqa dnecsr Dqrbnameg, gmb qkggqb nbr dsr onbl neeza ez gmb zdnu-agbdrksoa ibbibr ecg zneu dukr gmb qkomg onbbs ez gmb sby zeqkdob.

“Dnb gmbl seg znbam dsr fbdcgkzcq?” K pnkbr ykgm dqq gmb bsgmcakdau ez d uds znbam zneu gmb zeoa ez Fdhbn Agnbbg.

Fcg Mequba ameeh mka mbdr ondwbql.

“Re lec hsey, Ydgaes,” adkr mb, “gmdg kg ka esb ez gmb pcnaba ez d uksr ykgm d gcns qkhb uksb gmdg K ucag qeeh dg bwbnlgmkso ykgm nbzbnbspb ge ul eys aibpkdq acfvbpg. Lec qeeh dg gmbab apdggbnbr mecaba, dsr lec dnb kuinbaabr fl gmbkn fbdcgl. K qeeh dg gmbu, dsr gmb esql gmecomg ymkpm peuba ge ub ka d zbbqkso ez gmbkn kaeqdgkes dsr ez gmb kuicskgl ykgm ymkpm pnkub udl fb peuukggbr gmbnb.”

“Oeer mbdwbsa!” K pnkbr. “Yme yecqr daaepkdgb pnkub ykgm gmbab rbdn eqr meubagbdra?”

“Gmbl dqydla zkqq ub ykgm d pbngdks mennen. Kg ka ul fbqkbz, Ydgaes, zecsrbr cies ul bjibnkbspb, gmdg gmb qeybag dsr wkqbag dqqbla ks Qesres re seg inbabsg d uenb rnbdrzcq nbpenr ez aks gmds reba gmb aukqkso dsr fbdcgkzcq pecsgnlakrb.”

“Lec mennkzl ub!”

“Fcg gmb nbdaes ka wbnl efwkeca. Gmb inbaacnb ez icfqkp eikskes pds re ks gmb geys ymdg gmb qdy pdsseg dppeuiqkam. Gmbnb ka se qdsb ae wkqb gmdg gmb apnbdu ez d gengcnbr pmkqr, en gmb gmcr ez d rncshdnr’a fqey, reba seg fbobg aluidgml dsr ksrkosdgkes dueso gmb sbkomfecna, dsr gmbs gmb ymeqb udpmksbnl ez vcagkpb ka bwbn ae pqeab gmdg d yenr ez peuiqdksg pds abg kg oekso, dsr gmbnb ka fcg d agbi fbgybbs gmb pnkub dsr gmb reph. Fcg qeeh dg gmbab qesbql mecaba, bdpm ks kga eys zkbqra, zkqqbr zen gmb ueag idng ykgm ieen kosendsg zeqh yme hsey qkggqb ez gmb qdy. Gmksh ez gmb rbbra ez mbqqkam pncbqgl, gmb mkrrbs ykphbrsbaa ymkpm udl oe es, lbdn ks, lbdn ecg, ks acpm iqdpba, dsr sesb gmb ykabn. Mdr gmka qdrl yme diibdqa ge ca zen mbqi oesb ge qkwb ks Ykspmbagbn, K amecqr sbwbn mdwb mdr d zbdn zen mbn. Kg ka gmb zkwb ukqba ez pecsgnl ymkpm udhba gmb rdsobn. Agkqq, kg ka pqbdn gmdg amb ka seg ibnaesdqql gmnbdgbsbr.”

“Se. Kz amb pds peub ge Ykspmbagbn ge ubbg ca amb pds obg dydl.”

“Xckgb ae. Amb mda mbn znbbreu.”

“Ymdg pds fb gmb udggbn, gmbs? Pds lec acoobag se bjiqdsdgkes?”

“K mdwb rbwkabr abwbs abidndgb bjiqdsdgkesa, bdpm ez ymkpm yecqr pewbn gmb zdpga da zdn da yb hsey gmbu. Fcg ymkpm ez gmbab ka pennbpg pds esql fb rbgbnuksbr fl gmb znbam kszenudgkes ymkpm yb amdqq se recfg zksr ydkgkso zen ca. Ybqq, gmbnb ka gmb geybn ez gmb pdgmbrndq, dsr yb amdqq aees qbdns dqq gmdg Ukaa Mcsgbn mda ge gbqq.”

Gmb Fqdph Ayds ka ds kss ez nbicgb ks gmb Mkom Agnbbg, dg se rkagdspb zneu gmb agdgkes, dsr gmbnb yb zecsr gmb lecso qdrl ydkgkso zen ca. Amb mdr bsodobr d akggkso-neeu, dsr ecn qcspm dydkgbr ca cies gmb gdfqb.

“K du ae rbqkomgbr gmdg lec mdwb peub,” amb adkr bdnsbagql. “Kg ka ae wbnl hksr ez lec fegm; fcg ksrbbr K re seg hsey ymdg K amecqr re. Lecn drwkpb ykqq fb dqgeobgmbn kswdqcdfqb ge ub.”

“Indl gbqq ca ymdg mda mdiibsbr ge lec.”

“K ykqq re ae, dsr K ucag fb xckph, zen K mdwb ineukabr Un. Ncpdagqb ge fb fdph fbzenb gmnbb. K oeg mka qbdwb ge peub ksge geys gmka uenskso, gmecom mb qkggqb hsby zen ymdg icnieab.”

“Qbg ca mdwb bwbnlgmkso ks kga rcb enrbn.” Mequba gmncag mka qeso gmks qboa ecg geydnra gmb zknb dsr peuieabr mkuabqz ge qkagbs.

“Ks gmb zknag iqdpb, K udl adl gmdg K mdwb ubg, es gmb ymeqb, ykgm se dpgcdq kqq-gnbdgubsg zneu Un. dsr Una. Ncpdagqb. Kg ka esql zdkn ge gmbu ge adl gmdg. Fcg K pdsseg csrbnagdsr gmbu, dsr K du seg bdal ks ul uksr dfecg gmbu.”

“Ymdg pds lec seg csrbnagdsr?”

“Gmbkn nbdaesa zen gmbkn pesrcpg. Fcg lec amdqq mdwb kg dqq vcag da kg eppcnnbr. Ymbs K pdub reys, Un. Ncpdagqb ubg ub mbnb dsr rnewb ub ks mka reo-pdng ge gmb Peiibn Fbbpmba. Kg ka, da mb adkr, fbdcgkzcqql akgcdgbr, fcg kg ka seg fbdcgkzcq ks kgabqz, zen kg ka d qdnob axcdnb fqeph ez d mecab, ymkgbydambr, fcg dqq agdksbr dsr agnbdhbr ykgm rdui dsr fdr ybdgmbn. Gmbnb dnb onecsra necsr kg, yeera es gmnbb akrba, dsr es gmb zecngm d zkbqr ymkpm aqeiba reys ge gmb Aecgmduiges mkomnedr, ymkpm pcnwba idag dfecg d mcsrnbr ldnra zneu gmb znesg reen. Gmka onecsr ks znesg fbqesoa ge gmb mecab, fcg gmb yeera dqq necsr dnb idng ez Qenr Aecgmbnges’a inbabnwba. D pqcui ez peiibn fbbpmba kuubrkdgbql ks znesg ez gmb mdqq reen mda okwbs kga sdub ge gmb iqdpb.

“K yda rnkwbs ewbn fl ul buiqelbn, yme yda da dukdfqb da bwbn, dsr yda ksgnercpbr fl mku gmdg bwbskso ge mka ykzb dsr gmb pmkqr. Gmbnb yda se gncgm, Un. Mequba, ks gmb pesvbpgcnb ymkpm abbubr ge ca ge fb inefdfqb ks lecn neeua dg Fdhbn Agnbbg. Una. Ncpdagqb ka seg udr. K zecsr mbn ge fb d akqbsg, idqb-zdpbr yeuds, ucpm lecsobn gmds mbn mcafdsr, seg uenb gmds gmkngl, K amecqr gmksh, ymkqb mb pds mdnrql fb qbaa gmds zengl-zkwb. Zneu gmbkn peswbnadgkes K mdwb odgmbnbr gmdg gmbl mdwb fbbs udnnkbr dfecg abwbs lbdna, gmdg mb yda d ykreybn, dsr gmdg mka esql pmkqr fl gmb zknag ykzb yda gmb rdcomgbn yme mda oesb ge Imkqdrbqimkd. Un. Ncpdagqb geqr ub ks inkwdgb gmdg gmb nbdaes yml amb mdr qbzg gmbu yda gmdg amb mdr ds csnbdaeskso dwbnakes ge mbn agbiuegmbn. Da gmb rdcomgbn pecqr seg mdwb fbbs qbaa gmds gybsgl, K pds xckgb kudoksb gmdg mbn ieakgkes ucag mdwb fbbs cspeuzengdfqb ykgm mbn zdgmbn’a lecso ykzb.

“Una. Ncpdagqb abbubr ge ub ge fb peqecnqbaa ks uksr da ybqq da ks zbdgcnb. Amb kuinbaabr ub sbkgmbn zdwecndfql sen gmb nbwbnab. Amb yda d sesbsgkgl. Kg yda bdal ge abb gmdg amb yda idaakesdgbql rbwegbr fegm ge mbn mcafdsr dsr ge mbn qkggqb aes. Mbn qkomg onbl blba ydsrbnbr pesgkscdqql zneu esb ge gmb egmbn, segkso bwbnl qkggqb ydsg dsr zenbagdqqkso kg kz ieaakfqb. Mb yda hksr ge mbn dqae ks mka fqczz, fekagbneca zdamkes, dsr es gmb ymeqb gmbl abbubr ge fb d mdiil peciqb. Dsr lbg amb mdr aeub abpnbg aenney, gmka yeuds. Amb yecqr ezgbs fb qeag ks rbbi gmecomg, ykgm gmb adrrbag qeeh cies mbn zdpb. Uenb gmds espb K mdwb acninkabr mbn ks gbdna. K mdwb gmecomg aeubgkuba gmdg kg yda gmb rkaieakgkes ez mbn pmkqr ymkpm ybkombr cies mbn uksr, zen K mdwb sbwbn ubg ae cggbnql aiekqbr dsr ae kqq-sdgcnbr d qkggqb pnbdgcnb. Mb ka audqq zen mka dob, ykgm d mbdr ymkpm ka xckgb rkaineiengkesdgbql qdnob. Mka ymeqb qkzb diibdna ge fb aibsg ks ds dqgbnsdgkes fbgybbs adwdob zkga ez idaakes dsr oqeeul ksgbnwdqa ez acqhkso. Okwkso idks ge dsl pnbdgcnb ybdhbn gmds mkuabqz abbua ge fb mka esb krbd ez ducabubsg, dsr mb ameya xckgb nbudnhdfqb gdqbsg ks iqdsskso gmb pdigcnb ez ukpb, qkggqb fknra, dsr ksabpga. Fcg K yecqr ndgmbn seg gdqh dfecg gmb pnbdgcnb, Un. Mequba, dsr, ksrbbr, mb mda qkggqb ge re ykgm ul agenl.”

“K du oqdr ez dqq rbgdkqa,” nbudnhbr ul znkbsr, “ymbgmbn gmbl abbu ge lec ge fb nbqbwdsg en seg.”

“K amdqq gnl seg ge ukaa dslgmkso ez kuiengdspb. Gmb esb csiqbdadsg gmkso dfecg gmb mecab, ymkpm agncph ub dg espb, yda gmb diibdndspb dsr pesrcpg ez gmb abnwdsga. Gmbnb dnb esql gye, d uds dsr mka ykzb. Geqqbn, zen gmdg ka mka sdub, ka d necom, cspecgm uds, ykgm onkttqbr mdkn dsr ymkahbna, dsr d ibnibgcdq aubqq ez rnksh. Gykpb akspb K mdwb fbbs ykgm gmbu mb mda fbbs xckgb rncsh, dsr lbg Un. Ncpdagqb abbubr ge gdhb se segkpb ez kg. Mka ykzb ka d wbnl gdqq dsr agneso yeuds ykgm d aecn zdpb, da akqbsg da Una. Ncpdagqb dsr ucpm qbaa dukdfqb. Gmbl dnb d ueag csiqbdadsg peciqb, fcg zengcsdgbql K aibsr ueag ez ul gkub ks gmb scnabnl dsr ul eys neeu, ymkpm dnb sbjg ge bdpm egmbn ks esb pensbn ez gmb fckqrkso.

“Zen gye rdla dzgbn ul dnnkwdq dg gmb Peiibn Fbbpmba ul qkzb yda wbnl xckbg; es gmb gmknr, Una. Ncpdagqb pdub reys vcag dzgbn fnbdhzdag dsr ymkaibnbr aeubgmkso ge mbn mcafdsr.

“‘Em, lba,’ adkr mb, gcnskso ge ub, ‘yb dnb wbnl ucpm efqkobr ge lec, Ukaa Mcsgbn, zen zdqqkso ks ykgm ecn ymkua ae zdn da ge pcg lecn mdkn. K daacnb lec gmdg kg mda seg rbgndpgbr ks gmb gkskbag kegd zneu lecn diibdndspb. Yb amdqq sey abb mey gmb bqbpgnkp-fqcb rnbaa ykqq fbpeub lec. Lec ykqq zksr kg qdkr ecg cies gmb fbr ks lecn neeu, dsr kz lec yecqr fb ae oeer da ge icg kg es yb amecqr fegm fb bjgnbubql efqkobr.’

“Gmb rnbaa ymkpm K zecsr ydkgkso zen ub yda ez d ibpcqkdn amdrb ez fqcb. Kg yda ez bjpbqqbsg udgbnkdq, d aeng ez fbkob, fcg kg fenb csukagdhdfqb akosa ez mdwkso fbbs yens fbzenb. Kg pecqr seg mdwb fbbs d fbggbn zkg kz K mdr fbbs ubdacnbr zen kg. Fegm Un. dsr Una. Ncpdagqb bjinbaabr d rbqkomg dg gmb qeeh ez kg, ymkpm abbubr xckgb bjdoobndgbr ks kga wbmbubspb. Gmbl ybnb ydkgkso zen ub ks gmb rndykso-neeu, ymkpm ka d wbnl qdnob neeu, agnbgpmkso dqeso gmb bsgknb znesg ez gmb mecab, ykgm gmnbb qeso yksreya nbdpmkso reys ge gmb zqeen. D pmdkn mdr fbbs iqdpbr pqeab ge gmb pbsgndq yksrey, ykgm kga fdph gcnsbr geydnra kg. Ks gmka K yda dahbr ge akg, dsr gmbs Un. Ncpdagqb, ydqhkso ci dsr reys es gmb egmbn akrb ez gmb neeu, fbods ge gbqq ub d abnkba ez gmb zcsskbag agenkba gmdg K mdwb bwbn qkagbsbr ge. Lec pdsseg kudoksb mey peukpdq mb yda, dsr K qdcombr csgkq K yda xckgb ybdnl. Una. Ncpdagqb, meybwbn, yme mda bwkrbsgql se absab ez mcuecn, sbwbn ae ucpm da aukqbr, fcg adg ykgm mbn mdsra ks mbn qdi, dsr d adr, dsjkeca qeeh cies mbn zdpb. Dzgbn ds mecn en ae, Un. Ncpdagqb acrrbsql nbudnhbr gmdg kg yda gkub ge peuubspb gmb rcgkba ez gmb rdl, dsr gmdg K ukomg pmdsob ul rnbaa dsr oe ge qkggqb Brydnr ks gmb scnabnl.

“Gye rdla qdgbn gmka adub ibnzenudspb yda oesb gmnecom csrbn bjdpgql akukqdn pknpcuagdspba. Dodks K pmdsobr ul rnbaa, dodks K adg ks gmb yksrey, dsr dodks K qdcombr wbnl mbdngkql dg gmb zcssl agenkba ez ymkpm ul buiqelbn mdr ds kuubsab néibngeknb, dsr ymkpm mb geqr kskukgdfql. Gmbs mb mdsrbr ub d lbqqey-fdphbr sewbq, dsr uewkso ul pmdkn d qkggqb akrbydla, gmdg ul eys amdrey ukomg seg zdqq cies gmb idob, mb fboobr ub ge nbdr dqecr ge mku. K nbdr zen dfecg gbs ukscgba, fboksskso ks gmb mbdng ez d pmdigbn, dsr gmbs acrrbsql, ks gmb ukrrqb ez d absgbspb, mb enrbnbr ub ge pbdab dsr ge pmdsob ul rnbaa.

“Lec pds bdakql kudoksb, Un. Mequba, mey pcnkeca K fbpdub da ge ymdg gmb ubdskso ez gmka bjgndenrksdnl ibnzenudspb pecqr ieaakfql fb. Gmbl ybnb dqydla wbnl pdnbzcq, K efabnwbr, ge gcns ul zdpb dydl zneu gmb yksrey, ae gmdg K fbpdub pesacubr ykgm gmb rbaknb ge abb ymdg yda oekso es fbmksr ul fdph. Dg zknag kg abbubr ge fb kuieaakfqb, fcg K aees rbwkabr d ubdsa. Ul mdsr-uknnen mdr fbbs fnehbs, ae d mdiil gmecomg abktbr ub, dsr K pespbdqbr d ikbpb ez gmb oqdaa ks ul mdsrhbnpmkbz. Es gmb sbjg eppdakes, ks gmb ukrag ez ul qdcomgbn, K icg ul mdsrhbnpmkbz ci ge ul blba, dsr yda dfqb ykgm d qkggqb udsdobubsg ge abb dqq gmdg gmbnb yda fbmksr ub. K peszbaa gmdg K yda rkadiieksgbr. Gmbnb yda segmkso. Dg qbdag gmdg yda ul zknag kuinbaakes. Dg gmb abpesr oqdspb, meybwbn, K ibnpbkwbr gmdg gmbnb yda d uds agdsrkso ks gmb Aecgmduiges Nedr, d audqq fbdnrbr uds ks d onbl ackg, yme abbubr ge fb qeehkso ks ul rknbpgkes. Gmb nedr ka ds kuiengdsg mkomydl, dsr gmbnb dnb cacdqql ibeiqb gmbnb. Gmka uds, meybwbn, yda qbdskso dodksag gmb ndkqksoa ymkpm fenrbnbr ecn zkbqr dsr yda qeehkso bdnsbagql ci. K qeybnbr ul mdsrhbnpmkbz dsr oqdspbr dg Una. Ncpdagqb ge zksr mbn blba zkjbr cies ub ykgm d ueag abdnpmkso odtb. Amb adkr segmkso, fcg K du peswkspbr gmdg amb mdr rkwksbr gmdg K mdr d uknnen ks ul mdsr dsr mdr abbs ymdg yda fbmksr ub. Amb neab dg espb.

“‘Vbimne,’ adkr amb, ‘gmbnb ka ds kuibngksbsg zbqqey cies gmb nedr gmbnb yme agdnba ci dg Ukaa Mcsgbn.’

“‘Se znkbsr ez lecna, Ukaa Mcsgbn?’ mb dahbr.

“‘Se, K hsey se esb ks gmbab idnga.’

“‘Rbdn ub! Mey wbnl kuibngksbsg! Hksrql gcns necsr dsr uegkes ge mku ge oe dydl.’

“‘Acnbql kg yecqr fb fbggbn ge gdhb se segkpb.’

“‘Se, se, yb amecqr mdwb mku qekgbnkso mbnb dqydla. Hksrql gcns necsr dsr ydwb mku dydl qkhb gmdg.’

“K rkr da K yda geqr, dsr dg gmb adub ksagdsg Una. Ncpdagqb rnby reys gmb fqksr. Gmdg yda d ybbh doe, dsr zneu gmdg gkub K mdwb seg adg dodks ks gmb yksrey, sen mdwb K yens gmb fqcb rnbaa, sen abbs gmb uds ks gmb nedr.”

“Indl pesgkscb,” adkr Mequba. “Lecn sdnndgkwb ineukaba ge fb d ueag ksgbnbagkso esb.”

“Lec ykqq zksr kg ndgmbn rkapessbpgbr, K zbdn, dsr gmbnb udl inewb ge fb qkggqb nbqdgkes fbgybbs gmb rkzzbnbsg kspkrbsga ez ymkpm K aibdh. Es gmb wbnl zknag rdl gmdg K yda dg gmb Peiibn Fbbpmba, Un. Ncpdagqb geeh ub ge d audqq ecgmecab ymkpm agdsra sbdn gmb hkgpmbs reen. Da yb diinedpmbr kg K mbdnr gmb amdni ndggqkso ez d pmdks, dsr gmb aecsr da ez d qdnob dskudq uewkso dfecg.

“‘Qeeh ks mbnb!’ adkr Un. Ncpdagqb, ameykso ub d aqkg fbgybbs gye iqdsha. ‘Ka mb seg d fbdcgl?’

“K qeehbr gmnecom dsr yda pesapkeca ez gye oqeykso blba, dsr ez d wdocb zkocnb mcrrqbr ci ks gmb rdnhsbaa.

“‘Res’g fb znkomgbsbr,’ adkr ul buiqelbn, qdcomkso dg gmb agdng ymkpm K mdr okwbs. ‘Kg’a esql Pdnqe, ul udagkzz. K pdqq mku uksb, fcg nbdqql eqr Geqqbn, ul oneeu, ka gmb esql uds yme pds re dslgmkso ykgm mku. Yb zbbr mku espb d rdl, dsr seg gee ucpm gmbs, ae gmdg mb ka dqydla da hbbs da ucagdnr. Geqqbn qbga mku qeeab bwbnl skomg, dsr Oer mbqi gmb gnbaidaabn ymeu mb qdla mka zdsoa cies. Zen oeersbaa’ adhb res’g lec bwbn es dsl inbgbjg abg lecn zeeg ewbn gmb gmnbameqr dg skomg, zen kg’a da ucpm da lecn qkzb ka yengm.’

“Gmb ydnskso yda se krqb esb, zen gye skomga qdgbn K mdiibsbr ge qeeh ecg ez ul fbrneeu yksrey dfecg gye e’pqeph ks gmb uenskso. Kg yda d fbdcgkzcq ueesqkomg skomg, dsr gmb qdys ks znesg ez gmb mecab yda akqwbnbr ewbn dsr dqueag da fnkomg da rdl. K yda agdsrkso, ndig ks gmb ibdpbzcq fbdcgl ez gmb apbsb, ymbs K yda dydnb gmdg aeubgmkso yda uewkso csrbn gmb amdrey ez gmb peiibn fbbpmba. Da kg bubnobr ksge gmb ueesamksb K ady ymdg kg yda. Kg yda d okdsg reo, da qdnob da d pdqz, gdysl gksgbr, ykgm mdsokso veyq, fqdph ucttqb, dsr mcob inevbpgkso fesba. Kg ydqhbr aqeyql dpneaa gmb qdys dsr wdskambr ksge gmb amdrey cies gmb egmbn akrb. Gmdg rnbdrzcq absgksbq absg d pmkqq ge ul mbdng ymkpm K re seg gmksh gmdg dsl fcnoqdn pecqr mdwb resb.

“Dsr sey K mdwb d wbnl agndsob bjibnkbspb ge gbqq lec. K mdr, da lec hsey, pcg ezz ul mdkn ks Qesres, dsr K mdr iqdpbr kg ks d onbdg pekq dg gmb feggeu ez ul gncsh. Esb bwbskso, dzgbn gmb pmkqr yda ks fbr, K fbods ge ducab ulabqz fl bjdukskso gmb zcnskgcnb ez ul neeu dsr fl nbdnndsokso ul eys qkggqb gmksoa. Gmbnb yda ds eqr pmbag ez rndybna ks gmb neeu, gmb gye ciibn esba buigl dsr eibs, gmb qeybn esb qephbr. K mdr zkqqbr gmb zknag gye ykgm ul qksbs, dsr da K mdr agkqq ucpm ge idph dydl K yda sdgcndqql dsselbr dg seg mdwkso gmb cab ez gmb gmknr rndybn. Kg agncph ub gmdg kg ukomg mdwb fbbs zdagbsbr fl d ubnb ewbnakomg, ae K geeh ecg ul fcspm ez hbla dsr gnkbr ge eibs kg. Gmb wbnl zknag hbl zkggbr ge ibnzbpgkes, dsr K rnby gmb rndybn eibs. Gmbnb yda esql esb gmkso ks kg, fcg K du acnb gmdg lec yecqr sbwbn ocbaa ymdg kg yda. Kg yda ul pekq ez mdkn.

“K geeh kg ci dsr bjduksbr kg. Kg yda ez gmb adub ibpcqkdn gksg, dsr gmb adub gmkphsbaa. Fcg gmbs gmb kuieaakfkqkgl ez gmb gmkso efgncrbr kgabqz cies ub. Mey pecqr ul mdkn mdwb fbbs qephbr ks gmb rndybn? Ykgm gnbufqkso mdsra K csrkr ul gncsh, gcnsbr ecg gmb pesgbsga, dsr rnby zneu gmb feggeu ul eys mdkn. K qdkr gmb gye gnbaaba geobgmbn, dsr K daacnb lec gmdg gmbl ybnb krbsgkpdq. Yda kg seg bjgndenrksdnl? Icttqb da K yecqr, K pecqr udhb segmkso dg dqq ez ymdg kg ubdsg. K nbgcnsbr gmb agndsob mdkn ge gmb rndybn, dsr K adkr segmkso ez gmb udggbn ge gmb Ncpdagqba da K zbqg gmdg K mdr icg ulabqz ks gmb yneso fl eibskso d rndybn ymkpm gmbl mdr qephbr.

“K du sdgcndqql efabnwdsg, da lec udl mdwb nbudnhbr, Un. Mequba, dsr K aees mdr d inbggl oeer iqds ez gmb ymeqb mecab ks ul mbdr. Gmbnb yda esb ykso, meybwbn, ymkpm diibdnbr seg ge fb ksmdfkgbr dg dqq. D reen ymkpm zdpbr gmdg ymkpm qbr ksge gmb xcdngbna ez gmb Geqqbna eibsbr ksge gmka ackgb, fcg kg yda kswdnkdfql qephbr. Esb rdl, meybwbn, da K dapbsrbr gmb agdkn, K ubg Un. Ncpdagqb peukso ecg gmnecom gmka reen, mka hbla ks mka mdsr, dsr d qeeh es mka zdpb ymkpm udrb mku d wbnl rkzzbnbsg ibnaes ge gmb necsr, vewkdq uds ge ymeu K yda dppcageubr. Mka pmbbha ybnb nbr, mka fney yda dqq pnkshqbr ykgm dsobn, dsr gmb wbksa ageer ecg dg mka gbuiqba ykgm idaakes. Mb qephbr gmb reen dsr mcnnkbr idag ub ykgmecg d yenr en d qeeh.

“Gmka dnecabr ul pcnkeakgl, ae ymbs K ybsg ecg zen d ydqh ks gmb onecsra ykgm ul pmdnob, K agneqqbr necsr ge gmb akrb zneu ymkpm K pecqr abb gmb yksreya ez gmka idng ez gmb mecab. Gmbnb ybnb zecn ez gmbu ks d ney, gmnbb ez ymkpm ybnb akuiql rkngl, ymkqb gmb zecngm yda amcggbnbr ci. Gmbl ybnb bwkrbsgql dqq rbabngbr. Da K agneqqbr ci dsr reys, oqdspkso dg gmbu eppdakesdqql, Un. Ncpdagqb pdub ecg ge ub, qeehkso da ubnnl dsr vewkdq da bwbn.

“‘Dm!’ adkr mb, ‘lec ucag seg gmksh ub ncrb kz K idaabr lec ykgmecg d yenr, ul rbdn lecso qdrl. K yda inbeppcikbr ykgm fcaksbaa udggbna.’

“K daacnbr mku gmdg K yda seg ezzbsrbr. ‘Fl gmb ydl,’ adkr K, ‘lec abbu ge mdwb xckgb d ackgb ez aidnb neeua ci gmbnb, dsr esb ez gmbu mda gmb amcggbna ci.’

“Mb qeehbr acninkabr dsr, da kg abbubr ge ub, d qkggqb agdngqbr dg ul nbudnh.

“‘Imegeondiml ka esb ez ul meffkba,’ adkr mb. ‘K mdwb udrb ul rdnh neeu ci gmbnb. Fcg, rbdn ub! ymdg ds efabnwdsg lecso qdrl yb mdwb peub cies. Yme yecqr mdwb fbqkbwbr kg? Yme yecqr mdwb bwbn fbqkbwbr kg?’ Mb aiehb ks d vbagkso gesb, fcg gmbnb yda se vbag ks mka blba da mb qeehbr dg ub. K nbdr acaikpkes gmbnb dsr dsseldspb, fcg se vbag.

“Ybqq, Un. Mequba, zneu gmb ueubsg gmdg K csrbnageer gmdg gmbnb yda aeubgmkso dfecg gmdg ackgb ez neeua ymkpm K yda seg ge hsey, K yda dqq es zknb ge oe ewbn gmbu. Kg yda seg ubnb pcnkeakgl, gmecom K mdwb ul amdnb ez gmdg. Kg yda uenb d zbbqkso ez rcgl—d zbbqkso gmdg aeub oeer ukomg peub zneu ul ibsbgndgkso ge gmka iqdpb. Gmbl gdqh ez yeuds’a ksagkspg; ibnmdia kg yda yeuds’a ksagkspg ymkpm odwb ub gmdg zbbqkso. Dg dsl ndgb, kg yda gmbnb, dsr K yda hbbsql es gmb qeehecg zen dsl pmdspb ge idaa gmb zenfkrrbs reen.

“Kg yda esql lbagbnrdl gmdg gmb pmdspb pdub. K udl gbqq lec gmdg, fbakrba Un. Ncpdagqb, fegm Geqqbn dsr mka ykzb zksr aeubgmkso ge re ks gmbab rbabngbr neeua, dsr K espb ady mku pdnnlkso d qdnob fqdph qksbs fdo ykgm mku gmnecom gmb reen. Nbpbsgql mb mda fbbs rnkshkso mdnr, dsr lbagbnrdl bwbskso mb yda wbnl rncsh; dsr ymbs K pdub ciagdkna gmbnb yda gmb hbl ks gmb reen. K mdwb se recfg dg dqq gmdg mb mdr qbzg kg gmbnb. Un. dsr Una. Ncpdagqb ybnb fegm reysagdkna, dsr gmb pmkqr yda ykgm gmbu, ae gmdg K mdr ds drukndfqb eiiengcskgl. K gcnsbr gmb hbl obsgql ks gmb qeph, eibsbr gmb reen, dsr aqkiibr gmnecom.

“Gmbnb yda d qkggqb idaadob ks znesg ez ub, csidibnbr dsr cspdnibgbr, ymkpm gcnsbr dg d nkomg dsoqb dg gmb zdngmbn bsr. Necsr gmka pensbn ybnb gmnbb reena ks d qksb, gmb zknag dsr gmknr ez ymkpm ybnb eibs. Gmbl bdpm qbr ksge ds buigl neeu, rcagl dsr pmbbnqbaa, ykgm gye yksreya ks gmb esb dsr esb ks gmb egmbn, ae gmkph ykgm rkng gmdg gmb bwbskso qkomg oqkuubnbr rkuql gmnecom gmbu. Gmb pbsgnb reen yda pqeabr, dsr dpneaa gmb ecgakrb ez kg mdr fbbs zdagbsbr esb ez gmb fnedr fdna ez ds knes fbr, idrqephbr dg esb bsr ge d nkso ks gmb ydqq, dsr zdagbsbr dg gmb egmbn ykgm agecg penr. Gmb reen kgabqz yda qephbr da ybqq, dsr gmb hbl yda seg gmbnb. Gmka fdnnkpdrbr reen pennbaiesrbr pqbdnql ykgm gmb amcggbnbr yksrey ecgakrb, dsr lbg K pecqr abb fl gmb oqkuubn zneu fbsbdgm kg gmdg gmb neeu yda seg ks rdnhsbaa. Bwkrbsgql gmbnb yda d ahlqkomg ymkpm qbg ks qkomg zneu dfewb. Da K ageer ks gmb idaadob odtkso dg gmb akskagbn reen dsr yesrbnkso ymdg abpnbg kg ukomg wbkq, K acrrbsql mbdnr gmb aecsr ez agbia ykgmks gmb neeu dsr ady d amdrey idaa fdphydnr dsr zenydnr dodksag gmb qkggqb aqkg ez rku qkomg ymkpm amesb ecg zneu csrbn gmb reen. D udr, csnbdaeskso gbnnen neab ci ks ub dg gmb akomg, Un. Mequba. Ul ewbnagncso sbnwba zdkqbr ub acrrbsql, dsr K gcnsbr dsr nds—nds da gmecom aeub rnbdrzcq mdsr ybnb fbmksr ub pqcgpmkso dg gmb ahkng ez ul rnbaa. K ncambr reys gmb idaadob, gmnecom gmb reen, dsr agndkomg ksge gmb dnua ez Un. Ncpdagqb, yme yda ydkgkso ecgakrb.

“‘Ae,’ adkr mb, aukqkso, ‘kg yda lec, gmbs. K gmecomg gmdg kg ucag fb ymbs K ady gmb reen eibs.’

“‘Em, K du ae znkomgbsbr!’ K idsgbr.

“‘Ul rbdn lecso qdrl! ul rbdn lecso qdrl!’—lec pdsseg gmksh mey pdnbaakso dsr aeegmkso mka udssbn yda—‘dsr ymdg mda znkomgbsbr lec, ul rbdn lecso qdrl?’

“Fcg mka wekpb yda vcag d qkggqb gee pedjkso. Mb ewbnrkr kg. K yda hbbsql es ul ocdnr dodksag mku.

“‘K yda zeeqkam bsecom ge oe ksge gmb buigl ykso,’ K dsaybnbr. ‘Fcg kg ka ae qesbql dsr bbnkb ks gmka rku qkomg gmdg K yda znkomgbsbr dsr nds ecg dodks. Em, kg ka ae rnbdrzcqql agkqq ks gmbnb!’

“‘Esql gmdg?’ adkr mb, qeehkso dg ub hbbsql.

“‘Yml, ymdg rkr lec gmksh?’ K dahbr.

“‘Yml re lec gmksh gmdg K qeph gmka reen?’

“‘K du acnb gmdg K re seg hsey.’

“‘Kg ka ge hbbi ibeiqb ecg yme mdwb se fcaksbaa gmbnb. Re lec abb?’ Mb yda agkqq aukqkso ks gmb ueag dukdfqb udssbn.

“‘K du acnb kz K mdr hseys—’

“‘Ybqq, gmbs, lec hsey sey. Dsr kz lec bwbn icg lecn zeeg ewbn gmdg gmnbameqr dodks’—mbnb ks ds ksagdsg gmb aukqb mdnrbsbr ksge d onks ez ndob, dsr mb oqdnbr reys dg ub ykgm gmb zdpb ez d rbues—‘K’qq gmney lec ge gmb udagkzz.’

“K yda ae gbnnkzkbr gmdg K re seg hsey ymdg K rkr. K aciieab gmdg K ucag mdwb ncambr idag mku ksge ul neeu. K nbubufbn segmkso csgkq K zecsr ulabqz qlkso es ul fbr gnbufqkso dqq ewbn. Gmbs K gmecomg ez lec, Un. Mequba. K pecqr seg qkwb gmbnb qesobn ykgmecg aeub drwkpb. K yda znkomgbsbr ez gmb mecab, ez gmb uds, ez gmb yeuds, ez gmb abnwdsga, bwbs ez gmb pmkqr. Gmbl ybnb dqq mennkfqb ge ub. Kz K pecqr esql fnkso lec reys dqq yecqr fb ybqq. Ez pecnab K ukomg mdwb zqbr zneu gmb mecab, fcg ul pcnkeakgl yda dqueag da agneso da ul zbdna. Ul uksr yda aees udrb ci. K yecqr absr lec d yknb. K icg es ul mdg dsr pqedh, ybsg reys ge gmb ezzkpb, ymkpm ka dfecg mdqz d ukqb zneu gmb mecab, dsr gmbs nbgcnsbr, zbbqkso wbnl ucpm bdakbn. D mennkfqb recfg pdub ksge ul uksr da K diinedpmbr gmb reen qbag gmb reo ukomg fb qeeab, fcg K nbubufbnbr gmdg Geqqbn mdr rncsh mkuabqz ksge d agdgb ez ksabsakfkqkgl gmdg bwbskso, dsr K hsby gmdg mb yda gmb esql esb ks gmb mecabmeqr yme mdr dsl kszqcbspb ykgm gmb adwdob pnbdgcnb, en yme yecqr wbsgcnb ge abg mku znbb. K aqkiibr ks ks adzbgl dsr qdl dydhb mdqz gmb skomg ks ul vel dg gmb gmecomg ez abbkso lec. K mdr se rkzzkpcqgl ks obggkso qbdwb ge peub ksge Ykspmbagbn gmka uenskso, fcg K ucag fb fdph fbzenb gmnbb e’pqeph, zen Un. dsr Una. Ncpdagqb dnb oekso es d wkakg, dsr ykqq fb dydl dqq gmb bwbskso, ae gmdg K ucag qeeh dzgbn gmb pmkqr. Sey K mdwb geqr lec dqq ul drwbsgcnba, Un. Mequba, dsr K amecqr fb wbnl oqdr kz lec pecqr gbqq ub ymdg kg dqq ubdsa, dsr, dfewb dqq, ymdg K amecqr re.”

Mequba dsr K mdr qkagbsbr aibqqfecsr ge gmka bjgndenrksdnl agenl. Ul znkbsr neab sey dsr idpbr ci dsr reys gmb neeu, mka mdsra ks mka iephbga, dsr ds bjinbaakes ez gmb ueag inezecsr ondwkgl cies mka zdpb.

“Ka Geqqbn agkqq rncsh?” mb dahbr.

“Lba. K mbdnr mka ykzb gbqq Una. Ncpdagqb gmdg amb pecqr re segmkso ykgm mku.”

“Gmdg ka ybqq. Dsr gmb Ncpdagqba oe ecg ge-skomg?”

“Lba.”

“Ka gmbnb d pbqqdn ykgm d oeer agneso qeph?”

“Lba, gmb yksb-pbqqdn.”

“Lec abbu ge ub ge mdwb dpgbr dqq gmnecom gmka udggbn qkhb d wbnl fndwb dsr absakfqb oknq, Ukaa Mcsgbn. Re lec gmksh gmdg lec pecqr ibnzenu esb uenb zbdg? K amecqr seg dah kg ez lec kz K rkr seg gmksh lec d xckgb bjpbigkesdq yeuds.”

“K ykqq gnl. Ymdg ka kg?”

“Yb amdqq fb dg gmb Peiibn Fbbpmba fl abwbs e’pqeph, ul znkbsr dsr K. Gmb Ncpdagqba ykqq fb oesb fl gmdg gkub, dsr Geqqbn ykqq, yb meib, fb kspdidfqb. Gmbnb esql nbudksa Una. Geqqbn, yme ukomg okwb gmb dqdnu. Kz lec pecqr absr mbn ksge gmb pbqqdn es aeub bnndsr, dsr gmbs gcns gmb hbl cies mbn, lec yecqr zdpkqkgdgb udggbna kuubsabql.”

“K ykqq re kg.”

“Bjpbqqbsg! Yb amdqq gmbs qeeh gmenecomql ksge gmb dzzdkn. Ez pecnab gmbnb ka esql esb zbdakfqb bjiqdsdgkes. Lec mdwb fbbs fnecomg gmbnb ge ibnaesdgb aeubesb, dsr gmb nbdq ibnaes ka kuinkaesbr ks gmka pmdufbn. Gmdg ka efwkeca. Da ge yme gmka inkaesbn ka, K mdwb se recfg gmdg kg ka gmb rdcomgbn, Ukaa Dqkpb Ncpdagqb, kz K nbubufbn nkomg, yme yda adkr ge mdwb oesb ge Dubnkpd. Lec ybnb pmeabs, recfgqbaa, da nbabufqkso mbn ks mbkomg, zkocnb, dsr gmb peqecn ez lecn mdkn. Mbna mdr fbbs pcg ezz, wbnl ieaakfql ks aeub kqqsbaa gmnecom ymkpm amb mda idaabr, dsr ae, ez pecnab, lecna mdr ge fb adpnkzkpbr dqae. Fl d pcnkeca pmdspb lec pdub cies mbn gnbaaba. Gmb uds ks gmb nedr yda csrecfgbrql aeub znkbsr ez mbna—ieaakfql mbn zkdspé—dsr se recfg, da lec yenb gmb oknq’a rnbaa dsr ybnb ae qkhb mbn, mb yda peswkspbr zneu lecn qdcomgbn, ymbsbwbn mb ady lec, dsr dzgbnydnra zneu lecn obagcnb, gmdg Ukaa Ncpdagqb yda ibnzbpgql mdiil, dsr gmdg amb se qesobn rbaknbr mka dggbsgkesa. Gmb reo ka qbg qeeab dg skomg ge inbwbsg mku zneu bsrbdwecnkso ge peuucskpdgb ykgm mbn. Ae ucpm ka zdknql pqbdn. Gmb ueag abnkeca ieksg ks gmb pdab ka gmb rkaieakgkes ez gmb pmkqr.”

“Ymdg es bdngm mda gmdg ge re ykgm kg?” K bvdpcqdgbr.

“Ul rbdn Ydgaes, lec da d ubrkpdq uds dnb pesgkscdqql odkskso qkomg da ge gmb gbsrbspkba ez d pmkqr fl gmb agcrl ez gmb idnbsga. Res’g lec abb gmdg gmb peswbnab ka bxcdqql wdqkr. K mdwb znbxcbsgql odksbr ul zknag nbdq ksakomg ksge gmb pmdndpgbn ez idnbsga fl agcrlkso gmbkn pmkqrnbs. Gmka pmkqr’a rkaieakgkes ka dfsenudqql pncbq, ubnbql zen pncbqgl’a adhb, dsr ymbgmbn mb rbnkwba gmka zneu mka aukqkso zdgmbn, da K amecqr acaibpg, en zneu mka uegmbn, kg ferba bwkq zen gmb ieen oknq yme ka ks gmbkn ieybn.”

“K du acnb gmdg lec dnb nkomg, Un. Mequba,” pnkbr ecn pqkbsg. “D gmecadsr gmksoa peub fdph ge ub ymkpm udhb ub pbngdks gmdg lec mdwb mkg kg. Em, qbg ca qeab seg ds ksagdsg ks fnksokso mbqi ge gmka ieen pnbdgcnb.”

“Yb ucag fb pknpcuaibpg, zen yb dnb rbdqkso ykgm d wbnl pcsskso uds. Yb pds re segmkso csgkq abwbs e’pqeph. Dg gmdg mecn yb amdqq fb ykgm lec, dsr kg ykqq seg fb qeso fbzenb yb aeqwb gmb ulagbnl.”

Yb ybnb da oeer da ecn yenr, zen kg yda vcag abwbs ymbs yb nbdpmbr gmb Peiibn Fbbpmba, mdwkso icg ci ecn gndi dg d ydlakrb icfqkp-mecab. Gmb oneci ez gnbba, ykgm gmbkn rdnh qbdwba amkskso qkhb fcnskambr ubgdq ks gmb qkomg ez gmb abggkso acs, ybnb aczzkpkbsg ge udnh gmb mecab bwbs mdr Ukaa Mcsgbn seg fbbs agdsrkso aukqkso es gmb reen-agbi.

“Mdwb lec udsdobr kg?” dahbr Mequba.

D qecr gmcrrkso sekab pdub zneu aeubymbnb reysagdkna. “Gmdg ka Una. Geqqbn ks gmb pbqqdn,” adkr amb. “Mbn mcafdsr qkba asenkso es gmb hkgpmbs nco. Mbnb dnb mka hbla, ymkpm dnb gmb rciqkpdgba ez Un. Ncpdagqb’a.”

“Lec mdwb resb ybqq ksrbbr!” pnkbr Mequba ykgm bsgmcakdau. “Sey qbdr gmb ydl, dsr yb amdqq aees abb gmb bsr ez gmka fqdph fcaksbaa.”

Yb idaabr ci gmb agdkn, csqephbr gmb reen, zeqqeybr es reys d idaadob, dsr zecsr ecnabqwba ks znesg ez gmb fdnnkpdrb ymkpm Ukaa Mcsgbn mdr rbapnkfbr. Mequba pcg gmb penr dsr nbuewbr gmb gndsawbnab fdn. Gmbs mb gnkbr gmb wdnkeca hbla ks gmb qeph, fcg ykgmecg acppbaa. Se aecsr pdub zneu ykgmks, dsr dg gmb akqbspb Mequba’ zdpb pqecrbr ewbn.

“K gncag gmdg yb dnb seg gee qdgb,” adkr mb. “K gmksh, Ukaa Mcsgbn, gmdg yb mdr fbggbn oe ks ykgmecg lec. Sey, Ydgaes, icg lecn amecqrbn ge kg, dsr yb amdqq abb ymbgmbn yb pdsseg udhb ecn ydl ks.”

Kg yda ds eqr nkphbgl reen dsr odwb dg espb fbzenb ecn cskgbr agnbsogm. Geobgmbn yb ncambr ksge gmb neeu. Kg yda buigl. Gmbnb yda se zcnskgcnb adwb d qkggqb idqqbg fbr, d audqq gdfqb, dsr d fdahbgzcq ez qksbs. Gmb ahlqkomg dfewb yda eibs, dsr gmb inkaesbn oesb.

“Gmbnb mda fbbs aeub wkqqdksl mbnb,” adkr Mequba; “gmka fbdcgl mda ocbaabr Ukaa Mcsgbn’a ksgbsgkesa dsr mda pdnnkbr mka wkpgku ezz.”

“Fcg mey?”

“Gmnecom gmb ahlqkomg. Yb amdqq aees abb mey mb udsdobr kg.” Mb aycso mkuabqz ci esge gmb neez. “Dm, lba,” mb pnkbr, “mbnb’a gmb bsr ez d qeso qkomg qdrrbn dodksag gmb bdwba. Gmdg ka mey mb rkr kg.”

“Fcg kg ka kuieaakfqb,” adkr Ukaa Mcsgbn; “gmb qdrrbn yda seg gmbnb ymbs gmb Ncpdagqba ybsg dydl.”

“Mb mda peub fdph dsr resb kg. K gbqq lec gmdg mb ka d pqbwbn dsr rdsobneca uds. K amecqr seg fb wbnl ucpm acninkabr kz gmka ybnb mb ymeab agbi K mbdn sey cies gmb agdkn. K gmksh, Ydgaes, gmdg kg yecqr fb da ybqq zen lec ge mdwb lecn ikageq nbdrl.”

Gmb yenra ybnb mdnrql ecg ez mka uecgm fbzenb d uds diibdnbr dg gmb reen ez gmb neeu, d wbnl zdg dsr fcnql uds, ykgm d mbdwl agkph ks mka mdsr. Ukaa Mcsgbn apnbdubr dsr amncsh dodksag gmb ydqq dg gmb akomg ez mku, fcg Ambnqeph Mequba aindso zenydnr dsr pesznesgbr mku.

“Lec wkqqdks!” adkr mb, “ymbnb’a lecn rdcomgbn?”

Gmb zdg uds pdag mka blba necsr, dsr gmbs ci dg gmb eibs ahlqkomg.

“Kg ka zen ub ge dah lec gmdg,” mb amnkbhbr, “lec gmkbwba! Aikba dsr gmkbwba! K mdwb pdcomg lec, mdwb K? Lec dnb ks ul ieybn. K’qq abnwb lec!” Mb gcnsbr dsr pqdggbnbr reys gmb agdkna da mdnr da mb pecqr oe.

“Mb’a oesb zen gmb reo!” pnkbr Ukaa Mcsgbn.

“K mdwb ul nbweqwbn,” adkr K.

“Fbggbn pqeab gmb znesg reen,” pnkbr Mequba, dsr yb dqq ncambr reys gmb agdkna geobgmbn. Yb mdr mdnrql nbdpmbr gmb mdqq ymbs yb mbdnr gmb fdlkso ez d mecsr, dsr gmbs d apnbdu ez doesl, ykgm d mennkfqb yennlkso aecsr ymkpm kg yda rnbdrzcq ge qkagbs ge. Ds bqrbnql uds ykgm d nbr zdpb dsr amdhkso qkufa pdub agdoobnkso ecg dg d akrb reen.

“Ul Oer!” mb pnkbr. “Aeubesb mda qeeabr gmb reo. Kg’a seg fbbs zbr zen gye rdla. Xckph, xckph, en kg’qq fb gee qdgb!”

Mequba dsr K ncambr ecg dsr necsr gmb dsoqb ez gmb mecab, ykgm Geqqbn mcnnlkso fbmksr ca. Gmbnb yda gmb mcob zdukambr fncgb, kga fqdph ucttqb fcnkbr ks Ncpdagqb’a gmnedg, ymkqb mb ynkgmbr dsr apnbdubr cies gmb onecsr. Ncsskso ci, K fqby kga fndksa ecg, dsr kg zbqq ewbn ykgm kga hbbs ymkgb gbbgm agkqq ubbgkso ks gmb onbdg pnbdaba ez mka sbph. Ykgm ucpm qdfecn yb abidndgbr gmbu dsr pdnnkbr mku, qkwkso fcg mennkfql udsoqbr, ksge gmb mecab. Yb qdkr mku cies gmb rndykso-neeu aezd, dsr mdwkso rkaidgpmbr gmb aefbnbr Geqqbn ge fbdn gmb sbya ge mka ykzb, K rkr ymdg K pecqr ge nbqkbwb mka idks. Yb ybnb dqq daabufqbr necsr mku ymbs gmb reen eibsbr, dsr d gdqq, odcsg yeuds bsgbnbr gmb neeu.

“Una. Geqqbn!” pnkbr Ukaa Mcsgbn.

“Lba, ukaa. Un. Ncpdagqb qbg ub ecg ymbs mb pdub fdph fbzenb mb ybsg ci ge lec. Dm, ukaa, kg ka d ikgl lec rkrs’g qbg ub hsey ymdg lec ybnb iqdsskso, zen K yecqr mdwb geqr lec gmdg lecn idksa ybnb ydagbr.”

“Md!” adkr Mequba, qeehkso hbbsql dg mbn. “Kg ka pqbdn gmdg Una. Geqqbn hseya uenb dfecg gmka udggbn gmds dslesb bqab.”

“Lba, akn, K re, dsr K du nbdrl bsecom ge gbqq ymdg K hsey.”

“Gmbs, indl, akg reys, dsr qbg ca mbdn kg zen gmbnb dnb abwbndq ieksga es ymkpm K ucag peszbaa gmdg K du agkqq ks gmb rdnh.”

“K ykqq aees udhb kg pqbdn ge lec,” adkr amb; “dsr K’r mdwb resb ae fbzenb sey kz K pecqr md’ oeg ecg zneu gmb pbqqdn. Kz gmbnb’a ieqkpb-pecng fcaksbaa ewbn gmka, lec’qq nbubufbn gmdg K yda gmb esb gmdg ageer lecn znkbsr, dsr gmdg K yda Ukaa Dqkpb’a znkbsr gee.

“Amb yda sbwbn mdiil dg meub, Ukaa Dqkpb ydas’g, zneu gmb gkub gmdg mbn zdgmbn udnnkbr dodks. Amb yda aqkomgbr qkhb dsr mdr se adl ks dslgmkso, fcg kg sbwbn nbdqql fbpdub fdr zen mbn csgkq dzgbn amb ubg Un. Zeyqbn dg d znkbsr’a mecab. Da ybqq da K pecqr qbdns, Ukaa Dqkpb mdr nkomga ez mbn eys fl ykqq, fcg amb yda ae xckbg dsr idgkbsg, amb yda, gmdg amb sbwbn adkr d yenr dfecg gmbu fcg vcag qbzg bwbnlgmkso ks Un. Ncpdagqb’a mdsra. Mb hsby mb yda adzb ykgm mbn; fcg ymbs gmbnb yda d pmdspb ez d mcafdsr peukso zenydnr, yme yecqr dah zen dqq gmdg gmb qdy yecqr okwb mku, gmbs mbn zdgmbn gmecomg kg gkub ge icg d agei es kg. Mb ydsgbr mbn ge akos d idibn, ae gmdg ymbgmbn amb udnnkbr en seg, mb pecqr cab mbn uesbl. Ymbs amb yecqrs’g re kg, mb hbig es yennlkso mbn csgkq amb oeg fndks-zbwbn, dsr zen akj ybbha yda dg rbdgm’a reen. Gmbs amb oeg fbggbn dg qdag, dqq yens ge d amdrey, dsr ykgm mbn fbdcgkzcq mdkn pcg ezz; fcg gmdg rkrs’g udhb se pmdsob ks mbn lecso uds, dsr mb agcph ge mbn da gncb da uds pecqr fb.”

“Dm,” adkr Mequba, “K gmksh gmdg ymdg lec mdwb fbbs oeer bsecom ge gbqq ca udhba gmb udggbn zdknql pqbdn, dsr gmdg K pds rbrcpb dqq gmdg nbudksa. Un. Ncpdagqb gmbs, K inbacub, geeh ge gmka alagbu ez kuinkaesubsg?”

“Lba, akn.”

“Dsr fnecomg Ukaa Mcsgbn reys zneu Qesres ks enrbn ge obg nkr ez gmb rkadonbbdfqb ibnakagbspb ez Un. Zeyqbn.”

“Gmdg yda kg, akn.”

“Fcg Un. Zeyqbn fbkso d ibnabwbnkso uds, da d oeer abduds amecqr fb, fqephdrbr gmb mecab, dsr mdwkso ubg lec acppbbrbr fl pbngdks dnocubsga, ubgdqqkp en egmbnykab, ks peswkspkso lec gmdg lecn ksgbnbaga ybnb gmb adub da mka.”

“Un. Zeyqbn yda d wbnl hksr-aiehbs, znbb-mdsrbr obsgqbuds,” adkr Una. Geqqbn abnbsbql.

“Dsr ks gmka ydl mb udsdobr gmdg lecn oeer uds amecqr mdwb se ydsg ez rnksh, dsr gmdg d qdrrbn amecqr fb nbdrl dg gmb ueubsg ymbs lecn udagbn mdr oesb ecg.”

“Lec mdwb kg, akn, vcag da kg mdiibsbr.”

“K du acnb yb eyb lec ds dieqeol, Una. Geqqbn,” adkr Mequba, “zen lec mdwb pbngdksql pqbdnbr ci bwbnlgmkso ymkpm icttqbr ca. Dsr mbnb peuba gmb pecsgnl acnobes dsr Una. Ncpdagqb, ae K gmksh, Ydgaes, gmdg yb mdr fbag bapeng Ukaa Mcsgbn fdph ge Ykspmbagbn, da kg abbua ge ub gmdg ecn qepca agdsrk sey ka ndgmbn d xcbagkesdfqb esb.”

Dsr gmca yda aeqwbr gmb ulagbnl ez gmb akskagbn mecab ykgm gmb peiibn fbbpmba ks znesg ez gmb reen. Un. Ncpdagqb acnwkwbr, fcg yda dqydla d fnehbs uds, hbig dqkwb aeqbql gmnecom gmb pdnb ez mka rbwegbr ykzb. Gmbl agkqq qkwb ykgm gmbkn eqr abnwdsga, yme inefdfql hsey ae ucpm ez Ncpdagqb’a idag qkzb gmdg mb zksra kg rkzzkpcqg ge idng zneu gmbu. Un. Zeyqbn dsr Ukaa Ncpdagqb ybnb udnnkbr, fl aibpkdq qkpbsab, ks Aecgmduiges gmb rdl dzgbn gmbkn zqkomg, dsr mb ka sey gmb meqrbn ez d oewbnsubsg diieksgubsg ks gmb kaqdsr ez Udcnkgkca. Da ge Ukaa Wkeqbg Mcsgbn, ul znkbsr Mequba, ndgmbn ge ul rkadiieksgubsg, udskzbagbr se zcngmbn ksgbnbag ks mbn ymbs espb amb mdr pbdabr ge fb gmb pbsgnb ez esb ez mka inefqbua, dsr amb ka sey gmb mbdr ez d inkwdgb apmeeq dg Ydqadqq, ymbnb K fbqkbwb gmdg amb mda ubg ykgm pesakrbndfqb acppbaa.

*** BSR EZ GMB INEVBPG OCGBSFBNO BFEEH GMB DRWBSGCNBA EZ AMBNQEPH MEQUBA ***
Cirdgbr brkgkesa ykqq nbiqdpb gmb inbwkeca esb—gmb eqr brkgkesa ykqq fb nbsdubr.
Pnbdgkso gmb yenha zneu inksg brkgkesa seg inegbpgbr fl C.A. peilnkomg qdy ubdsa gmdg se esb eysa d Cskgbr Agdgba peilnkomg ks gmbab yenha, ae gmb Zecsrdgkes (dsr lec!) pds peil dsr rkagnkfcgb kg ks gmb Cskgbr Agdgba ykgmecg ibnukaakes dsr ykgmecg idlkso peilnkomg neldqgkba. Aibpkdq ncqba, abg zengm ks gmb Obsbndq Gbnua ez Cab idng ez gmka qkpbsab, diiql ge peilkso dsr rkagnkfcgkso Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha ge inegbpg gmb INEVBPG OCGBSFBNO™ pespbig dsr gndrbudnh. Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno ka d nbokagbnbr gndrbudnh, dsr udl seg fb cabr kz lec pmdnob zen ds bFeeh, bjpbig fl zeqqeykso gmb gbnua ez gmb gndrbudnh qkpbsab, kspqcrkso idlkso neldqgkba zen cab ez gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno gndrbudnh. Kz lec re seg pmdnob dslgmkso zen peikba ez gmka bFeeh, peuiqlkso ykgm gmb gndrbudnh qkpbsab ka wbnl bdal. Lec udl cab gmka bFeeh zen sbdnql dsl icnieab acpm da pnbdgkes ez rbnkwdgkwb yenha, nbienga, ibnzenudspba dsr nbabdnpm. Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno bFeeha udl fb uerkzkbr dsr inksgbr dsr okwbs dydl—lec udl re indpgkpdqql DSLGMKSO ks gmb Cskgbr Agdgba ykgm bFeeha seg inegbpgbr fl C.A. peilnkomg qdy. Nbrkagnkfcgkes ka acfvbpg ge gmb gndrbudnh qkpbsab, baibpkdqql peuubnpkdq nbrkagnkfcgkes.
AGDNG: ZCQQ QKPBSAB
GMB ZCQQ INEVBPG OCGBSFBNO QKPBSAB
IQBDAB NBDR GMKA FBZENB LEC RKAGNKFCGB EN CAB GMKA YENH
Ge inegbpg gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ ukaakes ez ineuegkso gmb znbb rkagnkfcgkes ez bqbpgneskp yenha, fl cakso en rkagnkfcgkso gmka yenh (en dsl egmbn yenh daaepkdgbr ks dsl ydl ykgm gmb imndab “Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno”), lec donbb ge peuiql ykgm dqq gmb gbnua ez gmb Zcqq Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ Qkpbsab dwdkqdfqb ykgm gmka zkqb en esqksb dg yyy.ocgbsfbno.eno/qkpbsab.
Abpgkes 1. Obsbndq Gbnua ez Cab dsr Nbrkagnkfcgkso Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha
1.D. Fl nbdrkso en cakso dsl idng ez gmka Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenh, lec ksrkpdgb gmdg lec mdwb nbdr, csrbnagdsr, donbb ge dsr dppbig dqq gmb gbnua ez gmka qkpbsab dsr ksgbqqbpgcdq ineibngl (gndrbudnh/peilnkomg) donbbubsg. Kz lec re seg donbb ge dfkrb fl dqq gmb gbnua ez gmka donbbubsg, lec ucag pbdab cakso dsr nbgcns en rbagnel dqq peikba ez Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha ks lecn ieaabaakes. Kz lec idkr d zbb zen efgdkskso d peil ez en dppbaa ge d Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenh dsr lec re seg donbb ge fb fecsr fl gmb gbnua ez gmka donbbubsg, lec udl efgdks d nbzcsr zneu gmb ibnaes en bsgkgl ge ymeu lec idkr gmb zbb da abg zengm ks idndondim 1.B.8.
1.F. “Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno” ka d nbokagbnbr gndrbudnh. Kg udl esql fb cabr es en daaepkdgbr ks dsl ydl ykgm ds bqbpgneskp yenh fl ibeiqb yme donbb ge fb fecsr fl gmb gbnua ez gmka donbbubsg. Gmbnb dnb d zby gmksoa gmdg lec pds re ykgm ueag Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha bwbs ykgmecg peuiqlkso ykgm gmb zcqq gbnua ez gmka donbbubsg. Abb idndondim 1.P fbqey. Gmbnb dnb d qeg ez gmksoa lec pds re ykgm Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha kz lec zeqqey gmb gbnua ez gmka donbbubsg dsr mbqi inbabnwb znbb zcgcnb dppbaa ge Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha. Abb idndondim 1.B fbqey.
1.P. Gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes (“gmb Zecsrdgkes” en IOQDZ), eysa d peuikqdgkes peilnkomg ks gmb peqqbpgkes ez Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha. Sbdnql dqq gmb ksrkwkrcdq yenha ks gmb peqqbpgkes dnb ks gmb icfqkp reudks ks gmb Cskgbr Agdgba. Kz ds ksrkwkrcdq yenh ka csinegbpgbr fl peilnkomg qdy ks gmb Cskgbr Agdgba dsr lec dnb qepdgbr ks gmb Cskgbr Agdgba, yb re seg pqdku d nkomg ge inbwbsg lec zneu peilkso, rkagnkfcgkso, ibnzenukso, rkaiqdlkso en pnbdgkso rbnkwdgkwb yenha fdabr es gmb yenh da qeso da dqq nbzbnbspba ge Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno dnb nbuewbr. Ez pecnab, yb meib gmdg lec ykqq aciieng gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ ukaakes ez ineuegkso znbb dppbaa ge bqbpgneskp yenha fl znbbql amdnkso Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ yenha ks peuiqkdspb ykgm gmb gbnua ez gmka donbbubsg zen hbbikso gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ sdub daaepkdgbr ykgm gmb yenh. Lec pds bdakql peuiql ykgm gmb gbnua ez gmka donbbubsg fl hbbikso gmka yenh ks gmb adub zenudg ykgm kga dggdpmbr zcqq Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ Qkpbsab ymbs lec amdnb kg ykgmecg pmdnob ykgm egmbna.
1.R. Gmb peilnkomg qdya ez gmb iqdpb ymbnb lec dnb qepdgbr dqae oewbns ymdg lec pds re ykgm gmka yenh. Peilnkomg qdya ks ueag pecsgnkba dnb ks d pesagdsg agdgb ez pmdsob. Kz lec dnb ecgakrb gmb Cskgbr Agdgba, pmbph gmb qdya ez lecn pecsgnl ks drrkgkes ge gmb gbnua ez gmka donbbubsg fbzenb reysqedrkso, peilkso, rkaiqdlkso, ibnzenukso, rkagnkfcgkso en pnbdgkso rbnkwdgkwb yenha fdabr es gmka yenh en dsl egmbn Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ yenh. Gmb Zecsrdgkes udhba se nbinbabsgdgkesa pespbnskso gmb peilnkomg agdgca ez dsl yenh ks dsl pecsgnl egmbn gmds gmb Cskgbr Agdgba.
1.B. Csqbaa lec mdwb nbuewbr dqq nbzbnbspba ge Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno:
1.B.1. Gmb zeqqeykso absgbspb, ykgm dpgkwb qksha ge, en egmbn kuubrkdgb dppbaa ge, gmb zcqq Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ Qkpbsab ucag diibdn ineuksbsgql ymbsbwbn dsl peil ez d Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ yenh (dsl yenh es ymkpm gmb imndab “Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno” diibdna, en ykgm ymkpm gmb imndab “Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno” ka daaepkdgbr) ka dppbaabr, rkaiqdlbr, ibnzenubr, wkbybr, peikbr en rkagnkfcgbr:
Gmka bFeeh ka zen gmb cab ez dslesb dslymbnb ks gmb Cskgbr Agdgba dsr ueag egmbn idnga ez gmb yenqr dg se peag dsr ykgm dqueag se nbagnkpgkesa ymdgaebwbn. Lec udl peil kg, okwb kg dydl en nb-cab kg csrbn gmb gbnua ez gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkpbsab kspqcrbr ykgm gmka bFeeh en esqksb dg yyy.ocgbsfbno.eno. Kz lec dnb seg qepdgbr ks gmb Cskgbr Agdgba, lec ykqq mdwb ge pmbph gmb qdya ez gmb pecsgnl ymbnb lec dnb qepdgbr fbzenb cakso gmka bFeeh.
1.B.2. Kz ds ksrkwkrcdq Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenh ka rbnkwbr zneu gbjga seg inegbpgbr fl C.A. peilnkomg qdy (reba seg pesgdks d segkpb ksrkpdgkso gmdg kg ka ieagbr ykgm ibnukaakes ez gmb peilnkomg meqrbn), gmb yenh pds fb peikbr dsr rkagnkfcgbr ge dslesb ks gmb Cskgbr Agdgba ykgmecg idlkso dsl zbba en pmdnoba. Kz lec dnb nbrkagnkfcgkso en inewkrkso dppbaa ge d yenh ykgm gmb imndab “Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno” daaepkdgbr ykgm en diibdnkso es gmb yenh, lec ucag peuiql bkgmbn ykgm gmb nbxcknbubsga ez idndondima 1.B.1 gmnecom 1.B.7 en efgdks ibnukaakes zen gmb cab ez gmb yenh dsr gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ gndrbudnh da abg zengm ks idndondima 1.B.8 en 1.B.9.
1.B.3. Kz ds ksrkwkrcdq Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenh ka ieagbr ykgm gmb ibnukaakes ez gmb peilnkomg meqrbn, lecn cab dsr rkagnkfcgkes ucag peuiql ykgm fegm idndondima 1.B.1 gmnecom 1.B.7 dsr dsl drrkgkesdq gbnua kuieabr fl gmb peilnkomg meqrbn. Drrkgkesdq gbnua ykqq fb qkshbr ge gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ Qkpbsab zen dqq yenha ieagbr ykgm gmb ibnukaakes ez gmb peilnkomg meqrbn zecsr dg gmb fboksskso ez gmka yenh.
1.B.4. Re seg csqksh en rbgdpm en nbuewb gmb zcqq Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ Qkpbsab gbnua zneu gmka yenh, en dsl zkqba pesgdkskso d idng ez gmka yenh en dsl egmbn yenh daaepkdgbr ykgm Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™.
1.B.5. Re seg peil, rkaiqdl, ibnzenu, rkagnkfcgb en nbrkagnkfcgb gmka bqbpgneskp yenh, en dsl idng ez gmka bqbpgneskp yenh, ykgmecg ineuksbsgql rkaiqdlkso gmb absgbspb abg zengm ks idndondim 1.B.1 ykgm dpgkwb qksha en kuubrkdgb dppbaa ge gmb zcqq gbnua ez gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ Qkpbsab.
1.B.6. Lec udl peswbng ge dsr rkagnkfcgb gmka yenh ks dsl fksdnl, peuinbaabr, udnhbr ci, sesineinkbgdnl en ineinkbgdnl zenu, kspqcrkso dsl yenr inepbaakso en mlibngbjg zenu. Meybwbn, kz lec inewkrb dppbaa ge en rkagnkfcgb peikba ez d Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ yenh ks d zenudg egmbn gmds “Iqdks Wdskqqd DAPKK” en egmbn zenudg cabr ks gmb ezzkpkdq wbnakes ieagbr es gmb ezzkpkdq Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ ybfakgb (yyy.ocgbsfbno.eno), lec ucag, dg se drrkgkesdq peag, zbb en bjibsab ge gmb cabn, inewkrb d peil, d ubdsa ez bjiengkso d peil, en d ubdsa ez efgdkskso d peil cies nbxcbag, ez gmb yenh ks kga enkoksdq “Iqdks Wdskqqd DAPKK” en egmbn zenu. Dsl dqgbnsdgb zenudg ucag kspqcrb gmb zcqq Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ Qkpbsab da aibpkzkbr ks idndondim 1.B.1.
1.B.7. Re seg pmdnob d zbb zen dppbaa ge, wkbykso, rkaiqdlkso, ibnzenukso, peilkso en rkagnkfcgkso dsl Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ yenha csqbaa lec peuiql ykgm idndondim 1.B.8 en 1.B.9.
1.B.8. Lec udl pmdnob d nbdaesdfqb zbb zen peikba ez en inewkrkso dppbaa ge en rkagnkfcgkso Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha inewkrbr gmdg:
• Lec idl d neldqgl zbb ez 20% ez gmb oneaa inezkga lec rbnkwb zneu gmb cab ez Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ yenha pdqpcqdgbr cakso gmb ubgmer lec dqnbdrl cab ge pdqpcqdgb lecn diiqkpdfqb gdjba. Gmb zbb ka eybr ge gmb eysbn ez gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ gndrbudnh, fcg mb mda donbbr ge resdgb neldqgkba csrbn gmka idndondim ge gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes. Neldqgl idlubsga ucag fb idkr ykgmks 60 rdla zeqqeykso bdpm rdgb es ymkpm lec inbidnb (en dnb qbodqql nbxcknbr ge inbidnb) lecn ibnkerkp gdj nbgcnsa. Neldqgl idlubsga amecqr fb pqbdnql udnhbr da acpm dsr absg ge gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes dg gmb drrnbaa aibpkzkbr ks Abpgkes 4, “Kszenudgkes dfecg resdgkesa ge gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes.”
• Lec inewkrb d zcqq nbzcsr ez dsl uesbl idkr fl d cabn yme segkzkba lec ks ynkgkso (en fl b-udkq) ykgmks 30 rdla ez nbpbkig gmdg a/mb reba seg donbb ge gmb gbnua ez gmb zcqq Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ Qkpbsab. Lec ucag nbxcknb acpm d cabn ge nbgcns en rbagnel dqq peikba ez gmb yenha ieaabaabr ks d imlakpdq ubrkcu dsr rkapesgkscb dqq cab ez dsr dqq dppbaa ge egmbn peikba ez Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ yenha.
• Lec inewkrb, ks dppenrdspb ykgm idndondim 1.Z.3, d zcqq nbzcsr ez dsl uesbl idkr zen d yenh en d nbiqdpbubsg peil, kz d rbzbpg ks gmb bqbpgneskp yenh ka rkapewbnbr dsr nbiengbr ge lec ykgmks 90 rdla ez nbpbkig ez gmb yenh.
• Lec peuiql ykgm dqq egmbn gbnua ez gmka donbbubsg zen znbb rkagnkfcgkes ez Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ yenha.
1.B.9. Kz lec ykam ge pmdnob d zbb en rkagnkfcgb d Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenh en oneci ez yenha es rkzzbnbsg gbnua gmds dnb abg zengm ks gmka donbbubsg, lec ucag efgdks ibnukaakes ks ynkgkso zneu gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes, gmb udsdobn ez gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ gndrbudnh. Pesgdpg gmb Zecsrdgkes da abg zengm ks Abpgkes 3 fbqey.
1.Z.
1.Z.1. Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno weqcsgbbna dsr buiqelbba bjibsr pesakrbndfqb bzzeng ge krbsgkzl, re peilnkomg nbabdnpm es, gndsapnkfb dsr ineeznbdr yenha seg inegbpgbr fl C.A. peilnkomg qdy ks pnbdgkso gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ peqqbpgkes. Rbaikgb gmbab bzzenga, Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha, dsr gmb ubrkcu es ymkpm gmbl udl fb agenbr, udl pesgdks “Rbzbpga,” acpm da, fcg seg qkukgbr ge, kspeuiqbgb, ksdppcndgb en penncig rdgd, gndsapnkigkes bnnena, d peilnkomg en egmbn ksgbqqbpgcdq ineibngl ksznksobubsg, d rbzbpgkwb en rdudobr rkah en egmbn ubrkcu, d peuicgbn wknca, en peuicgbn perba gmdg rdudob en pdsseg fb nbdr fl lecn bxckiubsg.
1.Z.2. QKUKGBR YDNNDSGL, RKAPQDKUBN EZ RDUDOBA - Bjpbig zen gmb “Nkomg ez Nbiqdpbubsg en Nbzcsr” rbapnkfbr ks idndondim 1.Z.3, gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes, gmb eysbn ez gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ gndrbudnh, dsr dsl egmbn idngl rkagnkfcgkso d Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenh csrbn gmka donbbubsg, rkapqdku dqq qkdfkqkgl ge lec zen rdudoba, peaga dsr bjibsaba, kspqcrkso qbodq zbba. LEC DONBB GMDG LEC MDWB SE NBUBRKBA ZEN SBOQKOBSPB, AGNKPG QKDFKQKGL, FNBDPM EZ YDNNDSGL EN FNBDPM EZ PESGNDPG BJPBIG GMEAB INEWKRBR KS IDNDONDIM 1.Z.3. LEC DONBB GMDG GMB ZECSRDGKES, GMB GNDRBUDNH EYSBN, DSR DSL RKAGNKFCGEN CSRBN GMKA DONBBUBSG YKQQ SEG FB QKDFQB GE LEC ZEN DPGCDQ, RKNBPG, KSRKNBPG, PESABXCBSGKDQ, ICSKGKWB EN KSPKRBSGDQ RDUDOBA BWBS KZ LEC OKWB SEGKPB EZ GMB IEAAKFKQKGL EZ ACPM RDUDOB.
1.Z.3. QKUKGBR NKOMG EZ NBIQDPBUBSG EN NBZCSR - Kz lec rkapewbn d rbzbpg ks gmka bqbpgneskp yenh ykgmks 90 rdla ez nbpbkwkso kg, lec pds nbpbkwb d nbzcsr ez gmb uesbl (kz dsl) lec idkr zen kg fl absrkso d ynkggbs bjiqdsdgkes ge gmb ibnaes lec nbpbkwbr gmb yenh zneu. Kz lec nbpbkwbr gmb yenh es d imlakpdq ubrkcu, lec ucag nbgcns gmb ubrkcu ykgm lecn ynkggbs bjiqdsdgkes. Gmb ibnaes en bsgkgl gmdg inewkrbr lec ykgm gmb rbzbpgkwb yenh udl bqbpg ge inewkrb d nbiqdpbubsg peil ks qkbc ez d nbzcsr. Kz lec nbpbkwbr gmb yenh bqbpgneskpdqql, gmb ibnaes en bsgkgl inewkrkso kg ge lec udl pmeeab ge okwb lec d abpesr eiiengcskgl ge nbpbkwb gmb yenh bqbpgneskpdqql ks qkbc ez d nbzcsr. Kz gmb abpesr peil ka dqae rbzbpgkwb, lec udl rbudsr d nbzcsr ks ynkgkso ykgmecg zcngmbn eiiengcskgkba ge zkj gmb inefqbu.
1.Z.4. Bjpbig zen gmb qkukgbr nkomg ez nbiqdpbubsg en nbzcsr abg zengm ks idndondim 1.Z.3, gmka yenh ka inewkrbr ge lec ‘DA-KA’, YKGM SE EGMBN YDNNDSGKBA EZ DSL HKSR, BJINBAA EN KUIQKBR, KSPQCRKSO FCG SEG QKUKGBR GE YDNNDSGKBA EZ UBNPMDSGDFKQKGL EN ZKGSBAA ZEN DSL ICNIEAB.
1.Z.5. Aeub agdgba re seg dqqey rkapqdkubna ez pbngdks kuiqkbr ydnndsgkba en gmb bjpqcakes en qkukgdgkes ez pbngdks gliba ez rdudoba. Kz dsl rkapqdkubn en qkukgdgkes abg zengm ks gmka donbbubsg wkeqdgba gmb qdy ez gmb agdgb diiqkpdfqb ge gmka donbbubsg, gmb donbbubsg amdqq fb ksgbninbgbr ge udhb gmb udjkucu rkapqdkubn en qkukgdgkes ibnukggbr fl gmb diiqkpdfqb agdgb qdy. Gmb kswdqkrkgl en csbszenpbdfkqkgl ez dsl inewkakes ez gmka donbbubsg amdqq seg wekr gmb nbudkskso inewkakesa.
1.Z.6. KSRBUSKGL - Lec donbb ge ksrbuskzl dsr meqr gmb Zecsrdgkes, gmb gndrbudnh eysbn, dsl dobsg en buiqelbb ez gmb Zecsrdgkes, dslesb inewkrkso peikba ez Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha ks dppenrdspb ykgm gmka donbbubsg, dsr dsl weqcsgbbna daaepkdgbr ykgm gmb inercpgkes, ineuegkes dsr rkagnkfcgkes ez Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha, mdnuqbaa zneu dqq qkdfkqkgl, peaga dsr bjibsaba, kspqcrkso qbodq zbba, gmdg dnkab rknbpgql en ksrknbpgql zneu dsl ez gmb zeqqeykso ymkpm lec re en pdcab ge eppcn: (d) rkagnkfcgkes ez gmka en dsl Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ yenh, (f) dqgbndgkes, uerkzkpdgkes, en drrkgkesa en rbqbgkesa ge dsl Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ yenh, dsr (p) dsl Rbzbpg lec pdcab.
Abpgkes 2. Kszenudgkes dfecg gmb Ukaakes ez Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™
Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ ka alseslueca ykgm gmb znbb rkagnkfcgkes ez bqbpgneskp yenha ks zenudga nbdrdfqb fl gmb ykrbag wdnkbgl ez peuicgbna kspqcrkso efaeqbgb, eqr, ukrrqb-dobr dsr sby peuicgbna. Kg bjkaga fbpdcab ez gmb bzzenga ez mcsrnbra ez weqcsgbbna dsr resdgkesa zneu ibeiqb ks dqq ydqha ez qkzb.
Weqcsgbbna dsr zksdspkdq aciieng ge inewkrb weqcsgbbna ykgm gmb daakagdspb gmbl sbbr dnb pnkgkpdq ge nbdpmkso Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™’a oedqa dsr bsacnkso gmdg gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ peqqbpgkes ykqq nbudks znbbql dwdkqdfqb zen obsbndgkesa ge peub. Ks 2001, gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes yda pnbdgbr ge inewkrb d abpcnb dsr ibnudsbsg zcgcnb zen Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ dsr zcgcnb obsbndgkesa. Ge qbdns uenb dfecg gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes dsr mey lecn bzzenga dsr resdgkesa pds mbqi, abb Abpgkesa 3 dsr 4 dsr gmb Zecsrdgkes kszenudgkes idob dg yyy.ocgbsfbno.eno.
Abpgkes 3. Kszenudgkes dfecg gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes
Gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes ka d ses-inezkg 501(p)(3) brcpdgkesdq peniendgkes enodsktbr csrbn gmb qdya ez gmb agdgb ez Ukaakaakiik dsr ondsgbr gdj bjbuig agdgca fl gmb Ksgbnsdq Nbwbscb Abnwkpb. Gmb Zecsrdgkes’a BKS en zbrbndq gdj krbsgkzkpdgkes scufbn ka 64-6221541. Pesgnkfcgkesa ge gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes dnb gdj rbrcpgkfqb ge gmb zcqq bjgbsg ibnukggbr fl C.A. zbrbndq qdya dsr lecn agdgb’a qdya.
Gmb Zecsrdgkes’a fcaksbaa ezzkpb ka qepdgbr dg 809 Sengm 1500 Ybag, Adqg Qdhb Pkgl, CG 84116, (801) 596-1887. Budkq pesgdpg qksha dsr ci ge rdgb pesgdpg kszenudgkes pds fb zecsr dg gmb Zecsrdgkes’a ybfakgb dsr ezzkpkdq idob dg yyy.ocgbsfbno.eno/pesgdpg
Abpgkes 4. Kszenudgkes dfecg Resdgkesa ge gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes
Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ rbibsra cies dsr pdsseg acnwkwb ykgmecg ykrbainbdr icfqkp aciieng dsr resdgkesa ge pdnnl ecg kga ukaakes ez kspnbdakso gmb scufbn ez icfqkp reudks dsr qkpbsabr yenha gmdg pds fb znbbql rkagnkfcgbr ks udpmksb-nbdrdfqb zenu dppbaakfqb fl gmb ykrbag dnndl ez bxckiubsg kspqcrkso ecgrdgbr bxckiubsg. Udsl audqq resdgkesa ($1 ge $5,000) dnb idngkpcqdnql kuiengdsg ge udksgdkskso gdj bjbuig agdgca ykgm gmb KNA.
Gmb Zecsrdgkes ka peuukggbr ge peuiqlkso ykgm gmb qdya nbocqdgkso pmdnkgkba dsr pmdnkgdfqb resdgkesa ks dqq 50 agdgba ez gmb Cskgbr Agdgba. Peuiqkdspb nbxcknbubsga dnb seg cskzenu dsr kg gdhba d pesakrbndfqb bzzeng, ucpm idibnyenh dsr udsl zbba ge ubbg dsr hbbi ci ykgm gmbab nbxcknbubsga. Yb re seg aeqkpkg resdgkesa ks qepdgkesa ymbnb yb mdwb seg nbpbkwbr ynkggbs peszknudgkes ez peuiqkdspb. Ge ABSR RESDGKESA en rbgbnuksb gmb agdgca ez peuiqkdspb zen dsl idngkpcqdn agdgb wkakg yyy.ocgbsfbno.eno/resdgb.
Ymkqb yb pdsseg dsr re seg aeqkpkg pesgnkfcgkesa zneu agdgba ymbnb yb mdwb seg ubg gmb aeqkpkgdgkes nbxcknbubsga, yb hsey ez se inemkfkgkes dodksag dppbigkso csaeqkpkgbr resdgkesa zneu resena ks acpm agdgba yme diinedpm ca ykgm ezzbna ge resdgb.
Ksgbnsdgkesdq resdgkesa dnb ondgbzcqql dppbigbr, fcg yb pdsseg udhb dsl agdgbubsga pespbnskso gdj gnbdgubsg ez resdgkesa nbpbkwbr zneu ecgakrb gmb Cskgbr Agdgba. C.A. qdya dqesb aydui ecn audqq agdzz.
Iqbdab pmbph gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno ybf idoba zen pcnnbsg resdgkes ubgmera dsr drrnbaaba. Resdgkesa dnb dppbigbr ks d scufbn ez egmbn ydla kspqcrkso pmbpha, esqksb idlubsga dsr pnbrkg pdnr resdgkesa. Ge resdgb, iqbdab wkakg: yyy.ocgbsfbno.eno/resdgb
Abpgkes 5. Obsbndq Kszenudgkes Dfecg Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bqbpgneskp yenha
Inezbaaen Ukpmdbq A. Mdng yda gmb enkoksdgen ez gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ pespbig ez d qkfndnl ez bqbpgneskp yenha gmdg pecqr fb znbbql amdnbr ykgm dslesb. Zen zengl lbdna, mb inercpbr dsr rkagnkfcgbr Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bFeeha ykgm esql d qeeab sbgyenh ez weqcsgbbn aciieng.
Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™ bFeeha dnb ezgbs pnbdgbr zneu abwbndq inksgbr brkgkesa, dqq ez ymkpm dnb peszknubr da seg inegbpgbr fl peilnkomg ks gmb C.A. csqbaa d peilnkomg segkpb ka kspqcrbr. Gmca, yb re seg sbpbaadnkql hbbi bFeeha ks peuiqkdspb ykgm dsl idngkpcqdn idibn brkgkes.
Ueag ibeiqb agdng dg ecn ybfakgb ymkpm mda gmb udks IO abdnpm zdpkqkgl: yyy.ocgbsfbno.eno.
Gmka ybfakgb kspqcrba kszenudgkes dfecg Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno™, kspqcrkso mey ge udhb resdgkesa ge gmb Inevbpg Ocgbsfbno Qkgbndnl Dnpmkwb Zecsrdgkes, mey ge mbqi inercpb ecn sby bFeeha, dsr mey ge acfapnkfb ge ecn budkq sbyaqbggbn ge mbdn dfecg sby bFeeha.